Master Builders Victoria October-December 2020

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2020 VOLUME 75 ISSUE 04

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Fresh talent: Master Builders State Apprentice of the Year winners in review — Page 26 Family matters: Elite Building Services rejuvenates a Gippsland sanctuary — Page 14 Notable victories: CEO Rebecca Casson on advocacy wins — Page 12

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• C oncrete House Slab Specialists

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• M ulti Unit Site Development • F actory Floors and Carparks • B ored Pier Holes and Screw Piles • B ondek and Suspended Slabs

Harbour Concreting Services 6 Keppler Circuit Seaford VIC 3198

PO Box 686 Patterson Lakes VIC 3197

CDB-L 50966 | CDB-U 51487

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Phone: (03) 9770 8224 | Mobile: 0418 138 820 Fax: (03) 9770 8225 | Email: admin@harbourconcrete.com.au Website: www.harbourconcrete.com.au

EDITOR’S NOTE

Here’s to health on the horizon for 2021 Peter Sackett Editor

I

n our previous edition, as an antidote to pandemic despair, we announced our desire to share more projects that tell happy stories — including work that may never be among those receiving Master Builders awards (once we can resume those programs) but are nonetheless noteworthy for what they achieve

Volume 75 Issue 04

for the clients and communities they serve. I’m happy to report there seems to be some momentum behind this; we have two more projects for you.

In this edition, special contributor Janice Mascini profiles two projects, one in Richmond, the other in Gippsland.

Kane Construction was the construction partner for the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS), an institution that supports enriched educational pathways for Indigenous students from throughout Australia. Kane led the refurbishment of the school’s 18-room boarding facilities, located in a disused church. Learn more on page 14.

In Lakes Entrance, Nick and Rebecca Bishop of Elite Building Services worked on a smaller, much more intimate scale for the renovation of Melon’s Cottage, a quiet retreat for families with children grappling with cancer. The cottage is operated by the Simpson family and Challenge, a not-for-profit organisation

supporting kids with cancer, and relies on donations and fundraising activities for support and free stays for the visiting families. You can read about this remarkable project and the community that rallied in co-operation on page 20.

Also in this issue CEO Rebecca Casson describes some our recent advocacy wins on page 12, the Master Builders Training Institute (MBTI) outlines some of its upcoming courses (p. 34), and President Richard Hansen pens his farewell message as his term comes to a close (p. 8). Elsewhere among these pages you’ll learn how helpful it can be to have legal expenses insurance (p. 38), how an enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) gets born (p.36) and, on page 44, what to keep in mind when preparing your worksite for the holiday closure.

Thanks once again to all our members for your support, dedication and innovation during a landmark year. Here’s to health on the horizon for 2021.

Master Builders Victoria |

3

Are your showers ticking time bombs?

Despite builders best efforts, leaking showers are consistently listed in the BSA’s top ten defects.

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MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA Master Builder is the official journal of Master Builders Association of Victoria, which was established in 1875 and is one of the state’s oldest employer organisations. The organisation is part of the Australia-wide Master Builder movement.

The keynote is service, and Master Builder is produced in line with this objective of keeping all members informed of all matters affecting them.

Membership of Master Builders is open to all qualified business operatives in the building construction industry; the basis of membership is integrity and competence, based on training and experience.

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT: Richard Hansen (President) Melanie Fasham (Immediate Past President) Steve Peluso (Treasurer) Paul McMahon, Mark Little, Geoff Purcell, Ian Hawkey, Sam Cimino

COUNCIL OF MANAGEMENT: Richard Hansen (President) Melanie Fasham (Immediate Past President) Steve Peluso (Treasurer) Paul McMahon, Natalie King, Mark Little, Stuart Allen, Geoff Purcell, Shayne Young, Ian Hawkey, Ashley TonkinHill, David Rowe, Sam Cimino, Neil Grenfell

CONTACT: 332 Albert Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002 Tel: (03) 9411 4555 Fax: (03) 9411 4591 Email: mbassist@mbav.com.au Web: www.mbav.com.au

Produced by Newscorp for Master Builders Victoria EDITOR: Peter Sackett EDITORIAL CO-ORDINATOR: Alyssa Welke DESIGNER: Alyssa Welke

Volume 75 Issue 04

ON THE COVER AND ABOVE: Rebecca and Nick Bishop with son, Harrison, from Elite Building Services.

Contents FOREWORDS 03 EDITOR’S NOTE 08 PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD 10 GUEST FOREWORD 12 FROM THE CEO REGULAR 58 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 64 DIRECTORY FEATURES 14 SHARED VALUES UNDERPIN CONSTRUCTION

MITS AND KANE CONSTRUCTION PARTNER TO CREATE GREATER OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS 20 BRINGING JOY AT MELON’S COTTAGE CREATING A HAPPY, OUTDOOR AREA AT SHORT-TERM HOLIDAY RESIDENCE FOR FAMILIES OF KIDS WITH CANCER 24 STRONG PROGRESS CONTINUES ON CLADDING RECTIFICATION EACH WEEK, NEW CLADDING RECTIFICATION PROJECTS GET UNDER WAY ACROSS MELBOURNE 26 MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARDS WE RECENTLY MARKED THE END OF THE 2021 MASTER BUILDERS APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARDS

DEPARTMENTS 31 INSURANCE

THE SUPPORT OFFERED BY LEGAL EXPENSES INSURANCE

32 GREEN LIVING 34 36 38 42 44 48

UPGRADING THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF EXISTING HOUSING TRAINING WHAT’S NEW AT THE MASTER BUILDERS TRAINING INSTITUTE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ENTERPRISE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS AND THE PROCESS OF REACHING THEM LEGAL DETAILS OF NEW LEGISLATION: CLADDING SAFETY VICTORIA BILL 2020 CAREERS NEW REPORT OFFERS A BLUEPRINT FOR IMPROVING SKILLS SHORTAGES OH&S PREPARING YOUR SITE FOR HOLIDAY CLOSURE COMMITTEE ROUND-UP MEET YOUR NEWEST SECTOR GROUP COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEW FACES TO HELP GRAPPLE WITH THE ROADMAP TO RECOVERY

ADVERTISING FEATURES 17 INCOLINK 47 ACRS 52 1BREADCRUMB 54 PTA LANDSCAPES BUILD SOURCE 61 GOOP GUYS 62 GREENZONE 63 HARBOUR CONCRETE SERVICES Master Builders Victoria |

5

Master Builders key contacts and office locations Master Builders office locations For all general enquiries, phone Master Builders on (03) 9411 4555.

Or you can contact our key services using the details on this page.

Sydney

Adelaide

Bendigo Ballarat Geelong

Albury-Wodonga Shepparton

Gippsland Melbourne

Warrnambool

OFFICE LOCATIONS Melbourne 332 Albert Street East Melbourne Victoria 3002 GPO Box 544 Melbourne Victoria 3001 Phone: (03) 9411 4555 Email: mbassist@mbav.com.au

Albury-Wodonga 35 Hovell Street Wodonga Victoria 3690 PO Box 700 Wodonga Victoria 3690 Phone: (02) 6058 2000 Email: wodongabs@mbav.com.au

Ballarat

KEY CONTACTS Master Builders Victoria CEO Rebecca Casson Phone: (03) 9411 4501 Chief Operating Officer Viviana Hood Phone: (03) 9411 4516 Chief of Staff Matthew Loughlin Phone: (03) 9411 4511

Master Builders Executive Managers Member Experience: Commercial Tony Biffaro Phone: (03) 9411 4557 Corporate Services Marc Lyons Phone: (03) 9411 4528 Master Builders Training Institute Corrie Williams Phone: (03) 9411 4544

Master Builders Victoria Senior Managers State Manager Victoria & Tasmania/MBA Insurance Services Joe Keiper Phone: (03) 9411 4504 Master Builders Training Institute Chris Kulesza Phone: (03) 9411 8000 Legal/Company Secretary Tristan Moseley Phone: (03) 9411 4555 Marketing, Sponsorship and Engagement Danielle Penna Phone: (03) 9411 4551

6 | Master Builders Victoria

Membership Mell Greenall Phone: (03) 9411 4598

Board of Management President: Richard Hansen Immediate Past President: Melanie Fasham Treasurer: Steven Peluso Housing Sector Chair: Paul McMahon General Contractors Chair: Geoff Purcell Country Sector Chair: Mark Little Materials, Manufacturers and Suppliers Sector Chair: Sam Cimino Specialist Contractor Chair: Ian Hawkey

14 Albert Street Sebastopol Victoria 3690 Phone: (03) 5320 9999 Email: mbapermits@mbav.com.au

Bendigo 1/28 Charleston Road East Bendigo Victoria 3550 Phone: (03) 5410 2100 Email: mbabsbendigo@mbav.com.au

Geelong 3 Melbourne Road Drumcondra Victoria 3215 Phone: (03) 5278 4255 Email: permits@mbav.com.au

Council of Management

Gippsland

President: Richard Hansen Immediate Past President: Melanie Fasham Treasurer: Steven Peluso Housing sector: Paul McMahon, Natalie King General Contractors sector: Geoff Purcell, Shayne Young Specialist contractor sector: Ian Hawkey, Ashley Tonkin-Hill Materials, Manufacturers and Suppliers Sector: Neil Grenfell, Sam Cimino Country Sector: Mark Little, Stuart Allen, David Rowe

Unit 3, 6-16 Rocla Road Traralgon Victoria 3844 PO Box 1432 Traralgon Victoria 3844 Phone: (03) 51742754 Email: rware@mbav.com.au

Shepparton 228-232 High Street Shepparton Victoria 3630 Phone: (03) 5822 4980 Email: mbabsshepparton@mbav.com.au

Warrnambool 110 Kepler Street Warrnambool Victoria 3280 Phone: (03) 5562 9067 Email: iwelch@mbav.com.au

Volume 75 Issue 04

LEAD THE DRIVE FOR YOUR BUSINESS Think Hybrid. Think Toyota.

Corolla Sedan SX Hybrid, RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid and Camry Ascent Sport Hybrid shown

The age of hybrid has come.

More businesses than ever are choosing our electrified vehicle ranges for their fleet. It’s making an impact on emission reductions, creating a brighter outlook for the world while making perfect business sense. Australian businesses are already saving thousands across the year, benefiting from the impressive fuel efficiency and irresistible drive of hybrid vehicles.

Ready to re-energise your fleet and take your driving experience to the next level?

Your MBA membership unlocks Gold Fleet discounts across the Toyota vehicle range* to help you find the right car for your lifestyle and budget.

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Master Builders Association membership details required to redeem Gold Fleet Discounts.

To find out more, visit your Toyota Fleet Dealer or call 1800 444 847 toyota.com.au/hybrid *Excluding Special Edition Models

T2020-015427 MBA VIC 09/20

PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD

Two years as your President Richard Hansen President

M

y two-year term as President concludes at year’s end, so this is my last opportunity to write this foreword. It has been an honour and privilege to serve all of you and I couldn’t be more proud of our achievements.

This is an extraordinary institution, with 145 years of industry leadership behind it, and a very exciting future. I am pleased to have played my part and look forward to continuing to contribute. I wish the incoming President and Board all the best and all the support for the next term.

It has been a thrilling and very enjoyable ride over the two years, and at many times became almost a second full-time job. Working with, and getting to know the MBV team better, has been one of the pleasures of the role; another has been meeting our members around the state.

Many of our plans for 2020, however, were turned on their head by the unfolding coronavirus crisis. I am so proud of how the entire MBV team, led by Rebecca Casson, responded to the challenges of working at home, co-ordinating their work to provide ongoing services to our members, while leading an industry response to the crisis.

I believe it will be remembered as a period during which Master Builders Victoria has never had a more prominent and important leadership role in the community. The achievement of keeping the industry safely working, when there were so many loud voices clamouring to have us all shut, was an outstanding achievement.

I am very thankful for the co-operation shown by the whole industry to stick by the rules and helping to keep the industry open. Of course, there was the recent period of savage restrictions which have hurt us all badly. I hope and have confidence that the worst is behind us, and that the industry will recover and

8 | Master Builders Victoria

prosper in the years ahead.

This has been the most challenging of years and it is one we will never forget. Naturally, there have been so many other issues we have debated and worked on diligently. Not all of our agenda items were able to be completed given the enormous challenge of COVID-19.

Recently, the Apprentice of the Year Awards have been held online which, while not as satisfying as meeting together, still provides recognition for best trade talent among our young industry leaders. All the best to all the nominees and congratulations to all the winners. I hope you saw the announcements on social media.

The election process is well under way and we hope to have it concluded by December. It was terrific to see so many putting their hand up for committees, and we are sorry that there are fewer places than candidates.

It is a positive sign for Master Builders Victoria that we have so many people willing to get involved and make a positive difference. For those who have missed out, we’d love you to try again next year and get involved in any way you can. Given the depth of talent and willingness to contribute, I am very confident the immediate future for Master Builders Victoria will see us continue our high level of industry advocacy and

see us continue to improve services to our members.

We are indebted as an organisation to the many volunteers who are willing to contribute their time, wisdom and experience, who seek nothing more than the satisfaction of contributing positively to the betterment of our industry and Master Builders Victoria. I sincerely thank the Board, Council, Committee members, and all other contributors dedicated to our institution.

To our amazing MBV staff, a heartfelt thank you to you all. You are always friendly and helpful, and while working under duress and, at times, long working hours in 2020, you have always put the interests of members first.

Most of all I thank our incredible (and growing) membership base of 6500 for your ongoing support of Master Builders Victoria. We exist for solely for your benefit. We are the only industry body that represents all facets of the building and construction industry, and that gives us strength, and a voice that cannot be dismissed. Our future looks very bright indeed.

I wish you all a very happy end of year break, and a much more prosperous and enjoyable 2021.

Volume 75 Issue 04

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GUEST FOREWORD

All in the same boat Peter Parkinson Chair, Building Industry Consultative Council /Chair, Victorian Building industry Disputes Panel

“Unity is strength...when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.”

— Mattie Stepanek (American poet) irstly, I would like to acknowledge your magnificent efforts this year. You have probably paid a big price to survive in this industry. I am confident that, at some point, unity and collaboration has been important to your survival.

Some of you may know that I chair both the Building Industry Consultative Council and the Victorian Building Industry Disputes Panel. So it would not come as a surprise that effective collaboration among our industry leaders is a mission of mine.

Just as many of you have got through this crisis through teamwork and collaboration, so has the industry at large.

Since my direct involvement with the building and construction industry in the 1980s, I have not observed a more collaborative effort by the leaders working together in the industry than I have seen over the past eight months as we have all responded to the challenges of the pandemic.

I have been fortunate to have been directly involved in chairing the Building and Construction Industry Working Group, in which the Master Builders Victoria has played a significant and pivotal role. The Working Group has been responsible for developing, co-ordinating and maintaining a safe response that has kept much of the industry working, and safely.

Let me give you a few highlights: • There were four major joint submissions made to the Premier during this period, including constant advocacy on behalf of all the industry stakeholders.

• Those submissions were signed off, jointly, by every major employer group and every major union.

• The COVID-19 Building and Construction Industry

F

10 | Master Builders Victoria

“

We urge builders and site supervisors to conduct a few simple checks to ensure the safety of others is maintained throughout the holiday period.”

Guidelines were jointly produced and continuously updated – we are now at Revision 8 of the Guidelines which have been recognised nationally and internationally as best practice.

• Incolink provided resources for thousands of tests

and masks.

• The major employer associations and unions

met every week and sometimes daily during the height of the crisis.

• As a result of industry advocacy, the State

Government established the Industry COVID-19 Task Force and funded the role of the Industry Liaison Officer to support the industry response to the pandemic.

• Materials to assist awareness in the culturally

and linguistically diverse workers and employers of the industry were jointly developed and published.

It is a credit to the leaders that these initiatives meant the incidence of COVID-19 in our industry was ever so slight. Other industries shut down completely. I am in no doubt that this industry would have shut too, had it not been for the fantastic efforts of its leaders to unify it and identify and promote safe arrangements for workers.

There were moments where we did not achieve all that we advocated, or as early as we might have wished.

We were all annoyed or frustrated at times. But that did not define the work of the industry leaders.

They had a shared mantra: “Keep the industry working by keeping people safe”.

Among readers of this, I know there will be different views about co-operation with the unions, but…

“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”

— Martin Luther King, Jr. That is our reality and I applaud the industry leaders for recognising that reality.

While I have the opportunity, the BICC has continued to pursue important issues despite the lockdown — again, through joint effective collaboration of all stakeholders. There are two I want to highlight.

Women in construction: A joint industry working party is developing a comprehensive strategy to create more opportunities for women and to make the industry a better place for women to work. Significant State Government funding to support this strategy has been very welcome.

Sham contracting and visa non-compliance: I see too much of this scourge on the industry. I have worked closely with the employer bodies and unions to put further proposals to government to stamp out these illegal practices.

I also encourage MBV members to utilise the services of the Victorian Building Industry Disputes Panel which assists the industry in resolving conflict and promoting collaboration — see http://vbidb.org.au.

Whether it is fighting a pandemic, creating a more modern and diverse workplace or ridding the industry of illegal employment practices, we are far more successful when co-operating than doing our own thing and, ironically, we get closer to getting what we want by working with those who come at the same issue from a different angle.

Be safe.

Volume 75 Issue 04

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FROM THE CEO

Our partnership in advocacy continues Rebecca Casson CEO

I

t seems like an age ago that I wrote this column last. Back then, we’d just entered into heavier COVID-19 restrictions and a lot of uncertainty.

But check the calendar, and hard as it is to believe, it was only a few months back. The action since has been non-stop for everyone at Master Builders Victoria, but we know it pales into comparison with the stresses and anxieties many of our members have gone through.

The story of the last few months has a happy ending of sorts though; at the time of writing our industry is back working at full capacity.

As a result of the advocacy from Master Builders Victoria, working in collaboration with other employer associations and unions, our sector was never actually fully shut down. This is also a credit to the way you, our members, have taken on the range of safety adjustments to your day-to-day operations. But we know everyone has been affected by the reduction in capacity in some way.

This is especially true for our members in the renovations sector who were the hardest hit, and this provides a good opportunity to explain how Master Builders Victoria undertakes its advocacy.

Clearly there was an element of unfairness in the way this part of our industry was precluded from working during the second lockdown and there were anomalies that didn’t make sense.

Our first action was to meet and engage with members most affected to discuss the practical nature of what would happen on their worksite, and how they could keep worksites safe.

12 | Master Builders Victoria

“

We will continue to use your feedback in our ongoing discussions with Government about how our industry can lead Victoria’s recovery...”

Then it was meeting with various Government departments and Ministers to explain these anomalies to people who may not understand the practical nature of how worksites operate.

To assist with our advocacy, we sought out members who were willing to put themselves forward to tell their stories to the media. This allowed us to further advocate for the issues we felt were unfair to the wider public. It’s not an easy thing to step up and put yourself in the public spotlight and speak on behalf of a whole industry. We congratulate all members who worked with us and willingly helped the greater cause by sharing their stories. The power in putting a human face and story on these arguments cannot be underestimated.

This all meant that we built a very compelling case over a number of weeks for all renovations to restart and, when the time came, the easing of restrictions for all renovations work was included despite this not appearing in the original COVID-19 Roadmap.

This is just one area Master Builders Victoria has been working on, and the idea of this example is to show how important your feedback and information is to getting results.

It won’t stop now that everyone’s back at work, though. We will continue to use your feedback in our ongoing discussions with Government about how our industry can lead Victoria’s recovery, which may also help bring back any work, or your employees, that may have fallen by the wayside during lockdown.

As we’ve seen with programs like HomeBuilder in regional Victoria, there are ways we can work together on this objective.

2020 has been an extremely difficult year, but rest assured that in 2021 the Master Builders Victoria team will be working just as hard, as it’s the next year that will determine the success of our industry’s recovery.

Volume 75 Issue 04

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FEATURE

Girls with a MITS staff member enjoying life in Melbourne last year as part of their after-school activity.

Shared values underpin construction Janice Mascini Special contributor

14 | Master Builders Victoria

I

n 2019, the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS) was seeking a construction partner and Kane Constructions not only met their expectations for skill and professionalism, they shared a vision to promote growth and opportunity for young Indigenous people from across Australia.

MITS creates pathways to greater opportunity for Indigenous students from remote and regional communities to enable them to lead lives full of choice. Each year MITS delivers a Year Seven program to 22 students who board together in Melbourne.

Students can then transition to Melbourne partner schools across Independent, Government and Catholic sectors to complete their secondary studies.

Making the Connection Through work Kane Constructions completed at Melbourne University’s Veterinary and Agricultural faculties, Project Director Paul Christian met academic Liz Tudor, whose family was instrumental in founding MITS. Liz enquired if Kane Constructions would be interested in pro bono work to refurbish a new girls’ boarding house in Richmond.

Volume 75 Issue 04

FEATURE

Lots of natural light is a feature of the meals area.

“I’d heard about MITS and their work and I instinctively knew it would align with Kane’s corporate social responsibility goals,” Paul said. “The longevity and success of our business is based on providing opportunities and nurturing the skills of young people in building and construction, so we also had like-minded values. When I presented the proposal to our directors, there was no hesitation in committing to proceed.

“We worked with our fit-out and refurbishment division, Arete Australia, to partner with MITS under an open book “at cost” approach to re-purpose an existing church building into a new three level boarding house containing 18 bedrooms. Kane Constructions joined in the design process with architects, McIldowie Partners, in March 2019 and building works started in September.”

Industry Collaboration “The goodwill around the project was extraordinary,” Paul said. “We approached many of our subcontractors

Volume 75 Issue 04

The bedrooms include individual study desks.

Master Builders Victoria |

15

FEATURE

The fit-out and refurbishment of an existing church building by Kane Constructions created a warm and homely environment for the MITS year seven girls’ boarding school. who jumped at the opportunity to help the Indigenous studens who benefit from the great work that MITS does. Key project partners included Michael Schiavello, PlumbForce – Central Plumbing and Hardware, Cooke & Dowsett, Jade Garden Design and Service, Harvey Norman Commercial and Reece, and we are extremely thankful for their support.

“Through the course of the project we hit a few redtape hurdles, but the various authorities understood the imperative to deliver the works in time for the new school year, and they worked proactively with us to keep the project on schedule.

“The refurbishment was completed in January 2020 and the measure of its success was the joyous reaction of the students who arrived for a tour and immediately connected with the sense of warmth of the surroundings.

“This project is a win for the Indigenous community and a win for our staff who are proud of the company’s contribution to such a worthwhile initiative,” Paul added. “Kane Constructions is committed to continuing this journey with MITS and work will begin in December 2020 on a new headquarters for the organisation, which will also include a boarding house for boys.”

16 | Master Builders Victoria

“

We knew that it was very important to us to appoint a construction manager who was not only of the highest quality in the work that they did, but also a company that shared our values, and we found that in Kane. For MITS, working with Kane is more than just a business partnership. It is about a shared set of values, and about our shared aspirations to provide greater opportunities and a brighter future for young Indigenous people from across Australia.”

Edward Tudor, Executive Director, Melbourne Indigenous Transition School The stairway to the three-level living spaces.

Volume 75 Issue 04

Mental health conditions cost Australian workplaces $10.9 billion each year – more than any physical injury. One in five Australians will experience a poor mental health episode in any one year.

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FEATURE

Rebecca Bishop with an Open Homes Australia (OHA) host during filming.

Backyard reno – bringing joy to families of kids with cancer 20 | Master Builders Victoria

Volume 75 Issue 04

FEATURE

Rebecca and Nick Bishop with son, Harrison, from Elite Building Services.

Janice Mascini Special contributor

T

he expertise of those in the building and construction industry not only transforms communities, but it can change lives. Familyowned boutique building company Elite Building Services, operated by Nick and Rebecca Bishop, demonstrated the humanity and heart of what they do when they devoted their time and skill to create a tranquil, happy, outdoors area for Melon’s Cottage, a short-term holiday residence for families of kids with cancer.

Holiday respite Melon’s Cottage was established in Lakes Entrance by Jodi and Peter Simpson to honour the memory of their son, Eli Charlie, fondly known as “Melon”, who passed away on 16 November 2008 at just 13-and-a-half months old after being diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia (JMML) at 15 weeks. The cottage is operated by the Simpson family and Challenge, a not-forprofit organisation supporting kids with cancer, and relies on donations and fundraising activities every year to assist with payment of rates, maintenance

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The Melon’s Cottage backyard under construction.

Master Builders Victoria |

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FEATURE

Adam Swanson; Bessie Kay, Harrison Bishop, James Treble, Rebecca Bishop. and utility bills to ensure that every family can stay free of charge. The local community is very proud of the cottage and the work the highly regarded Simpsons have undertaken. Over the years, a number of renovations have been done on the self-contained cottage that sleeps up to eight and upgrading the backyard had long been on the Simpson family’s wish list.

Open Homes Australia to the rescue Popular television show, Open Homes Australia, heard of the Simpsons’ plight and in June approached Elite Building services to help out.

“We had worked with Open Homes Australia earlier in the year when they did a feature on our home and when the Melon’s Cottage project came up, they thought of us,” Rebecca said. “Nick and I take pride in creating an immersive and personal experience for our customers and we feel a strong sense of responsibility to give back to the community where we can. We’re

22 | Master Builders Victoria

Bessie Kay and James Treble (hosts of OHA) with Melon’s Cottage owner Peter Simpson, who was thrilled with the work being done, standing alongside Adam Swanson (OHA host) and Rebecca Bishop.

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FEATURE

Almost ready for the big reveal. located in Maryknoll in the Cardinia Shire and while we operate throughout the south-east region of Melbourne, our local area is close-knit and in the face of adversity, everyone comes together. The Bunyip fires in March 2019 destroyed 29 homes in our area, and our business along with many others, directed time and resources to help with the recovery and fundraising activities.

“When Open Homes Australia asked me to project manage Melon’s Cottage backyard renovation, I didn’t hesitate to say yes, and Nick was onboard to help with the labour on the day.

“Timing was tight and I only had two weeks to

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coordinate everything including OHS, COVIDSafe compliance, council compliance and materials, which was a huge challenge,” Rebecca said. “Then, on the day of filming, we found out we only had eight hours to complete it because the owners, Jodi and Peter, weren’t available the following day. Peter knew about the work being done, but Jodi had no idea, and while it was a frantic day, when the reveal was done for them, it was incredibly emotional and very rewarding.

It really was a collaborative effort and we were one of the many organisations who supported this project.

We were blown away with how the community came together and rallied around this family to make this happen, with some even shutting their own business

down for the day just to be involved. It was truly incredible to be in such wonderful company. The Open Homes Australia cast and crew were fantastic and Nick and I were honoured to be involved.”

The Open Homes Australia episode of the Melon’s Cottage backyard transformation will be aired later this year. The backyard has a beautiful ambience with special features including a relaxation retreat, a reflection garden, an all-ability friendly playground and colourful plants which has created a wonderful haven for families seeking respite and regeneration.

For more information or to assist Melon’s Cottage go to: https://www.facebook.com/melons.cottage/

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FEATURE

Strong progress continues on E

ach week, new cladding rectification projects get under way across Melbourne. The Victorian Government classified cladding rectification works as state-critical, allowing sites to operate under detailed high-risk COVIDSafe plans.

Melbourne’s cladding rectification sites have operated under strict coronavirus restrictions, with contractors busy on apartment buildings occupied by residents working from home.

“Our contractors are working on people’s homes at a time when everyone needs to be staying home and staying distanced,” Cladding Safety Victoria Chief Executive Officer Dan O’Brien said. “On some of our more complex projects, we’re effectively re-skinning the entire building; it’s complex work that requires a lot of pre-planning.”

After Stage Four restrictions were announced, Cladding Safety Victoria ran training sessions for all contractors and has reviewed their high-risk COVIDSafe plans, making sure workers and residents stay safe on rectification sites.

“The way the building industry has responded to the challenges posed by this pandemic has been terrific.

We have seen some great health and safety innovation in building and construction, which will have longterm benefits for how work sites are operated,” Mr O’Brien said.

Offsite, new legislation to formally establish Cladding Safety Victoria as a separate entity from the Victorian Building Regulator is being debated in State Parliament. From 1 December, Cladding Safety Victoria will be a standalone agency with authority to prioritise financial assistance for eligible higher-risk buildings.

To date, the Victorian Building Authority’s state-wide cladding audit has referred more than 600 buildings to Cladding Safety Victoria, which then go through technical assessments for funding determination. More than 290 apartment buildings and 170 governmentowned buildings have been assessed so far.

“We’re working to have four hundred private residential buildings under construction over the next two years, we’re really moving at pace,” Mr O’Brien said.

Builders have shown strong interest returning to their original buildings to rectify flammable cladding for no profit, as part of the government’s plan to fast-track rectification. The fast-track process has guaranteed work for the industry, which employs about one in 10 Victorians, supporting jobs throughout the pandemic.

“We’re keeping workers on the tools and getting money into the market much faster under the

24 | Master Builders Victoria

“

Melbourne’s cladding rectification sites have operated under strict coronavirus restrictions, with contractors busy on apartment buildings occupied by residents working from home.”

fast-track plan that was announced in June,” Mr O’Brien said.

Every building has an independent project manager who works with the owners corporation and a clerk of works appointed to make sure rectification is carried out to the highest standard. The independent project managers make sure owners corporations appoint only registered, qualified practitioners from start to finish. More than 130 managers had been appointed by mid-October.

Independent project manager Sam Hogg of Gallagher Jeffs said owners corporations often lacked the time or the experience to be dealing with complex building projects.

rectification remit and was the owner’s responsibility to fund.

“It can be hard to tell what else has gone wrong in a building until works are well underway,” he said. “We’re working with the independent project managers and owners corporations so that cladding rectification work is not unduly delayed when other problems have been found lurking underneath.”

Having a clerk of works in place is also part of Cladding Safety Victoria’s efforts to deliver the best outcome for owners across these difficult projects, some years after the role had largely disappeared from the building and construction industry. The Victorian Cladding Taskforce recommended restoring the clerk of works role as part delivering a long-term construction reform strategy in Victoria.

The Taskforce was established by the Victorian Government in 2017 to investigate the state’s flammable cladding problem and make long-term recommendations, which included setting up the specialist rectification agency.

With more sites under way across Melbourne each week, Cladding Safety Victoria is on track to have 200 projects under way by the end of June 2021.

“We sit in the middle and try to help owners understand the process and the decisions that are made; we help guide them,” he said.

The project managers are also working with Cladding Safety Victoria and owners corporations to find solutions when other defects are found underneath the risky cladding.

Mr O’Brien said fixing other problems, such as water damage and timber rot, was beyond the cladding

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FEATURE

cladding rectification

Builders have shown strong interest returning to their original buildings to rectify flammable cladding for no profit, as part of the government’s plan to fast-track rectification.

Free Mobile Insulation Installation Training Tool Click here or scan • Developed by Industry for Industry • 14 short videos • Addressing critical issues and common mistakes • Q&A section for onboarding and inductions • Reduce costs and re-work • Offline use through the free QIN CodeSafe app Volume 75 Issue 04

Master Builders Victoria |

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FEATURE

Clockwise from bottom left: 2020 State, Metropolitan and Carpentry Apprentice of the Year Benjamin Taylor; 2020 Regional Apprentice of the Year Dylan Copeland; 2020 Employer-Nominated Apprentice of the Year Camden Bush; Master Builders Victoria CEO Rebecca Casson

Master Builders Victoria Apprentice of the Year Awards W

e recently marked the end of the 2021 Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards.

Albeit a slight departure from our usual awards night, we were delighted to have been able to celebrate the achievements of Victorian apprentices and recognise this year’s nominees.

This year, the awards were held via an online campaign.

Over the course of October, announcements of all winners appeared on Master Builders Victoria’s social media platforms.

We hope you all enjoyed the awards as much as the team here at Master Builders did.

Congratulations to Benjamin Taylor, who took out top honours, winning both the State Apprentice of the Year and the Metropolitan Apprentice of the Year.

Benjamin will now compete at National level later in the year at the annual National Building and

26 | Master Builders Victoria

Construction Awards.

• Building Skills Centre

Congratulations to all our nominees and winners.

• Chisholm Institute

There are a number of others who make these awards possible, and we would like to recognise them for their contributions.

• Federation TAFE

To the Victorian training providers and Master Builders members who nominated, thank you.

Your continued support of the Awards, and the encouragement you show to your apprentices is incredible. Without your support, these awards simply wouldn’t be possible.

Thank you to: • AGA Apprenticeships Plus • Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries

(AWCI) ANZ

• The Gordon • GO TAFE • Holmesglen Institute • Kangan Institute • Murray Mallee Training Company • Skillinvest • Sunraysia Institute of TAFE • South West TAFE • TAFE Gippsland • Victoria University Polytechnic

• Bendigo TAFE

• JJH Builders Pty Ltd

• Box Hill Institute

• Priestley Design and Build

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FEATURE • Ivers Construction Pty Ltd • Latrobe Valley Building Services Pty Ltd • FURLAN Constructions • QB Homes Pty Ltd • Rikys & Moylan Pty Ltd • Greg Pearson Building • Drage & Co Pty Ltd • Ovens & King Builders • Hedger Constructions Pty Ltd • Lachlan Fleming Constructions Pty Ltd • Young Gun Builders

Award winners State Apprentice of the Year Benjamin Taylor Employed by Appetite for Construction Training Provider: Victoria University Polytechnic Metropolitan Apprentice of the Year Benjamin Taylor Employed by Appetite for Construction Training Provider: Victoria University Polytechnic

• Leone Constructions • Stokes Rousseau Pty Ltd • Eastern Extensions Pty Ltd • Hedger Constructions Pty Ltd • Master Menders Building Group • Vaughan Constructions • Homes By Artisan Pty Ltd • Granted Constructions • Bunnage Building Pty Ltd • Longbeach Building Pty Ltd

Judges The Association would also like to thank the judges of the 2020 State Apprentice of the Year Awards for their contribution and support of these awards. Thank you, Ingrid Mountford and Peter Picking.

We also thank the Master Builders Foundation for their continued support of these awards.

Nominations are now open for the 2021 Apprentice of the Year Awards series.

Having wrapped up our 2020 Awards, we are jumping straight into the 2021 series and are very pleased to announce that nominations for the 2021 Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards are now open.

Victorian training providers and Master Builders members are invited to select their top apprentices and nominate them in our awards.

Master Builders members can visit our website to download the nomination guide and nomination form for employers. Please note, nominations are due by Wednesday 2 December.

Regional Apprentice of the Year Dylan Copeland Employed by Lachlan Fleming Constructions Pty Ltd Training Provider: Bendigo TAFE Master Builders Building Industry Foundation Award Khamh Bik Thawng Employed by M.J Harris Carpentry Pty Ltd Training Provider: Victoria University Polytechnic Florence M Taylor Award Zac Elliot Employed by Focused Construction Training Provider: Murray Mallee Training Company Presidents’ Award Bryce Brockenshire Employed by Kym Brockenshire Training Provider: Gordon TAFE Brian Fitzmaurice Award Granted Constructions, Devin Grant

Apprentice of the Year - Bricklaying/ Blocklaying Thomas Borg Employed by Adam Cox Bricklaying Training Provider: Victoria University Polytechnic Apprentice of the Year – Carpentry Benjamin Taylor Employed by Appetite for Construction Training Provider: Victoria University Polytechnic Apprentice of the Year - Joinery Jared Watson Employed by Pro Solid Pty Ltd Training Provider: Holmesglen Apprentice of the Year – Roof Tiling and Slating Stephanie Doidge Employed by DEC Roofing Training Provider: Murray Mallee Training Company Apprentice of the Year - Wall and Floor Tiling Christian Iudica Employed by Probuild 75 Training Provider: Murray Mallee Training Company Apprentice of the Year – Stonemasonry Peter Edward Training Provider: Holmesglen Apprentice of the Year - Employer Nominated Camden Bush Employed by Stokes Rousseau Pty Ltd Training Provider: Holmesglen

The 2020 State Apprentice of the Year Awards was sponsored by the following companies.

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FEATURE

Apprentice of the Year Benjamin Taylor.

Zooming in on congratulations: Master Builders CEO Rebecca Casson and President Richard Hansen with our 2020 Master Builders State Apprentice of the Year Award Winners.

28 | Master Builders Victoria

Volume 75 Issue 04

Everything safety in one place Replace paper, Excel and individual apps

Registration and Induction

Employer and Personnel

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Inspections

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SDS

Safety Plans

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Site Diary

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Project Website

Safety | Quality | Operations www.HammerTech.com.au

Your go-to construction insurance broker

Our business is built on advice.

Our specialist brokers are here to help you understand, select and manage the right cover for your business.

Don’t risk it. Get the right advice.

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INSURANCE

The support offered by Legal Expenses Insurance Olivia Lewis Account Executive, MBIB

L

egal Expenses Insurance is an emerging product in the Australian insurance industry, and Master Builders Insurance Brokers would like to help you understand how this cost-effective insurance solution can protect your business.

Legal Expenses Insurance provides coverage for the costs associated with legal representation. This policy is not just limited to cover defense costs; it can also be used for pursuit of a claim relating to contractual disputes, property ownership, occupation and more.

How often have you been left with a dispute at the end of a project, be it with a property owner, subcontractor or supplier? We hear too many stories of our builders being caught in contractual disputes, with little way out other than to front the costs themselves or undertake legal action.

This policy allows builders the opportunity to obtain legal representation for these issues to recover monies owed and successfully defend against litigation. With contractual disputes and litigation increasing in recent years, especially within the building industry, further support for legal representation is essential.

Differing from your Contract Works and Liability Policies, Legal Expenses Insurance does not rely on third-party property damage or injury for the cover to respond, nor is it restricted to claims that will arise out of your liabilities for costs and damages. It can cover other legal issues your business may encounter outside of these matters. For example, a Contract Works and Liability Policy can insure against the resultant damage caused by faulty workmanship or defective materials but will exclude the defect itself. Legal Expenses Insurance could then be used to enforce the debt you may be owed by the subcontractor who performed the faulty works.

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Legal Expenses Insurance provides coverage for the costs associated with legal representation.

In summary, the policy protects you and your business from legal expenses (up to the sum insured value) associated with: • Breach of contract with suppliers/ manufacturers/

subcontractors • Payment disputes • Unfair allegations of faulty workmanship/ not

“

With contractual disputes and litigation increasing in recent years, especially within the building industry, further support for legal representation is essential.”

complying with the contract • Workplace prosecutions.

The policy requires a merit of success assessment and has a co-insurance clause, meaning a percentage of the legal fees is payable by the builder. These measures assist both parties to settle disputes in a reasonable timeframe and maintain a financial incentive in finalising the matter.

Legal expenses claim scenarios Scenario A A builder was engaged for a residential renovation.

The usual quality standards were in place and the project was delivered on time, but the final invoice remained unpaid by the due date. Upon follow up, the owner refused to pay the final invoice, claiming poor finishing. The builder offered to review, but the owner refused access to the property and ceased further communication. The only option left was to undertake legal action against the owner to recover the final payment. They were successful in court for recovering

damages of $45,000 with the legal costs coming to a total of $17,000.

Scenario B A builder had an agreement with a supplier to bulkbuy a large volume of roofing tiles for some upcoming projects, securing a significant discount. Part-way through the agreed period, the supplier terminated the contract and ceased to supply the tiles to the original specification. The builder was forced to seek a replacement supplier who charged significantly more.

The insured sued the original supplier for breach of contract and sought damages of $32,000, being the additional cost resulting from the breach. The legal costs came to a total of $11,000 in pursuing the original supplier and obtaining an out-of-court settlement.

Master Builders Insurance Brokers can source both $100,000 and $250,000 limits of indemnity for this cover. Should you wish to discuss this product further and the benefits it can offer for your business, please contact MBIB on (03) 9411 4555.

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GREEN LIVING

‘The Cheese’ by Positive Footprints: from 1940s warren to modern, 7.9 Star, energy efficient home.

Upgrading the energy efficiency of existing housing opportunities for new homes and for improving existing residential buildings.

Dr Phillip Alviano Sustainability Advisor

T

he National Energy Productivity Plan (COAG 2015), agreed to by the Council of Australian Governments Energy Council (COAG Energy Council) in December 2015, aims to improve Australia’s energy productivity by 40 per cent between 2015 and 2030. The Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings (2018) was produced as a result of this. It considers

32 | Master Builders Victoria

Efforts until now have focused mostly on the energy efficiency of new houses. With less than 2 per cent of building stock replaced each year, there is also a need to address housing built before any substantial energy efficiency measures were required (Whitehouse et al 2018). 46 per cent of the stock built before 2015 is expected to still be in use in 2050, highlighting the importance of retrofit (ClimateWorks 2020).

A report produced by Sustainability Victoria (2016) found that the average energy rating of pre-1990 houses was 1.57 Stars and post-1990 houses was 3.14 Stars. In 2005, housing minimum efficiency regulations required new houses to be designed to achieve a minimum of 5 Stars and this was increased to a minimum of 6 Stars in 2011. There is clearly huge potential to increase the energy efficiency and thermal-comfort levels of the existing housing stock.

While the star rating is about the energy use required to heat and cool the house to keep internal parameters

within set temperatures, it is also an indication of temperature fluctuations within those houses. It is generally accepted that cold temperatures and houses have detrimental impacts on human health. It is also now recognized that heat spells also affect human health and consequently increases the stress on, and cost of, public health systems (Sustainability Victoria 2020). A carefully structured and delivered program would provide a number of benefits to public health and the environment.

Energy efficiency upgrades range from simple actions, such as lighting upgrades, door seals and window coverings, to more involved measures, such as insulation upgrades, solar panel installation and window replacement. The result is reduced peak loads during extreme temperatures and improved demand management. This will, in turn, reduce costs across the broader energy network.

How would it work?

Rather than relying on a complicated system of rebates

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GREEN LIVING that are poorly understood, this scheme would be open to owner-occupiers, landlords and tenants. This proposal is for dollar-for-dollar grants or tax rebates for approved energy efficiency upgrades up to $20K for existing housing. An instant tax write-off scheme for landlords in addition to rebates/matching would be attractive and require a simple tenant signature of consent for works to proceed.

While, previous programs have been problematic and open to rorting, steps taken since then in similar programs and the use of approved installers and licensed trades would limit these concerns. A research program evaluating different elements of the package and how it is undertaken would help to provide feedback for the program and evaluate outcomes.

Any program will also need to consider the impact that improved insulation levels and air tightness may have on increased levels of condensation and the resultant requirement for moisture management on previous construction systems.

The Victorian Government has produced a Residential Efficiency Scorecard, and independent accredited assessors could be used to identify approved works.

The cost of the scorecard assessment could be claimed back as part of the grant if works go ahead. Works could include insulation upgrades, double glazing, exhaust fan dampers/upgrades, draft sealing work, old appliance replacement, PV, solar hot water and heat pumps as prioritised by the Residential Efficiency Scorecard assessment.

Each Residential Efficiency Scorecard assessment will also include a risk assessment to ensure risks are flagged and managed prior to work being carried out. For example, an electrician would need to have carried out an inspection to verify the roof is safe and, at the same time provide covers to light fixtures and fans. Likewise, a plumber may need to confirm any services that have gas as a fuel source are in a suitable condition that will not create a risk. Approved insulation installers would need to have completed the Insulation Council of Australia and New Zealand’s (ICANZ) training program. A set percentage of work would undergo independent checks to ensure work has been undertaken to required levels.

Each upgrade would be entered into a database. This would lead to an improvement in the housing stock overall and to Australian housing data systems over time. An evaluation would run alongside the package to provide real-time feedback into the program and allow for fine-tuning to optimize performance. This would link in with the research which shows that restarting the economy through a sustainability focus will deliver more jobs now and into the future. Any program should leverage research opportunities to build an evidence base to strengthen retrofit experience, process and industry in Australia.

A recent study by RMIT (Willand et al 2020) shows that

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“

There is clearly huge potential to increase the energy efficiency and thermal-comfort levels of the existing housing stock.”

low-income households and renters have not taken up the benefits of programs such as these in the past.

The program will also need to target these areas. This will reduce energy stress and inequality, have positive health outcomes and in turn reduce public health costs.

Benefits This program would likely be sufficient to lift the average performance of existing housing built prior to the introduction of the 5 and 6-Star requirements from around 1.5 Stars to between 5-6 Stars and to lift housing built since the mid-2000s to over 7 Stars. This would lower living costs and improve thermal comfort, health and wellbeing for occupants, particularly those in vulnerable households.

Evaluation will show how this investment provides local jobs for Australian workers, while benefiting Australian households both immediately and into the future. It will also calculate energy and carbon savings from the scheme, contributing to Australia’s emissions targets and productivity.

These sorts of work offer opportunities to a number of different trades and also to manufacturing, retail and transport. It would also offer an opportunity for the retrofit industry to move from a more siloed approach of delivering one or two retrofits to delivering a more

comprehensive list of retrofits.

A gold-standard package with guaranteed quality and benefits linked to greenhouse gas reduction from existing housing that follows the current National Energy Productivity Plan (NEPP) project and Australia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement.

References: ClimateWorks Australia (2020). Solutions, Actions and Benchmarks for a Net Zero Australia. https:// www.climateworksaustralia.org/wp-content/ uploads/2020/04/CWA-DECARBONISATION-FUTURES2020-TECH-REPORT.pdf Coalition of Australian Governments Energy Council, 2018, Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings, Commonwealth of Australia.

Coalition of Australian Governments Energy Council, 2015, National Energy Productivity Plan, Commonwealth of Australia.

Sustainability Victoria, 2020, Linking Climate Change and Health Impacts, Victorian Government.

Sustainability Victoria, 2016, Energy Efficiency Upgrade Potential of Existing Victorian Houses, Victorian Government.

Whitehouse, M., Osmond, P., Daly, D. Kokogiannakis, G., Jones, D., Picard-Bromilow, A. andCooper, P. (2018), Guide to Low Carbon Residential Buildings – Retrofit, Low Carbon Living CRC. Willand, N., Moore, T., Horne, R. and Robertson, S. (2020). Retrofit Poverty: Socioeconomic Spatial Disparities in Retrofit Subsidies Uptake. Buildings and Cities, 1(1), pp. 14–35. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/bc.13

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TRAINING

What’s new at the Master Builders Daniella Singer Instructional Designer

T

his year has been a roller-coaster year, but it hasn’t stopped great initiatives being brought forward by the Master Builders Training Institute.

New OHS refresher course Have you or your team previously completed a Certificate III or Certificate IV WHS qualification?

Perhaps it was a while ago and, while you believe what you’re doing on your site is probably safe, you still have a niggling sense of doubt. We have developed a one-day course to help you refresh your knowledge.

It’s no secret that construction is an industry with genuine risks attached. Some incidents may result in minor and short-term injuries; others can be fatal.

More importantly, most incidents are avoidable.

There are also frequent legislative updates you need to be familiar with. These legislative changes may be well publicised, but sometimes you can be caught off guard. This includes the workplace manslaughter legislation, new to Victoria’s OHS Act, which has received a lot of publicity. This workshop includes the key points of this legislation.

About this workshop This one-day, non-accredited, interactive workshop is recommended for those who have completed a Certificate III or IV in Work Health and Safety (or equivalent) and are aware of the fundamentals of OHS legislation. Attending this course will help you and your team: • Implement proactive actions on site to ensure health and safety practices meet legislative requirements • Understand what workplace manslaughter laws mean for you • Identify the legal responsibilities of site managers,

34 | Master Builders Victoria

project managers and contract administrators • Contribute to creating a culture of safety • Engage in successful consultation • Explain worker and contractor responsibilities on

site • Discuss OHS hot topics and their potential impacts

on site • Have the confidence to question and raise safety-

related issues.

Places are selling quickly, and discounts apply to both members and Incolink contributors. Refer to our website for pricing details and course dates.

Ensure you and your employees or colleagues have the necessary skills and knowledge to keep your workplace safe.

Certificate IV and Diploma in Building and Construction (Building) updates There are updates to the training packages for the above qualifications. We are looking for input from those who understand the industry to help us develop quality, industry-relevant, training materials. Please contact Jason Plevras, jplevras@mbav.com.au, for more information.

Infection control for the building and construction industry We have developed a non-accredited, interactive, e-learning module on infection control in the building and construction industry. This one-hour session covers critical areas like:

Enrol now at mbavtraining.com or contact the Master Builders Training Institute on (03) 9411 4555.

• How coronavirus spreads

Accredited SWMS

• Wearing a mask

This one-day course will explore what a SWMS must cover, how to develop a SWMS and how to review a SWMS for quality and compliance. Completion of training and assessment will provide attendees with a nationally recognised unit of competency. We will begin training this course in early 2021. Refer to our training website early next year for dates.

• Screening workers and visitors • Social distancing on site • Hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting.

Virtual simulations When the pandemic hit, our team was able to quickly pivot and commence delivering all its programs in a virtual environment. Most importantly it meant

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TRAINING

Training Institute

members could continue their development in Construction Induction Training (CIT), Certificate III in Work Health and Safety, Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) and Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) and (Management).

Of particular excitement was the integration of immersive learning experiences (simulations) all delivered via Zoom. The closure of BLSC due to Stage 4 restrictions meant these simulations had to quickly be adapted and made ‘Zoom-ready’.

Since the lockdown, we have delivered multiple virtual

simulations from ‘Crisis Management experiences’ as part of Swinburne University’s Master of Business Administration (Executive) to ‘Incident Investigations’ as part of our own Certificate III and Certificate IV Work Health and Safety qualifications. A total of 53 students have had the opportunity to experience these virtual simulations throughout Stage 4 restrictions, with more scheduled through to the end of 2020.

This is another example of how the empowered MBTI team continues to innovate systems to deliver outstanding performance and experiences for our members.

“

Of particular excitement was the integration of immersive learning experiences all delivered via Zoom.

Stage 4 restrictions meant these simulations had to quickly be adapted and made ‘Zoom-ready’.”

6836454aa

Building and Construction Lawyers

• Contract Advice and Management • Project Implementation • Building Disputes & Defects • Professional Liability & Negligence • Security of Payment Claims • Litigation & Dispute Resolution

www.wflawyers.com.au Level 12/533 Little Lonsdale St Melbourne

Volume 75 Issue 04

Andrew Whitelaw - Director awhitelaw@wflawyers.com.au

(03) 9090 6700 Master Builders Victoria |

35

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

EBAs can be tailored to the requirements of a business, which can be beneficial from an administrative, operational and productivity standpoint.

Enterprise bargaining agreements and the process of reaching them I Alfred Chu Industrial Relations Advisor

36 | Master Builders Victoria

f you operate in the commercial construction industry, chances are that you have, or have heard of, an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement between your business and employees. They are commonly abbreviated and referred to as an EBA.

the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2010 (the Award) will likely apply to your employees who are ‘on the tools’. The Award sets the minimum employment standards for the industry but cannot be tailored to a specific business.

One of the main reasons that businesses implement EBAs is that they can be tailored to the requirements of a business, which can be beneficial from an administrative, operational and productivity standpoint. For businesses that do not have an EBA,

EBAs allow employers and employees to negotiate employment conditions and wage rates to arrive at a collective agreement. A requirement of EBAs is that they must leave employees better off overall when compared to the Award.

Volume 75 Issue 04

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS The EBA process The process for creating an EBA can be a confusing one. It involves several steps and requires the EBA to be lodged to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for approval.

There are also important statutory timeframes that must be complied with throughout the process.

Here is an outline of the steps: • Commence bargaining The first step involves formally commencing or agreeing to commence bargaining for the EBA. This is known as the notification time.

• Provide NERR A document called the Notice of Employee Representational Rights (NERR) must be provided to employees.

The NERR must be given within 14 days of the notification time.

• Provide access and explain terms Employees must be given a copy of the EBA or provided access to the EBA and also the documents incorporated into in the EBA. This is known as the access period.

The terms of the EBA must be explained to employees and all reasonable steps need to be taken to ensure employees have understood the terms and their effect.

“

We already have an EBA in place – when

A requirement of EBAs is that does it stop applying? they must leave employees better off If your business already has an EBA in place, you will overall when compared to the Award.” notice it has a nominal expiry date. The nominal expiry date will not be more than four years after the date the EBA was initially approved. Despite passing this nominal expiry date, the EBA will not automatically cease to operate. That means it will continue to operate, and the terms will apply to your business, even after the nominal expiry date has passed. An EBA will only stop applying if it is terminated or replaced with a new EBA through the FWC. So, an EBA that came into effect say, 10 years ago, will still be applying now if it has not been terminated or replaced.

Given the events of 2020, some businesses may find that they implemented an EBA in an economic climate which is vastly different to the one we face today. If having a particular EBA in place is no longer appropriate for your business, you may consider terminating or replacing the EBA provided it has passed its nominal expiry date. In some situations, you may also consider applying to the FWC to vary the terms of the EBA. The MBV IR Team can assist your business with the process of negotiating and filing an EBA. We can also help you with any other EBA questions you have. Get in touch with us on (03) 9411 4555 or at eba@mbav.com.au.

• Notify employees of the vote details

Employees must be notified of the date, time, place and method of the vote.

The actual vote cannot be held until at least seven clear days after this day, and at least 21 clear days after the NERR was provided to employees.

• Hold the vote

Once the relevant timeframes have been met, the vote must be conducted in the same time, place and method specified in step 4.

Voting can be conducted in a single meeting or over the course of a number of days or even weeks.

Voting is commonly done by show of hands or by ballot.

The EBA is ‘made’ if a majority of employees who cast a valid vote, vote in favour of the EBA. • Lodge the EBA

The EBA and necessary application documents are then lodged to the FWC for approval.

This must be done within 14 days of the EBA being made.

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Volume 75 Issue 04

Master Builders Victoria |

37

LEGAL

Details of new legislation: Cladding T Tristan Moseley Chief Legal Counsel/Company Secretary

38 | Master Builders Victoria

he Cladding Safety Victoria Bill sets up Cladding Safety Victoria (CSV) as a separate organisation and transfers authority and oversight of cladding rectification from the Victorian Building Authority to CSV. The Bill will become law by 1 July 2021 but, at time of writing, is waiting for royal assent.

Importantly the Bill, amongst other things: • Retrospectively extends building practitioners liability by two years through amendments to section 134 of the Building Act 1993 (Building Act). Builders will now have 12 years’ worth of liability (six more years than most other industries) for defined “Cladding

Building Actions” but only if the ordinary 10 years would have expired between 16 July 2019 and 12 months after the Bill actually commences; and • Changes 137F of the Building Act to allow the Government to sue Building Practitioners for cladding for rectification costs if they have funded any rectification through the CSV. “Cladding Building Action” means “a building action in connection with, or otherwise related to, a product or material that is, or could be, a non-compliant or non-conforming external wall cladding product.” This definition is extremely wide and, in our view, extends

Volume 75 Issue 04

LEGAL

The Cladding Safety Victoria Bill passed through both houses of Parliament rapidly.

Safety Victoria Bill 2020 far beyond what a reasonable person would believe is related to combustible cladding.

Master Builders Victoria wrote to the Victorian Government in early September after becoming aware of the proposed legislation and expressed its concern and advocated strongly for changes to the Cladding Safety Victoria Bill 2020. However, the Bill passed through both houses of Parliament rapidly.

It is disappointing that in a very difficult year for the state and our industry, building practitioners may have another two years’ worth of liability to worry about.

The Cladding Safety Victoria website (at time of

Volume 75 Issue 04

“

Master Builders Victoria wrote to the Victorian Government in early September after becoming aware of the proposed legislation and expressed its concern and advocated strongly for changes to the Cladding Safety Victoria Bill 2020.”

writing hosted as a business unit of the VBA) has information and fact sheets regarding cladding rectification programmes and includes an expression of interest form and fact sheet aimed at original builders of residential buildings in Cladding Safety Victoria’s scope who may be eligible to participate the

fast-tracked rectification program.

We strongly recommend seeking legal advice before taking any actions related to possible rectification liabilities. If you have any questions, please contact the MBV legal department on (03) 9411 4555.

Master Builders Victoria |

39

NEWS

$5.3 billion investment in social housing to create work and jobs O

n 15 November, the Victorian Government announced a $5.3 billion investment into social housing, with a target of 12,000 new homes within four years.

The funding will tackle homelessness, but also create jobs in our industry and is the first step in our sector’s role of leading the state’s economic recovery.

Master Builders Victoria has been advocating for this investment in discussions with the State Government over several months as a practical means to create jobs, while delivering results on an important social issue.

This represents a major win for our advocacy, with Government estimating the investment will create 10,000 jobs each year over the next four years.

It is anticipated that 10 per cent of the work will be

40 | Master Builders Victoria

done by apprentices, cadets and trainees.

In addition, social procurement targets will ensure that hundreds of jobs are created for women, Aboriginal Victorians, people with a disability, social-housing tenants and people from diverse backgrounds.

The housing will include construction of 9300 social housing homes, and 2900 ‘affordable homes’.

A quarter of the funding (25 per cent) will be allocated to Regional Victoria, with priority areas being Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat.

Across Melbourne the first sites developed will be in West Heidelberg, Flemington, Hawthorn, Richmond, Ashburton and Ascot Vale.

The new homes will meet seven-star energy efficiency standards, which will jump start the market for energy efficient homes.

The message is very clear from the Victorian Government; this investment in social housing will be delivered in partnership with our industry and make use of the innovation and expertise our sector has to offer.

A new Government agency, Homes Victoria, has been established to work across government, industry and the social housing sector to deliver this initiative.

How Master Builders Victoria members can benefit Over the coming weeks, we will provide more details on how the Big Housing Build will roll out and where our members can get involved, such as with tenders through Homes Victoria, or how you can put forward projects that are stalled.

Volume 75 Issue 04

NEWS

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Volume 75 Issue 04

Master Builders Victoria |

41

CAREERS

New report offers a blueprint for Corrie Williams Executive Manager, Master Builders Training Institute

A

s a member of our industry, you will be aware of the huge contribution made by Victoria’s building, civil and construction sector to the economy and prosperity of our state.

Recent statistics show our industry contributed more than 300,000 jobs across more than 100,000 businesses and added $34.8 billion in value to the economy in the 2018 -2019 financial year.

The impact of COVID-19 has had a downward effect on these numbers, but the importance of these jobs for Victoria and a pipeline of new, skilled workers needed to undertake them remains a significant challenge for us all over the next few years.

A new report, Workforce Issues for the Victorian Building, Civil and Construction Industry, commissioned by the Office of the Victorian Skills Commissioner (OVSC) in conjunction with the Industry Workforce Development Group (IWDG), has identified a suite of 27 recommendations to address a range of workforce issues in the Victorian building, construction and civil industry sectors.

The report was generated from within the industry comprising employer associations and unions and was the first of its kind, presenting a collective vision for the future of our industry.

Growing the pipeline of workers The report called for the development of an education campaign to improve awareness of potential careers in the building, civil and construction industry, including encouragement for greater industry diversity.

This is a call Master Builders Victoria is keen to support and encourage, and we are actively exploring ways we

42 | Master Builders Victoria

“

Master Builders Victoria supports the report’s call for the development of an education campaign to improve awareness of potential careers in the building, civil and construction industry, including encouragement for greater industry diversity.”

can target adults, parents, carers and other influencers to showcase the breadth of career options available.

Better recognition of the more than 22,000 Victorian building, civil and construction businesses, especially small and medium-sized businesses that are ‘repeat’ employers of apprentices was also called for.

We are lucky enough to meet these employers during the judging of our Master Builders Victoria Apprentice of the Year Awards.

The effort many make in mentoring and supporting apprentices is impressive and should be celebrated more widely.

A key point identified in the report was that a new approach to workforce development is needed that supports life-long learning for individuals; responds effectively to increasing specialisation, while securing

the supply of competent trades and occupations in short supply.

This focus does not diminish the need and importance of apprenticeships as the preferred training pathway for trade occupations, or traineeships and individual units of competency for some labouring occupations and higher-level qualifications for professional and technical occupations.

The Victorian State Government has launched an infrastructure stimulus response to coronavirus (COVID-19) with an initiative called Skills for Economic Recovery.

It will fund industry RTOs and TAFEs to deliver free construction skills sets under the Skills First program and is welcomed by Master Builders as an example of targeted and practical VET training that will help strengthen the pipeline of workers into our industry.

Master Builders Victoria is able to offer free Construction Induction training under this program, while others are offering training on a wide range of topics from working in confined spaces, to forklift operation, scaffolding, hoist or crane operation, as well as many others.

Building and construction offers prosperity to both its workforce as well as to our state and although the Workforce issues for the Victorian Building, Civil and Construction Industry report identifies many issues to be addressed it also offers a foundation for their solution.

Volume 75 Issue 04

CAREERS

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Volume 75 Issue 04

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Master Builders Victoria |

43

OH&S

Preparing your site for holiday Sam Smith Senior Coordinator OHS

44 | Master Builders Victoria

A

s the year draws to a close, Master Builders Victoria urges you to pay special attention to how you secure your sites for the holiday period.

Construction sites left unsecured can lead to property damage but can also pose a risk to members of the public or inquisitive kids who are eager to explore.

We urge builders and site supervisors to conduct a few simple checks to ensure the safety of others is maintained throughout the holiday period.

At different stages of the project, a construction site

can present hazards including falls from partially built structures and scaffolding, live electrical power, open excavations or building waste and rubble.

WorkSafe recommends the use of boundary fencing, either temporary or existing, that is at least 1.8m tall and secured at all entry points prior to site closure with signage in place showing contact details for the builder.

Longer sections of fencing or boarding may need bracing to ensure it can’t be pushed or blown over.

Where possible, plant and equipment should be locked

Volume 75 Issue 04

OH&S

closure “

We urge builders and site supervisors to conduct a few simple checks to ensure the safety of others is maintained throughout the holiday period.�

up or removed from your site during extended periods of site closure.

Partially constructed building elements should be braced.

Chemicals and other materials should also be secured or removed from the site. Consider what materials are

Volume 75 Issue 04

being kept on site during the shutdown.

Try to minimise the amount of material delivered prior to site closure. During strong winds or severe weather unsecured materials can turn into projectiles if not stored correctly.

Switching off and locking the meter board is a

good way of isolating power to the site. Any open excavations can be backfilled or covered.

Ensure that any site scaffolding is safe, and access closed off. It is also good practice to have a nominated person responsible for checking scaffolding in the event of high winds during the holiday period.

Master Builders Victoria reminds members to make use of their membership. If you have any questions about preparing your work site for extended closure, please contact Master Builders at (03) 9411 4555.

Master Builders Victoria |

45

NOT ALL CERTIFICATION SCHEMES ARE CREATED EQUAL

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rom the structural and reinforcing steels used in the construction of buildings, bridges and other infrastructure, through to the reinforcing steel used in piling cages or precast concrete components, ensuring that the construction steels being used conform with all relevant Australian and New Zealand Standards and Building Codes - irrespective of their country of origin - is of paramount importance.

Notwithstanding the potential issues that can result from using non-conforming construction steels including structural failure and the serious health and safety ramifications - in these days of widespread litigation and strict ‘chain of responsibility’ legislation, using materials that don’t conform with all of the relevant Standards and Codes can spell disaster for engineers, specifiers, suppliers, builders and contractors in more ways than one.

Importantly, when it comes to conformity of construction steels, it’s not only about the steel manufacturer. Philip Sanders, CEO, Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels (“ACRS”), explained: “When designers and procurement officers specify steel to particular standards, steel suppliers, builders, and building surveyors not only need to actively confirm that the steel they receive and sign-off for is the right steel - they also need to confirm that this conforming steel was cut, bent, and welded so it is still compliant when it is delivered and installed on the project.”

“In short, even the best steel in the world can easily be ruined by inappropriate processing or fabrication - and if the steel was the wrong steel in the first place, the best steel processing, or fabrication won’t make it right… and that’s why ACRS 2-Stage steel certification is so important,” he added.

The Benefits Of Acrs Two-Stage Certification Adapted for Australian and New Zealand conditions from European best practice for high-risk building materials, ACRS’ integrated, 2-stage certification

Volume 75 Issue 04

system certifies both the steelmaking at the mill and again the last point at which the steel properties can be changed before delivery and installation in the structure.

Known as a “bookended” system, the type of 2-stage certification is far more robust than a single point certification of either just the mill, or just the processor or fabricator (or of one stage being certified by one certifier and the second stage by another).

As ACRS steel certification covers both ends if the supply chain, the ACRS 2-stage system inherently includes full materials traceability - not just for reinforcing and prestressing steels, but also for structural welded sections manufacture, covering CC1 to CC3 to AS/NZS 5131, which are increasingly used in construction.

Philip Sanders commented: “You cannot just accept certification of the steel mill (Stage 1). You need to know what arrives on site. Is all the steel you

expect? If it is, has it then been properly processed or fabricated?”

“Historically, Australia and New Zealand have accepted a more relaxed product verification regime at the processor or fabricator (Stage 2) level than most developed countries, and these less onerous requirements have saved builders significant time and money in checking and testing costs.”

“However, in today’s dynamic market with global sourcing and supply, we can only maintain our traditional approach by the use of expert and independent certification systems to provide the minimum necessary assurance of both steel manufacture and equally the supply of that steel to site,” he added. “If not, as shown increasingly over the past few years, there will be more poorly performing structures as non-conforming materials are substituted for those the customer, and the public have been led to expect.”

Master Builders Victoria |

47

COMMITTEE ROUND-UP

Meet your newest Sector Group

Matt Gilmour, Construction Manager, APM Group General Contracting Sector Group Committee Matt has 30 years of construction experience in Singapore, Sydney and Melbourne with industrial, commercial and luxury residential and retail projects.

He recalls attending a Master Builders Victoria awards event early in his career, the positive impression it made on him and the bold prediction made by his seasoned boss that followed.

“He told me I’d be running Master Builders one day, which I laughed off at the time, but I still remember him smiling as he said it.”

Among the issues he expects to grapple with as a

48 | Master Builders Victoria

member of the committee, the COVID-related ones strike him as obvious. He’s proud that APM was among the very first construction companies in Victoria to implement recommended safety precautions, such as temperature-taking, on their worksites.

Security of payment legislation is another area he says deserves particular attention, as he believes companies have been stung by subcontractors in unstable financial circumstances wielding the act unfairly and inappropriately.

“Rather than just hit back, I think it’s important to participate in helping my colleagues in the industry to steer the application of the legislation and improve it,” Matt says.

Daniel Mazzei, Managing Director, Mazzei Housing Sector Group Committee Daniel thinks the housing sector operates too often as if it were playing a zero-sum game, with too few opportunities for shared success. A greater spirit of cooperation and camaraderie is on his agenda.

“A year from now, I’d like to look back on my first year on the committee as one that helped see the housing sector returned to a more or less normal state, with suppliers back in full operation,” he said.

Daniel is also eager to see mandatory registration

Volume 75 Issue 04

COMMITTEE ROUND-UP

Committee members

of trades back on schedule for implementation, having been delayed by interference from the pandemic.

After getting to know his committee colleagues a bit and developing an understanding of how the group operates within the larger framework, Daniel plans to look for ways to mitigate competition among builders, with greater transparency and sharing knowledge and ideas for the benefit of all the businesses in the sector.

That includes a desire for the Victorian Building Authority to rely less on punishment for doing the wrong thing than incentives for cooperation and good communication.

Volume 75 Issue 04

Lisa Hollingsworth, Latrobe Building Services Pty Ltd Housing Sector Group Committee Lisa’s business, a small, three-generation domestic renovation company she operates with her husband and son was among the hardest hit during the pandemic, unable to perform work for three months in accord with Victorian Government restrictions.

Previously concerned that Master Builders Victoria’s priorities were not aligned with those of small businesses like hers, Lisa has since become convinced of the value of the association’s advocacy efforts and results.

“Communication with members, particularly during the pandemic has been an insightful and vital resource, she said. “It changed my mind

about reconsidering the merits of retaining our membership.”

Lisa is no stranger to public service. She was reelected recently to office as a councillor for the City of Boroondara and raised her hand for the Housing Sector Group Committee to help guide conversations about ways for the sector group to recover from COVID-19, and other topics close to her heart include addressing the gaps in the planning framework to improve accessibility and sustainability in home construction.

“It is so important to make sure that our homes are built safely and sustainably, recognising they need to be appropriate for occupants throughout all stages of life — as well as for the generations who will live in them in the future,” Lisa says. “This includes accommodating the physical, intellectual and sensory needs of people with a disability.”

Master Builders Victoria |

49

COMMITTEE ROUND-UP

New faces to help grapple with the roadmap to recovery Kevin Hoang Policy Adviser

MBV’s sector group committees help keep us tuned to the issues members care about most.

T

he last sector group committee meetings for the year coincided with the election for the 20202022 two-year term, which saw the re-election of incumbent committee members and the election of several new committee members.

New committee members are important, as this brings new ideas and perspectives to the table.

Of the five sector group committees, the election of the Housing, Country, and MM&S sectors resulted in an uncontested election.

The Housing sector group committee welcomed several new faces such as Daniel Mazzei of Mazzei Homes, Lisa Hollingsworth of Latrobe Building Services, and Nancy Italiano of Acustruct Builders and Developers.

We also saw the return of Immediate Past President Melanie Fasham of Fasham Johnson, and the reelection of Pasquale Garofalo of AHB Australia.

In the Country sector group committee, Danii Finlayson of TRW Developments was re-elected.

Likewise, Neil Grenfell of Australian Gas Networks and Sam Cimino of PGH Bricks were re-elected on to the MM&S sector group committee.

For the General Contracting and Specialist Contractor sector group committees, strong interest among members meant that a ballot election was called.

The General Contracting sector group committee election concluded with the election of newcomer Matt Gilmour of APM Group and the re-election of Dale Kennedy of Harris HMC and David van den Berg of CPB Contractors.

Current and previous board members like Richard

50 | Master Builders Victoria

“

On the policy and advocacy front, the most recent committee discussions were largely been about the government’s roadmap for reopening, with members generally viewing it as a very conservative plan.”

Hansen of Hansen Yuncken and Michael Clemenger of Built Environs returned as well.

With the Specialist Contractor sector group committee, we had the re-election of Michael Byrne of Byrne Construction Systems, Greg Cole of Nuform, Nigel Cunniffe of Aus Struct, and Graham Cressey of Industrial Demolition Services.

Former committee member Daniel Bowman of Professional Plumbing Contractors also made a return to the committee.

On the policy and advocacy front, the most recent committee discussions were largely been about the government’s roadmap for reopening, with members generally viewing it as a very conservative plan.

This view was especially held by members operating in the small-scale construction space.

Indeed, Housing sector group committee members lamented over the heavy restrictions on extensions and renovations work on occupied dwellings, and the restrictions on the number of tradespeople allowed on site.

Some highlighted the growing economic disparity between regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne as regional Victoria began its reopening a few steps ahead than Melbourne.

There were some wins for Master Builders Victoria members, though.

One was the introduction of a code for secondary dwellings into the state planning provisions to enable the building of small dwellings, either detached or attached, to an existing dwelling on the same lot.

While it will commence as a pilot program in a few local government areas, this is nevertheless a significant step toward greater inclusion of more diverse building types into planning schemes.

Master Builders Victoria has long advocated for secondary dwellings in the belief that it is a viable option in addressing housing affordability issues and promoting good urban density.

Importantly, it appears that secondary dwellings will be considered a VicSmart class which will mean an efficient planning permit process and less red tape.

It is energising to see new participation on the committees, as they will bring in new ideas and perspectives and ensure that Master Builders Victoria continues to understand the diverse needs and concerns of our members.

2020 has been a very difficult year for the industry and so the committees will be looking into 2021 with strong determination to have the building and construction industry operating to its fullest capacity.

Volume 75 Issue 04

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Digital check-ins now part of daily life at Porter Davis Homes Digital check-ins at Porter Davis display homes and construction sites are now part of daily life, as restrictions are eased across Victoria. The company is using the 1Breadcrumb app which was developed in record time at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It comes at a time when construction and property development companies are able to return to full capacity work and are embracing a digital solution for on-site workers to replace time-consuming paperwork check-ins along with the need for an increased level of safety and compliance required to ensure safe working environments.

1Breadcrumb has been developed as a one-touch solution for addressing these safety needs, allowing tradies to safely check in and check out of worksites and digitizing onsite communications and OHS requirements. Customers are also able to safely visit displays by contactless check in using the 1Breadcrumb app or QR code.

The 1Breadcrumb developers responded to an urgent call from construction businesses that needed a simple, digital solution that allows them to monitor who is on site and to communicate with these tradespeople safely and securely.

General Manager of Sales and Marketing Shaun Patterson said Porter Davis Homes, a Master Builders Victoria member, was the first builder to implement 1Breadcrumb across their display homes and

52 | Master Builders Victoria

“

We cannot expect for life to revert to the way it was before coronavirus…

Digital check-ins and check-outs are becoming part of the post-pandemic normal.”

construction sites back when the pandemic started taking hold in Australia.

“It’s vital to our industry that we can quickly and confidently trace affected workers if we discover any COVID-19 cases,” Shaun said.

1Breadcrumb Founder Paul Willison said the construction industry can only return to full capacity if builders and developers feel confident in quickly tracing affected workers if there’s another outbreak.

“Businesses need to be able to access an array of information including who has been on site, for how long, and who they interacted with – to prevent another outbreak” he said.

“1Breadcrumb was developed using GEO fencing technology, allowing construction companies to easily and securely manage an effortless and automated check-in process while ensuring the privacy of on-site workers and providing seamless communications.”

Willison says the construction industry currently spends hours using manual, paper-based safety

compliance and communication processes for all onsite tradespeople.

To ensure they companies quickly trace anyone who has been in contact with a site visitor diagnosed with coronavirus 1Breadcrumb digitalizes this process within seconds, allowing seamless site management and communications.

“Furthermore, 1Breadcrumb allows people diagnosed with COVID-19 to quickly and easily check their history to see where they’ve been and contact those businesses or the authorities,” Willison said.

“We cannot expect for life to revert to the way it was before COVID-19,” Willison said.

“1Breadcrumb allows it’s industry partners to get back to work in a safe, compliant and effortless through the use of digital site briefings, in app communications and in app integrations linking to all products.”

Porter Davis homes has implemented 1Breadcrumb across their construction sites as well as display home’s which have recently been allowed to open under the recent ease of restrictions.

Patterson adds, “1Breadcrumb has been crucial to the safe opening of our displays as well as the continued operation of construction sites; it provides a level of comfort to both our customers and employees.”

For more information and to access an exclusive Master Builders member benefit, visit www.1breadcrumb.com/ MBAV/ and enter the discount code MBAV1BC20.

Volume 75 Issue 04

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PTA delivers stunning Tote Park P

TA Landscapes are excited to announce the opening of Tote Park.

Tote Park is spectacular 5000m2 park for the benefit of Club Members, future Moonee Valley Park residents and the local community.

The new front door to the Moonee Valley Racecourse, it is the first publicly accessible space that has been completed within the $2B Moonee Valley Park development. Evoking the charm of a large village green, the park is spread over half a hectare, with a spacious rolling lawn, picturesque views and Tote Dining & Bar which sets the tone for a botanicalinspired residential development.

The development is a joint venture among Host Plus, Moonee Valley Racing Club and developer Hampton.

Designed by Tract Consultants, Tote Park features stunning flower beds containing more than 4000 plants, serpentine gardens, a nature inspired playground for families, and open grassy lawns where locals can relax, unwind and get active.

Taking pride of place at the entrance of the racecourse and welcoming all visitors for generation to come is a magnificent bronze statue of the legend Cox Plate winner, Winx with jockey Hugh Bowman, titled WINX IV. Acclaimed Melbourne artist Louis Laumen was commissioned to capture the iconic image of Winx and

54 | Master Builders Victoria

Hugh as they crossed the finishing line in their fourth Cox Plate victory in 2018.

The 1:25 life-size statue, weighing 1.5 tonne, took more than 20 months to complete and has been set on a bluestone pedestal in the newly created Tote Park,

which will be the centrepiece of the Moonee Valley Park development in years to come.

Tote Park also contains another important piece of racing history, the new horseshoe memorial over the remains of champion thoroughbred Manikato.

Volume 75 Issue 04

ADVERTISING FEATURE The children’s section of Tote Park includes a ‘nature playground’ for families and features a lavender maze, timber crawl-throughs, interactive sculptures, climbing frames, sound tubes, a sand play area and imagination-play florist shop, all to encourage little ones to interact with the natural environment.

“I wanted to say a big well done and thank-you to everyone involved with this project,” Tract Consultants principal landscape architect Kylie Jordan said.

“It has been three years in the making and a truly collaborative, team effort — from the client and consultants through to contractors on site.

“In what was an already difficult site and though out a very ‘challenging’ year, the team at PTA Landscapes have delivered a terrific project in a seamless manner.”Tote Park is also be a blank canvas for an exciting calendar of future community activaties and events, whether it be outdoor yoga classes, group fitness training, live music or culinary exhibitions.

Renovations are under way on the heritage listed Tote building which was built in 1931 and is being restored to it’s former glory and re-purposed into a contemporary food and beverage offering.

PTA Landscapes meticulously constructed the Park over a six-month period throughout COVID restrictions.

“The project is a credit to our fantastic landscape team,” PTA Landscapes director Andrew Wilson said.

“To be able to deliver this significant project, with such high quality, within the time frame considering strict COVID restrictions, reinforces our teams professionalism and high quality approach.

“We look forward to the park establishing and the communities positive interactions with the built

environment for years to come.”

“PTA Landscape should be super proud, the park is outstanding and the Project team and thrilled with how it all turned out,” Hampton Property marketing & PR manager Danielle Caruso said.

BUILDING LANDSCAPES OF EXCELLENCE Tote Park, Moonee Valley

PTA LANDSCAPES PTY LTD 14 RAMAGE STREET BAYSWATER, VICTORIA, 3153

Volume 75 Issue 04

PHONE: 03 9720 0113 EMAIL: INFO@PTALANDSCAPES.COM.AU WEB: WWW.PTALANDSCAPES.COM.AU

Master Builders Victoria |

55

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

EVENTS CALENDAR Upcoming events for members FEBRUARY Trade Event, Albury

Regional Apprentice Awards, Gippsland Gippsland Golf Day

MARCH Regional Apprentice Awards, Ballarat International Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Event Regional Apprentice Awards, North East Regional Apprentice Awards, Bendigo Regional Apprentice Awards, Western (Warrnambool) Regional Apprentice Awards, Geelong Industry Breakfast Trade Event, Caulfield

APRIL

Trade Event, Port Melbourne Trade Event, Traralgon (4.30 pm start)

56 | Master Builders Victoria

MAY

Trade Event, Ballarat State Apprentice of the Year Awards Trade Event, Preston Industry Breakfast

JUNE

Regional Building Awards, North East Regional Building Awards, South West Trade Event, Wheelers Hill Regional Building Awards, North West

JULY

Regional Building Awards, South East Trade Event, Wonthaggi (4.30pm start) Trade Event, Taylors Lakes

Trade Event, Bendigo Green Living Conference

SEPTEMBER

Industry Breakfast Trade Event, Ringwood

OCTOBER

Trade Event, Moorabbin Excellence in Housing Awards Trade Event, Mornington

NOVEMBER Trade Breakfast, Shepparton

AUGUST

Trade Breakfast, Geelong Excellence in Construction Awards

Volume 75 Issue 04

NEWS

$2.2 billion infrastructure spend to kick-off Suburban Rail Loop O

n 16 November, the Victorian Government announced $2.2 billion of budget funding for initial and early works of Stage One of the Suburban Rail Loop.

Master Builders Victoria supports major infrastructure projects such as the Suburban Rail Loop, and we welcome this announcement from the Victorian Government. The need for greater transport infrastructure in our state is well established. Master Builders Victoria has consistently advocated for this type of investment, which provides the pipeline of projects and jobs that our industry needs. It also helps address the future transport needs of the Victorian population, and the liveability for which Melbourne is world-renowned.

Volume 75 Issue 04

Stage One of the project will link Cheltenham to Box Hill via rail, with works starting in 2022.

The funding will purchase land, upgrade roads and power supply, build new sub-stations, relocate and protect gas, water and other utilities, and deliver other vital works to prepare for major construction.

A pre-qualification will now go out to the market ahead of Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the Stage One initial and early works package being released by the end of the year.

Members may also be interested in the locations of the six stations that will be built in Stage One, both for the builds of the new stations themselves, and future residential building planning.

The six ‘new’ stations will be the conversion of four existing stations (Cheltenham, Clayton, Glen Waverley and Box Hill) into interchange stations connected to the loop, while the two stand-alone new stations will be Monash and Burwood. Indicative locations are: • Cheltenham: near Southland, underneath Sir

William Fry Reserve • Clayton: north of Carinish Road (also connecting

regional rail lines) • Monash: next to Monash University • Glen Waverley: central to Glen Waverley activity

centre • Burwood: next to Deakin University • Box Hill: central to Box Hill activity centre

Master Builders Victoria |

57

A NEW ERA FOR SHOWERS IN AUSTRALIA

Thermostatic showers popular in the UK and many European countries for nearly 30 years are now available in Australia through Therm-Oz Showers Pty Ltd. The Australian standard for this type of shower valve (AS4032.4) is now in the WaterMark scope and the AS/NZS3500.4:2018 Plumbing code. The Therm-Oz thermostatic shower valve is fully WaterMark approved, Licence WMK26224 and can be legally installed, with a five-year guarantee.

A thermostatic shower mixes water to a set constant temperature, even if other taps, toilets or washing machines are in use. If the cold-water supply to the shower were to fail, the shower will instantly shut off, preventing any chance of scalding.

The shower is turned on with a simple twist of the right handle, using a quarter turn ceramic disc valve. The temperature is controlled by rotating the left handle and limited to 38째C as a safety feature by an override stop button. Depressing this safety button allows the user to rotate to

ADVERTORIAL a higher temperature up to 45째C maximum, or rotate the handle in the opposite direction for a cooler shower.

Cool-Touch technology ensures a low surface temperature of the valve, safe to touch or hold while showering. The surface temperature will not exceed 20째C when operating at 38째C. Therm-Oz is ideal for families with young children, the elderly as well as those who require assistive care while still giving that desired European styling for family bathrooms and ensuites.

This new product is a safer choice for your home and more water efficient, as water is not wasted while manually adjusting temperatures. There are no electrics; it is simply a far more efficient way of mixing hot and cold water.

The Therm-Oz thermostatic shower valve is available with or without the chrome slide rail, handset, hose and soap dish.

There are many choices of shower kits and combinations available such as overhead rain heads with a diverter for a handset.

For new building projects the thermostatic shower valve is supplied with a fixing bracket that allows the positioning of the shower on the wall, giving

the correct spacing for pipes.

These are NB-CT100 without slide rail and handset kit, and NB001 supplied with slide rail and handset kit.

Therm-Oz also offers a Reno Kit that replaces any two-tap manual shower over to thermostatic with no pipework or tiling alterations.

It can be fitted vertically or horizontally and is suitable for all tap spacings between 230mm down to 80mm apart. These are RK-CT100 without slide rail and handset kit, and RK001 supplied with slide rail and handset kit.

Therm-Oz Showers is a WA based company, supplying nationally to the plumbing merchants of Australia. Therm-Oz Showers is a Member of the Master Plumbers Association, Assistive Technology Suppliers Australasia and was a finalist in the HIA Housing awards WA 2018 in the Industry and Product Innovation category.

This is a new era for showers in Australia, whether you are building, reconfiguring or renovating, please visit the ThermOz website.

FURTHER INFORMATION: Phone 0439 196 441 Email info@therm-oz.net.au Website www.therm-oz.net.au Youtube https://youtu.be/ JHYrdbVhO4o

FULLY APPROVED

Thermostatic Shower Mixing Valves ATURE R E P M CE TE

AS4032.4:2014 Lic WMK26224 SAI Global

URFA

LOW S

A NEW & SAFER CHOICE FOR YOUR HOME Renovations & New Build Projects

Available with or without Handset & Slide Rail

AS/NZS3500.4:2018 Compliant

WWW.THERM-OZ.NET.AU

In accordance with AS/NZS 6400

Licence No. 1834 Therm-Oz Showers Pty Ltd

2020 EDITION

BUILD SOURCE

PRODUCT INNOVATION GUIDE

Don’t wreck it it!

Goop is an Innovative and unique way to protect a wide range of surfaces and products. Goop is a protect o t peelable temporary protective y a w e nd uniqu cts. Goop is a a e v i t a v no that paint and produon like n incoating nd rolls a s e c that rolls a f g r n u i s t f a o o ve c removal. angepeels off tectieasy ofor r p oval. y r m a e r r o y s p a m e r e te els off fo e p d n a ous t Guys Australian azardmade, painGoop h n o n , de alian ma tecproducts r t s u A non-hazardous can be s uy pro t o t d e s u an be to protect ts cused • Windows s e • Floors s i h c n A fr • Bathtubs e l B a l i a v a • Benchtops

R128338AA

AustrAliA’s leAding temporAry surfAce protection coAtings

Goo Goo a wi Goop a wid apeel wid peel on li peel on li on li Goo Goo prod Goop prod prod

BUILD SOURCE

op is an innovative and unique way to protect op is an innovative and unique way to protect ide of surfaces products.

Goop is a p isrange an innovative andand unique way to protect de range of surfaces and products.

Goop is a lable temporary protective coatingGoop that rolls de range of surfaces and products. is a lable temporary protective coating that rolls ike paint and peels off for easy removal. lable temporary protective coating that rolls ike paint and peels off for easy removal. ikeGuys paintAustralian and peelsmade, off for non-hazardous easy removal. op op Guys Australian made, non-hazardous ducts can be used to protect p Guys Australian made, non-hazardous ducts can be used to protect ducts can be used to protect

Save time and money with Window Goop

S

ick and tired of having damaged or dirty windows on the building site? Have you ever asked yourself “How can I protect windows from building debris on the construction site?”. The answer is quite simple – Window Goop.

Not only is the clean-up time-consuming it can also be costly – particularly if damage necessitates replacing badly damaged glass – costing both time and money.

Window Goop is a cost-effective, water-based peelable protective glass coating designed for the temporary protection of window glass and aluminium joinery during construction.

Window Goop has successfully protected thousands of square metres of windows during construction.

It is a non-toxic and environmentally friendly liquid glass protective coating that is suitable for glass surfaces including Low E coated glass.

Low E glass or low emissivity glass is an amazing product for keeping out heat and UV light – it can be incredibly expensive to install and therefore expensive

Volume 75 Issue 04

to replace should it be scratched or damaged on the job site.

With the cost of low e glass creeping up to $400-$500 a square metre, it pays to ensure that it’s protected in the best possible way on the job site.

Window Goop is the perfect product to cover low e glass as it’s specifically designed to protect windows and glass from paint, grout, plaster and concrete splatter and the amount used can be adjusted to suit the job.

Window Goop is a roll-on, peel off window protection film that protects windows from all manner of material found on a construction site.

The fact that it can be rolled on means that whatever shaped glass you have (square, round or cut to order) Window Goop can easily be applied to the entire surface.

Many glass protection solutions often leave a mark or residue when you peel or scrape off the coating from the window; because Window Goop contains cleaning

products, this helps keep the substrates it is protecting totally clean during the construction phase.

Window Goop has been tested for 12 months external exposure at 100um thickness; this more than exceeds the duration of most construction projects so the windows will be protected as long as the trades are on site.

If required for longer protection, WindowGoop may be left longer externally if applied thicker.

Master Builders Victoria |

61

BUILD SOURCE

Greenzone continues to innovate in termite management G

reenzone has been making lots of noise lately mainly due to the fact they are pro-actively working toward delivering innovative products to the termite management space.

“2019/20 has been a big year for Greenzone we have launched multiple products, just when COVID-19 hit we launched our perimeter termite management film. This now provides a complete Termite Management System with Greenzone products .We have the construction joint foam , Socks to treat penetrations in various sizes and now the Termite Management Film in multiple widths to suit any kind of construction and rebates on

GREENZONE® SOCKS FOR PENETRATIONS

slabs . The feedback we have had from builders and applicators has been amazing they Love the stuff”.

We receive phone calls every week from builders enquiring about the construction joint foam and trying to find someone who installs the product. So, we have made it easy for builders find our Greenzone accredited applicators by introducing to the website the find an accredited applicator function on the front page. It is just another way we can connect our customers and help builders get the service they need.

“I personally take calls from builders every week asking for a little bit more information about the

GREENZONE® PERIMETER SYSTEM

product and just wanting to find someone who can install our products for them. So, this was a no brainer, at Greenzone we are committed to innovation and customer satisfaction,” concluded Stewart Paterson Business Development manager.

GREENZONE® STICKY BACK EXPANSION FOAM

GREENZONE® COMPLETE TERMITE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM More and more pest controllers are using Greenzone’s complete Pre-construction system for: Residential Builds Commercial Builds, Factories, Aged Care, Schools Renovations to Existing Properties

Why? One product, multiple uses.

Builders love it, Pest controllers love installing it !

Aus Design Aus Innovation Aus Company

Find your local accredited applicator at GREENZONEBARRIER.COM

62 | Master Builders Victoria

Volume 75 Issue 04

BUILD SOURCE

An unwavering commitment to quality T

here is no denying that in order to become a master of your craft, years must be sent dedicated to perfecting and honing your skills.

Such is the case for Frank Weber of Harbour Concreting Services who boasts over 40 years experience in the construction industry.

Having spent over four decades in the sector, Frank’s insights into the industry are unparalleled and as a result, his clients greatly benefit.

Registered as a DB-L and DB-U with the Victorian Building Authority, Frank’s vast and wide-reaching experience enables him to spot issues and errors as soon as they arise, allowing for a more efficient process overall.

Frank and his team specialise in house slab construction and multi-unit site development, also boasting the skills and equipment to complete bored

pier holes, screw piling, suspended slabs and all other general concreting works.

Since their inception in 2006, Harbour Concreting Services has cultivated an enviable reputation thanks to the team’s commitment to go above and beyond for each and every client and this is evidenced in their great number of repeat customers.

With a keen focus on continued professional development and an unwavering dedication to providing the best possible product, Harbour Concreting Services will only continue to stamp their mark on the construction industry and prove that the greatest key to business success is a truly customercentric approach.

• C oncrete House Slab Specialists

• B ored Pier Holes and Screw Piles • B ondek and Suspended Slabs

CR135375AA

• M ulti Unit Site Development

• Site Cuts

Harbour Concreting Services 6 Keppler Circuit Seaford VIC 3198

Volume 75 Issue 04

PO Box 686 Patterson Lakes VIC 3197

Phone: (03) 9770 8224 Mobile: 0418 138 820 Fax: (03) 9770 8225 Email: admin@harbourconcrete.com.au Website: www.harbourconcrete.com.au

CDB-L 50966 | CDB-U 51487 DB-L 36395 | CB-L 44355 DB-U 44358

Master Builders Victoria |

63

• Building Law • Mediation • Building Law • Appearances at and other Court venues • VCAT Mediation • Legal Advice for Builders

• Appearances at VCAT • Business Structures and other Court venues • Asset Protection

CR132526AA

• Legal Advice Builders Telephone: (03)for 9009 5800 Facsimile: (03) 9009 5899

• Business Structures Level 4, 530 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000 • Asset Also atProtection Mitcham by appointment only.

Email: wre@wrelawyers.com.au

Telephone: (03) 9009 5800 Web: www.wrelawyers.com.au Facsimile: (03) 9009 5899 Level 4, 530 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Also at Mitcham by appointment only.

Email: wre@wrelawyers.com.au Web: www.wrelawyers.com.au

Melbourne’s waterproofing gurus • All Wet Areas • Showers • Shower Repairs • Decks • Planter Boxes • Balconies • Shower, Balcony and Deck Design • Roof Top Gardens/Terraces • Fish Ponds • Underground Tanking • Remedial Work • Consultancy Work • Underground Carparks

Licenced Commercial and Domestic Waterproofing

64 | Master Builders Victoria

C&D

WATERPROOFING

0418 999 876 www.cdwaterproofing.com.au enquiries@cdwaterproofing.com.au

Volume 75 Issue 04

CR138182AA

GLASS BRICK COMPANY The complete ‘Glass Brick Specialists’  FRAMES  DIY KITS  PREFABS  INSTALLATION  FIRE RATINGS

phone Sydney/nSW: 02 9620 9055 Melbourne/VIC: 03 9703 1530

Volume 75 Issue 04

eMAIL nSW: nsw@glassbrickcompany.com.au VIC: info@glassbrickcompany.com.au

WeBSITe www.glassbrickcompany.com.au ACn 116 139 970 | ABn 19 310 920 095

Master Builders Victoria |

65

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• Comprehensive digital media coverage and promotion Emily Bosman 07 4690 9303

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Ph: 9768 3944 16 Healey Rd, Dandenong South, VIC 3175 sales@aspectwindows.com.au www.aspectwindows.com.au

66 | Master Builders Victoria

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Volume 75 Issue 04

‘

BEAMS — providing software to transform you from ‘average’ to a ‘professional & profitable’ construction business!

’

ATO certifie Single d for To Payrolluch

The only completely integrated software system available today — will help take your construction business to the next level.

With BEAMS, there is no need to switch between other programs when estimating, quoting or keeping track of your accounts.

BEAMS was designed for the construction industry in 1989 and the software is now used by many companies in many sectors.

Features include;

Unlike others systems in the market, BEAMS is a complete, fully integrated Estimating, Scheduling and Accounting system with the addition of a Mobile application to deal with all the supervisor’s onsite activities. This means no double up of processes or information as it flows seamlessly from one section of the program to the next — saving time and frustration.

• CAD Image for fast accurate on screen take offs.

BEAMS also allows you more control over your data, allowing you to store your valuable data locally rather than relying on internet connections or cloud based applications.

• Full Accounting including auto BAS, Cashflow and WIP.

Ask about our no-obligation free demo!

• CRM with direct email leads and customer portal.

• Quotes Register and auto Addenda selections.

• Purchase Orders and integrated Variations.

• Progress Claims, Percentage Claims and Retentions.

• Job Cost control with security settings for overpayments.

• BEAMS Companion for onsite construction time line scheduling.

• Document Storage for emails, letters, images etc.

Full integration and functionality streamlines your entire business.

Provides fast quotes, documents, scheduling, purchase orders and reports – anytime, anywhere.

Delivers fully detailed quotes in just 30 minutes.

Suits sole trader sub-contractors right up to Top 100 Builders.

Building Estimation & Management Software

1300 040 446

Still the No. 1 choice for construction industry software in Australia

AUSTRALIAN MADE AND OWNED

AUSTRALIAN MADE AND OWNED

www.beamsbuild.com.au

A BETTER WAY TO BUILD A ROOF More smart thinking from the company that makes builder productivity its business.

PRYDA SPEEDTRUSS™ PRECISION AND SPEED ON-SITE Roof installation systems don’t come any smarter than Pryda SpeedTruss.

Pryda SpeedTruss is a new approach to roof truss installation, enabling builders to work faster, easier, safer and altogether smarter. Pryda SpeedTruss is like an assembly kit – everything just goes together. Position a truss, swing it out, and screw it down. Job done. Clever truss assemblies, including pre-installed hinges and pre-installed screw arrangements, reduce installation time by removing temporary fixing.

SAVE A DAY’S WORK – EVEN MORE Pryda SpeedTruss saves an entire day’s work (based on the roof of a typical detached house).

Pryda’s truss assemblies minimise work on site while helping plumb and straighten girders automatically, saving even more time.

No more temporary fixes, short-term bracing, skew nailing or final connections, such as multi-grips (subject to design criteria).

STAND IT UP

FASTER AND EASIER Position and stabilise girder trusses effortlessly, and permanently fix each truss the moment it’s installed. Pryda’s pre-installed 150mm or 200mm screw makes short work of permanently connecting each truss to the wall frame top plate.

Exclusive to Pryda, builders have a total system to simplify roof truss installation.

SWING IT OUT

WORK SAFER AT HEIGHTS Pryda SpeedTruss components let you fix everything into place at or below the top plate – all from the safety of a step ladder.

See the system in action, scan the QR code.

AVAILABLE ONLY FROM PRYDA TRUSS SUPPLIERS PRYDA.COM.AU

SCREW IT DOWN