Harmony Day: Stories Behind the Plate

Last Thursday, April 3rd, our team came together to celebrate Harmony Day, a special occasion dedicated to recognising and embracing the diverse cultures that make our workplace and teams unique. This year, we hosted the celebration on a day that accommodated everyone, including those observing Ramadan. 

Our Head Office and respective sites participated in a multicultural feast, where everyone was encouraged to bring a dish that represented their cultural heritage or a favourite cultural meal. The event was a tapestry of flavours and stories, showcasing the rich diversity within our team.  

The spread was impressive, featuring a variety of dishes such as Smoked Brisket, Fatoush Salad, Fairy Bread, Pastizzi, Spanakopita, Butter Mochi, and the most talked-about item on the menu: Hot Chips. The conversations sparked around the hot chips were engaging, debating whether they should be served with or without gravy, with or without chicken salt, and whether shoestring or straight cut was the best. The spread did not disappoint, and the event was a great success. 

Harmony Day was not just about the food. It was about sharing stories and connecting with each other. Each dish brought to the table had a story behind it, and the team shared these stories, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our diverse backgrounds. 

For example, Smoked Brisket was back, which is now becoming a Taylor specialty, The Fatoush Salad was a reminder of the vibrant and fresh flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine, representing a connection to one’s roots. Fairy Bread, a nostalgic treat from childhood, sparked memories of simpler times and joyful celebrations. Pastizzi, a savoury pastry from Malta, highlighted the rich culinary heritage of the Mediterranean. Spanakopita, a Greek spinach pie, showcased the love for wholesome and hearty meals. Butter Mochi, a sweet and chewy dessert from Hawaii, brought a taste of island life and the spirit of aloha. 

We are proud of our team’s commitment to celebrating diversity and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Harmony Day was a testament to the power of unity and the beauty of our differences. 

Celebrating Achievements and New Beginnings at the First 2025 Peer Group Catch-Up

Team Taylor recently hosted our first Cadet & Graduate peer group catch-up of 2025.

The group gathered for some friendly competition in Go-Karting and Ten-Pin Bowling, celebrating the beginning of an exciting year and significant milestones for some as they completed their University studies.

Our peer group champions, Jason Tulich and Scott Dobson, played a pivotal role in making the event a success. Jason showcased his competitive spirit by winning the Go-Karting race, truly putting the “champion” in his title!

The event was not only a celebration of achievements, but also an opportunity for the group to bond and build stronger connections. At Taylor, we are committed to nurturing the emerging professionals of our industry and company. Catch ups like these show our commitment to creating a supportive and engaging environment for our staff.

As we look forward to the year ahead, we are excited to see the continued growth and success of our talented team.

Thank you to our Peer Group champions, Jason and Scott for organising such a great event.

The Journey Behind the John Cunningham Student Centre

In the heart of The Scots College, a remarkable transformation has taken place, one that stands as a testament to vision, dedication, and collaboration. The John Cunningham Student Centre is not just a building; it is a truly iconic project that provided our team with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This building, meticulously crafted with attention to detail and a carefully planned selection of materials, has been designed to stand the test of time.

The existing Stevenson Library building has been converted into a larger and more practical structure with modern amenities and technologies, all while incorporating an authentic, internationally acclaimed Scots Baronial design by JCA Architects. This required precise coordination of the complex design and redefined what our team is capable of, showcasing the strength of relationships and the importance of working together towards a common goal. “The detail and duration of this 3.5-year project required endurance and collaboration, making it something we are truly proud of,” said Jason Tulich, Project Manager, Taylor.

Taylor Awarded the Design and Construction of the New Wellbeing and Sports Centre for Ravenswood School for Girls

Taylor is proud to share we have been awarded the design and construction of the new Wellbeing and Sports Centre for Ravenswood School for Girls.

This development is a key milestone in Ravenswood’s Master Plan, focused on advancing teaching and learning environments. The Wellbeing and Sports Centre will be an important visible expression of Ravenswood’s multi-award-winning Positive Education program and philosophy.

The Wellbeing and Sports Centre will be an important visible expression of Ravenswood’s multi-award-winning Positive Education program and philosophy. The Centre offers state-of-the-art wellbeing spaces and sporting facilities, including:

A Great Hall and Gymnasium
Basketball, Netball and Rooftop Tennis Courts
A new Strength and Conditioning Centre; and
An expansive Foyer to showcase the Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize and other community events.

Designed by award-winning architectural firm Architectus, the Wellbeing and Sports Centre will be a world-class educational facility with spaces that support and contribute to all aspects of student wellbeing.

Taylor looks forward to collaborating with Ravenswood School for Girls, EPM Projects, Architectus, MBM, and all consultants and subcontractors in bringing this project to life!

Jack Geale Celebrates a Decade of Service with Taylor

We’re proud to celebrate Jack Geale’s decade of service with Taylor! Jack’s journey at Taylor has been remarkable, showcasing his dedication, expertise, and leadership in the construction industry.

Jack began his career at Taylor as a Project Coordinator and progressed through various roles, including Design Coordinator and Project Engineer, before becoming a Design Manager. With over 17 years of experience in the construction industry, Jack has cultivated his expertise across diverse project sectors including aged care, residential, retail, and health.

Throughout his tenure at Taylor, Jack has primarily worked within the aged care and residential sectors, working on notable projects including Chatswood Place, Uniting Westmead Stage 1, Uniting Bowden Brae Stage 2, LAHC Chester Hill Affordable Housing, Estia St Ives, and currently Uniting Westmead Stage 2.

As a Design Manager, Jack oversees and manages the design and documentation process to ensure project success. His key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with design briefs and authority approvals, managing design coordination, programming design works, facilitating engineering efficiencies, and cost planning.

Jack’s exceptional punctuality, organisational acumen, and meticulous attention to detail, particularly in cost administration and programming documentation, set him apart. He consistently adapts to the dynamic nature of the construction process, offering innovative solutions to complex challenges. Jack’s unwavering commitment and ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure make him a pivotal contributor to the successful delivery of exceptional projects, always adhering to prescribed timelines and budgetary constraints.

Jack’s team members have praised his light-hearted nature, great sense of humour, and collaborative spirit. They appreciate his knowledge, attention to detail, and willingness to explain concepts in detail, making a significant difference in their learning.

We extend our gratitude to Jack for dedication and contributions over the last decade. Congratulations, Jack, on this significant milestone, Team Taylor is proud to celebrate with you!

Taylor Raises $90K+ for Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation

Taylor’s Annual Charity Golf Day at St Michaels Golf Course was a great success, packed with some fun and friendly competition, and a shared passion for a great cause. Our special guests, former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor, Dr. Richard Mitchell from Sydney Children’s Hospital, NRL rugby league player James Tedesco, and other NRL Sydney Roosters team members brought some serious star power to the event.

The day kicked off bright and early at 8:00 AM as the golfers teed off, navigating the beautiful yet challenging 18 holes of St Michaels Golf Course. The sun was shining, and you could really feel the generosity as everyone gave it their all for the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation.

Shortly after midday, the Ambrose-style golf wrapped up, and everyone came together for lunch and presentations. The highlight of the afternoon was the winners’ presentation, followed by an auction and raffle that kept the energy high and the donations flowing.

Marching Forward – Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025

Team Taylor was proud to support the NAWIC NSW International Women’s Day Great Debate lunch. Our Head of Marketing, Jacklyn Wickham, joined the debate team, passionately advocating for how “bridging the generational gap is crucial to accelerating gender equality in the construction industry.”

This year’s International Women’s Day theme “March Forward,” is a reminder that true progress demands more than reflection—it calls for decisive, bold action to bring our commitments to life. Reflecting on her involvement, Jacklyn shared, “I was honoured to take part in the NAWIC NSW Great Debate—what an incredible experience! This year’s theme really highlighted the importance of sharing knowledge and perspectives across all ages. By working together across generations, we can break down barriers and show every woman and girl that there’s a place for them in construction.”

Team Taylor Kicks Off Let’s Get Together Series at Darcy Road Public School

The Taylor team recently gathered at our Darcy Road Public School site in Wentworthville for the first event of our Let’s Get Together Series. This team-building initiative provided a unique opportunity for colleagues to connect, learn about our work for School Infrastructure, and gain an exclusive look at the Darcy Road Public School project.

Following the cessation of site activity for the day, the event kicked off with optional site tours, allowing team members to see firsthand the new facilities that will increase the school’s capacity to 1000 students. The tours were followed by a warm welcome and check-in, setting the stage for an afternoon of networking, delicious food, and engaging conversations. Local food trucks, Cheezy Duz It and the Kombi Keg were back with their amazing pizza and drinks, providing a great setting for everyone to catch up.

One of the highlights of the event was the Fireside Chat led by Chief Executive Officer, Mark Taylor, and General Manager, Tim Christie, along with the project team at Darcy Road. This candid discussion provided valuable insights into the challenges the team has overcome, the innovations developed, and the power of teamwork. The wider company had the chance to understand the intricacies of the project, learn about the client we are working for, and enjoy some banter between the team members.

A big thank you to our project team at Darcy Road for hosting us out on site, it’s great to be able to get the team together to see our projects coming to life!

Celebrating Hazem Gergis’ Decade of Excellence with Taylor

Taylor is proud to celebrate Hazem Gergis’ 10 years of dedicated service and excellence with Team Taylor. With over 22 years of experience managing major construction and fitout projects across Australia and the Middle East, Hazem has developed a broad background in both the operational and commercial aspects of projects.

Joining Taylor as a Contract Administrator, Hazem has demonstrated significant expertise and leadership, progressing up through Project Manager roles to now Project Director. Hazem has developed a strong reputation in the industry as a relationship-driven professional. He has built strong relationships with many personnel, continually extending his network with various clients and subcontractors. His proven ability to deliver projects on time, while meeting quality and cost constraints, is a testament to his strong commercial acumen and dedication to cost control.

Throughout his career at Taylor, Hazem has worked across various sectors, including education, data centres, commercial, and industrial. Some notable projects he has worked on include Picton High School, Australia Post Distribution Centre, Proximity@Botany, and most recently, our Western Sydney Data Centres.

Hazem’s commitment to the construction industry extends well beyond project delivery. Over the last two years, Hazem has participated as a guest lecturer in the ‘Complex Building Projects’ subject at Western Sydney University for students in the School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment. This initiative involves Taylor’s industry leaders implementing a university course whereby they share their personal industry experiences and case studies of past and current projects with students.