ZERO Group
OUR TEAMFOUNDED IN 2006
Zero Group
SERVICING AUSTRALIA WIDE
Zero Group is one of Australia’s most trusted asbestos removal and management service providers. Founded in 2006 by Richard Ayres, we have evolved into a leading asbestos removal workforce with a strong national presence. From start to finish, we handle every aspect with utmost care and professionalism. We take pride in our extensive experience and capability to manage both A Class (friable) and B Class (non-friable) asbestos removals for projects of any scale.
Our dedication to excellence has earned us a preferred choice for homeowners and clients from a broad range of industries including government, council, civil, commercial, environmental, insurance and residential.. At Zero Group, we believe in a safer tomorrow, where asbestos risks are minimised, and communities can thrive without asbestos concerns.
ZERO ASBESTOS
Meet Our Team
Allow us to present the Zero Group family, a dedicated and skilled group of professionals. Led by Richard and Megan Ayres, our extensive team collaborates effortlessly to guarantee the provision of safe and effective services to our clients.
RICHARD AYRES
FOUNDER | DIRECTOR
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Starting as a humble apprentice bricklayer, Richard discovered his true calling in the textured ceiling industry, specifically working with asbestos-based textures. The establishment of Texspec on the Sunshine Coast catapulted him into becoming the foremost expert for any textured ceiling projects in Southeast Queensland, including both removal and replacement tasks. His work frequently involved encountering Asbestos Containing Material (ACM), necessitating the development of essential skills in asbestos testing and removal, which eventually led to the creation of Zero Asbestos (originally known as Aspec – the Asbestos Specialists). Currently serving as the Managing Director of this highly successful and rapidly expanding asbestos abatement company, Richard takes charge of all operational aspects of the business while actively participating in on-site projects of all scales.
Richard’s dedication to his clients, regardless of their size or affiliation, be it private or public, is only matched by his extensive decades-long experience in the industry. He takes immense pride in Zero Asbestos’ status as one of the top asbestos removal companies in Australia and consistently seeks innovative methods to surpass customer expectations.
MEGAN AYRES
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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As Chief Executive Officer, Megan is one of the driving forces behind Zero Asbestos, leveraging her extensive experience and unwavering commitment to excellence, safety, and compliance to propel the company to the forefront of the asbestos removal industry in Australia. Having managed and successfully executed numerous projects, Megan has a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in asbestos removal and this translates to a client-centric approach to every project, large or small. Megan fosters open communication, transparency, and tailored solutions that address the unique needs of each client, and it is this commitment that has been central to the formation of many long-lasting business relationships and an impeccable reputation in the industry. Not afraid to challenge the status quo, Megan fosters a culture of continuous improvement as she steers the company toward innovative technologies and methodologies that enhance efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability. Under Megan’s stewardship, Zero Asbestos has evolved to become one of Australia’s leading asbestos removal companies.
CAMERON MORPETH
OPERATIONS MANAGER
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Cameron embarked on his career as a qualified builder, and for more than 15 years, he has been actively involved in both the construction and asbestos removal industries. At the age of 22, Cameron seized the opportunity to move to Australia, where he began his career in the FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) sector within the demolition industry. This led him to travel across the country, engaging in numerous demolition projects and later transitioning into asbestos removal jobs. These experiences allowed him to hone and expand his skill set significantly. Cameron’s swift rise through the ranks resulted in him being appointed as a Site Manager for several multimillion-dollar projects throughout Australia, providing him with invaluable firsthand experience and a wide array of valuable skills.
Subsequently, Cameron chose to leave the FIFO lifestyle behind and joined a large American company, where he thrived as a Site Manager on one of the most extensive demolition and asbestos removal projects ever undertaken in New Zealand. Now working with the dedicated team at Zero Asbestos, Cameron has drawn upon his comprehensive knowledge and experience to proficiently manage various large-scale friable asbestos removal and demolition projects across Queensland and wider Australia, including shopping centers, airports, disused mines, and high-rise apartments.
Beyond his work in keeping people safe from asbestos, Cameron enjoys unwinding with a good PC gaming session or skilfully connecting with his canine companions as the local ‘dog whisperer.’
EMILIANO VELASCO
PROCESS IMPROVEMENT ENGINEER
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Emiliano (Emi) is a qualified Industrial Engineer and has a Master of Finance. He has an extensive background in operations, project management, business administration and e-commerce. As the Process Improvement Engineer for Zero Asbestos, Emi focuses on enhancing our systems and processes to optimise our operations whilst managing a multitude of demanding projects that align the entire company with our strategic objectives. Using data analysis and forecasting, Emi oversees our company operations and productivity to drive our vision and operations strategy forward. Despite these responsibilities, Emi is always ready to help any member of the team and he does so with a warm smile.
When he’s not busy translating complex data into actionable tasks or identifying growth opportunities while optimising resource allocation, Emi heads to his kitchen to cook up his lunches for the week or spend time playing sport and being active in the great outdoors. He has a penchant for m&ms too. Emi is proud to be part of a company that prioritises safety and we are fortunate to have him on our team.
LUZ ROJAS
BUSINESS SERVICES MANAGER
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Luz brings exceptional organizational skills, a strategic mindset, and a passion for efficiency to Zero Group. Originally from Colombia, she joined the team in Australia and quickly learned a great deal about the business. As Business Services Manager, Luz oversees her team, ensuring that processes run smoothly, communication is clear, and all administrative and customer service functions meet the company’s high standards.
With extensive experience in managing teams and maintaining compliance with key documentation and licensing requirements, she plays a central role in supporting onboarding, employment administration, ISO standards and providing internal support to the wider management group.
Outside of work, Luz enjoys spending time by the sea, painting with watercolours, and dancing. She cycles to work every day, loves being outdoors, and enjoys reading about personal growth and astrology to better understand people.
JAMIE AUSTIN
SENIOR ESTIMATOR
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As one of the esteemed Senior Estimators in our Brisbane office, Jamie boasts a remarkable tenure in the asbestos industry since 2007. With vast knowledge and experience spanning large-scale civil projects, commercial high-rise remediation works, demolition projects, and residential operations, Jamie’s expertise is truly extensive. Throughout the years, Jamie’s career has evolved from site-based roles to site supervision, culminating in his current position as Senior Estimator.
This career progression has equipped Jamie with a robust working understanding of every stage of a project cycle, starting from the initial tendering process and encompassing management plans, leading to the successful delivery of projects that consistently exceed client expectations. Among Jamie’s impressive achievements are several successful project deliveries, including multiple multi-million-dollar endeavours. As a Senior Estimator, Jamie is an invaluable member of our team, highly regarded for his unparalleled experience and unwavering dedication.
YASSINE DAHIRI
SENIOR ESTIMATOR
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Bringing a wealth of experience in accountancy and sales, Yassine assumes a crucial role as one of the Senior Estimators in our Sunshine Coast office, boasting exceptional skills in both sales and data analysis. With a solid background of over 10 years in the asbestos industry, including five years spent working on the ground, Yassine possesses extensive knowledge and expertise in all facets of asbestos management and demolition sites.
Apart from his estimating responsibilities, Yassine utilises his profound understanding of asbestos management plans and registers to provide clients with comprehensive and professional services. Clients highly value his critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and unwavering commitment to meeting strategic deadlines. Yassine’s broad experience in asbestos removal and abatement encompasses projects of various scales, ranging from high volume small works to large-scale multi-million-dollar ventures includes residential, commercial, and industrial projects for both private and government sectors.
Yassine’s consistency, efficiency, and dedication to ensuring client satisfaction make him an invaluable asset to our company. His diverse skill set, and extensive experience contribute significantly to the success and quality of our asbestos management services.
XAVIER MARKELJC
FINANCE MANAGER
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Chris brings over 17 years of experience across the construction and asbestos industries, along with a strong background in leadership from his previous construction roles and service in the British Army infantry.
Originally recruited from the UK for his technical expertise and practical approach, Chris relocated to Australia with his family after recognising the quality and value of Zero Asbestos.
Chris previously served as our Sunshine Coast Operations Manager and has since moved on from Zero Asbestos as an internal team member. He continues to support us as an independent Asbestos Consultant, providing expert technical advice across all aspects of asbestos abatement.
His knowledge and experience remain a valuable resource for Zero Asbestos, our clients, and the wider asbestos industry.
CHRIS GAUCI
ASBESTOS CONSULTANT
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Chris brings over 17 years of experience across the construction and asbestos industries, along with a strong background in leadership from his previous construction roles and service in the British Army infantry.
Originally recruited from the UK for his technical expertise and practical approach, Chris relocated to Australia with his family after recognising the quality and value of Zero Asbestos.
Chris previously served as our Sunshine Coast Operations Manager and has since moved on from Zero Asbestos as an internal team member. He continues to support us as an independent Asbestos Consultant, providing expert technical advice across all aspects of asbestos abatement.
His knowledge and experience remain a valuable resource for Zero Asbestos, our clients, and the wider asbestos industry.
PAUL BUBEER
SENIOR ESTIMATOR
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Paul brings extensive asbestos industry experience spanning more than 25 years. Beginning his career in 1998 as a Class B Asbestos Removalist, he has progressed through a variety of roles including Site Supervisor, Class A Asbestos Removalist, Asbestos Hygienist, and ultimately Asbestos Consultant.
Paul’s depth of knowledge and practical experience within the asbestos industry is exceptional. Having worked across all facets of asbestos management, removal, and consultancy, he provides clients with informed, practical, and compliant solutions tailored to the unique requirements of each project.
Known for his strong problem-solving abilities, Paul carefully assesses every project on its own merits and develops the most effective and efficient approach. His attention to detail and commitment to achieving the best outcomes give clients confidence that their projects will be delivered safely, smoothly, and efficiently.
Outside of work, Paul enjoys pursuing several hands-on and technical hobbies. He is a passionate amateur astrophotographer who captures stunning images of distant galaxies and nebulae, an enthusiastic RC aircraft pilot, and a skilled builder of model wooden boats.
SEAN GRAVES
FIELD OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR
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With more than 16 years of experience in the building industry, I bring extensive knowledge, skill, and hands-on expertise to every project. As a qualified carpenter, I have worked across a wide range of residential and commercial construction projects, from volume-built homes and project housing to custom luxury residences and high-end commercial developments.
My experience working with homeowners, builders, architects, and developers has given me a strong understanding of the construction process from planning through to completion. I take pride in delivering high-quality workmanship, clear communication, and reliable results tailored to each client’s needs.
Whether building a family home, renovation, bespoke residence, or commercial project, my focus is always on craftsmanship, professionalism, and creating durable, high-quality outcomes that stand the test of time.
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