John Sayers -Director
Visionary Leader and Budawang Elder from the Yuin Nation
As the Founder and Director of the 18fifty3 Group, John Sayers stands as a pillar of innovative development and Indigenous leadership. With over three decades of experience, John's remarkable career is rooted in his hometown regions of Canberra and Southern New South Wales, where he has been at the forefront of groundbreaking projects that blend technical prowess with astute project management.
John's journey in shaping landscapes began with transformative land development, leading to the expansion of Canberra's suburbs, one of which includes an impressive 1700 blocks of land. His strategic vision led to the creation of a land development company that played a critical role in the availability of land in the ACT, significantly reducing development costs through independent civil operations.
His knack for civil projects saw over $50 million turnover a year in development, and his leadership facilitated the growth from subdivision projects to major public roads and infrastructure initiatives for the government. John's commitment to excellence is evident in his involvement with sensitive projects, including upgrades of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge in the Parliamentary Triangle and various upgrades in and around Parliament House.
The 18fifty3 Group, under John's direction, also managed large civil packages at Canberra International Airport and turned around a farm near Melbourne into a potential development of up to 1600 blocks during the Global Financial Crisis—a testament to John's resilience and forward-thinking.
In the aviation sector, John's influence soared as he became a member of a consortium that was instrumental in the revival of Ansett, leading to the establishment of Rex airlines or Regional Express. His insights and dedication also spearheaded the successful IPO of this venture.An avid aviator himself, John owns and operates a flight school, 'Learn 2 Fly', offering training in Canberra and Bathurst, and charter operations throughout New South Wales. He is passionate about making aviation accessible, running a 'barefoot pilot program' that educates and empowers Indigenous men and women, as well as contributing to children's education across Australia.
Today, John is steering the 18fifty3 Group towards the horizon of sustainability, investing in hydrogen and renewable energy projects aimed at delivering remote housing off the grid. His vision for a sustainable future is not just a pathway for the company but a beacon for community empowerment and environmental stewardship.
As a respected Budawang Elder, John Sayers's legacy is not merely in the structures that rise from the ground but in the upliftment of the communities and the nurturing of the land that sustains us all.