Master Builders is the peak building industry body in this region and has both led, and responded to, the dynamically changing environment of our industry.

The success of any organisation is measured in part by its achievements. In over 140 years of history there have been many milestones, and highlights of these include:

  • Founded in 1874 as the No 1 Branch of the Builders & Contractors Association of NSW.
  • Autonomy granted in 1902 as a full independent MBA (second oldest MBA in Australia).
  • Admitted as a member of the Master Builders Federation of Australia in 1909.
  • The expansion of offices from King Street to Watt Street Newcastle and the first Building Display Information Centre in 1967.
  • In 1947 Charles Davis, Past President of Newcastle MBA became our first Federal MBA President and in 1967 became the second Life Member of the Master Builders Association.
  • The Association researched, and MBA members restored, an early Australian pioneers cottage during its Centenary in 1974 and this is to be found today in Blackbutt Reserve as a donation to the people of Newcastle. It is a tribute to the sensitivity of heritage and the craftsmanship of today that ensured that this original building was saved and restored by MBA members.
  • The purchase and expansion of the Association’s headquarters and $1 million Building Centre at Lambton Road Broadmeadow in 1978.
  • In 1988 we established, built and co-managed the Building Industry Management Training Centre (BIMET Lodge) as a Newcastle residential training facility for country builders to attend weekend workshops.
  • The MBA, the RAIA and Newcastle City Council founded the Lower Hunter Civic Design Awards.
  • We were the first organisation to build (through our members) an accredited Kidsafe Display Home in NSW in 1989 – for the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia. We went on to build a second one.
  • We assisted with the Australian Institute of Building (AIB) and NSW Government in establishing the Building Degree course at Newcastle University in 1990.
  • Commenced the first University MBA Building Degree Scholarship in Australia at Newcastle University in 1990.
  • Unquestionably throughout the Association’s history one matter which stands greatest among all others is the contribution that the Association made to the post earthquake recovery for Newcastle in December 1989. For the undoubting and relentless input of the Association’s staff and members it was awarded the NSW Meritorious Unit service award by the then Governor of NSW in recognition of the services to the community.
  • Newcastle MBA Excellence in Building Awards were launched in 1995 and remain the premier Building Industry Annual Awards in the building industry in this area.
  • In 1995 we were the first MBA in Australia to introduce a University Scholarship for the Building Construction Degree course at Newcastle University. This was in addition to prizes for the top University student and TAFE apprentices.
  • In 1998/99 Paul Doran, Past President, was elected as President of Master Builders Australia. This honour is only the second time a National President has been elected from Newcastle MBA.
  • Primary sponsor for rebuilding Young Peoples Theatre (1998/99) after it was destroyed by fire.
  • Appointed as part of the Management Team for the post-earthquake rebuilding of Christ Church Cathedral; concluded (1998).
  • Group Training & Personnel scheme launched September 1999 – with 80 apprentices and trainees signed up in the first six months.
  • MBA was appointed, in 2000, as one of only 8 Authorised Nominating Authorities (ANA) under the innovative NSW Government Building & Construction Industry Security of Payments Legislation (SOP)
  • 28 July 2003 MBA Headquarters ($3.5million) was completely destroyed by a fire which started in the 1st floor Building Centre display area.
  • January 2007 sees the construction of the new MBA office on the prominent site at 165 Lambton Road Broadmeadow.