People at McNab

Backed every step of the way: Declan’s journey at McNab

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0000

When you hear the name Declan Rice, you might think of packed stadiums, Premier League glory and Arsenal chants echoing through London. Only ours doesn’t play midfield. Instead, McNab’s Declan Rice has spent the last 12 years delivering something just as impressive – complex, large-scale projects that genuinely change the way people live.

A Project Manager with more than a decade at McNab, Declan (or Dec as he’s known to workmates) has worked across student accommodation, multi-residential developments and aged care – including luxury apartments, affordable housing and facilities designed for people who need them most.
It’s a career built on purpose, trust and long-standing relationships, and it’s one he’s proud to call home.

A career that’s grown with McNab

Declan’s McNab story began back in 2014, when he joined the business as a Construction Cadet while studying a Bachelor of Urban Development (Construction Management) at Queensland University of Technology.

Since then, his career progressed naturally, building depth, capability and confidence over time:

Construction Cadet (2014–2016)
Contract Administrator (2016–2020)
Site Engineer (2020–2022)
Project Manager (2022–present)

“I started in estimating as a cadet while I was studying,” Declan says. “From there, I had the opportunity to work across a range of projects and roles, learning from people who genuinely wanted to see me succeed.” That support is something Declan still values deeply today – and something he now passes on to the teams he leads.

Building projects that matter

Over the years, Declan has delivered student accommodation and multi-residential projects across Queensland, but more recently his focus has shifted to aged care – an area he finds especially rewarding.

He’s currently delivering Rockpool Residential Aged Care Northshore, one of three facilities currently under construction for our long-term client Rockpool.

“Seeing people move into their new home for the first time is always pretty heart-warming,” Declan says.

“A key driver for McNab is that we want to enrich people’s lives on a day-to-day basis. Social and affordable housing, and aged care projects like these, are a very tangible example of that.”

It’s also a space where McNab’s values are lived, not just talked about – from safety and quality, to care for the people who will ultimately call these places home.

Relationships at the core

Ask Declan what sets McNab apart, and he doesn’t hesitate.

“Relationships are a massive part of what we do. We wouldn’t be where we are without them,” he says.

Those relationships span clients, consultants, subcontractors and McNab’s broader group of businesses – including Supplyhaus, Trades and Labour and Building Services. It’s one of the reasons nine out of ten McNab projects come from repeat clients.

“For me, that says everything,” Declan says. “People come back because they trust us, and because we deliver.”

Built for speed: Reece Holder’s run from site to the Olympics

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0000

Blink and you’ll miss him. McNab Project Administrator Reece “Lightning” Holder takes the title of the second-fastest Australian 400m runner of all time. From having a hand in nearly every project at McNab, to flying around a track in under 45 seconds, Reece proves you don’t have to choose between passion and profession.

When Reece joined McNab in 2023, he was already moving at a rapid pace, academically and athletically. While studying Construction Management and Urban Development at QUT and working at McNab, everything started to fall into place all at once.

“When I first came into McNab I was a construction cadet,” Reece says. “But at that time, I’d qualified for the Olympics and my whole training schedule flipped.”

Reece worked with McNab and advanced his role, transitioning into a Project Administrator within McNab’s 150+ person Trades & Labour team, focused on productivity and tracking.

Pursuing passions

Hours of training every day, studying at university and working might seem like a lot to balance, but Reece has found his groove. He knows that success is not a solo effort, crediting a good support system to his rise to an Olympian.

“I'm very fortunate and lucky with what McNab has done with me over the past few years, giving me the time off I needed for training and competitions,” Reece says.

Dropping down to two days a week, Reece still feels confident in his role at McNab whilst being able to pursue his passions.

A team that builds you up

Before Reece received a sponsorship from Nike, McNab delivered critical support in his success by covering all of his travel expenses leading up to the Olympic Games.

“That was huge, it helped me a lot,” Reece says. “I was never stressed. My team made everything seamless. When I left for the Olympics, they told me to not even bring my computer, they just wanted me to focus.”

That kind of trust made all the difference, as Reece went on to qualify for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.

“I can’t even put words to how it felt when I first got the call. You feel this sense of accomplishment and pride. The Olympics is the pinnacle of our sport. It’s something you work toward for your whole life,” Reece says.

Specialising in the 400 metres, Reece has already achieved incredible results, including a personal best of 44.53 seconds and finishing 14th overall at his Olympic debut.

But he’s far from finished.

With his sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Reece is entering the prime of his career.

Constructing a future

Reece credits McNab’s flexibility to his ability to focus on his track career.

“They've given me the time off I've needed. I’ve never felt boxed in,” Reece says.

“They truly want to help you grow. Everyone takes the time to help you understand things and develop your skills.”

From adjusting his workload to welcoming him back after months overseas, McNab ensured he never had to choose between trades and track.

“It’s changed my opinion of workplaces completely. McNab is somewhere you actually want to work,” Reece adds.

Your passion belongs here

For now, Reece is preparing for a future in construction, while still running at full speed.

“I’m learning as much as I can so when my track life is retired, I’ll be able to come back and excel in my career.”

Reece didn’t have to trade in his starting blocks for concrete blocks. At McNab you are supported in your hobbies and passions, and your team will be cheering for you every step of the way.

“If you’re passionate about something, why not pursue it?” Reece says.

Xanda Kerrs: Painting the Path to Success

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:06:37 +0000

From topcoats to top accolades, Xanda Kerrs is an exceptional painting apprentice with skills well beyond his years. With leadership, initiative and grit, he became a winner out of thousands, securing his status as Apprentice of the Year.

When Xanda began his painting apprenticeship with McNab in May 2024, he quickly made a strong impression. Now a third-year apprentice completing his Certificate III in Painting, he has already contributed to eight major projects.

“I've learned so much from my team, not just painting, but in all areas of construction. Going into commercial work was a great idea because there's just so much knowledge there,” Xanda says.

Apprentice of the Year Award

Xanda proved that "grit" isn't just something you find on a piece of sandpaper. His leadership and hard work led him to the 2025 TAFE Queensland SkillsTech CSQ Apprentice Awards where he won Painting Apprentice of the Year and overall Apprentice of the Year selected from over 12,500 eligible apprentices.

“When they called my name it took me by shock. It was amazing. Breathtaking. I couldn't believe it.”

“It's great to know that my hard work and my dedication is appreciated by TAFE and everyone at McNab,” Xanda says.

Xanda is primed to take on greater responsibility, now confidently performing complex techniques typically carried out by qualified painters such as texturing.

“It's quite a messy process, but it looks amazing,” Xanda says. “Texture painting is probably my expertise at the moment. It’s applying a very thick kind of paint to a ceiling or a wall and then finishing it with a stipple.”

Xanda’s latest projects

Top left: Electrolux Distribution & Experience Centre for Port of Brisbane
Top right: BHC Chermside
Top left: Surf Life Saving Mermaid Beach
Top right: Brickyard Road

A stroke above

Xanda played an integral role in the Social and Affordable Housing project at Chermside for McNab long term client BHC when he was a second-year apprentice. He patched and painted over 1300 sqm of soffits and took the initiative to complete a large portion of the soffit texturing independently.

He also delivered a high-quality gloss finish on doorways and breezeways, work typically reserved for more experienced team members, showcasing not only his technical ability but also a strong sense of ownership and responsibility.

“Leadership is about being able to take charge, but also team communication. It's taking initiative,” Xanda says.

“Xanda’s work on the BHC project was truly outstanding. What he delivered far exceeded what we’d typically expect from a second-year apprentice. His attention to detail, professionalism, and ability to work independently really stood out.”

Josh McPherson, McNab Site Manager of the BHC Chermside Project

Xanda isn’t just winning awards, he’s helping McNab build award-winning projects. He has played an integral role in delivering award-winning buildings, including the Electrolux Distribution & Experience Centre, a project targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating.

Xanda was trusted and carefully varnished this unique structure using a specialised product imported from Italy, designed specifically for GLT/CLT, demonstrating the high level of trust placed in him on complex, high-end builds.

“I'm always up to trying new things,” Xanda says. “Put your hand up, don't be afraid to ask questions. Challenge yourself and get into it.”

Leadership starts early

Xanda’s natural leadership capabilities leave a long-lasting positive impression on everyone he meets. When McNab recruited five painters from the Philippines to address labour shortages, Xanda stepped in to guide our painters to work ‘The McNab Way.’

“There was a language barrier there, so it was difficult to convey instructions, but I was able to effectively help them,” Xanda says. “When I receive information, I think I have a way of explaining it better than most people. Simpler I think.”

“We relied on them to work hard and represent McNab. So making sure that their quality was the same standard as ours was important,” Xanda says.

Big Steps Ahead

Life isn’t all soffits and stippling for Xanda. He recently moved out with his long-term partner, now fiancée, planning to tie the knot once he completes his apprenticeship.

When he’s not winning awards or planning a wedding, you’ll find him camping, fishing, or playing footy. But even on his days off, his hardworking mindset remains the same.

“You need drive and passion,” Xanda says. “It’s a problem-solving industry, so you just need to think two steps forward.”

On his third year of his apprenticeship and already building an impressive award collection, Xanda is more than two steps forward, he's already miles ahead.