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Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) have been on the agenda for years, yet they’re still treated as an optional extra. Despite the proven benefits of speed, safety, quality, and sustainability, MMC remains at the fringe of how we build.

Recently, I joined an expert panel at TSA Riley’s MMC — Now or Never? event, alongside industry leaders from Homes NSW, Freecity Group, and Building 4.0 CRC. The message was clear: it’s not technology holding us back, it’s mindset.

What needs to shift?

MMC can’t be retrofitted into a traditional process. It must be embedded early in the brief, the budget, the procurement model. We also need to broaden our definition of value. Beyond cost, we should also consider measuring carbon footprint, reusability, and long-term adaptability.

What’s working?

Examples like Freecity’s Macquarie Park and CRC’s System 600 prove that standardised systems, when planned up front, can deliver scale and flexibility — without compromising design.

At Taylor, we’ve seen success with CLT structures and prefabricated pods at projects including The First Building, Scape Kingsford, and Wildlife Retreat at Taronga Zoo. These projects show that MMC can deliver quality outcomes, but only when the right conditions are created from the outset.

If we want different results, we need to build differently; with early alignment, clear intent, and the courage to challenge business-as-usual.

Written by Jessica Evans, Head of Strategic Partnerships

Junior School students at Ravenswood School for Girls recently took part in a ‘Name the Crane’ competition, inspired by the ongoing construction of the new Wellbeing and Sports Centre.

The winning name, ‘High Spirits’, was chosen by a Year 3 student and celebrated with a flag-raising ceremony attended by all Year 3 students, Ravenswood’s Principal, Head of Junior School – Deputy Principal, and members of the Taylor site team. Craig Scott, Taylor’s Senior Site Manager, and Daniel Diab, Project Engineer, also hosted a Q&A session with the students, answering questions about the crane and the new development.

Construction is well underway, with a towering 26-metre crane in place and all ground floor slabs now complete. Formwork to the upper levels is well underway, steadily unveiling the impressive scale of the building. The striking curved feature columns, designed to support the Level 3 rooftop slab, are now standing tall up to Level 2.

Taylor Chief Financial Officer, Clive Wickham, has successfully completed his 10ᵗʰ Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Outback Car Trek, joining more than 240 vintage vehicles on an 11-day, 3,800km journey from Bathurst to Cairns.

This year’s Trek raised an incredible $1.58 million+ for the RFDS and the communities it serves. This brings the total raised over the Trek’s 35-year history to more than $37 million.

The Trek not only delivered vital funds but also injected an average of $75,000 per day into local economies along the route. Clive and his brother Phil once again drove their custom-built 1970 Ford Mustang, continuing a tradition that began in 2007.

Congratulations to Clive and all Trekkers for their community spirit and incredible contribution to rural health.

Congratulations to our Scots College project team for their recent win at the Australian Institute of Building NSW Professional Excellence Awards, in the Commercial Construction $25 million – $60 million category!

The award celebrates the outstanding delivery of the John Cunningham Student Centre, a project that exemplifies design excellence, collaboration, and dedication to both modern education and historical preservation. The vibrant and accessible learning environment will support the College community for generations to come.

A special commendation was given to Jason Tulich, Project Manager, who was recognised for his leadership and professional excellence throughout the project. His guidance played a significant role in supporting the team and contributing to the successful delivery of the project. As a recipient of the NSW Professional Excellence Award, Jason will now be judged at the national level for the National Building Professional of the Year.

This achievement reflects the collective expertise and commitment of the entire team in bringing a transformative educational facility to life.

Well done to all and best of luck Jason in the national judging!

Our second peer group catch-up for 2025 brought together Cadets, Graduates and Trainees for an educational tour of two of our key delivery partners: Borger Cranes and Wire Industries.
This experience was more than a site visit. It was a chance to understand how our subcontractors operate and why strong relationships are essential to delivering with certainty.

What We Learnt:

Borger Cranes welcomed our team with a walk-through of their yard and maintenance workshop. They showcased:

• Cranes of all shapes and sizes, and how they’re prepared for site work.
• The logistics behind major lifts, including interstate operations and complex capabilities.
• Their approach to safety, reliability and readiness.

Wire Industries gave us insight into the reinforcement supply chain:

• How their schedulers operate and the software they use.
• The whole manufacturing process, from raw steel coils to finished product.
• The machinery and gantry cranes that support precision and efficiency.

Why It Matters:

This tour helped our emerging talent connect what they see onsite with the work that happens offsite. It reinforced the importance of collaboration, respect, and understanding across the supply chain.

We’re proud to support our Cadets, Graduates, and Trainees with opportunities that combine practical learning and professional development, building not just careers but also confidence and capability. Thank you to Borger Cranes and Wire Industries for opening their doors and sharing their expertise.

Bradfield City Centre’s First Building is a state-of-the-art new building that has set the benchmark for the future of Bradfield City, Australia’s first new city in 100 years.

Officially opened in March 2025 by NSW Premier Chris Minns, the First Building houses Stage 1 of the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) alongside industry tenants, and marks the start of a new industry-led ecosystem. It is set to become an iconic and innovative landmark as the city develops into a 24/7 global hub of culture, creativity and innovation at the doorstep of the Western Sydney International Airport.

Creating future-focused jobs and skills in the manufacturing heartland of Western Sydney, the First Building offers world-class support to help businesses grow faster, reduce risks, and compete globally, while strengthening the NSW economy.

Deeply embedded in Dharug Country, the First Building is designed with Country, guided by cultural design and research agency Djinjama. Integrating Aboriginal knowledge and storytelling, it connects to the ephemeral waterways of Wianamatta, and the surrounding Cumberland Plain. Taylor constructed a building that is open and welcoming, and once established, will feature green, open spaces where residents, workers and visitors can gather.

The First Building is a high-tech facility. The unique urban pavilion connects three buildings under one roof, including an advanced manufacturing hall, office spaces, and areas for exhibitions, talks and events. In addition to this, Taylor constructed a rooftop viewing platform and green roof, associated roads, drainage works, services, carparking and landscaping. Surrounded by glass, visitors can witness advanced manufacturing and machinery on display, and watch as prototypes and new technologies are tested at the AMRF.

Sustainability, circular economy and a net zero future were core principles supporting the building’s aims for a 6-Star Green Star rating. It is energy positive, carbon neutral, water balanced, nature positive, healthy and inspiring. A key factor in achieving these targets was the extensive use of timber throughout the structure.

Our recent All-Staff Conference this year was about more than just coming together; it was about setting the tone for how we work together every day.

The team from Afterburner demonstrated the principles of Flawless Execution, and we walked away with a clear, simple framework to strengthen how we work:

✔ Plan
✔ Brief
✔ Execute
✔ Debrief

The Debrief, asking what worked, what didn’t, and what’s next, will be key to building our culture of learning, alignment, and continuous improvement.

International Men’s Health Week (MHW) is an opportunity to highlight the importance of men’s health, and to promote and support the health and wellbeing of men and boys in our communities.  This year, Healthy Male and the Centre for Male Health at the Western Sydney University have launched a campaign encouraging men to ‘See Your GP’ and talk to their doctor before taking advice from those without medical expertise.

The construction industry is traditionally characterised by long hours and high-pressure environments, frequently leading to physical and mental health taking a back seat. Around two-thirds of Australian men don’t see a doctor straight away when they notice a problem, often trying to manage it themselves or waiting until it worsens.

The ‘See Your GP’ campaign highlights five key health check-ups men shouldn’t ignore:

• Pre-conception health (before starting a family)
• Heart health (over 45)
• Bowel cancer screening and type 2 diabetes (from age 50)
• Bone density (over 70)
• Prostate cancer risk (particularly from age 50)

As one of the country’s most male-dominated and physically demanding industries, construction workers face higher-than-average rates of workplace injuries, mental health challenges, and suicide rates. MHW serves as a timely reminder to engage in open conversations about physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing, and to seek support where needed.

We encourage you take a proactive step in your health journey and book a GP appointment by finding a health service provider, even if it’s just for a regular check-up. Together, we can create safer, supportive, and healthier work environments.

Taylor Chief Financial Officer, Clive Wickham, has once again joined the 35ᵗʰ Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Outback Car Trek, an 11-day, roughly 3,800km run from Bathurst to Cairns. The 2025 Trek is set to be the largest since the pandemic, with about 240 crews in cars more than 30 years old tackling the red-dirt route through Dubbo, Bourke, Longreach, Julia Creek and Karumba Point.

Now in its 35th year, the event has raised more than $36 million for the RFDS. Beyond fundraising, the Trek is a celebration of camaraderie, adventure and community spirit: participants guide ageing vehicles across challenging country, bringing not only donations, but also a welcome surge of trade and interest to every town they reach.

This is Clive’s 11ᵗʰ Trek since 2007, a tradition he shares with his brother Phil. The pair are once again driving their custom-built 1970 Ford Mustang, supported by long-time sponsor the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

On the way to the Bathurst start line, Clive visited our Project Team, who are currently delivering the Blayney Multi Purpose Service (MPS) Redevelopment project—the final site to be delivered under the NSW Government’s A$297 million Multipurpose Service Program Stage 5, which upgrades health facilities in smaller rural and remote communities.

While the Blayney MPS does not rely on the RFDS, many facilities in more rural or remote communities do, underscoring the importance of the Flying Doctor. .. Even with upgraded facilities, many smaller hospitals still rely on RFDS aircraft for critical transfers, specialist clinics, and emergency retrievals when patients need care that only larger regional or metropolitan centres can provide.

Funds raised by Trekkers help keep those aircraft in the air and the medical teams on call for towns across the outback—including the communities where Taylor builds.

Safe travels, Clive. The entire Taylor team is with you for every dusty kilometre north.