Since its establishment in the early 1970s, Scarratt & Associates has provided high-quality surveying services across the Illawarra and Southern Highlands, becoming a cornerstone in these communities. Today, as part of Allen Price, the legacy of Scarratt & Associates lives on, combining expertise in surveying with a strong community-focused mission.
1973–1978: The Early Years with Grahame Scarratt
The journey began with Grahame Scarratt, who, as the youngest surveyor to pass the rigorous Board of Surveyors examination, became registered in New South Wales. Grahame began his career with the Department of Main Roads (DMR), where he honed his technical skills and developed an understanding of infrastructure and community needs. Later, he joined the engineering department at Kiama Council, gaining further insights into urban planning and local government.
In the early 1970s, Grahame partnered briefly with Alan Masters in Wollongong before establishing his own practice in Kiama in 1973. His commitment to quality and community service laid a strong foundation for what would soon become Scarratt & Associates.
1978–1980: Transition to Scarratt & Associates
In October 1978, Steve Thomas joined the business in Kiama as a registered surveyor, bringing new energy and expertise to the practice. Under Steve’s collaboration with Grahame, the business expanded, and in 1979, the trading name was officially changed to Scarratt & Associates, marking the beginning of a new era.
As demand for their services grew, Scarratt & Associates opened a branch office in Nowra to better serve clients in the Shoalhaven region. By July 1980, Grahame made a significant life decision to pursue a long-held calling to work as a Christian missionary in Chile. At this point, Steve Thomas took on full responsibility for the practice, continuing the legacy under the name of Scarratt & Associates.
1980–1990: A Presence in Nowra
The Nowra branch of Scarratt & Associates was transferred in 1990 to Ross Douglas, a registered surveyor employed by the firm. Ross took over operations in Nowra and established a surveying practice under his own name, which later merged with Allen & Price to form a longstanding partnership. This expansion allowed Scarratt & Associates to better serve both the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions, making their expertise accessible to a broader community.
1980s–2015: Service to the Community
Over the years, Scarratt & Associates continued to thrive under Steve’s leadership, expanding its team and expertise. Registered surveyors such as Ian Cross and Mal Dunwoodie joined the practice for significant periods, bringing valuable experience and knowledge to the firm. The practice specialised in a wide range of surveying services, including urban land development, civil engineering surveys, and rural boundary definitions and subdivisions. These services contributed significantly to the orderly and sustainable development of the region, meeting the needs of both urban and rural communities.
2015: Allen Price & Scarratts
In July 2015, Scarratt & Associates was acquired by Allen Price & Associates, leading to the creation of Allen Price & Scarratts (APS). This acquisition combined the strengths and expertise of both firms, offering a comprehensive range of surveying, planning, and engineering services under one roof. The merger enabled APS to expand its impact across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, and beyond, honouring the legacy of Scarratt & Associates while continuing to innovate and serve with integrity.
Today, Allen Price remains dedicated to the principles of quality, community focus, and professional excellence established by Grahame Scarratt and Steve Thomas. As part of Allen Price, the Scarratt name continues to represent trusted surveying services, fostering sustainable development and supporting the growth and success of the communities we serve.
