In 2011, McDonald Contracting was engaged by a Tier 1 construction company working directly on behalf of the Federal Government. The brief: assess the feasibility of relocating original heritage-listed Nissan Huts—corrugated steel buildings originally constructed as WWII bunkers, later repurposed for use at the Villawood Immigration Centre in NSW.

Upon initial inspection, it was clear the challenge would be significant. The structures were aged, delicate, and deeply embedded within the site. Government advisors and heritage experts had declared the buildings “immovable” due to their condition and historical value. The Tier 1 contractor had been informed that dismantling was the only option—essentially ending the buildings’ usable life.

Shane McDonald and the McDonald Contracting team disagreed—and got to work.

Utilising their deep expertise in engineering, structural preservation, and logistics, Team MC designed a bespoke rigging method that allowed the Nissan Huts to be safely lifted, stabilised, and transported intact. This method not only preserved the integrity of the buildings but ensured they could continue their service life at a new location.

Using one of the team’s 4-Axle TRT Hydraulic House Trailers, the huts were expertly loaded and transported, demonstrating the capability of both the equipment and the crew in managing complex heritage relocation under federal oversight.

The project was completed entirely in-house by McDonald Contracting, with zero structural damage and full compliance with heritage guidelines. The successful relocation allowed for modern upgrades to the Villawood site, while maintaining a tangible link to Australia’s wartime and immigration history.