Farewell, Peter Campbell

This week, we farewell Peter Campbell as he hangs up his boots after nearly 50 years in the construction industry.

Pete has had various stints with Paynters, always finding his way back to where he truly felt at home. Along the way, he’s built lifelong friendships, shared his wealth of knowledge, and mentored countless colleagues. He’ll be remembered as a stalwart of the industry.

We are grateful to Pete for his incredible contribution to Paynters and the industry, and we wish him all the very best for a long and well-deserved retirement.

Pete’s Career Journey:

• 1976 – Straight out of high school, Pete began an Apprenticeship in Carpentry in Sydney.
• Over the years, he progressed through the ranks with various builders, moving from Leading Hand to Site Foreman.
• After 15 years on the tools, he transitioned into the office as a Contracts Administrator.
• 1992 – Joined the Paynters family in Sydney as Project Manager, working there for six years and forming key professional relationships.
• Later made the move to Queensland, working with other builders and further expanding his knowledge and network.
• 2012 – Rejoined the Paynters family in Queensland, where he immediately felt at home.
• 2016 – Stepped away from Paynters and found himself on a different path, working in Design Management, before taking a break to travel.
• 2025 – Wanting to close out his career where it all felt right, Pete chose to return to Paynters for one final chapter. With encouragement from former juniors of his (and now Paynters General Managers) Mitch Kruk and Dan Burns, he came back knowing he would finish his journey surrounded by familiar faces, long-time colleagues, and the place he considered home.

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We sat down with him to reminisce on the past 50 years…

• Why construction?

It’s in my genetics – I come from a long line of stonemasons and carpenters. I actually wanted to be a boat builder, but couldn’t get an apprenticeship, so construction was the next best thing.

• Most Challenging and Favourite Project?

A couple of defence projects at Amberley (with another builder). These included specialised blast-proof buildings, a mission briefing theatre, and electro-magnetic proofing – very complex work. Another was the educational training facility at Amberley, with a gymnasium, logistics warehouse, parade ground, and dog kennels for training dogs. The technical demands taught me the importance of self-discipline, organisation, early trade letting, and a solid construction program.

• Funniest/Best Memory:

About 16 years ago, we were building the Clem-7 Tunnel Control building. Dan Burns was my Cadet at the time (with another builder). The tunnel surveyors gave us coordinates for the building location, so we completed the groundworks and footings in Brisbane’s tuff rock. Later, they discovered a major error, and the building had to be shifted 900mm east. It wasn’t funny at the time, but looking back, it’s a classic.

• Significant career highlight:

Helping Mitch Kruk and Dan Burns get jobs at Paynters and shaping them to be the men they are today – I’ll happily take full credit for that.

• How has the industry changed over the past 50 years?

When I was an apprentice, Black & Decker was the go-to brand, and a circular saw and hammer drill were “new technology”.

I didn’t start using a computer until 2005! Technology has advanced incredibly, it’s improved communication and accessibility, though sometimes there’s too much at our fingertips. The key is embracing the tools that actually make life easier.

Since returning to Paynters, I’ve noticed how the culture has evolved, people are more level-headed, and even the small touches, like biscuits in the kitchen, show just how much things have progressed since 2012.

• Advice for the next generation at Paynters?

Enjoy what you do! Get out of bed each day wanting to go to work, even when it’s tough. Construction is worth it and the years fly by faster than you think.

• What will you miss most?

The friendships, the banter, and the satisfaction from seeing the things you have built and leaving behind a great industry that’s looked after me well for nearly 50 years.

• What are your retirement plans?

Finally finishing my home renovations, travelling (London, Scotland, Ireland, New York, San Francisco, and Tasmania are on the list), and most importantly, spending time with my family and my three golden retrievers.