MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Like most people, I would say I work to live rather than live to work. Nevertheless, my overall mood definitely improves when I can make a positive difference through my job.

There are ups and downs. Some weeks –especially working with themes like sustainability in building and construction – the bad news piles up and it’s hard to escape the doom and gloom. Other weeks are better. We might see a long-term project come to fruition, or hear about an inspiring building, or just talk to someone who brings along some new ideas and positive energy.

In this issue of HVAC&R News, we have two features about people who have made a difference.

The first is the story of fridgie and TAFE educator Dave Conyers, who found himself in the small NSW town of Eugowra after a tsunami-like flood wiped the place out late last year. From a chance conversation, he ended up helping with an AC unit, and from there things grew until people from far and wide were helping to air condition an entire town.

And it’s much more than a matter of comfort. Elderly people and babies would have struggled to cope in the summer heat without AC. For them, the only solution would have been to move somewhere else. Same goes for businesses like the butcher. As Dave said to me when we first spoke about the story, without those basic things, a town will just die.

Instead, Dave and a crew of generous people have brought life and positive energy back to Eugowra. At last count they had installed more than 100 units. Check out the story on page 19. Our cover story is also about Australian town life, and how it’s possible to make a difference, albeit in a different way.

In Burleigh Heads, Queensland, Burleigh Baker has become a big part of the local food scene and the community. This time, the fridgies did their bit in the background, designing and installing a new system to make sure the business is ready for a bright and prosperous future. Owners Geoff and Lisa Dance are definitely the stars of the show, but they wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of the team at Elite Refrigeration. Check out that story on page 10.

Whether you are taking centre stage or you’re behind the scenes providing support – which, let’s face it, is often the role of HVAC&R – I hope this issue serves as a reminder that we can make a difference.

Enjoy!

Mark Vender Editor

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