Queensland’s oldest private builder believes serving the state’s regions, attention to detail and flying beneath the radar have been key to its 140th birthday.
Since their inception in 1884, Woollam Construction has been associated with some of the most iconic structures in the Sunshine State but it’s been in more recent years they have made their mark in Rockhamptons with projects including Yeppoon Lagoon (2018) and Rockhampton Museum of Art(2021)
Turning 140 this year is another milestone for the company that began in suburban Clayfield in 1884 and constructed the Breakfast Creek Hotel just a few years later.
The Brekky Creek Hotel still stands in great shape as a monument to the Woollam craftsmanship that has created other iconic buildings across Queensland and beyond.
Woollam has played a role in the construction of the Stockman’s Hall of Fame, the modern Rockhampton Museum of Art and Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History along with multiple other projects in the private and public sector.
Managing Director Craig Percival, who is based in Mackay, said Woollam had great pride in its history but pointed out that seeking seminal projects was never the company’s motivation.
“We’re very proud of our work constructing and rebuilding Queensland icons but that hasn’t been our focus,” he said.
“Our approach is always to deliver the best project we can. We don’t have the profile of some other builders but Woollam has always flown under the radar because our focus has been on relationships and quality work.
“That has enabled us to withstand wars, pandemics, the Great Depression and other economic cycles and to play a role in helping to construct modern Queensland.
“The regions have been very important to Woollam’s story. We’ve always been there for regional communities and that’s been vital to our longevity. We haven’t just serviced the regions when the construction industry has been booming.
“We see ourselves as being part of the communities in which we’ve been granted opportunities to create crucial infrastructure.
“We are proud that our constructions have stood the test of time but we are also incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to make our mark all across the Sunshine State and beyond over the past 140 years. We will continue to do so for many decades to come.”
Mr Percival, who also celebrates his 35th anniversary with Woollam this year, said Woollam was looking to the future.
“We’re now moving into our 15th decade with as much enthusiasm as when Thomas Woollam began the company in 1884,” Mr Percival said.
“We established Woollam Services in 2016 as a separate maintenance arm to ensure not only the longevity of our constructions but with a view to ensuring sustainability as a key aspect to every Woollam development.
“Woollam has prospered for 140 years because it has always prioritised standards, our clients’ needs and our employees’ safety and welfare. We’ve had the great fortune to have generations of Queenslanders working with us.
“And we have many relationships with clients that have lasted generations, as we continually demonstrate our commitment to all projects, many of which may be considered small for other builders but we see as vital to that local community.
“The industry continues to change and our history of adjusting to fluctuating times over the years has us ready to continue to grow the Woollam name and to help shape the state for many decades to come.”
Mr Percival, who also celebrates his 35th anniversary with Woollam this year, said Woollam was looking to the future.
“We’re now moving into our 15th decade with as much enthusiasm as when Thomas Woollam began the company in 1884,” Mr Percival said.
“We established Woollam Services in 2016 as a separate maintenance arm to ensure not only the longevity of our constructions but with a view to ensuring sustainability as a key aspect to every Woollam development.
“Woollam has prospered for 140 years because it has always prioritised standards, our clients’ needs and our employees’ safety and welfare. We’ve had the great fortune to have generations of Queenslanders working with us.
“And we have many relationships with clients that have lasted generations, as we continually demonstrate our commitment to all projects, many of which may be considered small for other builders but we see as vital to that local community.
“The industry continues to change and our history of adjusting to fluctuating times over the years has us ready to continue to grow the Woollam name and to help shape the state for many decades to come.
Timeline of iconic Woollam Construction Projects:
- Breakfast Creek Hotel (1886)
- Stockman’s Hall of Fame (1988)
- Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History, Winton (2012)
- Hummingbird House – Queensland’s only children’s hospice, Brisbane (2016)
- Yeppoon Lagoon (2018)
- Rockhampton Museum of Art (2021)
Woollam Construction projects in Easter and Northern Queensland:
- Rockhampton Rehabilitation Facility (Binbi Yadubay)
- Rockhampton Riverside Precinct
- James Cook University Canopy, Townsville (2020)
- The Oasis Veteran’s Hub, Townsville (2021)
- Townsville University Hospital South Block Level 1 Fit-out (2023)
- Multi-Purpose Hall & Health Science Building at Thuringowa State High School
(2024) - CopperString Experience Centre (2024)
By the numbers:
- $220m and $260m – Woollam turnover per year
- Around 200 – the number of people employed by Woollam
- 3 businesses – Woollam Construction, Woollam Services (maintenance) and Woollam Developments
