C o o l
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A E S m i t h ’ s m ag az in e f o r s t a f f a n d f r i e n d s brisbane bowen melbourne perth
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2013 issue 18
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Shaping the Future & Thought Leaders Share Insight Kicking Goals at 2013 Recognition Awards National Role Energising Turnkey Solutions for Onsite Power Generation Commitment and Application Break LTI Records & Onsite Safety Getting Noticed Maintenance Pays Its Way for Brisbane School Customer Service Team Breaking the Mould Gold Coast University Hospital Gets a Check Up HVAC & Cogeneration Solutions for $500 million 567 Collins Street Project Cool Use for Building Technologies Top End Growth & The Need for Speed Dinosaurs in Outback Queensland & Safety Team Grows On Your Bike! & Ryan Joins Victoria Construction Team Camaraderie Helps Fight Cancer & The Apprentice Record Amount Raised for Aged Care & Run for the Kids Sustainability Investment Satisfies Staff RMH Monash Celebrates 20 Years
conditioning
building
services
energy
efficiency
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“ Through your participation, openness and willingness to help you have shaped the future of AE Smith ”
Shaping the Future It’s not everyday that staff have the opportunity to directly influence the future direction of a business But a gathering of formal and informal leaders from across the company did just that at a special “Joint Sitting” event this April hosted by the AE Smith Executive team - Andrew Permezel, Aldo Cevaal, Steve Jackson and Ross Cochrane. The objective: (1) Come together to meet new people; (2) renew and strengthen existing inter and intra office relationships; (3) be exposed to new ideas and thinking; and most importantly, (4) learn new skills that will help us help each other be more successful in the year ahead. “Taking the time to work ON your business - and not just IN your business - is vital to the continued health and well being of any organisation,” said AE Smith CEO, Andrew Permezel (pic right).
Main pic: VIP guest, Sam Kekovich joins the AE Smith team to conclude the special Joint Sitting event and kick start the 2013 Recognition Awards. Cover page: GE Jenbacher type 3 gas engine installed by AE Smith at King George Central in Brisbane.
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“To the participants and the many teams they represent, ‘Thank you’ for investing your time and energy on the day. Don’t underestimate the effect your contribution, no matter how small, has made on the decision making of the Executive team,” said Group General Manager Service, Aldo Cevaal. “Through your participation, openness and willingness to help you have shaped the future of AE Smith,” added National General Manager Construction, Steve Jackson. AES
Thought Leaders Share Insight AE Smith thought leaders invited to share insight at energy and building related conferences in Melbourne and Sydney AE Smith National Engineering Manager, Leigh Graham has been invited to speak at the All-Energy Australia Conference in Melbourne this October. Leigh’s presentation titled, “The power dividend generated when contractor and designer collaborate on Australia’s largest trigeneration system in a hospital and research facility” will be delivered jointly with Floth Sustainable Building Consultants National Managing Director, Glenn Ralph. Floth is responsible for design. AE Smith is responsible for installation and commissioning of the trigeneration system at the $1.5 billion* Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. Their presentation will highlight the significant dividends close collaboration between contractor and design teams brings to trigeneration projects by ensuring all team members understand the underlying principles of the challenge they confront together. In September, National Sustainability Engineer, David Odd has also been invited to present at the Retrofit & Refurb Conference in Sydney. David will talk about alternative maintenance practices to maintain and improve NABERS ratings including risk mitigation strategies, energy management, condition based maintenance and plant optimisation. AES
All-Energy Australia (Melbourne, 9-10 Oct 2013) is an annual B2B conference and networking forum hosted alongside an exhibition showcasing renewable energy, clean energy, sustainable transport and energy efficiency. Visit www.all-energy.com.au for more information. Retrofit & Refurb (Sydney, 24-25 Sep 2013) conference will target key challenges and solutions that have successfully improved building performance, as well as creating an attractive and comfortable environment for workers that will ultimately drive down costs and increase workplace productivity. Visit www.retro-fitting.com.au for more information. * Source: Courier Mail, 5 Jun 2013
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Kicking Goals at 2013 Recognition Awards AFL legend Sam Kekovich helps celebrate AE Smith champions AFL Legend and media personality Sam Kekovich set the tone with a combination of great humour and inspirational messages at the 2013 AE Smith Recognition Awards in April. Kekovich delivered a rousing keynote address - that in between his anecdotes of playing football, working in the media and spearheading the highly successful lamb commercials - highlighted the importance of taking initiative and personal responsibility to achieve success. It was a theme that resonated at the special awards dinner staged in Melbourne, where awards were presented to six individuals and one team for living the AE Smith values of safety, integrity, teamwork, relationships, communication, initiative and recognition. “The collection of winners were shining examples of the values Sam Kekovich spoke of – taking personal responsibility and stepping up,” says CEO Andrew Permezel. “We were very proud to present these recognition awards at a more formal dinner this year to pay tribute to a great collection of individuals who are really living the AE Smith values, ensuring our customers love us and keeping the company a great place to work,” adds Andrew. 4 Cool Breeze 2013 #18
2013 Recognition Awards HONOURABLE MENTION:
Adam Godino & Ash Carmichael, Melbourne Service Fawzia Kippie, Perth Doug Smith, Victoria Construction Sydney Service Team John Michelakis, Sydney Cast & Crew of the AE Smith Safety Video
2013 Recognition Award for LIVING THE AE SMITH VALUES:
John Gray, Service Manager, Gold Coast Leigh Graham, National Engineering Manager Peter McCarthy, General Manager, Melbourne Service Ben Higgins, Project Manager, Brisbane Construction Brian Webber, Project Sales, Perth Brett Sorensen, Business Development, Brisbane Service Energy Services Team, Ashley Robinson, Mark Medley & Wayne Howden
Thank you to Aircon Rentals and Actrol for helping make it possible for Sam Kekovich to be the guest speaker at the 2013 AE Smith Recognition Awards Dinner. Thank you also HSBC and CSG for their sponsorship of the event. Main pic left: Sam Kekovich is one of the real personalities of AFL football. He is well known for his controversial behaviour and his advocacy for the consumption of lamb. Main pic right: Leigh Graham (green shirt) accepts his Recognition Award from (L to R) Andrew Permezel, Steve Jackson and Aldo Cevaal.
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National Role Energising Turnkey Solutions for Onsite Power Generation “The decision to join AE Smith was an easy one for me - it was the right move,” said Mark Sanders, who’s just joined AE Smith as the National Energy Services Manager based in Brisbane
“ There’s obviously the technical expertise AE Smith possess. But very few companies have the resources to deliver turnkey solutions for onsite power generation that range from full concept to a 20 year service agreement ”
Mark’s focus will be on helping customers meet their current and future onsite power generation needs. His efforts build on AE Smith’s expertise and in-house resources delivering turnkey cogeneration and trigeneration systems at landmark buildings around Australia. Some of which include King George Central and Queensland Children’s Hospital, both in Brisbane, and 567 Collins Street in Melbourne. “It was clear this new role presented a great opportunity to combine all of AE Smith’s design, engineering, construction and facility maintenance expertise and provide our customers with a single source solution that utilises the full depth of AE Smith’s expertise and capabilities,” adds Mark. Originally from the UK, Mark brings over 17 years building services and engineering experience to this new role. Importantly, the last seven years in construction management of sustainable buildings including 5 and 6 star Green Star projects with greater than 5 star NABERS performance requirements - where cogeneration systems typically play an integral role. It’s his time at Leighton Contractors that also gave him first hand insight into AE Smith’s approach by working on shared projects such
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as HQ in Brisbane. Here the 6 star Green Star design, installation and fitout of Leighton’s offices at HQ included a cogeneration system installed by AE Smith and now, significantly, also serviced and maintained by AE Smith. “As a customer of AE Smith, I came to know and appreciate the ‘AE Smith way’ of doing business and it was an approach that I admired,” says Mark. “There’s obviously the technical expertise AE Smith possess. But very few companies have the resources to deliver turnkey solutions for onsite power generation that range from full concept to a 20 year service agreement.” It’s these advantages Mark believes he can harness in his new Energy Services role as National Manager to make life easier for customers. “AE Smith are always very collaborative in the design process. You might think being ’collaborative’ is standard practice in coming up with the best onsite power solution. But I assure you, it is not. “Because AE Smith values good working relationships - which means they take a long term perspective - choosing to consult and collaborate with customers comes naturally. Which means finding better technical and financial energy solutions earlier in the design process. And that’s another significant advantage AE Smith brings to the table.” AE Smith’s CEO, Andrew Permezel admits the insights Mark transfers from his many years experience overseas and at Leighton Contractors brings an edge to this newly created national position.
Main pic: Mark Sanders, National Energy Services Manager. Pic above: King George Central, Brisbane. Completed in 2012, the 28,000 sqm development located in Brisbane’s CBD is a 6 Star Green Star building targeting a 5 star NABERS Energy rating. AE Smith provided a full turnkey onsite cogeneration solution at King George Central including generator, heat recovery, absorption chiller, AE Smith control system for all safety systems and grid synchronisation.
“We’re excited to have Mark on board. His expertise and experience are unquestionable. But the understanding he brings from the point of view of both contractor and customer delivering turnkey onsite power generation solutions that actually work is unique. Mark raises to a new level the role AE Smith can play in delivering practical solutions our customers can trust,” says Andrew. AES
Pic left: GE Jenbacher type 3 gas engine installed by AE Smith at King George Central.
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“ These good results shouldn’t mean we lose focus. We’ve all got to keep vigilant and find areas to improve to ensure the little things don’t get overlooked ”
Commitment and Application Break LTI Records AE Smith offices around the country are beating their Lost Time Injury (LTI) records, notching up new benchmarks for safety “The past financial year has seen some great results, with many offices beating their previous best LTI statistics,” says National Safety Manager, Nick Daley. But while these results are setting new records, Nick is keen to improve on levels of safety and ensure a totally injury free workplace: “These good results shouldn’t mean we lose focus. We’ve all got to keep vigilant and find areas to improve to ensure the little things don’t get overlooked,” comments Nick. Nick has particularly noted Gold Coast, Perth and Sydney Service for their results, along with South East Queensland (SEQ) and Tasmania Construction. LTI Days Free:
Pic: Nick Daily accepting on behalf of the cast & crew the 2013 Recognition Award “Honourable Mention” for the production of the AE Smith Safety Video.
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Gold Coast Service - in excess of 800 days Perth Service - in excess of 1200 days, previous best 899 SEQ Construction - in excess of 600 days, previous best 475 Sydney Service - in excess of 1600 days, previous best 351 Tasmania Construction - in excess of 600 days. AES
Onsite Safety Getting Noticed AE Smith is leading the way on site at Victoria’s Craigieburn Town Centre project, taking out Lend Leases monthly sub contractor safety award for the last five consecutive months
“ We’re being recognised for our commitment to safe work practices wherever we are and whoever we work with ”
Fostering safety on their sites, Lend Lease creates a safety matrix to benchmark their sub contractors, including AE Smith and hosts of other construction trades including plumbers and electricians. Contractors are rated out of 100 on their positive safety contributions with AE Smith topping the leader board since January this year on the new shopping centre complex. AE Smith’s National Safety Manager, Nick Daley is impressed to see how the company is ahead of the pack when it comes to demonstrating safety values on the job: “Lend Lease are looking for a commitment to high levels of documentation, training, supervision and observation and our guys have been setting the standard,” says Nick. Lead by Site Manager, Ric Mitchell, AE Smith’s strong safety culture is being noticed. “What’s really encouraging is we’re being recognised for our commitment to safe work practices wherever we are and whoever we work with. Ric and his team have done a great job ensuring our own subcontractors for this project are also on board with our high safety standards - it’s been a great team effort all round.” AES
Pic (L to R): Stewart King, Jason Bailey, Ric Mitchell, Andy Brincat, Milton Griffith, Peter Bailey, John Murray.
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Maintenance Pays Its Way for Brisbane School Quality suppliers school’s secret With buildings dating back to the 1880's on a sprawling campus catering to 800 students, including 150 boarders, St Margaret's Anglican Girls' School could easily be a maintenance nightmare were it not for a planned, considered approach to the problem and to the suppliers.
“ The maintenance agreement that we have with AE Smith is a cut above the rest and you could argue, in fact, that it pays for itself ”
When Facilities Manager Kathy Wane joined the Ascot, Queensland, school three years ago she realised that maintenance was a major issue and that the key to keeping abreast would be the quality of the school's suppliers. "One of the school's attractions was also the problem, namely the age. The school's 116 years old and with that comes a lot of maintenance and compliance issues," Kathy said. Kathy set about systematically and quietly examining the schools 20 or so regular suppliers and contractors. She watched and interacted with them and sought feedback from the school's maintenance team and staff. "Over 12 months I considered their communication, presentation, work standards and compliance issues. I didn't come into the position with a negative view, but I was certainly ready to scrutinise them closely."
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In her second year Kathy assisted the current Director Business & Operations, Toni Williams, to weed the wheat from the chaff, changing things around, negotiating different suppliers and varying contracts. During this period it became obvious to Kathy and the school's Director Business & Operations and Project Manager that the key to containing costs and developing effective budgets and forward plans, particularly with regard air conditioning and heating, was to gain an overview. "Because it's an old school there are many different types of air conditioners of different ages and designs. It was a nightmare and budgeting was difficult because we never knew what was coming next." The schools air conditioning and mechanical services contractor, AE Smith, one of the few suppliers whose methods and work practices had impressed Kathy from the outset, offered to do a whole of school audit- also known as a Condition Report- and from these findings develop a maintenance and programmed replacement schedule. "With air conditioning, very few companies are interested in ongoing maintenance. They all want to do the install and the warranty period, but that's it. AE Smith stood out straight away in this regard." Kathy says that the Condition Report has proven so effective it is essentially a model for all areas of the school now. "There is no doubt that putting in place preventative maintenance programmes and scheduled checks saves money in the long run. The maintenance schedule keeps costs to a minimum. We are now able to budget 10 years ahead. We know which units will need to be replaced and when and because we have a maintenance programme we can almost bank on those predictions. The maintenance agreement that we have with AE Smith is a cut above the rest and you could argue, in fact, that it pays for itself." Kathy says that too often suppliers in schools think only of how they relate to the person who's their first point of contact. They fail to realise that their input impacts on the areas of responsibility of the entire executive - the finance manager, bursar, principal, HR manager and facilities manager. "AE Smith's people tick all of the boxes for me. I know that when they arrive on site I don't have to worry about them. They provide me electronically with a detailed report every time they are on site. It shows what rooms they were in, what they worked on and the status. Among our contractors there are a couple who stand out, and AE Smith is one that really stands out in all areas. The level of expertise among their people is excellent and whenever someone from their company visits our site they know what they have to do. I find their whole structure impressive from their presentation and safety standards to their work ethic, effectiveness and reporting. I have never had to challenge any of the AE Smith people. They obviously are doing something right and have the right training processes In place," she said. AES
“ I have never had to challenge any of the AE Smith people. They obviously are doing something right and have the right training processes In place �
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“ [The Customer Service team] is often the first port of call for our customers and responsible for delivering the style of service AE Smith is known for - they are helpful, responsive and reliable ”
Customer Service Team Breaking the Mould When you mention call centres, most people shudder with the thought of long waits on hold, unhelpful service or speaking with people in far-flung places But AE Smith’s Customer Service team is turning these perceptions on their head - with a locally based helpful team of people who embody the character and personality of AE Smith - Likeable and loyal; empathetic and responsive. “Forget what you think about call centres, our Customer Service team is doing an amazing job,” says AE Smith Operations Manager (and former Perth Service Manager), Wayne Long. Staffed with a team of locals, AE Smith’s Customer Service teams located in Melbourne and Townsville answer calls from all over Australia. “My team is often the first port of call for our customers and responsible for delivering the style of service AE Smith is known for they are helpful, responsive and reliable - not always a typical scenario for most call centres,” adds Wayne. Charged with handling customer enquiries and responding to on site calls from AE Smith field technicians, the Customer Service team ensures AE Smith’s technicians are in the right place, at the right time to help our customers.
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“As you would expect, the team are pretty proficient at juggling a lot of different balls at the same time - they need to know our customer’s sites, know the sorts of technical problems that could arise, relate these to our technicians and all in a clear and timely manner,” adds Wayne. It’s this approach Gold Coast Service Manager, John Gray believes is an important ingredient to the attractiveness of AE Smith as a safe professional you can trust: “They really are the front line for our Service business - they’re talking with our customers all the time and how they perform reflects directly on our ability to deliver practical and commercial solutions in the field,” said John. “It’s great to know that the Customer Service team embrace the same work pride and accountable work ethic you’ve come to expect from our team in the field. Building and maintaining positive relationships with internal and external customers alike; the Customer Service team complements the long term perspective we take that results in good working relationships we look for in our customers, says John.
Main pic: Wayne Long surrounded by his team of Service Coordinators (L to R): Kathy Rae, Christine Sweetnam, Madelaine Dyer, Sherry Anderson, Desirae O’Callaghan, Bronwen Balsamo, Michelle Spring, Alex Wood, Simone Raft, Rachel Viktor. Pic above: Service Coordinator, Kathy Rae meets some of the Gold Coast team face-to-face (L to R): Adam Robinson, Stephen Leake, Richard Gray, Shaun McDonald, Mike Murray, David Nordstrom, Mick Brylowski, John Gray.
“At their best, this team is the exception to the rule,” concluded Wayne. AES www.aesmith.com.au
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Gold Coast University Hospital Gets a Check Up AE Smith’s Brisbane Construction team have matched their technical expertise with information management prowess to deliver on one of the largest HVAC commissioning projects Australia has seen
“ A team of 30 commissioning technicians on one project is arguably the largest this country has seen ”
The soon to be complete Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) saw AE Smith Construction in Brisbane pull together a team of 30 commissioning technicians to step into a project fraught with challenges. The size, scale, design and technical specifications of the project was part of the challenge; the other was taking over from a previous contractor that had left the site with incorrectly engineered and installed equipment. “We knew the key to meeting these challenges head on and providing an outstanding and on time result was planning and preparing well,” says AE Smith Queensland Commissioning Manager, Mark Jacobson. But rectifying previous problems and taking on a site that was drastically behind schedule was not the biggest issue adds Mark, rather it was managing the 30 strong team needed to deliver the detailed project.
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“A team of 30 commissioning technicians on one project is arguably the largest this country has seen and needed a certain approach we knew we had to match our technical expertise with a really strong information management and data tracking system to ensure the whole team was across the detailed commissioning.” Mark explains that breaking the management into three components helped with the vast amount of information exchange and administration that could trip up a project and team of this scale: “Rather than just one Project Manager, we had a Commissioning Site Manager, a Commissioning QA Supervisor (dealt with the field technical requirements, testing methodologies, etc) and data management team.” “Each element of the project’s commissioning also had a Work Pack created with details on every single system, work history, tracking logs and commissioning status logs so we could readily have all the knowledge on hand to transfer between staff,” adds Mark. It’s this approach that assisted with minimising handover between team members, relearning any work, helping keep on top of the compounding deadlines and coordinating with our site’s construction team. “We also made sure we involved the design consultant along the way and briefed their team via our document tracking, so handover was pretty seamless.” And while AE Smith’s involvement in the country’s largest HVAC commissioning project is a source of pride for Mark, it’s how the different teams within AE Smith help and collaborate with one another that is vital to delivering the right outcome for its customers:
Pic above: Mark Jacobson, Queensland Commissioning Manager Main pic: Aerial view of Gold Coast University Hospital central energy plant.
Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) Snapshot
The new $1.76 billion, 750-bed tertiary Gold Coast University Hospital is a vital component in Queensland Health’s vision to deliver state-of-the-art health service facilities designed to cope with extraordinary population growth in South East Queensland.
Source: www.lendlease.com and www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au
“Working on a hospital site always requires a great combination of design, engineering, installation and commissioning – so helping make this a successful project through our team’s combined expertise is also really rewarding,” concludes Mark.
750 overnight beds. More than three times the size of the existing Gold Coast Hospital. State of the art health training facilities. Improved privacy and patient safety with over 70% single rooms. Clinical testing and research facilities. Located next to Griffith University. Centre of the future Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct. AES
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HVAC & Cogeneration Solutions for $500 million 567 Collins Street Project AE Smith will help build the largest PCA Premium Grade tower constructed in Melbourne in the last 25 years
“ Winning this project came down to our mechanical services expertise, technical abilities in large scale commercial building projects and our turnkey cogeneration solution for the building ”
The $500 million, 567 Collins Street project developed by Leighton Properties and built by Leighton Contractors is located between Spencer and King Streets in the heart of Melbourne’s legal, commercial, insurance, banking and finance precincts. Over 26 levels, the 54,770sqm development 100 metres from Southern Cross Station will include a 2-3 level high foyer of lobby, café and retail component, two levels of health club together with seven levels of podium campus offices and 16 levels of upper tower offices. “Winning this project came down to our mechanical services expertise, technical abilities in large scale commercial building projects and our turnkey cogeneration solution for the building,” says AE Smith Victoria Construction General Manager, Doug Smith. 567 Collins Street is registered to target a 5 Star Green Star - Office Design v2 Rating with the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). Green Star is a comprehensive, national, voluntary environmental rating scheme that evaluates the environmental design and construction of buildings. 5 Star Green Star targeted by 567 Collins Street signifies “Australian Excellence”.
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“We’ll be working with Leighton’s to help achieve the targets for the building by minimising water and energy usage as well as provide high levels of indoor air quality and efficiency,” adds Doug. With construction underway from March this year, high profile tenants have already been secured for the landmark site on Melbourne’s prestigious Collins Street, including becoming Leighton Contractors new Melbourne headquarters. AES
Angelo Pascuzzi brings 25 years experience to 567 Collins Street Spearheading the 567 Collins Street project for AE Smith Construction is Angelo Pascuzzi - who’s just notched up 25 years of service with the company. “There’s no-one better placed than Angelo to be our Project Manager on this build,” says Victoria Construction General Manager, Doug Smith. A much loved and respected team member, Angelo’s 25 years of employment with AE Smith has developed a signature approach to his work: “He’s passionate, full of energy and an incredible stickler for detail which is a great asset when you’re a Project Manager,” adds Doug.
Main pic: 567 Collins Street artist impression. Developed by Leighton Properties. Built by Leighton Contractors. Mechanical services and cogeneration by AE Smith. Pic above: Melbourne’s Lord Mayor joins Leighton Holdings Chief, Hamish Tyrwhitt, Leighton Properties Managing Director, Mark Gray and the Leighton Contractors Chief Financial Officer, Peter Hicks at the 567 Collins Street ground breaking ceremony in February.
Angelo recently attended the official “breaking the ground” ceremony at 567 Collins Street and walked the red carpet along with Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle. “Likeable and loyal. Practical and pragmatic. Angelo’s an experienced problem solver that brings a sense of fun to his work too. I’m confident he’ll help the team deliver a great outcome at this significant project for Leighton Contractors,” he adds. AES
Pic left: Celebrating 25 years at AE Smith – Angelo Pascuzzi walks the red carpet at the launch of 567 Collins Street in Melbourne. Source: www.leightonproperties.com.au, www.leighton.com.au and www.gbca.org.au
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Cool Use for Building Technologies Refrigeration solutions serve up a host of benefits for home of the Melbourne Cup AE Smith Building Technologies is using systems technology in new ways to deliver energy savings for some of Victoria’s most high profile public venues.
“ It’s this real time problem detection that’s become an important adaptation of the BMS technology for a site such as Flemington Racecourse ”
Taking Building Management Systems (BMS) typically used on air conditioning plants, Building Technologies have expanded the technology and aim to apply it across Flemington Racecourse’s extensive refrigeration systems. Energy Saving Refrigeration Systems installed across a multitude of different cool rooms at the home of Victorian racing is designed to provide proactive maintenance solutions as well as cost savings. “One of the benefits of this intelligent system we’ve developed is that the controls can supervise as many devices as needed, collect information and look for problems - and publish all this in real time,” says AE Smith Building Technologies Business Development Manager, Brad Disher. It’s this real time problem detection that’s become an important adaptation of the BMS technology for a site such as Flemington Racecourse.
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“For a site that’s not used seven days a week, refrigeration problems would only be detected on race days which presents all sorts of issues.” The Energy Saving Refrigeration Systems also provides cost savings by detecting condition based maintenance - letting customers know when and what service might be required pre-emptively rather than sticking to a strict maintenance schedule.
“ We have the building controls but we also have the technicians and mechanics and maintenance expertise too and it makes sense to have the same team of people working across all of your building’s assets ”
“The systems mean servicing and maintenance can occur on an as needs basis,” adds Brad. Adapting Building Management Systems (BMS) for refrigeration solutions is a natural fit for AE Smith says Brad: “We have the building controls but we also have the technicians and mechanics and maintenance expertise too – and it makes sense to have the same team of people working across all of your building’s assets.” And while this latest adaptation of technology has been applied to a large-scale public venue, the principles of cost savings, problem detection, reporting and energy reductions hold true to smaller sites and buildings. “The Energy Saving Refrigeration System is definitely applicable across sites of smaller sizes and different industry sectors,” adds Brad. AES
Pic: Tristan Reichelt, Direct Digital Control (DDC) Technician.
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“ I’ve always known AE Smith for being helpful, responsive, caring and reliable. Now that I’m part of the team, I can see first hand where this reputation has come from ”
Top End Growth Townsville and Cairns are adding to their teams to help with growing demand in North Queensland “We’re pleased to be growing our team and employing experienced problem solvers to help our customers,” says North Queensland General Manager, Mark Lovelady. Russ Sampson joins the Townsville AE Smith team as an experienced Service Manager. Russ is a Townsville local with 23 years experience as a refrigeration mechanic - 15 of those years as Service Manager. “Being a Townsville ‘fridgey’ born and bred, I’ve always thought of AE Smith as being helpful, responsive, caring and reliable. Now that I’m part of the team, I can see first hand where this reputation has come from and what I can do to add to it,” said Russ. Mark Erasmus joins the AE Smith Cairns team as Electrical & HVAC Service Manager.
Pic: Russ Sampson standing in front of the Townsville AE Smith office.
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Recently emigrating from Johannesburg to Canberra with his wife and two children before following the sunshine to Cairns, Mark honed his trade as a qualified electrician and HVAC mechanic in the gold mines of South Africa since 1994. AES
The Need for Speed AE Smith’s resident “speed demon” Trevor Slaughter is on track to achieve his world record ambition by smashing the Australian land speed record in February The Brisbane Factory Production Manager has his sights set on being the next man to break the world land speed record in a specially created car he’s designed and constructed himself in is very own backyard shed. In the maiden run of his 3.0 litre Toyota 2JZ turbo-engined streamliner on the salt flats of Lake Gairdner in South Australia, Trevor ran a speed of 407kmph – more than 80kmph faster than the previous Aussie record. Despite this achievement, Trevor knows there’s another “step up” required to beat the current world record. He’ll need to nearly double the speed he achieved in February.
Pic: Trevor Slaughter sits atop his Australian land speed record breaking 9.4m long, 1m wide and 800mm high wheel driven vehicle. “It wasn’t a perfect run but we came back with a whole lot of data from the experience so that we can set the car up better for next time,” says Trevor. “More speed can be tweaked from the engine to produce up to 2500 horsepower,” adds Trevor, but there are also plans to fit an engine from a Chinook heavy-lift military helicopter capable of pulling 4800 horsepower.
“We really want to go for a new world record,” says Trevor. The goal is to reach 500 mph (or 800kmph) to beat a world record that currently stands at 458 mph for a wheel driven vehicle. You can follow Trevor’s progress toward his world record attempt at www.slaughtermotorsport.com AES www.aesmith.com.au
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Dinosaurs in Outback Queensland The Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum is a not for profit science and education initiative to benefit all Australians. The 1,800 hectare museum site covers a large mesa formation or “Jump-Up” about 20 km from Winton. The mesa is a natural flat-top plateau 7 km long, 2 km wide, and rising 75 metres above the surrounding plain. The museum is located on top of the mesa, a wilderness area surrounded by steep cliffs, massive boulders and deep gorges. To learn more about dinosaurs and one of AE Smith’s most unique customers please visit australianageofdinosaurs.com Source: www.australianageofdinosaurs.com
Dinosaurs may not have enjoyed the benefits of air conditioning, but their fossils will at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum in Central Queensland One of AE Smith Mackay’s most unique customers houses the country’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils - and they’ve just won a regional architecture award. The dramatic reception building (pictured above) in Winton received a 2013 Australian Institute of Architects’ Regional Commendation and the J.W. Wilson Award for Building of the Year. Winton is ten hours drive (928km) west by road from Mackay. “Congratulations to the many volunteers and staff at the museum,” says AE Smith Mackay Project Manager, Nathan Gibbs. “It’s not everyday you get to work with dinosaurs!” Plans are underway to complete a full-scale museum building to house the sizable collection. The remaining museum buildings will follow the tone set by the innovative - and now award winning design of the reception building. In addition to HVAC design, engineering and construction, AE Smith Mackay delivers a full range of building services right across Central Queensland including air conditioning, refrigeration, mechanical services, electrical, essential services and thermal imaging. AES
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Safety Team Grows Victoria Construction has welcomed a new team member charged with the role of Branch Safety Manager Sandy Wilson brings to AE Smith a wealth of experience in health, safety, environment and quality disciplines most recently in management roles with Watpac Civil & Mining and also in the oil and gas industry with a division of Shell Petroleum.
“ I got the distinct impression… that safety wasn’t just another line item. Small things like the safety video and safety culture survey are powerful initiatives that make AE Smith stand out from the crowd ”
With expertise in project management, auditing, training and assessing, occupational health and safety and environmental management systems, Sandy is already proving a vital resource. “In a short few weeks, Sandy’s already helped prepare for our annual safety audit and brought some really helpful knowledge to the table,” says AE Smith’s National Safety Manager, Nick Daley. “In doing my homework before joining AE Smith, I got the distinct impression from reading your website and speaking to Nick that safety wasn’t just another line item. Small things like the safety video and safety culture survey are powerful initiatives that make AE Smith stand out from the crowd,” said Sandy. “Always looking for continuous improvement, Sandy has quickly identified a number of opportunities on where we can improve and applied her practical experience - welcome on board,” adds Nick. AES www.aesmith.com.au
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“ We’re pretty proud of our customer relationships and Southern Cross Care is an example of how we aim to go beyond customer and supplier exchanges ”
On Your Bike! Perth office hits the road with customers to raise money for Asthma Foundation Perth General Manager, Graeme Stewart recently put his passion for pedal power into a worthy cause by participating in the annual RAC Great Freeway Bike Hike for Asthma. Inviting top customers to join the endurance challenge, Graeme sponsored and lead a team of eight in the 70km bike ride along Perth’s Kwinana Freeway from Mandurah to the CBD. “It’s a great way to involve customers in some of the community initiatives we support and participate together in a really fun and worthwhile event,” says Graeme. Amongst the customers participating was long time AE Smith client, Southern Cross Care.
Pic (L to R): David Blackie, Clay Yarwood, Andrew Shave (front), Chris McCleay (rear), Trevor Lewis, Simon Arnoldi, Marthinus Joubert, Graeme Stewart, Darren Rudling.
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“We’re pretty proud of our customer relationships and Southern Cross Care is an example of how we aim to go beyond customer and supplier exchanges,” says Graeme. “We support their aged care events and fundraising initiatives too and we were delighted they could be involved in this ride with us.” This is the second year the “Team AE Smith” participated in the Freeway Bike Hike for Asthma and Graeme is looking forward to fielding an even larger team in 2014. AES
Ryan Joins Victoria Construction Team Experienced HVAC project manager, Ryan Leong has relocated from Johannesburg to join AE Smith’s Construction team in Victoria
“ I’m really enjoying being part of the AE Smith team - the transition, help and support has been amazing ”
With a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and a background working on some of South Africa’s major construction projects, Ryan has quickly fitted into his new working life in Melbourne. “I’m really enjoying being part of the AE Smith team - the transition, help and support has been amazing,” said Ryan. Victorian Construction General Manager, Doug Smith believes Ryan’s project management experience from engineering to completion on major commercial buildings and hospitals is a valuable addition to the team: “Ryan’s diverse experience base means he can add a lot of value to current and future construction projects,” said Doug. Already finding his feet in the estimating department, Ryan has been working on preparing estimates and tenders for large-scale projects as well as on AE Smith cogeneration and trigeneration projects. And when Ryan’s not tackling engineering challenges at the AE Smith office, he’s finding his feet rock climbing around Melbourne and Victoria. “Climbing’s a great way to nut out complex problems,” adds Ryan. AES www.aesmith.com.au
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Camaraderie Helps Fight Cancer Pic above: Diane Wise celebrates at AE Smith’s Biggest Morning Tea event to raise money for the Cancer Council. Main pic: Some of the Corporate Finance team (L to R): Yoga Pandithan, Peter Robinson, Adam Franklin, Tira Jones, Kelly Coghlan, Ross Cochrane, Ann Davids, Matthew Paine, Debbie Guy, Brenda Lai, Diane Wise, Victoria Doherty.
Peter Kinsella, Engineering Manager AE SmithaConstruction Victoria, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea hasofbecome set fixture on has been appointed Vice President world wide peak body - the of AE Smith’s gastronomic calendarofforthe years thanks to the efforts Chartered Institution of Wise Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) cancer survivor Diane As the international professional body for the building services However, since being recently re-diagnosed with cancer andprofession, taking CIBSE hastreatment, a membership of over 17,000 in 87 countries. leave for Diane’s annual fundraising efforts have been
graciously accepted by colleague and Corporate Finance Manager, Kinsella’s appointment as the one of two Vice Presidents complements Tira Jones.
his role of Regional Chairman for Australian & New Zealand for the same organisation. His appointment comes at a time when there’s increasing Each May, Council encourages workplaces spotlight onthe the Cancer role Australia and New Zealand are playingtoinstage the a fundraiser over morning tea.are The “Biggest Tea” events building industry and how we helping set Morning the international agenda.
around the country have helped raise over $110 million toward cancer research, prevention support services. “The building services industryand is facing a major change of focus from
lowest price tendered work to projects that consider efficiency and “This year, our morning tea event in be Melbourne and Sydney saw lots sustainability – it’s an exciting time to at the coalface and bringing our regional perspective to the world table,” comments Kinsella. of donations - big and small - which was fantastic,” says Tira. With 10 years AE Smith leading the This Engineering Kinsella is “But over it wasn’t just at a way to raise money. year, it team, was also about also a qualified Green Accredited a director of ARBS as showing support and Star helping one of Professional, our colleagues. well as holding an Honours Degree in Building Services Engineering from the United Kingdom. “Diane. Get well soon,” said Tira. AE Smith congratulates Peter Kinsella on his prestigious appointment.
If you too would like to help, please visit www.biggestmorningtea.com.au for more information. AES For more information about CIBSE visit www.cibse.org.au
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The Apprentice Mature age apprentice, Chay Huynh has just won Apprentice of the Year at Melbourne’s Box Hill Institute Already a qualified electrician and building controls specialist, Chay decided to add refrigeration mechanic to his repertoire of skills - and signed up for the apprenticeship program.
“ To have both the electrical skillset to understand controls and then add refrigeration as a second trade means he’s a real asset to both our customers and the wider AE Smith team, especially on energy saving projects ”
According to Morten Saltum, Service Manager in Melbourne the Apprentice of the Year award comes as no surprise: “Chay is dedicated, very interested in his trades and simply gets stuff done in a safe and professional way - they are winning qualities.” Morten also adds that now Chay is a ‘dual tradesman’, he brings a winning combination of technical skills to the AE Smith team. “To have both the electrical experience to understand controls and then add refrigeration as a second trade means he’s a real asset to both our customers and the wider AE Smith team, especially on energy saving projects,” said Morten. The Centre for Electrical & Refrigeration Trades at Box Hill Institute is one of the largest training providers of electrical and refrigeration apprentices in Australia. At a special presentation in May, Chay was formally awarded “First Place” in “Apprenticeship Certificate in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning - Year Three”. AES www.aesmith.com.au
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“ AE Smith has specially trained technicians who understand the unique environment in the residential aged care facility and the special needs of their residents and staff ”
Record Amount Raised for Aged Care We believe in helping people in everything we do; and helping long-time aged care customer Baptcare recently meant helping them raise a record $65,000 towards their Family and Community Service programs AE Smith was again a major sponsor of the annual Baptcare Charity Golf Day at the Heritage Golf and Country Club in Melbourne this April. “Thanks to AE Smith’s participation, after costs of the day taken out, $45,000 will go towards programs working with children in foster or kinship care, parenting programs like Baptcare’s HomeStart programs for struggling families, programs supporting children with disabilities and others,” said Baptcare Fundraising Coordinator, Andrew Milnes. “Thank you again to Peter McCarthy and the Melbourne AE Smith team for their participation and continued support of Baptcare.” Baptcare is one of several aged care service providers AE Smith helps by delivering a range of HVAC, building service and energy efficiency initiatives to around the country .
Pic: AE Smith’s Matthew Scarman (far left) and Ash Carmichael (3rd from left) with VIP guests Travis Jones and Steve Hill.
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AE Smith has specially trained technicians who understand the unique environment in the residential aged care facility and the special needs of their residents and staff. AES
Run for the Kids Pounding the pavement to raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal was a challenge AE Smith was up for Rallying colleagues in the Melbourne office from Finance, Construction and Service, National Accounts Receivable Officer Kelly Coghlan entered Team AE Smith into the annual “Run for the Kids” event that gives participants the chance to access normally off limits roads and bridges. With some team members electing the 5km walk/run, while others the 15km run, gliding over the 490m long Bolte Bridge and descending through the 1.6km long Domain Tunnel was a highlight of the event. “It wasn’t something I’ve done before so I was keen to give it a go. I thought it would be a great way to get together with work colleagues and raise some money for hospital,” said Kelly. “For those of us that only did the 5km this time, we’re already thinking about doing the 15km challenge next year!” Helping the hospital is close to many AE Smith hearts. The Victoria Construction AE Smith team helped deliver HVAC and mechanical services design and construction at the award winning facility. Most recently, the hospital won the 2013 Victorian Development of the Year in the Property Council of Australia’s Innovation and Excellence Awards. AES
Main pic (R to L): Victoria Doherty, Kelly Coghlan, Ann Davids & her son, Ethan Davids. Pic top (R to L): Annie Nguyen & Tira Jones. Pic above: Her Majesty The Queen officially opening the new Royal Children’s Hospital on 26 October 2011.
Victorians raised a recordbreaking $2 million in the Run for the Kids, bumping total donations to almost $9 million in eight years. About 35,000 runners converged on Melbourne's CBD in support of the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Source: www.heraldsun.com.au & www.rch.org.au
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Sustainability Investment Satisfies Staff Greenfleet is an Australian notfor-profit organisation dedicated to helping the community reduce the environmental impact of travel, business and lifestyle choices by adopting low -carbon alternatives and reforestation. To date, Greenfleet has planted over 7.5 million trees, creating more than 350 native and biodiverse forests for Australians. For more information please visit www.greenfleet.com.au
A new survey of Australian workers has revealed that over two thirds (68%) of respondents would feel more satisfied at work if their employer invested in sustainable practices, such as reforestation (planting trees) or offsetting pollution caused by vehicles More than half the respondents (55%) said they would be more likely to choose an employer if they were invested in sustainable practices, such as reforestation. This is particularly good news for AE Smith in light of our continued support of Greenfleet - Australia’s first carbon offset provider - who has helped AE Smith plant more than 21,500 trees since 2005. Greenfleet CEO, Sara Gipton, said the findings are a timely indication of the growing desire among employees to work for organisations that take environmental sustainability seriously.
Cool Breeze is a magazine published by AE Smith & Son Pty Ltd ABN 54 004 274 793 for its staff and customers. Subscription is free and available directly from AE Smith. © 2013 AE Smith & Son Pty Ltd. Important Notice: The information contained in this magazine is given in good faith. To the maximum extent permitted by law, neither AE Smith, its employees or contractors accept any liability for loss or damage arising as a result of any person acting on information contained in this magazine. This magazine should not be used or relied on as a substitute for detailed professional consultation with AE Smith.
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“Employees increasingly expect their workplaces to show leadership through investment in socially responsible initiatives, such as carbon offsetting. Investing in sustainability is not just an investment in the environment; it is an investment in the satisfaction and retention of your workforce.” The survey, conducted by Pure Profile for Greenfleet, surveyed 1001 people from a range of different workplaces across the country. AES
RMH Monash Celebrates 20 years Home away from home, Ronald McDonald House Monash recently celebrated their 20th anniversary with a fun-filled night of delicious food, musical entertainment and warm company The event was a great opportunity for families, RMH staff, volunteers and local community members to gather together at the House and commemorate the milestone. RMH Monash Executive Officer Nickie Barlow said the event was a chance to thank all the generous donors and volunteers and look towards the next 20 years of the House.
“ Ronald McDonald House Monash relies heavily on the generous support of the community and our corporate friends, like AE Smith, to keep our doors open to families with seriously ill children. We are incredibly grateful for AE Smith’s ongoing commitment to our cause ” Nickie Barlow Executive Officer RMH Monash
“None of the work would be possible without the countless hours donated by hardworking volunteers or the generous donations of the community. “We want to continue to offer families with a comfortable place to call home while their child undergoes treatment,” said Nickie. Since opening in April 1993, RMH Monash close to Monash Medical Centre in Melbourne has provided accommodation and support for more than 125,000 individuals, including more than 5,300 families. RMH Monash is one of seven Houses around Australia that AE Smith delivers pro bono air conditioning service and maintenance - taking thousands of dollars off annual running costs for each House. AES
Pic: Famous voice-over artist and friend of RMH Monash, Pete Smith OAM congratulates Wendy DaFonte (left) who received a 20 year service award on the night for her amazing volunteer work at RMH Monash. For more info please visit www.rmhc.org.au/monash-vic
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