Radley de Silva

Radley leads our expert staff in the provision of relevant products and services to our members. He also advocates for the interests of our members and the industry in various public and government forums.

Lawrie Cross

Lawrie is responsible for overseeing the industrial relations, OHS, legal and membership departments ensuring the expert staff are able to meet the needs of our members.

Leanne Edwards

Leanne manages the direction and oversight of Master Builders’ marketing, publications, policy and communications as well as government, media and stakeholder relations.

Marc Lyons

Marc is responsible for setting the strategic direction, overseeing daily operations and managing the sustainable growth of the Building Leadership Simulation Centre.

Viviana Hood

Viviana’s responsibilities include managing our Registered Training Organisation, overseeing our Building Services (permits & technical advice), business development and the sales, events and sponsorship departments.

Melanie Fasham

Melanie is the first female president in Master Builders 141-year history. The honour comes with a great deal of pressure and responsibility and Melanie has handled the first part of her tenure with grace. Tactful, strategic words and behaviour have long been second nature to Melanie, having developed her early career as a chemical engineer working for a glass manufacturing company, a big corporate atmosphere where language was conservative and union walk-outs were commonplace. “I have been lucky to feel comfortable in any environment,” she said. Having worked in glass and plastics manufacturing and materials management, she eventually joined the family building business with her sister, Fasham Pty Ltd eleven years ago. At this time she had just completed a Diploma of Building. “I started working at the back end of the business, rewriting the purchasing system and doing sales estimating to see how all of that fits together with building a house,” she said. About four years ago, Melanie earned her DBU and soon put her hand up for Master Builders committee activity. Her father, Trevor, served as President from 1995-96. “I’m hoping that by having a female president that we can encourage more members – both men and women – to come forward to fulfil roles Master Builders presents on its committees.”

Richard Hansen

Richard has 24 years building industry experience in Melbourne, Sydney and Singapore having started as a construction labourer in 1992. Richard won the AIB’s national Professional Excellence award in 2007 for project management of the K2 Apartments project. He now works as Victorian State Manager and as an Executive Director at Hansen Yuncken, a 100 year old national private builder. Richard is passionate about promoting the positive influence of the building industry and about the training and education of all its participants.

Peter Picking

Peter brings extensive business and general management experience to his role on the Master Builders Board of Management. He is immediate past president of Master Builders. He has worked for more than 40 years in diverse roles in the construction and development sectors of social infrastructure. This experience includes 24-years in site-based roles and more than 14 years in senior managerial positions. Peter has held senior management roles at a number of construction firms including Abigroup, Baracon, ADCO and the A.G. Coombs Group. Notably he was Design and Construction Manager for the Sydney SuperDome (a Public Private Partnership) for the 2000 Olympics.This is but one of the major projects he has helped deliver during his middle management years. Then, during his time in senior management, Peter has acquired business and financial, project procurement and strategic planning and delivery skills. Peter is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Building. He continues to be a dedicated and enthusiastic member of Master Builders’ management and governance team.

Michael Clemenger

Michael sits on the Board of Management as the chairperson of the General Contractors Committee. He is State Manager and Associate Director of Cockram Construction, having joined the long standing Master Builders and commercial contractor in 1995. He brings a wealth of business and project coordination experience to his governance role at Master Builders. Michael has worked for Cockram Construction on overseas pharmaceutical projects in China and Puerto Rico, and their seconded services business in the United States. He played a leading role in the establishment of Leighs Cockram JV Ltd in New Zealand, a joint venture partnership between Cockram Construction and New Zealand builder Leighs Construction. He works on projects across a range of sectors including health and aged care, research and education, sport and defence. “I am passionate about leading, training and mentoring staff to allow them to progress and continue to have successful careers at Cockram,” he says. His work with Master Builders began with a committee role in 2011. Since then Michael has been pivotal in helping guide and shape commercial and industrial policy. “I enjoy putting something back into our industry, contributing and helping to foresee issues that are coming up and playing my part,” he says. “I enjoy helping to shape where our industry is headed.” Michael holds a Bachelor of Planning and Design (Building) (Hons).

Neil Grenfell

Materials Manufacturers and Suppliers (MMS) Committee chairperson Neil Grenfell takes great pride in his job and his role on the Master Builders Board of Management. As APA’s New Homes Representative for Victoria, he is constantly engaging with builders, developers and other customers. It’s the part of the vocation that he enjoys the most in an industry that he has been a part of since joining the Gas and Fuel Corporation in 1969 as a junior clerk. Since then, he has worked for a range of energy providers, distributors and retailers including Origin, Aquamax and Rheem. This breadth of experience holds him in good stead for his role as MMS Committee chairperson and Master Builders Board Member. “My career has been a good learning curve but I’ve made some great alliances along the way,” Neil says. He first joined the MMS committee in 2004. He was made chairperson in 2008 and again in 2016. Subsequently his roles on the Committee and Board of Management began in 2007. “The value for me is being able to understand the components of the industry, and Master Builders are the only association that provide the opportunity to manufacturers and suppliers to have a voice,” Neil explains. “Master Builders works so hard to provide that communication and voice to government for their members. The way the Master Builders has evolved and continues to evolve is tremendous.”

Ian Hawkey

Aptum Managing Director Ian Hawkey has worked in the building and construction industry for more than 35 years. He holds his position on the Board of Management as Specialist Sector chairperson. Ian took charge of the earthworks, demolition and civil works business in 2012 (then known as G&M Aldridge). Ian’s involvement with Master Builders goes back more than 20 years as General Manager of CDL National Contracting Group and as a founding principal of HWM Contractors. He has done two stints as Specialist Sector chairperson and subsequently on the Council of Management and Board of Management. “Being on the Board and Committees you get a more direct feedback on industry changes,” he says. Ian is a qualified civil engineer and holds unlimited Commercial and Demolition licenses. At Aptum, he manages a team of more than 35 people. Having worked in managing and principal roles with a range of civil contractors throughout his career, Ian is well equipped to help govern and guide policy as a valuable member of the Master Builders Board of Management.

Steven Peluso

Housing Sector chairperson and Master Builders Board Member Steven Peluso has been pragmatic in his life and career. As Managing Director of Peluso Woods Group, and Master Menders, he works closely along side his business partner Peter Woods. Under the Master Menders banner they provide building services to body corporate, commercial and industrial facilities managers and corporate insurers. Master Menders specialise in builder liquation, defect and incomplete works. They also build new homes, industrial, commercial fit outs and renovations, small bathrooms to large renovations, land subdivisions, and commercial and domestic unit developments. Steve started working in the building industry at a very young age doing framing but when work dried up, he took a job in car repairs. He later returned to working in the building industry, getting a carpentry apprenticeship working with some of Australia’s largest domestic builders as part of a framing crew for Henley Homes, Simonds and AV Jennings, just to name a few. After a scaffolding accident Steve decided he wanted to “get off the tools” and explore work in property management and development. Steve has been self employed since 1991 and over the past 22 years has developed both residential and commercial projects, mainly in Melbourne’s south east and broadened to insurance rectification works. Steve’s work with Master Builders as a committee and board member has allowed him to make connections and further develop his understanding of all facets of the building industry. “Being on the committee has given me an insight into building legislation changes and now being a board member provides me with an opportunity to be an advocate on the proposed industry changes on an intermediate level, promoting a more consistent and regulated industry that will continue to prosper,” Steve explains. Steve is a judge on the Master Builder awards committee. He is also a member of the Australian Waterproofing Association committee and on the Board of St Kilda Community Housing for the Homeless.

Chris Ryan

Glen Loddon Homes Managing Director Chris Ryan has worked in the building and construction industry for 40 years. He holds his position on the Board of Management as chairman of the Country sector committee. Chris has been at the helm of Glen Loddon Homes for over 22 years specialising in new homes and renovations throughout Central Victoria. His career started at 15 as a carpentry apprentice and progressed to subcontracting, design and drafting, supervision, maintenance and then management. “I would like to think my experience in these areas enables me to relate to all of our building industry connections from trades and suppliers to clients and industry organisations,” Chris said. “I believe that this experience provides me with a level of empathy and insight to help in dealing with the issues that arise in this busy and fast paced industry. I joined the board as a way to give back to the industry that has been such a big part of my life and to help guide it through the challenges that a diverse and constantly evolving industry is confronted with on a daily basis.”

Geoff Purcell

Kane Constructions Director Geoff Purcell has worked in the building and construction industry for 25 years. He holds his position on the Board of Management as General Contractors Chair. “Joining the General Contractors Committee in 2015 has allowed me to receive and provide direct feedback to Master Builders and our industry peers,” he says. Geoff joined Kane Constructions in 1993. After delivering successful projects in Victoria, Geoff relocated to the Kane NSW branch in 2005 as Construction Manager before later becoming the NSW General Manager/Director in 2006 and then returning to Victoria in 2012. Geoff holds a Bachelor of Planning and Design, Bachelor of Building and Unlimited Commercial and Domestic Licences. At Kane, with his fellow directors, he manages a team of more than 400 people across all sectors of the industry. Having worked in managing and principal roles throughout his career, Geoff is well equipped to help govern and guide policy as a valuable member of the Master Builders Board of Management.

Melanie Fasham

Melanie is the first female president in Master Builder’s 141-year history. The honour comes with a great deal of pressure and responsibility and Melanie has handled the first part of her tenure with grace. Tactful, strategic words and behaviour have long been second nature to Melanie, having developed her early career as a chemical engineer working for a glass manufacturing company, a big corporate atmosphere where language was conservative and union walk-outs were commonplace.“I have been lucky to feel comfortable in any environment,” she said.Having worked in glass and plastics manufacturing and materials management, she eventually joined the family building business with her sister, Fasham Pty Ltd eleven years ago. At this time she had just completing studying a Diploma of Building.“I started working at the back end of the business, rewriting the purchasing system and doing sales estimating to see how all of that fits together with building a house,” she said.About four years ago, Melanie earned her DBU and soon put her hand up for Master Builders committee activity. Her father, Trevor, served as President from 1995-96. “I’m hoping that by having a female President that we can encourage more members – both men and women – to come forward to fulfil roles Master Builders presents on its committees.”

Richard Hansen

Richard has 24 years building industry experience in Melbourne, Sydney and Singapore having started as a construction labourer in 1992. Richard won the AIB’s national Professional Excellence award in 2007 for project management of the K2 Apartments project. He now works as Victorian State Manager and as an Executive Director at Hansen Yuncken, a 100 year old national private builder. Richard is passionate about promoting the positive influence of the building industry and about the training and education of all its participants.

Peter Picking

Peter brings extensive business and general management experience to his role on the Master Builders Board of Management. He is immediate past president of Master Builders. He has worked for more than 40 years in diverse roles in the construction and development sectors of social infrastructure. This experience includes 24-years in site-based roles and more than 14 years in senior managerial positions.Peter has held senior management roles at a number of construction firms including Abigroup, Baracon, ADCO and the A.G. Coombs Group. Notably he was Design and Construction Manager for the Sydney SuperDome (a Public Private Partnership) for the 2000 Olympics.This is but one of the major projects he has helped deliver during his middle management years. Then, during his time in senior management, Peter has acquired business and financial, project procurement and strategic planning and delivery skills. Peter is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Building. He continues to be a dedicated and enthusiastic member of Master Builders’ management and governance team.

Michael Clemenger

Michael sits on the Board of Management as the chairperson of the General Contractors Committee. He is State Manager and Associate Director of Cockram Construction, having joined the long standing Master Builders and commercial contractor in 1995. He brings a wealth of business and project coordination experience to his governance role at Master Builders.Michael has worked for Cockram Construction on overseas pharmaceutical projects in China and Puerto Rico, and their seconded services business in the United States. He played a leading role in the establishment of Leighs Cockram JV Ltd in New Zealand, a joint venture partnership between Cockram Construction and New Zealand builder Leighs Construction.He works on projects across a range of sectors including health and aged care, research and education, sport and defence. “I am passionate about leading, training and mentoring staff to allow them to progress and continue to have successful careers at Cockram,” he says.His work with Master Builders began with a committee role in 2011. Since then Michael has been pivotal in helping guide and shape commercial and industrial policy.“I enjoy putting something back into our industry, contributing and helping to foresee issues that are coming up and playing my part,” he says. “I enjoy helping to shape where our industry is headed.”Michael holds a Bachelor of Planning and Design (Building) (Hons).

Neil Grenfell

Materials Manufacturers and Suppliers Committee chairperson Neil Grenfell takes great pride in his job and his role on the Master Builders Board of Management. As APA’s New Homes Representative for Victoria, he is constantly engaging with builders, developers and other customers. It’s the part of the vocation that he enjoys the most in an industry that he has been a part of since joining the Gas and Fuel Corporation in 1969 as a junior clerk.Since then, he has worked for a range of energy providers, distributors and retailers including Origin, Aquamax and Rheem. This breadth of experience holds him in good stead for his role as MMS Committee chairperson and Master Builders Board Member.“My career has been a good learning curve but I’ve made some great alliances along the way,” Neil says.Neil first joined the MMS committee in 2004. He was made chairperson in 2008 and again in 2016. Subsequently his roles on the Committee and Board of Management began in 2007. “The value for me is being able to understand the components of the industry, and Master Builders are the only association that provide the opportunity to manufacturers and suppliers to have a voice,” Neil explains.“Master Builders works so hard to provide that communication and voice to government for their members. The way the Master Builders has evolved and continues to evolve is tremendous.”

Ian Hawkey

Aptum Managing Director Ian Hawkey has worked in the building and construction industry for more than 35 years. He holds his position on the Board of Management as Specialist Sector chairperson. Ian took charge of the earthworks, demolition and civil works business in 2012 (then known as G&M Aldridge). Ian’s involvement with Master Builders goes back more than 20 years as General Manager of CDL National Contracting Group and as a founding principal of HWM Contractors. He has done two stints as Specialist Sector chairperson and subsequently on the Council of Management and Board of Management.“Being on the Board and Committees you get a more direct feedback on industry changes,” he says. Ian is a qualified civil engineer and holds unlimited Commercial and Demolition licenses. At Aptum, he manages a team of more than 35 people. Having worked in managing and principal roles with a range of civil contractors throughout his career Ian is well equipped to help govern and guide policy as a valuable member of the Master Builders Board of Management.

Natalie King

Managing Director of JG King Homes. Natalie worked in Europe and Asia in Business Strategy across a number of sectors including building and property, banking, FMCG and IT and T prior to returning to the JG King business in 2004.

Geoff Purcell

Kane Constructions Director Geoff Purcell has worked in the building and construction industry for 25 years. He holds his position on the Board of Management as General Contractors Chair. “Joining the General Contractors Committee in 2015 has allowed me to receive and provide direct feedback to Master Builders and our industry peers,” he says. Geoff joined Kane Constructions in 1993. After delivering successful projects in Victoria, Geoff relocated to the Kane NSW branch in 2005 as Construction Manager before later becoming the NSW General Manager/Director in 2006 and then returning to Victoria in 2012. Geoff holds a Bachelor of Planning and Design, Bachelor of Building and Unlimited Commercial and Domestic Licences. At Kane, with his fellow directors, he manages a team of more than 400 people across all sectors of the industry. Having worked in managing and principal roles throughout his career, Geoff is well equipped to help govern and guide policy as a valuable member of the Master Builders Board of Management.

Philip Robinson

Philip has 40 years experience working in the building industry and is Managing Director of John E Robinson Pty Ltd.

Ashley Levin

Mark Little

Little Constructions Director Mark Little has worked in the building and construction industry for more than 25 years. He holds his position on the Council of Management through his involvement with the Country Sector Committee. Mark began Little Constructions in 2004. In 2015 Little Constructions built their first Display Home, catapulting them into prominence. Mark’s involvement with Master Builders goes back over 20 years. In 1997 Mark won numerous Master Builders awards including; Geelong Apprentice of the Year, Best Overall Apprentice in Carpentry for the Geelong region and the Florence M Taylor Medallion. And in 1998 he joined as a student member. He has been on the Committee of the Geelong Section and was one of only a handful of members to sit for 3 years as Chairperson. He has also done two stints on the Country Sector Committee. “Being on Committees and Boards enables me to give and receive accurate information on industry reforms,” Mark said. At Little Constructions, he manages a team of seven employees. Having worked on numerous challenging projects throughout his career, and maintaining the constant successful growth of his business, Mark is well equipped as a valuable member of the Master Builders Association of Victoria Council of Management.

Sam Cimino

Sam has worked in the building and brick industry for 40 years. He’s held many positions within Boral and more recently with joint venture PGH Bricks. Sam helped launch Think Brick and the Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation. Both these groups have now grown into National Associations very important to both masonry and the building industry. Sam has been on the Master Builders MM&S Committee a number of times over the past 20 years and has this year stepped up to join the Council of Management. “I want to give something back to the industry that I love and has been so good to me,” he said.

Steven Peluso

Housing Sector chairperson and Master Builders Board Member Steven Peluso has been pragmatic in his life and career. As Managing Director of Peluso Woods Group, and Master Menders, he works closely along side his business partner Peter Woods.

Sally Wills

Sally Wills is a registered domestic builder and director of Small Change Design and Construction Pty Ltd, specialising in very small homes. She has been involved in the building industry for the past 35 years starting as a co-director of a boutique residential construction company. After a move to Western Australia she worked on the refurbishment of the Newman Hospital, construction of a tank farm at Mount Newman and provision of sub contractors facilities at the BHP HBI site before a move back to into residential construction. In 2008 Sally obtained her Domestic Builder Unlimited license and in 2012 completed the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural). Sally has been lobbying the State Government to change the planning rules to facilitate secondary dwellings. This strategy is now part of Victoria’s Plan Melbourne Refresh. Small Change Design has been a Master Builders member since 2008 and Sally is a member of our Housing Committee. She has also served as a co-opted member of the Building Practitioners Board as a panel member for practitioner disciplinary inquiries.

Nigel Cunniffe

Ashley Tonkin-Hill

Wagstaff Piling Pty Ltd Victorian Director Ashley Tonkin-Hill has been in the ground and foundation industry for the past 34 years. He has been on the Master Builders Specialist Contractors Committee for the past eight years. Ashley is a past President of the Australian Piling and Foundation Specialist Federation and current Director of the Federation. He also chaired the committee that produced the Worksafe Guide to managing safety on piling and foundation engineering sites. He continues to work in this space to guide and consult on reforms. Ashley holds a Masters in Foundation Engineering and is a Chartered Engineer. He currently manages a team of about 60 people.

Chris Ryan

Glen Loddon Homes Managing Director Chris Ryan has worked in the building and construction industry for 40 years. He holds his position on the Board of Management as chairman of the Country sector committee. Chris has been at the helm of Glen Loddon Homes for over 22 years specialising in new homes and renovations throughout Central Victoria. His career started at 15 as a carpentry apprentice and progressed to subcontracting, design and drafting, supervision, maintenance and then management. “I would like to think my experience in these areas enables me to relate to all of our building industry connections from trades and suppliers to clients and industry organisations,” Chris said. “I believe that this experience provides me with a level of empathy and insight to help in dealing with the issues that arise in this busy and fast paced industry. I joined the board as a way to give back to the industry that has been such a big part of my life and to help guide it through the challenges that a diverse and constantly evolving industry is confronted with on a daily basis.”