Building momentum

Published on 25 October 2024

Willunga-based RMK Building Group’s first job for the City of Onkaparinga involved replacing a local surf life saving club’s roof back in 2020. But owner Robbie Hodge hasn’t put a ceiling on how much his business can grow.

The experience he gained from bidding for that job emboldened him to apply for more, and his business has expanded and flourished in the years since.

“That [roof and air conditioning replacement] was a small-ish job, but over time the projects we’ve applied for have been a bit bigger each time,” he explains.

Since then, RMK has successfully bid for a range of council jobs, including new sports club change rooms, office fit-outs, and upgrades to community centres and surf life saving clubs.

“I started in the construction industry in 2007 and when I founded RMK Building Group, I took on all roles in the business,” he says.

“As the business grew, we’ve been able to grow the team into what it is today.”

Taking on bigger jobs has meant the team’s skills, confidence and capabilities have grown too, including upgrades of their project management and work health and safety technology and processes.

Robbie says the benefits of securing council project work hasn’t just flowed to RMK, but also to the tradespeople he subcontracts to help get their jobs done.

“When we started, we used maybe 60 different subcontractors, but now we use about 130,” he explains.

“Just like how the council tries to use local builders, we try to use local suppliers, products and tradies too – and they’ve grown as our business has grown, so it’s a flow-on effect through the whole community.”

Business advantages aside, Robbie says another benefit of working on council projects is knowing the cherished facilities they’re building or upgrading will be used by the community for years to come.

“We still have club members telling us they’re thankful for the upgrades we did a few years ago, and that’s really satisfying,” he says.

The keys to ongoing work

Southbound Locksmiths is another business reaping the benefits of working with the council.

Founder Pete Busbridge first worked with the council while was employed by another company fresh out of high school in 1985, and he’s continued working with the council since establishing his award-winning business in 2010.

He says these long-term connections, a good working relationship with staff, and being able to respond quickly to unplanned and emergency work because they’re based locally has been instrumental in securing ongoing work.

“We’re only a two-person business, but council work has been a constant for us for many years, and I certainly don’t take it for granted,” says Pete.

“To a degree it has underpinned our business, allowing us to conduct about 90 per cent of our business within Onkaparinga, and allowing me to live here [rather than] moving away from the area to find work.

“It also makes us very visible in the community. We have sign-written vans and wear uniforms, so just driving through local suburbs or being seen working at a local football club is great advertising.”

Like Robbie at RMK, securing ongoing council work helped Pete expand the business, allowing him to recruit his son, Sam, and invest back into the community.

“I’ve been a business sponsor of local radio station 5 Triple Z, and also of the McLaren Vale Business and Tourism Association Awards for years,” he explains.

“But not all benefits of doing council work have been monetary – it has also given me the want for community involvement.

“Every Saturday I volunteer at the Willunga Farmers Market, and I regularly get dirt under my fingernails on a Sunday morning with Biodiversity McLaren Vale.”

Making connections

It’s not just council work that’s helping local businesses thrive. Willunga print and design company Office & Image has expanded by securing regular state and federal government project work.

In 2021, the Fleurieu Connections Alliance – the consortium building the state and federal government-funded Main South and Victor Harbor Road duplication projects – placed a single order for some business cards.

“Since then, we’ve produced their temporary and site corflutes [signage], community engagement newsletters, safety and induction packs, plans, magnets, stickers and, of course, business cards,” says Office & Image co-owner Kate Fleming.

“This work has meant we’ve been able to invest in our business, update some of our equipment, and enable us to expand the commercial and corporate side of our business.

“It has also enabled us to expand our sponsorship investment, including supporting the McLaren Vale Christmas Pageant, Recycled Runway and Fleurieu Food Festival.”

Council’s local focus

City of Onkaparinga Business Growth and Investment Officer, Glenn Hickling, says the council prioritises local businesses in its procurement process, seeing tens-of-millions of dollars invested back into the local economy annually.

“The council purchases a wide range of services and products – from construction and maintenance to waste and water services – and we use local businesses wherever possible,” he says.

“About 40 per cent of the businesses we use now are Onkaparinga-based, which is more than double that of five years ago, following a review of our procurement policies and procedures.

“It’s a great outcome and one we’re proud of.”

Work with the council

You can learn more about working on council projects at onkaparingacity.com/suppliers

See below for Robbie, Pete and Kate’s tips for securing council or government work.

“Service is a big thing. You need to make sure you can give the client what they’re after, so it’s about determining what they want and building your business around that. Building it around good people is another thing. We utilise local trades, but they’re [also] businesses that do good work and can follow the correct procedures. That reflects on us.” – Robbie

“Always conduct yourself as a professional. Be open-minded and transparent with all that you do, and communicate clearly, respectfully and constantly.” – Pete

“Go for it! But make sure you take the time to understand what they [the client] are trying to achieve, what their deadlines and desired outcomes are, and what particular protocols are in place in regard to procurement.” – Kate

RMK Constructions team members Tom, Robbie and Marianne chat in their high-vis workwear with helmets and plans with the beach behind them.