Our company

An Indigenous-owned Territory builder

Motlop Constructions is a proudly Indigenous-owned Northern Territory construction company founded by Steven Motlop and led by Managing Director Brendan Cunningham. Though newly established, the company draws on decades of combined experience delivering commercial, hospitality and community projects across the Top End and regional Australia.

Company overview

Cultural understanding, proven expertise

Our approach blends cultural understanding with proven construction expertise. The leadership team has successfully managed and delivered projects from initial design through to completion, across live environments, remote communities and high-profile urban developments.

That depth of experience means every project is approached with professionalism, accountability and precision — whether it sits in the middle of Darwin or hundreds of kilometres down a dirt road.

At the heart of the company is a strong commitment to community and culture. We aim to create opportunities for Indigenous employment, local business engagement and skills development, ensuring every project leaves a legacy beyond the build itself.

Aerial view of Darwin and its harbour at sunset with low commercial buildings and red earth

Northern Territory identity

Based in Berrimah. Working across the north.

We operate from Berrimah, on the eastern edge of Darwin, and deliver across the Top End, regional centres and remote communities. Territory conditions — heat, humidity, wet-season access and long supply lines — shape how we plan, procure and stage every project.

Operating philosophy

Core principles

Motlop Constructions stands for integrity, collaboration and quality. We are driven to deliver outstanding outcomes for clients while contributing to stronger, more connected Northern Territory communities.

Integrity: We do what we say we will, and we say it early.
Collaboration: Clients, consultants and trades working to one programme.
Quality: Finish standards checked before anyone else has to.
Accountability: Decisions, risks and progress owned on site.
Community: Local participation built into how projects are resourced.
Cultural understanding: Indigenous-owned, and engaged from the outset.

Leadership

Led by experience. Grounded in community.

Steven Motlop

Founding Director

A proud Larrakia man, entrepreneur and former AFL player who co-founded Motlop Constructions, an Indigenous-led company delivering quality projects and opportunities across Northern Australia.

Known for strong leadership and deep community engagement, Steven is committed to cultural inclusion and building a lasting legacy through Indigenous employment, training and local participation. Beyond construction he is involved in ventures supporting cultural connection and community empowerment.

Brendan Cunningham

Managing Director

A New Zealand-born construction professional with Māori heritage and over 20 years of experience in the Australian building industry, Brendan leads with a focus on quality, safety and accountability.

A qualified carpenter and plasterer, he has delivered projects across commercial, hospitality, defence, education, health and remote community sectors, and is known for practical leadership, integrity and a commitment to Indigenous participation and community development in Northern Australia.

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Let's build something that lasts.

Discuss your next commercial, hospitality, community or regional construction project with Motlop Constructions.

Discuss a project