TIME TO GET BACK ON THE TOOLS

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 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.

Phil Johnson

NAME: Phil Johnson AGE: 31 RESIDES: Drouin JOB TITLE: Site supervisor, Hermitage/ Kingsbridge Homes

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE BACK AT WORK WITH YOUR MATES? It feels great, the two weeks off had a slight lack of routine, as well as not being able to see all the guys on-site and having the interaction you get with your co-workers. HOW ARE YOU FINDING ALL THE COVIDSAFE MEASURES? It can be challenging at times to enforce all the new COVIDSafe measures on all of our trades and suppliers. They do know we are looking out for their best interests though. We all know this is to get us out of this pandemic sooner and help us stay open. WHAT DID YOU MISS MOST DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? Seeing all my friends and family; as well as the feeling of not having any form of an outlet from work, no matter how big or small. I missed going down to the go-kart track! WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING MOST IN 2022? Getting married in February to my beautiful fiancé after having to postpone it due to COVID will be a nice way to see the back of this pandemic, as well as life getting back to normal. It will be nice to enjoy a beer at the MCG again. NAME ONE POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE LEARNT FROM THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? Make the most of everything life throws at you. Alana Cini

NAME: Alana Cini AGE: 20 RESIDES: Taylors Lakes JOB TITLE: Carpentry apprentice

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE BACK AT WORK WITH YOUR MATES? It feels so good to be back and out of the house working with Dad and Lucas — it’s always fun, but also challenging. HOW ARE YOU FINDING ALL THE COVIDSAFE MEASURES? It can be annoying sometimes with masks, but other than that we don’t have any issues. WHAT DID YOU MISS MOST DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? Working outside! WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING MOST IN 2022? Having an opportunity to learn more in the industry. NAME ONE POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE LEARNT FROM THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Less traffic on the road, so I get to work quicker!