BGC Bulletin - July 2024 by bgcarck

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Transforming Urban Landscapes

BGC completes construction of East Village Karrinyup and Busselton Central extension

BGC Apprenticeship & Traineeship Programs

BGC offers school-based and mature age career pathways

Daniel Cooper, Chief Executive Officer

Last year, over 90,000 people migrated to Western Australia and it is expected that this rate of migration will continue as the job market in the state remains strong. This is equivalent to the cities of Bunbury and Karratha being constructed each year to house such a population movement. As a state, we have been improving our capacity to complete homes – we have moved from low levels of 12,000 homes per year to 16,000 homes. There are, however, still 22,000 homes already under construction in the state and a greater number is required to house this many people.

The construction teams have battled trade and material shortages the whole way, as the state demand has far exceeded supply. Despite the shortages, at BGC we have accelerated our completions and are approaching 200 home completions per month. BGC Construction has also completed two major projects at East Village Karrinyup (shown on the cover) and the Busselton Central Shopping Centre extension.

To address the demand, we have been working with SEDA College to develop our future construction trades, supervisors and managers. SEDA welcomed back their construction and trade students, including a new intake of fourteen year 11 and three year 12 students. Earlier this year, we invited students to our Osborne Park headquarters where they toured the office and met with management and executive staff who discussed the qualities, attitudes and mindset to adopt for career success. The number of apprentices and trainees we employ across nine business units is set to grow over the next 12-24 months as we look to the future to meet the demand.

At BGC, we work on forecasts and modelling to predict the likely volumes and demand well into the future. Our materials businesses, such as BGC Concrete, BGC Cement, BGC Quarries and Midland Brick, play a critical role in ensuring supply to every builder in the state and we have been busy building capacity. Our materials businesses often have long lead times for building capacity and these can take several years of planning.

Recently, we have undertaken the construction of a new concrete plant in Wangara, due to be completed in the next few months to meet the growing demand. At Midland Brick, we have a new Blokstone plant under construction at Caversham which will increase the volume of blocks we can manufacture. BGC Quarries has a plant upgrade on their tertiary crushing circuit that has been designed by the Quarry team to increase tonnes per hour and meet their market demand.

“... at BGC we have accelerated our completions and are approaching 200 home completions per month. BGC Construction has also completed two major projects at East Village Karrinyup (shown on the cover) and the Busselton Central Shopping Centre extension.”

Daniel Cooper Chief Executive Officer

Most importantly, we have been investing in upgrading and increasing our fleet of cement tankers, brick trucks, quarry tippers and concrete agitator trucks. Where we are able to do so, we take advantage of the latest technology to increase our carrying capacity and improve the safety of our vehicles. Look out for our new fleet on the streetswith over 230 vehicles, they are hard to miss!

You will see the amazing event hosted at Midland Brick with our partners from Binar in this Bulletin edition. I would like to thank Adam Desmond and Andrew Vlahov again for the work they do to lead this program, and to all of our Binar leaders and participants that showcased their skills and talents on and off the court. I know they enjoyed their site visits and we certainly appreciated all the joint activities on the basketball court!

BGC INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Celebrating IWD with Morning Tea & Panel Discussion

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, BGC hosted a morning tea and panel discussion for employees in the BGC Home Showroom on 8th March.

This year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) theme was Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress. The theme seeks to inspire others to understand and value the inclusion of women and understand the pathways to greater economic inclusion for women and girls everywhere.

BGC Learning and Development Manager Vanessa Gilbert led an all-staff panel discussion to explore this year’s theme. The panel members included Group General Manager Health & Safety Nerissa Rowe,

BGC Housing Group General Manager Administration Stuart Brown, and General Manager TERRACE Homes & NOW Living Natalie Lawrence who shared what IWD meant to them and what actions need to happen to achieve gender equality.

BGC strives to ensure women are fairly represented at all levels and given equal opportunities across the Group. Targets include reaching 20% women in leadership positions across all business units by 2025 and a minimum of 25% gender diversity across all business units by 2030.

Thank you to the BGC Housing Group team for organising the event and making it such a wonderful success.

“International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to highlight all of the hard work that is done by women in the industry. We need to encourage and foster this for all women who want to take on roles traditionally held by men.”

Stuart Brown

BGC Housing Group, General Manager Administration

Transforming Urban Landscapes: Major Projects Completed

EAST VILLAGE KARRINYUP

BGC Construction recently completed East Village at Karrinyup, which is the first of a two-stage residential development abutting the Karrinyup Shopping Centre. This $45M development comprises 92 luxury apartments with views over Lake Gwelup and the city. The project was recently attended by Premier Roger Cook as well as ministers Rita Saffioti and John Carey, and used as the backdrop to announce a series of industry reforms to the media.

The project team were faced with the challenge of delivering this project surrounding an operational shopping centre with many logistical challenges to overcome to ensure traffic, deliveries and trading to the adjacent shopping centre was uninterrupted. Congratulations to the BGC Team in delivering this project through a very challenging time in the industry.

BUSSELTON CENTRAL EXTENSION

BGC Construction recently completed the much anticipated $32M extension to the Busselton Central shopping centre in the heart of Busselton. The expansion was underpinned by the first regional Reading Cinemas in the state, combined with retail tenancies and a diverse food and beverage offering.

Delivering a large-scale regional project through the peak of the construction industry boom was a formidable task but the project was successfully delivered by the BGC Southwest team and spearheaded on site by Anthony Brien and Brett Lilley.

MIDLAND BRICK

Midland Brick Celebrates Anniversary with Binar Futures During National Reconciliation Week

Midland Brick had an amazing night at the South Guildford site on 29th May, celebrating the one-year anniversary of their partnership with Binar Futures during National Reconciliation Week.

Midland Brick hosted the inaugural setup of the portable Binar basketball court and a variety of fun activities with the Binar kids, young leaders, Midland Brick staff, and members of the wider BGC Group. As part of the celebrations, the young visitors and their families enjoyed a tour of the facilities, where opportunities for future traineeships and careers were showcased. Despite the rain, the event was a triumph, with spirits higher than ever!

Binar, the Noongar word for meteor, began in 2011 as a local basketball team of six Aboriginal youths supported by founder Adam Desmond. Today, Binar Futures reaches over 1,800 young people in Perth and beyond, offering programs in sports, culture, youth leadership and youth development. Midland Brick is extremely honoured to partner with an organisation like Binar Futures, which is so genuine in its efforts to support the community.

Reflecting on a year of shared accomplishments and impact, Midland Brick eagerly anticipates the future strides they will take alongside Binar Futures. Together, they are poised to continue their journey of making a positive difference in the lives of young people, championing unity and strengthening community bonds.

MIDLAND BRICK

Midland Brick Supports Binar Futures Basketball Competition

On 18th May 2024, Midland Brick proudly attended the launch of the inaugural Binar Futures Junior Domestic Basketball Competition at the newly reopened Swan Active Midland. Representing Midland Brick were General Manager Bricks and Masonry Duncan Bosch, alongside Nathan Blackwell and Amelia Richardson from the Midland Brick Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) committee.

As community partners of Binar Basketball, the first Aboriginal-led metro association to successfully run a domestic basketball competition, Midland Brick is thrilled to support this pioneering initiative. With 55 registered teams and over 350 players, the competition’s opening day was a resounding success. Midland Brick are grateful to be part of this significant chapter in the Binar Futures Story, promoting inclusivity and community through sports.

Etex Acquires BGC Plasterboard and Fibre Cement Businesses

On 29th February 2024, BGC Australia finalised the sale of their BGC Plasterboard and BGC Fibre Cement businesses to Belgium-based global building materials manufacturer Etex. Both BGC Plasterboard and BGC Fibre Cement businesses have undergone significant transformations over the past four years due to the outstanding efforts of the BGC workforce. Both businesses delivered excellent financial results following a strengthening of the operating models and responsiveness to market conditions.

BGC Australia CEO Danny Cooper expressed, “We are very pleased to have completed this transaction with Etex; a reputable and reliable partner who shares our values and vision for the future of the plasterboard and fibre cement industries. We believe that Etex is the best owner for these businesses as they have the expertise, resources and ambition to take them to the next level of performance and innovation.”

Mr Cooper added, “I wish to thank all the BGC Plasterboard and Fibre Cement employees for their dedication over many years and for their hard work. It is our workforce that made these businesses a success and I am sure they will thrive and deliver value for Etex in the years to come. I would also like to thank our customer and supplier partners who have been great supporters of our Plasterboard and Fibre Cement businesses for many years.”

“We are very pleased to have completed this transaction with Etex; a reputable and reliable partner who shares our values and vision for the future of the plasterboard and fibre cement industries.”

Daniel Cooper, CEO

3 Year Contract Extension with Barminco

BGC Cement have successfully secured a significant three-year contract extension with Barminco for the supply of bulk and packaged cement to service their regional underground mining operations.

Barminco provide cementitious mining services such as Shotcrete and Cement Rock Fill (CRF) to sites including Sunrise Dam, Spotted Quoll, Nova, Agnew, Garden Well and Rosemont. Excitingly, this threeyear extension will see BGC Cement and Barminco extend beyond the 20-year milestone, which is a testament to the outstanding working relationship between both businesses.

BGC Cement Head of Sales Rob Turkovic expressed, “We are so pleased to extend with Barminco. The relationship, respect and communication between the both of us is what drives the success. Barminco is an exceptional client that understands that by working with us, we can manage supply effectively. This is crucial for delivering to regional areas that can involve a round trip of up to 2,000km.”

With an estimated 75,000 tonnes of cement to be delivered over the contract’s duration, BGC Cement will strive to continue providing exceptional service to Barminco and achieve even greater success.

BGC Home Magazine: Home in the West

BGC Housing Group is excited to promote the seventh edition of the BGC Home Magazine, titled Home in the West.

The newest edition of the magazine is a celebration of the vast beauty of our state. From the rugged red gorges of the Kimberley in the north, to the pristine white sands of Lucky Bay on our south coast. From the cultural precinct of Freo where history and art collide, to the kaleidoscope of colours in the wheatbelt as the wildflowers bloom – WA is truly a land of contrasts and wonders.

In this issue, find insight into home styling inspired by our unique state, discover local WA businesses doing amazing things, uncover your green thumb with gardening tips tailored to our climate, or find your new favourite local eats celebrating fresh WA produce.

Michael Bartier, BGC Housing Group Executive General Manager, shares “Building your dream home in Western Australia is an exciting journey that allows you to weave local flavours and unique styles into your living space. I’m very fortunate to live in this beautiful State, and to be part of the story of homeownership for many who call Western Australia home.”

“In the end, your home should reflect not just your taste but also the spirit of this remarkable corner of the world. We hope that through this, you are inspired to embody the WA story in your own home. Whether you’re building a new home or looking to introduce home-grown beauty to your existing space, this edition is sure to inspire.”

The magazine launched on 4th June 2024, following ‘WA Day’. You can view it online via the BGC Home website or pick up your free copy from the BGC Home Showroom.

Leaders in focus Shannon Deans

I have worked for BGC Housing Group for the last two years as the Construction Manager for the east region. I have been in the industry for over 25 years, working across numerous sectors as a Commercial Facilities Maintenance Manager and in residential construction as a Supervisor and Building Manager.

I started my career working as a carpenter in New South Wales after completing my carpentry and joinery apprenticeship. Over the years, I have worked for a range of builders in both New South Wales and Western Australia. During this time, I completed qualifications to advance my career including my Builders Registration and Diploma in Building and Construction. I am particularly grateful for the mentoring I have been given since starting my role at BGC through the leadership of Simon Hill. I have been given the support and tools to excel in my role and help to build a positive and strong team culture.

In recent years, we have experienced an unprecedented market with COVID-19 border closures and ongoing material and trade labour shortages. With increased build times in the current market, our biggest challenge is providing

understanding to our valued clients whilst navigating the ongoing follow-on effect of the shortages. We continue to work closely with suppliers and our trades to reduce delays on site and work hard to handover quality-built homes to more WA families.

I’m one of the lucky ones as I absolutely love what I do. Tuesday is my favourite day of the week as my full team attends our weekly meeting. I couldn’t be prouder of the East Team and what we have successfully achieved so far. My team of 31 have navigated the challenges of the industry with a dynamic approach and continue to reach target milestones. We have a strong team culture and are truly passionate about building beautiful, high-quality homes.

I’m looking forward to an exciting future at BGC, supporting my team as they focus on our valued clients and handing over the keys to their dream home. My team understand the ‘why’ behind what they do every day, and this drives them forward to strive for success. To see the excitement on our clients’ faces at the end of the build is the most rewarding part of the journey.

SEDA Construction & Trade Students Return for 2024

SEDA College WA is an educational provider to over 400 students using the sport and recreation industry as a platform to drive student engagement and success. In partnership with BGC, SEDA College WA recently launched a new Construction and Trade Program, which will provide industry opportunities and WACE and VET qualifications to Year 11 and 12 students.

BGC had the pleasure of welcoming SEDA College’s construction and trade students back to their classroom for 2024, including a new intake of fourteen year 11 students and three new students to the year 12 cohort. All were given an insight into BGC and its many different businesses which will be invaluable as they look to secure work placements as part of their curriculum.

Currently, BGC employs 68 apprentices and trainees across nine business units in a range of trades and qualifications, with those numbers set to grow over the next 12-24 months. Students who have recently started their work experience placements will be utilised by BGC or with preferred sub-contractors working for BGC Housing Group.

BGC look forward to working with all the students, teachers and support staff to make this year a success.

BGC HOUSING GROUP

BGC Trade: Men’s Health Week

From 10th-16th June, the BGC Housing Group team were proud to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Men’s Health Week. Throughout the week, the BGC Housing Group team shared valuable resources, tips and insights to emphasise the importance of regular check-ups for maintaining overall wellbeing.

To show appreciation for their hard work, the BGC Trade team put together and delivered packs to trades onsite, which contained BGC Trade

merchandise and other items that promote good health. Additionally, office staff participated in the Wear Blue Day campaign to raise awareness of men’s health and support the men and boys in their lives.

Men’s Health Week focuses on not just physical health, but promotes the importance of looking after your mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Indigenous Artwork Adorns Brick Delivery Truck

Midland Brick and BGC Transport are thrilled to unveil a new brick delivery truck, featuring stunning artwork by talented local Indigenous artist Cheryl Martin. The artwork honours the rich artistic culture of the traditional custodians of the land and assists BGC to foster a deeper connection with their customers by sharing the stories and artwork that resonate with the spirit of the region.

The new vehicle, which complements the existing BGC Transport fleet, is a Volvo FM13 8x4 with a 13 litre, 500 hp engine. It has a gross combination mass of 70 tonnes and pulls a four-axle dog trailer with a total of 28 wheels.

Keep an eye out for the truck as it travels through the community, delivering Midland Brick products and spreading cultural appreciation wherever it goes.

BGC CONCRETE

Wangara Plant Update

Work is progressing at BGC Concrete’s new plant in Wangara. It is of a similar design to the Bassendean plant, which was completed in 2018, and will ‘join the dots’ between the Bassendean and Quinns Rocks plants to address service requirements in the area previously covered by the Malaga plant. The plant has storage for ten aggregate types, has six cement silos, and will be capable of producing 120m3

of concrete per hour (structural and decorative), computer batched to meet client requirements.

The planning, design, civil engineering, concrete works and erection of the plant are being supervised by the BGC Concrete team in consultation with structural engineers. The Wangara plant is due to commence operations in early FY24/25.

The plant has storage for ten aggregate types, has six cement silos, and will be capable of producing 120m3 of concrete per hour.

2024 Kicks Off with Life Saving Standards Review

BGC Life Saving Standards Standards to live by

Work at BGC has many high risks so it is critical to have the right controls in place to ensure people are not at risk of serious injury or fatality. Three years ago, BGC introduced the Life Saving Standards, which set out BGC’s key highrisk activities and the requirements that must be in place to keep people safe. BGC’s businesses are now reviewing the Life Saving Standards as they apply in their workplace. The business unit reviews will include input from the general managers, representatives from operations and production teams, supervisors and HSRs.

Leadership

I will never knowingly allow another person to conduct work that may endanger their health and safety.

IN THE REVIEW WORKSHOPS, STAFF ARE ASKED TO THINK ABOUT THE FOLLOWING:

Do the Life Saving Standards identify all of the hazards that could lead to a serious injury or a fatality?

Do the Life Saving Standards clearly identify the controls that must be in place to manage those hazards?

If the answer to either question is no, or if it is not always possible to follow the Life Saving Standards, then staff are asked to B’ Brave and have a conversation that matters with their relevant supervisor/manager, health and safety representative or a member of the health and safety team.

People vs. plant

I will never operate mobile plant & equipment unless trained, authorised and competent.

Working at heights

I will always use fall protection equipment when working at height.

Isolation

I will LOCK out, TAG out, then TEST that stored energy has either been isolated or controlled before conducting maintenance & repair work on plant & equipment. I will never remove, bypass or modify a safety device without appropriate authorisation.

Dropped objects

I will never knowingly walk or work under a suspended load. I will set up exclusion zones if there is a risk of dropped objects striking people.

Working with electricity

I will not conduct electrical work unless licensed and authorised.

Confined space entry

I will not enter a confined space unless qualified, authorised and competent.

Fitness for work

I will not attend work under the influence of alcohol & other drugs.

BGC Apprenticeship & Traineeship Programs

BGC has a wide and varied apprenticeship and traineeship program, offering career pathways to a diverse range of people. BGC currently employs over 70 apprentices and trainees across ten separate business units; from electrical and mechanical fitter apprentices at Midland Brick to trainees studying laboratory skills at our state-of-theart Materials Technology Centre. Part of BGC’s program includes partnering with SEDA College on our trades and construction traineeship program to align pathways with apprenticeships of the future.

SCHOOL-BASED

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships are learning pathways combining off-the-job training at TAFE and on-the-job training in the workplace. It enables students to earn money while getting hands-on experience and can contribute towards a student’s Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).

BGC Transport is continuing their fantastic work in the apprenticeship field and will become the first business unit to employ a school-based heavy commercial vehicle mechanical technology apprentice in April this year.

MATURE-AGE

BGC recruits a significant number of mature-age apprentices (over 21 years old), many of whom are existing BGC employees. Mature-age apprentices and trainees bring with them an extensive range of existing skills gained in other full-time roles with BGC or other employers.

Affinity Windows offered a trainee maintenance technician position to Tzu-Han Hans Yang, who recently completed a Master of Engineering in Taiwan, where he will play a critical role in the implementation of several maintenance improvement initiatives.

There are no pre-requisites to applying. Opportunities are open to anyone who is old enough to work, regardless of their level of high school completion, training or qualifications.

At BGC, we are committed to a workplace culture that is inclusive, where everyone, regardless of cultural and ethnic background, age, gender, disability, or sexual orientation, feels safe at work and has opportunities to contribute, develop and thrive. We work better, together.

INTERESTED IN AN APPRENTICESHIP OR TRAINEESHIP? APPLY NOW!

If you are interested in applying for an apprenticeship or traineeship opportunity at BGC, please contact Apprentice & Trainee Program Manager Steve Marrows at steven.marrows@bgc.com.au

WHAT DO STAFF ENJOY ABOUT WORKING FOR BGC?

Build Your Career with BGC

BGC continues to foster a workplace culture that truly recognises the value of its employees. There are a number of reasons why people choose to work for BGC.

BENEFITS

BGC benefits give recognition to employees beyond remuneration. There is something for everyone, including:

» Access to over 80 retail, accommodation, health and wellbeing discounts available through the employee benefits platform

» Access to discounted BGC products for when you are building or renovating your home

» Receive a $2,000 reward through the Employee Referral Program for every new hire you refer after they successfully complete six months of employment

» Flexible work practices, where they can be accommodated, for your role

» Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help you and your family navigate challenging times

» Novated car leasing to take advantage of tax offsets and discounted fuel, servicing and maintenance

» Variety of functions including morning teas, BBQs and Christmas parties

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

BGC are committed to professional development, offering training opportunities at every stage of your career, along with meaningful experiences on the job that you can learn from. Staff are encouraged to make the most of:

» Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Gain the skills you need for a career in the building, construction, and manufacturing sectors

» Professional Development

Continue to learn and progress your career

» Leadership Development

Build your leadership capabilities and head up your own team

JOIN THE TEAM

Think you have what it takes? BGC want to hear from you!

Explore and apply for current opportunities via the Careers page on the BGC website at https://www.bgc.com.au/careers.

“I personally look forward to coming to work every day as the workplace has a very welcoming culture. I feel supported by my peers and the management team to perform my role and when resolving any issues.”

BGC Cement

“Our business has a good culture where employees get along well in a small team. It makes it a pleasure to come to work.” BGC

Construction

“Staff are very well looked after and all the managers, especially the GM, go above and beyond their obligations when it comes to helping staff members achieve their goals.”

BGC Cement

“BGC is a good place to work and they treat people as one family. You feel you are at home.”

Midland Brick

“I feel a sense of accomplishment each day and an overall sense of contribution.”

BGC Transport

“Plenty of opportunity to create long lasting relationships with other employees through internal/external social events. Understanding work/life balance and being accommodating with to each person’s individual circumstances.”

BGC Housing Group

BGC

BGC Transport Upgrades Telehandlers

Earlier this year, BGC Transport took ownership of three brand-new Merlo P27.6 telehandlers. The newly nicknamed ‘Grasshoppers’ were a much-needed upgrade on some tired old telehandlers that, in some cases, were up to 30 years old.

Merlo is a relatively new player in the brick-carting industry, but the team at McIntosh & Son in Redcliffe want Merlo to become a household name when it comes to delivering bricks. With BGC Transport having one of the biggest brick-carting fleets in Australia, the team at McIntosh & Son were certainly keen to impress.

The new ‘Green Machines’ have more fruit than an orchard with all the latest and greatest safety features. They boast a speedy top speed of 40kph, can lift a whopping 2.5t, are as quiet as a mime at a silent disco, and have air conditioning that polar bears would be proud of. Needless to say, there was a long line of volunteers putting their hand up to be the first to get behind the wheel.

The BGC Transport team is excited to put these new telehandlers through their paces by getting bricks to site as safe and as efficiently as possible. We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership with Merlo.

MIDLAND BRICK

Bricks Produced Using Elizabeth Quay Clay

Clay resources are critical for Midland Brick, the Western Australian building industry and the state. Midland Brick has, for many years, worked with developers, builders and contractors to ensure clay that is excavated during construction is not wasted in landfill but diverted into brick production.

Recently, Midland Brick worked with a contractor to divert over 40,000t of high-quality clay from the basement dig of a high-rise development adjacent to Elizabeth Quay, one of several sites that has required the removal of clay. The site is constructed using a fascinating ‘top-down’ method, which allows the basement dig to occur under the floor slab while

construction continues above. Staff from the Midland Brick team were excited to visit the site to see the clay being excavated and removed to the factory. Midland Brick has undertaken significant testing and control to ensure it can produce bricks of an excellent standard from this resource.

The clay type being excavated is from the Guildford Formation, which is the same clay deposit used during settlement times to make the first fireclay bricks in Perth. The Queens Gardens site (near the WACA) was previously a clay mine and brickworks that produced bricks used to build some of Perth’s original buildings, including Perth Town Hall.