About CivKura
"CivKura" derived from the terms "Civ," representing civil, and "Kura," which signifies "knowledge" or "wisdom" in certain Aboriginal languages. The name embodies our commitment to integrating civil aspects with cultural understanding and expertise.
A pivotal strength of CivKura lies in the extensive experience of its director, Kelly, who boasts over 25 years of expertise in construction, civil engineering, and mining, covering a spectrum of construction, civil works, and mining commodities. Beyond offering specialised consulting services geared towards production and safety enhancements, CivKura is dedicated to providing inventive solutions aimed at helping your company boost its bottom line through improved safety and cost efficiency.
Moreover, CivKura serves as a trustworthy contractor, specialising in the construction, civil engineering, and mining sectors. Equipped with the latest technology, vehicles, and machinery capable of managing projects of any magnitude, our guiding principles at CivKura encompasses change, innovation, and ingenuity across sectors that impact various facets of society.
Our Tunnelling Capabilities
We offer a comprehensive suite of tunnelling services designed to meet the diverse and dynamic needs of our clients across various sectors, including underground mining, infrastructure development, and utility installations.
Our extensive capabilities are backed by advanced technology, skilled personnel, and an unwavering commitment to safety, efficiency, and high-quality execution. We specialise in both traditional and specialised tunnelling methods, ensuring that every project is delivered with precision, reliability, and minimal disruption.
OUR LEADERSHIP
KELLY BURKE
Managing Director
Kelly Burke is more than a leader; he is a catalyst for growth and innovation. With a rare blend of operational expertise, business acumen, and a passion for empowering communities, Kelly delivers exceptional results in complex and demanding environments. His experience managing multimillion-dollar projects, coupled with his dedication to safety and sustainability, ensures he can drive strategic initiatives while building collaborative, high-performing teams.
Kelly’s career reflects a steady progression of leadership roles with some of the world’s leading resource companies, including Glencore and Rio Tinto. As Operations Lead and Site Senior Executive for Glencore, he managed the feasibility and operational planning of the Aurukun Bauxite Project, a Life of Mine initiative spanning 23 years. Kelly’s strategic oversight included workforce modelling, procurement, operational readiness, and the implementation of sustainable practices such as bushfire management and site maintenance.
In his tenure with Rio Tinto, Kelly excelled in managing large-scale mining operations, leading teams of up to 248 employees and contractors. As Amrun Process and Export Superintendent, he managed the processing and export of 22.8 million dry tonnes of bauxite annually, driving safety, production efficiency, and cost optimisation. Kelly consistently exceeded operational targets, developed transformative solutions valued at over $8 million, and provided relief mine management, showcasing his versatility and expertise.
SEAMUS MCHUGH
Director of Operations
As the Director of Operations of CivKura, Seamus McHugh brings decades of expertise in managing and executing high-profile construction projects. Seamus’ extensive background in the construction industry enables him to oversee complex commercial and industrial developments with precision and efficiency.
Seamus is an entrepreneur by nature, and has a vision to combine technology and construction to create a safer and sustainable legacy for the next generation of construction professionals.
Seamus Joining CivKura’s team has been a great impact on CivKura's growth, especially in implementing collaborative ideas and initiatives. Seamus ensures that we maintain our high standards of quality and sustainability. We are confident that his leadership and vision will significantly contribute to our continued success.
"I try to lead by example, and foster an open-door policy to my whole team. Why? To make sure the business decisions I make, positively influence the day-to-day company operations. Leading with a people-first mindset hasn't failed me yet, and the people within the team are why we are the construction partner it is today..."
- Seamus McHugh, Director of Operations
BOBBY ARMSTRONG
Construction Manager
Bobby Armstrong, a results-driven Construction Manager who specialises in delivering complex infrastructure while fostering teamwork, innovation, and long-term impact.
Bobby is a highly experienced Construction Manager with a proven track record of delivering complex infrastructure projects across Australia, Europe, and Ireland. Over the years, he has built a strong reputation for leading teams on large-scale works, including bridge construction, stormwater systems, civil works, and bulk earthworks, ensuring quality outcomes that meet both client expectations and community needs.
Beyond technical expertise, Bobby is recognised for his leadership style — balancing discipline with mentorship to build strong, capable teams. His hybrid
experience across regions has shaped his adaptability, cultural awareness, and ability to problem-solve under pressure. Whether on-site or at the planning table, he brings clarity, foresight, and resilience to every stage of a project.
OUR VALUES
At CivKura, our values are the foundation of everything we do. They drive our passion, inspire innovation, and fuel our commitment to delivering exceptional results, every time.
Quality
We provide top-tier construction solutions, ensuring every project is built to last and meets the highest industry standards.
Reliability
We deliver reliable equipment and services that our clients can trust, ensuring construction projects stay on schedule without unexpected delays.
Efficiency
We focus on streamlining processes and maximising resources to complete projects on time and within budget, driving efficiency at every stage.
Community
We build a strong community by maintaining the highest level of professionalism, ensuring respect and collaboration in every partnership.
Communication
Effective communication is crucial in construction, and we maintain open, transparent lines with our clients and teams to ensure smooth project execution from start to finish.
OUR PURPOSE & VISION
Empowering innovation and indigenous vision
Our ethos is founded upon the principle of innovation. CivKura is widely recognised for its commitment to innovation and transformation in sectors that impact all aspects of society. With forty years of experience and the most up-to-date, functional civil and mining equipment available, we view obstacles as chances to generate lasting value for our partners, clients, and communities.
We venerate our heritage and respect our legacy as an Aboriginal-owned business by empowering indigenous voices, visions, and abilities. CivKura is dedicated to promoting sustainable development, supporting economic expansion, and cultivating a future that upholds cultural integrity and environmentally responsible advancement.
Commitment to Community
In order to make a societal impact, CivKura look to actively provides sponsorship to indigenous organisations and events at the local level. This form of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is committed to nurturing positive relationships with the local community and promoting social and environmental sustainability.
CivKura exhibits its dedication to Indigenous communities and culture by means of an extensive array of strategic initiatives. The activities mentioned above include supporting community development and Indigenous cultural preservation initiatives, providing sponsorship for Indigenous events, cultivating collaborations with Indigenous organisations, promoting employee engagement in volunteer work, implementing hiring practices that give priority to Indigenous interests, and adopting sustainable business strategies. These initiatives exemplify a commitment to ethical and responsible business practices while also contributing to the conservation of the culture and welfare of Indigenous communities.
