OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA VOLUME 15 | NUMBER 4 | SUMMER 2018
OUR NATIONAL
WINNERS
WA builders dominate national awards
15
First woman apprentice of the year winner
29
Why building is like housework
25
Geraldton’s lost bishop rediscovered in award-winning cathedral restoration 22
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CONTENTS
On The Cover
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MBAWA BOARD OF MANAGEMENT: President: Rob Spadaccini Vice President: David Crothers Treasurer: Grant Burgess Immediate Past President: John Ripp Board Members: Philip Kemp, Jason Kunkler, Steve McConkey, Isla McRobbie, Dan Perkins, Jack Pleiter, Robert Shaw, Michael Vermey, Michael Van Dongen
National Awards Best year ever for West Australian Builders
FOREWORDS
MEMBERSHIP
President’s File............................................................. 4
Personal Pars............................................................ 39
Director’s File............................................................... 6
Members’ Savings..................................................... 39
From the Hill................................................................. 7
FEATURES
REPORTS
Bricks and Pavers...................................................... 40
General News.............................................................. 8
Project: Optus Stadium............................................. 44
Branches................................................................... 14 Building Business...................................................... 37
AWARDS National Awards......................................................... 15
SENIOR STAFF: Director: Michael McLean Legal Manager: Charles Anderson Construction Director: Kim Richardson Housing Director: Jason Robertson Business Director: Graeme Dix Marketing Manager: Kelly Dewar-Matusik Sales Manager: Wayne Tardrew Events Manager: Monique Milne Technical Advisor: Romina De Santis Training Manager: Jess Sethi Communications Coordinator: Susan de Ruyter HEAD OFFICE: 35-37 Havelock Street, West Perth WA 6005 Post: PO Box 167, West Perth WA 6872 Phone: (08) 9476 9800 (Country) 1300 550 262 Fax: (08) 9476 9801 Email: mba@mbawa.com Website: www.mbawa.com REGIONAL BRANCHES: Albany-Great Southern: Linda Gibbs Ph: (08) 9841 6232 Bunbury-South West: Geoff Bosustow Ph: (08) 9721 6547 Geraldton-North West: Paul Kerr Ph: (08) 9921 5061 Esperance: Doug Backhouse Ph: 0437 184 366
PREMIUM ADVERTISER
Goldfields - Esperance Awards................................. 19 Mid-West Awards...................................................... 22 Great Southern Awards............................................. 26
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Health........................................................................ 32 Training...................................................................... 35 Legal.......................................................................... 36
linkedin.com/company/rawlinsons-publishing #rawlinsonspublishing Published by: ark:media Phone: +61 7 5629 5310 Email: marketing@arkmedia.net.au Web: www.arkmedia.net.au Managing Editor: Susan Guilfoyle Design Team: Andrew Crabb, Arlen Chidzey Advertising Sales: Rose Delosreyes, Paul Baird, Steve Clark Advertising Manager: Yvonne Okseniuk
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Master Builder is the official publication of The Master Builders Association of Western Australia. It is produced four times per year and published by ark:media. Master Builders Association of Western Australia was established in1898 and is the state’s oldest building industry organisation. The MBAWA is part of the Australia-wide Master Builder movement. Master Builder is produced to keep members informed of matters affecting them. Opinions and/or statements in any editorial and/or advertisements are not necessarily those of the publisher and/ or the MBAWA. The publisher reserves the right to reject any material deemed unsuitable for publication. Other than for the purposes of and subject to the conditions prescribed under the copyright Act 1968, no part of Master Builder may in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, microcopying, photocopying, recording or otherwise) be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without prior written permission from the MBAWA or ark:media.
MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
RECEIVE UP TO $25,000 WHEN YOU TAKE ON AN APPRENTICE. The CTF can reduce the costs of employing apprentices in WA’s building and construction industry for MBA members.
The CTF has a range of incentives for eligible employers of apprentices in construction trades, with up to $25,000 in incentives now available to help reduce the costs of adding a new apprentice to your business.
The first is paid after probation and six months of continuous employment; the second at the half-way point of the indenture and the final payment is made after successful completion of the qualification.
The minimum standard grant available to an eligible employer is $3,000 (for a 12-month traineeship), rising to a maximum of $10,000 for a 48-month apprenticeship in core construction trade areas.
MBA members will also receive the benefits of the grant from the CTF if hosting an apprentice through a group training organisation (GTO). The GTO claims the grant on your behalf and uses this funding to reduce the cost of employing and training the apprentice. This will result in a reduction in your net costs of hiring the apprentice through the GTO. Look for the note on the GTO’s invoice that shows your apprentice is being supported by the Construction Training Fund.
In addition to the standard grants: CTF now provides a Trade Bonus of up to $4,000, a bonus of up to $2,000 to an employer of an apprentice that has successfully completed a recognised Certificate II VET-in Schools or pre-apprenticeship qualification. CTF is also providing an extra bonus of up to $2,000 to eligible employers for the employment of women in non-traditional trades and a Mature Age (21 years or older) bonus of up to $2,000.
Visit ctf.wa.gov.au/Industry/Funding Support or call 9244 0100 for more information about the CTF’s apprenticeship grants and other support programs for the construction industry. CTF, helping fund the skills that build your future.
Additional supplements for employment of indigenous and regional trainees/apprentices bring the maximum grant available to a total of $25,000.
Receive up to $25,000 to help train an apprentice.
Apprentices bring leading edge skills to your business and they help strengthen the building and construction workforce. That’s why the Construction Training Fund provides up to $25,000 in grants for you to reduce the cost of training each apprentice you employ. For details on eligibility, visit ctf.wa.gov.au or call 9244 0100.
CON210_MBWA Magazine_215x122.5.indd 1
03/09/2018 9:10 PM
PRESIDENT’S FILE
Steering a course through challenges and changes My third and final year as Master Builders’ state President has almost come to an end. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to be so actively involved in our Board and Master Builders, which celebrated its 120th anniversary this year. As the President of an organisation as diverse, large and state-wide as Master Builders, you meet some very interesting people from the industry, political parties and statutory agencies. Each of these entities play an important role, none more so than our Board in overseeing the affairs of our Association. The Board’s commitment and support are much appreciated as is the camaraderie between its members.
Robert Spadaccini President
ACKNOWLEDGING THE SUPPORT OF OUR 2018 PARTNERS
Although my term as the 55th President has coincided with a downturn in WA’s economy, I am proud of what the Association has achieved over the last three years. Some of these achievements include: • The formulation of an ambitious three-year Strategic Plan which includes changes to our organisational structure and diversifying our Board composition. • The recladding of Construction House and a refurbishment our entrance foyer. • The upgrade of our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to improve our database and communications with members. • Significant contributions to shaping the state’s regulatory environment through comprehensive submissions to various reviews dealing with such complex issues as security of payment, planning, industrial relations, occupational health and safety, waste management, local government and skills training. • Representation on all consultative committees dealing with important issues impacting on our industry. • Maintaining a strong and financially secure industry association with minimal debt. I take this opportunity to thank all those members who have been actively involved in any of these areas. We are a grass-roots driven organisation which has always relied upon dedicated members to guide our experienced and knowledgeable staff in their lobbying and representation.
Having been involved with Master Builders for about ten years now, I would encourage anyone who is interested in creating a better industry and giving something back to their industry, to get involved with Master Builders. It is personally rewarding and fulfilling from many perspectives. One of my final important roles was to oversee the recruitment of a new Executive Director following Michael McLean’s decision to retire at the end of this year. With the professional assistance of Lester Blades, our recruitment panel reviewed 55 applications and interviewed six short-listed candidates. I am pleased to report that John Gelavis, the former Regional Executive Director of the HIA, has been appointed as our new Director. John comes to this position with impressive credentials, excellent experience and lots of energy and enthusiasm to take Master Builders to the preeminent position where we want it to be. Our outgoing Director, Michael McLean is working closely with John to ensure he is well equipped and briefed on all the necessary operational and strategic issues he needs to know. It will be strange not having Mike at the MBA’s helm as he has been our Director since September 1996 and has done an outstanding job for us, having worked with ten Presidents over that period. Michael’s service to our Association going back to August 1983 reflects his loyalty and commitment to our industry which we all have appreciated and benefited from. We wish him well in his retirement and hope to see him around Master Builders from time to time. Before concluding, I would like to thank all members, alliance partners and staff for their support during my three-year term as President. I look forward to continuing on the Board to assist our new President who will be elected on 11 December and announced at our end of year members’ function. I wish all our members a memorable Christmas with their families and a safe and successful 2019.
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DIRECTOR’S FILE Master Builders is in the unusual position of having two executive directors until the end of the year. Here, outgoing Executive Director Michael McLean looks back on 35 years with the Association and incoming Executive Director John Gelavis looks to the future of the building industry.
Farewell...
After 35 years it’s time to say goodbye to my Master Builders family. It’s been an amazing journey and adventure. It’s now time to enter the next phase of my life as a semi-retiree which means several Board and advisory roles, more travel and tennis and who knows what else? Every day since my employment began on 25 August 1983 has been busy and filled with learning experiences. I think that variety has contributed to my enthusiastic work ethic.
Michael McLean Executive Director
...and hello
A lot has changed at Master Builders over the years. For example: • A complete upgrade of our telecommunications from a wired telephone switchboard to internet communications, laptops, iPads, mobile phones and dual computer screens. • A complete make-over of Construction House which was built in 1971-72 and new Master Builders office two floors lower than before. • The development of three regional offices in Geraldton, Bunbury and Albany. • A much more stable industrial relations environment. • The establishment of industry superannuation (1984), portable long service leave (1987) and redundancy pay (1989) schemes. • Building Excellence Awards for the Kimberley and Pilbara and the end of regional awards in Mandurah. • Housing indemnity insurance (1996), a Construction Training Fund (1990) and new safety legislation (1988) which has caused an expansion of our safety services. • Our Centenary in 1998 which introduced an annual CEO Lunch and Robert Law Award honouring our first President. • The re-establishment of our Apprentice Awards and launch
It is a pleasure to be writing my first article for Master Builder. I am proud to have been selected to lead the association in its 120-anniversary year and look forward to working hard for all our members. I would like to acknowledge outgoing Executive Director Michael McLean for his tremendous service. Over the last few years, we have seen a decline in many sectors of the state economy, including the building industry. We understand how tough it is it, however we must remain positive because better signs are emerging. Additionally, we are seeing several government reviews with the potential to affect our industry. These include security of payments, industrial relations and occupational health and safety. Master Builders has been involved directly with all these reviews, advocating on behalf of our members to ensure our policies are understood and the impact on the industry if the policy settings are not correct.
John Gelavis Executive Director 6
Industry advocacy and representation is a key platform in our strategic plan, which requires involvement from our members. I am extremely pleased to recognize the outstanding work of our Housing Council, Construction Council, Regional Committees, Safety Committee, Training Committee and Young Leaders Committee in providing input into government reviews and
of the Ric New Medal and Rising Star Award and the start of national awards. • A greater focus on environmental issues such as energy efficiency ratings, waste management and water conservation. • The start of our TV program, Home in WA, in 1999 to promote our members. • Expansion of our partners such as Bankwest, Jackson McDonald, HBF, AHG, Telstra and others who have added value to membership. • The growing responsibility of Master Builders Australia for lobbying at a national level. • The establishment of MBA Insurance Services. • On-line contracts and a Get Paid Quick App. • A website and weekly electronic newsletters. • The establishment of our Health Alliance including MATES in Construction to reduce suicide. • Social media and weekly editorials in HOME in The Sunday Times and New Homes Plus. I have been fortunate to have enjoyed good health and energy to cope with the daily demands of my job. I have had experienced, competent and dedicated staff to assist me and deliver services to members. In addition, I have received amazing support from many members, including 10 Presidents, Board members and our alliance partners. I have been blessed with a caring and supportive wife who has helped bring up our two sons while I was at work.I leave the Association in a sound position financially and operationally. I thank all members for their support and the contributions they are making to our great industry. I wish my successor, John Gelavis, all the best and I am confident he will thrive in his new role.
other matters affecting the building and construction sector. I encourage any member who would like to contribute to seek a council or committee position to assist us in our advocacy efforts. I have had the opportunity in recent months to meet our major partners, sponsors and stakeholders, who show a high level of commitment to Master Builders and ongoing support for the industry. Without these important organisations we cannot successfully achieve our objectives. The more groups involved, the stronger we will become, so I encourage anyone looking to grow the building and construction sector to join us on the journey. I would like to acknowledge the dedicated staff at Master Builders across the state and thank them for their hard work and support. It is important our members receive high levels of service and pleasing to have a capable team ready to provide relevant, reliable and quality products and services. Thank you to the Master Builders Board and many within the industry who have assisted me over the last few months. We are looking forward to 2019 and beyond to ensure we not only work hard for all our members but also build a better industry. Have a safe and merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
FROM THE HILL
Planning a bright future for Western Australia We know that as development of these kinds of properties skyrocketed on the urban fringes, sometimes we lost our way planning the communities around them. The schools, local libraries, public transport, community and leisure centres weren’t there or, if they were, they found it challenging to cope with growing demand.
consistency and outcomes of development. Stage One of the project covers design for apartments and built environments as well as providing advice for local governments to establish and run design review panels. Work is also ongoing on the second stage of Design WA, which will cover design of houses, precincts, and neighbourhoods.
Correcting this is one of the many great opportunities that lie within Metronet.
Planning reform is also well underway - a comprehensive independent review of the planning system; Modernising Western Australia’s Planning System Green Paper, was recently released for public comment, with feedback currently under review. The paper aims to identify ways to make our planning system easier to understand, more efficient and focus more on the quality of the final development than the process it takes to get there.
We have to think smarter. As WA grows and diversifies, the places we live, work, and relax in – and the communities and infrastructure that support them – lend themselves to new, betterplanned, innovative developments. By 2050 Perth and Peel is expected to be home to an additional 1.5 million people. As metropolitan WA changes and grows, it’s predicted that 800,000 new homes will be needed to meet demand.
Rita Saffioti Planning, Transport and Lands Minister
It’s an exciting time to be involved in planning and transport in Western Australia. Much comment has been made on the mining boom to bust cycle that took our state and its housing industry from boom to gloom, seemingly overnight. There can be a temptation to look back on boom times with nostalgia but, as our state economy rallies, the green shoots of opportunity offer us the chance to do better, to diversify, and to make our communities more vibrant. It’s a transformative time for Western Australia. The boom drove immense demand for big homes and big blocks, for big families. This meant large greenfield land banks in outlying areas – considered the only costeffective way to meet demand at the time – were the backbone of Perth’s development boom.
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This diversification is a key tenet of the State Government’s Metronet plan. A crucial part of this commitment is a $3.6billion investment in suburbtransforming Metronet public transport projects. Forming cohesive communities around these transport links is just as important as building the infrastructure. For Perth to remain a liveable city, we cannot set up a legacy of poorly considered buildings and spaces around activity centres, transport corridors and Metronet stations. We must continue to innovate and adapt to meet the range of needs and demands of different types of households by focusing on housing affordability, creating dwelling diversity, and providing downsizing opportunities for our ageing population. Elevating the role of design will play a key role in helping us to deliver better quality infill and more densely planned neighbourhoods that people really want to live in. This new chapter of state planning is more than just lip service – initiatives and reforms are already well underway to make the vision a reality. A large part of this is Design WA, a State Government initiative to develop a series of policies, guidelines and advice on best-practise design which will improve
It has also been a busy year in the strata reform space. The Strata Titles Amendment Bill and the new Community Titles Bill passed the Lower House in September and was debated in the Upper House throughout October and November. With a growing market for strata properties (nearly 50 per cent of all new land subdivisions in WA are strata developments and more than 300,000 strata lots, worth $170 billion, currently exist in the state) it was important to me that we gave strata owners, residents, developers and managers, a clear, modern, transparent and accountable framework for creating and managing strata and community titles. These bills include increased opportunities for strata schemes to own and manage innovative, sustainable infrastructure, boosted protections for tenants and improving the way these titles are managed. These are just some of the many initiatives, along with Metronet, which will help make our city a better place to live. The steps we take now, well ahead of the forecast population growth, will help ensure every time we build new communities in Perth that they keep getting better. I look forward to seeing how these design and reform principles – where we plan the infrastructure hand-in-hand with people’s homes – will build the places we live into healthier, richer and more vibrant communities.
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REPORTS
Scandinavian expertise to help Perth grow overseas in pursuit of its long-term vision to become a major international player in construction. “Serneke is a values-driven organisation with impeccable environmental and social sustainability credentials, an energetic and competitive approach to construction and development and a desire to expand internationally,” Mr Abercromby said. He said Serneke was keen to collaborate with Perth’s design, construction and development industries to unlock many of WA’s key urban renewal precincts and corridors. Serneke’s experience in delivering medium and high-density developments integrated into existing communities would help Perth meet the needs of a growing and changing population. Perth is known as one of the world’s most liveable cities and the challenge is to ensure the major changes ahead improve rather than impair the quality of life residents enjoy.
Serneke founder and CEO Ola Serneke flanked by Mark Swann and Andrew Abercromby in Gothenburg, Sweden
WA builder Consortium has linked with a major Swedish construction company to deliver the complex projects necessary as Perth becomes one of the world’s fastest growing cities. The pressure to create liveable, transport-integrated, medium-to-high density in-fill developments will increase as the population of the greater Perth area rises to 3.5 million by 2050. Consortium directors Andrew Abercromby and Mark Swann believe they have found the right partner to meet the challenge in Serneke, one of Sweden’s largest and fastest growing construction companies. Serneke has more than 1000 employees and a turnover this year of almost one billion Australian dollars. Founder and CEO Ola Serneke has an interest in social sustainability and community projects, especially those with a health-related component.
Cementing innovative ideas
Consortium was the winner of the 2017 Master Builders WA Award for Construction Excellence and Excellence in Energy Efficiency and a finalist for the National Environment and Energy Efficiency Residential Building Award. Their Isaacs residence in Cottesloe was the first Passivhaus project in Western Australia, designed to rigorous German standards for high-comfort and ultralow energy. Recently the Isaacs residence also became one of the first ten projects in the world to be certified Passivhaus Premium. The Consortium and Serneke companies came together after Mr Serneke asked staff where they would most like to be posted for an overseas project and Australia was the top choice. He followed up by visiting Perth with Serneke’s executive team to meet government agencies, developers, financiers and builders. Consortium Builders Pty Ltd has been trading as Serneke since October. This is Serneke’s first move
Congratulations to the winning companies in this year’s Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia innovation awards. The Community Leadership Award went to Holcim (Australia), Bunbury Concrete Plant for its Community Art Bin Wall Mural Project. To combat graffiti, Holcim engaged school students and an indigenous artist to paint a mural on the bin wall and held an open day to celebrate the project. The Environmental Innovation Award was won by Cockburn Cement’s Kalgoorlie Parkeston Distribution
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“Serneke has a distinctly different set of skills to bring to the Perth market and to fully leverage their benefits we will be targeting projects where we can be involved from the very earliest stage, as a part of the design team, possibly taking an equity share in stand-out projects,” Mr Abercromby said. “Clients who are most likely to appreciate what we are bringing to town will be those who value the benefits of a rapid design and construct approach and have a longer-term interest in the operating and maintenance costs of their buildings, as well as the comfort and well-being of their inhabitants, whether they be couples, families, pre-schoolers, students, the aged or infirm. “The Swedes have developed technologies that take sustainability from a principles-driven ideal for project development to a pragmatic set of benefits that enable developments which would not otherwise be feasible, while also improving liveability in a fast-changing urban context so we expect a pretty broad range of parties to be interested in what Serneke has to offer.”
Centre, where a solar powered locomotive was created for use in their daily operations. Boral Australia’s Orange Grove Quarry won the Health and Safety Innovation Award for a its ROM bin isolation gates which stop trucks from accidentally tipping loads into the bin while maintenance crews are inside. Highly Commended Awards were given to Boral Australia for community leadership as well as Holcim and Hanson Australia for environmental innovation. MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
REPORTS
Builders welcome tax relief for small businesses
ADCO pays it forward to Mates
It all began when ADCO Constructions won the Mark Allen Memorial Trust Fund Commercial Safety Award, presented at the Master Builders-Bankwest Excellence in Construction Awards in July along with a $5000 cheque.
More than 370,000 building businesses will benefit from the Government’s recent decision to fast track tax relief for small to medium employers. “This is great news for builders, including the many who are sole traders, and the economy,” Master Builders’ Australia CEO Denita Wawn said. “We have more small businesses in building and construction than any other sector of the economy and this is a heartland issue for Master Builders. We have been very direct in calling for greater tax relief for these businesses and the Government’s move is absolutely the right thing. “Bringing forward small business tax relief for SME builders will motivate them to invest more in their businesses including plant and equipment and training, engage more tradies and train more apprentices.
ADCO Constructions, Master Builders and Mates in Construction put a new spin on the child’s party game of pass the parcel by playing pass the cheque recently.
ADCO decided to donate the money to MATES in Construction WA to support them in preventing suicide and mental illness in the industry. John Gelavis, Nick Cater, Frank Allen, Brad Geatches and Andrew Pachioli play pass the cheque
“SME tax relief is a no-brainer which will be strongly supported by small builders and tradies around the country. We call on everyone in the Parliament to back the legislation when it’s introduced.” Master Builders Australia also welcomed Labor’s decision to back the Government’s move. “Labor’s decision will benefit builders and tradies who are building prosperity and jobs in communities around the country,” Ms Wawn said.
Master Builders and the Mark Allen Memorial Trust Fund helped transfer the prize money and pay the good deed forward. On 21 September, ADCO Constructions WA Manager Nick Cater and Safety Manager Andrew Pachioli met with Master Builders Executive Director John Gelavis and Frank Allen of the Mark Allen Memorial Trust Fund to donate the $5,000 cheque to Mates CEO Brad Geatches. Their smiles show it was a game which left everyone feeling like a winner.
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REPORTS
My Leave The downturn in WA construction has not stopped the industry’s long service leave scheme MyLeave from maintaining a strong financial position. In the financial year ending 30 June, MyLeave delivered a fully funded balance sheet with an accounting ratio of 148 per cent (assets/liabilities). In 2018, there were 5445 payments totaling $43.7 million to workers, which was a fall from the record levels in 2017. MyLeave was pleased to be able to reduce the contribution levy this year to 1.2 per cent. From January 2019, the quarterly levy will drop further, to 1.1 per cent. This is a conservative approach to ensure MyLeave maintains its mission to provide a financially sustainable portable long service leave scheme for eligible Western Australia construction industry employees.
Levy percentage
CONTRIBUTION LEVY 2014 2015 2016 1.90% 1.50% 1.35%
2017 1.35%
2018 1.20%
Statistics for 2018 show the continued industry downturn and the important role of MyLeave in delivering a significant volume and value of worker payments.
Total registered Total contributed for (average per quarter) Total days of service (average per quarter) Number of benefits paid Value of benefits paid
While significant growth has been recorded in the investment portfolio, this has been necessary to align the portfolio to the total liability for worker payments. The portfolio is also required to have a financial buffer to cover global investment market downturns. The table below shows the movement in the actuarial liability. ACTUARIAL LIABILITY Total liability
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
$330M
$375M
$432M
$428M
$411M
These factors put MyLeave in a sound financial position as shown below. The equity surplus of $198.9 million is more than MyLeave’s approved accounting ratio range of 110 to 130 per cent. STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 2015 2016 2017 Assets $515.5M $541.9M $584.7M Liabilities $376.0M $434.8M $428.9M Equity surplus $139.5M $107.1M $155.8M Accounting Ratio (Assets/Liabilities) 137% 125% 136%
2018 $611.3M $412.4M $198.9M 148%
WORKERS 2015 2016 2017 2018 130,151 127,941 121,533 112,245 -1% -2% -5% -8% 76,271 76,592 68,134 63,794 +2% nom. -11% -6% 3,299,286 3,296,013 2,891,334 2,641,243 3,910 $30.9M
5,100 $39.6M
5,808 $47.4M
5,445 $43.7M
This data highlights a steady decline in both the number of registered workers and the number of active workers (total contributed for). The number of active workers has shown a significant and rapid reduction to 63,794 (-16%) from 2015. In line with the industry downturn, the number of benefits paid is showing a high percentage of terminations, as compared to workers taking long service leave. For 2018 the percentage of termination payments was 59 per cent as compared to 63 per cent in 2017. MyLeave is pleased to provide a financial buffer for workers who have an unanticipated break in employment as well as benefiting workers who take long service leave. In contrast to the reduction in the total number of registered workers, the average number of registered employers remains around 5000 and has not moved greatly in recent years. In 2018 the investment return percentage for MyLeave was 6.9 per cent, which is less than the 2017 return of 9.0 per cent but greater than the 20-year average return of 5.7 per cent per annum. The investment portfolio is structured to accommodate fluctuations in performance. This is the ninth consecutive year of positive returns. The table below shows the investment portfolio (including cash deposits held by MyLeave). INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO & INCOME 2014 2015 2016 2017 Total portfolio $424M $490M $515M $557M Net investment income $48.4M $34.6M $13.1M $48.1M 10
2018 $591M $33.2M
If you employ workers in the construction industry you may be required by law to register in the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Scheme. Find out by visiting www.myleave.wa.gov.au or by calling 08 9476 5400.
MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
REPORTS
Building
abroad
During a visit to Sri Lanka and Singapore in September, MBA Director Michael McLean met two kindred organisations with a similar charter to Master Builders. Here is a summary of Michael’s report.
Master Builders director Michael McLean with Singapore Contractors Association executive director Lam Kong Hong
Sri Lankan Construction Association
Singapore Contractors’ Association
AUBEA Conference
The Director met with the CEO of the National Construction Association of Sri Lanka (NCASL), Mr BC Ramanayake at his office in Colombo on 25 September. • The NCASL was only formed in 1981 as a national organisation and has 15 provincial members. The Board comprises 30 unpaid members. The Chairman has a maximum term of three years and elections are held annually. • All associations in Sri Lanka pay tax on their surplus. • NCASL has about 2,500 contractor members, mostly small to medium contractors with some being non-financial. • The training arm of NCASL is the University College of Construction which was established under a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training and the Advanced Construction Training Academy – solely dedicated to construction training. • The Construction Industry Development Authority is the regulatory body that issues registration certificates for different levels of training. Registration is tiered from nine (unskilled labourers) to one (engineers). • Most trades complete their training within six to 24 months; competency-based training does not literacy and numeracy skills into account. • NCASL provides a lot of training for its Board members and provincial Board members as their knowledge of corporate governance is low. • NCASL has a Code of Ethics and lobbies all levels of government. It is reluctant to be outspoken in the media to avoid confrontation and criticism from members. • Major policy issues currently being addressed include slow/late payments to contractors on government work, taxation burdens hampering profitability, encouraging more young people to choose a career in construction, improving safety standards and increased competition from Chinese construction companies on mega projects.
The Director met the Executive Director of the Singapore Contractors’ Association Ltd (SCAL), Mr Lam Kong Hong at his office on 28 September. SCAL was formed in 1937 and Mr Lam has been employed there for two years. • SCAL has 3,000 contractor members but only about 300 are substantive and influential. • Membership subscriptions range from $300 to $2,500 and comprise about 25 per cent of its revenue base. • SCAL has three subsidiary businesses dealing with training, quality management systems and safety audits. • SCAL and its subsidiaries pay tax on any profits. • Tiered registration of builders exists in Singapore. • SCAL has a 20-person board and seven-person executive that meet monthly – none of whom receive payment. The President is elected for a two-year term which can be renewed once. • SCAL has 15-16 staff; 50 including the subsidiary businesses. • Less than 10 per cent of SCAL’s membership build single-level homes; 40-55 per cent build high-rise. • Contractors must pay $1,000 per month per foreign worker to the Singapore government. Major issues being dealt with by SCAL are: • Safety on site – 70 per cent of fatalities are caused by falls and there were 46 fatalities in 2016; 20 in 2017; and 11 to date in 2018. Initiatives to reduce these numbers include improved training of foreign workers such as language skills; quarterly site visits by the SCAL OHS Committee; June is designated as Safety Promotion Month; SCAL has introduced a Safety Innovation Award and Supervisor Award. • Careers promotion within the industry. • Attracting and retaining staff at SCAL. • Digital technology such as building information modelling, or BIM, and disruptive technology. • Security of payment – SCA is lobbying the Singapore government to move away from accepting the lowest tender, which causes problems in work quality and payment practices.
While in Singapore, our Director attended the annual Conference of the Australasian Universities Building Education Association in Singapore on 26-28 September. The conference was organised by Curtin University WA, which also has a campus in Singapore.
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The conference was attended by about 100 delegates from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Nigeria, China, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Ghana and Singapore. Issues covered included: • The importance of effective engagement between tertiary institutions and industry. • BIM as an integral process of building. • Waste management strategies. • Curricula development for construction management courses. • Transforming education for the future to encompass ideas such as blended learning, drop-out unis, self-grading, community institutions and industry involvement. • The impact of disruptive technology such as robots on future skills including coders, designers and collaborators. • Chinese government has legislated against accepting the lowest tender. • John Holland is targeting female construction managers to overcome skills shortages.
Next year’s conference will be held in either Perth or Auckland. 11
REPORTS
Master Builders backs plan for director identification laws
First home buyers a growing force
Laws to create a Director Identifier Number system are moving forward with the Commonwealth Treasury Department releasing exposure draft legislation. First canvassed in the 2001 Cole Royal Commission, a DIN concept has been long supported by Master Builders as a way to help government agencies and regulators enforce existing laws more effectively while avoiding the need for higher levels of red tape and regulation.
Denita Wawn, CEO Master Builders Australia
"Master Builders acknowledges the work of Shadow Assistant Treasurer Andrew Leigh and his leadership on this issue,” Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said. “It’s good news that the Government is now getting on with delivering this important initiative.”
The proposed DIN register will see company directors assigned a unique number, allowing regulators, agencies and government departments to better track and identify unfair commercial conduct and enforce existing laws far more effectively and efficiently. In its submission to Treasury responding to the draft laws, Master Builders expressed support for the DIN while suggesting improvements and highlighting the need to keep red tape cuts high on the agenda.
First home buyers are showing confidence in the housing market by signing up for mortgages at the highest rate in six years. In the three months to August 2018, Australian Bureau of Statistics data indicate the portion of owner occupier mortgages accounted for by first home buyers reached 18 per cent. “First home buyer participation in Australia’s mortgage market is now at its healthiest since 2012,” said Shane Garrett, Chief Economist for Master Builders Australia. “The strength of first home buyer engagement with the mortgage market is good news for Australia’s home building industry,” Shane Garrett said. “FHBs are now a much bigger pillar of demand for new house and apartment building across Australia. As well as boosting building activity over the short term, having more home owners will be favourable from the point of renovations demand over coming decades. “Along with the introduction of enhanced incentives in NSW and Victoria, the strong pace of job creation is helping more and more Australians to become homeowners for the first time. “This is another important benefit of our growing economy.”
Ms Wawn said the DIN would reduce the incidence of phoenix activity and other types of capricious commercial conduct that undermined and hurt the majority of businesses doing the right thing. “There is no better time than now to take stock of existing regulation and red tape to make sure whether it is necessary and still effective," she said. "Protecting small business people from rogue operators and reducing the red tape so many small builders find suffocating must both remain top of the agenda.” 12
MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
REPORTS
NATSPEC launches conforming product database Not-for-profit construction information provider, NATSPEC, has launched a National Construction Products Register in response to concerns regarding nonconforming products.
“All players in the product supply chain have a responsibility,” NATSPEC CEO, Richard Choy, said. “By providing a centralised source of information we can assist those trying to do the right thing. The NCPR was created predominantly to raise awareness of the issues but it is now a tool for all industry parties to verify the authenticity of product conformity.”
NATSPEC says the building industry is now fully aware of issues regarding nonconforming and non-complying building products and builders are obliged to comply with the building regulations and construction specifications.
An NCPR product listing is not an endorsement or certification of the product by NATSPEC. Listing does not provide information or recommendations on the suitability or use of a product for a particular application, situation or project.
Although the national register is in its infancy, about a thousand products are listed and further verifications are under way. Users of the NCPR print the relevant product report, retaining it with project documents as evidence that reasonable steps have been taken to verify the certificate of conformity.
NATSPEC says evidence of conformity submitted by a manufacturer might only support in general terms, the use of a product or material and might not provide information on manufacturing controls, use limitations and maintenance requirements. It says authenticated documentation is evidence of product conformity, not verification of compliance with the National Construction Code.
However, NATSPEC warns this does not guarantee the same product will be delivered. “Testing laboratories and conformity assessment bodies (CABs) have advised that they have witnessed many false and doctored certifications,” NATSPEC said in launching the register. “Builders now have to take appropriate preliminary steps to show certificates they receive have been checked for authenticity and exclusion clauses.
The NCPR does not duplicate plumbing (WaterMark) and electrical (EESS) product databases. It indicates certification types and hosts the main product certification documents (CodeMark, WaterMark etc.) with the consent of participating manufacturers. It also links to JAS-ANZ-recognised industry schemes.
“Good construction specifications assist the builder as they state standards to which products must conform. The NCPR provides an economy of scale so that builders do not have to contact all the CABs.” NATSPEC suggests builders who cannot find the product they wish to use either should encourage the manufacturer to submit evidence to the NCPR for verification or should choose a verified alternative.
The Australian Building Codes Board provides for builders to lodge queries or report suspected non-conforming building products at www.abcb.gov.au/NCBP/Nonconforming-building-products/Lodge-a-query-or-report-a-suspected-NCBP. Master Builders is among the industry bodies which started NATSPEC as a not-forprofit organisation aimed at improving construction quality in Australia.
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REPORTS: BRANCHES
Di remembers the small joys of a big job When Master Builders opened its first regional office in Geraldton in 1964, its purpose was to take care of business across a vast area of the North West, Mid West and outback of Western Australia. It takes a big person to do a big job and for the past 15 years that has been Di Gilleland. Julie Ann Sproule and Di Gilleland made a great team in Geraldton
Di may not be physically large but she has shown enormous energy, competence and personality in running the branch and her wide smile has brightened hundreds of local events. When Di retired earlier this year, reluctantly handing over the office keys to new manager Paul Kerr, she reflected on some of the highlights since she started work on 28 January 2003. They included big events like a trip to Orlando in the United States for the Association of American Home
Di, front right, celebrates a successful Women in Building and Construction event before her retirement.
Builders Convention in 2011 to small ones such as running a local barefoot bowls event in fancy dress, with the branch chairman dressed as a queen.
is proud to say Broome apprentices have won more Master Builders Regional Apprentice Awards than any other region.
Also in 2011, she oversaw the move to purpose-built offices, training and function rooms in Walton Close and laid a time capsule to be opened in 2036.
A personal highlight for Di was receiving an Australia Day WA Community Citizen of the Year award for her community work for Master Builders and Rotary.
Di organised 16 Building Excellence Awards in Broome and successfully negotiated to host the annual event at the amazing location of Zanders on Cable Beach. She
We wish Di well in the next phase of her life and we’ve already heard whispers that DG Consulting is offering to assist members with their award entries.
Builders learn the tricks of the trade in Albany
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan talks about construction projects in the Great Southern and the advantages for builders.
Lunch with Alannah Great Southern members were glad of the chance to talk about work on the Albany waterfront and upcoming local projects with Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan in August.
Construction workers in the Great Southern had the chance to get their builder’s registration locally in September.
As guest speaker at a Master Builders lunch event, Ms MacTiernan talked about the State Government’s plans for the region and the effects on the building industry as well as listening to the views of members.
Officially known as the CPC50210 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building), the qualification allows graduates to become registered builders in WA, construction managers, site supervisors or building inspectors. Great Southern regional manager Linda Gibbs said the diploma was recognised Australia-wide and it was a great chance for anyone with five or more years in the industry to take a step forward in their construction career. 14
Building diploma candidates in Albany prepare for lessons
“This is our fourth time offering the diploma in Albany. We ran the course three years running a few years ago and it won’t be run again for two years as the other regions take turns,” she said.
Ms MacTiernan discussed the regional project pipeline including the Albany Ring Road and the waterfront development. She introduced new local content adviser Gavin Ellis, who has the job of connecting local tradespeople and suppliers to Government work opportunities. MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
AWARDS
Best year ever for West Australian builders at the national awards WA Builders dominated the national awards this year, bringing home a record 12 honours for commercial and residential projects.
Then there’s more to come in our Summer special edition, which covers a busy awards season.
A year of economic gloom for the state’s builders was brightened on 24 November when the Master Builders National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards were held in Adelaide.
Just weeks before the national gala event, Master Builders WA presented the Apprentice of the Year and Ric New awards in Perth at The Westin.
Multiplex won three awards for the much-admired Optus Stadium including National Commercial Master Builder of the Year. This marks the first time a WA builder has won Australian’s top commercial building prize.
Carpentry apprentice Aly Harper became the first woman to win Master Builders’ top apprentice award and she has a great story to tell about completing a university degree majoring in German and launching a corporate career before doing an amazing turnaround and starting over in the construction industry.
Plenty of their peers also had moments of glory on stage as they collected trophies in categories including display homes, retirement villages, restorations, energy efficiency and major infrastructure – making it Western Australia’s best year in the national competition.
Regional awards have also been held in the Great Southern, Mid West and Goldfields-Esperance areas and our hard-working judges talk about travelling across the state to look at the innovative and intriguing work of builders in far-flung cities, towns and remote communities.
In the following pages, Master Builder magazine proudly displays the achievements of our winners across all facets of construction.
Make a cuppa, get comfortable and enjoy our celebration of the best from the west.
And the winners are…. National Commercial Master Builder of the Year National Commercial/Industrial Construction Award – over $100 million National Entertainment and Recreation Facility Award
Multiplex
Optus Stadium and Stadium Park, Burswood Optus Stadium has so quickly and completely been integrated into the lives of West Australians that it’s hard to remember it’s still new. But not long ago, West Australians were looking at a construction site on the banks of the Swan River and wondering whether it was the best choice over a revamp of the decaying Subiaco oval. The doubts evaporated as the stadium took shape and it proved itself to be a resounding success. The 60,000-seat stadium has two 340sqm super screens to show all the action on the ground and a lightweight fabric roof covering 85 per cent of the seats. Home team colours are illuminated at night by impressive LED lights. The bronze exterior is a nod to WA’s mineral-rich geology. Included in the project was the surrounding park, which has community facilities, nature play areas, restaurants, an amphitheatre and a pedestrian and cyclist network. The project won Multiplex the top commercial trophy at the WA construction awards before going on to win the national titles of Commercial Master Builder of the Year, top recreational facility and best construction in the over $100 million category. “The stadium’s success had not only been proven by state, national and international; awards this year but by it swift integration into the lived and affections of West Australians,” said Master Builders Executive Director, John Gelavis.
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AWARDS National Luxury Project Home – $2 to $3 million
A Di Bucci & Son 67 The Esplanade, Mt Pleasant
This striking three-storey home is topped by a viewing entertainment deck with expansive views of the city and out to the hills. The front elevation with contrasting acrylic render and frameless glass balustrade is imposing but simple. Highlights include a staircase opening into a 7m void lobby and ultra-modern air-con, smart wiring and security. A functional and glamorous family home.
National Lifestyle Housing for Seniors Award – Retirement Villages
BGC Construction Pty Ltd St Ives, Carine
The first stage and largest stage of an attractive new retirement complex, with 63 luxury apartments over seven stories. The project includes basement car parking, a stunning entry plaza, restaurant, café, clubhouse, bar, library and separate health pavilion. Set on nearly two hectares, the apartments have extensive landscaped areas including roof gardens with ocean views.
National Display Home – under $250,000
Celebration Homes The Ellington, 7 Quinn Street, Midvale
The Ellington display home offers 265sqm of total space, including a secluded home cinema located to the front of the home. The residence features elegant lines, contract render, large modern windows and portico. Ample storage is a highlight and families will appreciate the convenience of a large walk-in linen cupboard in the laundry.
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MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
AWARDS National Civil/Infrastructure Award – over $25 million
Laing O'Rourke
Perth Stadium Station (Building and Civil Works), Burswood The newest addition to the rail network, Perth Stadium Station is integral to Optus Stadium’s transport solution. A clever construction approach and digital engagement allowed the six-platform station to be safely delivered on time and with minimal impact. Capable of moving up to 28,000 people within an hour, the stadium station provides a high-quality public transport service.
National Commercial Historical Restoration/Renovation Award
McCorkell Construction (WA) Fremantle Town Hall, Fremantle
The heritage-listed Fremantle Town Hall is one of the city’s most recognisable structures. The overhaul was the largest conservation project ever undertaken by the City of Fremantle and included the removal of old paint layers, masonry facade repairs, slate and galvanised roof replacement, restoration of timber elements and refurbishment of the clock.
National Display Home – $250,000 to $350,000
New Generation Homes Oak Ridge, Quondong Street, Baldivis
The Oak Ridge is an intelligently designed 4x2 home. The external render was completed before roof construction began to guarantee a crisp finish. Wall cracking was minimised using hoop iron tensioners. Water damage was prevented by applying waterproofing to all external rendered areas from the footing up to two courses. Regular site cleans throughout ensured safety and tidiness.
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AWARDS National Display Home – $500,000 to $1.5 million
Novus Homes
The Paragon, Venice Entrance, Illuka Created for family living, The Paragon features timber and stone cladding for a rich first impression. The minimalistic architectural design includes large bedrooms, private guest area and luxury upstairs master suite opening onto a large balcony. The large kitchen has designer cabinets, island bench, concealed bar cabinet and scullery. All the living areas have views to the alfresco and pool area.
National Environment and Energy Efficiency Residential Building Award
Nulook Homes in conjunction with Solar Dwellings and Step Beyond Northwood Street, West Leederville
Incorporating lifecycle analysis and solar passive design principles, this contemporary two-storey home is inspired by the owner’s passion for sustainable living. The design incorporates an innovative use of thermal performance to minimise energy consumption. Complete with a waterwise rooftop garden, this home combines environmentally friendly credentials with modern family comfort.
National Medium Density – two to five dwellings
Weststyle Design and Development Camden Street, Wembley Downs
Two superbly designed family homes side by side, grand and luxurious from the front façade with an elevation to take advantage of views across Perth. The homes are harmonious and classic in style, with floor plans that differ but have design similarities. One kitchen is strikingly dark, the other is crisp white and both homes have warm and neutral finishes with an emphasis on natural materials.
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MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
GOLDFIELDS-ESPERANCE AWARDS
Goldfields
Esperance Building Excellence Awards
The home, with a vast 1553sqm under roof including sweeping verandas, features a heated indoor swimming pool and sauna. It is powered by solar panels supported by smart wiring technology. Mr Baggetta said the judges were struck by the magnificent quality of the home, which was built on a difficult clay site with exquisite attention to detail. “It is a very unusual farm home with living quarters in different sections of the building to give private space to each of the people sharing it,” he said.
A high school in the Goldfields and a rural home overlooking the ocean outside Esperance have won the region’s premier building awards.
“Dixon Construction sourced most of the trades locally and the workmanship on all the carpentry, joinery and cabinetwork is exceptional.”
Master Builders regional awards judge Charlie Baggetta said the builders honoured for Best Commercial Building and Best Country Home had drawn on quality local tradespeople as well as specialists from further afield to produce outstanding results.
Awards for the work on ceilings, carpentry, plasterboard lining and roofing showed the consistently high standards throughout the building, he added, in addition to the best country home title.
Pindan Constructions won the Best Commercial Building Award for their work on the Kalgoorlie Boulder Community High School.
Master Builders regional liaison officer Doug Backhouse said the awards were a beacon for anyone considering a building project in the Goldfields and Esperance area.
The multi-stage project added three new teaching blocks, a café, playing courts, visual arts area and education support hub as well as extensive parking and landscaping works. “The innovative use of steel, concrete, rammed earth and aluminium was very impressive,” Mr Baggetta said. “Instead of simply using brickwork, the expanse of the building was broken up with clever use of building materials. “Pindan did well in sourcing tradespeople from the local area as well as specialists from as far as Perth, which was a big factor in the exceptional outcome.” Dixon Construction won Best Country Home for Lot 26 Merivale Road, a grand rural home with glorious ocean views 12km east Esperance. WWW.MBAWA.COM
“Choosing a builder can be confusing so potential clients should seriously consider Master Builder members and ask about any awards they have won, to ensure a quality construction,” he said. “Although Goldfields-Esperance has the smallest in population of the regions, the quality of workmanship and expertise of local builders matches the best in the state. “All builders should be very proud of their entries into the awards this year. Entries are judged by experienced builders of high standing in the industry and winners are chosen by the excellence of construction in all facets of the build.” The 2018 Master Builders-Bankwest Building Excellence Awards for the region were announced at a gala event at Kalgoorlie’s Overland Motel on 1 September. Winners will be considered for the 2019 state-wide awards. 19
GOLDFIELDS-ESPERANCE AWARDS
A bright new interior at Kalgoorlie Boulder Community High School.
This rural house with ocean views at Merivale, east of Esperance, was judged best country home.
Three new teaching blocks and other facilities were added to the school.
Judges praised the attention to detail lavished on the huge Merivale home, which covered more than a third of an acre.
Steve Coxall from Pindan Constructions collects the best commercial building award, flanked by Master Builders WA vice president Jack Pleiter,left, and Jeff Concanen from MBA Insurance Services, right. Executive director Michael McLean announced the award.
Jack Pleiter, Dixon Construction’s Gavan Dixon and Jane Young from Bankwest at the presentation of the award for best home.
The awards gala at Kalgoorlie’s Overland Motel was an evening of celebration.
Socialising at the awards night.
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MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
GOLDFIELDS-ESPERANCE AWARDS
Goldfields
Esperance awards
2018
BANKWEST BEST REGIONAL PROJECT Pindan Constructions Pty Ltd Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School Kalgoorlie
BEST COUNTRY HOME Dixon Construction Merivale Road Merivale
BEST CONTRACT HOMES $250,000 - $300,000 Westralia Homes Cavalier Avenue Kalgoorlie $300,000 - $350,000 Goldfields Homes McCarthy Street Somerville $350,000 - $400,000 Westralia Homes Rodda Street Kalgoorlie $400,000 - $450,000 WA Country Builders Gunton Circle Castletown
EXCELLENCE IN PLASTERING
SILVER TROWEL
KPB Interior Lining Westralia Homes Cavalier Avenue Kalgoorlie
Jason Bancroft BD Partington Building Contractors Pty Ltd Sommet Street Le-Grande, Esperance
EXCELLENCE IN PLASTERBOARD LININGS
BEST MULTI UNIT DEVELOPMENT 2-5 UNITS
Daniel Jurkovic Plastering Dixon Construction Merivale Road Merivale
Westralia Homes 26 Bourke Street Kalgoorlie
EXCELLENCE IN BRICK & BLOCK PAVING Neil Harland BD Partington Building Contractors Pty Ltd Windich Street Esperance
EXCELLENCE IN CEILINGS Daniel Jurkovic Plastering Dixon Construction Merivale Road Merivale
EXCELLENCE IN PAINTING
BEST HISTORIC RESTORATION OR RENOVATION $1.5 TO $5 MILLION Acorp Constructiom Lord Forrest Olympic Pool Redevelopment Kalgoorlie
BEST EDUCATION BUILDING $20 TO $50 MILLION Pindan Constructions Pty Ltd Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School Kalgoorlie
BEST PUBLIC USE BUILDING $1.5 TO $5 MILLION
Boomer Painting Service Westralia Homes Rodda Street Kalgoorlie
Acorp Constructiom Lord Forrest Olympic Pool Redevelopment Kalgoorlie
EXCELLENCE IN ROOFING
WA Country Builders
$2,500,000 - $3,500,000 Dixon Construction Merivale Road Merivale
BJT Carpentry Dixon Construction Merivale Road Merivale
BEST DISPLAY HOMES
EXCELLENCE IN EXTERNAL FINISHES
$240,000 - $270,000 Westralia Homes Genovese Street Kalgoorlie
BD Partington Building Contractors Pty Ltd Windich Street Esperance
BANKWEST BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR Thomas Rolland Westralia Homes
JOHN TRUMAN AWARD Westralia Homes
$300,000 - $350,000 Goldfields Homes McCarthy Street Somerville
EXCELLENCE IN INTERNAL & EXTERNAL CARPENTRY External: BJT Carpentry together with Dixon Constructions Internal: Shannan Carpentry and Tiling, Dixon Constructions, Merivale
EXCELLENCE IN WALL AND FLOOR TILING D & J Renton Tiling BD Partington Building Contractors Pty Ltd Windich Street Esperance
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A table decorated with the steampunk theme and ready for guests.
MID-WEST AWARDS
The awards get under way.
Time-honoured gathering places win Mid-West building awards The restoration of Geraldton’s unique St Francis Xavier Cathedral and the spectacular remodelling of a crumbling outback pub have won building awards in the Mid-West region. A stately church and the ramshackle Club Hotel in Wiluna may seem to have little in common but regional awards judge Kevin Sale said both were cherished meeting places in their communities.
Bluetooth, into a 100-year-old heritage-listed structure was very challenging. “The beautifully restored cathedral and its grounds will be a tourist attraction for the city, like the cathedrals of Europe.” Mr Sale had to fly across the desert in a small plane to judge another meticulously restored gathering place with a wilder history.
Both projects won renovation prizes in the 2018 Master Builders-Bankwest Building Excellence Awards, presented at Geraldton Grammar School on October 13. The cathedral also won Crothers Construction the Best Regional Project title.
The rundown, shutdown Club Hotel was bought by the Shire of Wiluna last year and transformed into the council’s new headquarters and a community function centre.
Restoration work on the cathedral included a search for the grave of Geraldton’s first bishop, William Bernard Kelly, who was buried under the floor in 1921 although the exact location had been long forgotten.
When Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets took on the job they found the hotel, built during the gold rush in 1933, had rotting timbers, cracking walls and rising damp.
Once the tomb was uncovered, a chamber was built around the coffin and a glazed viewing panel set into the new, polished concrete floor to allow visitors to see the burial site.
Plaster had to be painstakingly chipped away, asbestos carefully removed, crude repairs pulled out and matching timbers sourced from demolition yards as far away as Perth.
Restoration of the cathedral’s interior and the creation of the Mid-West Garden were also included in the project, completing a revamp which began in 2015.
Many workers lived on site in the remote community and worked long hours, seven days a week through extreme summer heat and cyclonic rains to complete the renovation.
“The cathedral is a striking building and a Geraldton landmark which has been restored to its original glory. Better in fact, because of the use of modern materials and more sophisticated paints,” Mr Sale said. “The high-quality paintwork improves the dramatic colour striping inside the cathedral and the reinstated Latin writing in the dome. “The incorporation of a modern audio-visual system, including an organ which is now portable and has 22
Guests get into the steampunk theme
Guests get into the steampunk theme
“It’s fantastic to see excellent building projects achieved in far flung parts of the state.” The major award of Best Country Home went to WA Country Builders for an elegant two-storey residence overlooking the ocean in Forrest Street, Geraldton. “It’s a beautiful house which got high marks for the exceptional standard of its cabinetry, tiling and painting,” Mr Sale said. “WA Country Builders excelled in the quality of their workmanship.”
“It’s a brilliant bit of workmanship in a challenging location,” said Mr Sale.
Master Builders Mid-West manager Paul Kerr said tough economic times had not weakened the enthusiasm of regional builders for producing top quality work.
“As much of the original fabric of the building as possible has been retained and materials which couldn’t be restored were reproduced to exact details.
“The award entries were impressive. They showed an innovative approach to using different materials and the vision to produce outstanding results.
“The renovation has honoured the heritage of the building while bringing it into the 21st century by adding modern communications and facilities.
“The builders proved their ability to listen to clients and turn dream projects into reality while staying within budget.” MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
MID-WEST AWARDS
The restored St Francis Xavier Cathedral and its beautiful new precinct.
The bold, striped patterns inside the cathedral have been refreshed with modern paints.
Workers rediscover the tomb of Geraldton’s first bishop.
The ocean-facing residence in Forrest Street, Geraldton, which won the best home award
The sleek, open-plan interior of the top home.
The original features of Wiluna’s old Club Hotel were restored where possible and parts which could not be saved were reproduced with careful accuracy.
Crothers Construction collect the best project award.
WWW.MBAWA.COM
The renovated former Club Hotel is now the Shire of Wiluna offices.
The best home award goes to WA Country Builders
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MID-WEST AWARDS
Mid-West
$300,000 - $350,000 McAullay Builders Patten Place White Peak
EXCELLENCE IN CONCRETING
awards 2018
$350,000 - $400,000 McAullay Builders Volute Street Sunset Beach
EXCELLENCE IN CEILINGS
Crothers Construction Pty Ltd St Francis Xavier Cathedral Geraldton
$400,000 - $450,000 Steele Campbell Building Webber Road Moresby
BEST ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS
BANKWEST BEST REGIONAL PROJECT BEST COUNTRY HOME WA Country Builders Forest Street Geraldton
BEST EDUCATION BUILDING
Crothers Construction Pty Ltd Carnarvon Community College Marmion Street Carnarvon
$450,000 - $550,000 Steele Campbell Building Mark Street Beresford $650,000 - $750,000 WA Country Builders Forest Street Geraldton
BEST RETAIL BUILDING
EXCELLENCE IN ROOFING
INNOVATIVE USE OF BUILDING MATERIALS
EXCELLENCE IN CABINET MAKING
James Groom Building Hazard 141 Marine Terrace Geraldton
McAullay Builders 103 Volute Street Sunset Beach
BEST APPOINTED KITCHEN WA Country Builders Forest Street Geraldton
EXCELLENCE IN FLOOR OR WALL TILING Basiles Floor & Wall Tiling Forest Street Geraldton
BEST APPOINTED BATHROOM Steele Campbell Building Brand Highway Greenough
BEST HISTORIC RESTORATION OR RENOVATION
Crothers Construction Pty Ltd St Francis Xavier Cathedral 56 Cathedral Avenue Geraldton
BEST REFURBISHMENT OR RENOVATION James Groom Building Hazard 141 Marine Terrace Geraldton
$1.5 to $5 Million Geraldton Building Services & Cabinets Club Hotel cnr Wotton & Wall Sts Wiluna
S&L Marinich Protea Lodge 97 Shenton Street Geraldton Geraldton Building Services & Cabinets Forest Street Geraldton
EXCELLENCE IN GLAZING
Glass Co WA St Francis Xavier Cathedral Geraldton
SILVER TROWEL
McAskil & Cull Bricklaying Brand Highway Greenough
EXCELLENCE IN BRICK AND BLOCK PAVING George Giudice Paving Webber Road Moresby
EXCELLENCE IN PLASTERING
FD & ME Plastering Lagoon Entrance Sunset Beach
BEST ALTERNATIVE CONSTRUCTION
Geraldton Polished Concrete St Francis Xavier Cathedral Geraldton Patten Ceilings Lagoon Entrance Sunset Beach Under $150,000 James Groom Building Ackland Road Mount Tarcoola $200,000 to $250,000 James Groom Building Snowden Street Geraldton
BEST ANCILLARY DWELLING McAullay Builders Cargeeg Bend White Peak
EXCELLENCE IN PAINTING
Hopkinson Painting St Francis Xavier Cathedral Geraldton
REGIONAL TRADESPERSON OF THE YEAR James Groom
APPRENTICE ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD Nathan Koot
BEST INDIGENOUS APPRENTICE Tristan Little-Simpson
BEST CARPENTRY APPRENTICE Benjamin Murray
KEVIN GIUDICE REGIONAL APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Benjamin Murray
BRIAN NEIL AWARD Steele Campbell Building
BEST NEW BUILDER OF THE YEAR
McAullay Builders Volute Street Sunset Beach
McAullay Builders
BEST DISPLAY HOME
Medium Builder Geraldton Building Service & Cabinets
Triton Building Company Glenfield Beach Drive Glenfield
BANKWEST BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE BANKWEST BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE Volume Builder WA Country Builders
MULTI RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT Crothers Construction Pty Ltd Protea Lodge 97 Shenton Street Geraldton
BEST FIT OUT
James Groom Building Hazard 141 Marine Terrace Geraldton
EXCELLENCE IN CARPENTRY James Groom Building Augustus Street Geraldton
CONTRACT HOMES
Under $200,000 James Groom Building Augustus Street Geraldton $250,000 -$300,000 Mandosio Homes Lagoon Entrance Sunset Beach 24
MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
AWARDS
Judges Charlie Baggetta and Kevin Sale prepare to board a small plane to assess outback building projects. On this trip in August, they travelled 3000km to areas including Wiluna, Meekatharra, Carnarvon and Geraldton.
Judging hidden quality and unappreciated details Good building is like housework. It’s invisible when it’s done well but there’s a big mess when it’s not. No one sees the clean clothes put away neatly in the wardrobe, only the pile of dirty ones dropped on the floor. In the same way, everyone gets annoyed by doors squeaking, paint peeling, plaster cracking, drawers scraping, roofs leaking and cupboards falling apart - but who notices when everything is working fine? WWW.MBAWA.COM
Master Builders judge Charlie Baggetta and his colleagues do. They appreciate subtlety and look for the signs of quality which other people don’t see.
until a decade later when the owner realises everything still looks good and works perfectly. “There are a lot of awards for buildings which don’t go to builders - but builders turn the visions of architects and designers into reality. “The Master Builders awards for building excellence are all about workmanship that doesn’t necessarily call attention to itself but is skilful, meticulous and made to last.”
“Our judging criteria would be pretty boring for most people,” he says. “We examine things like carpentry, ceilings, plumbing, concreting, tiling, plastering and paintwork. There’s no wow factor in these details.
Fellow judge Kevin Sale also enjoys the challenge of visiting distant regions across Western Australia to explore structures of all kinds and seek out elements which are normally overlooked.
“Architects and designers win awards for the showy features of a construction but builders win them for characteristics which may not be properly understood
“I love it,” he says. “It keeps me in touch with people in the industry and enables me to see what’s new in the market.” 25
GREAT SOUTHERN AWARDS The Beryl Grant Community Centre won best regional project.
SOUTHERN GREATNESS The top building projects in the Great Southern region this year were concentrated in the city of Albany.
All the elements came together to make it an outstanding entry.
“We showcase the best of our regional industry from rooftop to foundations,” she said.
The Best Regional Project title for the 2018 Master Builders-Bankwest Building Excellence Awards went to Smith Constructions for the Beryl Grant Community Centre in the Lockyer area of Albany.
“Everything in the house will wear well and keep working for years.”
“We are extremely fortunate that we live in a region which has a number of quality builders who continually produce constructions of a high standard.
Small company North 2 South homes snatched the Best Country Home prize ahead of the big regional building firms for a classy, low-maintenance house at 51B McLeod Street in the suburb of Mira Mar. Regional branch manager Linda Gibbs said builder Haydn Glendenning, a first-time entrant in the awards, started his building career working with his father in the state’s north before moving to the Great Southern with his young family and starting his own business. He earned the award for a contemporary, Europeanstyle home built as a coastal escape for a farming family. Master Builders regional awards judge Charlie Baggetta said the construction quality complemented the great site with stunning ocean views and excellent design which captured natural light. “The beautiful location was matched by beautiful workmanship through every aspect of the home,” he said. “The finishes were excellent across all trades including carpentry, tiling, ceilings, plastering and painting. 26
The top commercial entry was a multi-purpose facility designed as a focal point and flexible event space for a future aged care community. Mr Baggetta said one of the features which impressed the judges about the Beryl Grant Community Centre was its extravagantly curved wooden ceiling which was both innovative and functional in improving acoustics within a large room.
“Consumer confidence is low at the moment and many prospective home buyers are hanging on to their money when really now is the time to be building because it’s so affordable. “Albany is unique because of our climate and terrain. We have hills, coast, lakes, rivers and forests which lead to a variety of housing types and diverse styles.
“The ceiling was unbelievable. It was a unique feature of the building and an exceptional piece of work, along with the stonework outside.
“In town we have big building companies but also more than 100 small builders so there’s an opportunity to build something exceptional.
“The function areas were very spacious and could be separated by sliding doors to suit various events.
“If you have a vision for the home you want, take it to one of our Master Builder members and they will cost it for you. This is the place to build your dream home.”
“The high quality of workmanship met the form and function of the building. It’s a vibrant and stimulating environment for a host of uses and I think people will enjoy the facilities.” Ms Gibbs said the building industry in the Great Southern had been slowing in recent months and the awards were an important recognition of builders who had proven the excellence of their work.
Ms Gibbs is walking the talk by building a Federationstyle home with sweeping ocean views in Albany. The 2018 Master Builders-Bankwest Building Excellence Awards for the region were announced at a gala event at Lime 303 Restaurant in Albany’s Dog Rock Motel on 22 September. MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
GREAT SOUTHERN AWARDS
Judges were impresse d by the community cent re’s wavy ceiling, which the room an interesting gave feature while also impr oving acoustics ild
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Apprentice of the Year Dylan Griggs with his employer Asher Schlager.
Socialising and celebrating
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at the awards.
27
GREAT SOUTHERN AWARDS
GREAT SOUTHERN
AWARDS 2018
BANKWEST BEST REGIONAL PROJECT Smith Constructions Townsend Street Lockyer
BEST COUNTRY HOME
North 2 South Executive Homes McLeod Street Mira Mar
BEST CONTRACT HOMES Under $200,000 Schlager Homes Barker Road Centennial Park $200,000 to $250,000 Westruct Harpendene Rise Denmark $250,000 to $300,000 Plunkett Homes Honeymyrtle Circuit $300,000 to $350,000 Poett Building Company Horse Hill Road Bremer Bay $350,000 to $400,000 Bouwman Constructions Beaufortia Gardens Hay $400,000 to $450,000 Zac Caramia Homes Friesian Rise Milpara $550,000 to $650,000 Ryde Building Company Hunter Street Emu Point $650,000 to $750,000 North 2 South Executive Homes Morley Place Middleton Beach $750,000 to 1 $1Million North 2 South Executive Homes McLeod Street Mira Mar
BEST STATE GOVERNMENT BUILDING Smith Constructions Bus Depot Barker Road Centennial Park
EXCELLENCE IN PLASTERBOARD CEILINGS Peak Interiors McLeod Street Mira Mar
EXCELLENCE IN ROOFING Nathan Lewis Roofing Honeymyrtle Circuit
EXCELLENCE IN CABINET MAKING Against The Grain Wylie Crescent
INNOVATIVE CONSTRUCTION ON A SMALL LOT Schlager Homes Barker Road Centennial Park
EXCELLENCE IN PLASTERING AND RENDER
BEST ALTERNATIVE CONTRUCTION HOME Westruct Construction Harpenden Rise Denmark
EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY Schlager Homes Bettys Beach Road Many Peaks
EXCELLENCE IN BRICK AND BLOCK PAVING Standre Paving Beaufortia Gardens Hay
EXCELLENCE IN CONCRETING Downright Decorative Concrete Hunter Street Emu Point
TRADESPERSON OF THE YEAR Nathan Watterson
SMALL BUILDER OF THE YEAR North 2 South Executive Homes
Albany Plastering and Rendering Etheral Drive McKail
PROJECT BUILDER OF THE YEAR
EXCELLENCE IN EXTERNAL FINISHES
BEST NEW BUILDER
Westruct Constructions Harpendene Rise Denmark
EXCELLENCE IN PAINTING Roadrunner Painting McLeod Street Mira Mar
EXCELLENCE IN CARPENTRY
Residential Steven Baker and Associated Contractors Beaufortia Gardens Hay Commercial 35 Stirling Terrace Albany
EXCELLENCE IN PLASTERBOARD LINING Peak Interiors McLeod Street Mira Mar
EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION ON A CHALLENGING LOT
Plunkett Homes
Westruct Construction
JUDGES INNOVATION AWARD Schlager Homes
SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR AWARD Kyle Bagnall Plunkett Homes
COMMERCIAL SITE MANAGER OF THE YEAR Ben Polette Wauters Enterprises
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Dylan Griggs Schlager Homes
SILVER TROWEL AWARD Nathan Waterson
BEST AGED CARE BUILDING
Residential Schlager Construction Group Wylie Crescent
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD
BEST ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS
Commercial Wauters Enterprises 117-121 Serpentine Road Albany
Volume Builder Plunkett Homes
Smith Constructions Townsend Street Lockyer
Bouwman Constructions Springdale Heights Hay
Medium Builder North 2 South Homes
BEST ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS Zac Caramia Homes King River Drive King river
BEST MULTI-UNIT DEVELOPMENT Great Southern Endeavour Projects 181 Grey Street West Albany
BEST HISTORIC RENOVATION OR RESTORATION Smith Constructions 35 Stirling Terrace Albany 28
MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
AWARDS
First woman Apprentice of the Year winner shows the courage to make big changes Many people think their weekend hobby is more fun than their everyday job but few turn their back on a career and start anew like trainee carpenter Aly Harper. This year Aly become the first female Master Builders’ Apprentice of the Year in the 14-year history of the award. Aly was a university graduate with a degree in German and a fledgling corporate career when she decided to hit the reset button and start over. Now she works for Cubic in Perth and is committed to supporting other women to take up apprenticeships in the construction industry. “I started a bit later in life. I went to university and had a job and then I just thought ‘this isn’t what I want to do’ and decided to leave and become a carpenter,” she said. “I began this journey after realising that my weekend DIY adventures were giving me far more purpose and joy in life than my nine-to-five office role could. “I really wanted to do something with my hands and I wanted a job where I was building something and I could see it from start to finish. “A personal interest is building tiny houses, using creative ways to maximise space. I want to be a part of building and creating spaces that will bring people excitement and joy. “It brings me a lot of happiness and pride to see more women entering this industry and I’m extremely grateful to be part of that.” Judge Philip Kemp said Aly, who studies at South Metropolitan TAFE, was the outstanding candidate for the 2018 award. “Aly is a talented, consistent and respected team player,” he said. “She has the passion to enter into the innovative building area of carpentry and develop her skills to run a business.”
Aly Harper on stage collecting her award
themselves and they remember the opportunity they were given to learn about the trade and make a career in the industry. “There are more apprentices being trained in the building industry than any other. However, the number of apprentices is down this year as the industry faces difficult economic times. “We need to encourage people to choose a career in our industry and apprenticeships are a traditional and popular entry point but we must be mindful that jobs should be available at the end of the training. “Master Builders appreciates the decision of the McGowan Government to extend the 0.2 per cent Construction Training Fund levy to engineering projects in the resource sector, which will boost the number of apprentices being given opportunities.” The Apprentice of the Year awards were held on 2 November at The Westin Perth. Also presented on the night were the Ric New Rising Star Award for high achievers aged up to 25 and the Ric New Medal, which is judged on entrepreneurial flair and innovation up to the age of 35.
Master Builders Executive Director Michael McLean said employers in the struggling construction sector who continued to invest in the future of the industry deserved credit.
Chad Gerber, a contract administrator for Pindan Construction is this year’s rising star. He gained a Master of Building Information Modelling in the inaugural course at UWA and was instrumental in the successful delivery of the $30 million Warren Health Service Redevelopment in Manjimup.
“When times are tough, it’s tempting to do the work yourself rather than taking on an apprentice,” he said. “Most employers of apprentices have been apprentices
The Ric New Medal was shared by Michael van Dongen, Director of Encon Group, and Ray Kershaw, Director of Mondo Exclusive Homes.
WWW.MBAWA.COM
Apprentice of the Year Aly Harper
Mr Kershaw began as a carpentry apprentice and started his own business specialising in custom homes at just 25. As well as running a building company, he sits on the State Administrative Tribunal, is studying for a Bachelor of Commerce and stays on the lookout for new construction technology. Mr van Dongen became a registered builder after gaining a Bachelor of Construction Management with Honours and formed his own construction and project management company. He is helping to improve safety awareness and develop products to lift standards in the industry. Mr McLean said both Mr van Dongen and Mr Kershaw had previously won rising star awards and this is the first time a winner had moved on to victory with the Ric New Medal. “This year, for the first time, the judges decided on joint winners. Both have established their own businesses and are impressive characters who are motivated and aspire to making a difference in the industry. The judges felt the industry was in good shape with the calibre of people coming through the ranks,” he said. 29
AWARDS
The apprentice awards at The Westin
Master Builders executive director Michael McLean with the Ric New dual medallists Ray Kershaw and Michael van Dongen and Midland Brick General Manager of Operations Nigel Salter
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Michael McLean, Ric New Rising Star Chad Gerber and Midland Brick’s Nigel Salter
MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
AWARDS
Government partnership for the future The Department of Finance’s Building Management and Works business supports the future of the construction industry through two Master Builders awards.
industry plus the focus on training, development and support through strategies such as in-house training and mentoring programs.
The Most Outstanding Head Contractor Award was presented to ADCO Constructions at the Apprentice of the Year awards at the Westin in November. The award, established by the Department of Finance and Master Builders last year, recognises head contractors on BMW projects which have excelled in employing and developing apprentices and trainees.
The Department of Finance has been a major sponsor of this event for the past 14 years, in support of the importance of a thriving construction industry in Western Australia.
The award acknowledges a strong culture of introducing apprentices and trainees to the building
“Congratulations to EMCO Building, Shape Australia and ADCO Constructions on achieving this recognition of outstanding performances that contribute to the Western Australian community,” Department of Finance Deputy Director General Phil Helberg said.
Department of Finance director general Jodi Cant at the awards.
Ric New Medal winners Michael van Dongen Director, Encon Group Ray Kershaw Director, Mondo Exclusive Homes
RIC NEW RISING STAR
Chad Gerber Contract Administrator for Pindan Construction
APPRENTICES OF THE YEAR MOST OUTSTANDING SKILL HIRE APPRENTICE Matthew Ah Siu Skill Hire
MOST OUTSTANDING ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE
MOST OUTSTANDING CARPENTRY APPRENTICE
MOST OUTSTANDING FEMALE APPRENTICE
MOST OUTSTANDING REGIONAL APPRENTICE
Jason Lockett BTech Electrical/Skill Hire WA
Aly Harper Cubic
Sam Tucker Swan Group WA
Seth Lovell Broome Builders
MOST OUTSTANDING INDIGENOUS BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICE Blake Keen Maurizio Cremasco
MOST OUTSTANDING PLUMBING APPRENTICE Connor Gaiger Boeing Plumbing
MOST OUTSTANDING TILING APPRENTICE Daniel Fletcher Gentile Tiling
MOST OUTSTANDING DIRECT INDENTURE APPRENTICE Laurence Cheyne Exclusive Commercial Lining
MOST OUTSTANDING BRICK AND BLOCKLAYING APPRENTICE Tnisha Tonkin Tyrone Group
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31
HEALTH
Tradies suffer a back-breaking injury rate As a physiotherapist practicing in the heart of West Perth, I see a lot of tradies in the building industry. They usually come in for treatment on work injuries and the most common problem is lower back pain. Tradies make up 30 per cent of the Australian workforce but they suffer more injuries than any other workers in the nation. The Australian Physiotherapy Association has found tradies are involved in three out of every five serious workplace injuries. This would mean tradies account for a staggering 60 per cent of serious injuries. It is also known that the average time a tradie takes off work due to workplace injuries is six weeks, which is considered a long time by most industry standards. Clearly, the job can be hazardous and taxing to the body but many of these injuries can be prevented. As health professionals, we often try to find ways to improve on the greater health outcome of our clients and the public. A biomechanical dissection of the common tradie injuries reveals poor understanding and training in human movement is often to blame. Put simply, tradies rely on their movement to perform their work and dysfunctional movement over time, with or without load, leads to breakdown. Dysfunctional movement patterns can exist from adolescent years
and there are often many factors involved. This means there’s much more to consider than just resting off an injury. We have all heard the calls for action on injury prevention and management. Perhaps it’s time to reconsider how we educate Australia’s workforce on human movement. Injuries at the workplace will always happen regardless of efforts to prevent them but I believe tradies would benefit from a deeper understanding of human movement and function principles. Tradies are commonly selfemployed, so to stay well and keep working it is crucial for them to be equipped with knowledge of the human body. Health professionals such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists and exercise physiologists are well versed with human movement and function so they can make a significant impact in a tradie’s career. Quick advice for employers: • Observe the workplace culture and common work practices of employees. • Keep statistics on both small and large injuries. • Consider a workplace assessment from a health professional which includes matters such as
joint range of movement, muscle activation and spinal health. • There are three types of stress on our bodies – chemical, emotional and physical. Keep them all in mind when considering workplace performance. Quick advice to tradies: • Focus on injury prevention and management of small injuries before they become bigger issues. Your body is your greatest asset. • Think of fitness as more to just sporting performance - human movement and rehabilitative capabilities are to also important. Sleep, diet and psychological health play a huge role. Always keep a chemical, emotional, physical perspective. • Conventional belief tells us good core stability is the best prevention for back pain – but it’s not enough alone. Consider training or exercise programs that emphasise good lumbo-pelvic control, which is more important. • The best muscles to have good strength and control over are glutes, hamstrings, core stabilisers and back muscles. Wayne C Sun is a physiotherapist at Perth Wellness Centre, a member of the Master Builders Health Alliance. Visit perthwellness.com.au or call (08) 9321 1964 for workplace assistance.
Saving sight on site Most of us wear sunglasses every day at work, driving and in our leisure time. We take them almost everywhere we go but they do a lot more than reduce glare – they also reduce the risk of UV-related eye damage such as cataract and eye cancers.
from least to most effective in terms of UV protection and glare reduction. Look for category two or higher, which means the lenses absorb more than 95 per cent of UV. However, category four lenses are very dark and are not suitable for driving.
That means there’s more to choosing the right pair than style and price.
There is also an Australian/New Zealand Standard for eye protection for occupational use which covers features such as impact or splash resistance. These are a good idea in some workplaces.
Just as we have a sun protection factor (SPF) rating for sunscreen that tells us the level of UV defence, sunglasses have an eye protection factor (EPF). The higher the EPF, the better and a rating of 9 or 10 provides excellent protection. It’s also common to see a UV400 label on sunglasses and these are an excellent choice as well because the lenses block at least 95 per cent of UV in wavelengths up to 400 nanometres. In Australia, sunglasses must be tested to the Australian/New Zealand Standard – but remember this doesn’t include prescription glasses. The standard breaks down lens performance into five categories, 32
The style of sunglasses can also affect performance. Styles such as Wayfarers or Aviators often sit forward on the face and may have thin arms, both of which can allow UV radiation to enter the eye. Wraparound styles that fit close to the face or have wide arms to block UV are recommended.
As for polarisation, it reduces glare but doesn’t provide UV protection. Polarised lenses filter light waves for clarity of vision and to avoid blinding glare, which can be important in situations such as driving. Expensive sunglasses are not automatically the best for UV protection either. Cheap sunnies can be effective – again, look for the EPF or UV rating. For those who like their designer brands, it’s worth remembering that sunglasses bought for work use can often be claimed as a tax deduction. Just like a hammer or screwdriver, sunglasses are an important piece of equipment so make sure they’re up to the job.
Don’t be tricked into thinking darker lenses are better because the UV protection comes from the lens material, not the tint. The EPF or UV rating is more important. It’s not uncommon to find clear safety glasses that block 100 per cent of UV. MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
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TRAINING
Changes boost learning opportunities in construction The construction industry is one of the biggest employers in the state and a skilled workforce is essential so recent changes to improve training prospects have been welcomed by Master Builders. Firstly, the WA Government removed the long-standing Building and Construction Industry Training Fund levy exemption for projects in the resource sector. Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said this would ensure all industries doing construction work would contribute to the training and development of the state’s building workforce. “A highly skilled construction workforce supports the growth of Western Australia’s economy and we are committed to ensuring we have the skilled workforce that industry needs,” she said. “Investing in apprenticeships and traineeships will ensure West Australians gain the skills they need to secure jobs now and into the future.” Master Builders executive director John Gelavis said the extension of the 0.2 per cent levy was a great step forward in support of training. “The Building and Construction Industry Training Fund is critical to supporting employers taking on apprentices, so the increased contribution will be very important,” he said. WWW.MBAWA.COM
“The CTF has historically allocated about 65-70 per cent of its funds to subsidise the employment of apprentices which has given thousands of young West Aussies an opportunity to work in the second largest industry in the state.” The second welcome change was an apprentice wage subsidy announced by the Federal Government. Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said the subsidies would help small building businesses in rural and regional communities to take on more young learners. “There are more small businesses in the building industry than any other sector of the economy and thousands of them make a major contribution to strong local economies in communities around the country,” she said. “We are forecasting strong future demand for workers in our industry and our members tell us they need more access to local skilled tradespeople to work on local projects and the Government’s initiative will create opportunities for small building businesses and young people in rural and regional communities.”
For 120 years, Master Builders has run training courses to provide the skills and knowledge required for everyone from newcomers in the industry to upskilling for established business. The courses cover the technical, safety, licencing, legal, technological, leadership and soft skills required in an efficient workforce. We offer training specific to the needs of our members on their sites at the times suitable to them. Given our large regional membership, we arrange training via webinars and skype sessions to ensure access to all the training services. We are expanding our online capability to deliver training with flexibility.
The building industry employs more than 140,000 people within 42,000 businesses across Western Australia. 35
LEGAL
The rise of social engineering scams in the construction industry
A few days later, the builder’s bank made contact because the payment looked suspicious, as it had been transferred to an account overseas. It was only then that the builder rang the subcontractor and both became aware that a fraudster had been intercepting and replying to the subcontractor’s emails. The hackers were able to get away with this because so much information about the subcontractor was publicly available. They then used this information to take advantage of weaknesses in the builder’s processes and controls. Matthew Cornish
Tom Jacobs
Social engineering fraud involves sophisticated criminals targeting companies to give out confidential information and/or pay them money. In the US, social engineering fraud increased nine-fold last year, and we’ve also seen an alarming increase in the number of cases in the construction industry in Australia. The increasing reliance and proliferation of technology in the sector, and the rise of cybercrime globally have exacerbated this trend. A recent case involved a builder tricked into paying more than $250,000 to someone impersonating one of the builder’s subcontractors. The fraudsters convinced the builder to change the subcontractor’s banking details before making a payment. They did this by: • Identifying the subcontractor’s website domain and the identity of key people by looking up this information on Whois Lookup • Obtaining the email password for one of the key people either by using the ‘lost password’ function, calling the subcontractor’s domain administrator and impersonating the individual or hacking into the subcontractor’s system • Using the key person’s email address to contact the builder to ask for the subcontractor’s banking details to be updated. The fraudster even included a PDF attachment with the subcontractor’s logo, letterhead and the sender’s signature • The builder emailed a payment certificate, which the hacker returned complete with the managing director’s signature • The builder then made the final payment to the subcontractor and emailed a receipt to the subcontractor • When the real subcontractor emailed the builder to advise that the payment hadn’t been received, the builder sent the receipt again and the hacker replied confirming that it was correct
36
If your business is tricked in a similar way, contact your bank immediately to try and stop the payment or get your money back. Your business also might need to report the incident to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) if it involves a breach of personal information that is likely to result in serious harm to an individual. While there are insurance policies that cover some types of social engineering fraud, these policies often require your business first to have robust systems and controls in place to prevent attacks. The best way to protect your business from social engineering is to minimise how much personal information about key individuals and your company is publicly available and put in place robust IT systems and control procedures. For example, simply adding a step to confirm the subcontractor’s change of banking details by phone would have prevented this scam. Your employees and management also should be made aware of these risks and trained appropriately. Taking these steps may reduce your business’s risk of being caught by social engineering fraud and save you a lot of time and money. This article was written by Jackson McDonald partner Tom Jacobs and solicitor Matthew Cornish
MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
REPORTS: BUILDING BUSINESS Street view of the two new homes built by Catherine Heraghty and her family on the former single-home block
It takes just weeks to build forever A lot of thought goes into a forever home so imagine the planning and preparation required to build it in just 12 weeks. That was the challenge Catherine Heraghty, owner and creative director of The Stables, set herself when her family decided to knock down their existing home and build a new two-house duplex in its place. The idea was to upgrade and build a larger home alongside an investment property in the Sydney suburb of Caringbah. “We lived in a 70-year-old two-bedroom home and wanted to expand our family,” Ms Heraghty said. “We knew it would be very difficult to renovate a house like ours, so the decision was made to develop the block we lived on with our builder Future Flip. We would gain the extra bedroom we needed, upgrade our home and space for about the same price as a renovation once we sold the investment property next door.” Ms Heraghty said they wanted their new home’s exterior to stand out and be a cross between coastal and modern. They also wanted extra space internally while ensuring the style remained consistent with the exterior of the houses. “We wanted something striking. We live in an area where there are a handful of duplexes in every street,” she said. “As an interior designer, it was really important to me that the look flowed from the outside through to the inside.” James Hardie™ products were central to creating Ms Heraghty’s desired look, with both houses being clad entirely in the Scyon Walls™ range from James Hardie. WWW.MBAWA.COM
The rear of the homes
“We used Axon™ Cladding around the bottom floor of the house to create a very sleek and contemporary feel. We used Linea™ Weatherboard upstairs to give the build a coastal feel, which we chose to paint white for a more classic look. Together, the Axon and the Linea sit really well. I love that the exterior of our home has a nice balance of contemporary and coastal,” she said. “Having the look of the Linea Weatherboard gave the exterior some much-needed texture and really softened the look. It was important to me that the home did not feel too cold seeing as we were using a lot of darker colours. Internally, the architecture was quite minimal but again I was able to soften this up with the use of warmer colour palettes and textured finishes making the home feel friendly and inviting.”
and sticking to it, aligning yourself with experts in the field and working with a great builder. The integrity of the materials was also of high importance. “Aesthetically we felt that the Scyon Walls range from James Hardie were far superior products – there are some beautiful profiles to choose from and we managed to get them all on our house. The fact that the cladding is made from fibre cement means that its durability cannot be beaten, we know it’s going to stand the test of time.”
FURTHER INFORMATION: Visit scyon.com.au for more inspiration.
Heraghty said the three biggest lessons she learnt from the project were the importance of creating a concept 37
REPORTS: BUILDING BUSINESS XX
Energy to build with Alinta At Alinta Energy, we know a lot of time and energy goes into building a new home. We’re here to help make things a little easier for WA builders and their customers connecting natural gas for the first time. Alinta Energy’s story began in WA more than 20 years ago. Since then we have grown to be the fourth largest non-government-owned energy retailer by customer numbers in Australia, with an owned and contracted generation portfolio of around 3,000MW and more than one million combined electricity and gas retail customer accounts. We have a long and proud history of delivering innovative energy solutions including: • Gas and electricity supply for small businesses through to large-scale supply agreements • Streamlined new connection process for both commercial and residential premises • Solar PV System for Western Australian households among many others. We’re determined to make energy more affordable and we are committed to securing an energy mix that not only delivers on this challenge but also increases our Renewable Generation portfolio to 1,000MW by 2020.
Alinta Energy employs around 700 people across Australia and New Zealand and is managed by a local Australian team. We have offices throughout the country, including a local award-winning customer services team and more than 220 people in our Perth office. We continue to invest in Western Australia, building on more than 20 years of history in the state, including investment in the Pilbara. This investment includes an awardwinning battery storage system at our Newman Power Station. At the time of its launch, the 30 MW (11.4 MWh) battery was among the world’s largest as well as the biggest Australian battery to be developed for an industrial application. We’ve been around long enough in WA to know there’s no such thing as one magical gas deal. Everyone uses gas differently and people want choice and flexibility when it comes to paying. That’s why we’ve created a range of gas deals for you to choose from. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.alintaenergy.com.au.
Recent Keystart changes show commitment to responsible lending In recent months Keystart Home Loans has introduced several significant policy changes including the removal of genuine savings requirements and the introduction of a new composite benchmark to calculate household expenses. These changes reflect Keystart’s commitment to responsible lending and ensure the sustainability of its vision of making the dream of affordable home ownership a reality for more people. Genuine savings After extensive analysis, Keystart has removed the requirement for genuine savings as part of its minimum deposit requirements. Customers will still need to have the required minimum deposit available at time of application, for example, two per cent deposit. If customers are eligible for the first home owners grant, this can be used towards the deposit requirement. Calculation of expenses Based on comprehensive research and modelling, Keystart has also introduced a new composite benchmark to calculate customer expenses. This new benchmark has a breakdown of expense categories, 38
for example, food and groceries, clothing and personal care and medical, which must be completed in full. The new approach will provide an accurate indication of a customer’s capacity to manage home loan repayments while maintaining the same level of household spending. Keystart check every applicant's situation carefully to ensure their customers will be able to afford home loan repayments without getting into financial difficulty, taking its responsible lending obligations seriously. Customers need to be comfortable with the level of their home loan repayments.
is still below the standard variable rate offered by many mainstream lenders, including ANZ, Bankwest, Commonwealth Bank, Suncorp and Westpac,” said Keystart CEO, Paul Graham. As a transitional lender, Keystart encourages clients to refinance when they are able to. Keystart provides online resources to assist customers in weighing up the trade-offs in selecting a home loan lender, including information on the costs of a home loan, the importance of equity and how to compare home loan lenders.
Interest rates Keystart also recently announced increased interest rates in line with its policy of adopting the average of the standard variable interest rate of the four major banks (ANZ, CBA, NAB and Westpac). “At Keystart we pride ourselves on providing low deposit, low entry-cost home loans for West Australians. While our customers never want to see their interest rate rise, Keystart’s rate of 5.34 per cent
FURTHER INFORMATION: visit Keystart’s website at www.keystart.com.au or call 1300 578 278. For resources visit Keystart’s blog at https://www.keystart.com.au/blog. MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
MEMBERSHIP WA’s premier art gallery is a former JAXON project
Master Builders welcomes new members Affordable Flooring Solutions ANZ Enviro Pty Ltd Apple Network Constructions Atifax Project Solutions Pty Ltd BTN Constructions Pty Ltd BzyBuild Projects C U Building Group Pty Ltd
JAXON celebrates the art of building for 60 years
Campbell Homes Pty Ltd Carlos Fencing Castle Projects Custom Lifestyle Homes
Emily Rowley has resigned from Master Builders to spend more time with her young family. Emily has been an asset to the Great Southern office since 2013 and will be missed. We welcome Megan Turpin to the team. Megan began working at the branch earlier in the year while Emily was on maternity leave.
Denmark Building Company Dependable Builders Pty Ltd Desi Builder DGI Construction Pty Ltd DSL Design & Build Pty Ltd Exquisite Tiling Perth Fraser and London Roofing Services Grandstand and Change rooms for Mt. Newman Mining Co., Newman
The Atrium, Mandurah
JAXON used their 60th anniversary as an opportunity to revisit an early building project and see how well their work was ageing.
Home & Heritage Constructions Pty Ltd Home 4 Me Pty Ltd IKD Interiors & Commercial Fitouts Pty Ltd Inception Developments
The company has a long and illustrious history of building some of WA’s most iconic projects, including the Art Gallery of Western Australia, completed in 1978, which was the chosen venue for the celebration in September.
Instyle Ceramics WA
Established in 1958, JAXON is one of the oldest building companies in Western Australia and staff, clients and industry peers joined owners and non-executive directors Demetra and Harry Xydas at the gallery to salute the milestone.
John Kaminski
In 1965, JAXON built houses for the RAAF base in Exmouth. Later they did much of the construction work for BHP and Goldsworthy Iron, including commercial buildings and infrastructure for sites at Newman and Port Hedland. They have been Master Builders members since November 1966. Since 2005, JAXON has been focused on larger scale multi-residential and residential projects as well as hotels, aged care and refurbishment projects, having recently delivered several of Perth’s larger apartment developments. In his speech at the celebration, CEO David Dodds said JAXON’s success was a sign of the quality people working with and for the company. He said everyone from the owners to the employees to the contractors shared in JAXON’s values and vision.
Ironstone Homes JME Construction Pty Ltd Nephrite Projects NM Construction & Plumbing Pty Ltd
Shane Garrett became the new chief economist for Master Builders Australia on 11 October. He was previously the senior economist at the HIA national office for five years. Shane has worked as an economist since graduating from the University of Cork in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts, joint major in maths and economics (first class honours). He wrote a thesis on house price collapse for his Masters in Business Studies.
North Shore Pools & Landscaping Pty Ltd Perth Coastal Developments Pty Ltd Redbox Agencies Remark Building and Construction WA Pty Ltd T & R Homes WA Pty Ltd Total Development Solutions
Cheryl Davies resigned from her position as branch administrator in the South West office in October
Tru-Line Construction Widdison Building Company Pty Ltd Yes Build WA Pty Ltd
Lisa Kazalac has been employed by Shelter WA as its Policy and Advocacy Consultant.
Member savings
As Christmas rushes towards us, it’s a good time to check out our member savings offers. Get discounts on gifts or boost the festive funds by paying less for products and services. You’ll find all the offers in our Member Savings Scheme on our website at mbawa.com. Click on membership. WWW.MBAWA.COM
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ADVERTISING FEATURE: BRICKS AND PAVERS
Why Concrete Masonry? Benefits of Paving Concrete block paving is also known as concrete brick paving, interlocking concrete paving, segmental paving among many other terms. This is not a new technology in fact, the first recorded use of stone paved surfaces was in Assyria four thousand years ago, prior to the practice being adopted by the Romans.
Less curing time Most importantly, the pavement is constructed with pre-cured concrete units on the wearing surface, so it can be opened to traffic almost immediately after installation, this means you don’t need to wait for the surface to cure as you would with concrete, leading to reduced construction times and labour costs.
There are many reasons to choose concrete block pavements, but the main advantage is the low maintenance cost from a properly designed and installed concrete block pavement. It is important to consider the whole of life costs when choosing between different types of paving.
Easy repair Any service repairs are usually spot repairs of the affected area.
Low Maintenance When the concrete block pavement is newly installed, the only maintenance required involves topping up the level of the jointing sand between the pavers to maintain interlock. This is ideally on a six monthly basis, over time this will be required at greatly reduced intervals as the jointing sands bond together. You can also choose not to have to do this type of maintenance at all with the many sealers and sand stabilisers that are commercially available that will do the job for you. This only leaves the occasional weeding to be done for weeds that survive the traffic running over the pavement surface. Different coloured paving units can also be used to provide maintenance free line marking, such as arrows or parking lines. 40
Skid and slip resistance It is estimated that stopping distances on this wet concrete block pavements will be up to five metres shorter than the stopping distance on a wet asphalt or concrete pavement. Contrary to common belief there is no additional noise generated from driving over a dry paved surface, it is the same as asphalt or concrete. Water-sensitive design Pavement designers are increasingly facing the need to consider environmental issues in pavement design and construction. It is therefore important that urban pavements comply with the principles of water-sensitive urban design. Permeable pavements actively encourage water infiltration and a wide range of environmental benefits can be achieved, including flood mitigation by retention or detention, water improvement by filtration or retention and water conservation by collection and reuse. Our technical manuals offer information on the benefits of concrete segmental and permeable pavers. MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
ADVERTISING FEATURE: BRICKS AND PAVERS
Durability The strength and durability of masonry has been well recorded through the ages. Just think of the Egyptian pyramids, Greek temples, Roman cities, and the Great Wall of China!
well-designed and insulated concrete masonry walls, the concrete blocks gradually absorb heat from the sun and keep the building cooler during the hottest part of the day in summer. In winter, concrete masonry holds the building's heat longer, keeping occupants warmer.
Building with concrete masonry offers the homeowner a number of advantages and benefits, including low maintenance, fire resistance, durability and potential energy savings.
The Australian Greenhouse Office defines thermal mass in the following way: "Thermal Mass is the ability of a material to absorb heat energy. A lot of heat energy is required to change the temperature of high density materials like bricks, concrete and tiles. They are therefore said to have high thermal mass. Lightweight materials such as timber have low thermal mass. Appropriate use of thermal mass throughout your home can make a big difference to comfort and heating and cooling bills."
Concrete masonry walls will not rust, corrode, warp, grow mold, or rot. They are extremely weather resistant and can hold up in severe storm conditions, coastal areas. You also don’t have to worry about termites for your concrete masonry walls. Concrete masonry provides a timeless, lasting beauty for your home or building with very little maintenance required. Thermal Comfort Concrete masonry walls have high thermal mass. This provides the walls with the advantage of taking longer to heat up and to cool down, and is especially useful in climates where there is a big difference between day and night temperatures. With
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Article by: Concrete Masonry Association of Australia Cmaa.com.au
MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
ADVERTORIAL
STRENGTH AND BEAUTY – the colour and texture of high quality pavers COMMERCIAL RANGE – CONCRETE PAVERS The style and colour of Atlas Paving’s commercial range of pavers is a s wide and various as our concrete paving range.
The benefits of exposed aggregate pavers are that they are as hardwearing and durable as pavers and ideal for driveways, patios, pool areas and pathways. River wash pavers are available in three colours Charcoal, Pewter and Ivory.
These high quality paving stones are as durable as the rest of our stock and are specifically designed to suit larger outdoor areas. We can make pavers to order, for whatever area you need to cover. As well as the wide range colours in the concrete paving range, the commercial pavers are also available in blends of Terracotta/Charcoal and Redwood/Charcoal. If a colour does not suit what you had in mind, don’t worry – we can colour it however you want. These large paving bricks are constructed from concrete so they are sturdy and durable, and are literally as hard as a brick. EXPOSED AGGREGATE PAVER – RIVERWASH RANGE Exposed aggregate pavers feature an exposed concrete which reveals the natural textures of the surface; the beautiful stones and pebbles.
THE TRAVERTINE PAVERS Atlas Paving offers you classic beauty and style with our travertine paving stones. Ideal for outdoor flooring, pool paving and yard decoration, these are some of the most attractive paving stones on the market. They are constructed from reconstituted limestone and have a natural look and feel, but without the flaws and inconsistencies of purely natural stone. They also contain an aggregate stone, which makes them a stronger and longer lasting product for many applications. These luxury pavers are available in two different colours so they’ll suit any pattern and style. For more information contact: 501 Alexander Drive, Malaga Phone: +61 8 9249 1422 Email: sales@atlas-group.com.au Website: www.atlaspaving.com.au
80mm EASI PAVE
80mm INTERLOCK
COMMERCIAL AND HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS Atlas Paving 80mm is suitable for any commercial or high pedestrian traffic areas: • Commercial properties • Council Projects • Car showrooms • Waterfront café strips
• Mixed use retail stores
Atlas is also happy to blend special colours for that unique project you have in mind (minimum quantities apply). For areas like long slopping or curved driveways where extra strength and stability are required, the atlas interlock pavers would give the best results.
A: 501 Alexander Drive, Malaga P: +61 8 9249 1422 E: sales@atlas-group.com.au WWW.MBAWA.COM
www.atlaspaving.com.au 43
PROJECT FEATURE
Optus Stadium:
from design to completion Completed by premier global construction company Multiplex in late 2017, few projects have changed the face of Western Australia in recent history quite like Optus Stadium. Replacing the aging Subiaco Oval as Perth’s central sports and entertainment venue, the 60,000 seat multi-purpose Stadium can host a variety of sports and entertainment events including Australian Football League, cricket, soccer, rugby and concerts. The surrounding Stadium Park provides year-round access for visitors of all ages, with facilities including nature playgrounds in the Chevron Parkland, the BHP Boardwalk and Amphitheatre, picnic and barbeque areas, public art, recreational facilities and bars and restaurants. Since opening in January 2018, feedback from the public has been overwhelmingly positive, with the Stadium recently voted the best stadium in Australia by AFL
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fans. This doesn’t surprise Multiplex Regional Managing Director Chris Palandri, who says the Stadium was designed with a fans first approach in mind.
“The result is an innovative design which ensures an exceptional event atmosphere and home ground advantage.”
“A key directive from the State Government in the design of the Stadium was to ensure a world-class fan experience,” says Chris.
That advantage has no doubt already proven itself, with the first year of AFL at Optus Stadium seeing the West Coast Eagles take home the premiership flag for the first time in 12 years.
“For example, if you get up for a drink or some food mid-game, over 1,000 screens are strategically located around the Stadium so you don’t miss any of the action.” This fans first approach included a significant consultation process with the West Australian community. “The state project team consulted with nine user groups, including sports fans, individuals requiring universal access, media groups and sporting codes to ensure the final design met the needs of all of the Stadium’s future users,” says Chris.
And with the project already taking out some of the most prestigious construction honours in Australia, including the 2018 WA MBA Excellence in Construction Best Project Award and the 2018 Australian Construction Achievement Award, it’s also left a proud legacy for Multiplex and the many subcontractors, consultants and suppliers involved in its delivery.
So how did this mega-project all come together?
MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
Cubic is proud to have delivered another state-of-the-art landmark for Western Australia.
Optus Stadium
Celebrating Cubic’s tenth anniversary in Western Australia this year, we’re proud to have been associated with the iconic Optus Stadium, the latest in our portfolio of iconic buildings which include BHP Headquarters, St George’s Terrace, Brookfield Place Tower 2, City Bus Port Alliance and Woodside Headquarters.
L25/197 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000 NSW T +61 1300 028 242 WA T +61 8 6212 5000 cubic.com.au
PROJECT FEATURE
Optus Stadium: From the ground up Multiplex was responsible for the design and construction of the Stadium and surrounding precinct as part of the Westadium Consortium, which was appointed in 2014 to design, build, partially finance and ongoing facilities management of the Stadium. Construction kicked off in earnest in December 2014, with the first pile ceremonially driven in by then-Premier Colin Barnett. There were plenty more to follow, with ground works taking a key focus in the early days of the construction. Previous land use of the Burswood Peninsula meant that at project commencement, the site was registered as ‘possibly contaminated – investigation required’ under the Contaminated Sites Act 2003 (WA). Additionally, the site is located adjacent to the protected Swan River and interconnected with the river via an onsite river fed tidal lake. “As a result, the ground conditions for the project were challenging,” says Chris. “Site investigations found a range of items in the top eight metres of fill, from concrete and fly ash to car bodies and household appliances.” Beneath this fill, the estuarine sediment known as the Swan River Alluvium was found to depths of 25 metres, overlying stiffer clays and sandstone. “We used a number of different ground improvement techniques to counter the conditions – including dynamic compaction and surcharge loading to collapse large voids, like those created by car bodies in the fill,” says Chris. Other methods included using over 10,000 Controlled Modulus Columns (CMCs) to improve ground conditions across a 60,000m2 area of the Stadium Park, adjacent to the Swan River and river-fed lake. “CMCs are a relatively new technology to Western Australia and the Stadium was one of the first projects to utilise CMCs to this extent,” says Chris. As opposed to pre-loading this area, which may have pushed contaminants into the Swan River and river-fed lake, CMCs improve the characteristics of compressible ground using a low-pressure injection of concrete through the hollow core of a drilling tool. This successfully improved the ground for key areas of the precinct while meeting stringent environmental requirements for the site. Over 2,700m2 of sheet piling was also installed to further prevent any contaminants migrating into the Swan River. “In total over 30,000m3 of concrete was used for the ground improvement works, representing nearly a third of the concrete used on the Stadium structure in total,” says Chris.
Taking shape Once the ground works were complete, the six-level steel and concrete Stadium structure could start to take shape. Over 10,000 individual sections of structural steel were installed to form the main structure, topped by 50 roof trusses spanning 45 metres. The Stadium’s 60,000 seats are supported by over 4,100 concrete seating platforms installed directly on top of the steel structure. The roof trusses were a particularly innovative and challenging part of the construction, explains Chris. “Early in the project the original roof truss design was flagged as a risk as it required a large amount of work to be carried out on the trusses at Stadium roof height,” says Chris. “Our approach is to always design out risk where we can, so we worked with the structural engineers, architects and the Multiplex Engineering Innovations Group to redevelop the truss design into a single steel truss that could be fabricated, transported, dressed and lifted as one piece.” An innovative high load pin connection was central to the truss design, inspired by the swing arm of Marc Marquez’s 2012 Moto2 World Championshipwinning motorcycle. With each truss measuring 45 metres long, an innovative delivery solution was also required to transport the trusses from Henderson, where they were manufactured, to Burswood. “A bespoke ‘jinker’ was attached to the back-end of the truss, consisting of 12 selfpropelled modular transporter (SPMT) wheels,” explains Chris. “For much of the drive the jinker functioned as a trailer - essentially being towed by the truck at the front - but when the trusses needed to manoeuvre around a tight corner, an SPMT operator could take control of the back jinker and precisely steer it by remote control.” Once installed, the trusses were topped by a lightweight fabric roof to create a suspended ‘halo’ effect.
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MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
Sanwell Pty Ltd commenced work on the new Perth Stadium in early 2015, and at the peak employed over 140 plumbers on site working on all aspects of the hydraulic system. Involved in the 3D coordination process and BIM delivery, the Company provided the plumbing systems including water, conventional drainage, natural gas, vacuum drainage and siphonic roof drainage. The systems were designed, coordinated, installed and commissioned for 1,529 male and female toilets, 60 accessible toilets, food and beverage outlets and bars and restaurants, all successfully meeting the completion date of December 31st, 2017. Although this project presented many challenges, Sanwell achieved great satisfaction and rewards and are honoured and proud to be associated with yet another iconic landmark of Western Australia. Sanwell Plumbing and Civil - Perth - Head Office 35-37 Division Street, Welshpool WAÂ 6106
Email: reception@sanwell.com.au Phone: +61 8 9451 8044
www.sanwell.com.au
CongratulatIons to Multiplex Global on this Iconic Public Facility! MACS Australia proudly supplied and installed over 800-meters of Australian made Unison movement joints which involved saw cutting, coring, sealants, and plated movement joints in the seating stands, garages, and executive suites.
MACS Australia. We Do Iconic.
Proudly Western Australian Owned & Operated since 1974!
38 Mandurah Road, Kwinana 6167 Phone: 08 9439 8000 Email: sales@macsaustralia.com.au WA Builder Rego 13962
PROJECT FEATURE
Reflecting Western Australia The façade was also a key element to the construction, with the Stadium structure clad with a striking bronze aluminium façade reflecting WA’s unique geology. As the façade is heavily sun exposed, 90 per cent of the aluminium panels were anodised using interference anodising to coat the colours, as this presented the most durability long-term. The façade also incorporates over 1,600 glass panels, with the geometry of the façade and proximity to the structure presenting some challenges to the installation. “As arguably the project’s most striking design feature, a full-scale prototype of the façade was constructed to allow the client and project team to view the proposed materials and construction method in person before signing off on the design,” explains Chris. Other elements of the façade also presented an opportunity to meet some of the community and heritage goals of the project. “With the Burswood Peninsula of particular significance to the Whadjuk people, we worked closely with the Whadjuk Working Party to ensure the Aboriginal heritage of the site was appropriately recognised and integrated into the final design,” says Chris. “An opportunity to do this presented itself in the architectural pre-cast concrete panels that form the façade at podium level. A 17-verse Noongar poem, entitled ‘Kaya’, was etched into a selection of the 260 façade panels, allowing the artwork to become a part of the Stadium itself.” Multiplex also partnered with Wirrpanda Foundation and group training organisation Skill Hire to facilitate Aboriginal apprenticeship and job opportunities on the project, with over 25 people engaged through the program.
Future proofed technology As Chris explains, ensuring the technology was available at the Stadium opening was a key focus – and challenge – for the project. “Thinking about the most powerful way to deliver value in the Stadium’s technology, we developed a delayed design and procurement process that allowed the most current technology to be installed without affecting the on-time delivery of the project,” says Chris. “This included a late change in the design to the Stadium’s screens to two 340m2 mega screens, now the largest screens in a sporting facility in the southern hemisphere.” As visitors will attest, the Stadium light system is also a show stopper – no surprise given it is the largest integrated LED sports lighting system in the world. “The integrated LED sports lighting system is the world’s biggest, and includes sports lights, halo roof canopy lights and over seven kilometres of lighting in the Stadium’s façade,” says Chris. “It’s not only spectacular for sports but also events – for example, Ed Sheeran’s production team were able to connect to and orchestrate an impressive Stadium wide lightshow within 24 hours, something that is rarely done by artists.” Other technology features include high density Wi-Fi allowing fans to simultaneously access and view streaming video and other content services, with over 1,400 wireless access points installed throughout the venue.
Construction complete, three weeks ahead of schedule Despite the enormity of the project, Multiplex completed Optus Stadium and Stadium Park three weeks ahead of time, allowing Operator VenuesLive to schedule a number of sporting and entertainment events ahead of the AFL season. Chris attributes the overwhelming success of the project to the ‘one team’ approach taken from the outset, with the Multiplex and client teams co-located on site. “We had regular catch-ups to bring the larger project teams together, celebrate project milestones and share updates about different scopes of work,” says Chris. “That empowered the whole team to outperform, and work toward a shared vision of delivering a world-class stadium in an activated sports and entertainment precinct.” Chris also reflects on the project as one of his own personal career highlights. “When I think back to the many significant projects we’ve delivered in Western Australia, it’s hard to find one that I feel personally prouder of than Optus Stadium,” says Chris. “Over 8,000 people worked on the Stadium in total, and I have no doubt many of them feel the same way. “It’s a privilege to deliver projects like this and we’re incredibly humbled to see the rest of Western Australia enjoy the Stadium as much as we do. In addition to that, as a Sydney Swans supporter watching them win the first game of AFL held at the Stadium was probably the most enjoyable aspect of the Stadium delivery!”
Technology was also a focus in the design and construction process, with Optus Stadium one of the first projects in Australia to deliver Building Information Management (BIM) to Level of Development (LOD) 500. This means an entire ‘as-built’ model of the Stadium and Stadium Park was delivered to the client to be utilised throughout the 25-year maintenance period. All assets within the Stadium are tagged and coded back to the BIM model and its database via QR codes, providing a powerful asset management tool for both the FM provider and the operator.
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MASTER BUILDER SUMMER 2018
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