"You can always get on there on your own, but you'll always do better with others helping you," says George Abraham, the Chairman of the Building and Construction Foundation.

A room full of the who's who of the Building and Construction Industry met on Wednesday night to launch the full 2025 program for the Foundation.

The Building and Construction Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation committed to supporting the needs of the building industry while creating positive impacts for the community. 

The Foundation's board is represented by industry leaders dedicated to positively impacting the construction sector, including Dale Kennedy, Daniel Mazzei, Olivia Ross, David Kennedy, Brad Savage, Liliana Sanelli and Melanie Rigby. 

The Foundation supports individuals experiencing socioeconomic and intersectional barriers and those from underserved and underrepresented groups in the industry with equitable access to education and training to build sustainable careers in the building and construction industry. The result is contributing to a steady pipeline of skilled trades and management professionals supporting the development of a strong, sustainable, and diverse workforce to deliver vital construction work to our sector, including housing and essential infrastructure projects. 

The launch event is an opportunity to amplify the work of the Foundation, its mission, and its impact with real stories from those we have supported and our vision for our future growth with their support. (Link to page with case studies)

Leading this year's program, George Abraham says he was inspired to join the Foundation's board in a way of giving back because he'll be forever grateful to the many people throughout his 30-year career who have gone out of their way to help him in ways that he's needed at the time.

"Throughout my career, there have been great times and, of course, challenging times and what is clear to me is staying true to my professional and personal values of being able to develop people, and my role at the Foundation allows me to follow through and help those in the industry whether it's through grants, or introductions to help them through their careers," Mr Abraham says.

Since its inception, The Foundation has made a positive impact in the lives of individuals seeking a career in the building industry.

BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION FOUNDATION

Empowering the next generation of skilled workers and industry leaders through education, training, and industry partnerships. Our vision is that every individual has the opportunity to succeed in our industry through equitable access to education. The Building and Construction Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation. Through strategic partnerships, it supports individuals by providing scholarships, training, and opportunities to build meaningful careers, and a stronger, more inclusive construction industry for the future

GEORGE ABRAHAM

Chairman of the Building and Construction Foundation and MD of Hickory Group.

George oversees Hickory's construction workbook currently under contract worth over $1 billion and leads Hickory's vision to create better places for future communities.
His previous experience managed major projects for some of Australia’s largest building firms. His stakeholder management skills continue to deliver outstanding results for Hickory, where he takes pride in leading by example, working together with his teams to get the job done. 
Recognised for his strong leadership skills, stakeholder management and knowledge of industrial relations, he quickly rose to prominence in the industry and leads Hickory’s future success. George fosters an inclusive and collaborative culture at Hickory, leading teams to achieve outstanding results. He inspires action by sharing his knowledge and experience, with a natural ability to empower and unlock potential in others.