CEDoW News
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New Holy Spirit College Facilities Earn LDJ Group Top Building Award
The recent construction project at Holy Spirit College, Bellambi, has earned LDJ Group Builders the Master Builders Association (MBA) Southern Regions Excellence in Building Award.
The $12.5m project delivered six classrooms, a senior learning space, a resource centre, and staff facilities. The award was announced at the MBA Gala Awards Night on Saturday 26 July, at the University Hall in Wollongong.
The Southern Regions Excellence in Building Awards recognise craftsmanship and building excellence across the Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Shoalhaven, and Snowy Mountains regions. LDJ Group received the “Winner Public Buildings” award — the only non-residential project recognised, covering all public buildings, including government and council facilities, public works, and schools.
Chris Agnew, Principal of Holy Spirit College, praised the LDJ team’s professionalism and the quality of the finished facilities. “The LDJ team were extremely professional throughout the project, and the Holy Spirit College community are very pleased with the quality of the finished facilities and the improved learning and wellbeing outcomes for both students and staff.”
For the LDJ Group, the award is the result of significant teamwork and dedication from LDJ, Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW), Holy Spirit College staff, and consultants.
“Working with CEDoW was amazing. Firstly, we were shown a huge amount of faith in being able to deliver such a project,” said Craig Parsons, LDJ Group Managing Director. “There was no ‘us and them.’
“We all worked together as a team to achieve this result, and even more beneficial was being able to work with staff at CEDoW who have a great knowledge of building. This enabled us to collaborate to ensure all aspects of the build were of the highest level.”
Franc Spinelli, CEDoW Manager, Infrastructure Program, said the construction and renovation at Holy Spirit College has been both a physical and spiritual journey. “The most recent project delivered new quality learning spaces, a high-tech and highly functional student library and resource centre, and staff facilities that support wellbeing and collaboration. This new environment enables the school community to continue to teach and learn with enthusiasm and hope for the future.”
CEDoW will continue to lead an innovative approach to learning delivery by providing contemporary and inspiring facilities, ensuring sustainable funding sources grounded in our Catholic identity, to ensure our Catholic schools continue to thrive.
LDJ Group will enter the Holy Spirit College project in the 2026 MBA Excellence in State Awards, and if successful, in the National Awards. We wish them all the best with their application.