With our state experiencing a building and construction boom, the reliance on our sector to keep the Victorian economy growing has never been more important.

However, many building and construction businesses are struggling from the crippling effects of supply chain problems, large price hikes in key materials such as timber and steel, limited land availability, a fragmented planning system, a shortage of skilled tradespeople and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Anthony Lococo has been ‘on the tools’ for more than 25 years, and proudly running his own building company Lococo Build for the past seven years, but has now decided to close his business in the face of crippling supply chain shortages that he says have just about broken him. 

Master Builders Victoria (MBV) met members face to face in Geelong last night (April 12) as it hosted the second of its Advisory Roadshow events across Victoria.

Other Advisory Roadshow events will occur in regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne in the coming months as MBV travels across our great state to hear what’s on the minds of our members.

50 local builders and tradespeople attended the event at Rydges Geelong to hear from Master Builders team members and have their questions answered.

Master Builders Victoria (MBV) is hitting the road and meeting members face to face as it hosts a new Advisory Roadshow series of events across Victoria.

To kick off MBV’s 2022 Advisory Roadshow event series, our first of eight planned events was held last night (Wednesday, 6 April) in the Albury-Wodonga region.

Other Advisory Roadshow events will take place in regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne in coming months.

Quotes attributable to Rebecca Casson, CEO, Master Builders Victoria

Master Builders Victoria (MBV) has welcomed the announcement that a new owner has been secured for five city-shaping projects in Victoria, safeguarding the future of hundreds of threatened building and construction jobs.

Under the sale agreement executed by the Deloitte Administrators, Roberts Co. will take control of the following Melbourne projects - Uno Melbourne, CSL, Elizabeth North Stage 2, 500 Bourke Street, and 502 Albert Street.

A new comprehensive, interactive online resource will help Victorian domestic builders understand their key legal OHS obligations through all the critical construction phases.

Funded by WorkSafe Victoria in partnership with Master Builders Victoria (MBV), My Safety Essentials provides a complete learning resource to support builders, employers, and building trades within the residential construction sector. 

The resource provides an educative experience for builders to identify and manage the critical risks of domestic building projects. 

Master Builders Victoria (MBV) has welcomed Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp to its March Industry Breakfast today to discuss leadership through COVID-19 and the continued effect of supply chain disruptions and trades shortages on the building and construction industry.

Hosted at the MCG with almost 200 Master Builders Victoria members, guests, and industry stakeholders in attendance, MBV CEO Rebecca Casson said supply chain delays and cost escalations were still the main issues facing Victorian builders.

Master Builders Victoria (MBV) has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that the Government will be expanding its First Home Guarantee Scheme to help thousands more Victorians enter the property market.

Soaring property prices have become a pressing issue for many Victorians, with many homebuyers unable to afford a home.

The First Home Guarantee Scheme ensures that part of an eligible buyer's home loan is guaranteed by the Government, which helps people buy a home quicker with a deposit as low as 2 per cent.

Three Geelong apprentices have been honoured for their achievements at the 2022 Master Builders Victoria Regional Apprentice of the Year Awards.

There were three major awards given out on the night.

Jack Purcell was awarded the Geelong Apprentice of the Year Future Builder Award.

At the same time, Brock Smith received the Geelong Apprentice of the Year Craftsperson Award.

Three Bendigo apprentices have been honoured for their achievements at the 2022 Master Builders Victoria Regional Apprentice of the Year Awards.

There were three major awards given out on the night.

Kade Loxton was awarded the Bendigo Apprentice of the Year Future Builder Award.

At the same time, Kelly Allan received the Bendigo Apprentice of the Year Developing Leader Award.