Few business success stories can trace their origins to a small operation in Central Australia and chart a course to becoming one of the nation’s leading construction companies. Yet that is exactly what Sitzler has achieved.

Today, the Territory-headquartered contractor ranks among Australia’s top 200 private companies and stands proudly within the country’s top 20 defence contractors. With approximately 300 employees spread across Darwin, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, Exmouth and the Sunshine Coast, the company has grown far beyond its humble beginnings.

Despite its national footprint, Sitzler remains firmly connected to its Northern Territory roots. That connection is symbolised by the striking new headquarters under construction in Berrimah, on the same site the company has called home for decades. The move into the new building, scheduled for 2027, represents another milestone in a journey that continues to
gather momentum.

The year 2026 marks an even more significant occasion: 50 years of operations in Darwin. 

For the directors, the anniversary represents more than business success. It reflects resilience, commitment and a partnership that has endured through both prosperous and challenging times. 

“Our partnership works very well,” says Michael Sitzler. 

“We’ve got on well together over the years and have grown together. Our skillsets complement each other’s, and we have great respect for each other’s views and abilities. 

“And we both have the same values: honesty and keeping your word. It’s easy to stick to those values in the good times, but the real test of who you are comes during the harder times.” 

Those values have helped guide the business through every stage of its evolution. 

Like any company that has survived for half a century, Sitzler has experienced its share of adversity. Economic downturns, market uncertainty and periods when opportunities were scarce have all tested the company. 

“There have been tough times, of course, particularly when there’s not much work around,” Michael says.””But we got through them and learnt from the experience. Business isn’t all roses.” 

Rather than being defined by those difficult periods, Sitzler used them as opportunities to strengthen its foundations and refine its approach. 

At the heart of that approach is a belief that success is built on relationships. 

Steve Margetic, who was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2026 King’s Honours List for his contribution to the construction industry and philanthropy, is quick to redirect attention away from individual achievements. 

He attributes much of the company’s success to the people who have supported the journey, from loyal employees to the network of Territory subcontractors who have worked alongside the business for decades. 

That philosophy extends beyond internal teams and suppliers to clients as well. Collaboration remains central to the way Sitzler delivers projects, with a focus on achieving the best outcome for everyone involved. 

It’s a simple approach, but it has earned the company a reputation as an employer and business partner of choice. 

Over the years, Sitzler has become known for creating a workplace culture where people feel valued, respected and heard. 

“We make sure they are listened to and respected, and any concerns are addressed on a one-to-one basis,” Michael says. “We recognise that everyone is different. We get to know them.” 

It is a people-first philosophy that has resulted in an exceptionally loyal workforce, with many employees spending significant portions of their careers with the company. 

“Our people have grown with the company, and the business has grown with them. 

“They’ve got to want to work for you. I don’t expect them to be treated any differently from the way I want to be treated. 

“They must be treated with respect and their work recognised. You’ve got to be genuine.” 

That authenticity has helped build a culture where staff remain committed, perform at high levels and contribute to the company’s strong reputation throughout the industry. 

The same philosophy has shaped Sitzler’s long-standing relationships with subcontractors across the Northern Territory. 

Over the decades, the company has helped create opportunities for dozens of local businesses, awarding significant contracts and maintaining a reputation for honesty, fairness and prompt payment. 

For many subcontractors, the relationship has evolved alongside the company’s own growth. 

“It’s been a journey, both for us and our subcontractors,” says Michael. “We’ve grown together. As our projects have increased in complexity, our local subbies have stepped up and shown what the Territory market is capable of.” 

That shared growth has enabled Sitzler to deliver some of the Northern Territory’s most significant and recognisable projects. 

Among their favourites is Darwin Waterfront’s landmark Convention Centre, delivered as part of a public-private partnership involving the Northern Territory Government and Barclay Mowlem 

“It was a complicated job, but a game-changer for Darwin,” Michael says. “It transformed the city. It got us looking forward.” 

The Convention Centre remains a defining project, but it is far from the company’s only achievement. More recent work includes the Tiger Brennan Drive overpass, upgrades to four military training grounds, the Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Unit and both RAAF Darwin and RAAF Tindal hangars and pavements projects. 

Together, those projects tell the story of a company that has continually expanded its capabilities while remaining true to the principles on which it was built. 

As Sitzler celebrates 50 years in Darwin and prepares for its next chapter in a new headquarters, its continued success appears to rest on the same foundations that guided it from the beginning: strong partnerships, trusted relationships and an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing. TQ