Warrnambool builder Fairbrother Construction was named the winner of the Master Builders of Victoria (MBAV) Excellence in Construction of Commercial Building under $3 million award.

The award was presented at a gala awards night held at the Crown Palladium on Friday. 

Work on the building was completed in February and the restaurant is expected to be opened in time for the September school holidays. 

Fairbrother’s south-west manager Billy Edis paid tribute to project manager Aaron Finnigan and site manager Tony Sharam, saying the award was great recognition for the hard work and long hours put into the project. 

“We encountered numerous issues on the project, but to deliver a building of this quality, under budget and ahead of time is a credit not only to our staff, but also to all the local tradesmen that were employed on the build,” Mr Edis said. 

“A special mention must go to Baade Harbour Architects for the fantastic design and also the Moyne Shire council who were a pleasure to work with. 

“A building of this scale and detail does not come together without close collaboration from all stakeholders and we are all very pleased with the outcome,” he said. 

Up to 80 local subcontractors worked onsite throughout the build, as stipulated by Moyne Shire council. 

Locally-sourced cypress timber and Bamstone products feature in the new building. 

Mr Finnigan was also one of five finalists in the Young Builder of the Year award which is nominated by the MBAV judges and recognises young leaders in the building industry in their chosen field.

“It is a great achievement for Aaron to be nominated as recognition of his advancement within the building industry, he joined Fairbrother six years ago for greater opportunities and his rise up the ranks within the industry has been rapid.”