BGC Bulletin - Nov 2022

BGC launches Hydrogen fuelled fleet

In collaboration with Woodside Energy, BGC sees Hydrogen powered transport vehicles trialled on WA roads. READ MORE ON PAGE 4

RAP - A journey to understanding

Building the future for more Australians

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Daniel Cooper, Chief Executive Officer

At BGC we aim to continuously improve, it’s one of our core values. We always have room for improvement and are continually seeking better outcomes. It has been pleasing to see the business take the lead with our Behavioural Based Safety Program, True North.

Team members from across the business have volunteered to be facilitators and trainers. In many cases this is the first time they have had presentation training or facilitated a session. Congratulations to each and every one of our facilitators for stepping out of their comfort zone to support the cause. Their commitment will ensure the program succeeds. Early feedback has been extremely positive. Well done to all of our staff that are driving improvement in their workplaces around safety.

Our training and development extends beyond our safety program. We have a range of face to face and online training to build the skills of our

future leaders. This year we have increased our trainees and apprentices to over 150 both at BGC and within our partner sub-contractors. You will also note our SEDA College program, a first for the WA Construction industry in what will be a successful training ground for future Construction and Construction products staff.

However, skilled labour shortages, particularly in the residential construction sector remain a massive challenge for all builders across Australia. It has hampered their ability to build in a timely manner and meet customers needs. We have not been immune to the challenges in residential construction despite having the largest trade base in Western Australia. Through our training and recruitment programs we are slowly but progressively improving and reducing the building backlog. BGC are as incentivised as our clients to see their homes completed as soon as possible. The longer a home is under construction the more that cost escalations impact the build.

In our commercial construction business we have moved away from any new fixed price, lump sum contracts for the same reason. Predicting the future cost escalations to determine an upfront contract value in a market with rising prices and supply chain risks is challenging. Our clients understand the need to share this risk. In WA, the Master Builders Association are well advanced on a Building Reform Package to reflect this approach.

State borders have been reopened for some time. Attracting skilled tradespeople from interstate has proven difficult. All states are busy with both residential and commercial construction. Internationally, migration to WA has improved with 42,000 permanent migrants arriving in the last six months. As yet, we have not seen this flow through to additional skilled construction workers.

The rate of construction output across Australia and New Zealand has presented production and logistics challenges to BGC’s core building materials and products. Our teams have been incredibly busy filling orders and ensuring that our customers’ needs are met.

To deliver for our customers we have continued to invest and improve our capacity. Our Board recently approved the construction of a new high output concrete plant at Wangara. This plant has all approvals and construction starts shortly. You will have seen our ten new quarry road trains with 100t gross combination mass. These vehicles include two sets of live bottom trailers which unload via a conveyor on the floor of the trailer. Our first three double road trains have arrived in Perth and will be on the road shortly.

Our concrete truck fleet has been upgraded with the arrival of ten new 8-wheeler concrete agitators. Shortly we will see the first of our Kenworth 10-wheeler agitators capable of carrying 8.5m3

At Cement we are excited with the commencement of a new clinker storage and unloading facility at Fremantle Ports Kwinana Bulk Terminal. Importantly our new cement tanker sets have arrived and ensure our deliveries across the state get through.

Our improvement in ESG is underpinned by our strategy and initiatives. A “future” map has been prepared and shared with our leaders at our recent annual Leadership Forum.

A focus on diversity and continued learning in this space through cultural awareness sessions and online training has been important as we work to create a safe space at work for everyone at BGC.

We still have a lot to do at BGC but small incremental improvements by every single team member each day ensures that as a group these sum to something significant!

“At BGC we aim to continuously improve, it’s one of our core values. We always have room for improvement and are continually seeking better outcomes.”

- Daniel Cooper

BGC collaborates with Woodside Energy to launch Hydrogen fuelled fleet

BGC welcomed the Premier Hon. Mark McGowan MLA, Deputy Premier Hon. Roger Cook MLA and Minister Alannah McTiernan MLC to our BGC Cement Naval Base facility to announce an exciting collaboration to see Hydrogen powered transport vehicles trialled on WA roads.

Thanks to Woodside’s successful securement of funding from the WA Government’s Renewable Energy Fund, the Hydrogen Refueller @ H2Perth will be established in the Rockingham Industry Zone and lead the way in hydrogen production as a world-scale facility.

“As one of the largest fleet operators in WA, BGC is determined to find sustainable alternatives across the entirety of our vertically integrated supply chain to meet operational net zero targets.”

- Daniel Cooper, BGC Chief Executive Officer

BGC Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Cooper, welcomes the opportunity to work with Woodside, Centurion and the WA State Government to progress the energy innovations needed to keep our industry powered into the future.

“This trial is important to the future of mainstream hydrogen uptake across vehicles and machinery in WA, and we look forward to assessing the performance of these vehicles and sharing our learnings broadly to build the case for wider deployment,” Cooper said.

“Working together on this trial, we will all gain a better understanding of the operational and scalable qualities of this technology on a very practical level.”

Hydrogen is proposed to be produced using a 2-megawatt electrolyser, powered by renewable energy sourced from the South West Interconnected System. Production will be timed to occur during periods of excess solar in the grid and stored on-site.

Hydrogen Refueller @H2Perth will be available to industrial customers, as well as the public. Through the Program, hydrogen is targeted to be made available at a globally competitive price of A$11 per kilogram for a 10year period.

“As one of the largest fleet operators in WA, BGC is determined to find sustainable alternatives across the entirety of our vertically integrated supply chain to meet operational net zero targets. Supply low cost, renewable hydrogen fuel for local customers

The Hydrogen Refueller @H2Perth aims to:

Above: Daniel Cooper, Minister Alannah McTiernan MLC & Shaun Gregory

BGC partners with SEDA College WA to provide opportunity for students

SEDA College WA first became an independent school in 2021, providing an education to over 400 students using the sport and recreation industry as a platform to drive student engagement and success.

Recently, SEDA College WA in partnership with BGC launched a new Construction and Trade program. This will provide industry opportunities and WACE and VET qualifications to Year 11 and 12 students.

The launch evening was a huge success with over 100 guests from

across the industry in attendance. With the Welcome to Country and introduction led by Nicole Gazey, Chairperson of SEDA College WA and an insightful address from Principal Rocky Collins. Rocky emphasised the importance of education and the individual learning approach at SEDA College that provides students with a skillset and knowledge base to be successful in the industry.

The partnership between SEDA College and BGC acknowledges the importance of this unique program in securing apprentices and trades for the

BGC CEO Daniel Cooper says he is delighted to be partnering with SEDA College to provide a unique program for students looking to enter the Construction industry.

Above: David Dodds, Daniel Cooper, Rocky Collins, Michael Bartier & students at SEDA College

future. It is programs like this that are integral in providing young people the pathways and opportunities to grow their skills within the industry.

The evening featured a panel discussion led by Rocky Collins and Graeme Dix. The BGC leaders that joined the panel included Duncan Bosch, Operations Manager at Midland Brick; David Dodds, General Manager of BGC Construction and Michael Bartier, Executive General Manager of BGC Housing Group. The panel shared their industry knowledge and their vision for the future of the industry, and how the program can facilitate this.

The partnership will give SEDA students the opportunity to be part of BGC across various business units. The students will gain construction and manufacturing industry experience, a deeper understanding of career pathways and key skills that are essential for gaining employment in the industry.

Thank you to Midland Brick, BGC Precast, BGC Construction and BGC Housing Group for their continued support of the partnership and providing opportunities for the future generation of the construction industry.

We look forward to growing the next generation of our future trades and industry leaders as we build the future for more Australians.

“Our partnership with BGC enables our College and our students to obtain invaluable insights and learnings from real professionals who are leaders within the industry.”

Rocky Collins (Principal of SEDA College WA)

Above: Graeme Dix, Duncan Bosch, David Dodds and Michael Bartier

RAP - A journey to understanding

The development of BGC’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and our commitment to the broader RAP framework is an important milestone for our company.

Our RAP celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, promotes reconciliation, builds respect and raises cultural awareness. In developing our RAP, we have sought the insights of our team, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, customers and other key stakeholders to develop something meaningful, whilst also recognising that this is a starting point and we will all continue to learn and grow on our reconciliation journey.

Above: Cheryl Martin, Biara Martin, Sam Buckeridge, Rosemary Walley & Danny Ford

To begin our steps to understanding, we have offered online Cultural Awareness Training to all employees at BGC.

BGC Executive General Manager of People Jane Harries said this course fosters learning and valuing culture. “This is a superb course which is highly recommended for all BGC employees,” Harries said.

“The hallmark of a great course is one that delivers content that is honest, factual, insightful, and thought-provoking; this course delivers on all 4 of those.”

As part of our ongoing reconciliation journey, we asked artist Biara Martin, a proud Wadjuk Noongar woman, to create a piece of art that symbolised the importance of reconciliation and our journey as part of the reconciliation movement.

BGC Board Director Sam Buckeridge recently sat with RAP Artist Biara Martin, and two Noongar elders, sharing BGC’s rich history and providing inspiration for the artwork design. The RAP will be submitted to Reconciliation Australia for endorsement in October.

Artwork by: Biara Martin

Toodyay District High School Careers Evening

Nathan Blackwell and Caragh Sinclair from Midland Brick recently took part in the Toodyay District High School Careers Evening. The evening was a great success with over 100 students in attendance from three regional schools, plus other regional schools attending virtually.

BGC and Midland Brick representatives spoke to the students about the various Pathway Programs available within BGC, including the BGC Manufacturing Pathway Program which Midland Brick are proud to be involved in.

There was genuine interest in the BGC and Midland Brick pathways, especially through the SEDA program.

The Midland Brick ‘make your own brick’ station was very popular with the students; they thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to design their own bricks in clay and it added a fun element to the evening.

Midland Brick Operations Manager Duncan Bosch shared how important it is for us to be involved in community events.

“I believe it is important that we make meaningful contributions to the communities in which we operate and Nathan’s initiatives in the regions around our mines are certainly making a difference. Our presence and efforts continue to show Midland Bricks’ commitment to the Toodyay community."

Duncan Bosch Operations Manager, Midland Brick

Affinity Windows secures new builders with NDIS design solution

Affinity Windows welcomes the opportunity to innovatively improve their product designs, to provide unique solutions to help customers.

Recently, Affinity Windows was approached by one of it’s largest builders regarding a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) residential build that required unique technical requirements that were unavailable in the market.

The NDIS is an independent statutory agency that provides support to eligible people with various intellectual, physical, sensory, cognitive, and psychosocial disability. The demand for NDIS disability housing has been generated by federal and state changes to increase the availability of NDIS disability housing.

Affinity Windows recognised the market opportunity to supply products for NDIS disability housing, as suppliers do not manufacture all components in-house therefore this increases the time and cost associated with these products.

As a trend setter of windows and doors in WA, Affinity Windows came up with a

solution by investing the time and technical resources and collaborating with multiple builders, drafts-people and architects.

Since releasing this cost competitive NDIS package many new builders have been quick to request supply including Plunkett Homes, Northerly Group, JFK Custom Homes, La Vida Homes, Shelford Quality Homes, Bella Vista and Motive Building Group.

Affinity Windows is increasing their connection with the needs of the community by making a key difference to people who are seeking increased independent living and mobility into their daily lives and homes.

“A key strength within the Affinity Windows team is the technical knowledge and desire to innovate. Our sales team will look for solution-based options that solve our customers’ needs competitively.”

- Brendan O’Shea Sales & Estimating Manager, Affinity Windows

The Foundation for Indigenous Sustainable Health

BGC is proud to support a transformative partnership with The Foundation for Indigenous Sustainable Health (FISH). FISH was originally established to address the severe housing crisis in Indigenous communities throughout Australia. The model aims to create sustainable and meaningful housing outcomes in the community.

BGC is donating a range of materials including concrete, metal roofing, external and internal bricks, windows, door frames and pest control. These materials will support the build that will become home to Jedda Salmon who is building her first home on the very land that generations of her family cared for over the years.

Jedda is a proud Bindjared woman building her home in Ravenswood. The 22-year-old nursing student has been integral to the design and build of her home, creating a change in housing outcomes for her family and community.

A huge thank you to all the business units involved in this important project, this collaboration with FISH will provide opportunity for the Indigenous community to enter the housing market.

BGC Home Magazine

Issue 4: Home Away From Home

The latest edition of the BGC Home Magazine - Issue 4: Home Away From Home, surrounds travel and the joy in experiencing new cultures, food and traditions. Explore over 130 pages of home and lifestyle inspiration, recipes, travel tips, insights from industry experts and stories local to our Western Australian coastline.

BGC Home Magazine Editor Katherine Potthoff said she believes travel contextualizes and brings to life what you read in books. “Traveling is undoubtedly a way to experience the world and gain a practical education at the same time. Most of us would agree with the value of a formal education but so much of what we learn happens outside the walls of a classroom,” Potthoff said.

“Travel teaches us about history, geography, sociology, economy, and language. By exploring other parts of the world, or even hidden gems in your own country, you become the adventurer and explorer.”

The latest magazine edition sparks the same feel of excitement as when you are planning a trip and provides ideas on how to bring that rejuvenated after holiday feeling into your home through interior design.

This free magazine is available from the BGC Home showroom, BGC Housing Group display homes or online.

Follow the BGC Home socials to be the first to know when it is released @bgc_home

“By exploring other parts of the world, or even hidden gems in your own country, you become the adventurer and explorer.”

- Katherine Potthoff, Editor

Leaders

Steve Stribley in focus

I have been at Midland Brick for over 35 years and have gained experience across various roles working my way up to my current position as Plant Manager at the Middle Swan Clay Brick plant. My journey at Midland Brick began in 1986, working in the yard area of the Middle Swan site. I moved across to Kiln 7/8 Brick machine and performed shift work unloading the kiln as a de-hacker for 3 years.

After gaining experience and training, I progressed into various leadership roles from Shift Supervisor to Day Supervisor which involved overseeing the whole plant operations. I was fortunate to be part of the ‘Commissioning team’ for Kiln 11. During my time, I have worked across all kiln areas, as Kiln 1/6 Manager, Kiln 7/8 Manager and now Plant Manager for Kiln 9/10/11.

My current role is Plant Manager, which involves overseeing the whole plant operations for Kiln 9, 10 and 11. This role involves planning, organising and managing the production operations of the three different kilns. It is highly important that the planning and scheduling works meet production requirements making for safe and effective use of labour, materials, and equipment in the plant.

Kiln 9 is the oldest brick kiln, it has been a huge asset to our success producing some of South Guildford’s product line with a quality rate of 99%. Kiln 11 uses the latest technology and helps with production to supply the high demand in today’s strong market. Kiln 10 is a water sealed Kiln in which the cars travel through water.

With new systems and technologies set to arrive in the coming weeks, this will help to increase production to meet the customer demand in the current market. There are 20 new kiln cars set to arrive and enter kiln 10 in the coming weeks that will help in the fabrication of bricks.

A future upgrade to the setter transfer head on Kiln 9, from hydraulic to servo drive will enable better control and positioning and optimise performance. It is important that we continue to invest in technologies that will allow our workers to safely meet demand within the industry.

The future is bright for up-and-coming leaders and their teams. Those within the industry are proving to be safety driven and strive on quality and forward-thinking initiatives. This will increase production and the service/product offering we provide.

“The future is bright for up-and-coming leaders and their teams. Those within the industry are proving to be safety driven and strive on quality and forward-thinking initiatives.”

BGC Cement proud to work with long-term partner Bonita Stone

BGC Cement is always honoured to highlight their long-term relationships with loyal customers, and one of these great partnerships is with Bonita Stone.

“BGC Cement have always been proud to work with clients that love what they do, and with Bonita Stone you can actually see that love in every paver they make. I’d almost go as far as calling them Artisans of their craft!”, says Rob Turkovic, Head of Sales.

After working in the industry for 30 years, Bonita Stone owners Scott and Brett, realised the noticeable absence of highperforming products in the paving industry,

thus establishing Bonita Stone in 2008. This family-owned and operated business continues to grow rapidly through its ability to service both residential and commercial industries.

Bonita Stone is responsible for manufacturing quality limestone, exposed aggregate, coral stone, and natural travertine pavers. What separates them from the market, is their ability to install first and manufacture second. This means that every item is carefully inspected to ensure that their products are laser-level perfect and arrive in immaculate condition to customers every time.

With a keen interest in supporting the local community, Bonita Stone locally sources all their materials and sponsor numerous ‘Variety WA’ grants that supply pavers to families in need. Most recently, they supplied swimming pool pavers for a young family in Merriwa to assist their son’s rehabilitation and training.

Much like BGC Cement, Bonita Stone have implemented numerous continuous improvement initiatives, which includes creating unique product lines. They are currently in the process of installing a robot that stacks pavers in racks, which will allow them to double their operational output to keep up with demand.

BGC Cement has watched Bonita Stone grow their business over the years and believe that such a strong and loyal partnership is mutually beneficial for everyone involved.

BGC Cement are proud to have a strong partnership with Bonita Stone, one that has proved mutually beneficial for everyone involved.

Frontline Leadership Program paves the way for future BGC leaders

In August, BGC celebrated a number of our leaders completing the BGC Frontline Leaders Program.

This 12-month program has been developed to support our current and future leaders in building their capabilities, aligned to The BGC Way. This is our second wave of BGC Graduates who have completed the program since its commencement.

With a focus on interactive and thoughtprovoking experiences, our leaders were taken out of their comfort zone, and supported to apply learning back into the workplace. We are incredibly proud of the dedication and commitment, to be curious, and thrilled with the innovations and applications shared.

Above: Alysha Chappell, Katherine Sturley & Daniel Cooper

“The program has a focus on managing and leading others, building fundamental management, safety, commercial and financial capabilities, whilst deepening an understanding of BGC operations.”

Vanessa Gilbert, BGC Learning & Development Manager

BGC Learning and Development Manager

Vanessa Gilbert said the Frontline Leaders Program has been developed to support our people in building their leadership talents, aligned to the BGC Way.

“The program has a focus on managing and leading others, building fundamental management, safety, commercial and financial capabilities, whilst deepening an understanding of BGC operations,” Gilbert said.

“The program consisted of workshops, group coaching and on the job activities to enhance leadership capability.”

Thank you to MODAL for partnering with BGC in delivering the program and congratulations to all graduates on your achievement.

Left to Right: Alysha Chappell, Ben Morrison, Dang Nguyen, Sheldon Chiang, Senthu Nada, Darren Thompson, Daniel Cooper, Tony Quinn, Jane Harries, Ed Benier, Katherine Sturley

Above: Vanessa Gilbert & Tegan Llewellyn.

BGC Construction –Opal Applecross

BGC Construction were contracted to build Applecross Shore, a modern Opal Residential Aged Care facility located along the river south of Perth.

The project involved delivering an 8,500m² residential aged care facility spanning across 3 levels. Since the early contractor involvement BGC Construction have been able to manage the project from the demolition of the existing facility, through installing the piled foundations and successfully delivering the completed project.

The state-of-the-art facility has come with some challenges that have needed to be carefully managed. The delivery of a project within the COVID-19 pandemic proved challenging with the unavailability of labour and resources.

Applecross Shore has required change management with client specific variations required to ensure the facility is safe and accessible for the residents. There were numerous high-end finishing materials that were incorporated into the design of the facilities that required significant lead

times and a streamlined integration onsite. This project needed to be carefully managed given the riverside location meaning the team were constantly working against the highwater table level.

This project has benefited from the support of numerous BGC divisions including Midland Brick, BGC Concrete, BGC Plasterboard and BGC Fibre Cement. Midland Brick contributed a large portion of the bricks used in the development, BGC Concrete supplied the concrete and piling for the footings. Whilst BGC Plasterboard and BGC Fibre Cement also contributed to the build.

The newly built 136-bed residential aged care facility started welcoming their first residents in mid 2022.

Thank you to Richard King, David Faulkner, Andrew Nicholson, Chris Fenner, Jake Smith, Gary Littlewood and Morgan Barrett for working hard to bring this project to life.

Midland Brick Supports Toodyay RSL Alma Beard Memorial

The Toodyay RSL approached Midland Brick to assist in the construction of a memorial statue in Toodyay, a small town located northeast of Perth. The statue is located at the local medical centre and is named in honour of Alma Beard.

Alma May Beard was born and raised in Toodyay. After training at Royal Perth Hospital, she was enlisted as an army nurse in 1941, and sadly passed away serving in World War 2.

“Alma’s story of courage and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming circumstance needs to be remembered and it’s a great honour to play a part in the construction of the memorial,” said Nathan Blackwell, Group Basic Raw Materials Manager at Midland Brick.

The construction of a statue in Alma’s honour allows people to acknowledge the hard work and service Alma contributed to the local community and nation, further reasoning her to local hero status.

A public memorial ceremony was held earlier this year at the Alma Beard Medical Centre in Toodyay, at this ceremony the statue was unveiled in Alma’s honour, exactly 80 years since her passing.

Midland Brick generously donated both bricks and paving products to form a plinth and steps for the project, whilst also assisting with funding for an advertisement in the local paper to thank all the contributors.

“It’s very important for Midland Brick to continue to be a positive supporter of the communities we are a part of, and this project was a great example of working with a collection of local groups to assist a worthy cause,” Nathan added.

“Midland Brick have been very generous in this project to donate (and deliver) bricks and pavers, but this expression of generosity (funding the advert) has come way out of left field.

I am overwhelmed by the generosity that you have provided to this project

I can only say, from the bottom of my heart thank you,” said Colin A Bird –Toodyay RSL.

Midland Brick generously donated both bricks and paving products to form a plinth and steps for the project.

BGC Leadership Forum 2022

Recently, we held our annual BGC Leadership Forum with over 130 leaders in attendance at Beaumonde On The Point.

This was an opportunity for our senior executive and leaders to discuss our progress on strategy, challenge our thinking and network with peers.

This annual forum provides the opportunity for managers across the group to develop deeper insights into all aspects of BGC’s operations.

This year’s core theme was focused on taking the lead in a changing world, including all

elements of the broader BGC Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy. Thanks to Aaron Morey, Chief Economist at CCIWA and Tim Parker, Director ESG at Westpac, for providing expert perspectives.

Our ESG Strategy is an essential component to our operations and helps to ensure that we deliver on our purpose of building the future for more Australians.

Thank you to all those involved in making this year’s 2022 BGC Leadership Forum a success.

This year’s core theme was “Taking the Lead.”

Above: Geoff Conway, Paul Bouwhuis, Larissa Allan, Ren Raju & Darren Warne

Above: Geoff Conway, Nerissa Rowe, Roger Brynjulfsen, David Dodds & Jane Harries

Above: Rebekah Martin, Simon Kahl, Jared Stone, Michael Bartier & Natalie Lawrence

BGC launches new state-of-the-art Materials Technology Centre

Materials Technology Centre (MTC) is the newest operational division providing technical operation support to BGC Cement, BGC Concrete, BGC Asphalt and BGC Quarries in the future.

The 7 month project has seen the brand develop and two large-scale operational relocation completed late last year.

The centre uses state-of-the-art laboratories, software and comprehensive testing scope to ensure MTC deliver effective and efficient services to BGC construction materials

businesses as well as external clients. MTC’s Head of Materials Technology Carlson Daniels said the new hub is designed to provide industry-leading value and experience in a sustainable and innovative way.

The Head of MTC Carlson Daniels said, “The MTC hub supports the construction materials divisions within BGC by undertaking materials testing, research and development, reporting, technical training and general construction materials compliance.”

“The centre is driven by a highly experienced and skilled team, who have come together from across BGC to provide industry-leading value and experience in a sustainable and innovative way.

“MTC’s diverse service offering allows our team to consider the needs of every project from a variety of disciplines, providing the highest quality support and cost-effective solutions.”

Another important focus of the centre is quality control and assurance, with the team undertaking regular research to identify and meet the needs of clients and wider industries to deliver accurate data and compliance monitoring.

Mr Daniels said sustainability is a core focus for the operations at MTC and was part of foundations when developing the centre.

“We have placed a priority on ensuring sustainable operations with recycling and waste management plans in place to ensure our team is regularly researching new products and production methods to ensure the highest quality products are produced.”

The NATA (National Accredited Technology of Testing Authorities) accredited centralized technology hub is in Hazelmere, Western Australia.

The MTC hub supports the construction materials divisions within BGC by undertaking materials testing, research and development, reporting, technical training and general construction materials compliance.