Award-winners work helped shape the city
THEY have shaped the growth of the Gold Coast and been integral to the city’s changing skyline.
One of Queensland’s oldest surveying and town planning firms for almost 50 years has been part of the city’s proud development history.
Bennett and Bennet has been honoured in the Gold Coast Business Excellence awards for July, taking out the Trades, Services and Professions award.
The firm was set up by brothers Ted and Lin Bennett in 1968.
Bennett and Bennett executive director Paul Jones said the company, which now has its headquarters in Upton St, Bundall, has grown to have 110 employees working in six offices throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory.
“Our customers range from ‘mum and dad’ property owners through to large developers, mining and exploration companies and all level of governments,’’ Mr Jones said.
“Some of our major clients include Lend Lease, Laing O’Rourke, Sunland, Brookfield Multiplex, the Department of Main Roads, Gold Coast City Council, Australand, Grocon, BMD, Stockland, Rix Developments, Mirvac and Halcyon.”
Mr Jones said the company’s long history meant its footprint had been stamped across the Coast.
“Some of the iconic Gold Coast developments that we have been involved with include the Paradise Centre, Ephraim Island, Chevron Renaissance, Royal Pines, Marriot Hotel, Gold Coast Turf Club, Couran Cove and various Gold Coast theme parks,’’ he said.
“In recent times we have been involved with developments such as the Oracle towers, Soul, Hilton Surfers Paradise, the Gold Coast University Hospital, Griffith University and the Rapid Transit System Stage 1.”
Mr Jones said the company would celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2018, as the Gold Coast hosts the Commonwealth Games.
He said a part of the firm’s success was due to looking after its employees.
“I am proud to be part of a company that offers opportunity for staff and ... provide them with a direct path through study or advancement that can lead to business ownership,” he said.
“Our managing director Greg Short is a good example. He originally started as a labourer in the company 30 years ago and through opportunities provided and an excellent work ethic, he has risen through the ranks and is now managing director.”
In other categories, Secure Internet Storage Solutions locked up the Mayor’s Innovation trophy, Regen Australia won the Environment and Sustainability category, Totally Workwear showed a clean pair of heels in Retail, Wholesale and Distribution, GCOMM hooked up Knowledge Management, Knotwood screwed down the Manufacturing and Construction award, The Scenic Day Tour Group cruised away with the Tourism, Hospitality and Events gong, Above and Beyond Funerals claimed the Emerging Business award, Usher & Son took out the Family Business category and PhysioSpine collected the honours in Health and Wellbeing.