Bunin
Bunin
Acknowledgement of Country
Bunin recognises the rich Indigenous heritage of this country and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live. We pay our respects to their Elders both past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Bunin acknowledges the past, recognises the present and looks forward to contributing to a brighter future.
Overview
Bunin (pronounced Boo’nin) means ‘BUILD’ in traditional Gubbi Gubbi language and culture.
A new and unique Indigenous business partner of the Schiavello Group, Bunin was established to reflect the recent change of ownership of Schiavello’s former Indigenous business. Bunin is led by Alec Brown, Director of Operations and a proud Gubbi Gubbi man.
Bunin’s approach centres around building on the three pillars of reconciliation
– relationships, respect and opportunities.
Building strong relationships with clients and suppliers is central to what we do, ensuring a solid foundation for our business. This extends to fostering meaningful relationships with the Indigenous community, as we know that by working closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, we can better understand the barriers they face and help shape a brighter future.
Respect is key to these relationships, not only between ourselves, clients and suppliers, but also respecting the customs and practices of Indigenous people and their communities.
With the growth of Bunin comes the opportunity for more sustainable employment and participation opportunities for local Indigenous people. We recognise the important role employment plays in boosting self-esteem, economic security and overall health and wellbeing for Indigenous people, their families and wider communities. This remains a big focus for us and a personal passion for Alec.
Meet Director
Alec Brown
Leading the way
Alec Brown is a proud Gubbi Gubbi man who looks to his ancestral spirits with gratitude and respect. He is a Traditional Owner of the Gubbi Gubbi area, with ongoing connection to country within Gympie, the Mary River, Nambour, Buderim, Maroochydore and Caloundra.
Although he has never lived on country, Alec is grateful to have grown up and currently live on beautiful Quandamooka Country.
Alec credits his mother for instilling in him the importance of respect and sharing his Indigenous culture through his community and career practices. His upbringing was filled with stories of his Indigenous heritage, culture and values, many of which he continues to carry with him.
Aboriginal heritage defines Alec’s identity and can be traced back to Towcha, his three-time Great Grandmother. He never forgets however, the melting pot of other cultures that run through his veins – South Sea Island, Senegalese and Irish from his grandmother (Nanny), Pearl Renouf.
Alec draws his inspiration from his Grandfather (Poppy), Frank Renouf, who grew up in Apple Tree Creek. A strong hard-working, highly intelligent black man, Alec’s Poppy was a labourer, a cane cutter and an accomplished boxer who boxed in Jimmy Sharman’s boxing tent. He worked tirelessly for his family, with Alec’s mum being the youngest of the seven kids.
In his later life, Alec’s Poppy worked in a factory in Brisbane and advocated for workers safety through unionised action. He once saved a man’s life, stopping him from falling into a vat of boiling syrup. As was often the case though, the ugliness of racism presented when as a leading hand at the factory, a white worker refused to work under him. Sadly, not an uncommon occurrence when it was the policy of the day to have Aboriginal people only educated to a level that did not bring them into ‘economic or social conflict with the white community’.
“Advocacy and advancing the rights and interests of others and in particular our First Nations Peoples is what I want my life’s work to be. I want to be like him,” says Alec. Aiming to be an inspiring and positive role model for Indigenous youth across the country, Alec is heavily involved in his local football (soccer) community, working part-time as a Referee for Football Queensland. This role sees Alec ensuring both the health and safety of players, as well as building a sense of respect amongst youth and the broader sporting community. In addition to officiating league matches, Alec has also gained experience as a referee at the First Nations Indigenous Football Cup and Indigenous Festival of Football events.
Alec began his Operations Management career with the Schiavello Group, starting out as a Contract Administrator in Schiavello’s Brisbane office. Throughout his time, he progressed through Administration, Project Coordination and Operations, working closely with clients as well as the broader project management and onsite Schiavello team.
Bunin Pty Ltd presents an exciting new opportunity for Alec. As 50% JV Partner and Director of Operations of Bunin Pty Ltd, Alec will work closely with leaders across the Schiavello Group and wider network to drive Indigenous engagement, education and employment.
Community Contribution
The Murri School – Cowboys Community Foundation
The Cowboys Community Foundation was established in 2015 by the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, drawing on over 20 years of community leadership, corporate social responsibility and successful community program delivery.
The primary objective of the Foundation is to improve the lives of individuals, families, communities and the economy through equitable access to education, training and employment.
Their work aims to improve education, employment, health and social outcomes, and effect change through education-based programs.
Cowboys Community Foundation is the registered trading name of Cowboys Charity Limited, a deductible gift recipient (DGR).
Bunin Projects
State-of-the-art spaces
Caloundra Library
Formerly one of the oldest and busiest libraries in the Sunshine Coast network, Caloundra Library has recently been transformed into a brand-new cutting-edge facility, encompassing three levels of district library, customer service centre and community spaces.
Designed by Wilson Architects, this build will meet the growing demand for a modern learning experience through extended operating hours, programs and services.
The facility houses approximately 130 council staff members and is expected to deliver significant social and economic benefits, as well as support education, creative development and community engagement.
The council placed a high priority on all furniture being Australian made and engaged Schiavello’s Indigenous partner Bunin to procure a portion of workplace furniture. Bunin is led by Alec Brown, Director of Operations and a proud Gubbi Gubbi man, which is also the land that the city of Caloundra lives on. In supporting Bunin, Caloundra is also supporting the Federal Government’s initiative, with the ultimate aim of improving outcomes for our Indigenous community.
Origin Energy National Densification Project (2025) - VIC, NSW, QLD & SA
Wyndham Law Courts (Victorian Court Services) (2025) - VIC
Swinburne University of Technology (2024) - VIC
Craigieburn Community Hospital (2024) - VIC