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Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2016-06-22 Daily Xml
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LR&M Constructions

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:32): I am delighted to rise today to speak about the incredible contribution by the civil industry of South Australia, and in doing so, put the spotlight on a proud South Australian family business, LR&M Constructions. As the shadow parliamentary secretary for small business and investment, I have the privilege of working closely with many industry bodies and business associations, including the Civil Contractors Federation, CCF SA, and the Urban Development Institute of Australia, UDIA (SA). This month, I was very honoured to be invited to the UDIA's event, which was sponsored by LR&M Constructions, as the company chose to mark its 50th anniversary year at the June luncheon.

Many South Australian businesses have to overcome difficult challenges to operate in the tough economic climate in South Australia. For a local family business like LR&M to reach a milestone of 50 years in its operation and to continue to make a difference in the industry and for the South Australian community, it ought to be highlighted and congratulated. LR&M Constructions, led by chairman John Chamberlain, has played an integral part in building South Australia over the past 50 years, collaborating with various companies and project teams to deliver residential development projects and nation-building infrastructure that are now an integral part of our state.

Many of my parliamentary colleagues, of course including the Hon. John Dawkins, and I have had the great privilege of knowing John and Yvonne Chamberlain and their family over the years. They are just wonderful people. They have a resilient commitment to working closely with the development industry in building South Australia. Their sound business acumen, exceptional personal and professional qualities, along with strong family values, demonstrate what a proud South Australian family business is all about. It is a great success story that is a source of inspiration to all of us.

That their relationships within the civil and development industry have sustained LR&M's business for over half a century is testimony to the values of their founders and the fortitude of those who have followed. LR&M Constructions was established by the Chamberlain family by Mr Lionel John Chamberlain, with his wife Mrs Miriam Chamberlain and son, Ronald Chamberlain. The company name, LR&M, came from the initials from the first names of each of the founders: Lionel, Ronald and Miriam.

The company had a humble beginning in 1966 and started as a one-man trucking operation founded after World War II by John Chamberlain's father, Lionel. LR&M was always a family company and remains so today, with John, his wife Yvonne, son Rob and two nieces, Britt and Amanda, forming a strong and cohesive workforce and management of the company.

Over the past 50 years, the organisation has operated right across the construction sector, with activity spanning earthmoving, civil contracting, quarrying, ready-mix concrete supply, pre-cast concrete product manufacturing, civil construction, residential subdivision, and land development. Today, family-owned LR&M is one of South Australia's most successful civil construction companies, employing 75 staff and with an annual turnover of about $30 million.

The company specialises in civil infrastructure works across the public and private sector and has built a particular reputation for wetlands development, earthworks, roadworks, airport runways, etc. LR&M has a diverse range of skills and expertise allowing them to be totally flexible in the range of projects that can be undertaken.

Due to their incredible dedication and hard work, LR&M has been awarded a number of distinguished industry awards throughout their history. The Institution of Engineers Australia SA Division awarded them South Australian Engineering Award. LR&M won these award in 1987 for the Lochiel Trial Pit Project, then again in 2002 for the Southern Expressway Stage 2.

CCF SA, in the Earth Awards, awarded LR&M the South Australian Award in 1995 for the Barker Inlet Wetlands and in 2001 for the South Expressway Stage 2. The Civil Contractors Federation also awarded them SA Training Awards' Award of Excellence in 2011. In 2016, CCF acknowledged the President's Lifetime Achievement Award, awarded to the company and to John Chamberlain. John Chamberlain is a true gentleman and a well-respected leader within the civil industry. He has been awarded a number of life memberships for his contributions, including:

Earthmoving Contractors Association of SA Life Membership in 1990;

Civil Contractors Federation Life Membership in 1996;

Civil Contractors Federation Hall of Fame in 2012; and

Urban Development Institute of Australia Fellowship Award in 2013.

It is my honour today to convey my heartfelt congratulations to John and Yvonne Chamberlain and the entire team of LR&M Constructions for their 50 years of achievements in South Australia.

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