McMurtrie Consulting Engineers (MCE) was founded 22 years ago by Ian and Denise McMurtrie as a small family business. Over the years the business has grown and taken on new complexities however the family values have remained at the heart of the business operations. Fundamental values such as inclusiveness, consideration, flexibility, loyalty and the celebration of differences make MCE feel different from our competitors. These have shaped our workplace culture and operational philosophy.
Our commitment to fostering an accepting environment is reflected in our approach to hiring, team dynamics, and community engagement, ensuring that every individual feels valued and respected, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age, background, or disabilities. We believe we exemplify what it means to be an outstanding employer through our investment in employees, commitment to work-life balance, and active community involvement.
The IPWEA Employer of the Year award recognises our exemplary practices and positive impact on employees and the broader community. Why, is best explained in the below referee statement:
“I’ve collaborated with the McMurtrie Consulting Engineers (MCE) team as an external consultant for nearly three years. I work with many professional services firms, including engineering consultants, lawyers, and architects, and I believe that MCE’s strong emphasis on their team is a pivotal part of their success. The firm has grown substantially by fostering a remarkable culture that attracts and retains talent.
Lachlan and the leadership team actively involve the entire team in shaping the company’s strategy and desired culture. Although MCE is regionally based, the team is notably diverse, both in terms of culture and gender and every voice is valued.
MCE places a significant focus on mentoring and supporting the professional development goals of each team member. They have established subject matter experts for each technical area, ensuring that the team receives guidance from the best mentors in their field. However, a solid strategy only thrives in the right environment, and MCE’s culture—rooted in collaboration, teamwork, and continuous growth—is one of the most impressive I’ve encountered.
After conducting an anonymous survey to gather feedback from the team, I was genuinely amazed by the overwhelmingly positive responses. My search for areas of improvement was challenging, as there were virtually no negative comments about the culture. It was truly inspiring.
In a competitive market where talent is scarce, MCE continually attracts individuals eager to join the firm. Their expansion into other regions has been driven by interest from people outside of Rockhampton who want to be part of the team, further demonstrating MCE’s outstanding focus on team culture and their status as an employer of choice.”
Kylee Randall – MBA, GAICD
Director, Veer Right Pty Ltd
MCE’s focus on inclusivity, employee well-being, and community involvement were key factors in our recognition as the Employer of the Year. Our transparent leadership, commitment to work-life balance, and investment in ongoing professional development were directly cited in the award criteria, affirming our position as an employer of choice.