PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD

Making us stronger and prouder than ever

Richard Hansen President

Since I last wrote, the fortunes of our community and of our industry have twisted in unexpected ways. While we could be forgiven for thinking we were on the path back to some form of normality, events have decided otherwise and we have found ourselves in a lockdown firmer than previously. This has enormous consequences for our mental health, the health of our businesses and the wellbeing of all who work in them. Over the past six months, our Master Builders team has been magnificent in promoting the interests of our members and our industry and promoting to government what an outstanding job you have all done in adapting work practices and keeping everyone safe. This has been a great outcome not only for safety but for maintaining incomes and productivity. This time around it has been much more difficult. In such a circumstance, once again, the Master Builders team has proven its mettle and adaptability to changing situations, by actively lobbying and obtaining the best from a bad situation. The initial rules as they were announced frankly created more questions than answers. In the space of a couple of days, an enormous amount was done to seek clarity and, where necessary, rules were amended to avoid what might have been total shutdowns for some sectors of our industry. While none of this is pleasing or easy, we continue to march on as best we can, looking forward to easing of restrictions, and most importantly reduced levels of transmission of the dreaded virus through the community. I have been aware of a great deal of anxiety, stress and emotion from workers in our industry. I have seen it on sites in our own business. This is a time to reach out and support your fellow colleagues and check in with a simple “Are you OK?”. Many will need help right now and please be alert to this. As I noted in my previous foreword, excellent support services are available, particularly through Incolink. My time as your President is in its final months, and it seems only yesterday since I started in this role. What a fantastic opportunity it has been, with my only regret that I haven’t been able to get out and about and see many members at events this year. With the new round of elections having just commenced, I look forward to seeing high levels of engagement and interest by members in the activities of MBV and making this a stronger and prouder institution than it has ever been before. Best wishes to you all.