Client Focus

Colgan Industries has been a client of Thornton’s since 1967, having out lasted both Marks and into the next generation of the business. Colgan Industries are the oldest and most awarded heritage builders in WA, with the third generation coming through the ranks to ensure skills in this vital area are here to keep the heritage of WA alive. Started by Martin Colgan, a stonemason from Yorkshire, the company is now run by Nathan and Daniel Colgan. Colgan’s business has grown over the years and Thornton’s have been there the whole way, helping navigate the good and bad times to sustain a healthy business. Colgan’s cliental include Government House, St Georges Cathedral, St Mary’s Cathedral, the Fremantle Prison, St Ives, National Trust, State Heritage, as well as schools and councils throughout the state. They have had the pleasure to work on many of the finest buildings, memorials, and artworks with some of the best people in the industry. They have a long history of training apprentices in areas needed to keep these unique skills alive. They work closely with the community by spreading awareness of best practice conservation principles and providing heritage and conservation training.

Another area they are passionate about is raising funds for childhood brain cancer research, this stems from one of the directors, Nathan Colgan, whose son Conor in 2011 was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of 5-years-old. Conor is still suffering major complications from this disease and the Colgan family support the cause with their involvement in The Pirate Ship Foundation.

The Pirate Ship Foundation funds vital research into childhood brain cancer through a range of fundraising initiatives including adventures, events, and partnerships. The foundation has put on events such as the Brainchild Ball, an annual event which allows the story of a child who has experienced brain cancer to share their story. Pirate Day, a day where school kids all over Australia dress up like a pirate to raise awareness and funds for childhood brain cancer.

Currently Nathan is organising the Ultimate Backyard Cricket Match at Government House. The fundraiser event is set to be the highlight of the 2021 calendar. On the 20^th of March 2021, The Pirate Ship Foundation will be partnering with the Governor of Western Australian, the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, for the very first time. The regal grounds of Government House will be transformed into a backyard cricket match like no other. The event will host Australia’s sporting and media legends as they play head-to-head in the Pirates Vs Governor’s cricket match. Captain of the Pirates is Head of Oncology at Perth Children’s Hospital Nick Gottardo, while captain of the Governor’s is the Governor himself. The family-fun day will provide endless entertainment for the whole family. The Kids Zone will offer kid’s the opportunity to cool down on the slippery slide, don their team colours at the face painting station, bounce away on inflatable castles, and test their skills as Perth’s next newsreader at the Channel 9 news desk. Raffle tickets will be sold on the day for a variety of prizes, including a trip to WA’s backyard, Rottnest Island, with accommodation at the newly renovated Samphire. All proceeds from this event go directly to the Pirate Ship Foundation.

If you’re interested in attending there are still limited VIP tickets available at DG-Global-Gov-Vs-Pirates_Corporate-Opportunity and General Admission at to find out more about upcoming Pirate Ship Foundation events, or to donate, check out The Pirate Ship Foundation website.