WHAT WE DO ... Citywide staff magazine 2021
May-June
Elgin marvels!
Robbie clocks up 40 years doing Carlton rounds with teammate Dale (Long service anniversaries - pages 8-10)
...MATTERS We know communities thrive and prosper in healthy, safe, sustainable and vibrant cities.
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May-June 2021 Cover pic: Melbourne Waste team members Robert Arnold and Dale Perry reflect on long service anniversaries.
Responsible procurement Citywide registers first Modern Slavery commitment statement.
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Staff anniversaries Long service milestones recognised
What We Do Matters is the staff magazine for the Citywide Group, including subsidiaries Technigro, Gordon McKay, Frontline Electrical and Ultegra.
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This is YOUR magazine and it thrives on YOUR stories, photos and anecdotes, be it from Melton in Melbourne’s northwest to Cardinia Shire in the southeast; from Victoria and Tasmania to Queensland with NSW and ACT in between.
Community engagement Staff supporting community initiatives
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Barcode scanner GMK team saves hours on admin time
Email: Submit your contributions to communications@citywide.com.au ISSUU: Download the issuu mobile app to read every edition of WWDM.
Regular features 6-7 CDT/New Business Wins 13 COVID update, Health & Wellbeing
Opinions expressed by individual authors do not necessarily reflect those of Citywide or its subsidiaries.
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From the Frontline
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Careers expo’s wrap
CEO NOTES As I write, our Victorian colleagues are moving into Stage 4 COVID-19 restrictions, as we go into our fourth lockdown after a new cluster of COVID cases. The latest outbreak reminds us that we can’t drop our guard, particularly with respect to the health and safety of everyone at Citywide nor our customers and communities with whom we interact on a daily basis. Regardless of the situation in Victoria or other states and territories, adhere to your COVID Safe plan, and please keep on top of news updates and regular advisories from our HSE and People & Culture teams. I would also remind everyone of
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the Government’s request that all eligible people get a COVID vaccination as soon as you are able. On another front, thanks to all of you for completing our Culture Compass survey in May. Culture plays an important role in helping us do our jobs to the best of our ability as our company continues to evolve and grow and your voice is vital in this. Please stay tuned for the results which we hope to share in the next couple of months. Still on culture, the many stories of our teammates - such as the long service anniversaries and vol- at Citywide. It is always heartening to read unteering in the community - are such stories and I hope you enjoy perfect illustrations of the kind of reading them as well. company culture we already have
What We Do Matters May-June 2021
Is that purchase you just made keeping SOMEONE in SLAVERY somewhere in the world?
At Citywide, we’re committed to responsibly sourcing the goods and services we use in our business. Read our Modern Slavery statement on the Citywide website and help us to stamp out slavery, wherever it occurs. citywide.com.au/corporate-social-responsibility
WHAT WE DO MATTERS 3
Your say How does your work change with the change in seasons? Tracey Allen, Ops Supervisor, Port Phillip
NEWS Citywide addresses Modern Slavery scourge
“It is full on in spring. Spring is the crazy season, change overs for sports and non-stop mowing.” Brad Battersby, Team Leader, Yarra Trees
“Wet season: danger levels increase and work is mainly damage control as compared to mainly line clearance work during the warmer seasons.” Daniel Webb, Arborist, Bayside Trees
“It depends on the season as to how long I wear my jumper in the morning!” YOUR SAY: GOT SOMETHING TO SHARE? We’d love to hear about your roles and experiences at Citywide - whether it’s anecdotes about the oddest things you’ve seen out and about; what’s unique about your job; or tips you’d share for jobseekers wanting to become an arborist, gardener, civil engineer, garbage truck driver and more,
CITYWIDE has registered its first Modern Slavery statement with the Australian Government - renewing a pledge to continue partnering with suppliers to support human rights and stamp out exploitative work practices across its global supply chain. ‘Modern slavery’ refers to any situations of exploitation in which a person cannot refuse or leave their work because of threats, violence or deprivation of liberty – including forced labour, child labour, domestic servitude and deceptive recruiting practices. Group Procurement Manager Peter Mackie said it was important to get all Citywide group staff members focused on the important issue of Modern Slavery, locally and abroad. “Australia is not immune from exploitative work practices. There has been media coverage recently where workers have experienced “forced labour or domestic servitude,” Peter said. “All suppliers and employees of Citywide are expected to adhere to our responsible sourcing commitment outlined in the Supplier Code of Conduct and Employee Code.” These include an expectation to provide “a fair and ethical workplace” in which each employee is
Get in touch:
creative@citywide.com.au 4
What We Do Matters May-June 2021
protected from bullying or abuse and supported by policies ensuring fair working conditions. Citywide staff can also access appropriate awareness information about modern slavery issues via on-line training & awareness posters. “Ask your suppliers where they buy their trees, plants or turf from?” said Peter. “Or, have them ask what working conditions are like where those products are sourced. Who do their suppliers employ as labour? “We want to better understand our supply chain so we can give confidence to our clients, the public and our staff that we doing our bit to stop exploitative work practices.” Under the Modern Slavery Act 2018, large companies in Australia, including Citywide, are required to prepare annual statements outlining the measures they’re taking to tackle modern slavery risks across their operations and supply chains. Citywide’s continued commitments to responsible sourcing practices have been made on behalf of all subsidiary companies within the Citywide Group including Citywide Service Solutions, Technigro, Gordon McKay, Frontline Electrical & Ultegra.
Read Citywide’s Modern Slavery statement online: www.citywide.com.au/corporate-social-responsibility
NEWS
Bayside burns bring new life to precious urban reserves
WITH PRESCRIBED burns, it’s always about the timing and planning - particularly in an urban area like the Bayside City Council municipality. Not only does the season have to be right and the fuel load dry, but it has to be a cool day with some humidity, and as little wind as possible. This was why a group of Citywide’s bushland experts were found consulting with Bayside Council officials at dawn each morning for two weeks in April, before it was deemed safe to burn the coast tea tree forest at Beaumaris’s Donald MacDonald Reserve. “We all had fairly restless nights and early morning rises in the days beforehand,” says Bushland and Nursery Operations Supervisor Jo Hurse. “A few days the conditions were right but the wind was picking up in the afternoon, so we had to wait a bit longer. But we got there in the end.” The 12-strong Bushland crew were joined by three members of Citywide’s drainage team and two eductor trucks – relieved of their usual duties to provide an even more important service as temporary fire-trucks. Because of the nature of the tea tree forest, it was necessary for a few of the Citywide crew to stick around for at least 36 hours after the burn – making sure none of the trees sparked back to life. “With tea trees, fire can get into their roots and reignite underground,” explains Jo Hurse. “Because
this reserve is surrounded by houses, it was critical we stayed there until any risk of potential flare ups had completely disappeared. The Bushland crew certainly go ‘over and above’ to ensure that everything goes to plan.” Extended responsibilities The Beaumaris burn was one of two significant burns – each covering 4,000m² – carried out in Bayside over the past month. The burns represent a significant upscaling of Citywide’s prescribed burning services – which in previous contracts with Bayside Council have been limited to 1,000m² or less. “This is the first time we’ve done burns of this size in Bayside,” says Jo. “It’s a reflection of how seriously the council takes the long-term ecological management of these very important little reserves. “This is particularly true of Donald MacDonald Reserve, where the coast tea tree is regarded as a weed this far inland.” The other ‘cool burn’ – born from the traditional practice of Aboriginal fire stick-burning – was in George Street Reserve, next to Sandringham Golf Course, where the ancient heathland should be burned at least once every 15 years to promote its regeneration. ~ What We Do Matters May-June 2021
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Customer Development & Tenders News
Iconic Canberra contract re-win delivers huge boost to team serving capital city
ONE OF the great things about working at Citywide is that we can often see the open space, trees and civil infrastructure that our teams work and maintain every day. Sometimes that space is particularly iconic – such as the spectacular parks and gardens in our nation’s capital, Canberra. That’s why it was so exciting that we got the news recently that our Open Space Management Services contract with the National Capital Authority is being extended to 2026 following a hotly contested tender process. Along with Brad Foley who manages the NCA contract in the ACT and Operations Supervisor Matt Reid, the team including Consultant Eric Meehan, Manager Customer Development & Tenders Sarah Stubbs, General Manager NAQ Kym Bloor and myself worked for months behind the scenes to prepare for the tender. It was important to be ready – not just because it’s a valuable contract for our business that we have held for more than 10 years,
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it also employs a dedicated crew of open space specialists who take great care and skill to maintain some of the pristine areas that many thousands of locals and tourists visit and admire all year round. While demonstrating a strong track record is important in winning a tender, what’s more important is presenting a vision for the future that proves we will offer value beyond quality service at a competitive price. That’s where our digital transformation agenda comes in. With the real-time technology available through ALIS and MT Data, the services we provide will be delivered much more efficiently and with complete transparency. Service and vehicle data is seamlessly collected and analysed to ultimately protect NCA’s open space assets for the future, enabling Citywide to partner with NCA as they realise their mission to shape Canberra as a capital that
What We Do Matters May-June 2021
all Australians can be proud of. From the magnificent heritage listed rose gardens at Old Parliament House Rose Gardens to the historic monuments that line Anzac Parade, and the leafy grounds of Commonwealth Park – Brad and the entire Citywide open space team has built a solid reputation within NCA as a quality, reliable and trusted provider. Our tender leveraged that reputation to put our best foot forward that helped bring about a contract win that all of us at Citywide should be proud to have under our belt. “This result would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of the ACT Team and external support from Head office, including the Tenders and Fleet Teams,” said Brad Foley, ACT Manager. “I am proud to say Citywide will continue to manage this significant area on behalf of the NCA for the next five years.”
Natalie Schroeder Customer Development & Tenders Team
Customer Development & Tenders News
Second time a charm in Casey!
Above, Lake Burley Griffin and its surrounds is one of the many iconic sites we maintain for the National Capital Authority while, below, the Gardening team also keep the Old Parliament House Rose Gardens looking trim.
AFTER a tender process in late 2020 which was aborted by council, the City of Casey returned to market in early 2021 for its North, Central, South and Road Reserves open space and mowing contracts. These were reconfigured contracts from those in place previously, with Citywide the incumbent on the Road Reserves package, and we knew this would be a hotly contested RFT process. It certainly was! Whilst we were not successful on Road Reserves, we were appointed to the two largest packages – North and Central – which will deliver 100% growth on existing revenue from the open space & mowing contracts. The bid team of Adam Nelson, Brad Mansell, Lisa Carty, Eric Meehan, Sarah Stubbs and Kate Brabant put a lot of effort in pre-retender, working on the financial modelling and scheduling, and messaging, to support our submission. This has been a strong result for the South East Municipal team in Victoria. And a great example of having to work hard for every contract and growth opportunity. - Sarah Stubbs, Customer Development & Tenders Manager
Other new business wins ... City of Melton - Minor Civil Works Capital works project work panel: volume will be highly dependent on how much capital works activity they put to market, and how successful our bidding is.
City of Brimbank - Construction of dog off-leash park, Kevin Flint Park Memorial Reserve Another great win for the LGA Capital Works team. Securing this project adds to our growing - and very strong - deal sheet for park upgrade/development works.
City of Greater Dandenong - Open Space Successfully appointed to panel of providers for 4+2+2 years. While the number on the panel has increased, so has the number of packages of works, which will be competitively quoted, but we expect the result to deliver solid annual revenue.
City of Melton - Kirkton Reserve Upgrade Yet another win for the growth LGA Capital Works team.
City of Kingston - Roy Dore offleash dog park Another project for the LGA Capital Works team. City of Melbourne - FOGO (Food Organics & Garden Organics) bins and service A significant addition to our existing waste and recycling management services delivered to our major customer. ~
What We Do Matters May-June 2021
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Long Service Anniversaries WHEN Andy Grant and Gareth Cowlishaw talk about their respective work on the Melton Open Spaces contract, one word pops up repeatedly in both conversations: camaraderie. “I think we all love the physicality and diversity of the job, and the time that it gives us with our families,” says Andy. “But the thing I always come back to is how much I love this team. We all get on so well.” Andy became a team leader at the Ravenhall depot when Citywide’s contract at neighbouring Whittlesea ended in March 2019. A week later, after considerable negotiations and uncertainty, he and 11 other members of the Whittlesea team were successfully redeployed to Melton.
Among that team was Gareth – or Gazz as his friends call him – who jumped off his Broadacre mower in Whittlesea on the Friday and hopped straight back on it in Melton on Monday. “I’ve been riding this thing for more than five years now, so I suppose it’s almost a living part of me,” jokes Gazz. In May, Gazz celebrates his 10th year at Citywide – three months after Andy chalked up 15 years with the company. The pair are a walking advertisement for the type of teamwork – and yes, camaraderie – that we all cherish at Citywide. “I think that, as much as they like good workers at Citywide, they would much rather have good people,” says Gazz. “At the Melton contract, I reckon we’ve got that in spades.”
Andy (left) and Gazz pictured at Morton Homestead, one of the City of Melton’s showpiece sites that Citywide maintains. 8 What We Do Matters May-June 2021
Long Service Anniversaries A highly regarded operator Perennially outgoing, perennially perched on his Broadacre, Gazz has gained a notoriety among his teammates for his fearless commitment to getting the job done – wherever it takes him. “The Broadacre is a big machine,” says Andy, “but Gazz is able to get it into places most people wouldn’t even try to. He’s a very highly regarded operator.” With up to 600 parks, reserves, ovals and road reserves scattered across an area of nearly 400 km², Gazz’s work involves mowing anything from pristine lawns to tangled scrub. “I guess I must cut good grass,” says Gazz modestly. “When I started out on the streets of Cooper and Epping, I realised how valuable doing the road reserves was to the team. The more of those you do, the less time the detailed crews have to spend mowing busy median strips on foot among traffic.” “It may not be the most amazing job in the world, but I really enjoy it,” adds Gazz. “I can work at my own pace, and I never have to bring work home.” Home is a simple pad that Gazz shares with his faithful kelpie/ labrador cross, Mija, and where he spends a lot of time with his beloved father. Love at home and work Andy divides his time between a city base in Epping, and his family home in Beaufort, where his two children go to school. He remembers his wife Annie being pregnant with their 14-year-old daughter, Siena, when he first joined Citywide. “Moving into a supervisory role has definitely enabled me to spend more time at home,” says Andy. “But I still enjoy the camaraderie here. We have a very special team at Ravenhall, and I’ve had a string of great managers down the years.” So what keeps him going at work? “When I see a tired old site brought up to speed and looking bright and inviting, that’s something that still delights me,” says Andy. “We take great pride in our jobs, with everyone involved in attaining the highest level of presentation.” Gazz agrees that the team spirit is special at Melton.
This year, some 60 staff members are marking long service anniversaries working at Citywide and the City of Melbourne; between them, chalking up 924 years’ service by December! Across the organisation, we are committed to actively recognising such achievements. Here, we salute the following teammates celebrating anniversaries in May and June. MAY 20 years
LISA CARTY - GM Municipal Victoria
10 years
GARETH COWLISHAW - Team member, Melton Open Space BEVAN JOHNSON - Operations Supervisor, Stonnington Trees
JUNE 40 years
ROBERT ARNOLD - team member, Melbourne Waste contract
25 years
NATASHA THOMPSON - Team Leader - Operations Support, Municipal Northwest
10 years
NORM GUINANE - Team Member, City of Yarra Trees
“The camaraderie and team culture are really great here,” he says. “There’ll always be the occasional personality clash, just because we’re human, but this team is excellent. I worked on the Whittlesea contract for eight years, and I’m still friends with people I worked with there who have left the company.” As well as their career anniversaries, 2021 will see Andy and Gazz notch up important personal milestones: Andy turns 50 in July, and Gazz turned 40 in February. We wish you many happy returns, guys – and many more happy years in the saddle at Citywide!
What We Do Matters May-June 2021
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Long Service Anniversaries
Robert a beacon of unchanging dedication in a city where nothing else stands still
THE FIRST of June marked 40 years since the day Robert Arnold walked from his home in Elgin Street, Carlton to the Melbourne Town Hall and asked if there were any street-sweeping jobs available. He was asked if he was physically fit, and told to come back and start work the next day. Since then, the 62-year-old – still fit as a fiddle – has walked literally thousands of miles to keep his home city clean. “He’s a true garbologist,” says supervisor Luca De Fazio, who has managed Robert’s shifts for the past 15 years. “Nothing ever slows him down.” Despite his incredible milestone, however, Robert insists on sharing the credit with his workmates, Giuseppe De Fazio and Johnny Pavitt, who have worked alongside him emptying litter bins across Kensington, Parkville, North Melbourne, West Melbourne and Carlton. “They’ve been doing the same work as me for a long time too,” says Robert. “We all do this job together.”
While Robert has come a long way in the past 40 years, his city has too. “There were hardly any bins in those days,” he recalls. “Two of us fillers used to walk behind the trucks and everyone just piled up their rubbish in plastic bags in the laneways.” The system has evolved dramatically, with thousands of litter bins across the city being emptied into highly-automated ‘smart’ garbage trucks. But despite the technological advances, Robert’s job remains essentially the same. “I still walk alongside the truck and put the bins on the lifter,” he says. “But the truck does most of the heavy lifting these days!”
– people always stop and say hello, and you get to know some of the shopkeepers and residents pretty well. “Plus I work with some really great guys – so I’ve got no complaints at all!” So what will Robert be doing to celebrate his milestone on June 2nd? Again, his natural humility takes over: he doesn’t want to make a fuss. “I’ll be working as usual that day,” he says. “Then I’ll probably have a cup of tea when I come home and just relax a bit.” Robert is a man of simple pleasures – he loves watching footie on the TV, and spending time with his beloved nephews and niece, who Simple celebration now have children of their own. “I As well as his regular garbage runs love them as if they were my own,” on weekdays, Robert used to do he says. sweeping at Victoria Market on FriWell everyone at Citywide loves day nights and empty waste bins in you, Robert. You are a true role Chinatown on Sundays for overtime. model for the Citywide family, and But these days, he says, his 6am-2pm your selfless dedication to your job weekday shifts are enough for him. and your city are an inspiration to us “I still enjoy the job,” he says. “I all. Happy anniversary, Robert! always get to meet a lot of people
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Arborist siblings keeping it in the family
GROWING UP on Victoria’s French Island with a carpenter father, it wasn’t surprising that Martin and Alison Ralph were master cubby house builders. “We were constantly building cubbies in the giant pines behind our house,” remembers Ali, now 23. “I remember one cubby that was about 12 metres off the ground and five storeys high!” Fast forward 15 years and the Ralph siblings are once again up in the trees – this time as arborists on Citywide’s Bayside contract. It’s thought to be the first time that Citywide have had a brother and sister working in the same depot, and it’s a serendipitous story that says as much about the supportive Citywide family as the close bonds between the Ralphs. Martin, 27, was first to join the company back in May 2018 when he signed up as an apprentice arborist at Bayside. Pretty soon he was being put through his paces in a Certificate III in Arboriculture, spending a day each week learning everything from how to operate a chainsaw to pruning, policies and powerlines. “Straight away I knew it was the job for me,” says Martin. “I love being outdoors, working on trees, and Citywide offers all sorts of opportunities to help you climb the ladder if you show initiative and really want to learn.” All in the family So when team leader Josh Trevor announced a new position at Bayside in March last year, Martin knew just the person to approach. “Ali was working in a café and looking for better op-
portunities,” he says. “Of course, I knew that she could pick up new skills easily and has a great work ethic. So I had no problem introducing her to the boss!” According to Ali, growing up on French Island was the perfect testing ground for the skills required in arboriculture. “There’s no power or piped water on the island, so you have to be pretty self-sufficient,” she says. “We spent a lot of time digging trenches for dad, looking after livestock, fixing up the generator. You learn to be pretty handy!” Ali was 20 when Martin – the second of four siblings – started working for Citywide, and she remembers how positively her big brother spoke of his new ‘gig’. So when he announced an opening at Bayside, she was quick to react. “I gave Josh a call and arrived here a week before the first lockdown,” recalls Ali. “My first role was operating a chipper and after some initial training I was in.” Ali says she hasn’t looked back. “I really enjoy the work. I was only on the chipper for a few months, then went into training for broader roles. I got my chainsaw ticket, my EWP (Elevated Work Platform) licence, my ESI Certificate II (Powerline and Vegetation Control).” Ali says that although arboriculture still has the image of “a blokey job”, she’s been quietly delighted by the culture on the Bayside trees crew. “There are 16 of us and I’m the only girl,” she says. “But I have to say, everyone is really respectful. If they ever crossed any boundaries, I’d certainly let them know about it – but so far, I haven’t had to!” What We Do Matters May-June 2021
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I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE GOOD WORK THAT COREY MALLIA DOES AND THE HIGH LEVEL OF SERVICE I HAVE EXPERIENCED FROM HIM. YESTERDAY WAS ANOTHER EXAMPLE WHERE COREY HAS BEEN WILLING TO ASSISTED ME ON SITE TO DISCUSS WITH THE RESIDENT THE ISSUES AND COUNCIL’S MANAGEMENT PROCESS. AND THEN FORMULATE A WORKS PLAN INCLUSIVE OF THE TREE ROOT MANAGEMENT FOR DAMAGE TO PRIVATE INFRASTRUCTURE AND ROOT MANAGEMENT FOR CIVIL RECONSTRUCTION WORKS. HE DOES A GOOD JOB. - GARETH PICKARD ARBORIST, BAYSIDE CITY COUNCIL
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COVID UPDATE - late May
VICTORIA BACK INTO LOCKDOWN AMID NEW COVID OUTBREAK
VICTORIA has returned to lockdown amid an outbreak in new COVID cases and a surge in the number of exposure sites across urban and regional areas. As of Monday May 31st, in excess of 200 exposure sites had been identified and were changing each day as new contacts were identified. Subsequent to recent health directives, Citywide’s COVID advice has been updated again. The HSE & PC teams have considered what this means for our teams, both at office locations and across our depots. Tier 1 exposure sites Anyone who has visited a Tier 1 exposure site during the times listed must immediately isolate, get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test, and quarantine for 14 days from the date of exposure (regardless of test results). You should also contact the Department of Health at 1300 651 160. Tier 2 exposure sites Anyone who has visited a Tier 2 exposure site during times listed should urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result. You should also contact the Department of Health at 1300 651 160. Tier 3 exposure sites Anyone who has visited a Tier 3 exposure site during times listed should monitor for symptoms - If symptoms develop, immediately get tested and isolate until you receive a negative result. Face Masks You must wear a face mask when you leave home, unless an exception applies. From 11:59pm on Thursday 27 May, anyone aged 12 years old and over must wear a fitted face mask indoors
and outdoors (except at private residences), unless an exception applies. This includes places such as: • shopping centres, supermarkets, retail outlets and markets • when visiting hospitals and aged care facilities • restaurants and cafes, when you are not eating or drinking • indoor workplaces • libraries, cinemas and entertainment facilities • Places of worship • outdoors i.e. walking the dog • recreational facilities and gyms (an exemption applies when engaged in any strenuous exercise) • on public transport, in taxis, or in ride share vehicles • at airports and in aircraft
* Citywide has taken the decision
to allow office workers to work remotely where possible and where it is the worker’s preference to do so. Where team members prefer this option they should consult with their managers to make arrangements. All other directives as per the COVID safe plans continue to
apply. For team members residing interstate, it is recommended that you do not travel to Melbourne at this time. All managers and supervisors should ensure that staff are aware of these requirements. If you have any questions, contact your HSE or PC partners. ^^Information was correct at 5pm May 31st. Please check with your HSE Business Partner for updates since this publication date. Further information: Email questions@citywide.com.au
Download the QIN app on your mobile phone to get important health & safety and COVID updates
To get all the latest information, including updated exposure sites, visit the government’s website:
www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites#public-exposure-sites-in-victoria Teams should also regularly check the QIN CodeSafe mobile app for updates. Our COVID Updates page 13 can be found under the General Safety Information tab.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN OUR annual display at the St Kilda Botanical Gardens this summer just past, we had parsley as a border and basil for its contrasting leaf colour (bottom photo). During this time, the team - led by Bridie O’Donnell and Jacob Colman (right) - continued to harvest the parsley and basil to supply to Alex Makes Meals, an organisation that makes meals for the homeless. Pictured below are the team from Alex Makes Meals, using the herbs to make pasta for over 5,000 meals for disadvantaged people. - Steve Bratby Operations Supervisor St Kilda Botanical Gardens
“Hi Steven,
“A massive thank you for all of the fresh herbs you and the team at Parks and Gardens donated. I’ve attached some photos of the kitchen turning them into garnishes and the most delicious pesto. Your donation of parsley made it into over 5,000 meals so far. Please share this round with the team so they can share some of the joy we did when we got your donation. Thanks again, - Alex Dekker Alex Makes Meals Further info: www.alexmakesmeals.com
Join the
Download the QIN app on your mobile phone to get important safety updates 14
What We Do Matters May-June 2021
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
KEEPING the food theme cooking along ... Big ups to the Tenders Team - Sarah Stubbs, Kate Brabant, Timea Egan, Joe Chamoun and George Afonczenko (above, left) who raised the bar with their production output during a volunteer shift at FareShare. The crew cut veggies and then excelled with their performance of packing quiches. All up, they reckon they packaged close to 1,000 quiches in just two hours – completing all tasks including clean up! Not to be out-done, Brooklyn depot staff Chris Elliott and Chani Humphries joined Gordon McK-
ay Williamstown teammates Pat Goldie, Dorothy Bruce and Heath Talbot (above) in completing a ‘test’ volunteer shift at FareShare’s (fairly new) Derrimut kitchen in Melbourne’s western suburbs. FareShare has used their Derrimut site as a storage facility for a couple of years but recently completed a kitchen fit-out to expand the amount of meals the social enterprise can produce for under-privileged members of society. Find out more about volunteer shifts at FareShare:
www.fareshare.net.au/volunteering-melbourne/
WHAT WE DO MATTERS - Pool Room Praise “I would like to provide a compliment to one of
your workers Harrison who responded to a fallen tree this Saturday evening, from 5pm on Darling Street South Yarra. “The police were present and from what I could gather had called to provide assistance for Harrison, but no one turned up. “I am disappointed that he was left to clean up this mess on his own, given the hazard this tree was due to its sheer size and condition. “Harrison was clearly going above and beyond
his role. He was raking the debris to the best of his capacity after having loaded the sawed logs onto his ute in oncoming strong winds and rain and I was grateful given I walk past this tree daily and it has been a worry for some time. “As a grateful community member and long time renter, I feel that further assistance in these situations is warranted and would like Harrison to receive this compliment.” - Nicola R. South Yarra What We Do Matters May-June 2021
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Simple scanner saves hours of admin for electricians on Boral Cement project
A LITTLE barcode scanner that cost $250 is fuelling an efficiency revolution for the electricians at Gordon McKay, who say it will save them hundreds of hours on some of the largest electrical construction projects in Victoria and Tasmania. The handheld scanner, used with an app that creates barcodes for it, is the brainchild of Andrew Smigowski, Gordon McKay’s Electrical and Instrumentation Supervisor, who used to spend up to 10 hours a week typing in the details of cable ‘terminations’ into his project spreadsheets. Now that process is completed in seconds – simply by scanning a barcode on each cable record. Andrew is currently putting the system through its paces at Boral Cement’s new plant at the Port of Geelong, where his team are installing 3,000 power and control cables across the 5,000m² site of one of Australia’s largest new cement
plants. “Normally tracking these cables would involve inputting details when either end of each cable is connected – which, in this case, means 6,000 separate data inputs,” explains Andrew. “It’s not just knowing when each cable is terminated and ready for testing, but being able to see when all the cables in one section of the project are completed, so you can do the testing more efficiently. “If you consider these multiple efficiencies, this little scanner is literally paying for itself every hour or two!” A quality business Now, where Andrew used to take a cable installation record from each electrician and painstakingly copy its details into his computer, he can just scan the barcode and it will automatically show up on his spreadsheet as ‘50% terminated’ or ‘100%
terminated’ – meaning both ends of a cable have been connected, and are ready for testing. “On some jobs, you can have 15 people bringing in 60 to 80 of these records each day, and it can be a real headache to reconcile it all,” says Andrew. “But on this job, this little scanner is saving me more than two hours each day just in tracking and recording cable completions. “You can imagine with jobs on a multi-storey building, where you have dozens of electricians fitting cables, power-points and light-switches on every storey, it’s going to be saving us considerably more time than that.” Andrew developed the digital tracker from an existing system, which he “tweaked” to cover Gordon McKay’s comprehensive pre-termination checks – which include everything from the tension and durability of cable connections, to their shrouds, glands, Earthing and labelling. “This the first major job we’ve used it on, so there’s still room for it to be finessed and perfected,” says Andrew. “But once it’s operating at full potential, it’s going to be saving us hundreds of hours on every project.” Gordon McKay, which became a subsidiary of Citywide last year, has committed up to 25 electricians to the 18-month Boral construction project, which is due for completion next February. The project represents one of the largest new clinker grinding and cement plants to be constructed in Victoria in recent times.
Follow: linkedin.com/company/gordon-mckay/ 16
What We Do Matters May-June 2021
From the Frontline ...
Project Foreman Leigh Richards, pictured on Selfs Point Wharf THEY’VE HUNG on harnesses from some of the country’s highest wind turbines, and tunnelled deep into the Earth delivering power supplies to mining projects. But for the fearless electricians who deliver Frontline Electrical’s services to the heights and depths of Tasmania, it’s a whole new ballgame fire-proofing the island’s main fuel transit wharf. TasPorts’ Selfs Point Wharf is the single most important fuel transit facility for a state that relies on liquid fuels to drive its transport industry – with loads of up to 3.5 million litres of petrol, diesel and LPG arriving by ship. So when Frontline was asked to supply the electrical know-how for an $8 million upgrade of Selfs Point’s fire-fighting system, it turned out to be a little more complex than their usual project works. “The biggest challenge is that we have to keep the existing system fully operational, so the new system
has to be overlaid on the present system,” explained TasPorts’ Project Manager, Richard Seeber, who’s overseeing the upgrade. “It’s a very challenging location, with strong currents and high winds… and the ultimate challenge, of course, of large tankers docking and unloading millions of litres of fuel.” The rough conditions on the Derwent River meant it would be exceedingly dangerous to try and mount heavy water pipes and electrical cables from a barge or boat – so the project partners have devised an ingenious ‘mobile scaffold’ that will slide beneath the 300-metre-long wharf. The scaffold will enable Frontline’s electricians to install 8,000 metres of heavy-duty cable connecting the shore-based control room, pumps and water tanks to three fire towers equipped with remote-controlled water cannons on the wharf. “It’s certainly a pretty unique job for us,” admits Frontline Project
Manager Jason Bryan. “There are very stringent operating standards, of course, and our guys are going to be hanging over the water with life-jackets on, in the rain or snow, and very windy conditions. We’re used to some pretty challenging environments, but this is new territory even for us!” Keeping it in Tasmania Working closely with TasPorts, Shaw Contracting and steel fabricator Haywards in an all-Tasmanian partnership, Frontline’s electricians have spent the past 12 months designing the project’s electrical infrastructure and developing the underground conduits and cable pits for the shore-based facilities. But now this work is coming to an end, foreman Leigh Richards says he’s looking forward to getting out on the water...
Read the full story online: www.frontlineelectrical.com.au/ What We Do Matters May-June 2021
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WHAT WE DO MATTERS - Pool Room Praise
“The Street Sweeper that came this morning
“Gary wanted to give some feedback that
Rob Earle Close, Mont Albert
Janine O’Keefe Whitehorse City Council
did a fantastic job. I write this note in appreciation of your department. “He made several passes in the street and allowed many residents to move their vehicles. We all commented on the great job and his friendly attitude. Many thanks.
“Marg from Kintore Cres, Box Hill would like
to pass on a gold star for the sweeper who does their street. She says he’s been amazing and several residents have commented on how clean the street is. “They are very impressed and would like to give him a gold star (She mentioned this several times).” Kind Regards, Monica Armstrong City Works Administration Whitehorse City Council 18
What We Do Matters May-June 2021
Citywide are currently in Albany Crescent, Surrey Hills, trimming the trees and doing a fantastic job. “They are taking their time and are so incredibly well-mannered and friendly. “He thought he just had to let us know.”
CAREERS, APPRENTICESHIPS & TRAINING
Careers expo’s lift Citywide’s brand in community FUTURE arborists, horticulturists and engineers were among the more than 10,000 school students, staff and families to descend on two careers expo’s in Victoria in recent weeks. To bolster recruitment efforts and attract apprentices, Citywide took the opportunity to exhibit at the two major careers events at Cranbourne Racecourse and later the Melbourne Showgrounds. An estimated 4,000 students and school careers staff from 60 government secondary schools attended the Southeast Local Learning
and Employment Network’s (SELLEN) annual ‘Try-a-Trade’ day at Cranbourne. That was followed up with a strong showing at the inaugural Victorian Careers Show at Melbourne Showgrounds, which attracted more than 6,000 students, staff and families across two days. And, as many of our teammates who volunteered to help would attest to, Citywide’s expo booths at both shows were incredibly popular, with many attendees enquiring about apprenticeships with the company.
Big thanks to all staff members who helped make both shows a success; David Dickie, Nic Gillingham, Nikki Stobie, Martin Ralph, Josh Trevor, Alex Gray, Steve Woolley, Lavleen Goswami, Terry Maycock, Nick Marinucci, Talia Vincent, James Tomeo, Marco Kunst, Angela Youens, Abbas Syed, Penny Pananis, Tina Sabec, Shilpa Lloyd, Vanessa Kehl, Kris Lattin, Adam Gallagher, Claudia Solis and all managers who supported the initiative. ~
Cert 3 Arb training IN LINE with continuous development opportunities for our staff, a Certificate 3 Arboriculture batch has been launched in partnership with Arbortrim. It is an 18-month course with a combination of classroom theory sessions and on the job practical exercises in the field. “This will not only help us address the skill shortage in the Arboriculture stream, but also help our employees gain a qualification whilst being employed with Citywide,” said Lavleen Goswami, Training & Development Leader. What We Do Matters May-June 2021
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Citywide turf supervisor ‘grows’ next generation of gardening champion THEY’RE calling him “the next Costa” on the Mornington Peninsula, but little Hugo Winzer knows he’s got his granddad to thank when it comes to his record-breaking sweep at this year’s Red Hill Show. Aged just three-and-a-half, Hugo is enjoying the first flush of celebrity since scooping seven prizes – including three 1sts – in the horticultural show’s recent famous vegetable competition. Even his granddad, Citywide legend Andrew ‘Laf’ Lefebvre, concedes that Hugo’s effort was nothing short of spectacular. “He won the junior ‘best in show’ for his display, so he even trumped me in the end,” concedes Laf, who managed a humble eight ribbons. The Lefebvres have been regulars at the Red Hill Show for the past three years, and were not going to miss the hotly-fought veggie competition – even though COVID had put an end to the physical show. And the family scored an impressive sweep of awards, with Hugo, his dad Dale, and his “Poppy” scooping 18 prizes between them.
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What We Do Matters May-June 2021
A year of bonding Laf and Hugo developed a special bond in Laf’s veggie garden last year, while Hugo’s mum Sarah was nursing little brother Harvey who arrived in late July. “I think we spent 15 straight weekends together, and it was all out in the garden,” says Laf. “Hugo’s a champion, and he just loves gardening. Being together that long, he had a chance to watch the veggies grow from planting all the way to harvesting.” For his part, Hugo knows his grandad has introduced him to something significant. “Gardening with Poppy is my favourite thing in the world,” he states earnestly. For Laf, who supervises Citywide’s turf management across southeast Melbourne, gardening with his grandson has been an entirely natural development. “I learned gardening from my grandmother, and I’m just passing it on,” he says.
Next year Laf will celebrate 20 years with Citywide, but he clearly has no intention of slowing down. “If you want to put it in marathon terms, I can see the stadium now,” he says. “But I love what I do, and the magnificent people I work alongside. I wouldn’t change my job with anyone.” Laf and his wife Pam moved to a small acreage in Bittern four years ago, where they have a self-sufficient garden with solar power, rainwater harvesting, and an irrigation system designed by their son, Nick. “We grow food for all the family and for a few mates at Citywide, and we give the excess to elderly and unemployed people through the Community House at Crib Point,” says Laf. “We grow any veggies you can shake a stick at – except zucchinis, which I’m afraid I don’t really like that much!” ~
Citywide Directors ‘on the tools’ WITH COVID-19 restrictions having gradually eased around Australia, it has created opportunities for Citywide’s Board members to get back out ‘on the tools’. Recognising the diversity of all operations and industries in which Citywide works, our Directors are actively invested in all levels of the business, frequently engaging with operations teams across our different geographies. Last month, Director Paul Hardy dropped into Enterprize Park to see how the site, on the banks of the Yarra River, is being redeveloped for the City of Melbourne by Citywide’s Melbourne Infrastructure Services team. The project will expand the lawn area, enhance views to the river, improve accessibility, strengthen connectivity through the park and reinstate indigenous vegetation. Pictured left to right is site foreman Andrew Kelly, Director Paul Hardy and Melbourne Infrastructure Services Operations Leader Leigh Goullet. MORE and more councils are expanding their urban forests and tree planting programs through increased community engagement. Recently, Citywide arborist Martin Ralph helped local Bayside resident Art Skvira and his son Valentine (left) to plant a tree the family donated for their local park. “Art contacted council and informed them that he had a Mexican Weeping Pine he thought might look good in a park,” explains Martin. “So I scouted out various parks and reserves and found that Landcox Park would be best as it already has a section with various different pine species, and a new variety would be a nice addition to the collection.” Bayside City Council is not the only LGA in Victoria to collaborate with local community members on its tree planting schedule. Citywide manages several tree planting contracts involving community engagement initiatives, including Brimbank City Council, the City of Knox and City of Whittlesea. An additional driving factor for councils is the continuing climate change emergency, with urban forest programs and increased canopy cover a recognised approach to mitigating the risks of global warming. What We Do Matters May-June 2021
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Wood you believe it! From the “What are the chances...?” files... Our Bayside Trees teammates recently attended this street in Brighton, in Melbourne’s southeast, to help remove a massive fallen tree limb that - by virtue of its shape - managed to miss crushing a local resident’s prized Mercedes Benz. After a local Moorabbin SES (Victoria State Emergency Service) crew attended to make safe the site, arborists Kieron Spring, Greg Jackson and Daniel Webb were able to finish clearing and chipping the downed limb.
AS IF one such tree-meets-vehicle incident wasn’t enough, the Bayside boys were scrambled again just days later when an unfortunate truckie had a tree limb come crashing down on his vehicle - fortuitously falling between his cab and trailer - just a stone’s throw from Citywide’s Talinga Road, Cheltenham depot.
After inspecting the site and making safe, once again the trees team made light work of removing the troublesome trunk, leaving the truckie to reflect on a close shave. Truck incident photos c/o Bayside Sportsfield Team Member Ross Taylor.
CONGRATS!
To the NCA and Casey teams for winning the recent tender bids, securing significant open space contracts for the coming years! 22
What We Do Matters May-June 2021
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Photo: Jumping juniper! Brendan Birks, Garden team leader on the Canberra Open Space contract, gives a juniper hedge at Old Parliament House a healthy prune.
