Building homes and connections

Southern Vale Homes managing director John Fisher has built on a diverse career in construction and leadership to lead one of the region’s most established home builders.

After completing a trade, John went on to earn a graduate diploma at Ballarat University and worked as a national construction manager.

In 2014, he and his wife Blaise built their third family home with SVH, an experience that set him on a new course, wanting to provide the home building experience they had to others.

John joined SVH as construction manager before becoming general manager and eventually taking ownership.

He and Blaise credit their team as central to the company’s future.

“For us, it’s about creating connections between,” he said.

“With our team, with our clients and with the communities we build in.”

John said it was ultimately a combination of future potential and genuine community connection that made Echuca the right choice.

“The decision to open in Echuca was driven by both regional growth and personal ties to the area,” he said.

“We see significant opportunity in regional communities like Echuca, where there is continued growth and a strong demand for quality homes and local building services.

“On a personal level, Echuca also holds a special place for our family; we have strong family connections to the area and many great memories through sport, so it felt like a natural fit.”

Three display homes are planned for Yakoa Natya Ave in Yallarah Estate’s Display Village, with all three expected to be available for inspection in October 2026.

The homes showcase different designs from the SVH range.

“The Elite 37 is one of our standout family designs, showcasing a more spacious and sophisticated style of living,” John said.

“It has been designed with open-plan family living in mind, with a strong focus on creating spaces that are both impressive and practical.”

The Belmont 30 is a spacious 30-square home featuring four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two living areas, a double garage and a generous alfresco area.

The third display home, the Sahara 24, is a newer addition to the range.

“It reflects the direction we're continuing to take with our designs, creating homes that are contemporary, functional and suited to the way families want to live today,” John said.

Together, the three designs demonstrate the breadth of what SVH offers, from larger family homes to smarter, more compact living.

John is clear that SVH’s point of difference lies in its approach to livability and personalisation.

“We have a range of thoughtfully designed homes to provide a great starting point, but we don’t believe you should have to fit your life into a floor plan,” he said.

The company works with clients to adjust designs to suit their block, lifestyle and family needs.

“Your house is more than just bricks and mortar, it's about building a home that will enrich your life.

On the subject of quality, John said SVH worked with trusted suppliers, including quality Australian-grown timber and reliable building products and fixtures.

“For us, quality isn’t simply about ticking off a list of inclusions,” he said.

“It’s about giving our clients choice and making sure the details of their home reflect the way they want to live.

“We don’t want our clients to feel like they’re just another build number.

“We want them to feel like they're part of the Southern Vale family.”

Southern Vale Homes’ office is at 224 Hare St, Echuca, phone 1300 888 003.

To find a beautiful new home for you and your family, visit southernvale.com.au