Day in a life: Meet Travis and Craig

Craig Dearling General Manager – Workforce Services

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT MASTER BUILDERS– AND WHAT PATH DID YOU TAKE TO GET HERE? I am part of the Workforce Services team. The team includes our skilled, professional and experienced Workplace Relations, Work Health and Safety, and Online Document Services people (including the people responsible for the very popular eDocs system). The path that led me to Master Builders is a long story. I was employed here as a graduate after my second year at university studying international relations, human resources and WHS. I worked at Master Builders from January 2006 until December 2011, before leaving for 10 years and returning in May this year. IF YOU COULD SUM YOURSELF UP IN ONE SENTENCE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I’m a simple person who doesn’t like to complicate things. I think that’s why I’ve had a long career in the industry – because I provide simple, practical and easy-tounderstand advice and assistance. I’m not here to just regurgitate laws and regulations to members – my team and I interpret, translate and then share the complicated issues in a way that can be easily understood and applied. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU? I’m extremely fortunate to have an amazing team around me that do an exceptional job advising and assisting members, allowing me to focus on strategic industry issues and policy matters that affect members. But I

A Day in the life

also support the team and assist them with member enquiries when required.

WHAT’S THE BEST PART ABOUT YOUR ROLE? Working with a team that is so knowledgeable, and who are passionate about Master Builders, our members, and the services we provide. We are fortunate to have employees throughout the whole organisation, not just our team but the whole place, who are genuinely passionate about what they do and enthusiastic about helping our members achieve success.

WHAT’S THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? It was at the 2007 Queensland Housing & Construction Awards. Kate Ceberano was the entertainment and she got me up on stage for a photo and a hug. The photo was taken with my old Nokia phone, so it wasn’t the best quality and I’m not sure if I still have it – but I’ll always have the memories!

Travis Woods

– Building Services Team

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT MASTER BUILDERS AND WHAT PATH DID YOU TAKE TO GET THERE? My passion for building commenced over 20 years ago, working in a timber yard as a teenager. I completed my Certificate III in Carpentry, a Certificate IV in Building & Construction, and most recently a Certificate III in Commercial Waterproofing. I started my journey working in the residential sector and then moving into the commercial space, mining construction and supervisory roles. I joined Master Builders in 2006 as a member and it has been a big part of my life. My career highlight was winning some Master Builders awards over the years. Most recently I was appointed Technical Advisor in the Building Services Team. My goal over the next few years is to complete my Advanced Diploma in Building Surveying to be a qualified Building Certifier.

WHAT’S YOUR NICKNAME? I was known as Tiger on the construction sites as my last name is Woods like the golfer Tiger Woods, so the fellas would refer to me as Tiger. IF YOU COULD SUM UP YOURSELF IN ONE SENTENCE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I am passionate about the construction industry and am dedicated to continually growing my knowledge within it. This means I can help support Master Builders members across building codes and changes in the industry. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU? I look after technical enquires, helping members navigate through building codes and Australian Standards and give support through dispute resolution processes and site inspection visits.

WHAT’S THE BEST PART ABOUT YOUR ROLE? Assisting a member through a difficult situation and getting them back on track. WHAT’S THE MOST RANDOM QUESTION YOU’VE HAD OR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? My most memorable moment was joining Master Builders as an employee after 16 years as a member and awards recipient. It has been a great experience meeting leading industry professionals and our members at events to discuss what can be done to improve aspects within the industry.