Orion Group Acquires Shutte & Kennard Consulting Engineers

The Orion Group Expands into the Wagga Region with Acquisition of Shutte & Kennard Consulting Engineers (SKCE)

The directors and shareholders of Orion Group have announced the acquisition of SKCE by The Orion Group, effective 1 July 2025. Together, the two businesses bring a combined experience in engineering, surveying, project management, utilities management, and town planning. 

Managing Director of the Orion Group, Philip Byrum, said, “I’m very pleased to welcome the Shutte &Kennard team to the Orion Group. SKCE has a proud history of delivering high-quality engineering advice across the Riverina and throughout Australia. Having worked alongside Dave and the team for some time, it’s clear our businesses are well aligned in culture, technical approach, and our commitment to delivering value for clients. This partnership strengthens our structural capability and creates exciting opportunities to grow a multi-disciplinary presence in the Riverina, supporting the significant investment already underway in Wagga Wagga and the broader region. It’s a great step forward for both businesses, and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together as part of the Orion Group.”

This strategic acquisition reflects Orion’s vision to expand its services into regional areas across Australia. Clients in the Riverina will now benefit from the expansion of existing capabilities in structural and civil engineering, as well as the resources of a multi-disciplinary land development and infrastructure consultancy.

Incoming Orion Riverina Manager, David Shutte, commented, “After a long history proudly serving the Wagga Wagga region, the team at SKCE is excited to join forces with the Orion Group. We are committed to delivering tailored, high-quality engineering solutions for our clients across regional NSW. This partnership is an important step toward being part of a broader connected network that, in my experience, delivers more value to clients. With our shared values of people, culture, technical excellence, and collaboration, it allows us to expand our reach while maintaining the trusted local service our clients rely on”.

This acquisition further strengthens Orion’s commitment to regional Australia, as demonstrated by the appointment of James Green as Regional Director earlier this year.

As the Orion Group grows, the core values of integrity, reliability, and commitment to quality service remain unchanged. These principles will continue to underpin the delivery of exceptional services that foster growth, strengthen client relationships, and create opportunities for the Riverina region.

FAQS:

What does this mean for my project?

Your project is in capable hands, and we don’t expect any changes to your project teams or the relationship you already have with us.

Quality of service

Both Orion and SKCE are committed to delivering expert advice through qualified and accredited professionals. Both companies hold certified systems covering Quality Management, WH&S, Environmental Management, and Integrated Management Systems. 

Geographical Coverage

Our combined geographic coverage of project locations now extends across Sydney, Illawarra, the South Coast, the Riverina, and surrounding regions. We can also deliver projects in other locations throughout NSW & QLD to meet the needs of our clients.

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Capability

This acquisition strengthens our capabilities. Orion gains specialist structural engineering expertise, while SKCE is backed by a multidisciplinary team offering planning, survey, construction management, civil engineering design, feasibility assessments, and cost planning. 

What resources are in place to support clients after the acquisition?

We have appointed two new roles to assist with client support:

Peter Harding, Integration Manager - Peter is based in Orion’s Wollongong office and brings extensive knowledge of the Illawarra region, along with a long-standing working relationship with SKCE. 

David Shutte, Riverina Manager - David is based in Wagga and brings a deep knowledge of the Riverina region. He will provide leadership and create opportunities for clients in the Riverina.

Can I provide feedback or suggestions?

Yes! We welcome constructive feedback and advice from our clients, employees, and stakeholders, and would love to hear from you. You can contact Peter Harding on 02 4228 7044 or email info@theoriongroup.au