The business, which specialises in commercial construction, was only established two and a half years ago, but has already built up a reputation for excellent work – completing projects on time and on budget. 

Co-directors Jim Eadie and Lisa Jenkinson have a vast amount of experience in the construction industry between them. 

The company, which has carried out a string of projects in Darwin and Palmerston, lives by a proven philosophy – treat your staff well and they repay you not only with loyalty but also by working hard and to the highest standards. 

“We’re a family business and we want a good work-life balance not just for ourselves but for our team,” says Jim, who has 46 years experience in the industry. 

Construction is notoriously tough – early starts, late finishes, often seven days a week. 

“People can put up with that sort of stress for a while but not for a long time. We don’t want that. We want to help our people have a good quality of life. We’re keen for our team to want to come to work.” 

Lisa, who has two primary school-age children who often pop into work to spend time with mum, says: “We try to always have our doors open. We listen to people. Our staff are committed to us and we’re committed to them.” 

That willingness to listen doesn’t just apply to the team – clients admire the way Aspire is transparent and eager to work collaboratively with them. 

The company takes projects from $500,000 to $20 million and has five-six jobs on the go at any one time. 

It has a staff of 20-25 and uses a tried and trusted cohort of subcontractors, nearly all of them family-owned Territory businesses. 

“We only use specialists from interstate if they can’t be found locally,” says Jim. 

OUR STAFF ARE COMMITTED TO US AND WE’RE COMMITTED TO THEM.

“And even if we have to buy equipment from outside the Territory we always try to get a local subbie to fit it. 

“We’re a Darwin born-and-bred company so we naturally want to support local business.” 

Aspire undertakes commercial buildings, education buildings, government projects, council projects, sporting facilities, high-end residential projects, and office and shop fitouts and refurbishment. 

It is working on several projects, including: 

A 32-bed ward at Royal Darwin Hospital 

A 26-bed dementia ward for Southern Cross in Fannie Bay 

A 132-place childcare centre in Virginia. 

Completed work includes the Darwin Waterfront amenities block; Darwin International Airport retail heart and Soul Bar & Cafe; renovation of a two-storey commercial block in Briggs Street, Darwin city centre; Essington Pre-school refurbishment; Kentish Early Learning Centre in Katherine; Regus office fitout in Palmerston; YWCA fitout in Palmerston; and Howard Springs vet clinic. 

The company, which has several repeat clients, including the Territory Government’s Department of Logistics and Infrastructure and private businesses, employs three project managers and six site supervisors. 

“Our business model is based on careful planning,” says Lisa. “We don’t rush into anything. We concentrate on attention to detail.” 

Jim left school at 14 to start a carpentry apprenticeship and went on to be a foreman at 20 and a project manager at 26. 

He moved to Katherine in 1987 with his wife Pam to work on a project at the high school – his two daughters were born in the town – and six years later shifted to Darwin. 

Jim has overseen the construction of many of the biggest building projects in Darwin and won many awards. 

Lisa, who moved to Darwin from South Australia in 2010, has extensive administration and management experience. 

She led Aspire’s drive to gain ISO accreditation within only four months, possibly a Territory record. 

And she has just gained Federal Safety Accreditation, which allows the company to tender for Federal Government work. 

“We achieved FSA accreditation in only six months,” says Jim. “It often takes other companies several years. That’s all down to Lisa’s work with her team.” 

Lisa happily admits that she is a perfectionist who enjoys a challenge. 

“I don’t say ‘no’. I say ‘yes’ and carefully work out how a job can be done. I’m a positive person. My attitude is, ‘Give it a crack’.” 

Her many roles at Aspire include managing finances, HR, payroll, quality assurance and auditing. 

Jim readily acknowledges that the business couldn’t function without her. 

Aspire is dedicated to giving back to the community by supporting local sporting clubs, such as TV Jets junior basketball and Casuarina Swimming Club. 

In addition to sports, Aspire also emphasises the importance of mental health awareness, especially in the construction industry, and takes part in initiatives such as Movember to help raise awareness. 

CONTACT 

Aspire Design & Construct 

Unit 6 90 Ross Smith Ave, Fannie Bay NT 0820 

Jim Eadie 

0417 896 241 

jim@aspiredc.com.au 

Lisa Jenkinson 

0429 021 458 

lisa@aspiredc.com.au