Since then, the company’s achievements have been nothing short of impressive. 

The past 18 months have delivered some of the most significant milestones in the company’s history, reinforcing DCOH’s position as one of the Northern Territory’s most respected and capable organisations, and as a business that continues to invest deeply in Darwin’s future. 

National win puts the Territory on the map 

The highlight of 2025 was undoubtedly DCOH’s national success at the Master Builders Australia Awards of Excellence, where the Danala Education and Community Precinct, designed and built for Charles Darwin University, was named National Educational Facility of the Year. 

For a locally owned Territory builder in Australia’s smallest and most remote capital city to take out a national title in such a competitive field is a remarkable achievement. The win recognised not only the strength of the design and construction, but also the leadership, team capability and Territory supply chain that delivered it. 

The award followed an exceptional run at the Northern Territory Master Builders Awards, where multiple DCOH projects were recognised, with six awards in total for the Danala Precinct, Holtze Youth Detention Centre and the ever popular Cinema Collective featuring Flicks and Sweethearts. But it was the national win of Educational Facility of the Year that provided the crowning moment, proving that it is possible for a local organisation to deliver developments that are as good, and even better, than tier one builders in Australia’s major capital cities. 

Equally notable was Lachlan Michell, Construction Manager on the Danala project and recently appointed Chief Operating Officer, who was named NT Young Builder of the Year, an accolade that reflects the strength of emerging leadership within the business and DCOH’s commitment to developing the next generation of Territory builders.

Recognition across construction and hospitality

Excellence in the past year was not limited to construction.

DCOH’s hospitality division, Thyme Hospitality, led by Portfolio General Manager Alex Murray, received strong industry recognition through multiple awards that reflected the group’s growing standing across accommodation, entertainment and tourism. With Trilogy now managing the hotel portfolio, The Smith Hotel has been rebranded as Courtyard by Marriott, introducing a globally recognised brand to Darwin and attracting a new wave of international visitors. At the same time, both Courtyard by Marriott and Novotel Esplanade are progressing through major refurbishment programs.

These milestones highlight the strength of a mature and diversified business working across development, construction, hospitality and operations, guided by a firm commitment to ‘Build Better’ in the Territory.

A workplace where people love to work

Ask Shane Dignan what is his number one priority and he will always answer the same: the people. And it is clear the employees feel the same about DCOH.

In 2025, DCOH became officially Great Place to Work Certified, a recognition based on staff feedback and independent assessment.

For Shane, the certification carries weight because it reflects what matters most behind the scenes.

“We can win awards for projects, but the biggest measure of success is whether our people are proud to work here,” he said.

Honouring a Territory leader

November 2025 was a time of recognition for the man who has steered the company through more than 30 years of growth and change.

Shane was named NT News Hall of Fame Leader in acknowledgement of more than three decades leading one of the Territory’s largest and most enduring, privately-owned construction and development companies, his dedication to business, the community, industry and the Territory economy as a whole.

Under Shane’s leadership, DCOH has delivered some of the Territory’s most significant infrastructure and commercial projects, employed thousands of Territorians, and invested heavily into the local economy. From city-shaping developments such as the Danala Education and Community Precinct to major defence, hospitality and residential projects, his work has helped build Darwin into the modern capital it is today.

This recognition reflects the visible results of a career defined by scale, resilience and long-term vision and by an unwavering determination to back the Territory and the people who call it home.

Northcrest takes shape

Darwin continues to expand with the growth of Northcrest, now firmly established as the Territory’s largest and fastest growing Masterplanned community. Positioned midway between Darwin and Palmerston, Northcrest offers the convenience of easy access to both cities, making it an increasingly attractive choice for families, professionals and investors. 

Sales are led by Kristy Millar, Licensee of Solis Real Estate, with the most recent land releases in Stages 4D and 4E attracting strong enquiry. Buyer interest continues to build as demand for quality housing in well planned communities grows, with further stages to be released shortly. 

Looking ahead, momentum continues in 2026 with construction set to commence on a service station, a Hungry Jack’s, a new childcare centre, and a tavern, reinforcing Northcrest as a thriving residential and services precinct. There has been a high level of commercial enquiry too, with Northcrest an ideal location for office accommodation. First off the rank is the Northern Land Council, with their Northcrest offices due for completion early this year. 

Building Better for Defence 

DCOH has proven itself to be a critical partner for Defence in their multi-billion-dollar expansion across the Territory, delivering the infrastructure and services required to support the vital infrastructure in the region. 

Works continue for DCOH as head contractor for the Robertson Barracks improvements project, another example of the company’s ability to manage complex, high-value constructions within active operational Defence environments. 

More changes to the Darwin skyline 

Back in the CBD, DCOH’s $150 million redevelopment of the Darwin Civic Centre has reached a new phase, with another crane in place and the site transforming by the week. 

For many Territorians, the skyline tells a story of renewal and confidence in the city’s future. 

What’s next 

While much of DCOH’s current work is highly visible, the company is also laying strong foundations for what comes next. 

With a sound pipeline of work across multiple sectors, DCOH continues to invest in capability, people and partnerships that position the business for its next phase of growth. From expanding its development portfolio to strengthening local supply chains, the focus remains on delivering work that supports long term economic success in the Territory. 

It is an approach that reflects confidence in Territorians and a commitment to building infrastructure that will serve the community for decades to come. 

A reputation defined by results 

For Shane, the message remains consistent. 

“We build places that last. But just as importantly, we build people, partnerships and communities. If you get those right, the buildings take care of themselves.” 

The results over the past 18 months speak for themselves and are nothing short of remarkable. Under the leadership of Shane Dignan, whose hard work, experience and clear vision continue to guide the business, DCOH is delivering on its promise to ‘Build Better’ for the Territory. TQ