FEATURE
Time to get back on the tools With Victoria’s building and construction industry now back in full swing after a frustrating two years of lockdowns and shutdowns, Master Builder magazine editor Andrew Jefferson caught up with four members to quiz them on returning to work and how it feels to be back on site. NAME: Gerald Zammit AGE: 46 RESIDES: Fraser Rise JOB TITLE: Hoist driver/labourer TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR ROLE WITH MULTIPLEX? “My role on site is a hoist driver. I very much enjoy this role as I am a people person. Primarily, I am there to get everyone up and down at the start and end of the day. For smoko and lunch, I’m there moving all the tools and equipment and deliveries from level to level, but first and foremost, I’m there in case of an emergency and First Aid. I start half an hour before my first run begins to ensure the hoist is running correctly, and all First Aid equipment is in working order. And I always have a few handy dad jokes up my sleeve to make everyone laugh. My aim is never to miss anyone’s call as I understand how frustrating it is when the hoist goes past you, and you have to wait for it to come back and pick you up.” HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE BACK AT WORK WITH YOUR MATES? “I was looking forward to coming back to work as I enjoy what I do, and I enjoy spending time with the people on-site and hearing about their interests whilst in lockdown.” HOW ARE YOU FINDING ALL THE COVIDSAFE MEASURES? “I’m finding all the COVIDSafe measures put in place fantastic as they not only keep myself and my peers safe, but they also keep us employed and working.” WHAT DID YOU MISS MOST DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? “I think I miss physically being on-site in the hoist having banter with the guys and girls and the high pressure of ensuring I pick up everyone on time to
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keep the job running smoothly. I missed catching up with family and friends and being able to live a somewhat normal life.” WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING MOST IN 2022? “I’m looking forward to getting back to normality, catching up with family and friends, going out for breakfast and booking a track day at Phillip Island and taking my beautiful wife out on a date.” NAME ONE POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE LEARNT FROM THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? “Not to take life for granted and appreciate the small things.” NAME: Dani Bartolini AGE: I couldn’t possibly say! RESIDES: Dromana, Mornington Peninsula JOB TITLE: Business Development Manager HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE BACK AT WORK WITH YOUR MATES? I’m so happy to be back! HOW ARE YOU FINDING ALL THE COVID SAFE MEASURES? I think of them as just another addition to OHS that has to be ticked off. Safety always has to come first. I’m happy to comply with anything that helps us all stay safe and keeps us open and working. WHAT DID YOU MISS MOST DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? I missed being able to meet new contacts in person or catch up with existing clients on-site. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING MOST IN 2022? I’m really excited about interstate
Gerald Zammit.
Dani Bartolini travel. We have some exciting relationships to explore both around Australia and in New Zealand so looking forward to getting on a plane. NAME ONE POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE LEARNT FROM THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? There are always opportunities for growth even if it’s not in the area you expected or had planned.
Volume 76 Issue 04
