Florence Magazine April 2022

FLORENCE CONSTRUCTING A NEW PERSPECTIVE

FAMILY TIES Building the future

LIGHTWEIGHT SAFETY FOR WOMEN. A world-leading biomechanical design

by Blundstone.

Launching August 2022

@blundstoneworkau

BLUNDSTONE.COM.AU

Our Cover: Jacqui Lunney, Courtney Bloor and Deborah Garnier on family and working together in construction. Cover Image: Guy Davies Photography.

INSIDE

14

Regulars

Features

Executive Director’s Welcome.................................... 07

Three generations in construction .......................... 08

Mindset................................................................................... 44 Tradie Wives ....................................................................... 46 Tech and Apps .................................................................. 47 Law Matters ........................................................................ 48 Tools ........................................................................................ 51 Events......................................................................................52 Insta Sistas............................................................................ 54 Editor: Alyssa Welke Editorial Coordinator: Amanda Kelly Design Concept: Angela Carroll Designer: Jeff Brown, Mark Stansall, Meisha Reynolds Sub-editor: Jessica Kramer Cover image: Guy Davies Photography Custom Publishing Manager: Erika Brayshaw Advertising inquiries: 07 4690 9303 Editorial Enquiries: 07 4690 9396 Email: alyssa.welke@news.com.au Subscriptions: 07 4690 9360

4 || FLORENCE

Diamond in the rough Narelle Warren .................................................................... 14 A drive through it all Emma Makinson ................................................................ 18 Taking charge of her own destiny Women at Work ................................................................32 Incredible women in the industry

Printed by: Greenridge Group, 4 Freighter Avenue, Toowoomba QLD 4350 News Corp Australia is the exclusive Publishing Partner of Florence magazine, in conjunction with the Master Builders Association of New South Wales.

ABN: 63 009 820 035. Ph: (07) 4690 9309. Website: www.newscorpaustralia.com This publication is copyright. No part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means including electronic, mechanical, microcopying, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the permission of Master Builders Association of NSW or News Corp Australia. Disclaimer: The information contained within Florence magazine is given in good faith and obtained from sources believed to be accurate. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher.

News Corp and the Master Builders Association of New South Wales will not be held liable for any opinion or advice contained herein.

FLORENCE LOOKING TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE Welcome to the latest edition of Florence — it has been a pleasure to bring this magazine to life for you.

In this edition we bring you some wonderful stories of wonderful women in your industry.

On the cover we feature Deborah Garnier, Jacqui Lunney and Courtney Bloor — three generations of women share their experiences of working side by side in their family construction business (p 8).

Landscaper and fencer Narelle Warren (p 14) shares lessons learned in her 20-plus years in the industry and calls for more training pathways to be opened up for her industry.

Crane business owner Emma Makinson (p 18) talks about how she has overcome challenges she’s faced in the industry and offers guidance to other young women looking to get into the construction industry.

18

One common thread to all these conversations was the need for education to be more accessible, particularly to women in the industry. Our stories on the Master Builders Pre-apprenticeship program (p 22) and the NSW Government’s Trade Training Program (p 38) talk about just this.

We also profile leading women in your industry (p 32-35).

We hope to bring you all more stories of women in your industry and shine a light on the amazing work they are doing in training and mentoring the next generation.

Alyssa Welke Editor

FLORENCE || 5

GRAND DAME BUILDS LEGACY Florence Taylor paved the way for women in construction

F

lorence Taylor was a pioneer of women in the construction industry and her legacy is still being felt.

As an architect and publisher, Florence believed in the notion that “a woman to marry, get into the confines of the home and never be articulate in public affairs is a disgrace” and her achievements in the male-dominated architectural industry proves that.

She was known for her energy, determination and outspoken nature, a nature which distinguished her well throughout her colourful career, first as a draftsman and ultimately as a publisher of trade journals.

She was widely respected, even if her questions and criticism irritated some of her professional colleagues.

Her achievements within both of her fields had an indelible impact on the public acceptance of women in the professions.

She was a tall, striking woman, with blonde hair and blue eyes, and was known for dressing (even in the 1930s) in long sweeping skirts and a picture hat decorated with ostrich feathers.

She was born on December 29, 1879, at Bedminster, Somerset, England and was the eldest daughter of John and Eliza Parsons.

office she was promoted to chief draftsman.

Once she completed her training she became chief draftsman to J. B. Clamp, who nominated her in 1907 for associate membership of the Institute of Architects of New South Wales.

Despite his defence of her talent (she “could design a place while an ordinary draftsman would be sharpening his pencil”), the nomination was defeated.

But this did nothing to deter Florence from thriving practice designing homes.

It wasn’t until 1920 that Florence was eventually invited to join the Institute of Architects, which she accepted.

On April 3, 1907 Florence married George Augustine Taylor.

Florence and her husband were founding members of the Town Planning Association of New South Wales in 1913 and she was its secretary for many years.

Together they started the Building Publishing Co Ltd, which produced trade journals, three of which Florence edited: Harmony, Young Australia and the Australian (later Commonwealth) Home.

Through their journals they campaigned for urban planning, improved construction methods and better materials; they also promoted the interests of engineers, architects and builders.

The family immigrated to Australia in 1884, where her father worked in the sewerage construction branch of the Department of Public Works, which gave Florence her first taste of working in the construction industry, as she assisted her father with his engineering calculations.

When George Taylor died suddenly in 1928, Florence was determined to carry on their business and although eight of the 11 journals the business was publishing was forced to cease, she maintained Building (later Building, Lighting and Engineering) (1907-72), Construction (1908-74) and the Australasian Engineer (1915-73), and edited them herself.

It was her father’s death in 1899 that pushed Florence into the architectural industry when she decided to become a draftsman to support her family.

She learned her trade under architect Edmund Skelton Garton, and simultaneously attended night-classes at Sydney Technical College until 1904.

During her time with Garton’s

6 || FLORENCE

Architect and publisher Florence Taylor; One of the periodical’s Florence published during her career.

PHOTOS: COLLECTIONS OF THE STATE LIBRARY OF NEWSOUTHWALES.

She continued to produce town planning schemes but relied on others to draw them as she was unable to spare time from publishing.

EMBRACING TRADE CAREERS BRIAN SEIDLER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MBA NSW

Skilling the next generation of women in trades is vital to the continued growth of the industry

R

ecently I had the pleasure to attend an inaugural graduation of the first all female pre-apprenticeship program.

The Pre-Apprenticeship program is a three-week entry level training program that provides an introduction into both the industry and a carpentry trade prior to commencing an apprenticeship.

The all-female program aims to provide a safe and encouraging environment for women to learn about potential career opportunities. The attendees gain some hands-on work experience and become part of the community of female apprentices in the building and construction industry.

The response to the program has been extremely positive with 12 participants commencing their training in January this year and becoming the first all-female cohort. What’s exciting is the mix of women participating in this program, from recent school leavers looking to start their career, through to adults looking for a career change or re-entry into the workforce.

The results of the program speak for themselves with four participants already securing an apprenticeship before the program concluded plus another three currently interviewing for positions.

FLORENCE || 7

CHASING DREAMS AS A FAMILY Bridging generational gaps to create a legacy ALYSSA WELKE

H

ard work is definitely a trait Deborah Garnier has passed on to her children and grandchildren and it is a quality that has seen the family build a thriving construction business, Built Complete, over the past 11 years.

Deborah and her son, Jace, formed Built Complete in 2010 and have had to overcome many obstacles since it started, including the GFC, the banking Royal Commission (in a time when most of their work was servicing the banking sector), two elections, and most recently the Covid-19 pandemic.

But the business, and the family, have weathered every storm together — making them stronger.

“Working with family has had challenges and blessings,” Deborah said.

“As a mother it also weighs heavily when times are tough. We are all in it together; the rise and the fall,” she said.

Since the company was formed, Deborah’s youngest daughter, Jacqui Lunney, and more recently her granddaughter (Jacqui’s daughter), Courtney Bloor, have joined the business, working their way up through the business to Senior Estimator and Contract Administrator respectively.

“As a family, we respect what each other does. I have tried to encourage each family member to have their own area of expertise. I support and encourage learning and qualifications.”

Deborah’s early life and working life are familiar to

many women of her generation. Born in 1957, the second of four (surviving) children, she lived in country NSW until the age of 10, when the family moved to Sydney.

She was academically gifted and was chosen for admission to the selective high school St George Girls High, achieving a rank in the top 15-20% of the state.

“My family was not well off, so although I could have gone to all the university courses I applied for, including Town Planning, I went to work instead to help support the family, as my parents separated as soon as I finished high school,” she said.

“I was married quite young and started a family straight away. I had three children - a girl, a boy, and another girl.

“Although I enjoyed being a stay-at-home mum, I always knew there was a career for me. I started working again at 30 once all three children were established at school.

“At 39 I commenced my studies. My first course was an Advanced Diploma in Management and Leadership at TAFE, NSW. “I was hooked.

“I then went on to a Graduate Diploma in Management at UWS. I wanted to complete my MBA (Masters of Business Administration), however preferred the offering at UTS with a Major in Accounting.

PICTURED: Deborah Garnier; NEXT PAGE: (from left) Courtney Bloor, Deborah Garnier and Jacqui Lunney.

PHOTOS: Guy Davies Photography

8 || FLORENCE

FLORENCE || 9

10 || FLORENCE

“Unfortunately, that meant not many of the subjects in the UWS Grad Diploma benefitted me.

“During those years of part-time study my career flourished — and study therefore became tougher — working my way up in multi-national and large Australian organisations.

“I ran air-conditioning and security businesses, including a division of ADT and Head of NRMA Home Security and then National Manager of Chubb Home Security.

“By that time my children had grown into adults and had careers of their own, including my son who had become an experienced builder; and my youngest, Jacqui, who worked in the same industries as me, with me from time to time. I had grandchildren coming along as well. There are eight now.”

It’s obvious family is important to Deborah — she speaks glowingly of them, and she happily shares her pride in them and their achievements.

“I loved working in corporate roles, however working in our own business, watching my (adult) children and (eldest) granddaughter grow and develop their careers, and knowing that I am in part contributing to that growth, has been great.”

Her daughter, Jacqui, credits her parents with instilling a strong work ethic in her and her siblings, a legacy she hopes she has passed on to her own children.

“My father had his own business and now my mother has her own business, only through their own hard work and effort. I think sometimes we may go a little overboard in our ‘work, work, work’ mentality but we’re striking a good balance now,” she said.

But this work ethic has helped mould Jacqui into who she is today: an accomplished mother and woman, with a satisfying career with Built Complete as Senior Estimator.

She has completed her Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Estimating), and is currently completing her Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) and a Diploma of Building and Construction (Management).

This education is what has enabled her to find a fulfilling career.

“I worked different jobs in various industries until my late 20s, when my husband and I had our two youngest daughters,” she said.

“Once they were a little bit older, I started working at Built Complete. In my time here, I’ve been able to further my education and knowledge which has been really beneficial for my career.

“I started in accounts administration and I’ve slowly moved up to my current position. I’ve experienced almost every part of the business getting to estimating: accounts admin, project management, etc.

“I’ve always been quite academically inclined, particularly towards solving problems and working with numbers, so estimating gives me the opportunity to do something I like. Estimating is similar to a giant number puzzle so I really enjoy my job.

“I think being able to help a client achieve their dream for a price they’re happy with is also a really great part of my job.”

For Jacqui’s daughter, Courtney Bloor, the transition into the construction industry occurred quite early in her working life — in fact, she began working for the family business after high school, and although it wasn’t her initial plan, it’s a change of path she’s grateful for.

“After graduating high school, I was accepted into university for nursing, however, I chose to defer my course because I wasn’t sure about it,” she said.

“I had no idea what I wanted to do for a job but I’m really glad I got into construction, specifically at Built Complete — I met my husband through one of our trades.”

It was just over five years ago that Courtney joined the business.

“I had a small existential crisis right after I completed my HSC; the usual realisation that school is over and you have to figure out what you’re going to do all day every day. Mum dragged me into the office one day – almost kicking and screaming - to get me out of the house and I’ve been here ever since,” she said.

“When I first started, I was really just helping around the office.

“I think my first few weeks were spent organising all of our leftover materials to be recycled or sold on. After that, I started processing invoices and slowly worked my way to an assistant project manager.

“My current role as a Contract Administrator is still evolving as my skills and knowledge increase but also changes as the company grows, as do all of our roles.

“I have completed a Cert IV in Building & Construction (Contracts Administration) and I’m now undertaking a Diploma of Business (Operations) and a Diploma of Leadership & Management.”

All three women agree that education is the key

FLORENCE || 11

to getting more women into the construction industry, and thereby reducing the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated field.

And this education needs to start young, in high school, so that young women know that construction is not just a viable choice for them, but a rewarding one.

Jacqui wants to see more women tradies on site, but knows it isn’t going to happen overnight.

“The only way people are going to feel comfortable doing something that isn’t often done, is if more and more people start doing it, she said.

“I think it definitely starts in education; when 16 year olds want to leave high school to take up a trade; the boys are frequently offered construction trades and the girls are offered beauty and cosmetology.

“Having a wider range of trade subjects in school, more than just woodwork and sewing, would be a really great way to teach young women that they can pursue electrical engineering or carpentry after school and it be the norm.

“The more we put into education, the more we get back in the workforce.”

Deborah agrees — women need to be made aware of the opportunities available to them in construction; be it through schools, career advisors, universities, and even through the media platforming women in construction. As the saying goes — you can’t be what you can’t see.

“I have enjoyed seeing the participation and contribution of women increase over the years and the value they bring to business and clients, especially as I have two daughters and six granddaughters,” she said.

“It is obvious that opportunities should be equally given to girls/women to participate in any field they choose in construction. It is hard, however, to change the mindset of the population regarding career options. Perhaps more awareness at school level is required.”

Courtney sees incentives as the way forward.

“I’d definitely like to start seeing more women on site when I go for visits; engineers, architects,

12 || FLORENCE

electricians, carpenters — you name it,” she said.

“I think education is definitely key; offer more incentives for young women in school and uni to get them into the industry — if people are given opportunities, they take them.”

While all three women have faced challenges throughout their working lives, they are challenges that are faced by many women across the workforce — not just women in construction.

“Given the age I came into construction, along with my position, I haven’t suffered the same challenges that younger women may suffer,” Deborah acknowledges.

“Particularly those on site who may not get equal respect for their skill.

“I’m not sure it’s just this industry that needs to change.

It is still difficult for women to be seen as equal in many arenas.

“I have two very capable and competent daughters, who could have succeeded in a trade if they had chosen that path. Jacqui has chosen to put that skill to use by first qualifying as an Estimator and now finishing her Building Certificate.

“Women struggle in any career when they choose to have a family.

“Time out and conflicting responsibilities is extremely difficult to manage.

“I have seen it with my daughter Jacqui. She started with us part-time, at times bringing the baby in with her; the benefit of a small, at the time, family business.

“Could that model be used more widely? How do you think that will be achieved?”

Jacqui adds: “I don’t really feel as if I have faced any challenges that are industry specific. I’d say the biggest challenge, which I’m sure a lot of people would agree with, is finding a good work/ life balance. It’s difficult to juggle young kids and a totally new career so the first few years of working in construction were quite difficult.

“Working at Built Complete with family has definitely allowed more flexibility than a lot of other jobs would. I’ve had the freedom to be able to pick the kids up from school or work from home

if they’re unwell so the support from my family at work has helped with that for sure.”

“Being in the office I don’t really have to face what many females on site do but there is still the odd tough-headed individual that isn’t too keen on being told anything by a woman,” Courtney said.

“I think, though, as I’ve built up my knowledge and know more of the terminology and how to speak to builders and trades, it definitely is a lot better now than when I first started.”

Improving environmental sustainability is something that the whole family is passionate about and it is a topic they want to be taken seriously by the industry.

Jacqui posits sustainable living developments need to be at forefront for the future of the industry.

She says, construction is expanding at such a rapid rate, the industry needs to start formulating and implementing solutions to control the waste output, as well as the long-term impact it can have on the environment.

Courtney sees the reform as vital.

“My main desire for construction is a more sustainable, eco-friendly industry. I want to see sustainable building practices become mainstream and long-lasting, recyclable materials being used on every project,” she said.

“There are so many single-use materials being used throughout the entirety of a project and so much furniture being tossed out from commercial jobs — I think the way we handle waste and recycling can be reformed.

“There are already companies out there, like ourselves, which make every effort to recycle materials and repurpose or on-sell furniture in order to reduce their waste — though I think, for larger developers, there would need to be rules and regulations rather than just a gentle reminder.

“In the industry, there are regular changes to building practices which is definitely a step in the right direction, but I think we can do more.

“If we start to focus on the carbon footprint of the construction industry and educate young people on how vital it is that we reduce our output, I think we’d see a lot of changes.

No matter where the industry goes in the future, Deborah has a clear message: “I have been very fortunate in my working life. I have had opportunities come my way that have been amazing. I have worked with some of the brightest and most wonderful people. I have also encountered a few bullies along the way and learned to deal with them.

“I am an optimist. I am therefore hopeful for the future for women in construction.”

FLORENCE || 13

14 || FLORENCE

A DRIVE THROUGH IT ALL Narelle Warren’s passion for her work and her industry is obvious ALYSSA WELKE

N

arelle Warren, the managing director of Brushwood Fencing Australia is animated and articulate when she talks about the highly skilled trade of fencing.

It is a passion she has always felt working in the construction industry, and it is a passion she discovered early in her working life.

Having grown up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, mainly around Manly, Narelle has always felt an affinity for the outdoors and the ocean in particular. This affinity has meant she has never strayed far from the coast throughout her life.

And she has chosen work that means she can enjoy the great outdoors as much as possible and to give her and her family the lifestyle they wanted.

After finishing high school in Year 11, as she knew doing her HSC “wasn’t for me”, Narelle started doing office work, but quickly worked out she wasn’t made for it. “(I) really gravitated to working outside, very quickly. Since probably my early 20s I’ve always been self-employed,” she said.

“I’ve had various roles doing tree-lopping, basic garden maintenance and lawn mowing. Then I got a Diploma in Landscape Design and had a landscape design business.

“My husband and I moved out of the area for about five years when I fell pregnant, so I sold my landscaping business and we went up to Pacific Palms and we had a surf school up there.

“The work was very seasonal so it was during that time my husband was travelling back to Sydney to do some brushwood fencing. And because we were in an area where there wasn’t much work, when our daughter was due to start school we sold the house and moved back to Sydney.

“We really wanted to enjoy that time with her before she started school because we struggled to fall pregnant.

“I got told for probably about five years we would never have children, so when I fell pregnant we just wanted to go and enjoy that time with her.

“So we moved back and I was still doing landscaping and design and my husband was contracting to another fencing company doing brushwood, and a few years into it we decided to consolidate our efforts and open up our own business.”

Narelle and her husband Michael founded Brushwood Fencing Australia about 18 years ago, and during that time they have worked hard to build it into a successful business.

Highlights include delivering high quality work for clients, both big and small, and being recognised by her industry for the contributions she has made.

Working on various stages of the Taronga Zoo African Savannah project in 2019-2020 is one project that stands out to Narelle. Not only was it an amazing project to work on, her company was recognised in the Australian Fencing Awards, winning the Innovation & Excellence in

PICTURED: Narelle Warren, managing director of Brushwood Fencing Australia.

FLORENCE || 15

that’s just, at the end of the day, a minority that are doing that.

Commercial/Industrial Fencing award in 2020, and then Narelle was awarded a Leading Women of the Industry for her contributions to the industry; in 2021 she was given a Champions award for promoting and raising awareness in the industry.

But that success hasn’t come without challenges for Narelle.

Some men working in the construction industry have looked at her like she doesn’t belong, or worse, refused to acknowledge her at all. And it is this feeling of not belonging that has driven her to do more, be more and prove her worth on the job site for almost her entire working life.

While Narelle has seen changes to attitudes towards women during her time working in the construction industry, it is something she says still has a long way to go.

“Very generally (the attitude is) much more accepting. Back in the day when you walked on to a job site, people just wouldn’t engage with you, they wouldn’t acknowledge you,” she said.

“I can remember about 15 years ago being sent to a job site on the Northern Beaches by an architect we had been doing work for, not only on his jobs but at his own house.

“And he sent me to a builder. It wasn’t the other tradespeople on the site, they were all great but the builder himself, he just refused to acknowledge me. So after twiddling my thumbs for about 1520 minutes – I just left, cause he just wouldn’t acknowledge my presence. That’s probably the worst case I’ve ever had.

“It’s disheartening but you just can’t let it get to you; you just got to stay positive and know that

16 || FLORENCE

“Obviously it is disheartening but you just have to rise above it and keep telling yourself ‘that’s not everyone; that’s just a minority of people – a very small amount of people that will treat you that way’. You just move on and you get on with your job.

“You don’t want to be a ‘hysterical’ female and draw more attention to the situation so you just take it on the chin.”

And it is this feeling of being dismissed by some in the industry that has driven her to do more, be more and prove her worth on the job site for almost her entire working life.

This feeling continues to drive many women in the construction industry — and it is a feeling that in the long term needs to change.

While Narelle’s drive is what makes her so passionate about her industry, it has taken a physical toll on her body – working to keep up with, or out-do, the men on site means she has undergone multiple surgeries to repair the damage it has done to her body. Surgeries including a full hysterectomy due to a uterine prolapse caused by continual heavy lifting, three surgeries — one on her left shoulder and two on her right - and a full shoulder replacement still to come on the right shoulder.

This is something she wants young women to be aware of when entering into trades.

“I am very supportive of women in the industry across all aspects

and women in trades, but we fundamentally need to remind ourselves that we are just not built the same as men,” she said.

“I haven’t been on the tools for quite some time because of my shoulder and other things, but one of the challenges for women 15-20 years ago if they were on job sites, they felt like, and I certainly felt like, I had to do more, and always be more and do more, just to prove myself, or prove my worth, that I was worth being on site.

“I think it’s improved, but I don’t think it’s changed enough.

“And I don’t think that is industry specific to construction. I think women get that across a whole array of sectors, across all forms of business everywhere they go.

“We’re working double time — we have to not just do our job but do it much better and work harder and maybe a little bit longer, just to prove our worth of being there.

“I think it’s getting better, but I think we have a long way to go.”

Narelle knows there’s no easy answer to overcoming this, but she says fair pay for women is a start. And continuing to increase awareness on gender inequality in the workplace, through government, schools and industry bodies.

“If big industries and big companies can start it in their workplaces, than the smaller ones will follow suit.”

Narelle’s passion for the fencing industry now sees her calling for change and to see her trade of fencing more recognised as the highly skilled career path that it is, through the development of an apprenticeship program.

While fencers need to be licensed trades people, there is no government-funded apprenticeship program for fencing. Many of the tradespeople are ‘snatched’ from other trades such as carpentry and boilermaking, after having been trained in their specialised skills.

Fencing contractors use a range of skills, such as carpentry, welding, manipulating timber, PVC products, natural products, and metals, and Narelle says it’s time fencing has a specific apprenticeship scheme.

Narelle has written to the Federal Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business Stuart

Robert, but has not been able to make head way; she has also spoken to TAFE NSW about it, but without funding their hands are tied in putting together an apprenticeship scheme.

She has spoken with the Master Builders Association in NSW about working together with the Australian Fencing Association to petition the federal government to investigate and fund a scheme.

“It’s a real misfortune, not only to the industry, but it’s a misfortune to young people looking for career opportunities, and for anyone with a fencing business,” she said.

“We really want to train up the next generation, and make sure that they’re skilled and they’re skilled correctly. It’s a benefit to businesses, and it’s a benefit to the industry to ensure there’s no skill shortages and ensuring that the industry is well qualified, as it should be.

“The benefits are huge for the industry. It ensures a standard; it ensures the right skills are being taught and they are being taught correctly, and they are being implemented correctly.

“We don’t have a training facility anywhere – there’s no organisation teaching that. And with all the different sorts of fencing, materials, and options now, more than ever, it really needs to happen in a timely fashion.

“We need a whole course – we need a three-year, or a four-year, apprenticeship course.

“I think the need is urgent.”

Because of a range of factors, Australia does have a trades shortage and Narelle says she’d like to see more young people, particularly in their secondary schooling years, encouraged into trades.

She wants to see trades, and tradespeople, valued for their skills and going into trades not to be seen as a second choice over university.

“Not everybody is academic, and some people are much better with their hands and their tools.

“I would like to see a shift there from the education perspective and in schools.”

FLORENCE || 17

EMMA MAKINSON Taking charge of her own destiny ALYSSA WELKE

M

aking what was considered the worst coffee ever made set Emma Makinson on a career trajectory she never considered when she was leaving her schooling years: a 20-year career in construction.

Now the director of her family business, Coffs City Cranes, Emma has worked the full gamut of jobs in the construction industry, starting at the bottom and working her way up.

Her qualifications include 20 years of practical experiences from some amazing mentors in her career - ranging from commercial managers, project managers, safety managers, construction managers, directors of companies, and other co-workers - as well as the Diploma of Business Management, certificates in safety, Crane Supervisors Course, Dogman’s High Risk Licences and a Licence to Operate Crane up to 60 Tonne.

And now Emma is considering finding a degree to study and is considering engineering, contractual law, or even project management.

“Well, I started at the bottom, of course, making coffee for the Project Manager, working the photo copier, answering phones, until one day the director visited and apparently I made the worst coffee he ever had and the project manager saw something more in me,” Emma says.

“So before I knew it, I was promoted; learning about safety, quality control, document control, purchasing, public relations, and client relations.

“The diversity in roles just kept coming, nothing was boring, every day was a challenge and the money I was earning at such a young age; I had found my new career.

“After this project I took the leap of faith and

moved to Sydney, bunked up with my cousin until I found a job and got my own place. I got a temp job with Department of Public Works and Services’ construction division.”

She worked hard and absorbed knowledge, aiming to learn as much as she could every day and was offered a permanent role with the then-newly branded Department of Commerce.

“From there I got poached to the private sector, a tier two level company, which included a lot of negotiations, as I was quite happy where I was,” she said.

“I was not looking for a new job, but this company wanted me on board; they were employing me for a commercial/contracts financial role, which once I got on board and saw their systems, I thought to myself what have I done!

“However, the project we were working on was going to be amazing in relation to tower cranes, materials hoists, mast climbers, Preston decks, and I somewhat became drawn to this from looking at some plans and reading the construction methodology.

“These works were happening after hours as the project was 24 hours; so in my own time I stayed back to watch this tiny Red Barron tower crane be carried up the goods lift of the Supreme Law Courts of NSW, to be built on the roof, in order to get a bigger tower crane up on the roof to carry out the project.

“This was my career game changer! Within a number of weeks, the company’s general manager approached me and asked if I would change my role to materials handling co-ordinator for the organisation – not just the one project, but all of their projects around Australia.

Opposite page: Emma Makinson and Sandra Makinson. Over the page: Jamie smith, Sam Smith Phil Makinson, Jenny Makinson, Sandra Makinson and Emma Makinson.

18 || FLORENCE

WE GOT THAT TOWER CRANE UP IN CROWN STREET; AND I WAS 10 DAYS LATE IN GIVING BIRTH, SO IT ALL WORKED OUT WELL.

FLORENCE || 19

“We managed everything from tower cranes, hoists, scaffold, delivery areas on sites, mobile crane lifts on civil projects, precast elements.

“I worked on the Falcon Street Pedestrian Bridge in Sydney, an amazing project, and travelled all around the countryside, implemented company policies and procedures for cranes and lifting, nonprice criterias for crane tenders on big civil jobs, it was very exciting work.”

Emma has faced myriad challenges in her career including being one of very few women in the industry at the time she started (“I had to be seen and not heard, listen to everything that was said”); a lot of males not being accepting of women being in their industry; lack of female amenities on job sites (“yes, I used the men’s a number of times”), derogatory comments; and having to act like one of the boys and tolerate their behaviour (“the attitude was you are in their industry and workplace, if you don’t like it then leave”).

But over the weeks and months, respect was earned and given back for the determination Emma showed.

Emma enjoyed her work immensely and found it extremely rewarding, but she became even more acutely aware of the inequality in her chosen profession when she was pregnant.

“In March 2011 I was heavily pregnant (with only two to three weeks until the due date) and we had a pedestrian bridge and a set of precast steps to remove by a railway one night on the Great Western Highway somewhere up near Springwood area.

“We had a 300-tonne crane set up, we had our

20 || FLORENCE

white reflective overalls on — mind you, even though I had to go to a bigger size, the front buttons could not be done up — we were doing the toolbox, with the crane crew, traffic control and the site team on the run sheet and the night’s events to get started.

“I got some strange looks; we all went and set up about to lift, when the crane crew said to me, ‘Em, when are you due?’ I said ‘couple of weeks, why’s that?’… ‘Do you really think you should be here?’

“My response: ‘We are all here to do a job; let’s get it done, this little bun isn’t coming out until I’ve finished work. We still have a tower crane to put up in Crown Street at the old Hard Rock Café! Once that’s done my baby will come!’

“They laughed and said ‘no, but seriously what if your waters break?’

“I responded with ‘well lucky you know your job here, I’ll call an ambulance and go to Penrith Hospital’ … Next minute, my dad turned up — from Coffs Harbour mind you, using the excuse he wanted to watch the lift,” Emma laughs.

“We got that tower crane up in Crown Street, and I was 10 days late in giving birth, so it all worked out well.

“You see, back then, being female in this industry was hard; if you went on maternity leave too early and went missing for too long, the stripes you earned would have been easily forgotten.

“After two months of trying to stay away from the office — however still taking calls from home — I ended up going to a place called Baralaba in Central Queensland for what was supposed to be a one night, two day job, while my little one was

about three months old.

“I came back and went again for a few more days and stints, expressing milk in coasts sheds and freezing that liquid gold.

“From there I went to Roma fly-in fly-out, 21-day stints; that did not last long.

“Who was I trying to prove something to? Now that was just ridiculous — brand new baby, the few days away, a week here and there, but 21 days?

“I started negotiations as a crane co-ordinator with a big project at the time starting in Coffs Harbour, however, at the same time my dad wanted to expand his business and here I am now.”

operates all the cranes or drives the b-doubles if required,” Emma says.

“In 2020 we registered Coffs City Cranes, which I became director of, and also registered Coffs City Transport for our fleet of trucks who do interstate transport, as well as our counterweight for cranes.”

Emma’s career wouldn’t have been what it is without the support and encouragement of her mentors and the advice she received from them.

She offers some simple advice to women getting into the construction industry.

•

KISS – KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID. Something I was taught very early in my career — don’t try to use big words if you don’t have too. Not everyone has a degree; explain things simply, draw it if you have to explain something better, because everyone has a different way of learning or interpreting.

•

NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION — I can almost guarantee someone sitting next to you will thank you for asking the question.

•

NEVER PRETEND LIKE YOU KNOW — it will only make you look stupid; ask for clarification.

•

NEVER LIE

•

NEVER GIVE UP if you have passion for something in your life

•

RESPECT PEOPLE’S TITLES — Some really do deserve the ones they have! Some are just handed them — you will know the difference.

The ones who deserve their titles, ask them for mentoring.

•

NO-ONE IS BETTER THAN YOU; don’t ever let people make you feel like they are, regardless of their title or how rich they are.

•

ALWAYS TREAT PEOPLE HOW YOU LIKE TO BE TREATED.

Family has been fundamentally important to Emma and continues to be. She is the youngest of three daughters and her parents have worked hard to provide for their family and instilled this strong work ethic in their children.

“Our mother and father both worked extremely hard our whole lives to ensure we had the best of everything — a beautiful home, nice clothes, all the things children expect these days, however were a luxury back in our days,” she says.

“Our parents worked day and night. Mum had two jobs, Dad managed a crane company during the day and drove trucks at night and on weekends.

“I remember as a kid I would have to catch the school bus to Dad’s work of an afternoon, and he would be around the cranes and truck yard.”

The family’s first crane business was started by Emma’s mother, Jenny, and father, Phil and a business partner in 1999, with a branch in Coffs Harbour and another in a nearby town. They decision was made to dissolve the partnership within a few years, with each partner maintaining ownership over one branch — Emma’s parents (Phil and Jenny) retained the Coffs Harbour branch and rebranded as J&P Cranes trading at Coffs City Cranes and Rigging in 2004.

The business continued to grow as the Coffs Coast region did, and Emma joined the business in 2011 as operations manager after leaving her FIFO job in Roma.

Emma is also active in driving change in her industry through the Crane Industry Council of Australia with the Mobile Crane Traineeship program encouraging women to apply.

In 2012, Emma’s middle sister Sandra Makinson returned to Australia after being overseas for 12 years and started with the family business as the accounts, human resources and administration manager, due to the expansion of their business.

Through the council, Emma was invited by Karli Sutherland, to be a part of implementing a National Women of CICA Industry Group, which is to encourage member growth and raise the image of women in the industry.

“In 2015, Dad got the son he never had and Sam Smith joined the team as our operations manager to assist me in daily operations, and he also

This industry group was formed late last year with members meeting face-to-face in February in Adelaide.

FLORENCE || 21

Pre-apprenticeship course gives taste of carpentry

22 || FLORENCE

SKILLING THE NEXT GENERATION ALYSSA WELKE

O

n Friday, February 18, 2022, the first all-female Pre-Apprenticeship program wrapped up with a morning tea celebration at the Master Builders Education Centre in Norwest. Each participant who successfully completed the program was awarded with a certificate of completion.

PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Rwida Zoro, Amber Ayoub, Carla Vilches, Charlotte Perry – Poytress, Merry Koentjoro, Danika Gothard, Kate Daffurn-Anderson, Nicole Sultana, Rose Peck. With Master Builders Trainer Ashley Davies.

FLORENCE || 23

Female apprentices sharing their knowledge with pre-apprentices about what it’s like working on site in residential and commercial.

S

The Master Builders Association of NSW (MBA NSW) is proud of the role they play in encouraging, recruiting, training, and ultimately finding employment for women of all ages in the building and construction industry.

provides an introduction into both the industry and a carpentry trade prior to commencing an apprenticeship. Our all-female program aims to provide a safe and encouraging environment for women to learn about potential career opportunities. They gain some hands-on work experience and become part of our community of female apprentices from the outset,” says Jody McGann.

“We are committed to creating pathways that facilitate greater industry-wide female participation and gender equality,” says Jody McGann, General Manager Education and Apprenticeships, MBA NSW.

Supported through funding from the NSW Government Department of Education, MBA NSW is able to offer this course at no cost to participants, further breaking down barriers for women to enter the industry.

Building on an already successful PreApprenticeship Program, MBA NSW recently launched an all-female program to further encourage women to consider building and construction as a positive and rewarding career choice.

The response to the program has been extremely positive with 12 participants commencing their training on January 31 and becoming the first allfemale cohort. The class was originally scheduled for 18 participants, but unfortunately Covid-19 had other plans. The six participants unable to attend have not missed out and have been placed in subsequent Master Builder pre-apprenticeship programs.

killing the next generation of women in trades is vital to the continued growth of the industry.

“The Master Builders Pre-Apprenticeship program is a three-week entry level training program that

24 || FLORENCE

“What’s exciting is the mix of women we had participating in this program, from recent school leavers looking to start their career through to adults looking for a career change or re-entry into the workforce: the industry has something to offer everyone,” says Jody.

“I applied for the pre-apprenticeship program with Master Builders specifically because it was an allfemale program. Knowing I was going to be in an all-female class, I felt comfortable that I wouldn’t be judged because of my gender or my skill levels.

I felt safe being with other women as I could focus on my learning and not feel intimidated in a predominantly male environment,” says Kate Daffrun, from the program’s first cohort.

The three-week program includes hands-on experience in entry level construction skills including: •

building house frames,

•

demolishing structures,

•

and understanding measurements and calculations.

Participants learn how to remain safe on site with courses such as: •

Work Safely at Heights

•

Manual Handling

•

Safe Use of Power Tools.

All participants receive a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) backpack consisting of gloves, hard hat, eye and ear protection, hi-vis shirts, water bottle and carpenters’ pencil — everything they’ll need to start their first day at work safely.

On successful completion, the participants will also come away with a number of units of competency that will count towards their carpentry trade qualification when they commence their apprenticeship.

“My favourite part of the pre-apprenticeship was the practical training, I loved getting in there and building things and learning how to use the power tools,” says Nicole Sultana.

In addition to their training, each participant receives two days of work experience. According to Jody McGann, “The work experience is an

important component of the program; it allows our participants to transfer the skills and practical experience they’ve learned in the classroom to a real building site and helps them decide if the industry is right for them. It also provides the builder who is looking for an apprentice some first-hand insight into a potential apprenticeship candidate for their business”.

“I had a really positive work experience which has resulted in me securing a full-time apprenticeship with House to Home Constructions. I got to work in a beautiful part of the central coast on a large residential property. Over the two days I got to do a lot of different jobs and there was plenty of variety. My training employer Greg was really easy to get along with and very supportive. The other apprentices on site were also accepting and very easy to talk to and shared their stories with me,” says Candice Arnall.

The results of the program speak for themselves with four participants already securing an apprenticeship before the program even concluded plus another three currently interviewing for positions.

“MBA NSW is extremely proud of the level of female participation that we have been able to achieve. Women currently account for over 6% of all of MBA NSW carpentry apprentices compared to a state average of just 1.9%. Of the total 196 female carpentry apprentices in NSW, 15 (7.65%) are MBA NSW apprentices. We want to see this number continue to grow and our all-female preapprenticeship program is a great way to help make this happen” says Jody McGann.

“I’d 100% recommend this program to other women considering a career in building and construction. A lot more women would get into the industry if they knew about this program and knew there was a safe environment for women where they didn’t feel intimidated,” says Candice Arnall.

Kate Daffrun agrees, saying “I’d definitely recommend this course to other women. I felt completely supported and I didn’t feel any less because I was female. I had such a great experience and I feel encouraged about my future and seeing more women in the industry.”

The women in action building timber wall frames at the Master Builders Education Centre, under the guidance of our industry expert trainer.

FLORENCE || 25

Q AND A: 5 MINUTES WITH...

LEAH MUSCAT Name:

Leah Muscat

Age:

21

Qualifications

Currently undertaking a printing apprenticeship – Certificate III in Printing

Job title:

Apprentice printer

Location:

Signs By Knight Wodonga, Victoria

What do you enjoy about your job? What do you find challenging?

How did you get your start with Signs by Knight?

I applied for a job with Signs by Knight after seeing the job advertised on Facebook. I first started off at the front counter doing admin work. I then wanted to be more hands-on and found the work going on behind the scenes interesting. I then was offered an apprenticeship.

How long have you worked for them?

I first started working for Signs by Knight in February 2021; I started my apprenticeship in April 2021.

What is your role in the business currently?

I do digital printing and sign making, running three types of printers — latex, eco solvent and UV flatbed.

Main tasks involved in your job?

My main tasks include using the printers, laminating and applying stickers, and cutting using the guillotine.

I enjoy being able to make something from scratch and then watching it come together. I don’t like it when the printers or computers stuff up.

Have you ever found it challenging being a woman working in a male-dominated industry? If so, what have these challenges been, and how have you overcome them?

Yes and no. I don’t mind working with males, or being the only female at the back, but sometimes it would be nice to have another woman.

Sometimes I think I am underestimated as a female, like with lifting things etc.

The people I work with are very respectful, it’s only happened on site with other companies.

Do you have any advice for young women looking to make a start in the construction industry?

Just do it and give it a crack — you’ve got nothing to lose by trying something new and gaining experience.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Don’t think about it too much. If you work with nice people, they won’t care what gender you are.

I see myself being fully qualified, still working at Signs By Knight and still enjoying the job. I also want to learn other parts of sign making.

If you feel like you’re being judged, or feeling like you can’t do something, prove everyone wrong and do it!

26 || FLORENCE

PICTURED: Leah Muscat enjoys being out the back making signs.

FLORENCE || 27

OUT AND ABOUT

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION LUNCHEON Held at the Royal Randwick, guests heard from the incredible Sam Bloom

I

n November last year, the Master Builders Association of New South Wales had the pleasure of welcoming Sam Bloom, our guest of honour, at our first Women in Construction Luncheon, held at Royal Randwick.

Sam Bloom is a two-times World Para Surfing champion, bestselling author, and inspiration behind the global Netflix sensation Penguin Bloom, starring and produced by two-time Oscar nominee Naomi Watts.

Sam had everything she had always dreamed of: she had travelled extensively, fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a nurse, and was a happily married mother of three young boys, Rueben, Noah and Oliver.

Without warning, the dream turned into a nightmare.

In 2013, on a family holiday in Thailand, Sam leaned against a rotten balcony railing, falling through it and crashing six metres onto the concrete below.

Sam was lucky to be alive, and suffered devastating injuries, including severe damage to her spinal cord that left her completely paralysed from the chest down, and a head injury that left her with no sense of taste or smell.

Broken and hopeless, Sam reached her outer limits of physical and mental suffering.

28 || FLORENCE

But with courage, determination and a little help from an unlikely feathered friend - a magpie named Penguin Bloom - Sam made her way back from the edge, scarred but undefeated.

Sam’s story is one for the times, with profound messages for us all - of the power of love and family and of our innate ability to find determination and courage in the face of adversity.

Sam spoke of her awe-inspiring tale of her life’s journey, tragedy, battles, triumphs, strength, perseverance, resilience and hope.

There was not a dry eye in the room as Sam spoke of the difficulty of asking for and accepting help, yet it was the support of others got her through; a message that resonated with many who were present in the room.

Her message: we are all stronger, braver and more capable than we realise. We can all draw strength, wisdom and inspiration from her.

Sam and Cameron (her husband)’s message of ‘don’t put your dreams on hold’ was received with a standing ovation.

It was a hugely successful luncheon indeed, with more than 140 guests attending the event.

Our members and their employees have said they are looking forward to the 2022 Women in Construction Luncheon.

FLORENCE || 29

OUT AND ABOUT

30 || FLORENCE

GIVEAWAY The Master Builders Association of New South Wales have 10 signed copies of Sam Bloom’s latest book, Heartache & Birdsong, to give away.

For your chance to win please email your own 100word true story of inspiration to events@mbansw. asn.au along with your full name, phone number and email address. Please use the subject line ‘Sam Bloom giveaway’. Ten winners will be selected with winners contacted via email. Winning entries may be published in the August/September 2022 edition of Florence, with the entrant’s consent.

FLORENCE || 31

WOMEN AT WORK Meet some incredible women powering on in the industry

32 || FLORENCE

Name:

Christine Tran

Company: Mainbrace Constructions Position:

Estimator

Company: 02 9438 1666 Website:

www.mainbrace.com.au

Questions: Why did you choose a career in the building and construction Industry?

What interested me about the industry was the variety of roles offered from studying just the one degree. As a constantly evolving industry, where client expectations grow, projects become more complex, and technology improves. There is always a need to find more innovative ways to design, build and deliver, which creates infinite career possibilities.

Do you have any advice for other women thinking about a career in the building and construction industry?

My advice to women looking to join the industry is “go for it”. The industry presents limitless opportunities for all pursuing a career. If this is something you are passionate about, you’ll always succeed.

What do you like most about your job?

Do you have a mentor and if so how have they influenced your growth, both professionally and personally?

I love coming to work knowing that there is a new challenge every day. The constant challenges and obstacles encountered daily, I believe, creates a successful environment for career progression. It is an immensely rewarding feeling handing over a tender and watching it come to life.

I consider my manager, Nazih, a mentor. He was present during my cadetship and really inspired me to choose estimating as a career, something I would’ve never considered before. The time and commitment he has put towards improving my skill set drives me to constantly be better at what I do.

Name:

Georgia Bostock

Company: Hansen Yuncken Position:

Contracts Administrator

Company: 02 4908 6300 Website:

hansenyuncken.com.au

Questions: Why did you choose a career in the building and construction Industry?

I’ve always been fascinated by structures, numbers and how things work. I knew I needed a career that provided challenges, change and reward.

What do you like most about your job?

Working with so many different people, in different roles and places. The satisfaction of seeing the buildings come to life, and then the thrill of starting a new project somewhere new. It’s fast-paced and I never find myself counting down the minutes until knock-off.

What have been the challenges in your career?

How do you think that has shaped you, both personally and professionally?

The very different expectations and personalities of the people we work with, and the often-changing environment. I’ve had to learn to grow and adapt into my differing roles and who I work with.

Do you have any advice for other women thinking about a career in the building and construction industry?

For anyone entering the industry — work hard, never be afraid to ask questions, be confident, communicate and stand up for yourself. You’re going to make mistakes, learn from them.

FLORENCE || 33

Name:

Kristie Jones

Company: North Construction & Building Position:

Contracts Administrator

Company: 02 4323 2633 Website:

www.north.com.au

Questions: Why did you choose a career in the building and construction Industry?

My passion for construction started with my first role as a project administrator with a land developer. I was attracted to the idea of a whole new community, news homes, recreation areas and commercial premises … A new world contained in its own space. From there, I wanted to learn and understand other fields within the construction industry.

What do you like most about your job?

It is never boring. I’m learning something new every day which makes the day exciting and encourages me to want to know more. Another reason is pride.

The accomplishment of completing a project, looking at that building and saying, “I am part of that. I helped make this happen”.

Name:

Do you have any advice for other women thinking about a career in the construction industry?

If you have the interest and passion for construction, go for it! Yes, it is still a male dominated industry, but we want to change that. There are so many roles that women can successfully fulfill and never-ending opportunities to move forward in your career. Construction is an industry that keeps growing across different disciplines and trades.

What do you look forward to in 2022?

Environmentally sustainable development. This has been an interest of mine for some time, and I am currently in the process of obtaining accreditation to become a Green Star accredited professional. I have a passion to change the way we think about the future of our world and how we can make a difference not just through construction but personally as well.

Georgia Attard

Company: Calida Projects Position:

Contracts Administrator

Company: 02 8203 5608 Website:

www.calida.com.au

Questions: Why did you choose a career in the building and construction Industry?

I chose a career in building and construction as I have always been fascinated with the integration of design/architectural concepts and the methodology of construction. I enjoy being a key part to this integration and the variability and unique concepts each project brings.

What do you like most about your job?

The peers around me are the best part of my job. I have made lifelong friends and delivered projects we are extremely proud of together as a strong community. It is the people around who make me a better employee and enjoy what I do every day.

34 || FLORENCE

Do you have any advice for other women thinking about a career in the building and construction industry?

Building and construction has dramatically improved over the recent decade in terms of diversity and inclusivity within the industry. If you are willing to work hard there is a great avenue for career progression.

What do you look forward to in 2022?

I look forward to the return to normality within building and construction following the relaxation of restrictions as well as the integration of positive policies/changes the industry has implemented that I believe will assist with the morale and health of all workers.

Name:

Shirley Dellapina

Company: CBC Facilities Maintenance Pty Ltd Position:

Operations Executive Do you have a mentor and if so how have they influenced your growth, both professionally and personally?

Questions: Why did you choose a career in the building and construction Industry?

The diversity a career in construction has to offer is vast, from administrative roles right through to management positions, the opportunities are literally endless. The beauty of a career in construction is that your career aspirations can be sky high, the only limit to what you are able to achieve falls upon you!

The opportunities are there within your reach if you are willing to work hard to get there!

What do you like most about your job?

I love the variety of work and people, every day is different, and I get to interact with such a varied groups/people, it means I am always learning. I love that I can use my skills and knowledge as well as push myself in areas that I am unsure of myself.

My job challenges me every day in different ways.

The people at CBC Facilities Maintenance Pty Ltd are a pleasure to work with and make it enjoyable to come to work.

Name:

My parents have always been one of my biggest mentors both professionally and personally. They instilled in me the value of hard work and to respect people. They constantly inspire me to achieve!

What do you look forward to in 2022?

2022 brings with it opportunity, of adventures — each day is a new chance to build yourself, to become the person you want to be, to work on your business and relationships. Personally, I’m looking forward to continuing knuckling down on the things I enjoy and seeing what opportunities I can grasp onto — each year I have seen my life change and I have found ways to adapt to new situations, and no doubt that 2022 will bring new changes, new situations and new opportunities which allow me to learn and grow.

Yes, there are many things in the world which are uncertain, which could cause us anxiety, and which may change the path of humanity for generations to come (Covid, climate change, political and social ideas) — but there is also a lot, individually and collectively, which we should be looking forward to.

Zuzana Belicova

Company: Graphite Projects Position:

Systems Development Coordinator

Company: 02 9002 6400 Website:

www.graphiteprojects.com

Questions:

an event can be negative from all points of view.”

Why did you choose a career in the building and construction Industry?

Do you have any advice for other women thinking about a career in the building and construction industry?

It appears, that the career in construction chose me. I started as an admin assistant 10 years ago, and gradually gained qualifications and experience, to be able to move to HSEQ and systems environment.

What’s the best advice you have ever received, either professionally or personally? How has that shaped your approach to life and work?

I’m going to share my favourite quote from Dalai Lama XIV, which has always helped me in difficult situations: “It is very rare or almost impossible that

Do it! There are a variety of careers you could excel at, and there are many company graduate programs and associations now which can navigate you and help you along the way.

What do you look forward to in 2022?

After many challenges (professional and personal) that 2020 and 2021 brought, I’m excited to regroup and start fresh. There are many projects and initiatives which were on hold due to COVID, so I’m prepared to pick up where we left off.

FLORENCE || 35

WE’RE IN THE BUSINESS OF STRIVING FOR A CLEANER TOMORROW

v

TOYOTA FOR BUSINESS

A brighter future is steered by today.

Kaizen. It lies at the heart of why we strive for a cleaner future.

In Japanese it means to improve and invent, to innovate and always find a better way. At Toyota, it’s what drives us to reinvent the way your business moves. It started with our Hybrid technology over 25 years ago. But that was only the start.

Now with the addition of the hydrogen-powered Mirai, a cleaner tomorrow for your business starts today.

Your Association membership unlocks Gold Fleet discounts across a great range of Toyota vehicles to help you find the right car for your lifestyle and budget.

To find out more, visit your local Toyota Dealer or call 1800 679 247 toyota.com.au/fleet

Scan to sign up for the latest insights from Toyota for Business

C

OPENING THE DIALOGUE ON THE GREAT RESIGNATION

onsiderable discussion about ‘The Great Resignation’ over the last year has prompted many to re-evaluate what’s important as they struggle to see the light while dragging themselves out of the long tunnel of COVID fog.

Although the construction industry in Australia successfully remained open, operating albeit at a reduced capacity, the consequences of the pandemic left many worn-out. Resignations aplenty throughout Europe and USA were widely reported, but it still felt a bit shocking when people began to leave the industry in Australia. They weren’t leaving to find a better job or take long service leave — they were shutting the door on the building industry and flinging away the key.

I scratched my head, wondering how do people survive financially? You can’t pause utility and grocery bills indefinitely. The construction industry rewards employees with excellent salaries and going from above average earnings to nothing is dramatic. Some said they had savings, others said they would redraw on their mortgages, some had no plan. If they didn’t feel queasy, I am sure their bank manager did.

The mental health of many reached breaking point and the pandemic’s suffocating restrictions forced more to quit. The construction industry was no different to any other: it was ill-equipped to offer the support so many needed.

Following so much doom and gloom, do we dare to change the dialogue and attempt to uncover new positive outcomes for Australians working in the building sector?

If you are an employee in the construction industry right now you are in an enviable position. As a hot commodity there has never been a better time to consider your position and map out your future.

Employers have no option but to listen to the needs of their employees in the current climate.

Employers frequently believe money drives a workforce, but a pay rise alone is not enough for the current bruised labour force. While important, the most precious commodity for most in this ‘new world’ is time, closely followed by appreciation, a positive work culture, ongoing opportunities, and trust. The financial cost to replace one valued employee is significant but often it is like tapping a line of dominoes prompting others to follow.

Talk to your employer about your concerns but be realistic. Remember recruitment issues are widespread. Think carefully about that extra $10K — what will you need to do to earn it? If your only option is to resign, please take your time and consider your options with great care.

LOUISE CLINTON – RECRUITMENT SPECIALIST

Constructing Relationships That Last

®

Clinton Recruitment is a boutique Recruitment Agency based in Sydney that specialises in the recruitment of Building and Construction professionals throughout Australia.

At Clinton Recruitment the focus has always been on quality rather than quantity. Clinton Recruitment is the preferred Recruitment Agency of the Master Builders Association of New South Wales and is proud to be a sponsor of the annual Construction Awards in Sydney.

Managing Director, Louise Clinton has over 25 years’ experience of recruitment within the Building and Construction sector and is a passionate advocate of women working in construction.

If you are seeking a new career opportunity within the Construction Industry or looking for key members of staff to join your team, let’s talk.

T: 02 9664 8653 E: louise@clintonrecruitment.com.au W: www.clintonrecruitment.com.au FLORENCE || 37

PAVING PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS CARMEN MILLER

I

t has been said by many a political commentator that the COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented catalyst for true transformative change across Australia’s key pillar industries.

The pandemic has unwittingly stimulated a new level of ‘on your feet’ thinking and has accelerated industry-led government initiatives which could well and truly prove the silver lining among the dark clouds.

One such initiative helping to facilitate growth in the construction industry is the New South Wales Government’s $57.4 million Trade Pathways Program.

This program establishes the framework for a robust trades workforce and sustainable skills development to drive job growth and economic prosperity.

Focusing on two key target areas, the program aims to advance experienced but unqualified workers through recognised prior learning and GAP training skills assessment, and through A Women in Trades Strategy.

Innovative and research driven, The Women’s Strategy aims to increase the appeal of trades to the female population, improve career pathways in workplaces and maximise vocational outcomes.

New South Wales Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the strategy would help deliver a range of initiatives that would see greater participation from women in construction.

“This landmark strategy will encourage registered training organisations to work with industry, employers and women’s advocacy groups to enhance trade training opportunities,” Ms Taylor said.

Benefitting from both key focuses of the initiative is apprentice plumber Jessica Jennings of Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Not unlike the construction industry itself, the COVID-19 pandemic kicked Jessica’s aptitude for adaptability into overdrive, pivoting from her initial plan of travelling the world into a career in mechanical plumbing.

“When I finished school in 2019 my plan was to travel and take a gap year in 2020...and then Covid hit,” Jessica said.

38 || FLORENCE

“I come from a family of plumbers and so thought, why not give mechanical plumbing a go?”

Two years into her apprenticeship and Jessica is thriving in her new role, however, does believe initiatives such as The Women’s Strategy are imperative to advancing the industry and ensuring we avoid a looming skills shortage.

“While we have come such a long way with women in the construction industry there is no denying that barriers do still exist,” she said.

“Firstly, I think there needs to be a greater awareness of what you can gain through a trade, which is not just the qualification.

“I went to a private all girls high school and there was no discussion around pursuing a trade in the construction industry. It was all focused on university or the more traditional female careers.

“Aside from the practical skills I’ve learnt, there is so much more I deal with everyday that will benefit me in life that I don’t think I could have gained in any other industry.

“Even the simplest things like talking to highly experienced builders and other trades and getting an insight into how different elements of the industry all work in together; there is so much more to be gained through a trade than just the trade itself.”

And while Jessica says every encounter she has had on a job site has been entirely respectful, she feels a greater education within the industry is required to help break down cultural and societal barriers.

“When I first started out, every time I went to a new job, as a young female, I was definitely getting looks,” she said.

“No-one is ever rude about it, there is just a lot of questioning. I was more than happy to answer those questions, and I think that went a long

way in helping people understand why I have chosen my career, but I think with a greater understanding, there would be no need to question.

“Everyone was really respectful though, and as soon as I would explain how passionate I was and showed them my capabilities, there was an immediate understanding and at the end of the day, that’s all it is — a lack of understanding.”

Skills and Tertiary Education Minister Geoff Lee echoed such sentiments, stating that a key focus for the government is to work closely with industry to improve workplace culture and promote the contribution of women in trades throughout NSW. “Women currently make up only two per cent of qualified construction trade workers in Australia and this needs to change,” Mr Lee said.

“It is bloody hard as a single female to be surrounded by a male-dominated workforce.

Women need support just like other employees and that’s the approach we are targeting.

“I think we all know and acknowledge that women in trades in NSW is low. You can’t be what you can’t see.”

And while the construction industry Australia-wide will need to work hard to bolster the number of females within the trades sector, representatives such as Jessica Jennings will go a long way in inspiring a new generation of influential tradeswomen — a responsibility she is more than happy to shoulder.

“I would say to any females who are considering a trade to simply go for it,” Jessica said.

“Believe in yourself, don’t place too much focus on what other people have to say.

“If you are passionate about it, have self-belief and are prepared to work hard, you will succeed and most importantly, you’ll love what you do!”

FLORENCE || 39

40 || FLORENCE

— BLUNDSTONE — PUT OUR INNOVATION TO WORK Iconic Australian footwear brand, Blundstone, has continued to lead the way in safety footwear, with the launch of RotoFlex. This world-leading biomechanical design is a result of years of research and development into the needs of workers in the trades, building and construction industries. This range includes two styles designed specifically to provide a genuine women’s fit, the wheat (#8860) and stone (#8863) both with water-resistant nubuck uppers.

Launching in August 2022, RotoFlex delivers a strong foundation from the ground up, providing unbeatable fit and unrivalled comfort — perfect from day one. They are a great addition to the Blundstone Women’s Safety offering. www.blundstone.com.au FLORENCE || 41

AT HOME IN 2022 WHAT OUR HOUSES WILL BE LIKE THIS YEAR The post-pandemic world will bring with it a new ‘playful’ style of living at home for many Aussies.

BY ALEX CARLTON AND CATHERINE NIKAS-BOULOS

T

he pandemic has changed everything, especially our relationship with the place we call home.

Our dwellings have become our whole world: shelter, workplace and protection from the virus.

Even for those not in extended lockdowns in 202021, Covid has forged a shift in priorities which will shape not only Australian housing, but families and communities.

We’re looking at The New Home itself and how everyday living is shaping interior design and decor, rather than fashion trends.

A national survey commissioned for At Home in 2022 reveals 56 per cent of people now prefer to be tucked up indoors rather than out on the town.

Almost 40 per cent of people are cooking more and 51 per cent are more interested in managing their money and household budgets.

The Evolution of the Home survey reveals 75 per cent of us are more on top of chores and life admin tasks, 61 per cent have more ‘me’ time and 45 per cent now have more time with our kids.

Much has been written this year about the end of open-plan living but it’s not that cut and dry.

The home of 2022 is shaped by a more mindful approach to spaces that meet our needs and for some, like the Moore family, opening up the kitchen area was life-changing.

‘PLAYFUL’ HOMES ARE THE NEW AUSSIE TREND One Covid silver lining, says Relationships Australia NSW chief executive Elisabeth Shaw, is that we’re valuing relationships more.

42 || FLORENCE

“There’s a focus on community and looking after each other,” she says.

And we want our homes and backyards to facilitate these nurturing connections, says architect Rob Mills.

“People are commissioning me to design and build houses that are much more playful, where families can eat together, play cards, games, talk, share the internet,” says Rob. “We do those things together more often if our space is designed for them. Instead of wasting acres of space on a two-storey entry with dual staircase, people want to use that space to live in.”

MAKING THE MOST OF WORKING AND STUDY FROM HOME Working from home became the norm in 2020.

A survey from Redback Connect found that nearly 90 per cent of us want it to stay that way, at least some of the time.

This means our home offices need to be much more than just an afterthought.

The Evolution of the Home study reveals more than one third of people still don’t have enough separate spaces for work, study or leisure and this desire is the driving factor for 50 per cent of people looking for a new property.

“With a little bit of thought, you can create studies that are a pleasure to work in,” says Rob. “We’re all looking for space with acoustic separation from the rest of the house, privacy, and that also allows us to have associates come to the house from time to time.”

HOME HEALTH WITH ENHANCED BIOSECURITY MEASURES Rob is already designing high-end homes with enhanced biosecurity measures.

“People want drop-off boxes so you don’t have to cross paths with a delivery person,” he says.

“Intercoms are also likely to become contactless, so everyone’s not touching the same buttons.”

In apartment buildings, he says, elevators and other public spaces are already being designed with regular air changes.

“We’ll also have heat sensors that take people’s temperatures at the intercom. If someone’s got a temperature and they haven’t just been exercising, you’ll know there’s a problem,” he says.

Healthy materials are also a consideration.

“We make sure we have no toxins, VOCs and we choose natural materials like wool instead of synthetic carpet,” says Rob. MAKING HOME LIVING MORE SELF SUFFICIENT

and Eliza, 13, had lived in their family home for more than a decade.

The kitchen was the weakest link and was far from being ‘the heart of the home’, making shared family time difficult.

Anju Designs was tasked with creating a familyfocused layout that would provide a bubble, far away from the substantial upheaval occurring in the outside world.

When the pandemic began, many of us instinctively retreated to activities that spoke to a simpler time: remember all that bread baking and knitting?

“Previously the kitchen was in a room that was blocked off from most of the living areas, but now in the open plan living, it is a central point to all living and outdoor areas downstairs,” says Janyne.

We may have ditched the sourdough, but many of us still want our homes to reflect that more backto-basics way of life.

“Now we play a board game after dinner every night as a family, which came about because a kitchen cupboard that is next to the dining area is a designated games cupboard making it top of mind and easy for someone to grab the game without much effort.

“I think a lot of people are finding that they’re enjoying looking after their own nests,” says Elisabeth.

Rob adds there’s a swing toward homes with gardens that provide sanctuary and food, as well as sustainable energy supplies such as solar panels and even wood-fired ovens.

He’s currently designing a house with a natural swimming pool fed by a natural artesian well.

“We’re all changing our views, and thinking a lot more carefully about what we want our homes to be,” says Rob.

“Before the renovation this wasn’t a thing and I wonder if it is because the games were in another room and out of sight.”

An extensive kitchen upgrade has also made a big impact in how the family will live in 2022.

“Never before in my life did I understand the impact a tap could have. The Meir tap has a pressure option. It cleans my stained oven dishes in seconds … normally I’d have to soak overnight.

“Basically what people want is a place to enjoy, to nurture and to live life.”

“Also, the Zip tap enables the children to fill their water bottles with iced filtered water at any time and I can fill mine with sparkling water which I love.

WE WILL CRAVE HARMONY AND CONSISTENCY THIS YEAR

“I thought initially it was a luxury, but now after using it every day it is an essential.”

After a couple of years living in a Covid fear bubble and uncertainty with several Australian states going in and out of lockdown, 2022 is shaping up to be the year where we crave harmony and consistency in our lives.

While Janyne trusted Anju Designs with making all the choices, she admits she was sceptical about the need for two ovens — a large one in the main kitchen and a steam oven in the butler’s pantry.

The Moore family are certainly looking to the new year with optimism, having renovated the family home to become their private oasis.

Janyne Moore, and her husband, ABC sports broadcaster Andrew Moore, and kids, Archie, 15,

“I couldn’t live without both of them now. We use both most nights as I’ll steam the veges and roast the meat in the conventional oven, heat up the croissants at breakfast, they are crisp and delicious unlike the microwave sogginess, and it’s getting me out of my cooking comfort zone. I’ve even made yoghurt from scratch in the steam oven,” she says.

FLORENCE || 43

MINDSET BECKY PAROZ ENGINEER, PROJECT MANAGER AND AUTHOR

THE BENEFITS OF MENTORING In recent years, there has been a significant focus on the phenomena of mentoring, particularly for women in male-dominated industries

T

here are in-house mentor programs run by employers, career mentoring programs via an industry body or interest group, as well as formal and informal one-on-one mentoring relationships between motivated individuals and a professional resource.

The Women Building Australia National Mentoring Program provides women in the industry with access to support, encouragement and advice from experienced individuals through a virtual or face-toface mentoring relationship.

Becky Paroz has been a volunteer mentor for this program since its inception in 2017, and in 2021 was the mentor for the Art of Mentoring 2021 Mentee of the Year via this program.

For this article, these are the definitions used: Mentor — A wise and trusted counsellor or teacher; a known source of industry knowledge and experience.

Mentoring — The delivery of knowledge to a willing listener; the guidance of a senior or experienced person given to a less experienced person.

Mentee (Mentoree) — the person receiving the mentoring from a mentor.

The Benefits of Being A Mentee The first thing is to determine what it is you want to achieve from a mentoring relationship. Is it career excellence? Is it a promotion within your current company? Is it a role change while staying within the industry?

Narrow down the field — what does success look like for you? Knowing the answer to this question, and sharing it with your mentor allows them to understand your ambition and goals, and direct their

44 || FLORENCE

assistance to the fulfilment of that outcome as far as they are able.

These are questions you might ask yourself as you think about what it is you want from a mentor. The clearer and more specific you can be about what you want, the better support you will receive, allowing you to maximise the benefit you can extract from your mentoring relationship.

• Do you desire more knowledge or to specialize in a particular area?

• Do you have a desire to be the best/recognised/ promoted/a leader in your chosen field?

• Do you know that there is knowledge out there that you desire access to faster than a climb through the hierarchy might provide?

• Do you want to improve on the skills you already have, learn new skills, or repurpose your existing skills to a greater level than you currently hold?

A clear answer to these questions means you are ready to extract the maximum benefit from your mentoring relationship.

Once you have determined what the relationship looks like – formal, company-sponsored, industry provided, individually sourced – get ready for the practical application by being clear on what you want, in even greater specificity. You can also work on this clarity with your mentor if you aren’t sure exactly what your success looks like. Have you: • Clarified your goals?

• Listed the skills you feel you are missing?

• Articulated where you see your career trajectory taking you?

• Identified the industry paths available to you — or identified the absence of such a path?

Be clear, be specific and be to the point. Be honest about what you are looking for. The key to utilising a great mentor is to ask, ask, ask and then ask some more. The other key is to listen and extract all the knowledge that is available to you, and apply it to your particular circumstances.

Make time regularly to meet with your mentor. You don’t want to become too dependent, and you do want approach this as a professional. You want a mentor to challenge you, not babysit you. Thank them when they help you. Build on your success, get another mentor, climb higher!

It’s a journey that never stops unless you pause it for yourself. When you feel you have reached that measure of success, become a mentor yourself.

The benefits of a mentoring relationship can include (in no particular order of importance): • Recognition of existing skills in a new light.

• Application of existing skills to a wider variety of circumstances.

• Realisation of new skills previously uncredited to your skill base.

• Understanding of the requirements needs to achieve your career goals, or your pathway through the existing hierarchy of your workplace.

• A network resource that will support your growth, perhaps beyond your existing mentoring agreement • The ability to fast track knowledge acquisition in key areas you have identified • Showcase a willingness to take on feedback, improve your capabilities, and upskill voluntarily, which is a great plus to anyone looking to recruit you.

• Confidence and clarity on your range of skills and capabilities.

• Stretch yourself beyond what you thought was possible in a career framework.

There are certainly more benefits to mentoring than listed for the mentee. It is self-driven, and the more you put in, the more you can extract from the relationship.

Our industry needs more confident and successful young women, and mentoring is the way to short-cut that success journey, in addition to the knowledge that your mentor has your best interests at heart.

• Career upgrade or change of role.

• Able to apply a goal-oriented focus to your career path.

• Clarity on your existing career path.

FLORENCE || 45

BUSINESS MATTERS VERITY HARE WWW.TRADIEWIVES.COM.AU

T

he festive season is over and it’s time to dive back into a fresh year of work!

I sit at my desk with a list of all the things I want to achieve in 2022 but as I look at my computer my mind wanders and, in fact, I have never felt more unmotivated about anything.

My social media feed is a blur of ‘New year, new me’ and ‘2022 is going to be our year’ mixed with post about RAT tests, PCR tests and now many of my friends who have tested positive for Covid.

Sound familiar? Covid fatigue is real. They say that at the beginning of a pandemic survival skills kick in and all that adrenaline keeps you afloat, but over time you just start to feel over it — frustrated and depleted.

It’s so hard, so hard to make decisions, to focus, to stay positive and feel inspired. You want to plan for the future but are so unsure of what the future is going to bring.

What’s the good news? There are so many strategies that will help you to get back on the right track.

Here are a few that I have found: •

Keep a good routine. Daily routines can help you to feel more organised and in control.

•

Limit exposure to the news. Hearing the same thing over and over again can fuel anxiety. Try checking in just once a day.

•

Exercise. This is a great way to clear your head and release some endorphins! Even better if you can get out in the fresh air.

•

Get good rest. It’s recommended to turn off the TV and put down your phone at least two hours before bed to help you get better night’s sleep.

•

Prioritise self-care. Taking time to do something you enjoy can actually help with increasing productivity.

•

Stay connected to friends and family. It’s definitely been a hard few years being isolated from loved ones. Even if you can’t see them in person, make some time to catch up over the phone or video chat.

•

Take a break. Sometimes just taking a bit of a break can make all the difference.

Remember that this is such a common thing and so many other people are feeling like this. We have had two years of unpredictability, stress, change and bad news. If you find yourself with little motivation this New Year, be kind to yourself.

Experiment with strategies that increase your motivation, and ask for help if you need it.

captions: 1: Name, last nams; 1: Name, last nams; 1: Name, last nams; 1: Name, last nams; 1: Name, last nams;

46 || FLORENCE

TECH & APPS Technology seems to go from strength to strength. Here’s a taste of the latest

Microsoft To Do: List, Task & Reminder

Microsoft To Do is a task management app to help you stay organized and manage your day-to-day.

You can use Microsoft To Do to make shopping lists or task lists, take notes, record collections, plan an event, or set reminders to increase your productivity and focus on what matters to you.

Sketchbook

From quick sketches to fully finished artwork, Sketchbook goes where your creativity takes you.

Sketchbook is an award-winning sketching, painting, and drawing app for anyone who loves to draw. Artists and illustrators love Sketchbook for its professional-grade feature set and highly customizable tools.

Everyone loves Sketchbook for its elegant interface and natural drawing experience, free of distractions so you can focus on capturing and expressing your ideas.

The app features:

• A full complement of brush types: pencils markers, airbrushes, smear and more that look and feel just like their physical counterparts.

• Brushes are highly customizable so you can create just the look you want.

• Guides, rulers and stroke tools support precision when you need it.

• Layers with a full complement of blend modes deliver the flexibility to build up and explore drawings and colour.

• Purpose-built for sketching, the interface is clean and unobtrusive so you can focus on drawing.

Officeworks

SunSmart

Did you know it’s the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation — not heat — that causes skin cancer, as well as sunburn, tanning, premature ageing and eye damage?

Unlike the sun’s heat and light, we can’t see or feel UV rays.

That means we usually don’t know when our skin is being damaged until it’s too late. The free SunSmart app makes it simple, by providing you with sun protection times each day using forecast information from the Bureau of Meteorology and live UV data from Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency.

Officeworks has everything you need to help you make bigger things happen — at home, for your business, while studying or at work. Make your Officeworks shopping experience even easier with the app; it’s as handy as having an Officeworks team member in your pocket to help you: • Save your receipts by scanning your Officeworks card in-store; • Track your orders; • Receive notifications when items are back in stock;

MASTER BUILDERS NSW EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT Upskill today and future-proof your career.

Online Certificate IV and Diploma building qualifications Students can study at anytime from anywhere. Instead of rushing from work to class, you now have time to go home, settle in, grab a snack, then simply login to learn. Virtual classrooms are just like a real class except from the comfort of your own home. Once you login to learn you’ll be connected to educators and colleagues, as well as having access to our learning resources, videos and more! Be supported by our industry expert educators and our customer service team throughout your learning journey.

Certificate III trade qualifications You have the skills, the knowledge and you have the industry experience. Now all you need to do is be assessed! Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process by which you can achieve a nationally recognised qualification, without the need to attend classes. Simply follow our RPL kit and provide video and photographic evidence of the knowledge, skills and experience you have. Plus, our industry expert assessors review your submission and provide feedback if we require more information or clarification.

Don’t miss out on NSW Government subsidies* APPLY NOW! Go to www. mbansw.asn. au/training.

• Access your 30-day account card; • Easily check for stock in other stores; • Create and edit shopping lists; • Scan product barcodes for product information; • And more. Officeworks regularly adds improvements and new features to the app as well.

FLORENCE || 47

LAW MATTERS HANNAH SHEPPHARD SENIOR SOLICITOR MB NSW

ALL CARE, WITH RESPONSIBILITY TOO The Design and Practitioners Act 2020 has changed everything for the industry

P

rior to the introduction of the Design Building Practitioners Act 2020 (NSW) the primary types of building claims to consider were:

1.

Claims for breaches of the statutory warranties set out in the Home Building Act 1989 (NSW) where the work was residential;

2. Breach of contract claims; and 3. Claims in negligence at common law (that is, not pursuant to any legislation).

The Design & Practitioners Act 2020 (DBPA) Building has changed everything. The DBPA creates an easier pathway for a claim in negligence to be brought.

The DBPA has created a statutory duty of care, that is, an owner bringing a claim in negligence now does not have to establish that the duty of care exists – the legislation states that it does. A claim in negligence must be brought within six (6) years of the defect becoming apparent.

Section 37(1) of the DBPA Act states: 37 Extension of duty of care (1)

A person who carries out construction work has a duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid economic loss caused by defects—

(a)

in or related to a building for which the work is done, and

(b)

arising from the construction work.

48 || FLORENCE

The applicability of the DBPA Act is broad.

“Construction work” is defined as meaning any of the following: (a)

building work,

(b)

the preparation of regulated designs and other designs for building work,

(c)

the manufacture or supply of a building product used for building work,

(d)

supervising, coordinating, project managing or otherwise having substantive control over the carrying out of any work referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c).1

Whilst the new duty of care provisions have not been substantively put to the test by any decision of a Court or Tribunal, it is likely that the duty of care owed by any “person who carries out construction work” will also be owed by individuals in a personal capacity. This clearly changes the lay of the land in terms of the liability of corporate entities and the level of protection afforded to nominated supervisors operating within the parameters of those entities.

In terms of time limits for bringing building claims, the duty of care imposed by the DBPA has essentially created a 10-year warranty period in respect of residential and commercial building works, given that the legislation applies retrospectively to defects that became apparent within the 10 years before the commencement of the duty of care provisions (which was on June 11,

2020). The cap of 10 years for bringing a building claim2 still applies.

Now, once it has been established that the DBPA applies to the particular set of circumstances (which is not difficult), the question becomes:

breach. The hurdle of establishing that a duty is owed, however, will no longer be required, saving valuable court time and expense for the owner.” (Emphasis added.)

A recent Supreme Court of NSW interim decision has explained that there is no provision in the DBPA stating “that the mere fact of a defect establishes breach”.3

In short, His Honour Stevenson J held that a plaintiff (owner) alleging a breach of duty of care by a builder, including a breach of the statutory duty of care, must identify the specific risks that the builder was required to manage, and the precautions that should have been taken to manage those risks.5 (Emphasis added.)

His Honour Stevenson J referred to the Second Reading Speech for the Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019 (NSW), made by the Minister on 23 October 2019:

“It is not sufficient simply to assert a defect and allege that the builder was required to take whatever precautions were needed to ensure that the defect not be present.”6

“Has the duty of care been breached?”

“Clause 30[4]4 makes it clear that a beneficiary of the duty will be entitled to seek damages for the breach of the duty as though the duty was established by the common law. This means that while a duty of care will be automatically owed, any person who wants to proceed with litigation will be required to meet the other tests for negligence established under the common law and the Civil Liability Act 2002.

This includes determining that a breach of the duty occurred and establishing that damage was suffered by the owner as a result of that 1 2 3 4 5 6

It is evident that whilst the duty of care provisions in the DBPA will extend the length of time during which an owner can bring a defects claim, the matters to be proven in a negligence claim are likely to be different and more onerous in nature to those required for successful statutory warranty and contract claims.

Hannah Shephard is a solicitor at MBA Lawyers, (02) 8586 3517.

Specific legal advice should be sought for individual circumstances.

Section 36(1) of the DBPA. Environment Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) section 6.20.

The Owners - Strata Plan No 87060 v Loulach Developments Pty Ltd (No 2) [2021] NSWSC 1068 (15 November 2021) at [38].

Now s 37 of the DBPA. The Owners - Strata Plan No 87060 v Loulach Developments Pty Ltd (No 2) [2021] NSWSC 1068 (15 November 2021) at [42].

Ibid at [43].

FLORENCE || 49

CHOOSING THE CORRECT SAFETY FOOTWEAR

T

he importance of wearing the right safety footwear for the job cannot be underestimated. Australians are now working more hours than ever, with shifts of 12 hours and longer being commonplace. This means it is imperative that the correct, most appropriate ‘for the job’ or ‘fit-for-purpose’ footwear is selected.

Workplace injuries are, unfortunately, still a common occurrence in organisations of all kinds and sizes in Australia. These injuries are a significant drain on businesses’ costs and productivity. According to Safe Work Australia, work-related injuries cost the Australian economy around $60 billion every year, representing almost 5 per cent of the nation’s GDP.1

Ideally, work-related footwear is designed for three purposes with equal focus—occupational safety, functionality and comfort. The best way to take care of feet is to find the most comfortable work boot that’s also appropriate for both the working environment and type of work being done. Poorly fitting work boots not only result in pain but can have significant effects on long term wellbeing. It is also important to get the boot properly fitted to help avoid pressure related pathology. The boot should feel comfortable the moment it’s put on and should not need to be “broken in” before it becomes comfortable. The wrong work boots can put extra strain on joints and bones, which can lead to painful conditions, including plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and shin splints.

provide protection, be functional in the required environment and be comfortable.

If it meets these criteria, the risk of injury, pain or exacerbation of degenerative conditions will be minimised.

All Blundstone safety footwear complies to the Australian Safety Standard AS 2210.3:2019. It is imperative that the correct safety footwear be selected for the intended application.

Workplace environments and risk factors vary enormously, and HSE risk assessments should be consulted before choosing footwear protection.

Blundstone boots are available online and in stores via select retailers throughout Australia, and are backed by a 30-day comfort and sixmonth manufacturing guarantee.

For further information, visit: www.blundstone.com.au/work-boots

Focus on the following features when selecting your safety footwear.

• Fit for Purpose: will the boots provide suitable protection and comfort in the environment where you will be wearing them?

• Safety Toe Caps: must be compression-proof without restricting toe movement.

• Quality Uppers: choose uppers that are breathable and protective.

• Sole Design and Materials: assess whether the tread pattern and outsole material will provide the required slip and heat resistance.

• Footwear Design: comfort features, closure systems, linings. Make sure the boots fit and feel right for you.

Ultimately, safety footwear should be designed to 1. https://alertforce.com.au/the-top-10-workplace-injuries-in-australia-and-how-to-avoid-them/

50 || FLORENCE

LATEST TOOLS

ELEVEN Workwear Women’s AEROCOOL Spliced Hi-Vis Perforated 3M Taped Shirt This shirt is designed especially for women, utilising 16 ventilation points to keep air circulating around the body as well as Hi-Vis colouring and reflective tape to ensure functionality and safety. The shirt meets the AS/ NZS 4602.1:2011 High-Visibility Safety Garments for Day/Night Use and AS/ NZS 1906.4:2010 Retro-reflective materials and High Visibility materials for safety garments standards. It is also Rated 50 UPF Excellent sun protection meeting the AS/NZS 4399: 1996 Sun Protective Clothing - Evaluation and Classification standard and is made from an acceptable fabric composition as listed in AS/NZS 1020: 1995 for the control of undesirable static electricity. The fabrics are also tested against harmful chemical to ensure it is safe to wear next to your skin.

Do your work in safety while staying stylish with these latest items

Blue Rapta ‘RAVEN’ Premium Safety Glasses The Rapta Vision Raven safety glasses offer a streamlined fashion design with a soft and comfortable fit and an adjustable nose bridge.

With different lens options, there is a pair to suit most applications including indoor and workshop, outdoor and bright light, light changing conditions e.g. moving inside and outside, photo chromatic for dark in bright sunlight, but clear in low ambient light conditions and polarised for removing glare from water reflection in marine or driving applications.

From $13.95 inc GST

$69.95 inc GST

MaxiTek ForceShield C5 Impact Gloves MaxiTek ForceShield 120-3700 X7 Mk II offer high dexterity, impact and cut resistant safety gloves designed to provide class-leading heavy duty protection with absolute minimal restriction of touch sensitivity and all-shift-long comfort. The gloves are black nitrile ‘wet grip’ finished on a seamless knit 18 Gauge PolyKor X7 Cut Resistant Level E liner with orange, black and lime-coloured TPR impact protection to back of fingers, knuckle bar and dorsal of hand and a reinforced thumb crotch area. $32.95 inc GST

3M E-A-Rflex 15dB CL2 Banded Earplugs 350-3001 A comfortable, effective, lightweight alternative to earmuffs.

Ideal for people who fit and remove their hearing protection frequently.

The earplugs comply with AS/ NZS 1270:2002 and have a SLC80 Rating of 15 dB (Class 2). $34.95 inc GST

FXD Workwear Women’s WP-4 Stretch Cuffed Work Pant

Blundstone Women’s Zip w/ Bump Cap Safety Boots 897

These pants offer a slimmer fit with women’s rise and waistband made from a 295 GSM reverse peach twill stretch cotton. It boasts Dura500 advance polyester reinforced pockets, double layer internal pocket bags, dual back welt pockets, triple needle seams and Dura500 advance polyester attachment loop.

Designed and made specifically for women, the 897 will keep you safe and stylish on the worksite. The sleek black leather upper is water-resistant and zip-sided. Packed with features to withstand tough environments, the shoes also meet the AS/NZS 2210.3:2019, ASTM F2413-18 including electrical shock resistance (Clause 5.5) standards.

$94.95 inc GST

$222.95 inc GST FLORENCE || 51

EVENTS JUNE-JULY

SYDNEY BUILD 2022

When: Wednesday, June 1 & Thursday, June 2, 2022 Where: International Convention Centre Sydney, Halls 1-4 Sydney Build is back. It is free to attend and cohosted with the Sydney Infrastructure Expo.

Now in its sixth year, Sydney Build is the bestattended construction event in the whole of Australia.

Sydney Build is the only event in Australia to offer 300+ accredited presentations, 500+ exhibitors and incredible networking opportunities for all of Australia’s construction, architecture, engineering, HVAC, project management, surveying, transport, infrastructure, design professionals and more – visit www.sydneybuildexpo.com

DÉCOR + DESIGN SHOW

When: Thursday, July 14 to Sunday, July 17, 2022 Where: Melbourne Exhibition Centre Australia’s number-one interiors trade event has always offered a 360-degree view of the industry, and 2022 will be no exception. Packed full of seminars with design influencers, vibrant networking spaces and inspirational design products, this is the region’s premier design and furniture event for 2022.

JUN 1&2

52 || FLORENCE

JUN 2 WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION PANEL When: Thursday, June 2, 2022 Where: International Convention Centre Sydney, Halls 1-4 as part of Sydney Build 2022 Back for its sixth year and set to be the largest to date, we hope you can join us.

JUL 14-17

The session is free-to-attend for all and offers the chance for all professionals and students interested in construction, architecture, engineering and related fields to network, learn and feel inspired. Learn from a panel of established experts discussing the untapped opportunities for women, challenges faced and industry changes that are needed across the workplace.

Topics include:

THE AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM When: Friday, September 2, 2022 Where: Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

The Australian Women’s Leadership Symposiums are a national series of events focused on the experiences of women leaders in the contemporary workforce.

Held annually, the Symposiums have been running for more than 10 years and have become the most highly attended women’s leadership events in the country.

For more information go to www.wla.edu.au

• Empowering Women in Construction • Building WOMEN, not just HOUSES • Breaking through the glass ceiling - how can women reach senior and board positions within the construction industry?

• Celebrating the success of women in construction • How can we encourage young girls to consider a career in construction?

• Creating a Built Environment which reflects a diverse Australia

FLORENCE || 53

INSTA SISTERS

@emmathetradielady

@plumberwiththepinkboots

Emma the Tradie Lady Carpenter Just a small town country girl living it up in the big smoke perfecting her chippy skills.

3rd year apprentice with @ebopbuilding

mik Apprentice • plumbing • gasfitting • drainlaying @mikaelabeckham

NSW

@chippymon

@adelescott_interiors

Chippy Mon 1st year apprentice chippy for @mattbuild_pty_ltd Want something bad enough? Go get it. Or build it.

Supported by @apboxes

Adele Scott Interiors www.girlinthemoondesign.com

Cronulla

@tashthetradie

@joeythebuilder

Tash Nagle First year carpentry apprentice Employee of the month @wellmadecd Supporting visibility of Women in Trade

Joey Farrell Builder, general manager Kane Construction, founder of Buildlikeagirl Canberra, ACT

Naarm, Melbourne 54 || FLORENCE

FLORENCE || 3

FLORENCE constructing a new perspective

FLORENCE CONSTRUC

TING A NEW

FLORENCE CO NSTRU CTI

PERSPECTIVE

NG A NE W PER SPE CTI VE

FLORENCE CO NSTRU CTI

NG A NE W PER SPE CTI VE

MICHAELIA CASH

REBUILDING THE ECONOMY PO ST COVID-19

RAQUEL MANNING DIAMO

CLAIRE JEFFREY BUI

ND IN THE ROUGH

LDING A SUCCESSFU L CAREE

R

IT’S THE UNMISTAKEABLE

VOICE OF WOMEN BUILDING THE INDUSTRY When you want to BE SEEN AND HEARD by them... and reach key decision-makers who have a unique perspective in the ever-changing and rapidly developing construction industry — this is the magazine for you.

Contact the Master Builders NSW FLORENCE magazine today for tailored advertising and editorial opportunities.

Julie Marshall 07 4690 9349 | 0437 465 892 julie.marshall@news.com.au Mary-Ann Zammit 07 4690 9370 | 0436 028 319 mary-ann.zammit@news.com.au

Natalie Pavlovic of Rotric Constructions

Rebecca Bishop Co-Founder Elite Building Services

Are you a female led business?

Women Building Australia Female Led Business Register is a register of businesses in building and construction led by women to showcase the amazing female trail blazing entrepreneurs making their mark in the industry.

The register assists people who want to work with businesses run by women, and the accompanying quality and attention to detail they bring, and vulnerable women, who prefer using female builders, designers, and tradies.

Register here to join a growing list of amazing businesses run by women womenbuildingaustralia.com.au/support-female-businesses

womenbuildingaustralia.com.au