WODONGA-based construction company TVN On-Country has been recognised as the 2025 Master Builders Victoria Regional Commercial Builder of the Year (Northern) for its standout work on the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence.
Seventy per cent First Nations owned, TVN On-Country made history by delivering the largest construction contract ever awarded by the Victorian Government to an Indigenous business. Completed in 2024, the $36M project was a collaboration between the State Government and founding partners—Rumbalara Football Netball Club, the University of Melbourne and the Kaiela Institute.
The award-winning centre is more than just a visually striking building. Its culturally rich design, inspired by local totems, features a structure shaped like a Murray River turtle, landscaping that evokes emu eggs, and a façade celebrating Yorta Yorta artists. But perhaps its most powerful legacy lies in its impact.
Together, the client and builder set ambitious social procurement targets to ensure the project delivered tangible benefits to First Nations communities. TVN On-Country not only met, but exceeded these targets—employing Aboriginal trainees, apprentices and cadets, and directing a significant portion of spending to Indigenous-owned businesses.
“This is the most meaningful and exciting project TVN On-Country will ever build,” said Managing Director Jebb Hutchison.
“Our project team included Aboriginal trainees, apprentices and cadets. These young mob are the next generation of construction leaders. Their strength and vision will create positive generational change for First Nations people—and that’s an important legacy.”
In addition to the 2025 Master Builders Victoria Regional Commercial Builder of the Year (Northern), TVN On-Country also won the Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings over $20M in the Northern Region.
TVN On-Country will now compete in several categories at the Excellence in Construction Awards in Melbourne on August 8, including Excellence in Construction ($20M–$30M), Social Impact Award, and Young Builder of the Year, while also vying for the overall title of Regional Builder of the Year.
