After shortlisting tenders from a couple of outstanding local contractors, BEND engaged R.D. Miller Pty Ltd (RDM) for the construction phase of Bend. Sitework started in November 2007, with dams immediately constructed for management of stormwater. After the Christmas break, work concentrated on the emergency access road through to Parker St, which falls on an easement created through the block sold to Mumbulla School. With great application and site management, RDM completed all Bend works in the school grounds before the school year recommenced in early February 2008, as well as improvements to the surrounding school grounds. This included the creation of a bitumen ball court on the passing bay of the access road.

Rain fell in early February 2008 in amounts that delayed work for a week and damaged unfinished work. Dams already constructed filled from this stormwater, and despite a very dry 2008-09 summer, four large water tanks are filling with water diverted from adjacent roofs for higher grade uses.

While much of the work involved installing underground services, a conspicuous step towards completion was the surfacing of the private laneway in April 2008, which left the eastern half of the site essentially complete. 'Practical completion' of the contract work was achieved in June 2008, in time for the 21 June open day.

BEND was delighted with the professionalism and attention to quality and detail shown by R.D. Miller Pty Ltd.

Pictures of the site as it progressed will (eventually!) be found in our gallery pages.