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BUILDING A COMMUNITY 

An Alice Springs-based construction company has built an enviable reputation for three things – community spirit, providing first-class training for young Territorians and doing an excellent job.

Asbuild is well structured and specialises in commercial works, but complements its portfolio with a scaffolding division, steel wall/ truss manufacturing and own multi-residential developments. 

Managing director Paul Graham pays tribute to the good people he has around him. 

“In my opinion, Asbuild is the builder of choice,” he says. “We expect a lot from ourselves and that’s OK – it ensures our clients and our quality are priorities, whether that be our approach to project management or our workmanship. Both are exemplary. 

Asbuild has held its OFSC, Office of Federal Safety Commission, accreditation since 2012. 

“This is the highest safety accreditation in the country, further demonstrating our commitment to being a leader in our industry 

“We are a low-risk builder. We don’t shy away from a challenge – we embrace them as opportunities. And we approach every opportunity with confidence.” 

Asbuild has been honoured at the GTNT awards four times as Host Employer of the Year. 

“This recognition confirms we are doing our bit to contribute towards the next generation of builders.” 

The company has trained more than 100 apprentices since it was established in 2007, including many Indigenous Centralians, making it possibly one of the largest trainers in the construction industry in Central Australia. 

Asbuild is training six apprentices, four of them Indigenous. 

“Apprentices are the future of our businesses,” says Paul. “We must invest in them. 

“Some of our ex-apprentices have gone on to set up their own businesses. They too contribute positively to our town – and they’re good family men.” 

Paul also heads Centrebuild, a thriving joint venture with Indigenous-owned Centrecorp. 

He says Centrebuild is grateful for the opportunity provided to it by the Northern Territory Government to build and upgrade houses in remote Central Australia and Barkly communities. 

“Centrebuild has a particular emphasis on Indigenous employment and training. We integrate into the communities we work and we do it well.” 

Paul also heads a concrete manufacturing division called TCS, Territory Concrete Supplies. 

“We have three concrete batch plants running around the bush. Our QA is second to none. 

“II would ask anyone considering a remote building project or concrete supply to contact us. Their support gives us the tools we need to create, sustain and train Indigenous workers. 

“We are community focused builders. We do all we can to support our community, whether that’s through employment, volunteering or sponsorship. 

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RYAN WHITE, PAUL GRAHAM, JAMES MCLAUGHLIN AND THOMAS SWAN 

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PAUL GRAHAM AND DAVE EWART 

“Over the years we’ve been involved in projects across all industries – health, education, defence, hospitality and public spaces. 

“One of the biggest rewards in my career is being involved in projects that the people of our community benefit from. I’m passionate about that.”. 

Asbuild has just completed the $30 million Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Health Hub on the site of the old Memorial Club – possibly the first six-star green building in Australia. 

“It was pretty cool to be involved in the project,” say Paul. “It’s such a beautiful building and I am sure Congress staff will love it.” 

He has a passion for seeing our youth get ahead in life. 

“I believe employment is such a powerful tool for change in our community. I provide opportunities to those who want to change or improve themselves. I am always looking at business opportunities that create employment opportunities. 

“The most recent enterprise is setting up steel wall frame and truss manufacturing. 

“We have a terrific local fella running that operation. He provides opportunities and guidance to our youth. He teaches them fundamental skills that make them better professionally and personally.” 

Asbuild now employs about 35 staff and has offices in Alice Springs and the Barkly. 

“I went into business with a bit of trepidation, but it was exciting and I was confident I could make a success of it.” 

Paul, who was born in Leigh Creek, a tiny community in South Australia, first went to Alice Springs in 1998 to visit a mate – and never left. 

“It’s a common story. Most of the people in Alice came here just for a visit. I fell in love with the place – and still love it. There’s a great spirit, which underpins the community. 

“I’m connected to this town, integrated into the community. I’m glad that I’m part of what we’ve achieved.” 

Paul is optimistic about Asbuild’s future. 

“We are seeing good signs that the town’s confidence is returning with many projects in the pipeline.” 

Paul has two children. Liana is completing a double degree in midwifery and nursing – she recently completed her midwifery degree at Alice Springs Hospital, which is where she was born – and Wil is studying banking and finance in Melbourne. 

Stepson Marcellus, who Paul describes as a “kind-hearted young man”, is studying arts in Brisbane. 

“I’m proud of their achievements in their chosen career paths.” TQ 

CONTACT 

Asbuild 

55 Smith Street, Alice Springs 0870 

08 8955 0066 

info@asbuildnt.com.au 

asbuildnt.com.au 

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DAMIEN GRAY AND JAMES MCLAUGHLIN 

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DAVE EWART AND THOMAS SWAN AT WORK