News

First Nations construction triumph

By Pip Turton

Aug 16, 2025

The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence has a roof inspired by the Aboriginal flag. Photo by Eleisha Collins. Photo by Contributed

A First Nations construction company has achieved statewide recognition for its groundbreaking work on an Indigenous education facility in regional Victoria.

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TVN On-Country, based in Albury-Wodonga, was named Regional Commercial Builder of the Year at the 2025 Master Builders Victoria Excellence in Construction Awards in Melbourne on Friday, August 8 for its work on the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence in Shepparton.

The project, completed in 2024, represents the largest Victorian Government contract ever awarded to a First Nations-owned business.

The company had previously won Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings over $20 million at the Northern Region Awards in July.

The pathways-based education centre delivers culturally responsive learning, employment, health and wellbeing programs, and was designed with deep Yorta Yorta cultural significance.

The centre features a distinctive roof depicting the Aboriginal flag and includes upgraded facilities for the Rumbalara Football Netball Club, connected by a blue bridge.

The project exceeded social impact targets, with 11 per cent of spending directed to Victorian Aboriginal businesses and 33 per cent of the workforce identifying as Victorian Aboriginal people.

Additionally, disadvantaged Victorians contributed more than 27,000 construction hours to the build.