BGC Bulletin - December 2022

Jason Lim Clay Performance

Jason Lim, one of Singapore’s master ceramists, produced an original standalone performance work exclusively at Boola Bardip, using 2.5 tonnes of clay donated by Midland Brick.

READ MORE ON PAGE 10

READ MORE ON PAGE 22

Building the Future

New Traineeship and Apprenticeship Programs are now available.

READ MORE ON PAGE 6

Daniel Cooper, Chief Executive Officer

The year end is rapidly approaching and for everyone at BGC this is our busiest period in the lead up to a Christmas break. We must keep safety front of mind particularly while there is so much activity.

Our behavioural based safety program “True North” is being progressively rolled out across the group with a key message around maintaining focus on the task at hand and clearing your mind from all the distractions you have.

A huge thank you to our many volunteer training facilitators for the program. These individuals have chosen to learn the material, attend facilitator training and present to their workplaces. For many it was their first-time facilitating workshops and presenting to groups.

We all know that to meet our growing customer requirements we have to keep developing our

skilled labour base. This year we announced a Western Australian industry first partnership with SEDA College. Together we have created a Year 11 and 12 Construction and Trade Program for aspiring new industry employees. The program commences in 2023 and students will gain practical experience and learn about all aspects of the construction industry from mining raw materials and creating building products through to building practices on site. If you have a family member or friend interested in an exciting career learning pathway, contact SEDA on 9486 6260 or info@seda.wa.edu.au.

In Western Australia, in particular, labour shortages have proven very challenging, especially for our building companies. Build time frames for houses have extended as trade shortages in certain areas have restricted our capacity to deliver. Labour shortages in WA are not unique to our industry with many other sectors facing the same challenges. These shortages however are acute in the residential

first partnership with SEDA College.

have created a Year 11 and 12 Construction and

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

“We all know that to meet our growing customer requirements we have to keep developing our skilled labour base. This year we announced a Western Australian industry

Together we

Trade Program for aspiring new industry employees.”

building sector. There are a range of activities that our housing team have enacted to address these shortfalls. Not the least of which has been the trade apprenticeship programs which have led to over 150 apprentices and trainees employed with BGC and our subcontract partners.

In another exciting first, BGC have partnered with Woodside in a project to operate 5 new hydrogen/electric powered concrete agitators at our Naval Base Concrete Plant. These vehicles operate with a hydrogen fuel cell which, through the process of combining hydrogen with oxygen from the atmosphere creates electricity to power the truck’s battery electric drive train. The only output being water.

The current plan is for operation of the Hydrogen refueller in late 2024 with our vehicles arriving at that time. This project has attracted a lot of interest and will be an important trial for us as we determine the pathways to reduce our carbon usage in transport.

At BGC our total truck fleet completes over 12 million kms per year. Some of our drivers

complete more than 165,000 kms per year on their own. Our drivers see incidents and near misses daily, all while in control of a large heavy vehicle. Just recently one of our concrete agitator drivers took emergency evasive action to avoid a serious accident with a young driver and passenger. One of our stellar drivers prevented certain serious injury through his quick response. I and everyone at BGC have an enormous amount of respect for the skill and professionalism all heavy vehicle operators employ on a daily basis. Thank you and please keep it up!

As we all head off to our respective holiday destinations it is a timely reminder to drive safely and prepare well for your trip by inspecting your vehicle and trailer thoroughly before you begin your journey.

To all our staff, sub-contractors, suppliers, customers and partners have a wonderful Christmas break, relax and enjoy your time with family and friends. I look forward to seeing you back in the New Year for another exciting year in 2023.

“To all our staff, subcontractors, suppliers, customers and partners have a wonderful Christmas break, relax and enjoy your time with family and friends.”

- Daniel Cooper

The Future of the Commercial Vehicle Industry - IAA Transportation Exhibition 2022

The General Manager of BGC Transport, Geoff Conway was lucky enough to recently attend the IAA Transportation Exhibition in Hanover, Germany. From the 20th to 25th of September, commercial brands and businesses from across the globe congregated in one place to showcase the latest in transport and logistics.

The purpose of the trip was to gain a better understanding of what the future or alternative transport vehicles would look like. Most of the major manufacturers are going down the path of using a number of different clean fuels to power the trucks of the future, the three major ones being electric battery powered, hydrogen fuel cells that charge batteries and LNG for the most remote transport tasks.

In addition to attending the IAA Transportation Exhibition, Geoff was also able to visit two of

Volvo’s production facilities in Stockholm and Goteborg, Sweden. The Volvo Group is future focused, concentrated on continuously improving their products and networks with the aim to go 100% fossil free by 2040. The brand is expected to have electric Prime Movers released in Australia in the early part of 2023 as part of this plan.

BGC Transport are looking to have alternative fuel vehicles in the fleet as soon as suitable vehicles are available in the market place. The intention is to have a number of hydrogen powered concrete agitators operating in the next 18 months.

There are exciting times ahead so stay tuned.

Building the future: New Traineeship and Apprenticeship Programs

Apprentices and Trainees have a huge role in shaping the success of BGC. BGC are working closely with our business units to identify opportunities to build our capabilities and future talent through apprenticeship and traineeship programs.

We’re proud to offer a range of apprenticeship and traineeship options, giving future and current employees the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification while earning money at the same time.

BGC Transport is building the capability of its drivers by supporting them to

complete a Certificate III in Driving Operations. To date, we have had 20 drivers completing this program. This program will help all our drivers’ capabilities and qualifications and will be an integral part of the transport career pathway currently being developed.

BGC Quarries with the support from our Trades team and South Metro TAFE, have developed a customised Surface Extraction Operations Traineeship. This traineeship is tailored to meet the requirements of the business and has resulted in three new positions being made available for potential applicants.

BGC Housing Group has been proactively working with our Trades team and North Metro TAFE in engaging in the administrative traineeships space. The Loan Company has engaged two new Trainee Mortgage Brokers, while Administration Managers are working with the Trades team on a Contracts Administration Traineeship.

BGC Precast has been working with our Trades team to help build capacity with form workers, two carpentry apprentices have been identified and are being enrolled to commence their training.

We’re proud to offer future and current employees the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification while earning money at the same time.

“This program makes it far easier for our trainees to understand the opportunities and career pathways they can obtain with BGC.”

Vanessa Gilbert, BGC Learning & Development Manager

We are also planning for a new traineeship program customised for BGC. The Plant Operations Traineeship has been designed in collaboration with manufacturing plant managers and South Metro TAFE. We will commence recruitment process with support from TAFE in the new year.

This program is especially significant as it is designed to expose trainees to multiple BGC businesses – an advantage BGC has with its vertically integrated model. BGC Learning and Development Manager Vanessa Gilbert said that this gives trainees breadth in their development, showcasing the many opportunities and career pathways in manufacturing.

A special thank you to Midland Brick, Affinity Windows, BGC Plasterboard, BGC Cement and BGC Precast for their input into the design of this traineeship and being a part of this new program.

These additional programs along with our current opportunities are helping BGC build the future for more Australians.

Jason Lim Clay Performance

Between the 22 and 26 of October an up-close insight into world of clay sculpting and making was on show at WA Museum Boola Bardip. Jason Lim, one of Singapore’s master ceramists, produced an original stand-alone performance work exclusively at Boola Bardip.

The performance was a project of the Indian Ocean Craft Triennial which continues to link Australian audiences to the cultures, traditions, knowledge, and skills of our regional neighbours, particularly those who build on the traditional skills and mediums of craft practices.

The physically demanding work used 2.5 tonnes of clay donated by Midland Brick with Jason working from 10am to 4pm daily.

Prior to the performance, a lot of planning went into getting this opportunity coordinated. Nathan Blackwell, Raw Materials Manager was involved from the very beginning sending clay samples off to Jason in Singapore to ensure suitability. The team also coordinating the safe delivery of the clay to the performance area.

Thank you to the team at Midland Brick for your commitment and contribution to this project.

Although this performance sculpture is no longer on display at the museum, you can watch the performance and view the sculpture by scanning the QR code.

Filming courtesy Periscope Pictures

Affinity Windows Wins State and National Small Showroom of the Year

It’s been an exciting year for Affinity Windows, having been recognised as the best small showroom in the state and Australia in 2022.

On 12th August, Affinity Windows was awarded WA small showroom of the year at the 2022 Australian Glass and Window Association (AGWA) Gala Awards Dinner held at the Rendezvous Hotel Perth. Only two months later, they were recognised as the best small showroom of the year at the 2022 AGWA NSW State and National Awards Celebration held at L’Aqua Sydney. The Showroom of the Year Award recognised excellence in workmanship, design, functionality, and style of showrooms.

The award-winning showroom was designed by BGC Housing Group Senior Designer Rommel San Jose, with Studio Cult adding extra design appeal with modern décor to assist customers to imagine Affinity Windows products in their home.

The Affinity Windows showroom beat out the competition with its purely customer-centric design. Every aspect of the showroom connects to the target market, providing a complete product selection experience and increasing interest in windows, doors, and glass products.

The unique, angled layout was applauded as an innovative and clever solution to fit the actual sizes of windows and doors in an intimate space and showcase the fine craftsmanship and quality of each product without any alteration for the sake of showcasing in the display. This layout also complements natural customer flow around the showroom, directing them to view the next set of products on display.

“It was a significant achievement to win the awards as the showroom was completed within a tight budget. Thank you to the generous contributions from suppliers whilst we moved from Canning Vale to Jandakot.”

- Karen Iber Marketing & Communications Manager, Affinity Windows

AGWA 2022 WA Small Showroom of the Year

AGWA 2022 National Small Showroom of the Year

Brendan O’Shea and Clinton Skeoch

Featuring left to right: Brendan O’Shea, Boro Cvijanovic,Mitchell Gardiner, Karen Iber, Rachel Hartwig and Rachel Ling

Niro Electric SUV Employee Salary Packaging

BGC have partnered with Summit Fleet to provide salary packaging of motor vehicles. This is available to eligible employees of BGC who are in permanent full or part-time employment and those engaged on 12 months or longer fixed term contracts who are able to salary sacrifice in terms of their current employment or industrial instrument.

The Niro EV is available as part of this partnership. The electric vehicle features SUV versatility, advanced technology, and of course — all-electric efficiency.

Benefits at a glance:

• Your disposable income increases due to the combined reductions in tax you pay on your earnings along with reduced running costs

• The applicable GST you pay on normal running cost stays in your pocket

• All running costs are included and you receive the GST value as a benefit

• Your new vehicle will be sourced by Summit Fleet and you receive the benefit of their Fleet Discount saving you potentially $1,000’s

• Update your car every few years and forget about those expensive unforeseen repair costs after your warranty runs out

Please check our BGC Benefits Platform if you are interested in learning more about Summit Fleet.

West Perth Kicking Goals with support from BGC Housing Group

Since 2020, BGC Housing Group has been proud sponsors of the West Perth Football Club Women’s team. From humble beginnings the West Perth Football Club has provided many young women with the opportunity to play footy and it continues to expand its outstanding women’s program.

BGC Housing Group’s involvement as a major sponsor helps to provide additional resources to the club and players, and an eager fan base, with employees following the ongoing success of the club.

Over the past 3 years, BGC Housing Group has been helping the club in three keyways – through our major sponsorship of the women’s side, through our sponsorship of

the Indigenous program, and our Kurliny Café proceeds.

In 2022, West Perth Falcon’s entered the 2022 Optus WAFL Women’s competition, providing women the opportunity to compete at the highest level within WA.

With pre-season already begun it is exciting to see existing and new talent emerge and work together to build on their skills ahead of the 2023 season.

We hope our sponsorship continues to facilitate the opportunities for women to pursue opportunities in sport and look forward to sharing exciting news early next year.

“We’re incredibly excited to see the club succeed and welcome the opportunity for these women to pursue opportunities in WAFLW or AFLW.”

- Michael Bartier Executive General Manager BGC Housing Group

Leaders Arvind Kondisetti in focus

I started my journey at BGC Cement 8 years ago as an Accountant, and have been fortunate to be provided with the opportunities to grow through various roles in the business. During my career I’ve completed both my Master in Marketing Management and Professional Accounting, MBA and CPA and have drawn on this education to help drive aspects of the continuous program at BGC Cement Business. My hard work over many years at BGC Cement has been recognised and rewarded, and I was recently appointed as the Commercial Manager for BGC Cement and Precast.

In my new role I will oversee the financial performance of both Business Units, working closely with the finance, sales and production teams to develop and implement processes and systems to support further expansion of the business. The role will have a focus on financial planning and analysis, and introduce mechanisms to help better manage and understand our business performance, which will further support us achieving healthier overall performance and margins.

I worked with each department at BGC Cement to roll out formalised purchasing procedures and streamlined the onboarding process of suppliers. This allowed us to capture costs timely, increasing the percentage of purchase orders raised prior to the job and goods requested to significantly reduce double handling. We

have most recently commenced introducing business intelligence tools (Power BI) to aid us in visualising and implementing the flow of data to further support the business. This will be key for us moving forward to continue to improve the systems and processes to increase efficiencies and productivity across the business.

There are two projects I am particularly proud of: the first being the Kalgoorlie Operation. I assisted the Commercial Manager at the time, Ashley Joyce, with the analytics and financial feasibility of the setup and commissioning. This was to help set up the right framework and platform to have a physical presence in Kalgoorlie which meant we were able to significantly increase our market share in the Goldfields.

The second project was the consolidation of the BGC Cement operations to one site to optimise operational efficiencies. I took an active role in the financial modelling and analysis for the Canning Vale to Naval Base move, assisting the broader team in making sound commercial decisions in what was a large-scale project for the BGC Group. We ensured all critical personnel across each department - sales, logistics, forklift drivers, mill operators, maintenance and truck drivers were consulted to execute this major project safely, efficiently on time and on budget.

From a personal perspective, the support, guidance, and engagement from the leaders at BGC Cement has led me to my current position

I am very grateful to work in a healthy culture with a great family environment where we engage with people and their growth. I’m a strong believer that individual growth depends on the team around them and I’m a better person and employee today because of the people supporting me to be my best. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has played a significant role in supporting my career development.

“I am very grateful to work in a healthy culture with a great family environment where we engage with people and their growth.”

BGC Plasterboard supports WorldSkills Competition and SkillsWest Careers & Employment Expo

BGC Plasterboard was proud to support the annual WorldSkills Competition and SkillsWest Careers & Employment Expo this year. AWCI WA, the host of the expo, is the principal organisation advocating the interests of contractors, suppliers and manufacturers in the wall and ceiling industries in Western Australia. Highly regarded by both the members and industry it serves, BGC is a proud national sponsor.

The expo took place on August 25th-27th, with the aim to raise the status of over 50 skilled vocations and bring the five WA regions (Perth North, Perth South, South West WA, North West WA and the Goldfields) together in competition. Visitors got to witness the state’s best trainees and apprentices go head-tohead in high a pressure skills competition. In addition to this excitement, attendees were invited to try out trades, chat to industry experts and learn about vocational education and training on offer.

With 6,000 people through the doors on the first day, the expo was packed. The AWCI

video, ‘The Best Kept Secret’ was on display for the 15,000 visitors who attended for the three days. AWCI WA ran a Try a Trade Booth, with our representatives engaging with many students, teachers and parents interested in the ceiling and wall industry.

A huge thank you to Field Sales Manager, Don Behets, for his efforts helping with the setup and pack down while also manning the Try a Trade desk with one arm out of action. He offered much valued industry insight, career information and advice to students at the expo.

Highly regarded by both members and industry it serves, BGC is a proud national sponsor of AWCI WA.

Containers for Change to reduce waste and build a sustainable future

BGC is the first corporation that has successfully implemented the ‘Containers for Change’ across multiple locations in WA. The ‘Containers for Change’ bins have arrived at all BGC sites. If a drink container has a 10c mark it is eligible and should be placed in the ‘Containers for Change’ bin. Each business unit will have the opportunity to select a charity for the donations to be directed to.

Containers for Change started on 1st October 2020, since then, almost 1.5 billion 10c containers have been kept out of landfill and recycled. That is enough to wrap around the earth 6.8 times! More than 800 jobs have been created and $5 million in refunds has been donated to sporting clubs, schools, Men’s Sheds, community groups and charities such as The Royal Flying Doctor Service and Lifeline.

A huge thank you to Cyndi Mulders from Midland Brick and Marina Gilbertson, our BGC ESG Coordinator, for implementing this initiative. Various worthy charities have been picked by BGC Staff to receive donations, including Mates in Construction WA, Midland

Women’s Health Care Place, Bunbury Soup Van, Street Friends WA and KalgoorlieBoulder Community Garden.

“We want to make good on the potential in all West Aussies to recycle their containers, so those containers can reach their potential to live another life.”

Containers for Change

Building Industry Reform Package 2022 –BGC lobbies MBA

The building and construction industry of Western Australia is currently experiencing unprecedented times which many analysts have described as a “profitless boom” with no foreseeable end. The unpredicted surge in demand since 2020 has exposed underlying issues with standard procurement methods (in both the private and public sector projects), the use of nonstandard contract formats, contract payment terms and timing.

BGC Construction, along with a handful of other builders, initiated reform discussions with the Master Builders Association of Western Australia. As a result, MBA WA has prepared the Building Industry Reform Package 2022 which seeks to promote initiatives to establish a more sustainable building and construction industry for all within Western Australia.

This reform addresses:

• Improved procurement processes

• Standardised form of contracts

• Provision for cost escalation in contracts

• Improved payment conditions

• Improved administration of contracts

• Enforcement of a 5-day work week

The Reform Package has been issued to the State Government for endorsement and once approved, will be rolled out to the private sector.

The recommendations put forward are to be applied from January 2023.

The Building Industry Reform Package 2022 echoes the Master Builders Association of WA 2022 Strategic Plan objectives which calls for “Forward-thinking and committment to the growth of the building and construction industry.

The 18 recommendations put forward are to be applied from January 2023. Some of the recommendations are:

1. Equivalent Builder Model

The inequitable process of “open tenders” (potential for an unlimited number of tenderers) should be strongly discouraged. Participating builder tender list should be a restricted number constrained to a maximum of 4 participating organisations.

2. Balanced Tender Assessment

That there is a comprehensive and fair assessment of both quantitative and qualitative criteria considered of equal value to the Principal. The qualitative criteria weighted scores should be assessed first to remove any potential bias. Assessment feedback is to be provided to each builder.

3. Restricted Tender Validity Period

To be limited to a maximum of 30 days from the tender submission.

4. Utilising Standard Form Contracts

Utilise standard form contract agreements maintaining balanced risk sharing between the parties. They should be appropriately updated to reflect market condition changes over time.

5. Equivalent Builder Mode

The inequitable process of “open tenders” should be strongly discouraged. Participating builder tender list should be a restricted number constrained to a maximum of 4 participating organisations.

6. Provision for Price Escalation

Cost escalation and clause assessment methodology is required in contracts for a fair adjustment for true additional costs.

7. Enforcement of a 5-day week industry

It is recommended that Principals (both in the private and public sector) consider the universal benefits to the building and construction industry to deliver all project types within a 5-day a week works program.

Read the full Building Industry Reform Package 2022:

True North BGC’s in-house Behavioural Safety Program

As part of BGC’s Group Health & Safety Strategy, we are excited to introduce the next step in BGC’s safety journey – the True North Behavioural Safety Program.

True North is not your typical safety training program. Developed by BGC for BGC, in collaboration with Dr. Ali Dale (Clinical Psychologist), the program helps participants to understand the key cognitive behaviours which influence our approach to safety, and become personally invested in the safety and wellbeing of their workmates.

The program will be rolled out across the entire BGC Group. It consists of four modules delivered 6-8 weeks apart, as represented by the points on the compass.

The success of the program relies on the support from volunteers from our workforce,

who are trained in facilitation skills to deliver key messages to their peers.

Congratulations and thank you to our Master Facilitators from BGC Cement and BGC Plasterboard who have shown exceptional bravery and skill, in successfully delivering our first module, B’Brave, to their entire business.

Our growing team of facilitators attend a structured three-day workshop to learn valuable skills that are both rewarding and beneficial for professional and personal growth.

If you are interested in becoming a Master Facilitator for our True North program, please contact your HSE Manager for further information.

Just as a compass helps you find your way, True North keeps us on track and pulls us forward towards our goal to becoming a truly safe and high performing organisation.

This program is a major investment by BGC to continually improve and help us build safety into everything we do. Keep an eye out for your invitation to attend an in-person workshop soon. We look forward to sharing more on the progress of the True North Program in future BGC Bulletin issues.

Danny Cooper speaks to our latest group of Master Facilitators at the October Master Facilitators Course

Jamie McArdle presenting B’Brave at Plasterboard

BGC Cement Master Facilitators ready to present module 1 B’Brave

BGC Concrete Malaga Plant Closes after 34 Years

BGC Concrete’s Malaga Plant closed after 34 years of continuous operations. It will be replaced by new plants at Bassendean (already in operation) and Wangara, opening in the third quarter of 2023.

The first job supplied from Malaga by the newly formed BGC Concrete (trading then as Atlas Premix) was for Avanti Construction, located at Guthrie Street, Osborne Park. The grano was the late Giovanni Murabito ‘Tarzan’. His sons Joe and John are still active today in the construction industry. The pour, approximately 60m3 took place on a hot summer day and was witnessed by Len and Tootsie. We still have one of the original drivers working for the Company, Frank Baron TK52, well done!

Those present that day could have only imagined that the Company would become the largest concrete supplier in the Perth market,

a Company which is central to the success of BGC Cement, BGC Quarries and BGC Transport.

The last load, October 2022, supplied to RD Construction, again into Osborne Park was delivered by Mick Taylor TK60. Malaga, a highvolume plant which supplied many projects including the CBD, Perth Arena and The Westin Hotel. It’s been a fantastic journey shared by many employees in the BGC Concrete team.

We look forward to a positive future, BGC Concrete’s back to basics, customer first approach has enabled the Concrete team to maintain its position in the market, with the addition of a new concrete plant we will ensure moving forward that our service, quality, and business ethos is maintained.

Frank Baron - 34 years at BGC Concrete

Mick Taylor - 22 years at BGC Concrete