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A proud family business, Zauner is an industry leader in major commercial and residential construction.

While we specialise in projects across regional Australia, we also have experience in bringing our family brand of contracting to major works projects into the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Melbourne,and Hobart.

 

The business was founded with humble beginnings in 1958 by Rudi and Greta Zauner. Since then, Zauner has grown into a dynamic commercial construction and development company, expanding to have satellite offices in Orange and South Coast New South Wales. Despite the increase in size, value, and number of projects that Zauner now delivers, it proudly remains a family owned and operated business that stays true to its roots. The company has ensured it has maintained the core values and relationship-focussed ethos that were established in its early beginnings. We have members of our team who have been with us for almost four decades who have shared the journey and now actively mentor our next generation.

 

Today, Zauner is recognised for the versatility and quality of the projects it delivers. With a demonstrated track record spanning over 65 years, we have successfully delivered a wide range of construction projects across different industry sectors of varying size and complexity. Zauner is proud of its project portfolio which consistently reflects the high quality commercial, retail, and industrial construction projects it has delivered for its clients and for our local communities. Every project is tackled with pride, regardless of scale or profile.

 

Zauner’s ethos is ‘Pride in Workmanship’, and this is reflected in the reputation that Zauner has built and maintained. For over 6 decades, Zauner has been recognised as one of Australia’s most respected and client-focussed regionally based commercial construction companies. Our quality of workmanship has been consistently commended by our clients, peers and industry leaders. This is reflected in our success with many Excellence in Workmanship and Quality awards, including Master Builders Australia New South Wales and Victoria Excellence in Construction Awards. Zauner has been voted regional builder of the year on several occasions.

 

People and Culture

The key to success is our people.

We pride ourselves on our highly motivated, committed and qualified team with a diverse range of skills and industry experience. We have built a culture that values ownership, integrity and excellence. This is achieved throughout the business by ensuring information is shared, support of staff is provided and an inclusive culture exists, where all can contribute to the development of the business.

Our people can be their best by bringing their most authentic selves to work every day. Our gender ratio exceeds industry average, and we are constantly seeking to bolster our female work numbers, as well as cadet and graduates towards becoming future industry leaders. We have an environment where all individuals are treated equitably, fairly and enables and empowers people to access opportunities, develop personally and professionally and fully contribute to Zauner’s success.

In the spirit of reconciliation Zauner Construction acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Leadership Team

The key to our success is our people and our culture. The Zauner team is highly motivated, committed and qualified, with diverse skills and industry experience.

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Garry Zauner

Managing Director and CEO

Garry has undertaken the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Zauner Group for over 35 years.  After graduating from the Australian National University in Canberra, Garry gained extensive experience in business management before returning home to join the company in 1988. His varied previous experience laid the groundwork for his successful leadership in the family-owned business.

Today, Garry is proud to continue walking in the footsteps of his parents and the business’s founders, Rudi and Greta, in delivering quality projects across Australia and particularly regional Australia. Known for his inclusive and relationship-focused leadership, Garry has skilfully expanded the business while preserving its core family values and pride in workmanship. Under his management, the Zauner Group has become one of the most successful and respected major construction companies in regional Australia. Garry is also responsible for establishing the businesses’ property development arm and property management portfolio, and for expanding its operations to include aviation and pastoral divisions.

Garry remains a hands on leader, and enjoys remaining actively involved in the direction of our construction projects. He holds unlimited commercial and residential construction licences and accreditations across the industry, including New South Wales, Victoria, the ACT, and Tasmania.

When Garry is not working in the business, he is typically busy putting his other accreditations to work. He is the proud holder of a multi engine private IFR aviation ratings and a multi-combination heavy vehicle licence, and enjoys flying and assisting with farm operations including putting the B Double license to work.

Ella Zauner

Director of Group Strategy

Having grown up in the family business, Ella officially joined the company in 2019. In her role, she acts as a trusted adviser to the business and its stakeholders, with a focus on business strategy, corporate governance, and risk management.

Ella draws on the commercial and legal expertise she has gained over almost a decade. After graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of International Relations majoring in Business, Ella worked as a litigator at a global law firm and then as a commercial barrister in Melbourne. She has experience acting for and advising a range of clients, including construction and development firms (and their clients), ASX listed companies, and Australian and international government departments and regulators. Specialising in commercial law, she has particular experience in corporate, property and construction, insolvency and restructuring, and contract law matters. During her time as a lawyer, Ella worked across a range of matters including complex and large-scale litigation and in-house reporting to the Office of General Counsel of a major financial services provider in Sydney.

Ella’s experience is complemented by her engaged and people-focussed approach, which significantly contributes to the Zauner Group’s strategic direction. She is passionate about supporting the family business, and enjoys fostering meaningful relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Outside the office, Ella enjoys travelling, spending time with family and friends, and, controversially, barracking for Collingwood.

Ronan Pringle

Chief Operating Officer

As Chief Operating Officer, Ronan plays a pivotal role in overseeing Zauner’s construction operations. His strategic leadership is key in upholding Zauner’s culture and standards across projects, particularly in safety, quality, and sustainability.

Ronan’s extensive experience in commercial construction spans over two decades, including over 11 years in senior management and executive positions at leading construction companies in Melbourne and Canberra. During this period, Ronan successfully managed approximately $3 billion in diverse construction projects, covering sectors such as education, multi-residential, industrial, government, retail, health, and fit-outs.

As a solutions-focused COO, Ronan skilfully merges practical strategies with a dedication to talent development and client relationships. His commitment to operational efficiency, site safety, and project quality forms the foundation of his approach, steering his efforts to exceed client expectations in project delivery.

Ronan is actively involved in local sporting communities, coaching girl’s rugby union at Albury Streamers and ski racing at Falls Creek. He also dabbles in breeding highland cattle, a nod to his Scottish roots.

Matt Howard

Chief Commercial Officer

Matt’s 15 year journey at Zauner Construction has seen him progress to his current position as Chief Commercial Officer. During his time with the business, Matt has played a key role in the successful delivery of some of Zauner’s largest, most complex, and prestigious projects including the Branksome Hotel and Residences in Sydney, and the Bloomfield Precinct in Orange, New South Wales.

A carpenter by trade, Matt brings a depth of industry knowledge and experience through his former roles in site management, contract administration, project management and construction management across a range of commercial sectors including hospitality, health, retail, education, office and residential. During this time, Matt has specialised in design and value management, and completed a Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Economics and Commercial Law) at Deakin University.

In his current role, Matt leads Zauner’s in-house development portfolio, working closely with internal teams and external consultants to manage the procurement, planning and design process from concept to completion. Matt is also responsible for the continuous improvement of Zauner’s operational internal processes and systems.

Matt’s combination of determination, diligence, and strong integrity is pivotal in achieving positive outcomes for the Zauner team and its project stakeholders, as well as contributing to the overall success of the business.

In his personal time Matt enjoys spending time with his family and maintaining his running fitness.

Janet Waite

Board Advisor

With over 30 years’ of experience as a finance professional, Janet is a valued and effective advisor to the Zauner Group’s Board and Executive team. In this role, she works closely with the business to advise on strategic decisions, coach executives, lead special projects, and maintain governance oversight.

Since beginning her career as a Chartered Accountant in public practice, Janet has successfully managed various finance teams in a range of different firms. From her considerable experience in business expansions (both domestic and international), she is particularly skilled in strategic planning and execution, and change management across various industry sectors. Prior to her current role as Board Advisor, Janet acted as the Chief Financial Officer of the Zauner Group for a decade. A dynamic and effective leader, she was integral to the company’s significant growth during that period, and her legacy includes implementing an industry ERP solution and transforming the financial landscape of the Zauner Group. Today, Janet employs her forward-thinking and action-oriented style, as well as her deep knowledge of the business, to continue to effectively drive organisational excellence.

Having recently completed her Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science at Deakin University, Janet is now pursuing a Masters in Psychological Practice. A Board Director of Lifeline Albury Wodonga, Janet has always engaged in volunteering alongside her professional career, including working with refugees and as a telephone crisis supporter, highlighting her deep commitment to community service.

In her personal life, Janet is equally devoted to her family, which includes three Jack Russells, and enjoys outdoor activities like paddleboarding and camping.

Leah Stevenson

Chief Financial Officer

As Chief Financial Officer, Leah’s key focus is maintaining the financial health and long-term sustainability of all entities across the Zauner Group. She is responsible for leading financial operations, overseeing process optimisation initiatives, and implementing robust financial strategies that contribute to the growth, success, and stability of all core businesses.

Leah is a Chartered Accountant with two decades of diverse experience across a range of industries including ‘Big Four’ accounting, major financial services, healthcare, and education. Leah has demonstrated financial acumen and expertise, with specialisation in financial management, risk assessment, and strategic forward planning.

At Zauner, Leah leads our finance team, and works closely with our internal leadership and project teams, as well as external stakeholders, partners, and lenders. She is reliable and proactive, with a deep understanding of financial intricacies and industry best practices, and always maintains a focus on sustainable growth, a strong balance sheet, and certainty for clients, our subcontractors, and our people.

Outside of work, she is a proud mum of 3 young kids and enjoys getting out and about bushwalking, running, levelling up her beginner tennis game, and exploring our amazing Albury-Wodonga region.

Peter Hovar

Tender / Quality Manager

After joining Zauner Construction in the early days alongside Garry Zauner, Peter has been a key architect of the business as it stands today. With over 30 years’ experience with the company, Peter has submitted more than 400 successful tenders, and has been instrumental in shaping the ‘new works’ department, contributing significantly to the company’s success and growth through his expertise in tender management and quality assurance.

Peter has a BASc in Quantity Surveying which, combined with his extensive industry experience and finely tuned instincts, helps the business identify project risks and opportunities during the tender and negotiation phase, and manage key stakeholder needs and expectations, from pre to post project award. As an integral member of the leadership team, his involvement does not end when a job is won. Peter continues to be available and engaged throughout each project’s lifecycle, with a readiness to offer expert advice to project teams that underscores his commitment to delivering exceptional client service at Zauner.

Renowned for his passion and innovative spirit, Peter is affectionately known as ‘a machine’ — a testament to his ability and dedication to quality outcomes. Despite his rigorous work ethic, Peter remains true to the company’s relationship-focussed approach to leadership, and he generously shares his time and expertise to nurture the next generation of professionals at Zauner.

Outside of the office, Peter lives for family and (round ball) football, and enjoys tinkering away on the home acreage.

Peter Hertzog

HSE Manager

As HSE Manager, Peter oversees all aspects of Zauner Construction’s safety, health, and environmental compliance. His proactive leadership is crucial in embedding the company’s commitment to safety across all projects.

Peter has an extensive background in developing innovative safety solutions and workplace safety culture. Drawing on his experience mentoring large teams of safety professionals on major mid-rise construction in Asia, he has a demonstrated track record of providing practical and efficient safety solutions, and invaluable experience leading safety professionals to troubleshoot and improve safety performance and culture on major construction projects. His role as a Lead Auditor in Safety, coupled with his extensive background in incident investigation, further enhances his expertise in managing and improving safety standards at Zauner.

At Zauner, Peter brings his depth of experience and knowledge to all aspects of leading the HSE Team. His approach is characterized by responsiveness, effectiveness, and a motivation to build positive relationships both within the company and with external partners and regulators, with a focus on achieving positive, efficient, and safe project outcomes.

When he isn’t navigating the complexities of workplace safety, Peter embraces the outdoors, and can be found swinging on the golf course, casting lines while fishing, carving slopes when skiing, and tackling trails on his mountain bike.

Serene Gray

Human Resources Manager

Serene has acted as Zauner’s Human Resources Manager for over a decade. Serene is responsible for leading all HR functions at Zauner Construction, including the recruitment and management of its people, and is known for fostering a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and learning that supports the growth and development of our teams and our talent.

Starting her career with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Human Resources Management and Marketing, Serene has since gained over 20 years’ of multi-sector experience including working in complex medium and large-scale organisations throughout Australia and the United Kingdom. A dedicated and results-driven HR professional, she has a demonstrated track record of driving initiatives to support company growth while promoting a positive and healthy workplace culture.

At Zauner, Serene has established herself as a trusted, engaged, and passionate employee advocate and mentor. She is known to thrive working with business leaders to achieve outcomes through an effective balance of HR practices, HR developments, employee engagement initiatives, and talent acquisition, with a focus on aligning people to business strategy and operational culture and values. She is also a member of Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) and a qualified Return to Work co-ordinator.

Outside of work, she finds herself happily busy with family and sporting commitments, and enjoys recharging her batteries by walking with her dog up the local mountain ranges.

David Murray

Construction Manager

During his nearly two decades at Zauner Construction, David’s commitment and innate leadership skills have seen him naturally transition to the position of Construction Manager with extensive experience in private, public, health, education, heritage and aged care construction.

With over 45 years in the industry, David is a trusted and highly respected construction professional whose breadth and depth of experience is an asset to the company and each of his projects. From high-rise developments in Melbourne’s CBD to specialized builds in remote regions of New South Wales, David’s project portfolio is diverse and extensive, also encompassing shopping centres, office developments, hospitals, aged care facilities, schools, and heritage sites. His expertise also extends to complex industrial and civil projects, including those in remote locations, like the significant rebuild of Dartmouth Dam power station.

David’s construction expertise is complemented by his talent for nurturing strong, collaborative relationships and a management style that enhances teamwork not only within the company, but also with clients, consultants, and suppliers. Both his technical capability and leadership style are key to his ability to effectively manage projects and lead the teams that build them. David is also a natural mentor throughout the business, and plays a crucial role in mentoring young professionals, promoting their career development.

Outside of work, he leads an active life and loves to travel, ride his motorbike, garden, and snow ski.

Marc Cifali

Construction Manager

As Construction Manager, Marc brings a collaborative and practical attitude and management style to the range of projects he oversees at Zauner Construction.

After obtaining his Bachelor of Construction Management from Deakin University, Marc gained a range of experience with various Tier 2 and Tier 3 construction companies. Marc has successfully delivered a range of projects in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, while also completing his Masters of Construction Law from the University of Melbourne. In that time, Marc has developed a particular expertise in ‘design and construct’ projects in the industrial, commercial, residential, retail and medical sectors. In his current role, Marc is known as a productive and hands-on manager who brings a positive and proactive attitude to projects. His strong focus on customer service and innovation is ultimately for the benefit of both those he works with and his clients.

Marc’s passion for building is obvious both in his work and personal life, as Marc enjoys dabbling in home renovating in his own time. Marc also enjoys raising his young daughter, and (where time allows), dabbling in song writing.

Jason Martin

Construction Manager

As Construction Manager at Zauner, Jason is responsible for overseeing some of Zauner’s most complex projects from the early stages through to commissioning and completion. His capacity to understand the client’s desired outcomes and align project execution with client’s strategic goals is an integral aspect of the success of his projects.

Jason brings to this role over 25 years’ working in the development and construction industries, in which time he managed approximately $2 billion worth of projects across the education, commercial, infrastructure, and defence sectors. With experience managing teams and projects with an approximate annual value of $100 million, Jason is a construction specialist renowned for his ability to deliver complex projects on time and on budget.

Jason’s extensive knowledge and experience are invaluable assets to Zauner. His commitment to refining construction methodologies and fostering a collaborative team environment underscores his dedication to superior client service and the successful, safe completion of projects.

Outside of work Jason enjoys playing golf with his young son, water skiing with the family, and taking a well-earned ride around the countryside.

Steve Escott

Operations Manager

With over four decades’ experience in the construction industry, including over two decades at Zauner Construction, Steve brings a wealth of expertise and insight to the business. In his role as Operations Manager, Steve plays a central role in the success of Zauner’s diverse projects and is highly valued by both site team and clients, contributing on-site leadership that is grounded in his practical expertise and extensive knowledge of commercial construction.

Steve has a demonstrated track record for facilitating the successful delivery of award-winning projects to a diversified list of clients. Starting at Zauner in 1999 as a Site Manager, Steve quickly established a reputation as a highly knowledgeable construction professional, with specialised experience in Design and Construct projects. At Zauner, his project portfolio ranges from luxury apartments in Toorak, Melbourne, the Branksome Hotel and Residences in Sydney, and more locally, the Albury Library Museum and Murray Art Museum Albury (or ‘MAMA’), and The Cube in Wodonga.

Steve’s extensive experience is matched by his natural affinity for people, which enhances his collaborations across all projects and project partners. He is known for his dedication and commitment to delivering quality projects over the lifecycle of the build, from turn of sod to final commissioning.

When Steve is not on site, he enjoys Sunday drives with his wife and two boys, teaming his love for family and passion for old Australian cars.

Health, Safety & Environment

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Zauner Construction operates a fully integrated Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental management system which is accredited by an independent certification body.

We foster a strong culture of health and safety at every workplace. Our people are our most important asset and the community an important stakeholder; as such, their health, safety and welfare are our most important responsibilities. We provide a fair, safe and just culture for all workers, subcontractors and visitors.  We care passionately about the health and safety of our employees and contractors as this is vital to our success.

Our Health & Safety Management System is accredited to AS/NZS ISO 45001 and the WHS accreditation scheme of The Office of Federal Safety. As our certifications and accreditations attest, we are committed to best-practice operations, particularly in terms of quality and safety. The guiding principle driving our approach is one of continuous improvement. We hold ISO 9001 Quality Management Certification.

We embrace environmental management goals. We fully support the principles of ecologically sustainable development through effective resource and energy management, including the use of environmental protection, pollution control and conservation of natural resources. We operate a certified environmental process and are accredited to ISO 14001 Environmental Management System EMS. This system is incorporated into our Integrated Management System IMS.

Safety is at the heart of Zauner’s culture.

For decades we have been at the forefront of the industry’s safety drive.

The key components of Zauner’s safety culture are:

  • Absolute commitment from Zauner’s leadership team
  • Significant investment of resources
  • Written policies and procedures
  • Dedicated safety communication throughout the business on every project
  • A continuous improvement culture

The Zauner Health, Safety and Environment Management System Manual

Zauner has invested in several safety management software platforms, including HammerTech, Procore and JobPac. These ensure safety is integrated into purchasing, design, contracts and the management of contractors.

Safety is integrated right throughout Zauner, from the boardroom to the work site cafeteria.

Our Difference

Communication

At Zauner we understand the importance of effective communication and collaboration, whichis an invaluable requirement to ensure success on all our projects. We pride ourselves on our ability to collaborate seamlessly with stakeholders, based on open and honest communication, and realise that sharing of knowledge and information is a key element of a successful collaboration between stakeholders. Our history of successful, repeat projects confirms that our ethos of being a partnering and collaborative contractor is effective.

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Training & Development

We maintain the philosophy that success is built on a team approach and the quality, integrity and training of its people. The growth of competencies within our team is necessary to achieve our business goals and adapt to the ever changing business environment we work in. This growth in competencies will not happen unless we invest in on-going people development.

Aboriginal Participation

Albury Wodonga is a region where Aboriginal and European culture live side by side, in a community that is every bit as culturally rich and diverse as its past and present inhabitants. We value workplace diversity, incorporating Aboriginal participation as a core function in our project management processes. We maintain Aboriginal cultural awareness and respect in the workplace. We aim to build strong relationships with Aboriginal communities to promote, encourage and create training and employment opportunities on all construction projects we undertake.

“Our approach to diversity is what sets us apart and we continue to engage with our culturally diverse community”.

Community Engagement

We understand that the way we approach the community is critical to the success of our projects. We are committed to ensuring we anticipate and understand all community concerns and needs, and design construction methodologies to ensure minimal impacts.

We build partnerships with a broad range of sectors including community, education, government and business. Our partnerships enrich our work, transform our capacity, advance our partners’ objectives, and open up opportunities.

In all of our sponsorships, charities and local partnerships, we want to play an active role and contribute through our expertise to support our local communities.

Employee Workplace Giving Program

Zauner Construction is proud of the close partnership with Lifeline Albury Wodonga where the workplace giving program has been a valuable way to support this charity. The simple but extremely effective idea behind the workplace giving program is that employees can decide to donate a small amount from each pay before tax. 100% of the donations go to the training of crisis support workers.

Lifeline is available to everyone 24/7. Its vision is for an Australia free of suicide and it provides crisis support and suicide prevention services.

For more information, please click here.

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Traineeship – Certificate III in Business, GAP Year

The Zauner Construction Traineeship position provides a wonderful opportunity for the right person to work with the Zauner team in the Albury Office. Open to school leavers, the traineeship is a great way to earn and learn, gain valuable life and professional skills.

The position receives training support within work hours from MP Training and work colleagues, providing an opportunity where you get to learn on the job and be a part of a professional team in a friendly environment.

For further information on the next available position, please contact Serene Gray; [email protected]

Aviation

The Zauner Group has over 20 years of professional aviation experience, including the operation of flight training schools, international flight training, commercial hot air ballooning and private business operations, all operating to world best practice standards.

 

Our passion for flying enables us to provide our clients in remote and regional areas of NSW, VIC and Australia with a truly professional and integrated service. This includes FIFO operations into remote and very short airstrips as well as long distance all weather travel.  Today, the Zauner Group relies on the amazing Pilatus PC12 NGX turbo prop aircraft as the backbone of its aviation services.