On the same day they celebrated a major milestone, their 100th BIAX Foundations slab, RYSE Construction launched an initiative that proves leadership in this industry goes far beyond bricks and mortar. It’s called RYSE Up, and it’s about taking a stand against bullying and opening doors for kids who feel like they don’t belong.

Why RYSE Up Matters

Bullying is a silent epidemic in Australia. Recent studies show that one in four school children experience bullying, whether online, in the playground, or through exclusion from social groups. These formative years shape confidence and self-worth, and for too many, they’re marked by fear and isolation.

For April, co-founder of RYSE Construction, those statistics hit home.

“This isn’t just a number for us,” April shared. “Over the past 12 months, my family and I have experienced firsthand the impact bullying can have. It affects everything, your child’s happiness, your family’s wellbeing. It’s something no parent should have to watch.”

That personal experience sparked an idea, one that would take RYSE beyond building homes to building futures.

From Struggle to Purpose

Greg McGee, GM of RYSE Construction, recalls the moment the idea was born:

“I sent April a message one day and said, ‘This is what I want to do.’ Her response? ‘Let’s make it happen.’”

The mission was clear:

• Start the conversation about bullying.
  
• Create safe spaces for kids and families to talk and seek help.
  
• Show them a future, especially in an industry that desperately needs fresh talent.
  

As Greg explains:

“We can’t solve everything, but we can do something meaningful. If that helps even one child feel seen and supported, and maybe even sparks an interest in the trades, then we’ve done our job.”

Why the Trades?

Australia is facing a severe skills shortage. We need more trades, more future leaders, more people who simply show up and do the job well.

“The truth is, not every kid is going to thrive in a traditional academic setting,” Greg says. “And that’s okay. The trades gave us a future. They gave us purpose. We want young people to know, they belong here too.”

How to Get Involved

RYSE Up isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about starting conversations and building support:

• Talk to your kids about bullying and listen when they share.
  
• Stand beside families going through it, sometimes a simple chat can change everything.
  
• Share this message. If you know a young person who feels lost, show them there’s hope, there’s opportunity, and there’s a community ready to welcome them.
  

“Encourage kids to RYSE UP, walk away from negativity, and believe in themselves,” April says. “That’s where it starts.”

Industry Backing and Community Response

The response since launch has been incredible. Suppliers, partners, and fellow builders have come forward, sharing their own experiences and pledging their support.

“This isn’t just about building homes, it’s about building people,” Greg says. “If we can help shape a better future for even one child, we’ve done something good.”

A Moment Worth Applauding

At The Good Builder, we talk a lot about raising the bar in construction. What RYSE Construction has done with this initiative is a shining example of what that looks like in practice. They’ve taken a personal struggle and turned it into a movement that could change lives, and, in time, strengthen the very industry we all rely on.

To launch RYSE Up on the same day they hit the incredible milestone of laying their 100th BIAX Foundations slab is a testament to the kind of leadership we need more of in this sector.

So today, we applaud RYSE Construction, not just for what they build, but for what they stand for.

Author: TGB Editorial