About us

Ron McFadyen is the founder and General Manager of McFadyen Pipeline Construction, bringing more than four decades of hands-on pipeline construction experience to the business.

A proud Queenslander born on the Gold Coast, Ron began his career as a 17-year-old pipelayer in Bright, Victoria, during the town’s sewering works in the early 1980s. By his early 20s, he was offered a partnership in a pipelaying business—a role he held for around 15 years before establishing McFadyen Pipeline Construction in 2004 as a sole owner-operator.

Since its first year of operation, McFadyen Pipeline Construction has grown significantly, building a strong reputation for reliable delivery, quality workmanship, and long-term client relationships. Under Ron’s leadership, the business expanded to a workforce of more than 180 people by October 2013, supported by a loyal and highly skilled team.

Ron’s broad project construction background enables him to navigate complex project environments in a practical, efficient, and outcomes-focused way. He is highly regarded by clients and project managers alike, with strong working relationships built on consistent performance and dependable contract delivery across major projects.

Known for leading from the front, Ron is a committed mentor to the next generation of foremen and supervisors within the business, sharing his knowledge and setting high standards through example.

In 2025, McFadyen Pipeline Construction was acquired by the Symal Group. Ron remains General Manager and continues to be closely involved in the business, providing continuity, leadership, and deep industry expertise.

Outside of work, Ron is a keen surfer, lives near the beach, and enjoys following the racing.

Chris Stinton is McFadyen Pipeline Construction’s Senior Estimator, bringing more than 30 years of experience across the civil construction industry.

With a strong focus on tender preparation, commercial strategy, and contract negotiation, Chris plays a critical role in positioning McFadyen Pipeline Construction competitively across a wide range of projects. His approach is grounded in safety, productivity, and constructability, supported by an in‑depth understanding of efficient and effective construction methodologies.

Chris manages all claims processing in close collaboration with Project Supervisors and Foremen, ensuring issues are addressed promptly and outcomes are aligned with both contractual and project objectives. He also closely monitors industry market conditions and pricing trends, helping ensure McFadyen Pipeline Construction remains competitive and commercially responsive at all levels.

He holds a strong tertiary background across project management, environmental management, occupational health and safety, and civil construction, which underpins his well‑rounded, risk‑aware approach to estimating and project support.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with family and friends, getting into the surf, and working on projects around the home.

Sam Power brings more than two decades of civil construction experience to McFadyen Pipeline Construction, having worked alongside founder Ron McFadyen since 2002.

With a strong background across drainage, sewer, water main and utility services, Sam has progressed through the ranks from hands-on site roles into senior leadership positions. After several years as a Foreman, he has delivered a range of complex projects as a Senior Supervisor on major McFadyen Pipeline Construction works across multiple locations.

Sam holds a Certificate III and IV in Pipeline Construction, supported by an extensive range of plant operator tickets and site accreditations, including excavator, backhoe, loader, roller, skid steer, dogman, confined space entry, working at heights and first aid. He also holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and is an accredited Fit Tester, enabling him to support both safe delivery onsite and workforce capability development.

Highly regarded for his practical knowledge, strong leadership and safety-focused approach, Sam plays a key role in ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, compliantly and to a high standard—meeting the expectations of both clients and project teams.

Outside of work, Sam is an avid fisherman who rarely misses a good catch. He enjoys spending time with his family and has a passion for kart racing when he’s not on site.

Sean Heggarty has been a key member of the McFadyen Pipeline Construction team since 2008 and brings deep, practical experience across civil and pipeline construction projects.

Starting his career with McFadyen as a Labourer, Sean has progressed through every level of site delivery - Pipelayer, Leading Hand, Foreman, Supervisor, and now Senior Supervisor. This end‑to‑end career pathway gives Sean a strong understanding of works at every stage, from ground-level execution through to senior site leadership.

Sean holds a Certificate III in Civil Construction and a range of critical qualifications and competencies, including dogman and roller operator tickets, confined space, and trench support accreditation. His hands-on knowledge, combined with proven leadership skills, enables him to lead teams effectively while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and productivity onsite.

Highly respected by crews and clients alike, Sean is known for his practical, solutions-focused approach and his ability to deliver works efficiently in complex project environments.

Outside of work, Sean has a passion for travel and adventure, having recently visited 13 countries—including Africa and India—and completing the trek to Mount Everest Base Camp. Closer to home, he enjoys a round of golf whenever time allows.

Lynette Retief is the Office Manager at McFadyen Pipeline Construction and has been a cornerstone of the business since its establishment in 2004, bringing more than 22 years of experience in office and project support roles.

Lynette previously worked with Ron McFadyen during his earlier civil contractor partnership and has supported the business from its first day of operation. Her long-standing involvement provides invaluable continuity, deep corporate knowledge, and trusted support across all areas of the business.

In her role, Lynette provides essential assistance to Project Managers and Engineers through financial reporting and project data support. Her responsibilities include processing invoice claims, managing weekly payroll, and providing personal assistant support to Ron. Lynette also acts as a key conduit between site-based (blue-collar) teams and management, assisting with day-to-day operations, enquiries, and practical support—ensuring issues are addressed efficiently and communication flows smoothly across the business.

Known for her efficiency, approachability, and attention to detail, Lynette plays a vital role in keeping both projects and internal operations running effectively.

Outside of work, Lynette enjoys spending time with her family, watching the latest movie releases, and keeping active at the gym.

James McFadyen is the Asset and Personnel Coordinator at McFadyen Pipeline Construction, with a strong background built through hands‑on experience across site operations, plant management, and logistics.

James joined the business as a Labourer before progressing through the company and gaining a range of construction industry qualifications, including a Certificate III in Plant Operations and an Advanced Rigging Certificate. He is an experienced excavator operator and rigger, with a strong understanding of safe lifting and site operations.

In earlier roles, James was responsible for managing the inspection and compliance of McFadyen lifting and safety gear. He was later promoted to Plant Manager, where he oversaw hire contracts, the delivery of dry and wet hire plant, scheduling of plant maintenance, float shifts, and the day‑to‑day management of the company’s extensive fleet.

In his current role as Asset and Personnel Coordinator, James manages plant hire and logistics, schedules float movements, and coordinates personnel requirements across projects – supporting efficient delivery and keeping operations running smoothly.

Outside of work, James enjoys spending time surfing and fishing.