No skills shortages at plaster company

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“During COVID we collaborated with Centacare, which have ready-to-work immigrants and refugees, so they provide them with a cert 1 in construction and a white card,” Ms Donnellan said.

“We have two refugees from Bhutan who started with us five years ago, Dhan and Santa Gurang, who did their apprenticeship with us. They had very limited English but their work ethic was second to none.

“Five years later, they are leading our sites Dhan leads 45 commercial sites in Cairns and Santa is running three sites in Townsville and he won apprentice of the year for Masters Builders last year.

“Currently, we have seven refugees working with us and because of them we’ve been able to expand our business, and with the reputation of our company, we’re attracting more local staff.” making them sick. Cr Zeiger said that people had been feeding cockatoos and curlews at Bayview Heights.

Company founder and managing director Mark Fletcher said the firm was looking to create more opportunities for people who didn’t usually get them while putting a focus on their trade.

“I think this makes us quite unique. I’ve worked in prisons for 14 years in New Zealand, so I think we have qualities that we can address with these people and give them the opportunities they deserve,” he said.

“ … they are so noisy and cause a lot of distress,” she said.

She said suggested changes to combat barking dogs would not require a minimum of three complaints but up to three instances. The council may even act on just one complaint.

Cr Zeiger said the council wanted more power to clampdown on unregistered vehicles left on roads and streets.

She said the council would have more power to ensure broken and fallen fences along cane railways were fixed on safety and security grounds.

Cr Zeiger said there were particular examples at Forest Gardens. “We want them to get rid of the fence and put-up decent fences,” she said.

Cr Amy Eden said she received many complaints about security officers being heavyhanded about the fishing ban on the Cairns Esplanade.

“Fishing along the Esplanade has been an iconic Cairns activity for generations. It’s not simply about catching fish. It’s about family bonding, connecting with friends, and immersing ourselves in the beauty of our surroundings,” she said in a newsletter.

“This cherished tradition contributes to the very essence of what we call ‘Cairns-ness’.

“Unfortunately our requests to fish off our Esplanade have fallen on deaf ears. Council officers want it banned. Bring back fishing.”

Residents will have the chance to have their say on proposed changes to the local laws.

The suggested amendments reflect the needs and expectations of the community on a range of issues from fines for wandering dogs to mechanical work being carried out on roads.

Mayor Bob Manning said the local laws review process was a unique opportunity for residents to influence how day-to- day activities were regulated.

“We receive thousands of suggestions and complaints from residents and businesses every year,” he said. “This feedback is a key component of the local laws review process and ensures our regulations are keeping pace with community expectations.

“As well as tackling problems such as abandoned vehicles and illegal camping, the review has focused on cutting red tape to make it easier for residents to obtain permits and other permissions for events and activities.”

The closing date for submissions is 4pm on September 13.

Visit: https://bit.ly/3QDSlbC

“And if things go wrong, we’re there to help them and guide them. We’ll work with them to get them the ultimate opportunity with this trade at the end of it.”

Mr Fletcher said the company hoped to grow the interest in wet trades in the future.

“We want to get young kids and people who never get an opportunity involved in these trades because they’re going to disappear if we don’t start to attract more apprentices,” he said.

“Call me anytime, we’re here to help you, whatever skills you have we’ll use and the ones you don’t we’ll give you. We’ll treat you and pay you properly, all you have to do is give us a good day work.”

For more information, visit www.solidplastertexture.com.au