At McCormack and Studio 103, we believe construction is about more than the places we build. It is also about people, relationships and the communities connected to the places where we live and work.

We believe in a reconciled Australia and that by working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we can create a more inclusive and diverse society: one that embraces and continues to learn from our individual and cultural differences.

We acknowledge that the land on which we operate is the sovereign ancestral Lands of the First peoples who have been custodians for over 65,000 years, living in sustainable societies with enormous respect for the Land, the Sky, and the Sea. With so much to learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is our firm belief that by working with First Nations peoples and communities, we can build a stronger future.

We are proud to continue listening to, learning from, and walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, businesses, and communities. Changes start from the inside, and we are committed to creating positive change to our industry, supporting the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and bringing our teams on our reconciliation journey.

Our Reconciliation Journey

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey, and we know that meaningful progress comes through listening, learning, building genuine relationships and taking practical action.

Alongside the completion of two Reflect Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs), our reconciliation work continues to evolve with teams having undertaken cultural awareness programs, participated in Walking Tours with the Traditional Custodians of our Melbourne workforce, the Wurundjeri of the Kulin Nation, and partnered with likeminded organisations such as Greenfleet, who integrate climate action with First Nations reconciliation, and Lighthouse Foundation of whom 15% of their disadvantaged and homeless youths are represented by First Nations Australians.

Our documented approach includes cultural learning, employment and career pathways, community partnerships and opportunities to work with First Nations businesses and organisations.

Learning and Building Understanding

Creating a culturally safe and welcoming workplace begins with understanding and respect. In addition to walking tours by Traditional Custodians of the lands in which we operate, McCormack and Studio 103 have worked with Evolve Communities to provide several cultural awareness learning programs for our people. This training has been designed to raise awareness of our national identity, history and to improve cultural competence across our teams.

Cultural Protocols

We understand that cultural protocols are more than ceremonial practices. When undertaken genuinely and respectfully, they recognise the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country and provide an opportunity for us to demonstrate respect, strengthen relationships and deepen cultural understanding.

We recognise that protocols can differ between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and between different Countries. A practice appropriate in one location should therefore not automatically be assumed to be appropriate elsewhere.

Our reconciliation approach incorporates several of these practices, including Acknowledgement of Country at workplace strategy workshops, company town halls and key events, together with cultural awareness learning for team members.

Stronger Relationships with Community

We recognise that meaningful reconciliation cannot happen in isolation. In 2024, we partnered with Killara Foundation and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, along with several other key industry and project partners, and are proud to have taken a key role in the design and fitout of Killara Café (Ngarrgu Djerring) at 90 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. Killara Café offer mentorship, employment, and training opportunities for First Nations Australians in a beautifully refurbished space.

We worked provide design and build services, while fostering a collaborative and consultive environment to bring this vision to life. We are excited to have taken part in this initiative, which aligns with our reconciliation aims and business values. We look forward to seeing the café’s success and becoming one of its best customers.

Striving to deepen community partnerships, we commissioned Presten Warren, an Aboriginal artist and a proud Wirangu, Dieri, Kokatha, Mirning and Arabana man based in Port Lincoln, South Australia, to tell the story of McCormack through traditional art.

The artwork created by Presten Warren represents the journey of McCormack and Studio 103, from humble beginnings in Jack McCormack's garage to the thriving, multi-generational companies they are today.

At the far end of the piece, the U-shaped person symbol represents Jack and his journey in founding the business. Connected to him are his two sons, Greg and Wade, who later joined the company and helped shape McCormack into what it is today. These figures are linked by a central symbol of family, representing the company's strong foundation and its connection to future generations.

At the heart of the piece, a large, intricate symbol, represents the McCormack and Studio 103 communities, sharing knowledge, working together, and growing side-by-side. Further, along, community symbols reflect the many projects, partnerships, and relationships built over the years.

Flowing throughout the artwork, journey lines connect the past, present, and future, honouring Jack's vision, his sons' dedication, and the next generation carrying it forward. Now, Brad and Lauren are leading the third generation, building upon this legacy and driving the business into an even stronger and more innovative future.

Looking Ahead

We are proud of the steps we have taken, while recognising there is more to learn and more to do.

We want to continue creating a workplace where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel respected, valued and able to bring their perspectives and experiences to work.

If you are considering a career in construction, project delivery, trades or the broader McCormack and Studio 103 team, we warmly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to explore opportunities with us.

We look forward to continuing to listen, learn and build stronger relationships as we move forward on our reconciliation journey together.