In a powerful demonstration of community spirit and international goodwill, a team from Edwards Constructions (that included staff and subbies) travelled to Tonga in May to contribute their time, skills, and resources to the renovation of the Nuku’nuku School Hall, in partnership with Sione’s Foundation.
The group, made up of nine Edwards Constructions staff, Matthew Oughton and Wayne Bogg from Evolve Electrical and Design, and four additional tradesman volunteers from Queensland and New South Wales, came together to transform the school facility and give back to the local community.
Over the course of the project, the team undertook a wide range of works, including cladding the building, lining internal walls and ceilings, painting both the interior and exterior, installing two new bathrooms, fitting cables, lights and power points, extending the building with an awning, and adding a water tank, with gutters and downpipes for improved drainage, water collection and building longevity.
In addition to the physical renovations, the volunteers worked closely with local students, sharing trade knowledge and practical skills to help empower the next generation of doers.
The experience also offered the team valuable cultural insights. They took part in local traditions and had the opportunity to attend a traditional Tongan church services with community members, deepening their understanding and appreciation of the beautiful Tongan culture and strengthening bonds with the community they were helping.
This work was made possible through a partnership with Sione Ofa’Finefeuiaki of Sione’s Foundation, whose vision is to help people in Tonga—and across the Pacific—with a key focus on children who are disadvantaged, marginalised, or isolated. The foundation plays a vital role in supporting education, infrastructure, and well-being in communities that need it most.
The initiative raised over $121,000 through a combination of materials, labour, and cash donations—surpassing all initial targets and delivering lasting value to the local school and its students.
Samuel Edwards, Managing Director of Edwards Constructions, said “I am extremely proud of the team and particularly those that contributed from back in Australia with donations of cash and materials, without their generous support and Sione’s leadership, these things just don’t get done.” Mr Edwards also said that he is excited for the next project the company can support in partnership with Sione and his Foundation. “This experience has shown us the power of collaboration, and how construction can create real and lasting change.”
This project marks a significant chapter in the company’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and international outreach, showing how the construction industry can make a meaningful difference beyond borders.
The Edwards Team (6 May 2025)
Everyone pitched in to hang doors and wire up the new Nuku’nuku Hall (7 May 2025).
Steve Knox and Liam Brinson lining the ceiling of the Nuku’nuku Hall (8 May 2025).
The Team worked hard in the hot, tropical weather of Tonga (9 May 2025)
Traditional Clothing made for the Edwards team by the Nuku’nuku school community was worn to the church service on Sunday
The Edwards Team as guests at a school assembly in the capital, Nukualofa (12 May 2025)