Master Builders SA

What Master Builders SA does

Master Builders SA (Master Builders Association of South Australia Inc.) is the peak building and construction industry association for South Australia, incorporated as a non-profit and headquartered in Adelaide. Founded in 1884, the organisation serves builders, contractors, tradespeople, apprentices, and host employers through six integrated revenue streams: membership subscriptions, CITB-subsidised training and licensing courses, legally-reviewed construction contracts, dispute resolution and adjudication services via its Authorised Nominating Authority (ANA) status under the SA Security of Payment Act 2009, room hire at its Adelaide facility, and financial partner referral fees.

The technology stack centres on the Master Suite platform (member portal, contract management, SWMS and toolbox documentation), the Apprentice App (digital timesheets, safety checks, injury forms), and an integrated SiteBook safety and compliance product offered to members at a free Tradie Lite tier and a $99/month Safety Pro tier. Course delivery is operated directly (training locations include the Adelaide headquarters) and through partnerships including Swinburne University of Technology for the BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety.

The business model is a hybrid membership association with diversified, transactable revenue lines. Member pricing is structurally 30-50% below non-member pricing across training, contracts, room hire, and adjudication, creating a clear renewal value proposition. Distribution is multi-channel: direct sales, the self-serve Master Suite portal, the online shop, corporate training for groups of 15+, and event-driven sponsorship (Building Excellence Awards, HiViZ Women's Excellence Awards). Industry advocacy, workforce programmes (Born to Build, RISE, BuildConnect), and the HiViZ Women Building SA initiative extend engagement beyond transactions. The CEO is Will Frogley and headcount is in the 11-50 employee band.

Name

Master Builders SA

Legal name

Master Builders Association of South Australia Inc.

Website

https://mbasa.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1884

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Master Builders SA is South Australia's peak building and construction industry association, founded 1884. It serves builders, contractors, tradespeople, and apprentices via membership-based training, licensing, contracts, dispute resolution, advocacy, and digital compliance platforms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Construction Industry Association Services

akta.pro primary industry

Construction & Trades Licensure (Contractor, Electrician, Plumber, HVAC CE) (EDAAALAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Carpentry & Framing (EDAOAAAA)

Keywords

• Construction industry association
• Contractor licensing training
• Workplace safety compliance
• Construction contracts advisory
• Apprenticeship programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Adelaide

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Annual membership fees providing access to training, licensing support, contracts, legal advice, advocacy, and member benefits including Master Suite platform access.
2. Training Courses: Revenue from training course delivery including contractor licensing, WHS qualifications, safety courses, and professional development. Includes CITB subsidies for eligible members.
3. Contract Sales: Sale of construction contracts to members including Domestic Building Contract, Commercial Building Contract, Minor Works Contract, Sub-Contract Agreement, and Specification Document. Available online via Master Suite or hard copy purchase.
4. Referral Fees - Financial Services: Referral fees from Preferred Capital Solutions (finance broking) and Handypay (payment solutions) for introducing members to financial services. Master Builders SA receives upfront fees and ongoing trailing fees.
5. Dispute Resolution/Adjudication Services: Fees for acting as Authorised Nominating Authority (ANA) for security of payment disputes: $125 initial application, $280/hour for adjudication services.
6. Room Hire: Revenue from hiring training rooms and event spaces including Forty 7 South venue. Training rooms range from $125-$295 for members per half/full day.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Master Builders SA provides paid membership to South Australian building and construction industry participants, combining training courses (contractor licensing, WHS, first aid), standard-form contracts, legal and industrial relations advice, and digital tools (Master Suite, Apprentice App, SiteBook integration). Members additionally access apprenticeship programs, advocacy, dispute resolution as an Authorised Nominating Authority, and events including the Building Excellence Awards and HiViZ Women's Excellence Awards.

Product overview

Master Builders SA is South Australia's peak building and construction industry association operating since 1884. The organization offers a broad portfolio of membership-based services organized around three core pillars: training and licensing (including contractor and builder licensing courses, apprenticeships, and professional development), member benefits and compliance tools (comprising the Master Builders Suite platform with Tradie Lite and Safety Pro modules for digital SWMS and safety compliance, construction contracts, return-to-work services, and legal advice), and industry advocacy programs (such as Born to Build, HiViZ Women Building SA, RISE coaching, and BuildConnect workforce matching). The Master Builders Suite serves as the central digital hub, integrating SiteBook as the official safety and compliance partner, while the association also provides physical offerings including room hire, SA Building Directory, and annual Building Excellence Awards. Training is delivered through multiple modalities including face-to-face workshops, online self-paced courses, and hybrid formats, with partnerships with Safe Hands SA, Allens Training, and Swinburne University for accredited qualifications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Born to Build: Apprentice attraction program supporting the building and construction industry workforce.
• RISE
• BuildConnect
• HiViZ Women Building SA
• Building Excellence Awards
• Master Suite
• SA Builder Magazine

Products and services

• Master Builders Suite (Master Suite) Online platform included with membership that lets South Australian builders and contractors create co-branded construction contracts, SWMS, and toolbox meeting records. Targets member builders, contractors, and construction businesses needing compliant contract and safety documentation.
• Apprenticeship Program Group Training Organisation (GTO) apprenticeship program placing apprentices with host employers across seven trades (Carpenter, Wall and Floor Tiler, Painter, Bricklayer, Wall & Ceiling Lining, Electrician, Plumber) with guaranteed award rates, mentoring, and host employer matching. Serves prospective apprentices, host employers, and the SA construction workforce.
• Builder Licensing Services Comprehensive licensing pathway service covering contractors licensing courses, residential builder license support, supervisor registration guidance, and eligibility assessments through Consumer & Business Services. Targeted at South Australian builders and tradespeople seeking licensing.
• Construction Contracts Range of standard-form contracts reviewed by construction law firm Fenwick Elliott Grace, including Domestic Building Contract for New Homes, Commercial Building Contract, Sub-Contract Agreement, Minor Works Contract, and Cost Plus Project Contract. Available digitally via Master Suite or as hard copies for members.
• Security of Payment Services Authorised Nominating Authority (ANA) service for adjudication of payment disputes under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2009. Fees: $125 initial application, $280/hour for adjudication services. Serves SA construction participants needing statutory payment dispute resolution.
• Return to Work Service External Return to Work Coordinator service approved by Return To Work SA that manages workplace injury claims, coordinates with doctors and case managers, reviews pay records, and provides legal advice for disputes. Available to members and non-members across SA.
• Contractors Licensing Course (Online) Self-paced online course meeting business knowledge requirements for contractor licensing across building, plumbing, gas fitting, and electrical trades. 180 days access. Member: $550, Non-member: $1,100. Also available face-to-face and hybrid.
• AI Essentials for Construction Fully online self-paced course introducing construction professionals to practical AI applications including AI basics, documentation tools, quoting and planning automation, and responsible AI use. Member: $100, Non-member: $200, with 180 days access. Targets builders, supervisors, and business owners.
• HLTAID011 - Provide First Aid Nationally recognised first aid training delivered in partnership with Safe Hands SA and Allens Training, combining online pre-learning with a 3.5-hour face-to-face practical. CITB funding available, same-day certificates. Members with CITB number $20; non-members up to $195.
• BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety Nationally recognised qualification delivered in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology over six workshop days plus self-paced learning. Covers WHS policies, incident investigation, workers compensation, and psychosocial hazards. Member: $4,500, Non-member: $5,500.
• Due Diligence for Officers and Leaders (Psychosocial Safety) 3-hour face-to-face course for officers, leaders, and managers covering WHS duties, risk assessment, control measures, and incident response for psychosocial hazards. Member: $300, Non-member: $390. Targeted at construction business leaders needing WHS duty compliance.
• SiteBook Safety Pro Premium safety platform tier offered at $99/month exclusive member rate. Includes Tradie Lite features plus digital site inductions via QR code, contractor pre-qualification, document storage, and a daily safety noticeboard. Partners with SiteBook.
• SiteBook Tradie Lite Free digital tool for Master Builders SA members providing digital SWMS, incident reports, and toolbox talks accessible from any device without paperwork. Built on the SiteBook platform and offered free exclusively to members.
• Apprentice App Mobile application for Master Builders SA apprentices providing Daily Take5 safety checks, weekly timesheet submission, leave requests, injury forms, skill assessments, and survey access.
• Membership Annual membership subscription providing access to training and licensing support, contracts, legal and industrial relations advice, advocacy, financial services referrals, Master Suite platform access, and member benefits for South Australian builders, contractors, and construction businesses.

Quantifiable outcome

• 22.9% increase in monthly new home approvals during National Housing Accord era compared to pre-Accord period
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SiteBookcoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial safety and compliance platform partnership providing digital SWMS, incident reports, toolbox talks, site inductions via QR code, and contractor pre-qualification. Master Builders SA members receive free Tradie Lite access and discounted Safety Pro subscription.
• Safe Hands SAcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTraining delivery partnership for First Aid, CPR, Low Voltage Rescue, Mental Health and Manual Handling training. Safe Hands SA is a CITB Endorsed Training Provider delivering industry-relevant training to construction businesses across SA.
• Swinburne University of TechnologycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnership for BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety delivery. Swinburne provides virtual facilitator-led sessions and nationally recognized qualification through blended learning model.
• Fenwick Elliott GracecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading construction law firm that reviews and updates Master Builders SA contracts to ensure compliance with legislation and industry best practice. Last major review completed in 2019.
• CMI ToyotaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing vehicle-related benefits and sponsorship. Hosted Apprentice Safety Event and provides door prizes for industry events.
• MAS NationalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEmployment services partner providing support for apprentices and sponsors door prizes for industry events.
• SYCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEmployment and skills services partner providing door prizes and support for apprentice events.
• James HardieminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor and partner providing building materials support and training room sponsorship (James Hardie Room).
• Cbus SuperminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor and partner in the construction industry superannuation space. Provides training room sponsorship (CBUS Room).
• BluescopeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner and sponsor providing steel building products support and sponsorship.
• BiancominorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing hardware and building supplies. Hosted Apprentice Safety Event and provides training room sponsorship (Bianco Room).
• Adelaide UniversityminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerUniversity partnership supporting research on women in construction careers and providing educational pathways.
• ColorbondminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor and partner providing steel building products support.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Australian Constructors Association: National peak body representing major construction contractors in Australia. Comparable industry association model focused on the infrastructure and large-project construction sector, with overlapping advocacy, training, and industry representation services.
• Master Builders Queensland: State-level Master Builders association serving Queensland builders and contractors. Operates the same peak-body model—membership fees, training delivery, licensing support, contracts, and industry advocacy—targeting a parallel builder and contractor customer base.
• Master Builders Western Australia: State-level Master Builders association serving Western Australian builders and contractors. Parallels MBSA's structure with membership, training, licensing, contracts, and advocacy services for the WA construction industry.
• Master Builders Victoria: State-level Master Builders association serving Victoria with the same membership, training, advocacy, and licensing services model. Closest direct peer given parallel structure, service stack, and revenue mix across Australian state-level construction industry associations.
• Housing Industry Association: National peak body for the residential building industry in Australia. Directly competes with Master Builders SA for residential builder members and provides overlapping training, advocacy, contracts, and licensing support services nationally.
• Master Builders Tasmania: State-level Master Builders association serving Tasmanian builders and contractors. Smaller-scale parallel of MBSA's peak-body model with overlapping membership, training, licensing, and advocacy services in the Tasmanian construction market.
• Master Builders NSW: State-level Master Builders association serving New South Wales builders and contractors. Operates the same peak-body service model and competes with MBSA for national corporate sponsors (James Hardie, Cbus, Bluescope) and federation influence.

Broad incumbents

• Master Builders Australia: National federation representing all Australian state-level Master Builders associations. Operates as an umbrella body rather than direct competitor, but influences policy, national sponsor relationships, and federation-wide initiatives that affect MBSA's positioning.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/mbasa_news
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC-UoK0B9pvWjrTjZD3hvV2w
• Facebookfacebook.com/MasterBuildersSA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/master-builders-sa
• Instagraminstagram.com/masterbuilders_sa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Master Builders SA