Builders, sparkies, arborists: Meet Dubbo’s best tradies
From builders to sparkies and arborists, we have found Dubbo’s most hardworking and reliable tradies who are passionate about their work. Here’s the list.
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Meet Dubbo’s most hardworking, reliable and dedicated tradies.
These tradies, ranging from builders to landscapers and electricians, are not only sought after in the community but also passionate about their jobs
MATT MCKAY – DUBBO ELECTRICAL AND THE DUBBO LIGHTING CENTRE
Dubbo Electrical owner Matt McKay has more than a decade of experience behind him in the industry, working 13 years in the electrical field.
He has owned a business in Dubbo for over eight years, but recently sold his former company to buy Dubbo Lighting Centre and his new electrical venture.
“We do everything electrical! It’s been very busy,” he said.
He started out with an apprenticeship in Sydney and decided to continue with electrical work as he thought it was a “good long-term option”.
MITCH HODDER – DUBBO TREE SERVICE
Dubbo Tree Service founder Mitch Hodder said he was working in lawn care when he wanted a career change and became an arborist more than six years ago.
Mr Hodder and his team, including three qualified arborists, provide a range of services to Dubbo like tree removal, pruning and trimming, land clearing and stump grinding.
Mr Hodder said the team covered the Central West including 24-hour emergency work.
“It’s really good, I enjoy it a lot – it’s grown a lot in the past couple of years,” he said.
DANNY RYAN – RYAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP
Danny Ryan established Ryan Construction Group in late 2021 after he completed his carpentry apprenticeship to concentrate on concreting and other building services.
Mr Ryan and his team specialise in all types of building and construction, with experience in residential homes, investment properties and renovations, along with large scale commercial projects.
“I love my work – everyday I’m outside and doing something different,” Mr Ryan said.
“It’s very rewarding when you complete a job, and the clients are happy.”
MATT RICHARDS – MR LANDSCAPING AND LAWN CARE SERVICES
With more than a decade in landscaping and lawn care experience, Matt Richards first started when he worked on a maintenance job at a school and progressed from there.
“I did a bit of hardscaping after that and really enjoyed it, so I kept pursuing it,” Mr Richards said.
MR Landscapes says it provide quality, cost effective, reliable services.
“Each job MR Landscapes does is undertaken with pride and an eye for detail no matter the size of the job, no job is too small,” Mr Richards said.
“We have just started back up after having the last six months off due to my little boy being diagnosed with Autism level three and two large cysts being found on his brain.
“I’ve been home with him assisting daily with global development, in the early days. We now have some really good assistance around us, which has allowed me to resume business.”
MITCH GRADY – MITCH GRADY CONSTRUCTION
Working in the construction industry for 14 years, Mitch Grady started as a cabinet maker then discovered he had a passion for building.
“I just loved it, so I wanted to do my own thing and it’s great,” Mr Grady said.
“I get to do what I love and see happy clients, that’s the most rewarding part, it’s quite a rewarding trade.”
The company covers all building works, residential and commercial, renovations and more.
HAYLEE BROWN – DUBBO SHOWERS AND SECURITY SCREENS
Dubbo Showers and Security Screens is a family-owned and operated glazing business, catering to residential and commercial clients.
Haylee Brown said her father Jay found a gap in the Dubbo market and started the business in 2021.
“He just wanted to start something different – it’s going very well – we’re doing amazing,” Ms Brown said.
“We supply, install and fix shower screens, we reglaze windows, security doors and windows and specialise in screen guard.”
She said her father started his apprenticeship in 1992.
MARK WILLIAMS – CJ HONEYSETT PLUMBING
Working for CJ Honeysett Plumbing for 33 years, Mark Williams said he got into the industry “by chance” and fell in love with it ever since.
“I was a slaughterman till I was about 25 or 26 until the company closed down then started labouring and the rest is history,” Mr Williams said.
“I do a fair bit of metal roofing, guttering and things like that … we learnt how to do a lot as we went along.
“I’ll be here as long as my boss keeps going, he’s 74 and been here for more than 50 years.”
Mr Williams said the company had an extremely good crew who were always looking after one another.
He said the business services general plumbing maintenance to installing septic tanks.
GREG HODGKINSON – NAUTICAL POOLS
Greg Hodgkinson established Nautical Pools 15 years ago after he “enjoyed it so much” and decided to take the leap and start his own business.
“It’s great, we’ve had a great run,” he said.
Mr Hodgkinson said the business services the Central West, including Oranges, Forbes and Parkes to facilitate the market.
He said he started working in the industry so he could be outside and satisfy clients.
“It’s nice to do something for people, when they say, ‘we really love our pool and what you’ve done’ it’s a big part of our business and keeps us going,” he said.
Mr Hodgkinson said the team handle everything from basic pool installations to elements of design, fencing, concreting and paving.
LENNIE SMITH – WESTERN PLAINS FLOORSANDING
With more than 27 years of experience, Lennie Smith started his own floor sanding business as a side gig which eventually became his full-time job.
Mr Smith said he started his apprenticeship after he played soccer with a mate who asked him if he wanted a job.
“I’ve always had other jobs on the side and done this on weekends but now I’m doing it full-time and love it,” Mr Smith said.
“I’ve had my own business for about 22 years now and really take pride in what I do.”
WILL SINCLAIR – INSINCARPENTRY
Insincarpentry was founded by Will Sinclair in early 2024, after finishing his apprenticeship with Taylor Made Buildings and working for BRAX Building.
“Having been brought up always doing something outside with my old man, I knew I’d have a career doing something hands on,” Mr Sinclair said.
“I chose carpentry, and even as time goes on, I still feel very fulfilled looking back on the end results of a project.”
He said the support from his previous work “fuelled” his passion to start his own business.
“I have a strong passion for what I do,” he said.
“At the end of the day, seeing a client happy with how I transformed their space makes it all worthwhile.
“I pride myself in the quality of my work and I place an emphasis on completing all jobs to a high standard.”
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