DCOH is a Northern Territory-based powerhouse, redefining infrastructure and community development across multiple sectors with Defence at the heart of its mission to Build Better. 

As a locally owned business operating for nearly 40 years, DCOH has established a proven footprint in construction, land and property development, real estate and hospitality, setting new standards in every sector it touches. 

As Defence embarks on a multi-billion-dollar expansion across the Territory, DCOH stands out as a critical partner delivering the infrastructure and services required to support that growth. 

With more than $2.8 billion worth of projects successfully completed, DCOH has become a trusted name in residential estates, education facilities, health precincts and major Defence infrastructure. The company has demonstrated a consistent ability to deliver complex, high-value construction programs while reinforcing its unwavering commitment to supporting both Australian and United States Defence initiatives. 

This commitment to Defence goes beyond principle. It is proven through consistent delivery on multi-award-winning projects. 

SHANE DIGNAN, MATT LEE, CHRIS GIANNIKOURIS AND LACHLAN MICHELL OF DCOH

At the 2025 Master Builders NT Excellence in Building and Construction Awards, DCOH was one of the most celebrated companies, securing seven major awards, including: 

• Commercial Sustainability Award, 
• The Education Facility Award, 
• Entertainment, Sporting and Recreation Facility Award 
• Commercial and Industrial Construction Awards in both the $50–$100 million and over $100 million categories 
• President’s Award for Best Overall Project. 
• Young Builder of the Year award was presented to Lachlan Michell, DCOH’s Chief Operating Officer. 

A key example of DCOH’s capability is its appointment as head contractor for the $350+ million Robertson Barracks improvements project, which highlights the company’s proven ability to manage complex, high-value works within active operational Defence environments, meeting the highest standards of compliance, security, and delivery excellence. 

Their expertise extends well beyond this project. 

Partnering with Defence Housing Australia, DCOH delivered key components of the Larrakeyah Defence Precinct redevelopment program, starting with the $10 million Larrakeyah Barracks enabling works. 

This essential infrastructure package involved significant civil and road upgrades, including the construction of the new Nurses Walk link road, designed to maintain secure and uninterrupted access to the precinct throughout the redevelopment. 

The works also included the delivery of critical services infrastructure and the creation of a temporary base entry, ensuring continuous access while the new permanent precinct was under construction. 

THE TEXTUM ROOFING TEAM IN FRONT OF A F-35 FIGHTER JET

Building on this foundation, DCOH also completed a $100 million award-winning residential development within the Larrakeyah precinct. Designed to provide high-quality, modern accommodation for Defence personnel, the project earned three accolades at the Master Builders NT Excellence in Building and Construction Awards: two Commercial Construction $50–$100 million awards across different development elements, and  Residential Construction – Medium Density over five dwellings. 

The project further cemented DCOH’s reputation for delivering complex Defence housing solutions to the highest standards. 

These projects set a new benchmark for Defence work in the Territory. 

What truly distinguishes DCOH’s success is not only their consistent on-time and on-budget delivery but also their strong commitment to local workforce participation, which includes engaging Defence family members, First Nations workers, and Territory-based subcontractors and suppliers. 

DCOH as earned an unmatched reputation for fairness and transparency in its dealings, consistently prioritising local involvement to support and grow the Northern Territory community in meaningful and sustainable ways. 

Managing Director and Chief Executive Shane Dignan is determined to keep Defence as the company’s top priority. 

“DCOH is committed to building on this foundation, enhancing capability through smart, sustainable development that aligns with Defence’s mission to protect Australia and its national interests, all while ensuring Darwin is a thriving, accommodating place to call home for serving members and their families,” he says. 

A cornerstone of DCOH’s success is Textum, its original roofing and cladding division, which has become one of the Territory’s leading contractors for secure, mission-critical Defence infrastructure roofing and cladding. 

It has delivered durable and climate-resilient roofing at some of the most strategically important Defence bases, including Robertson Barracks, RAAF Base Tindal, RAAF Base Darwin, HMAS Coonawarra, and the Bradshaw and Delamere training grounds. 

Beyond infrastructure, DCOH’s commitment extends to supporting the Defence community directly through employment and welfare initiatives. The company actively employs former servicemen and women through the Federal Government’s Veterans Employment Program, prioritises hiring Defence family members where possible, supports Legacy, the veterans’ charity helping families of fallen or injured Defence personnel, and continuously seeks meaningful ways to improve Defence personnel’s lives. 

In alignment with these values, DCOH recently partnered with Soldier On, a not-for-profit organisation that delivers holistic support to serving and former Australian Defence Force personnel and their families. This three-year community partnership, worth $75,000, has seen DCOH team members engage in family-oriented community events to support Defence members and their families, helping make life in Darwin lighter and more connected. 

Progressing their support for Defence, DCOH was recently a Gold Sponsor for the NT Officers Ball at Larrakeyah Defence Precinct in August. 

Building on its extensive Defence engagements, DCOH’s property management and real estate division, Solis, plays a vital role in supporting Defence communities across the Territory. In close partnership with Defence Housing Australia, Solis is focused on delivering modern, conveniently located housing tailored specifically for Defence personnel and their families.

Complementing this is DCOH’s land development project, Northcrest, a $1 billion government master-planned residential estate ideally situated between Darwin’s city centre, Palmerston, and the northern suburbs. 

Northcrest offers expansive residential lots designed to accommodate Defence families seeking to build their dream homes near bases, schools, shops and essential amenities. The development includes a childcare centre and large parklands with play facilities, creating a thriving community environment. 

Once complete, Northcrest will provide 1500 residential lots, supporting up to 7500 residents, many of whom will be Defence members and their families.

Understanding the needs of Defence families arriving in Darwin, DCOH owns and operates two of Darwin’s premier hotels: Courtyard by Marriott Darwin and Novotel CBD. 

COURTYARD BY MARRIOT

The hotels offer comfortable, convenient accommodation at discounted rates for newly posted personnel and their families.

Families can also enjoy the vibrant hospitality of The Cinema Collective, a unique DCOH-owned venue offering diverse dining and entertainment options for couples and families. 

These thoughtful amenities ensure that life in the Territory feels welcoming and connected from day one while waiting for new homes at Northcrest.

DCOH’s efforts extend well beyond Defence bases, housing, and accommodation, truly embodying their Building Better philosophy. The company is responsible for some of Darwin’s most significant and iconic projects, each contributing to the city’s growth and appeal. A standout example is the $250 million Charles Darwin University city campus, praised as “the perfect build” by CDU Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman, underscoring DCOH’s commitment to prioritising education and opportunities within the Territory.

DCOH is advancing the early stages of the $150 million Civic Centre – a landmark development aimed at enhancing community facilities and government services. The project further highlights DCOH’s strong commitment to community development.

In addition to major civic infrastructure, DCOH has also delivered more school campus facilities than any other construction company in the region. Their portfolio includes the design and construction of five significant school campuses, including Darwin Middle School, Rosebery Primary and Middle School, Henbury School, Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School, and stage 1 of Zuccoli Primary School.

The projects are clear examples of DCOH’s dedication to building a better future for all Territorians.

No matter the scale, DCOH offers a premium service thanks to its vertically integrated operations model. From initial concept and stakeholder engagement through design, development, construction, real estate leasing, and long-term caretaking services, DCOH provides seamless, end-to-end solutions.

Continuing to grow from strength to strength, DCOH stands unparalleled in the Territory. No other company delivers Defence-focused solutions across such a diverse range of industries while demonstrating genuine care and commitment to Defence families.

Defined by their motto, Building Better, DCOH is not just meeting expectations; they are exceeding them and shaping a stronger future for Defence and the Northern Territory. TQ

CONTACT

DCOH 

Level 18, 19 The Mall Darwin NT 0800 

GPO Box 1511 Darwin NT 0801 

info@dcoh.au 

dcoh.au 

(08) 7942 8800

DCOH TEAM MEMBERS ON THEIR ROBERTSON BARRACKS WORK SITE