Our Heritage

We're country builders at heart

Our Heritage

Since 1992, The Rural Building Co. has been building beautiful country homes for people across Western Australia. 

Over the years, we’ve built more than 6,000 homes, cementing our reputation as the homebuilder of choice in regional WA.

  • 1992

  • 1994

  • 1995

  • 1997

  • 2003

  • 2008

  • 2009

  • 2018

  • Today

1992

Where it all began

The Rural Building Co. is established by Julian Walter at the beginning of the ‘tree change’ movement. The company’s philosophy is founded on a deep understanding of what people need – and want – when they’re building in regional Western Australia.

First expansion

The company opens an office in Bunbury.

1994

Growth continues

The company’s presence in the regions grows, with the opening of offices in Busselton and Geraldton.

1995

Ongoing expansion

An office is opened in Bridgetown to further expand the company’s involvement in regional building.

1997

More new offices

Offices open in Albany and Avon as demand for The Rural Building Co.’s designs continues to grow.

2003

Building charity support

As part of the JWH Group, The Rural Building Co. becomes a major supporter of the Regional Telethon Home. Today, the JWH Group supports a variety of causes, including The Bridge Project, the Guide Dog Association, the Variety of Choice Home Lottery and the Metropolitan Telethon Home.

JWH Group formed

Julian Walter brings together The Rural Building Co., WA Country Builders and Oswald Homes to form the JWH Group, a family-run, family-owned Western Australian business.

2008

Next generation – Jay

Jay Walter, Julian Walter’s son, joins the family business in a business development role.

2009

Next generation – Alicia

Alicia Kelly, Julian Walter’s daughter, joins the family business as a management accountant.

2018

Hall of Fame honours

Recognised for its outstanding efforts in home building, the JWH Group is inducted into the National Family Business Australia (FBA) Hall of Fame.

Today

Future direction

The Rural Building Co. continues to stay true to its original philosophy, offering a range of home designs for both rural and urban settings. Clients know their new-home project is in safe hands because they’ve chosen a builder that is part of the JWH Group, Western Australia’s third-largest building company. Today, the JWH Group is also one of Australia’s top 10 largest building companies.

Meet the Team

When you partner with The Rural Building Co. to build your new home, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge and experience from our team members. They will work with you to incorporate your ideas, who you are, and how you want to live. With innovation and design at the forefront, our award-winning team will reflect the very essence of your own personal lifestyle.

Tony Harvie

General Manager

Our General Manager, Tony, grew up in regional Victoria, making him a country boy, born and bred. He joined the military at the age of 17, where he worked for an extensive period before transitioning into the construction industry. Tony initially worked for JWH Group, in the residential building division, before moving into the land development industry as General Manager of Sales and Marketing, at one of Australia’s largest and most successful Perth-based developers. From here, Tony made the move to a Group General Manager position, before rejoining the JWH Group in 2018. Today, Tony is the General Manager of The Rural Building Co. and WA Country Builders.

Peter Chellew

Sales Manager

A seasoned and experienced sales professional, with a career spanning more than two decades, Peter is The Rural Building Co.’s Sales Manager. Peter loves navigating the challenges that come with building on a rural site, and working with the team to find solutions. Peter enjoys keeping busy and active, using his leisure time to play touch rugby, golf, squash and water sports.

Manny De Brito

Regional Manager - South West

Manny has been working with the JWH Group since 1999, across a variety of roles within the business, such as estimating, scheduling and as Regional Manager in 2020. Manny currently leads our South-West team, who are extremely passionate about helping and supporting local families as they build their new homes throughout the region. Manny enjoys the entire building process, from start to finish. He says there is nothing more satisfying than helping people build their dream home. When Manny isn't at work, you'll find him on the golf course or supporting his daughters on the sidelines at their horse show-jumping competitions.

Rob Kirkovski

Designer Manager

Design Manager Rob has spent more than three decades immersed in architecture, interior design and construction. For the first decade of his career, Rob honed his skills at various architectural firms in Perth, specialising in luxury housing projects. After gaining valuable experience, he transitioned to working as an interior designer. After this, Rob joined the JWH Group. Over the course of the last two decades, his career has taken him across the vast expanse of Western Australia. From bustling urban centres to remote coastal towns, he’s had the opportunity to work on a wide range of housing typologies. Each project has presented its own unique challenges and rewards, shaping Rob into the versatile professional he is today.

Michael Brackenreg

Building Manager

Born and raised in Geraldton, our Building Manager, Mike, is a second-generation builder. Starting as a plumbing apprentice, and then working through the supervisory and construction manager ranks, Mike has worked across an extremely broad range of construction projects in his rich career. A registered builder, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge of construction methodologies and building practices. When not at work, Mike unwinds on the golf course, at the Eagles, or on his Sunday morning bike rides with mates.

Eshan Soleymani

Estimating and Cost Control Manager

A registered builder from Iran, Ehsan moved to Australia in 2013 and commenced his career in the residential building industry with JWH Group. Extending his quest beyond commercial projects and apartment buildings, Ehsan has also worked in a diverse range of roles including scheduling, estimating and office administration management. Ehsan’s analytical skills and process-orientated mindset form the base of his proficiency in process and performance management, showcasing his strength to driving continuous improvements in the business.

Carrie Anderson

Special Projects Manager

Carrie started working with the JWH Group in 2005 as a Construction Clerk and Trainee Scheduler Estimator. She quickly became a very valuable member of the Busselton division and within a year, was promoted to an Estimator. Being a working mum, Carrie had little time to waste and after four years in estimating, Carrie was promoted to Divisional Administration Manager. Carrie quickly moved up the career ladder, progressing to Office Manager, Process and Cost Control Manager, Regional Manager and now, Carrie oversees special projects in the project development division of the business. A fitness fanatic and loving mum of two daughters, Carrie loves to spoil her team with baked cakes.

Josh Lindsay

New Home Consultant

A south-west local, Josh has been working in the property industry for over 12 years, specialising in off the plan sales. During this time, he has developed a great understanding of market trends and conditions, with comprehensive knowledge of the West Australian property market. Josh has a passion for helping people on their property journey by building their property portfolios, with a proven track record in exceeding client’s expectations and delivering results of the highest standard. When he’s not working, Josh enjoys an active lifestyle, spending time with his family and chasing waves.

Peter Bilston

New Home Consultant

Peter joined JWH Group in 1992 in Perth and made the move to the South-West in 1999. Peter has worked in the building industry for over 25 years and has gained extensive knowledge across the board including two storey, rural properties and coastal designs to suit all different types of clients and requirements. When not at work, Peter can be found socialising with friends and enjoying time with his two boys.

Todd Branson

New Home Consultant

Todd joined the Rural Building Co. south-west division in 2008, after a much-needed sea change to beautiful Dunsborough. With over 17 years’ experience in the building industry, Todd’s knowledge and passion for new homes continues to grow year after year. Todd’s commitment to helping his clients build their dream homes means that he will be right beside them every step of the way. When he’s not working, Todd loves scouring our spectacular coast for the perfect wave, supporting the Fremantle Dockers and spending quality time with his family.

Get in Touch

Whether you’re looking to browse our range of beautiful home designs, view our inspirational display homes, or build a custom home, contact us today and discover Rural Building Co.’s better building experience.

Contact leaf

Bunbury

  • Office9754 9000
  • Sales9792 0107
  • AddressBunbury Homemaker Centre, 42 Strickland St, Bunbury, WA, Australia

Busselton

  • Office9792 0100
  • Sales6141 6825
  • Addressunit 2 11/13 Bussell Highway, Busselton WA, Australia