Building News Edition 3 - 2009

Edition 3-2009

Master Builders

Group Training

40th Anniversary

F e at u r e

THE COST OF

A SIX-STAR RATI N G

National

Awa r d Winners

SAFEGUARDINGHOME

WARRANTY C O M M E R C I INSURANCE A L D I V I S I O N

C O M M E R C I A L

D I V I S I O N

Brand New Showroom

Powering your business with our exPertise We are the recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled work within the building and civil disciplines. From project managers and finishing forepersons to site engineers and site managers, our deep expertise allows us to bring the right person together with the right job. Our extensive database, local market knowledge and fast and accurate response allow us to deliver such a real result. That’s why, for over 33 years, we’ve powered the world of work.

We are proud to be associated with the MBA in Canberra. Committed to assisting and advising MBA members on such issues as recruitment, staff retention, industry news and salary information; we also conduct regular safety seminars in conjunction with the MBA to keep you up to date on OH&S requirements and changes in legislation. technical disciplines: General Managers Construction Managers Commercial Managers Project Managers Site Managers Estimators Contract Administrators Project/Site Engineers Quantity Surveyors Forepeople Leading Hands Project Coordinators Graduates Cadets

Labour hire: Construction/Civil workers Carpenters Brickies Labourers Traffic controllers Drivers/Operators

to speak to a recruiting expert contact hays Construction at cp.canberra@hays.com.au or 02 6230 5142.

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Multi-purpose training & meeting facilities, tailored for you!

When you need room for a business meeting or a training program, there is always a professional solution in the Master Builders new training facility located next to the DFO in Fyshwick.

We offer rooms of various sizes, from comfortable one-on-one interview rooms, training and meeting rooms accommodating up to 70, or for that very special meeting the Master Builders Boardroom is also available for hire. Your guests will not have to find or pay for parking as our site has 120 free car parking spaces.

With flexible room lay-outs and seating arrangements, choose classroom, theatre or boardroom style.

The dedicated Master Builders staff are trained to ensure your event is a success.

IncluDeD FacIlItIes High speed internet access Whiteboard and markers Data projector and screen TV DVD/Video Flip charts Tea, coffee and biscuits IT Room

caterIng Options from light meals, morning and afternoon tea, sandwich platters to boardroom silver service with wait staff

Other servIces Facsimile and Photocopier Meeting Coordinator

avaIlaBIlIty Monday to Friday 7.30am to 8.30pm Saturday 8.30am to 5.30pm

ParkIng Ample free on-site car parking

cOst Room hire from $280 per half day

MBa group training ltd.

1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 PO Box 1211, Fyswick ACT 2609 tel: (02) 6280 9119 Fax: (02) 6280 9118 email: training@mba.org.au Web: www.mba.org.au

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Master Builders Executive Council President – Ross Barrett Treasurer – Simon Butt Commercial Builders Council Chair – Sam Delorenzo CivilContractorsCouncilChair–PeterMiddleton Residential Builders Council Chair – Andrew Kerec

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Frank Gillingham Retires

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Home Warranty Insurance

Master Builders Fidelity Fund has safeguarded the ACT home building industry against the uncertainty over home warranty insurance

FrankGillingham’sillustriouscareerwithMaster Builders spanned 27 years. At the Annual Dinnertheindustryrecognisedhisachievement and Frank was made an honorary member

Professional Consultants Council Chair – Hans Sommer Suppliers and Subcontractors Council Chair – Peter Fairburn Master Builders Management team Executive Director – John Miller Deputy Executive Director – Jerry Howard Director Skills Development & Research – Grant Daly Senior Management Accountant – Louise McCallum Marketing & Membership Development Manager – David Leitch

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New Directions to Skills Development

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How to find the balance between training to meet minimum needs and professional development to achieve excellent outcome

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Canberra’s first Trade only commercial showroom

Master Builders Group Training General Manager – Wendy Tengstrom

The outstanding quality of building & construction in the ACT is confirmed with seven awards at the Master Builders National Excellence in Building & Construction awards

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HarveyNormanCommercialsetsanewstandard with their commercial showroom in Mitchell

Master Builders Group Training turns 40 From humble beginnings in 1969 to the award winningRTOitistoday.MasterBuildersGroupTraining celebrates 40 years of service to the industry

15 Moving to six stars

16 Changes at ACTPLA Craig Simmons moves up, David Middlemiss moves in

What are the implications? What are the costs?

18 Assessing Energy Efficiency Newsustainabilityinitiativesin2010,newnationallyrecognised qualifications in energy assessment

ACT winners at the National Awards

43 Tributes We remember Steve Pinter, Alan Richards & Clive Waldren

available at Master Builders

Trade Night - Landscaping

Master Builders Charity Golf Day

Date: Thursday 18 February Time: 6.00pm Where: Master Builders Headquarters Throughout2010MasterBuilderswillbeholdinga series of themed trade information nights at their headquarters in Fyshwick.The firstTrade Night of 2010 will focus on Landscaping, and will include expert guest speakers from the industry and innovative product displays.

Date:Monday22FebruaryTime:6.45amonwards Where: Yowani Country Club The Master Builders Charity Golf day remains a favouriteeventforourmembers.Thepriceincludes a sausage sizzle lunch and the chance to pick up somefunprizes.Specialguestafterdinnerspeaker Sam Kekovich.

2010 Master Builders & Boral Excellence Building Awards Important Dates 15 December Entry kits available 12 March Entries close 12 April – 7 May Judging period 18 June 2010 Master Builders & Boral Excellence in Building Awards

Master Builders Association of the ACT 1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 PO Box 1211, Fyswick ACT 2601 Tel: (02) 6247 2099 Fax: (02) 6249 8374 Email: canberra@mba.org.au Web: www.mba.org.au Advertising enquires Marketing & Membership Development Manager – David Leitch Tel: (02) 6247 2099 Mob: 0437 379 391 Email: dleitch@mba.org.au

President's Message

President of Master Builders Association of the ACT, Ross Barrett Workaholism is a disease. It is a serious affliction and I have suffered from it for about 50 years, so I don’t fully appreciate this new concept of life balanceorwork/lifeconflictorwork/lifecollisionas itisevensometimescalled.Theseareveryemotive terms used to describe a very modern complaint.

Finding a better work/life balance is an issue now facing employees the world over. But why is that?

Surelyallthiscannotsimplybetheresultofworking for a few hours extra a week?

In the first couple of million years of human habitationoftheearth,primitivemanhadtowork around the clock hunting for food and protecting themselvesandtheyjustmanagedtogetsufficient

of dedicated service. We survived and we thrived because that is what was expected of us.

Haven’tthingschanged?Todaywehavea38hour week, 20 days annual leave, 12 days of public holidays,10dayssickleave,3dayscompassionate leave, 13 RDO’s.That’s a total of 58 days idle from a possible260weekdaysorastaggering22%ofthe available working week days.

Plus, we go home if it’s too hot, too wet or too cold to work… and we can take Long Service Leave after7years…andit’sportablefromemployerto employer! I wonder if any industry, anywhere in the word, operates under such favourable workplace conditions?

And of course all business owners have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment…andthatcannotbeachievedwith employeeswhobelievethey’reoverworked,fatigued or stressed.

Traditionalwisdomsaysourstaffareourbusinesses biggest asset, but I’m not sure. Maybe Business Owners are the businesses most important asset.

So it should be worth some time for our business owners to step back occasionally to review how they manage their own well being which really is just as important as reviewing the balance sheet.

Investingsomequalitytimeingettingyourpersonal act together will not only save you some time it should also save you some money. The trick is to

Findingabetterwork/lifebalanceisanissuenowfacingemployeesthe world over. But why is that? Surely all this cannot simply be the result of working for a few hours extra a week. rest to allow them to follow the same routine 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. Full time work was necessary just to continue living.They didn’t have time to think about work/life balance. They were tough,theysurvivedandtheythrivedbecausethatis all they knew and that is what was necessary.

By my parent’s time, humans had become more sophisticatedbuttheyhadlivedthroughtwoworld wars and the great depression of the 1930s. They werealsomadeoftoughstuff.Theyappreciatedjust havingajob.Theysurvivedandtheythrivedbecause therewasnoalternative.Theywouldn’tunderstand this work/life balance debate any more than I do.

They would have dismissed such talk with a“she’ll be right mate” Mygenerationwasn’tsorobust,probablybecause we lived through better times. However, when I enteredtheworkforcewewerestillpleasedtohave a job, we appreciated our employer and we were happytowork40hoursaweekandreceive3weeks annual leave.

We believed in the concept of a fair days pay for a fair days work.We even believed sick pay was only to be taken when we were legitimately sick. Long serviceleavewasseenasarewardforstayingwith the same employer and was taken after 15 years 6

Employmentconditionsareobviouslythebestthey have ever been. Life is the best it has ever been.

Unfortunately though, today we aren’t coping so well…conditionsaresogoodthatwecanaffordto worry about less significant matters.

Wehaveawonderfulsocialsecuritysystemwhich allows people to simply opt out of the workforce andstillsurvive.Wetellourchildrenthatallpeople arebornequal.Weletthembelievetheworldowes them a living. They don’t have the same respect for authority or property as I grew up accepting.

They certainly don’t have the same work ethic my generation had. They seem to have negative thoughtsthrustatthemfromeverytypeofmedia outlet.Timemanagementisaforeignconcept.They arenotasresilientaspreviousgenerations,theyare too introspective. Is it any wonder they sit around stressingabouttheirperceivedwork/lifeconflicts?

But it doesn’t matter what I think, the reality is that businessownersdoneedtoensuretheirworkplace offersworkersarangeofflexibleworkoptionsand adopts family friendly policiesifthey areto attract andretainskilledstaff.Thisisparticularlyimportant whentherearen’tenoughworkerstofilleveryjob andwillonlygetworseasourageingpopulationget closer to their retirement age.

arrangeyourtimesoyouuseiteffectively.Andjust asimportantly,reviewhowyourwifeandfamilyview your use of your time.

Thereisnothingmoreimportantthanselfandfamily.

Butthiscurrentunbalancedconcentrationonwork/ life issues encourages unrealistic expectations, especially in the younger working generation.

What is wrong with working longer hours if we believethatservesourpurpose?Whyshouldwebe madetofeelguilty?PersonallyIhavealwaysfound thatcontentmentistheresultofbeingtoobusytobe miserable.

My message is simple. Try to put your own perceivedproblemsaboutlifebalanceintocontext.

Unfortunately, most of us are sometimes guilty of making mountains out of molehills. Negative thoughtsleadtoanegativeattitudewhichshapes the way we think and the way we go about the things we do.

If you stress because the glass is half empty rather than be pleased that it is half full, you are in for a difficultday.Apositiveattitudecaninfluencehow youdealwithallissuesandthiscaneveninfluence theattitudeofthosearoundyou.Ithinkwewouldbe betteroffifmorepeoplewereactivelyencouragedto be more positive!

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Then you’ve got 3 litres of turbo diesel torque, towing up to 3 tonnes in 4x4 or 2.5 tonnes in 4x2, all with great fuel economy.

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Spirit of Truck

Executive Director's Message

Executive Director of Master Builders Association of the ACT, John Miller

Whereisplaincommonsensedisappearingto?The problemisthatmostpeopleagreeit’sdisappearing but how do we stop it from becoming extinct in situationswhereitisdesperatelyneeded? Ifthere waseveracampaigntobringbackcommonsense, I’ve not a doubt in the world it would be oversubscribed.

Just to help this discussion it is worthwhile to consider a definition of common sense. One is “sound practical judgment that is independent of specialised knowledge, training, or the like; normalnativeintelligence.” It’sthe“normalnative

sureourproverbialposteriorsarecovered,butitis creatingvictimsatafargreaterratethanwhatever we are trying to protect. I would argue that the great paper chase is stifling business growth and innovation. I apologise to those who want to research and analyse things to death for I can only base this on anecdotal evidence – eg. talking to people which is a novel approach for some.

The great paper chase is wearing people down!

The number of people who raise this as one of the most exasperating experiences in running theiroperationsisunquestionablyintheincrease.

abigdealbutitisfurtherevidenceofthiscontinual propensitytowanttochangethings.Youonlyhave toscandailynewspapers,particularlytheopinion pieces from experts, to get a sense of how we are tryingtoencryptandconstantlychangelanguage that people once perfectly understood.

Wearelosingthebattletoretaincommonsenseon many fronts. It’s being lost through action where wehaveasystemeveryoneagreesisworkingwell andsomeonedecidesitshouldbechanged,neither rhyme nor reason. You will all relate to that. It is being lost in the name of compliance. It is being

Every time a new piece of legislation is added to the mix, the compliance and reporting requirements increase. intelligence” that caught my eye – what comes natural. We are becoming consumed by building complexity where it is not needed, adding layers where layers are not required and encrypting language where it should be kept legible.

I’ve got to come clean on this issue too. Not long ago in making a submission to government, one of our very astute members suggested that we promote an “Office of Common Sense”. I wasn’t sure in the context of the paper that this would be a good idea and subsequently we didn’t make the request. Wrong! It is needed but it is a sad indictment on where we have come to when we need someone to make a call on what is or isn’t common sense.

Let’s take occupational health and safety (now workplace safety – I’ll come back to this name change). What is it about thousands of reams of paperthatisgoingtomaketheworldasaferplace?

The great paper chase (read as loss of common sense)inthenameofsafetyissurelynothingmore thanamajordistractioninpursuitofthemaingame – actually observing and doing things that make thingssafer.Butno,notgoodenough;writeitdown in triplicate using millions of words in language that people meant to interpret it can’t possibly understand.Thatoughttoconfusethingsenough.

Yes, we all know in this thing known as ‘contemporary society’ we have a penchant for making sure everything is written down to make 8

We have found this time and time again during recent visits to member sites. It is detracting fromproductivetimeindevelopingnewideasand creatinggrowthopportunities,orjustplaingettingon with the job. Every time a new piece of legislation isaddedtothemix,thecomplianceandreporting requirements increase.

It would be interesting to see just how many“red tape” reviews have been conducted across the country say over the past decade or two. From listening to business people out and about I think thenextpersonwhosuggests“areviewofred-tape impacting on business”had better come up with another set of words to describe their promise to make things better. Nobody really believes it will happen, not in a meaningful way in any case.

All of this is not to oversimplify what are clearly issues that need to be addressed. It is just that too oftentheresponsesaresocomplexandtheimposts onbusinessarefartooonerousastobejustifiable.

If greater rigour was imposed during regulatory impact assessments, there would be much draft legislation that would remain just that – draft.

Another battle being faced in trying to hang on to common sense is that the whole lexicon or dictionaryischanging.Thisisyetanothermeansof turningthesimpletosomethingmorecomplexthan itneedstobe.Imentionedthisphenomenonabove when referring to the change from occupational health and safety to work safety. Maybe this is not

lostinthenameofaccountability. Itisbeinglostin the name of complexity. Worse still, it is being lost infrontourveryeyes. Forthatveryreasonweneed tocampaignhardforsomeadherencetocommon sense.

To round out my report for this issue I would like to finishontwohighernotes. Oneistheopportunity brought on by the Global Financial Crisis. It has certainly created problems for the industry but I wasbuoyedbyrecentcommentsbysomesupplier members at the loyalty being shown to them by local industry. Suppliers have been working hard toremainverycompetitiveintryingtimesandthis ishelpedenormouslywhenlocalindustryputstheir hand up to support them in the face of external challenges.Thereisalocalcamaraderiethatexists which is one of the reasons that this region often defies trends in other areas.

The second, whilst also sad, is the retirement of FrankGillingham. Frankhasbeenanoutstanding servant of the Master Builders Association of the ACT over 27 years. He will be missed by many industry friends and colleagues. Everywhere you go people have terrific stories to tell of Frank and many complimentary remarks. If ever there is an interesting story to put to print, it would come through Frank’s memories of life in the workforce.

We all wish Frank and Margaret a well earned rest although we may still see him with some industry involvement in the years ahead.

Master Builders association of the act

Human ResouRces manual The Building and Construction industry is extremely complex. Not only do employers need to contend with the complicated process of building and its numerous laws and regulations, but they are responsible for the day to day management of their employees.

People management is a job in itself, and no employer can be fully prepared for every workplace relations issue that may arise. That’s why Master Builders Association of the ACT has created this Human Resources Manual.

Master Builders Association of the ACT

HUMAN RESOURCES MANUAL

The manual has been designed to arm members with the resources and required knowledge to deal with everyday situations that may arise in the workplace.

• Federal Government’s Industrial Relations Changes • Recruitment • Induction • Record keeping • Discrimination and Bullying in the Workplace • Dealing with Unions • Performance Management • Discipline and Termination of Employment • Drug and Alcohol Policy

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Master Builders Association of the ACT 1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 PO Box 1211, Fyswick ACT 2609 Tel: (02) 6247 2099 Fax: (02) 6249 8374 Email: canberra@mba.org.au Web: www.mba.org.au

Industrial Relations Workplace change in the building and construction industry National Director, Industrial Relations & Legal Counsel, Master Builders Australia, Richard Calver

TheGovernment’sworkplacerelationschangesforthebuilding andconstructionindustryareinthreestages:themajorityofthe newrequirementscommencedon1July2009whenmostofthe FairWorkAct,2009cameintoeffect. Thesecondstage, withthe newminimumsafetynetestablishedbytheNationalEmployment Standards and modern awards, also part of the Fair Work Act, commences on 1 January 2010. Building and construction industryspecificarrangements(includingtheestablishmentof thereplacementbodyfortheAustralianBuildingandConstruction Commission(ABCC)andchangestoindustryspecificlaws)areset to commence on 1 February 2010. The main changes affecting the building and construction industry are shown in Table 1.

The Fair Work Act comprehensively overhauls the industrial relations system. The Act comprises six chapters. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the Act and its structure, and contains relevant definitions. Chapter 2 deals with terms and conditionsofemployment,includingtheNationalEmployment Standards,modernawards,enterpriseagreementsandworkplace determinations and transmission of business. Chapter 3 concernsrightsandresponsibilitiesofemployees,employersand organisations,includingfreedomofassociation,protectionfrom discrimination, unfair dismissal, industrial action and rights of entry.Chapter4dealswithcomplianceandenforcement,including remedies, and jurisdiction and powers of the courts. Chapter 5

TABLE I: Workplace Changes under the Rudd Government

Measure

Effective Date

• WorkplaceRelationsAmendment(TransitiontoForwardwith • Commenced 28 March 2008.

Fairness) Act 2008.

• Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) • Fair Work Regulations • Fair Work Rules

• Most aspects of the new workplace relations arrangements commenced on 1 July 2009.

• TheNationalEmploymentStandardscommenceon1January 2010.

• Modern awards commence on 1 January 2010.

• BuildingandConstructionIndustryImprovementAmendment • This Bill was introduced to Parliament on 17 June 2009. If (Transition to Fair Work) Bill 2009 passed by Parliament it will replace the ABCC with the Office oftheFairWorkBuildingIndustryInspectoratefrom1February 2010.ItwillbeconsideredintheSenate,includingamendments introducedbySenatorFielding,inthelast2009Parliamentary Sitting from 16 to 26 November 2009

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• National Code and Implementation Guidelines changes http://www.workplace.gov.au/workplace

• TheImplementationGuidelineswereamendedwitheffectfrom 1August2009.MinisterialDirectioncommunicated6October 2009saysifanagreementisapprovedbyFairWorkAustraliait will comply with all Implementation Guidelines.

• Independent Contractors Act 2006

• Commenced 1 March 2007. The Fair Work Act 2009 also contains provisions regarding independent contractors, includinganti-shamprovisions.2009ImplementationGuidelines reflect new role for ABCC in checking for sham contracts.

Canberra Building News Edition 3 - 2009

containsadministrativeprovisions,includingestablishmentofFair WorkAustralia(FWA),thenew“omnibus”organisationthatrollsup thefunctionsof,amongstothers,theAustralianIndustrialRelations Commission(AIRC),theWorkplaceAuthorityandtheAustralianFair PayCommissionandwhichcameintoeffectfrom1July2009.The OfficeoftheFairWorkOmbudsmaniscreated,amatterofinterest tothebuildingandconstructionindustrybecausethesuccessorto theABCCistobehousedwithinthatOffice,asaspecialistdivision, butwithautonomy.Chapter6dealswitharangeofmiscellaneous matters.

MasterBuildershasbeeninvolvedwithGovernmentinseeking clarificationoftheagreementmakinglaws,monitoringdecisions of Fair Work Australia (which has powers to vary awards, make minimumwageorders,approveagreements,determineunfair dismissal claims and make orders on such matters as good faith bargaining and industrial action) and being ready to appear in testcasesonimportantmatters. Wehavealsobeenextensively involvedinmakingsubmissionsonmodernAwardswhere,forthe buildingandconstructionindustry,fivemodernAwardswillreplace all existing Awards. This will occur on 1 January 2010.

Master Builders is also currently engaged in a comprehensive educationalprogrammefundedbytheGovernmentthatseeksto advisemembersaboutthemainchangesmadebytheFairWork Act, particularly agreement making.

There is also a new rights based focus to the Act: Atthesametimethatthenewlawsempowercollectivebargaining, there is an equal boost to enable individual grievances to be pursued.Employerswhoserecruitmentandpersonnelpractices arenotupto scratchwillbemorevulnerablethanever. Eventhe best employers will have to navigate this minefield carefully.2 TherecanbenodoubtthattheActhasgreatlyexpandedemployee rightsincludingopeninguptheunfairdismissaljurisdictionand creatinganewbasisforgrievancesvia“generalprotections.”The Actmakesitunlawfulforapersontotakeadverseactionbecause another person has, or exercises, a workplace right. Adverse action includes dismissal, discrimination, refusing to employ a person,orprejudiciallyalteringthepositionofaperson.Workplace rightsincludeanentitlementunderanawardoragreement,oran industrial law.

MasterBuildershasrespondedtothehostofchangesbywriting a Human Resources Manual which we publish with member associations. The Master Builders of the ACT version is now available.Itwillhelpmembersnavigatetheworkplacerelations minefield and contains a number of pro forma policies and proceduresthatwill,whenadopted,easecompliancewiththeAct.

The Fair Work Act departs significantly from the WorkChoices framework in the area of collective bargaining. The new regulatorycontextplacesrequirementsandobligationsonall parties where much of the law is new and the boundaries are untestedincludinganobligationborrowedfromtheUnitedStates tobargainin‘goodfaith’which,accordingtoonecommentator, has emerged as the“prime focus of attention over the first 100 days"1 of the new laws.

1 Anthony Wood 100 days of fair work: the verdict so far Association of Corporate Counsel 2 Id 11

Frank Gillingham Retires After 27 Years of Service The Master Builders Annual Dinner is a forum for recognition. Each yearwerecognisetheachievementsoftheAssociation,ourmembers andtheindustryingeneral.TheAnnualDinnerwasconsideredthe perfecteventtorecogniseFrankGillingham,atrueiconoftheACT’s building and construction Industry and the ACT Master Builders Association.

Frank Gillingham began his involvement with the Master Builders Association 27 years ago.

PriortothatFrank’simpressiveemploymenthistoryincludesadecade asthecadetindustrialofficertotheDirectorIndustrialRelationsatthe Employers Federation of the ACT (1960-70).

He then went for another 10 year stint as the Superintendent of IndustrialRelationsatHammerslyIroninDampierWesternAustralia.

(1970-80). Apartfromallofhison-siteresponsibilitiesthere,hewas Chief Industrial Advocate for Hammersly in both theWA Industrial Commission and the Federal Industrial Commission.

Moving back Canberra in 1980 as the ANU’s industrial officer Frank was responsible for their policy direction and management for industrial relations.

In1983hebecametheMasterBuildersAssociationoftheACTDirector ofIndustrialRelations.Inbetween1986and1987hetookontherole of the Association’s Executive's Director.

During the course of his working life in industrial relations, he has advocated on behalf of employers in most State industrial jurisdictions as well as the Australian Industrial Relations Commission and the Federal Industrial Relations Court.

In addition to all of his other responsibilities, he has been a long standing member of the ACT Occupational Health and Safety Council(since1992),arepresentativeonCanberraBusinessCouncil task forces and has sat on other important committees relating to HazardousSubstances,LegislativeReview,WorkersCompensation, and First Aid. For eight years he was the employer representative on the ACT IndustrialRelationsAdvisoryCouncilandhasspent20yearsonthe ACTBuildingandConstructionIndustryTrainingCouncilasEmployer Representative and member of the Executive and Council.

Frank has not only been a loyal and committed servant to our Association,theworkhehasundertakenhasservedthiscommunity morebroadly. HehasmademanyfriendsinCanberraandaround Australiaaswellassparringwiththebestofopponentsandwonon moreoccasionsthanhelost. NodoubtthatwhateverFrank’sdone for members and the industry, he’s done for all the right reasons.

To recognise and honour Frank Gillingham’s illustrious career the ExecutiveofMasterBuildersAssociationoftheACTawardedFrank honorary membership of the Association at the Annual Dinner.

TheMasterBuildershasonlyontwopreviousoccasionsawardedan Associationemployeehonorarymembership(DavidDawesin2007 and David Andrew in 1989).

We all join in wishing Frank all the best for the future.

Canberra Building News Edition 3 - 2009

Master Builders Fidelity Fund A fund developed for Builders & Managed by the industry MasterBuildersFidelityFundhassafeguardedthe ACThomebuildingindustryagainsttheuncertainty overhomewarrantyinsurancewhichhasaffected some other states.

Concernhasariseninthemindsofsomeconsumersandindustrymembers after two major insurance companies withdrew from the Home Warranty insurancemarketinNSWandtheNSWgovernmentannounceditwilltakeover Home Warranty Insurance in the state next year.

CGU has announced it will cease providing home warranty insurance on 30 November and Lumley has said it will cease on January 1 2010. The two insurers cover as many as 7500 of NSW's more than 30,000 home builders.

The future of the main provider in NSW, Vero, is uncertain.

Master Builders Fidelity Fund MasterBuildersFidelityFundprovidesthesamelevelofconsumerprotectionas providedforbyHomeWarrantyInsuranceproviders.Itwasestablishedin2002, undertheACTBuildingActfollowingthecollapseofHIHandthereluctanceof other insurers to step into this gap.

TheFundoperatesunderaprudentialstandardestablishedbyACTGovernment regulation and reports to ACT Treasury through the responsible minister.

UndertheACTBuildingAct,BuildersWarrantyInsurance,uptoamaximumsum insuredof$85,000perunit,mustbeprovidedagainsttheinsolvencyordeath of the builder during construction and against latent defects. This Warranty Insurancemustbeprovidedforallresidentialconstructionandalterationswitha contractpriceof$12,000ormore,butnotforresidentialbuildingsofabovethree habitablestoreys.Landscaping,swimmingpools,drivewaysandsimilarworks are not covered.

Thewarrantyperiodissixyearsfromcompletionforstructuraldefectsandtwo yearsfornon-structuraldefects.PurchasersofpropertiescoveredbytheFund

From 1 July 2010 the NSW Government will underwrite and capitalise the state’sHomeWarrantyInsuranceScheme,whichtheGovernmentsayswillbe fully funded by premiums.

The real value of the insurance provided under the scheme has been questionedbyseveralgovernmentinquiriesandbysectionsofthebuilding industry.HoweverintheACThomewarrantyinsuranceisunaffectedbythe NSWchanges,withtheMasterBuildersFidelityFundcontinuingtoprovide coverage in the territory.

(Successors in Title) inherit the remaining period of cover under the above provisions of the scheme.

Master Builders Fidelity Fund was established to secure the future of the constructionindustryintheACTwheninsurancecompanieswerecollapsingor withdrawingfromtheHousingIndemnitymarket.MasterBuildersrecognised thatalong-termsolutionwasrequiredandtheFidelityFund,administeredbythe MasterBuildersAssociationoftheACT,deliverswarrantyinsurancetobuilders atthelowestpossiblepremiumrates.MasterBuildersbelievesconsumersand builderscanhaveconfidenceinthestabilityandthesecurityoftheFidelityFund.

Activities of Master Builders Fidelity Fund The first certificates were issued by the Fidelity Fund on 24 June 2002. Since thenalmost15,000certificateshavebeenissuedtolicensedbuildersintheACT. TheFidelityFundarrangementsensuretheFund’scapitalissecurelyinvested, remainsintheACTandisusedforthebenefitofACTbuildersandconsumers.

Another great advantage of the Fund is that approved surpluses are used in thedevelopmentoftraininginitiativestosecurethefutureskillsneedsofour industryintheACT.Consumerscanbecertainthattheirprotectionwillcontinue, irrespectiveofthefortunesofmajorinsurancecompaniesorforeigninvestment markets.

TheFidelityFundrequiresbuilderstoundergoariskandfinancialassessment before admission to the Fund. The assessment is carried out by an independentauditortoensureconsistentstandards.Forbuildersmeeting therequirementsoftheFidelityFund’sriskandfinancialassessment,the Fundpromisesatransparentcoststructureandefficientprocessesfor the approval and issue of certificates for cover Toprotecttheinterestsofconsumersandtoensuresatisfactorystandardsof buildingworkaremaintained,theFidelityFundauditorundertakesregular onsiteinspectionsofbuildingworkduringvaryingstagesofconstruction and works with builders to ensure non-conforming work is rectified at critical stages in the construction process.

RememberthatthisFundwasestablishedatacriticaltimeinourindustry and it has now served the industry since 2002. The support from our membersandnon-membershasbeenexceptional.Itisinallyourinterests andourinterestthatyoucontinuetosupporttheMasterBuildersFidelity Fundandyoucanbeassuredthatsurplusfundswillbeusedtothebenefit of the industry in the ACT and not diverted into the coffers of international insurancecompanieswhohavenointerestwhatsoeverinsupportingindustryin the ACT.

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Newdirections

TO Skills Development

Wehavebeenexploringlotsofreallyinnovativeideasintheskilldevelopment area with the plan to translate the more workable options into more formal training formats based on the recent Business in Focus Event held at Master BuildersAustralianCapitalTerritory.TheEventwaswellreceivedjudgingbythe feedback we have received to date.

We are keen to move the perception of training from an ‘in order to meet regulatory and legislative needs’focus to one which sees it as an investment and of course the dividends must flow from this. We’ll take that on as our responsibility.Theengagingquestionforustofindananswertothenis–how dofindthebalancebetweentrainingtomeetminimumneedsandprofessional development to achieve excellence in outcomes? My concern has been that wehavefocussedforsolongontheformerthatithasbecomeanunconscious expectation by the industry we serve.

Forapuristandoneaspassionateabouttrainingandprofessionaldevelopment asamI,thisisasituationthatreflectsagreatneedtoelevateperceptionsabout trainingandprofessionaldevelopmenttoonewhichismore,well,realistic-andI amupforthatchallenge.Ireiterateapremiseearlierstatedthatiftrainingdoesn’t return a dividend – why would you do it?

IoftencomparenoteswithmycolleagueatMasterBuildersNewSouthWales andhereportstomethattheyhavehadarecordyearintermsofthenumberof peopleparticipatinginallformsoftraining.Hisspreadsheetsreflectthissituation graphically.Interestingly,theydon’thaveatrainingfundinNewSouthWales, sopeoplewhoparticipateintrainingandprofessionaldevelopmentdosooutof their own pockets. He runs a lot of training that frankly – we don’t seem to be abletogetpeoplealongto.Whatdoweneedtodoto‘pitch’thisevolutiontoour punters?

Don’t get me wrong; I recognise that to a certain extent there is training that people engaged in the building and construction industry must do to satisfy regulatoryandlegislativerequirements,andthatincludesbuilderlicensing,OH&S inductions,WorkingatHeightsetc.Wecaterforthattypeoftraininginspadesand Ithinkthequalityoftrainingweprovideisofaveryhighstandardbecauseweget a lot of repeat business.

Iwanttotalkabouttrainingandprofessionaldevelopmenttoachieveexcellence as opposed to industry competence standards. Training and professional developmentthatshowsyouhowtoputmoneyinyourpocketandgivesyou access to greater freedoms because it challenges you, face to face, to lift your game and to create resilient business structures. This is a field of endeavour thatsetsopen-mindedandcourageousindividualsapartfromtherankandfile withintheindustry.Thistypeoftrainingandprofessionaldevelopmentisabout leadingedgeinnovation,generatingtrulyremarkablesetsofoutcomesandmost importantlyitisaboutcreatingindustryleadershipforthefutureandthetimeto beabletogiveyourselvestosuchpursuits.Wewantpeopletoleavethistypeof forum touched, moved and inspired.

Quite frankly we are at our wits end trying to figure out how to get people to evaluate such high end options. Over two weeks we brought in a couple of Business Coaches from New South Wales to talk to local punters about how coaching could literally transform their businesses – and they offered a ‘risk reversal’outcome that if they weren’t able to help participants increase profitabilitythentheywouldgettheircoachingfeesrefunded.Thatisconfidence.

Ofthefortypeoplewhoregisteredtoattendthefreeevenings,wehadatotalof sixteenactuallyattend–mostofwhomincidentallyindicatedalikelihoodthey would undertake the coaching program.

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The Business Coaches really got into the faces of the audiences with the statementthatpeoplemustbeeligibletoundertakecoaching–andacouple withintheaudiencerailedatthis.TheBusinessCoacheswerequiteright.Anyone can come along to training, take notes and generally survive a‘chalk and talk’ fest, but how many of us are prepared to put ourselves on the line, participate activelyandhonestlyinself-analysis,identifyourownshortcomings,dowhat mustbedoneinadisciplinedandstructuredwaytomeetgoalsandobjectives?

Itisnot‘comfortzone’activityandthereforewehavetobebiggerthanourfears to truly get any value from it. The‘in order to’we set ourselves for such training andprofessionaldevelopmenthastobebiggerandmorepersonalthanindustry regulationsandlegislation,ithastoincludebiggoalsthatdoingthesameold, same old, frankly will not ever achieve.

Therevolutionintraininganddevelopmentwewanttoleadwillinitiallyinclude ahandfulofwillingparticipants.Wecouldcallthesepeople,the‘captainsofour industry’becausetheywillsetthebenchmarksforotherstofollow.Theywillset thebenchmarksbecausetheyarepreparedtobecoachableandprepared,like ridingabike,tofalloffbeforetheylearnhowtobalancethemselves.Theywillbe upforscrutinyandwillsetthemselvestargetsthattheywillhonour–aboveall other circumstances.

ThebravenewworldIamtalkingaboutisonewheretrainingandprofessional developmentissoughtoutforthedifferenceitwillmaketobusinessviability, where excellence is championed and even demanded of the participants and where those who invest in training and professional development can demonstratethedividendsonadailybasisintermsofprofitability,timewealth, satisfyingworkrelationships,andbusinesscarriedoutaccordingtowellthought out plans.

ThereisanoldGhanaianproverbwhichgoessomethinglike–itisimpossible to awaken someone when they are pretending to be asleep. I am going to championthisneworderoftrainingandprofessionaldevelopment–intheface ofthewidespreadconservatismandcynicismIseewithinourindustry,becauseI knowthattherearepeopleouttherelikeyouwhowillhearwhatIamsayingand who will be called by it.

Grant Daly Director Skills Development & Research

Canberra Building News Edition 3 - 2009

We make it our business to know yours.

Our Relationship Managers go to great lengths to understand your business so they can provide you with the right service and support you need. To do this they spend time with you on site to learn what makes your business work and to find out what they can do for you. Because at St.George we value personal relationships – it’s what sets us apart.

Talk to us today. Call your local Relationship Manager, Graeme Swinton on 6243 5306 or visit stgeorge.com.au St.George Bank Limited ABN 92 055 513 070 AFS Licence No. 240997. 9624/11601 C11/09

Moving to Six-Star:

9624_11601_C1109.indd 1

5/11/09 3:39 PM

the Implications and Costs for the Industry

Master Builders Australia has warned that the proposed move to a mandatory6-starenergyratingforall new residential buildings from 2010, from the current 5-star rating, will be counter-productive.

MasterBuildersbelievesthatenvironmentalbenefits andreductionsingreenhousegaseswillcomefrom increasing energy efficiency requirements for the existinghousingstock,ratherthantougherrulesin relation to new housing.

At the request of the Council of Australian Governments,theAustralianBuildingCodesBoardis currentlyreviewingtheenergyefficiencyprovisionsof theBuildingCodeofAustraliaforaprobableincrease in 2010.

While acknowledging there will be benefits from proposedchangestotheparallelcodeforcommercial buildings,theMasterBuildershastoldtheABCBthe costs of going to a 6-star rating for new residential buildings will be greater than any benefits of the change. Master Builders concerns and arguments for a focus on the existing stock have been strongly supportedbytheMasterBuildersAssociationofthe ACT.

ACTdeputyexecutivedirectorJerryHowardsaid,“One of my main concerns is that these provisions relate to new housing, yet existing stock and additions to houses do not have specific requirements.”

return.“Itisnotcost-effectivetomandateanymore than a 5-star rating for homes.”

Hewarnedthathousinglotsnowbeingdeliveredto themarketarenarrowerandrectangular,makingit extremelydifficulttoachievereasonablesolaraccess andadequateenergyratingsiftheblockorientation is poor in the first instance. Improved solar access canalwaysbeachievedonpoorlyorientatedblocks, however,therearecostimplicationsassociatedwith design to achieve this improved outcome.

The ABCB’s calculations under-estimate the costs of moving to a 6-star rating and of the impact of its proposals on housing affordability and makes unrealisticassumptionsaboutthebehaviourofnew homesbuyers,MasterBuilderssays.Contrarytothe ABCB’s assumptions, new home buyers are more concerned about the up-front purchase price of a homethanabouttheenergycoststheywillpayover their life-time

"Additionsandalterationstoexistinghousesareon theincreaseandarelikelytoincreasedramatically in future years because many new houses on greenfieldsestateshavelittleornoscopeforadding additional space as families grow. As a result, first homebuyersand,indeed,secondhomeowners,will beincreasinglylikelytomoveintoestablishedareas where there is greater capacity to extend existing houses" Mr Howard said.

In its submission to the ABCB, Master Builders Australia argues that increasing the EER for new homes is subject to the law of diminishing returns: once a 5-star rating is reached, each additional step up the 10-star scale costs more and gives less in

The submission says“the policy focus should shift from new buildings to the existing housing stock.”

In contrast to the ABCB’s focus on new dwellings, “Master Builders believes that the best and most cost-effective results will be achieved by focusing ontheexistinghousingstock,particularlybygiving householdersmeaningfulincentivestoimprovethe energyefficiencyoftheirownhomes(forexample, through the installation of insulation and solar hot water).”

The costs of moving from 5 to 6-star in the ACT is likely to be $2,000 to $3,000 on the average house.

Ourviewisthattheseadditionalcostswillbemainly attributedtoincreasedperformanceassociatedwith the glazing/windows to the house.

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New benchmarks promote a level playing field for tradespeople The Tax Office has released a new range of small business benchmarks to help businesses meet their tax obligations. More than 50 new performance benchmarkswerereleasedlastweekwithatotalof100 to be published by June 2010.The new performance benchmarks are in addition to the existing range of TaxOfficeinputbenchmarksandhavebeendeveloped basedoninformationreportedbysmallbusinesseson income tax returns and business activity statements.

Theperformancebenchmarkscanhelptradespeopleto comparetheirbusinessperformancetotradebusinesses of a similar size. This can assist businesses to see how theycanimprovetheirprofitability.Tradespeoplecan alsousethenewbenchmarkstocheckthattheyareon

therightpathwiththeirtaxobligations,particularlyin relationtocashincome,withtheopportunitytoadjust things if required.

Theyarealsoausefulreferencefortaxagentspreparing and lodging returns or business activity statements for their clients.There are often good reasons why a businessmightreportoutsidethebenchmarkrangefor theirindustry;howeveritmayalsobeanindicationthe businessisnotmeetingitstaxobligations,particularlyin relation to cash transactions.

SmallbusinessbenchmarksareonewaytheTaxOffice can support honest businesses by identifying and takingfirmactionagainstthosethatareavoidingtheir

News from ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) Craig Simmons steps up as Director Construction Services Branch and Dave Middlemiss steps in as Construction Occupations Registrar Changes in structure and personnel in the ACT Construction Occupation Registrar have been announced.

Under the changes to the ACT Construction OccupationsRegistraranewbranch,Construction Services,hasbeencreatedwithinACTPLAandCraig Simmons,theACTConstructionOccupationRegistrar has been appointed its director.

Mr Simmons, who has been ACT Construction Occupations Registrar since 2005, said he will ceasetobetheConstructionOccupationRegistrar inthenearfuturewiththepresentDeputyRegistrar, DavidMiddlemiss,tosucceedhim.MrMiddlemiss’ appointment will take effect in the New Year on thecompletionofsomeoutstandingissuesthatMr Simmons is handling as Registrar, including those around asbestos removal in the ACT. The new Construction Services branch will be responsible for land regulation and utilities. In his new role Mr Simmons will be responsible for enforcement of leases and lease provisions and matters concerning the construction industry’s dealings with utilities.

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Mr Simmons said the restructuring was part of ACTPLA’seffortstoimproveservicesforthebuilding andconstructionindustry,includingimprovedquality standards and service delivery to the industry.

David Middlemiss is a qualified building certifier whocametoACTPLAfromtheSydneyOlympicPark Authority.BeforejoiningtheOlympicparkAuthority hehadworkedinanumberofpositionsinNSWlocal government,withresponsibilitiesforcommercialand residential construction.

Licensed Occupations - understand your responsibilities in compliance with the relevant legislation applicable to your occupation In February ACTPLA announced the transfer of broader responsibilities for disciplining people in construction occupations from the Construction Occupations Registrar to the ACT Civil and AdministrativeTribunal(ACAT).TheConstruction Occupations Registrar retained responsibility for minor disciplinary matters and will continue to investigatecomplaintsagainstlicenceholdersbut will refer more serious matters to ACAT.

Grounds for occupational discipline include: contravention of Construction Occupations Licensing Act (COLA) or an operational Act givingfalseormisleadinginformationinrelationto a construction service the licensee or a director, partner or nominee of the licensee, being found guilty of an offence involving fraud, dishonesty or violence that is punishablebyimprisonmentforatleastoneyear if the licensee is an individual, the licensee has compounded with creditors or made an assignment of remuneration for their benefit ifthelicenseeisacorporationthelicenseeenters into a scheme of arrangement, or a receiver, manager,receiverandmanageroradministratoris appointed over the licensee or any of its assets a licensee that is a corporation or partnership operating without a nominee, or the licensee's licence has been automatically suspendedandthecauseofthesuspensionstill exists.

If a business falls outside the benchmarks they should review their records, returns and income, and contact the Tax Office if they have made a mistake.

The Disappearing

Insurance Trick

Canberra Building News Edition 3 - 2009

obligations.Specifically,thebenchmarksmakeit easier to identify possible non-reporting of cash transactions. Comparing a business against the benchmarks for its industry is one way the Tax Office will identify businesses for audits.

Have you ever thought whether you or your business is properly insured? Do you know thatmanyconstructioncontractsthatyounow signwillvirtuallyrenderyourinsurancevoid?

More information includingaccesstothesmallbusinessbenchmarks isavailableontheTaxOfficewebsitewww.ato.gov. au/businessbenchmarks or by calling 13 28 66.

Whenever you see the following words in a contractaskwhytheyare;Guarantee,warrant or warranty, insure, liability, indemnify or indemnity. I have two short case studies that highlight my concern.

The first example is an architectural firm requiredtosignacontractinwhichitrequired thearchitecttoindemnifythebuildingowners from acts or omissions by entities other than the designing architect. Not only was the indemnity required it was also not limitedtothevalueoftheinsurancepolicyrequiredunderthecontract.These clauses were of course buried in various clauses of the contract. When we providedacopyofthecontracttotheinsurertheinsurerimmediatelywrote andindicatedthattheywouldnotevencovertheinsuredsumbecauseofthe wording and structure of the document.

The second example is of a structural steel fabricator who was, under a “standard contract”of a builder, asked to warrant that all components of the structuremettherelevantAustralianstandards.Thatalsoincludedotherthan steel components. The insurers again turned down the insurance.

ACAT will be able to make one or more of the following orders for occupational discipline against a licensee: reprimand the person requirethepersontogiveawrittenundertaking requirethepersontocompleteastatedcourse oftrainingtothesatisfactionoftheregulatory body or another stated person give the person a direction cancel or suspend the person’s licence or registration disqualifythepersonfromapplyingforalicence, or registration, of a stated kind for a stated period or until a stated thing happens Disqualifiedlicenseesarenotentitledtoapplyfor orbeissuedwithalicencefortheentiretimeofthe disqualification. If a licensee applies for a new or renewedlicence,andhaswithinthepreviousthree yearsincurred15ormoredemeritpointswithinthe constructionoccupationinwhichtheyareapplying, the Registrar may refuse to issue the licence.

Myadviceisthatwhenyougetacontractorsub-contractcheckitforthewords Ihaveidentifiedabove.Ifyoudon’tunderstandwhattheclauseimpliesorwhat the word means get it checked by your insurer or solicitor. If you don’t it may cost you your entire business if not more.

Steven Gavagna, Principal Director of Goodman Law.

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ASSESSING

ENERGYEFFICIENCY in 2010

It is that word again – sustainability – but this time around we can see the smoking gun; perhaps that should be the environmentally-friendly wisps of naturally-produced steam.

alreadyinvestedingreentechnologyarestartingtoreportonthedividendsof theirinvestments–energycostsavingsandbetterresalevalueontheirhouses on the market.

In 2010 Master Builders will set out to show leadership in the field of sustainability by offering training for Energy Efficiency Ratings Assessors againsttheimminentnationally-recognisedCertificateIVinEnergyAssessment qualificationaswellasassessmentforthosewhoholdcurrentqualificationsand who wish to have these recognised against the new national standard.

ThebiggerpicturefocusonGlobalClimateChangedoesnotseemtohavereally informedthelocaltakeupofso-called‘green’technology;itmightevenbeseen asfashionableatonelevelandpragmaticatanother.Ifwewerebettingpeople, we’d say the increased demand for EER assessment will be consumer-driven in2010becausewethinktheACTpublicareawell-informedlotandtheykeep abreast of developments in this broader area and will quickly see the value in green home improvements.

Workhasalreadybeguninthispursuitbydevelopingthecapacityofhighprofile privateproviderssothatimmediatelythenewqualificationsareregistered,Master Builderswillbeabletotablecomprehensivetrainingandassessmentplansso thatweareinplacetoaccommodatewhatweseeasasignificantindustryneed.

Alongside this capability to provide training and assessment for Assessors to workinexistinghomeswewillbeofferingtrainingandassessmentforthosewho wanttolearnhowtousethenewgenerationHouseholdEnergyRatingSoftware (HERS) – such as Accu-rate, First Rate 5, and BERS. We anticipate the new sixstarEERdueinearly2010willgenerate asignificantvolumeofworkfortrained Assessorsandusingourrecentlyacquiredcomputercapability,wewillbelooking toestablishourselvesasthepremiertrainingproviderfortheseareasofwork.

WehaverecentlyrunsessionsonSectionJoftheBuildingCodesofAustraliaand plantodosoagaininearly2010,giventhenumberofenquirieswehavereceived about these seminars – after they were run locally.

Commentatorsinthisfieldsaythatsustainabilitywillgeneratealotofnewwork in 2010 for Certifiers, Real Estate Agencies, Builders, Developers, Planners, Architects and Assessors and much of this we think will be driven by a very savvypublicintheACTwhowillbelookingatwaystoenhancetheirhomes(or buynewones)andtakeadvantageofthesignificantFederalGovernmentGrants todoso.Whilethemotivationmaywellbemoreaboutincreasingthesaleable valueofhomesthantomeetenergyefficiencymandates,consumerswhohave

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For further information about sustainability initiatives, please contact

Grant Daly Director Skills Development & Research

Australian Apprenticeships Centre

KICKSTART BONUS Commence an Australian Apprentice in a traditional trade from 1/12/2009 aged 19 years or under and you may be eligible for incentives up to a total of $7,350.

Call us to find out if you are eligible!

Contact RGT on 6241 2969 For more information www.rgt.asn.au Or email info@rgt.asn.au

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On25November,250guestsattendedtheMasterBuildersAnnualDinnerfor 2009.JohnHargreaves,MLAandhiswifeJennyrepresentedtheACTGovernment andamongsttheguestsfromallsectorsofthebuildingandconstructionindustry werelifemembersJohnHailey,JohnHaskinsandofcourseourPresidentandlife member Ross Barrett.

Ross commenced the formal part of the evening and during his address he broughttomindsomeimportantmomentsfortheindustryandMasterBuilders.

GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS:

The Rudd Government has been running fast since it came to office just over two years ago. With that has come some significant change, much of which is directlyaimedatandimpactingonourindustry.Awardmodernisation,movesto harmonizeOccupationalHealthandSafety,UnfairContractslegislation,theFair WorkAct,changestotheAustralianBuildingandConstructionCommission–this will all keep us on our toes and opens the door to new challenges. Some of it mightseemlikelookingintherearvisionmirror–checkingbackinonthepast.

Thistimelastyearwewereallwonderingwherewemightbeoneyearfromthen.

Withtheworld’sfinancialsystemcrumbling,confidencebeingstrippedawayby thehour,forecastsofgloomanddoomcomingfromeveryquarter,itwasn’ttoo hard to be a bit pessimistic.

Thisallmakestheinvolvementandinputofmembersvitalaswetrytoinfluence those things that might unfairly and negatively impact on the industry.

Well,herewearetonightandyou’vegottothinkwehaven’tcoppeditasbadlyas we might have.

ItwasayearagolastSundaythatwefullyoccupiedournewbuilding. Itissuch awonderfulfacilityandwearecontinuingtofindwaystouseittoitscapacityto the benefit of our members.

Atalocallevel,theACTGovernmentgotonthefrontfootearlytodealwiththe GFC by establishing a roundtable forum. The forum was designed to collect informationfrombusinessandindustryandactonthatinformation.Thecreation oftheIndustryMonitoringGrouparoundPlanningwasakeyinitiativefromthe forum and supported by Master Builders.

MasterBuildershassofarprovidedsubmissionstofouroftheforumsandIknow this has been well received by the ACT Government. We believe we had to go beyondjustspokenwordsandhelptheGovernmentpinpointareaswherethings couldbeimprovedtokeeptheeconomymoving. Wewillcontinuetoinvolve ourselvesintheseforumsateveryopportunitytorepresenttheinterestsofour members and also put forward sensible ideas and solutions.

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CHANGING LANDSCAPE:

OUR NEW BUILDING AND TRAINING:

Obviously, training is a big component of what we do and to how we put the building to use. I will keep asking members to support our Group Training Organisation.

If you haven’t used one of our apprentices before - think about it. If you need your own apprentices trained – use us. If you have some other training you need–talktous.OH&Strainingfrombasictoadvanceddiplomaisatyourfinger tips.Wecandoheighttraining,confinedspaceandasbestoshandling,builders licensing,andtrafficcontrol.Ifit’sITtrainingyouneed,wecanhelpyoutheretoo, especially with our brand new IT Training Centre.

AtaCommonwealthlevel,theRuddGovernmentmovedquicklytoinjectactivity intoeconomy.TheirEconomicStimulusPackagewhichincludedtheBuilding EducationRevolutionworkandsocialhousingprogramwaslaudedacrossthe globe as a good thing to do.

It is an obligation of this current generation to help the next generation.

TheFirstHomeOwnersGrantboosthasbeenaterrificbonusforourresidential sector. CoupledwithrecordlowinterestratesandtheACTGovernment’sown Affordable Housing initiatives and land release program, we hope to see this sector gain more strength in the coming years.

MarkSullivan,ManagingDirector,ActewCorporationandNewsLimitedjournalist GlennMilnewerealsopartoftheevening’sline-upasguestspeakers.Andtocap thingsoffseventeenlongstandingmemberswerepresentedwithMembership Anniversary certificates.

Guests were treated to several very funny sets by our MC Paul Martell. Paul is a truly funny man and kept the evening moving along.

Canberra Building News Edition 3-2009 Top Left: Paul Martell, MC Top Right: Mark Sullivan, Managing Director, Actew Corporation Middle-left: Annual Dinner Overview Above: Glenn Milne, Journalist, News Limited Left: David Dawes, Honorary Member

John Haskins, Life Member

Frank Gillingham, Honorary Member

John Hailey, Life Member

Ross Barrett, Life Member

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National A wa r d Winners Master Builders National Excellence In Building And Construction Awards Conrad Jupiters, Gold Coast, 7 November 2009 The highly anticipated Master Builders National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards took place this year on Friday 7 November, with great successfortheACTandsurroundingregion.MasterBuildersAssociationofthe ACT members took out an astounding seven awards on a National level.

TheawardforNationalCommercial/IndustrialConstructionAward$5mto$10m wenttoManteenafortheCSIRONewBioScienceLaboratories.Thispurpose-built projectwashighlycomplexinitsconstruction,butwassuccessfullycompletedto the highest standard by the team at Manteena.

The National awards took place at the magnificent Conrad Jupiters Pavilion Convention Centre in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast. Winners from the 2009 Master Builders and Boral Excellence in Building Awards were automatically nominated by Master Builders ACT in their corresponding categories at the National Awards.

TheexquisiteNationalPortraitGalleryconstructedbyJohnHollandPtyLtdwon the award for National Public Buildings Award over $50m.This building was a standoutprojectintheMasterBuilders&BoralExcellenceinBuildingAwards, winning Project of the Year and endless accolades from our judges for it's stunning and impeccable workmanship.

AlthougheachyeartheACTishighlysuccessfulattheseawards,achievingseven nationally-recognisedwinsisanextremelynoteworthyfeat.Thesuccessofour membersintheseawardsisastrongindicationthattheworkbeingproducedby thebuildingandconstructionindustrythroughouttheACTandsurroundingregion is exceptional in quality and highly competitive on a national level.

AmongthewinnerswasMatthewKennedyofMatkenConstructions,whowonthe titleofNationalYoungBuilderoftheYear.Hissuccessinthiscategoryreflectshis soundbusinessmanagement,ethicalconduct,thequalityofhisworkmanshipand highsafetystandards.MatthewhasalsobeenactivelyinvolvedinMasterBuilders and contributing to the betterment of the industry for years.

"Iwasjustsoexcited,"Matthewsaid,"Thequalityofthehomesthatgointothe National awards is just amazing. It's really the best of the best there, so it was a big shock to win."

"I thank my family for all their support. I also really need to thank the Master BuildersAssociation,particularlyintheACT,asthey'vebeentherefromthestart.

They're the ones that put me through my apprenticeship. They gave me the opportunitytobeacarpenter,andthengoonforfurthertrainingtobecomea builder as well." Matthew said.

Capezio&CoPtyLtd,inconjunctionwithGoodwinAgedCareServicesLimited, wontheDepartmentofHealth&AgeingNationalAwardforLifestyleHousingfor Seniors with their multi-unit development, Goodwin Village in Ainslie.

TheawardforNationalProjectHome$350,000to$500,000wenttoNatureCoast HomesfortheirexceptionallyhighqualityhomeinMaluaBay,builtinconjunction with TT Architecture.

Antos Constructions took out the award for National Medium Density - Over 5 Dwellings for their stunning O'Malley home, displaying truly outstanding workmanshipandexpertlydesignedbyDowseNorwoodArchitects.Project CoordinationtookouttheNationalCommercial/IndustrialConstructionAward Under$5mforthechallengingworktheycarriedoutontheimpressiveRolfeAudi Showroom to a great result.

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Department of Health & Ageing National Award Capezio&CoPtyLtdinconjunctionwithGoodwinAgedCard Services Limited - Goodwin Village Ainslie

National Commercial / Industrial Construction Under $5 million Award

National Commercial / Industrial Construction $5 to $10 million Award

Project Coordination - Rolfe Audi Showroom, Phillip

Manteena - CSIRO - New Bio Science Laboratories

National Medium Density - Over 5 Dwellings Award

National Public Building Award John Holland Pty Ltd - National Portrait Gallery, ACT

Antos Constructions - O'Malley

National Project Home $350,000 to $500,000 Award Nature Coast Homes / TT Architecture - Malua Bay

National Young Builders of the Year Award Matthew Kennedy

C O M M E R C I A L Over the last nine years Harvey Norman Commercialhasgrownfromaonemanshowto thismagnificent2,500squaremetreshowroom/ warehouse and sales complex.

We have the most dedicated and enthusiastic team of 20 staff, which I believe to be the best in the industry. Our commercial operation now has the resources and the assets to meet all our customer service needs. The growth of the business over the last 2 years has been a staggering 50%, and with over $6 million invested in this new complex we continuetobuildourpositionasamajorcommercialoutletintheACT&southern NSWregion.TheNewHarveyNormancommercialShowroom,openedon3rd September by Senator Mark Arbib Minister for Employment Participation & MinisterassistingthePrimeMinsteronGovernmentServiceDelivery,andisone of the most extensive and modern showrooms in the region.

Sudio Bagno, Kaldewei on display there is no limit of product range to match your dreams.When you are next planning a specification for a new multi-unit development, or need to put together an inclusion list for your new home, or have a refurbishment you need doing please feel free to call Harvey Norman CommercialACTandmakeanappointmentwithoneofourexperiencedstaffwho will help you with all your requirements.

Geoff Andrew Branch Area Manager, Harvey Norman Commercial ACT 31 Dacre Street Mitchell Phone 62022000 Fax 62022099

C O M M E R C I A L

Withawiderangeofproductsfromalltheleadingmanufacturersandsuppliers wecancaterfortheexclusivepenthousetothebudgetmindedfirsthomebuyer.

WefeaturebrandssuchasGaggenau,Miele,Bosch,Ariston,Smeg,Blanco,Fisher &Paykel,Electrolux,AEG,Lebherr,andAsko.Webelievewehavealltheproducts and the best service to meet our customers needs.

A feature of our magnificent showroom is our bathroom displays, with the best from local manufactures such as Caroma, Decina, Methven, Clark, Cibo, and Marquis, and the leading brands from Europe such as Laufen,V&B, Parisi,

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D I V I S I O N

D I V I S I O N

Canberra Building News Edition 3 - 2009

What the industry thinks?

ThenewHarveyNormancommercialshowroominMitchellisasignificantand welcomeadditiontoanyCanberraspecifier. TonyTrobe,TTArchitecturebelieves Harvey Norman have provided a facility that has raised the bar for all those concerned with interior design in the ACT building industry.

He went on to say “there is a considerable array of well presented frontline bathroomandkitchenproducts.Theextensivedisplaycoversmostofthebrands thatonemightconsiderasmainstream.Oneparticularadvantageofsomany productsinoneplaceisthatthebroadspectrumcoversnotonlyalargerangeof stylesbutalsodiversecostpoints.Aftervisitingtheshowroomitisveryeasyfor onetocomeawaywellequippedtomakedecisionsaboutproductselectionfor any scale project”.

"The showroom is capacious, well laid out and attended by knowledgeable and polite staff. Access to the showroom is by appointment only; this has the advantageofensuringthatanyvisitwillbewellcoordinatedandefficientforall concerned." Mr Trobe said.

MasterBuilders’ProfessionalConsultantoftheYearfor2009,SonjaArcherfrom ArchertecInteriorsrecentlyattendedaneveningfunctionputonespeciallyfor architects,designersandspecifierswherechefBridgetO’ConnerfromGaggenau gave guests the live experience and prepared meals in the showroom.

“Having the ability to take clients to a showroom where the appliances are installedandoperationalisfantastic.”Sonjasaid“Ourclientscantouch,feeland useworkingappliances.It’ssomuchbetterthanshowingabrochureorlookingat

awebsite.Theclientunderstandsexactlywhattheproductcando,howmuchit costs and how it will look in their home.”

JaneBushfromSuttonandHorsleywilldiscussthebudgetallowancewiththe clientandthentheclientcangotoHarveyNormanCommercial’sshowroomand seewhatsuitstheirtasteandpricerange.“Ithinktheconceptiswonderful,Gavin PoundfromHarveyNormanstillvisitsourofficeonaregularbasisandwealso havetheopportunitytosendclientstoMitchelltoseethekitchensandbathrooms first hand”

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Master Builders Group Training 40th Anniversary Feature ChairmansMessage - Rod Mitton

The Master Builders Association has been at the forefront of developing the skill base of the local building and constructionindustryhereintheACTfor the past 40 years.Originally known as theGroupApprenticeshipScheme(GAS), theSchemewasdevelopednotonlyto provide a service for Master Buidlers members,buttoprovideopportunities foryoungpeopleseekingacareerinthe construction industry.

The Scheme has evolved in those 40 years from just providing apprentices to the industry. In 1992 the GAS SchemebecameaRegisteredTraining Organisation (RTO) and began trainingapprenticesandconstruction paraprofessionals (cadets) in house. In 2002 the Governing Boards of the GAS

The Creation of an Icon.

An interview with Len O’Hara on the creation of Master Builders Group Training

It’s not everyone who can lay claim to creating an icon. LenO’Haracanalthoughhewouldn’taccept thataccolade. Inhisownmodestandself-effacing way, he made it clear that Master Builders Group Training exists today, 40 years on from its birth, because of the efforts of David Andrew.

“Really,itwasDavidAndrewwhotookup the idea,” said Len.

andtheUnitedStates. Thepartycarriedwiththem lettersofintroductionfromthenministerandlaterto be Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser.

Len O’Hara was President of the Master Builders Association at the time Master Builders Group Training was established in 1969. David Andrew was the long serving ExecutiveDirectoroftheAssociationbetween 1964and1980becomingtheAssociation’sfirst honorary member in 1989.

With that“germ of an idea”, Len arranged for David AndrewtovisittheUnitedStatesthefollowingyear tofollowuponthevisitofthegroupandlearnmore to be able“to start the initial theme”.In responding toquestionsabouttheimpetusforadoptingagroup scheme model, Len replied,“The failure of the old system. It was about moving the kids around and giving them different experiences.”

In 1967 Len went on a world trip that included 32 MasterBuildermembersfromaroundAustralia. It wasafact-findingtriptotheUnitedKingdom,Europe 26

Len recalls, “When in America I got the germ of an idea to start a scheme without locking in the kids with one employer.” He added that he had discerned“problemswithkidswithoneemployer.”

Thereisalwaysoppositiontosomethingnew. Len, Davidandothersinvolvedatthetimeexperienced

With a new mandate came a new name:MasterBuildersGroupTraining (MBGT). The Board and Staff of the newgroupthensetaboutdeveloping andimplementingastrategicplanfor the future direction of the Group (a copyofthisavailableatMBGT).Inour Strategic Plan, we see that the future successofourindustryisreliantupon thequalityoftrainingofnewentrants

Tomeetthisneed,wehavedeveloped a significant range of courses which have been adapted to meet the changingneedsofadiverseindustry.

Ourpriorityistocontinuetodevelop and evolve our training to meet this demand.

IwouldencourageallMasterBuilders members to take a look at what Master Builders Group Training can provideinthewayoftraining.AtMBGT you can either host an apprentice or cadet, or further develop your own skillstoensurethatyouareprepared toembracetheinnovationoccurringin our industry.

thatoppositioninheavydosesandonanumberoffronts.Theopposition camefromindustry,unionsandteachersatthetechnicalcolleges.With the resilience it took to push on with the plan, Len calmly said, “The old diehards couldn’t get away from the old system. The unions and employersbothhadafearoftheunknown. Itwasmoreaprejudicebut not something that couldn’t be overcome by sitting around a table.”

Canberra Building News Edition 3 - 2009

in the industry and the ongoing training of existing participants

EMPLOYERS – OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

Scheme and Master Builders ACT agreedtochangethestructureofthe GAS to enable it to widen its focus from just employing and training apprentices and building cadets to delivering all ongoing training for existing industry participants previouslyadministeredbytheMaster Builders .

KNOCK! KNOCK!

Open the door to quality staff. ff.

It is clear Len was a visionary and ahead of his time. It’s only more recently that we have understood the need to treat individuals as just that, individuals. He questioned why we need to take a one size fits all approachwhenit’sobviousthatpeopleprogressdifferently. Hesaidhe “wantedtoshortenapprenticeships”wherepeopleclearlyhadachieveda levelofeducationandperformancethatcouldjustifytheiradvancedskills beingrecognised. Lenissageenoughtoknowthiswasn’tasolutionfor everyone.

“Theteacherscouldn’tseethatthey(theapprentices)neededtogetaway from an entrenched system. Mobility was the thing,”said Len. When asked if he would do anything differently Len added a firm“nothing”.

Lenremainsafirmsupporterofthegroupschemeandtheconcept. He saw that the commercial builders and housing builders had“separate identities”and to allow young people the opportunity to interchange betweenthesectorsduringtheirtrainingwouldhavelongtermbenefits in developing their skills and ultimately their careers. This was in spite ofsomeofthechallengeshefaced. Hebelievesgovernmentdoeshave aroleinsupportingtheongoingtraininganddevelopmentofapprentices and helping industry to take them on through group schemes.

The Training Fund Authority is committed to encouraging women to enter the ACT building and construction industry via a trade and to contribute to our creative and dynamic industry.

Len is rightly proud of what has become of the “germ of an idea” he broughtbacktoCanberraoverfortyyearsago. Acharmingandmodest man,heisalsoveryproudofthosewhoturnedtheideaintorealityandhis vision is vindicated by today’s Master Builders Group Training.

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WherearetheyNow? Darren Goodwin.

“Darren displays a caring and helpful attitude.Heisapersonwhowilldoanything asked of him no matter what the task”

That was how Darren Goodwin was described in 1991 after winning the Apprentice Achievement Award.

From the start of his apprenticeship with Master Builders GroupTraining in 1989, Darren showed plenty of potential and now 20 years later Darren, together with his business partner Matt Smith, run the very successful residential building company Gracious Living.

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Obtaining his building license in 1993DarrenjoinedisbrotherWayne (another ex MBA apprentice) and PaulClaytontoformPDWCarpentry Services, that worked mainly as subcontractcarpentersandthenmovedto bathroomrenovationsandotherlarger house renovation projects.

NowlikemanyformerMasterBuilders Apprentices,DarrenthroughGracious Living became a host employer and helped Tim Shipway (2002) and StevenSwift(2008)becomequalified carpenters, Steven is now a full-time employee of Gracious Living.

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BUSINESS LOANS For owner-occupied business premises, equipment finance, stock and debtor finance, commercial lease and performance bonds and specialist acquisition finance.

carpentryqualificationsDarrenworked on residential building sites under a former Master Builders Apprentices Mark Porreca.

>>Photo: Corey Karl, Mark Porreca & Paul Clayton

AWARD-winningbuilder,MarkPorreca, attributes his success largely to the excellenttraininghegainedthrough the Master Builders Group Training.

Narooma born and bred, Mark was a 22year-old butcher when he decided that his future lay in the buildingandconstructionindustry.In 1986 he moved to Canberra, joined MasterBuildersGroupTrainingasan apprenticecarpenterandjoinerand worked with host employer Toscan Enterprises.

There was never any doubt that the hardworking apprentice and black beltkaratechampionwouldbecome a highly skilled tradesman. Working nights and weekends in security andcrowdcontroltosupplementhis income and build up some capital, Mark did not neglect his studies.

Apprentice of the Year in his first and third years, he also won top honours as Best Apprentice in the ACT and gained a 'B' Class building licenseimmediatelyhecompletedhis indenture.

In his own business, Mark quickly became a host employer has supportedGroupTrainingovermany years "I have had a lot of apprentices throughtheMasterBuildersandgive them all the same advice, which is to 'be prepared to work hard.'

"Master Builders can be proud of GroupTrainingandthecontribution it makes by helping young people become skilled tradespersons," says Mark.

CurrentlyMarkPorrecabuilds35to50 housesayear,haslanddevelopments in Casey, Franklin and Harrison and a display home in Bonnor.

KNOCKS!

InSeptember2008,theACTBuildingandConstructionIndustryTrainingFund AuthoritylauncheditsTradeswomeninBuildingandConstructioncampaignwith the aim of encouraging more women to enter the industry via a trade.

It is very fitting that with the 40 year celebrations of Master Builders Group Trainingthatacampaigncenteredontherecruitmentofwomentotheindustry be launched. It is indeed a sign that times are changing and that women can playaroleinhelpingtheindustrytoaddresstheissueofskillsshortages.There arenowmoreopportunitiesforwomeninthetradesaswellascareerpathsthat rewardacommitmenttolife-longlearningandtheupgradingofskillsovertime.

Stage1ofthecampaigntargetedgirlsinYears9-12.A13-minuteDVD,posters andbrochuresweredistributedtoallACTschoolsandcolleges.Awebsitewww. tradeswomen.com.au providing additional information was also set up.

OfficiallylaunchedinSeptember2008,thecampaignwaswellreceivedbythe targetaudience,careersco-ordinatorsandindustry.TFAismakingalong-term commitmenttothecampaignandwillberevisingandredistributingmaterialsfor the next few years.

Canberra Building News Edition 2–2009

EMPLOYERSOPPORTUNITY

“I’m a great believer in women in the industry —all of it” MICK BURGESS Urban Contractors

Trade skills lay a solid foundation for moving into other areas of a trade.

Women can progress through your business from a trade to other key areas; thereby rounding out the available skills base.

TheTraining Fund Authority is now launching Stage 2 of the campaign and targetingtheothersideoftheemploymentcoin--employersandindustry.The campaignpromoteswomentotheindustryandaimstoaddresssomeofthe commonlyheldmisconceptionsaboutwomenworkingintradesassociatedwith the industry.Thecampaignisnotintendedtobeanti-maleapprenticebutis designedtohighlightthepositivecontributionwomencanmaketotheindustry.

The development of both stages of the campaign is based on research conductedthroughinterviewsheldwithindustrystakeholders,RTOs,GTOs,a rangeofemployers,femaleapprenticesandqualifiedtradeswomen.Where some employers raised issues that create barriers for women to enter the industry,othersprovidedsolutionstothoseverysameproblems.Theresultfrom theresearchisabankofinformationwhereindustryhascontributedtoboth sidesoftheequation.Theseissueswillbeaddressedindetailinfutureeditorials.

Thefollowingpositivethemesemergedfromtheresearchaboutwomenworking in the industry’s trades: »» »» »» »» »» »»

Women can do the job They make a conscious decision to enter a trade They’re good at detail They’re accepting of the workplace It is easy to employ a woman—you don’t have to do anything different Wherephysicalstrengthmaybelimited,womenhaveotherstrengthsand these can round out the skills base available in your business. »» Women relate well to female clients and are especially suited to »» residential work.

TheTrainingFundAuthoritywouldliketothankallorganisationsthatparticipated intheresearchandinparticularMickBurgess,JohnStephensandNealLamb for their participation in the campaign.

Currently in the ACT only 2%* of tradespeople are women, yet a high percentage of women complete their apprenticeship. Women make a conscious choice to enter the industry and the Training Fund Authority is committed to encouraging women to enter the industry via a trade and to contribute to our creative and dynamic industry. *The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), 2009

ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING FUND AUTHORITY

S it 6, Suite 6 National N ti l Associations A i ti Centre, C t 71 Constitution C tit ti A Avenue, C Campbell b ll ACT 2612 Phone: 6262 5630 Fax: 6257 5058 www.trainingfund.com.au

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BacktotheFuture Weneedtolookbothwayswhenweconsiderthecapabilityofourtrainingunit –backwardstoreviewthesignificantachievementsofthepastandatthesame time forwards to try and scope what is possible and to forecast future needs.

One of our current big picture issues is how to address the perception of our membership in specific and the public in general that we are a nationallyrecognisedtrainingproviderwiththesamelicencetotrainapprenticesasthe TAFEs.We’devenargueweprovidethebesttrainingforapprenticesintheACT butthenwealsoknowthatnomatterhowmanytimeswemarketthiscapability, somehowitjustdoesnotgetheardbecausewearesoaccustomedtothe‘public education’ way of thinking.

If you go back 40 years Master Builders was in fact the first operational Group TrainingSchemenotonlyintheACTbutalsoinAustralia.Inthe1990’swetook the reins from CIT in terms of the training of our apprentices, other than the plumbers,todoitourownway.Atthattimeweoperatedoutofaverytiredfacility inPageandofferedtradetrainingincarpentryandbricklaying;thiswasexpanded toincludesomeofthecivilandfinishingtradesinensuingyears.In2005Master BuildersGroupTrainingmovedawayfromthe‘mothership’toanothernearlyas-tired facility at Fyshwick - in Canberra Avenue. The standing joke was that we’doftenaskvisitors,tongue-in-cheek,toidentifyalandmarktodescribethe whereaboutsoftheoffice.Manyapersonunwittinglyofferedthatitwassituated justdowntheroadfromtheburnt-outbrothelonthecornerofCanberraAvenue and Geelong Streets.

Manyofthoseinvolvedwillremembertheearlydaysofclearingthebacksection ontheCanberraAvenueproperty;encounteringverychange-resistantanimals andreptiles(includingabrownsnakeandabluetonguelizardthatwouldnot bemovedforanyamountofmoney)andfairlystaunchploverbirdswhochased apprenticesofftheirnestingpatchfortwosuccessiveyearsbeforeweengageda strongerinducementtomove(aprefabricatedtwo-classroomblock).Therewere thecountlessstructuralchangeswithintheadministrationbuildingweundertook whichsawusmovefromtradeapprenticeshiptrainingtoastrongerschool-based apprenticeshippresence,businessqualificationsandAdvancedDiplomasin BuildingandConstructionManagement.ThejokewasinFyshwick,becausethe buildingwassodilapidated,thatapprenticeshadtotaketurninholdingupthe four corners while they were attending their classrooms.

Our core business, as reflected by our business name, is the training of apprentices. In the lean years and the times of economic uncertainly, Master BuildersGroupTraininghasbeenabletooperateunderthefinancialauspicesof MasterBuildersACTandbecausewemaintainverycloselinkswithourindustry, it gives us just an extra edge in terms of our applied capability.

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It was not until the early 2000’s that Master Builders Group Training really widenedit’sbrieftotakeonadditionaltrainingmediums.Builderlicensing,atthe residentiallevel,enabledustoextendourhorizonsandprepareaspiringbuilders toobtaintherequiredcompetenciestoachievetheirCClasslicences.Atabout the same time Master Builders GroupTraining took on training school-based apprenticesincludinga‘YouthatRisk’optionforyear10students,andacadet programdesignedtoqualifypara-professionalsfromwithinthevocationaltraining andeducationframework.TothisdayMasterBuildersGroupTrainingisamongst a handful of providers nationally that still run these programs amidst a sea of curriculum-onlyalternativeswherelearnersgetnowherenearthefieldwork experience and employer input that our cadets do.

MasterBuildersGroupTraininghasanenviablereputationasatrainingprovider having achieved a two-star rating from the now defunct Institute of Trade SkillsExcellence(weweretheonlyprivatetrainingprovideratthetimetohave achievedthisdistinction)andahostofterritoryawardsforexcellenceintraining andforhighachievementbygraduatesofourprograms.MasterBuildersGroup TraininghasthewidestscopeofalltheMasterBuildersAssociationsinAustralia and for such a small jurisdiction we certainly punch above our weight.

MasterBuildersGroupTraininghasshownindustryleadershipinsustainability issues,OH&SandAsbestostrainingandhasrecentlyembarkedonawiderange of niche training opportunities to meet specific industry needs.

Ourfuturecapabilityispotentiallyunlimitedalthoughwemustensurethatwe maintainourstandardsandatthesametimeneverstrayfromourcorebusiness.

Theoldsayingisthatinorderforatreetogrowtallitmustalsogodeepandwide withtherootsforasolidfoundation–andthatissomethingwearegettingbetter at as we consolidate and push upwards at the same time.

Call it mathematics – the‘product’(i.e. our potential) is the multiplication of factorswhichincludepublicperceptionsaboutus,emergingneedsoftheindustry andourabilitytoexceedtheindustrybenchmarks.MasterBuildersGroupTraining is up for this challenge.

Award Winning Kid's Assist Program

Canberra Building News Edition 2–2009

Master Builders Group Training –

“I make it a point to hire

the right person

for the job”

JOHN STEPHENS S Custom Plumbing Services EMPLOYER OF 2008 APPRENTICE PRENTICE OF THE YEAR, RACHEL KEILEY

I employ plumbers—male rs—male and female—it doesn’t oesn’t matter. If they can an do the work, they’vee got the job.

As an employer, it is satisfying to assist st TheKidsAssistprogramhasbeengrowinganddevelopingforthepast8years.

OriginallytheACTRegionalBuildingandConstructionIndustryTrainingCouncil (CITC)approachedMasterBuildersGroupTrainingtosupportanewinitiativeto assist year 10 students deemed to be‘at risk’of not completing theirYear 10 Certificate.Theworthofthisprogramwasseenbytheconstructionindustry andinparticularlybyPBSBuildingasawayofsupportingyoungpeoplethat normallywouldnotbeprovidedwithopportunitiestodevelopandcontributeto the broader community.

a woman throughh a trade apprenticeship. ship.

VocationaltraininginAustraliaisaninitiativethatisadoptedinsenioryearsof schooling(Years11&12)toprovidecompetencybasedqualificationsandmake students 'work ready' on the completion of their formal schooling. In 2006 MasterBuildersGroupTrainingandPBSBuildingraisedthebarinAustraliafor vocationaleducationandtraining.Whiletheideaofvocationaltrainingisnota neworinnovativeconcept,thedeliverytoYear10studentsthroughaprogram such as Kids Assist is.

TheKidsAssistprogramisthefirstprogramtobefocusedpurelyonstudents in their final year of Junior High School (Year 10). The students selected to participateinthisprogramarestudentsconsideredatriskofnotcompleting HighSchool.Theprogramshowsthemapathofrelevancebetweenthesubjects theyundertakeatschoolandhowthosesubjectsareusedandcanbeofbenefit to them in the workforce. On completion of the course the students receive a Statement of Attainment equivalent to a Certificate I in Construction and a General Industry OH&S Induction Card.

In 2007, as a culmination of all the good work undertaken until this time, the Kids Assist program won the ACT Excellence in Training Award for best prevocationaltrainingprograminschools.Atthesametime,MasterBuilders GroupTrainingwasawardedatwo-starratingbytheInstituteforTradeSkills Excellenceandthisawardwasbasedonamongstotherthings,thegreatwork done within the school-based programs.

Kids Assist continues to thrive until the present day and has enhanced its profile amongst ACT Schools; it is another very effective way by which MasterBuildersidentifiesandrecruitsnewpeopleintotheACTbuildingand construction industry.

Currently in the ACT only 2%* of tradespeople are women, yet a high percentage of women complete their apprenticeship. Women make a conscious choice to enter the industry and the Training Fund Authority is committed to encouraging women to enter the industry via a trade and to contribute to our creative and dynamic industry. *The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), 2009

ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING FUND AUTHORITY

S it 6, Suite 6 National N ti l Associations A i ti Centre, C t 71 Constitution C tit ti A Avenue, C Campbell b ll ACT 2612 Phone: 6262 5630 Fax: 6257 5058 www.trainingfund.com.au

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MasterBuilders Field Officers

>>Photo: Don Rail, Glenn Hart, Goeff Wood

DonRailandGeoffWoodaretheMasterBuildersGroupTrainingFieldOfficers, responsibleforliaisingwithhostemployersandensuringbothourapprentices and their hosts are being looked after. Both Don and Geoff have extensive experienceintheindustry.Donhasformanyyearsdealtwithapprenticesandthe issuesthatconfrontthemandhostemployersonadailybasis.Geoffisaqualified tradesperson and has the capacity to relate on a one-on-one basis with the prospective tradespeople of the future.

Glenn Hart is the Master Builders Occupational Health & Safety Officer and Glenn's and Master Builders Group Training's objective is to ensure that our apprenticesconstantlyworkinasafeenvironment.Glennwillalsoprovideadvice toourhostemployersandmembersonhowsafetymanagementsystemsare implemented on site in the interests of promoting a safe work environment for all. Glenn is also a qualified trades person and has had extensive hands on experience in the construction industry.

ASBA Certificate II in Construction Master Builders Group Training offers an AustralianSchoolBasedApprenticeship(ASBA) program. This program is aimed at year 11 students who have an interest in gaining experience in the building industry and is also designed to expose students to trades whilst completingCollegestudies.Studentsmustbe enrolled in an ACT high school or college to participate in this program.

Each student enrolled in the ASBA program is required to complete 11 hours training per week, consisting of two components;

Off-site training Onascheduledweekdayeveningbetween4.30–7.30pm,studentsattendthe Master Builders Skills Centre, where they undertake the theory and practical componentofCertificateIIinConstruction.Thestudentsarerequiredtocomplete a total of 15 competencies which include:

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MBA Group Training Ltd. 1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 Tel: (02) 6280 9119 Fax: (02) 6280 9118 Email: training@mba.org.au Web: www.mba.org.au

Occupational health and safety Work effectively in the general construction industry Read and interpret plans and specifications Use construction tools and equipment

On-site training Students are required to complete eight hours on-site training with a host employer.Astudent,inconjunctionwiththeirschool,nominatesasuitabledayto minimisetheimpactoncollegestudies.Studentscanintroducetheirownhostor will be placed with one of the Master Builders approved hosts.

Group Training Apprentices at

Yarralumla

Nursery

MasterBuildersGroupTrainingapprenticecarpentershadthechancetoputtheir ownstamponCanberra'sheritageearlierthisyear,whentheyhelpedrestoreone of Yarralumla Nursery's historic glasshouses.

Builtapproximately70yearsagotheglasshousewasinneedofextensiverepairs andvirtuallyunusable.TheChiefMinisterandMinisterforTerritoryandMunicipal ServicesJonStanhopeprovidedfundingfortherestorationandMasterBuilders Group Training proved the expertise.

“Girls have the ability to think outside the square.

They’re creative problem solvers” NEAL LAMB Electro-Group Training

All apprentices need to pass aptitude tests and girls have the same mechanical aptitude; they’re good at detail and using their hands and minds on the job. They are also good in areas where good client skills are required.

>>Photo: Apprentices working hard on the new Yarralumla Nursery

The nursery's manager, Michael Kidd, said the idea had come up to have the restorations done as a training session for carpentry apprentices.

"We approached the Master Builders Group Training in Fyshwick, and it was agreed that this was a wonderful community minded opportunity for these apprenticestogetinvolvedinaliveprojectthathashistoricalsignificanceandas a permanent structure for the future," he said.

In all 36 apprentices were involved and the new structure was completed in two days.

"Theseapprenticeshadthisopportunitytodothistraditionalwork;getinvolvedin history and they have done a beautiful job" Mr Kidd said.

The nursery, which is an ACT Government business unit, has a number of historicalbuildingslocatedonitssite,includingpottingandpropagationbuildings erectedintheearly1900s.Ithasadministeredthefreeplantissueschemesince 1930, helping new home owners to establish their gardens.

In2010MasterBuildersGroupTrainingandthecarpentryapprenticeswillrestore another historic glasshouse at Yarralumla Nursery.

Currently in the ACT only 2%* of tradespeople are women, yet a high percentage of women complete their apprenticeship. Women make a conscious choice to enter the industry and the Training Fund Authority is committed to encouraging women to enter the industry via a trade and to contribute to our creative and dynamic industry. *The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), 2009

ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING FUND AUTHORITY

S it 6, Suite 6 National N ti l Associations A i ti Centre, C t 71 Constitution C tit ti A Avenue, C Campbell b ll ACT 2612 Phone: 6262 5630 Fax: 6257 5058 www.trainingfund.com.au

33

00115c

The Master Builders Fidelity Fund was established in 2002 to protect the interests of both consumers and builders in the ACT. For Builders, the Master Builders Fidelity Fund provides financial certainty as money held by the Fund remains in the ACT. It is securely invested and used for the betterment of the ACT builders and consumers and is therefore not subjected to the vagaries of international markets and events.

The Fidelity Fund issues Fidelity Certificates which provide consumer protection for owners of new homes and those making significant changes to homes. The Certificates protect the owner during construction and for up to six years from the date of practical completion.

Master Builders members receive reduced premium rates and we also offer special discounts for volume users of the Fidelity Fund.

For more information contact the Master Builders Fidelity Fund.

Master Builders Fidelity Fund 1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 | PO Box 1211, Fyshwick ACT 2609 Tel: (02) 6175 5995 Fax: (02) 6257 8349 Email: mbff@mba.org.au Web: www.mba.org.au

Roof and Balcony

Solutions

Local businesstakes out award for modern Workplace Safety System.

James Miller and his team at Roof & Balcony Solutions have recently been recognised for their continuedefforttoupdateandupgradeworkplace safety systems at the SafeWork ACT Awards 2009.

Havingreceivedcommendationsatthisveryevent for four years in a row, saw James's relentless drive tocontinueimprovingthesystem,worthyofmore thanjustacommendationin2009.ACT'sAttorneyGeneral,Mr.SimonCorbellmadetheannouncement at the National Convention Centre on Thursday 22 October on an evening which celebrated the contributionsofACTbusiness'andorganisationsto ACTOccupationalHealth&Safetyacrossbothpublic andprivatesectorswithawardcategoriesranging fromBestSafetyManagementSystemtoTraining, PracticesandPromotion.Roof&BalconySolutions 34

took out the award for BestWorkplace Health and SafetyPracticesinSmallBusiness withtheirmodern approach to Safety Systems.

The company has made all JSA’s (Job Safety Assessments)andcomplianceitemsaccessibleand stored electronicallyforeasy,efficientloggingand communicationbetweenstaff.Thiseliminatesthe needforpaperworkonworksitesandensuresthat importantinformationisnotlostandmakesitsway backtotheoffice.Howeverimplementingthisnew system has meant that all staff have had to be retrainedwhichfurthergoestoshowthedetermination anddedication,bymanagementtogetthebusiness running at such a peak level. James is passionate abouttheneedforconstantup-skillingandcontinued learning in an industry that is forever changing,

saying "it's the way of the future". He also has plans tomakethisapermanentfixtureinthetrainingofall newcadet/apprenticesandanyothernewstaffthat join the team.

This is a step in the right direction for all business, largeorsmallandRoofandBalconySolutionsarea greatpioneerforthisnewconceptleadingtheway byimplementingthissystem.Allbusinessesshould look to take this on board and continue updating and training staff on a regular basis as they have done. It has taken James five years to receive this tophonorinhisnominatedcategorybutitwon'tstop there.TheconstantdesiretoupholdamodernSafety ManagementSystemwillsurelyfollowJamesand the team at Roof & Balcony Solutions into all their future endeavors.

Canberra Building News Edition 3 - 2009

Office Furniture Rejuventaion With 'Ecological Sustainability' a hot topic on the lips of every citizen and politician and GlobalWarmingnowaworldwidephenomenon, small and large business', corporations and everyday households have made efforts to reduce the amount of waste being produced.

With the exception of our giant counterpart the USA, Australians are among the world's largest producers of waste per capita than any other country, releasing millions of tonnes of waste intotheenvironmentandsendingapproximately 1 TONNE of solid waste, per person, annually to Landfills or 'tips' as they are affectionately referred to. If you listen to the experts one thing is clear, and that is that the focus needs to be on the moresustainablegoalsofwasteminimisationand waste recovery - reducing, reusing and recycling our waste.

Locally, one company has moved forward in Eco-sustainability with its innovative creation

of Australia's first E-Cycle Plant. The crew at Schiavello(ACT)PtyLtdhaveproducedasplendid and unique new service that re-acquires office furniture at the end of it's lifecycle to recycle or reuseasawayofreducingmaterialconsumption and therefore our carbon footprint. With the openingofSchiavello’snew3000m2E-CyclePlant warehouse&showroominQueanbeyan,partofthe programwillfocuson'up-cycling',whichinvolves purchasingsecondhandSchiavelloproductfrom around Australia and restoring it to like-new condition using all Australian owned products.

ThemajorityofAustralianshavegrownaccustom to recycling- paper, plastics, glass and metals but rarely is it thought that office furniture is also a recyclable product and its planned disposal forms an important part of any environmental management system. Recycling office furniture protects the environment through the re-use of diminishing timber products, by the diversion of

wasteawayfromlandfillandthroughthereduction of manufacturing carbon emissions.

SchiavellohavegivenCanberracompaniesacostefficient way to be greener with the opportunity to achieve valuable Green Star points and soon thisopportunitywillbeavailablenationwidewith theirplanstoexpandacrossAustralia.Theyought to be commended for their efforts to create more sustainablewayofproducingorratherre-producing officefurniturethroughtheestablishmentofthe Schiavello E-Cycle Plant and they have been rewarded through the obvious popularity of the service, securing dozens of contracts in both the GovernmentandPrivatesectorstohavehundred's ofworkstations,chairs,mobilepedestals,storage units, tables, partitioning, etc re-powder coated, partsreplacedandre-assembled.Sinceit'sopening in October 2008 the plant is shaping up to be a healthy branch of the Schiavello tree.

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Landscape Architects In2009,dsbLandscapeArchitectscelebrates30yearsofprovidingLandscape Architectural, Arborist and Horticultural services to Canberra and the surrounding regions.

In 1979, Malcolm Fraser was Prime Minister and John Howard was Treasurer andCanberrawasdevelopingintoacity.Atthetime,Canberra’ssouthernedge wasthepartiallycompletedsuburbsofKambah,Wanniassa,Fadden,Gowrieand Macarthur.AnythingfurthersouthinTuggeranongValleywasdirtroads,sheep paddocks,wheatfieldsandtheTelephoneExchangeatConderinthemiddleof a sheep paddock. In Belconnen, Florey was a sheep paddock in the middle of suburbiaandGungahlinwasatthebeginningoftheplanningprocesstobecome the next satellite town.

It was at this time in 1979 that John Deverson, Paul Scholtens and Paul BombardiercommencedDeversonScholtensBombardierLandscapeArchitects later to be known as dsb Landscape Architects. From premises in MTA House inNorthbourneAvenue,theybegantoserviceprivateandpublicclients.Initially the practice provided landscape designs for private residences and public infrastructure.TheNationalCapitalDevelopmentCommissionwasasignificant clientanddsbprovidedlandscapearchitecturalservicesforschools,churches, healthcentres,andresidentialestateseitherbydirectengagementorasasubconsultant to architects and engineers.

Inthefirstfiveyears,dsbhadestablishedasolidpracticewithlocalandregional projects for NCDC and private and commercial clients. The practice records

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>> Photo: Rainforest Gully at the National Botanical Gardens

indicate that almost 2000 private residential landscape designs have been completed in the 30 years since.

AsCanberragrewanddeveloped,thediplomaticcommunitywasencouraged to move diplomatic missions out of residential locations across the city and develop dedicated Embassies within the nominated areas ofYarralumla and SouthCanberra.dsbLandscapearchitectshaveprovidedlandscapearchitectural services in the development of over 19 diplomatic missions and many of the mission’sresidences.AsignificantandcontinuingclientistheEmbassyofthe United States of America.

In1985,dsbLandscapeArchitectsmovedintoDeakinChambersandcanstillbe found at 14 Hannah Place Deakin.

In the late 80’s and early 90’s, Canberra as a city tempered it’s rate of establishmentandinstallationofbasicinfrastructureandthenatureandcharacter of projects changed to reflect these times. Services were provided on the establishmentoftheNationalAquariumasatroutfarm.Newgardeninternment memorial areas were developed in Woden Cemetery.

Canberra projects from this period include Stage 88 Commonwealth Park, MediumDensityApartment/TownhouseprojectsatEmuRidgeandKingston, recreational facilities at Cotter and Casuarina Sands, a number of aged care facilities, Gorman House refurbishments and the Governor’s General Office Building at Yarralumla.

Canberra Building News Edition 2–2009

>> Photo: Glebe Park A number of landmark projects have been completed making significant contributions to the landscape development of Canberra,

For the 30th anniversary, dsb Landscape Architects deposited the early

Glebe Park, Civic,

includeprivateresidentialprojectsandcommercialprojectsfrom1979-1999

Tuggeranong Town Centre and Lake Edge, Thurgoona Town Centre, Albury, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Eddison Park, Woden,

handdrawingsofthepracticewiththeACTHeritageLibrary.Thesedrawings commencement to Job Number 1200 about 1998/1999. This deposit has archivalsignificanceinthatitisthecontinuousdrawingrecordsofasignificant memberofthelandscapearchitecturalprofessionworkingintheCanberraand regional landscape.

Fadden Pines District Park, Fadden,

dsbLandscapeArchitectshasdeveloped,prosperedandcontinuestoprovide

Woden cemetery,

qualitylandscapearchitecturalservicestothelocalandregionalcommunitywith

Hobart Place, Civic,

responsibility.Irrespectiveofthesizeandbudgetofaproject,allaretreatedwith

Manuka Oval Master Plan,

careandattentiontodetailincertainknowledgethatweareprovidingservices

Moreshead Drive – Kings Avenue to Airport,

basedonsoundknowledgeoflocalconditionsandrequirementsthatarevalued

Gungahlin Drive Extension, and

by our clients.

Gungahlin Central Linear Park.

Directors

dsbLandscapeArchitectsprovidedthefirstprivatelydesignedFloriadein1990 and we have been involved in the Floriade design for the last ten years.

Paul Scholtens, Arborist and Horticulturist

Thepracticehascompletedover2500majorprojects,2000privateresidential projects and we are approaching vegetation assessments of 400,000 trees.

>> Photo: Gungahlin Central Linear Park

Paul Bombardier, Registered Landscape Architect and Michael Reeves, Registered Landscape Architect.

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Tributes StephenJohnPinter 1941 – 2009

In August this year our community lost one of its great leaders when Steve Pinter,formerManagingDirectorandChairmanofBrownConsulting,losthis battle with cancer.

StevewasborninBudapest,Hungaryin1941ontheeveofEurope’sdarkesthour.

HegrewupintheoccupiedBudapestneverknowinghisfatherwhoperishedin the early days of the World War II. As the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 was crushed by theWarsaw Pact tanks, Steve’sfamilyfledthecountryandspentthenextfewyearsinrefugeecampsof Vienna,Austria,andWodonga,Australia.Steve’smotherJudith,awelleducated womanwithasteelydetermination,somehowseemedtoalwaysattainthebest conditionsforthefamily.Thisleftalastingimpressionontheyoungteenageras hewitnessedfirst-handtheimportanceofeducationandseizinganopportunity.

ThefamilythenmovedtoMelbournewhereStevecompletedhiseducationand acquiredanengineeringdegree.HejoinedWPBrown&Partners(predecessorto BrownConsulting)in1968asagraduateengineerandworkedwiththelateBill Brown, a pioneer in prestressed and precast concrete structures.

In the late‘60s and through the‘70s, WP Brown & Partners were a prospering structuralpracticewithover80employeesinitsMelbourneandSydneyoffices.

Steve’searlyprojectsincludedParkTowersinMelbourne,whichstillremainone ofthehighestprestressedprecastbuildingsintheSouthernhemisphere,andthe oldCharlesGrimesBridge(openedin1975andreplacedin2000withanewhigh structure).

In1974StevetransferredfromMelbournetoopenaBrown’sofficeinCanberra, inwhatwouldprovetobeaninspiredmove.In1981heemployedayoungcivil engineerChrisHaleywhowouldremainhisclosestbusinesspartnerforthenext 20 years.

During the late‘80s and early‘90s Steve took control of WP Brown & Partners.

Asthefirm’sfirstManagingDirector,hetransformedthecompanyfromaloose associationofofficestothenationalandinternationalcorporateentitythatBrown Consultingistoday. Heledthepractice’sdecisiontoexpandintoQueensland, supportedthegrowthintoAsiathroughtheestablishmentoftheSingaporeoffice and,possiblymostimportantly,wasthecatalystbehindthedecisiontobroaden the ownership of the company from the initial partners through to over 30 shareholders today.

SteveretiredinJune2001astheManagingDirector,butwasinvitedtocontinue astheChairmanonBrown’sBoardofDirectors. Heretiredfromthatpositionin June 2003 to travel and enjoy life, his family and grandchildren.

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InFebruary2008Stevewasdiagnosedwithanaggressiveanduntreatableform ofcancer. Neveronetoshyawayfromachallenge,Stevetooktheillnesson. He enduredmorethanmost,butultimatelythiswastheonebattlethathecouldn’t win. He quietly passed away on the morning of 14th August 2009.

Throughout his life and professional career Steve remained a rare breed of a visionary.Eventhroughtheboomyears,hewasalwaysthefirsttoadvisecaution andencourageplanningforaninevitabledownturn.Hewasagreatsupporterof businessdiversificationandleveragingclientsandskillsinordertomanagerisk.

TheearlybusinessrelationshipsthatSteveforgedwiththeclientssuchasThe Village Building Company over 25 years ago remain very strong today.

Stevealwaysencouragedinnovationandwasthedrivingforcebehindadopting newtechnologies. Alwayslookingforabetterway to do work(asanengineer woulddo),StevedrovethecustomisationofAutoCADtoimproveproductivityand minimiseerrors,resultinginBrownConsulting(thenWPBrown&Partners)being awardedAutoCADUseroftheYearforthethreeyearsrunning(1994,1995and 1996).Hesawanearlypotentialinthe4dModel(laterrenamed12dModel)and was one of the first consultants to adopt the software.

Stevewaspassionateaboutimprovingbusinessprocesses.Hestudiedtheworld bestpracticesandadoptedthemwithzeal.HeinitiateddevelopmentofJOBS, BrownConsulting’sproprietarybusinessmanagementsystemandsupported Chris Haley in its continuous development.

Stevewasanoutspokenadvocatefortheengineeringcommunityandactivein a number of professional associations. From 1999 to 2001 he was president ofMasterBuildersAssociationoftheACT,priortothatchairmanoftheMaster Builder’s Professional Sector Council from 1993 to 1997 and he also held the presidencyoftheACTChapteroftheAssociationofConsultingEngineersAustralia (ACEA). After retiring from Brown Consulting, he was invited onto the ACT Procurement Board, from where he resigned when the illness struck.

ThosewhoknewandworkedwithStevewillrememberhimasastrong-willed personwhowaspassionateaboutemployeesbeinggiveneveryopportunityto achievetheirgoalswithinthecompany.Hislegacycontinuestolivethroughthe people he mentored and the strong practice he set the foundation for.

Stevewillbesadlymissedbyhisfamilyandfriends,hisBrownConsultingfamily and many in the engineering profession and Canberra community

Alan Ross Richards 1939 – 2009

AlanRossRichardswhoestablishedErincoleBuilding Services in Canberra in 1989 sadly passed away at Queanbeyanon11July2009.Alanwasborn12April 1939 at Narrandera NSW, one of 11 children and grewuponwheatandsheepfarmapproximately30 kilometres from Grong Grong.

As a child he travelled 50 kilometres each way to schoolwithhisbrothersandsistersbyhorseandsulky.

Whenhewas15yearsoldAlanleftschoolandgained an apprenticeship in a local joinery shop.

He moved to Cowra in the central west NSW in 1960 to work on Wayangla Dam and was married in 1961 toIsabelletogethertheyhad4children,Craig,Wayne, DavidandMichelle.Heoperatedasasoletraderfrom 1965andundertookdomestic,commercialandpublic works contracts. One of Alan’s proudest moments when he was a volunteer member of the Darwin restorationandrepairteamintheaftermathofCyclone Tracy in 1975.

In 1986 Alan relocated to the Canberra region and secured contracts for the Members and Guests Facilities of the New Parliament House. As Alan’s reputationgrew,sotoodidhisbusiness,culminating intheincorporationofErincolein1989withhissons.

Thiswasoneofhisproudestachievements.Erincole continued to expand, due to Alan’s management skillsandhisknowledgeandexpertiseinthebuilding industry. Over Alan’s 50 year career he trained or was involved in the training of at least 60 apprentices. He was well respected by all in the building industry.

Canberra Building News Edition 3 - 2009

Tributes

OnceAlanretiredin2002hefocusedhisattentionon hislifelongpassionforhorsesandhorseracing. Alan wasluckyenoughtofulfilhisdreamsbywinningthe WaggaWaggaTownPlateandtheNationalSprinton BlackOpalDay.Whetheronthebuildingsiteoronrace tracksaroundthecountry,Alanwasknownas‘thelittle fella in the punters hat’.

Since Alan’s retirement, Erincole Building Services have specialised in external building facades using aluminium composite panel (Alucobond, Alpolic), insulated wall and façade systems (Kingspan), pre-weatheredsteel(Xlerplate),pre-weatheredzink (Rheinzink), recycled hardwood and stainless steel.

Erincole has won several industry awards, Alan will be missed by his family, friends and workmates.

Clive James Waldron 1931 – 2009

The Canberra and region building and construction communityandthecommunity-at-largelostapioneer and great friend in August with the passing of Clive Waldren. Clivewasagreatsupporterandcontributor to the Master Builders Association.

TheWaldrenfamilyhasalonghistoryofbuildinginthe ACT, a history that spans three generations. In 1921, theWaldren’sinvolvementwithCanberrastartedwith OliverWaldren,Clive’sfather,whocametoCanberra, like so many did in that era to work on what we now colloquially call Old Parliament House.

Clive was born in 1931, raised and educated in Canberra. He started hisapprenticeshipin 1947and then began working for himself in the early 1950’s.

Clive married Joan (nee Cusack) on 21 October 1956 at St Christopher’s Cathedral, Manuka and together theyraisedeightchildren–Jim,Mary-Anne,Elizabeth, Dorothy, Stan, Anthony, Mark, and Alison.

During his long building career Clive was known as a can do man and was instrumental in overcoming problemsaroundfinanceavailabilityoncommercial land in Canberra.

AsignificantbuildingprojectforClive,intheearlydays (1963)wastheAlbanyApartments,DominionCircuit, Forrest.Thisprojectwascompletedinjustthreemonths andincludes25oneandtwobedroomholiday/serviced units. This building is still held by the family.

Clivewasstillactivelyinvolvedinthebuildingindustry rightupuntilMarchofthisyearandtheWaldrenname willcontinuetobeprominentinCanberrawithClive's son Stan an active commercial builder and current member of the Master Builders.

CliveWaldrenwillbesadlymissedbyhisfamily,friends and the Master Builders Association.

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Did you train and qualify (or partially qualify) towards a building and construction qualification in New Zealand before coming to Australia to work?

Are you an experienced building and construction worker from New Zealand but do not hold formal qualifications?

Are you an Australian building and construction worker interested in working in New Zealand? We can assist you!

Kiwis: Did you know that under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement (1992) you are entitled, as of right, to have your New Zealand qualifications(andpartialqualifications) inthebuildingandconstructionindustry formally recognised as the equivalent of the corresponding Australian qualifications?

New Zealand and Australia are the onlytwocountriesintheworldtohave suchanagreement;that’sbecauseour two qualifications frameworks are so extraordinarilysimilar.MasterBuilders has done the work to ensure that your entry into the Australian workforce is smooth and seamless – and we have also established relationships with the New Zealand authorities so that Australian building and construction workers heading over theTasman Sea can have the same experience in New Zealand.

We are often most comfortable with what is familar. Many Australian employers still look for Australian qualifications (just as New Zealand

employers still look for New Zealand qualifications) and we can organise eithercontextforyou.Wecanalsohelp and advise you to get your Contractor and Builder Licence at whatever level youmightrequiresothatyoucanwork interchangeably in both New Zealand andAustralia.NewZealandersarriving inAustralianeedtoknowallabouttheir legalrightsunderthe‘SpecialCategory Visa’ (Sub Class 444) which is granted you upon entry into Australia – and what you need to do to become selfemployedintheAustralianbuildingand construction industry.

We have the knowledge and expert advice to make it possible for you to workinterchangeablyineithercountry.

DidyouknowthatAustraliancitizensin goodstandingcanliveandworkinNew Zealandasofright?Hadyouconsidered takingaworkingholidayinNewZealand close to the hiking, skiing, rugby, and otheroutdoorrecreationalmeccas?Talk toMasterBuilderstomakethishappen for you!

Grant Daly Director Skills Development & Research

BranzBooks Pieter Burghout, CEO of the research and information organisationdedicatedtoworkingwithbuildingindustry practitionersinNewZealand(BRANZ)wasintheACTlast AugustattheinvitationofMasterBuildersasthekey-note speakerfortheCCFEarthAwardsDinner.Hewasunable toresisttheopportunitytotakeaswipeattheWallabies andAustraliancricketgenerally,post1987.Thefollowing day he formally presented us with a cabinet of BRANZ publications for re-sale within the ACT building and constructioncommunityandafterwards,hespokeabout NewZealandrecentresearchcarriedoutonsustainability issues. He was very politely received on both accounts, because Australians are polite people and great sports.

Pieter informed us he was formerly the Chief Executive OfficerofthenationalbuildertrainingorganisationinNZ (havinggrownthetrainingnumbersfrom3,000to10,000 trainees over his 3 year tenure there) and earlier, CEO ofthenationalRegisteredMasterBuildersFederationin NZ where his main task was to work with Government on reform of the New Zealand Building Act. He was able to provide some useful insights into the industry and research work being done in NZ by BRANZ as well as offersomestingingbarbsabouttrans-Tasmansporting rivalries,convenientlyoverlookingtheoverallAustralian ascendancy in the sporting arena.

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TheindustryrepshereinCanberracertainlycameaway fromthedialoguehavingseentheadvantagesofhaving aresearchandinformationorganisationdedicatedtothe building and construction industry and in fact several participants at the sustainability seminar have already arrangedtovisitBRANZresearchfacilityatJudgefordin regional Wellington.

Master Builders is proud of the relationship it now has with BRANZ, and hosts a brand new showcase for their material in our Display Centre where members can browsepublicationsandpurchasethemthoughMaster Builders. In October of this year, Grant Daly will visit the BRANZfacilitytorepopulatethecurrentcomplementof books so that members and public will have a wider range to choose from.

MasterBuildersintendstocontinuedialoguewithPieter and his team at BRANZ to see what future synergies mightbecreated–thewaytheTrans-Tasmanmarket works these days it would make sense to see what BRANZcoulddoforushere,ratherthanre-inventing thewheel.Itwouldalsoproviderichopportunitiesto reciprocatewithsportingstoriesandthusenhance the true spirit of trans-Tasman rivalry.

GETS A H ELPIN G H AN D

ThePegasusProjectwasoneofmanyworthyorganisationsgivenahelpinghand duringSeptemberwhentheLendLeaseGroupholdstheirannualCommunityDay. LendLeaseCommunityDayencouragesallLendLeaseemployeesaroundthe worldtogivesomethingbacktothecommunitiesinwhichtheyliveandwork.

help construct new facilities.This included further work on an adventure trail createdaspartoflastyear’sCommunityDay,diggingasandpit,paintingpolesto beusedforjumpingandbuildingscarecrows.Theteamalsobuilthorseshelters and troughs.

Employeesnominatetheirownprojectandcreatesmallteamstoworkwiththe communitygrouporcause.Activitiescanincludehelpingseniorcitizens,the homelesspeople,peoplewithdisabilities,theenvironment,workingwithchildren/ youthandanimals.CommunityDayisaboutusingemployees’time,energyand skills, and the experience helps to create a strong team spirit, and employees unanimously agree – this is an immensely rewarding experience.

EmmaWhitehead,teamleaderofthegroup,saidthePegasusProjectwaschosen because it is a not for profit organisation that provides a valuable service for disabledchildren.“Horseridingcanprovidephysical,psychologicalandsocial benefitsfordisabledchildrenandwehopetohelptheteamwiththeirrunning costs and provide additional facilities for the children,” said Emma.

Around46employeesfromtheLendLeaseGroupconvergedatPegasusRiding for the Disabledin DrakeBrockman Drive, Holt, onThursday September25to

ThisisLendLease’s14thconsecutiveCommunityDay,andsincetheinitiative began in 1996, employees have volunteered over 425,000 hours.

MasterBuildersAustralia2009

National Conference and Awards

Canberra Building News Edition 3 - 2009

PE G ASUS PRO J E C T

TheMasterBuilders Australia2009NationalConferenceand Awardshasbeen hailed an outstanding success! Feedback from delegates has been extremely positive and encouraging.The conference held 5 – 7 November at the Conrad JupitersConventionCentre,GoldCoastprovidedMasterBuildersmembers’with highqualityprofessionaldevelopmentbalancedwithanentertainingsocialprogram TheconferencewasofficiallyopenedbythePrimeMinistertheHonKevinRudd who spoke in detail about the Governments stimulus measures and plan for Australia’s economic recovery. For delegates this was clearly a highlight of the conferenceandreflectstherespectandgoodrelationsthatMasterBuildershas with government.

Delegateswereentertainedandinformedonawiderangingsetoftopicssuchas ProductivityandPerformance,ExaminingtheEconomicOutlook,SustainableUrban Development,TheNationalStrategyforEnergyEfficiency,WorkplaceRelations, BuildingtrendsandEffectiveLeadership.Thedelegatesprogramalsoincluded site tours to inspect the Master Builders Queensland Coomera Retreat Display HomeVillageandtheRobinaHospitalredevelopment.TheConferencewasalso complimentedwithanexhibitionofover30exhibitorsdisplayingawiderangeof innovative products and services.

As with all Master Builder Conferences it was not all work. There was a great opportunityforbuilderstonetworkwiththeirpeersonthegolfcourseandfunfilled socialeveningsincludingMovieWorld.Accompanyingpersonsenjoyedanextensive partners program as well which incorporated a Hinterland tour and Cruise.

TheGalaNationalExcellenceinBuildingandConstructionAwardsDinnerattended byover500peoplewasanexcitingfinaletoafantasticConference.Aspectacular evening that celebrated and acknowledged the best of the best nationally for their building excellence in 2009. Special guests included Senator Mark Arbib, SafetyCommissionerHelenMarshallandMaxSmithDeputyDirectorQueensland Government Public Works.

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Business in Focus Month Professional Development and Training Seminars

BusinessinFocusMonthtookplaceforthefirsttimethisSeptember,withover70 CanberraBusinessesgettinginvolved.TheprogramisanewconceptfortheACT involvingamonth-longscheduleofeventsthatengage,supportandpromotethe Canberrabusinesscommunity,throughapartnershipbetweengovernmentand local business organisations and institutions.

Master Builders Association of the ACT was thrilled to take a lead role in this event,byholdingatwo-daylongseriesofworkshopsandseminarsonabroad range topics relevant to our members.

TheMasterBuildersProfessionalDevelopment&TrainingSeminarswereheldon Tuesday22andWednesday23Septemberanddemonstratedcurrentinformation onsustainability,technicalskills,productranges,disputeresolution,legaladvice andmuchmore.TheseminarswereprovidedfreeofchargeforMasterBuilders members,duetoourrecognitionoftheimportanceofprovidingtrainingand direction in our industry, particularly in economically turbulent times.

The event ran over a two day period, with 25 seminars each running for 1-2 hours in total. The schedule was designed to allow individuals to chose to attend one seminar or spend an entire day or two at the event if they wished,

attendingseveraldifferentseminarssequentially.Approximately225members attended the event.

The schedule of events was jam-packed with expert speakers, including Judy Gleeson aka. 'The Desk Doctor', who ran a session called 'Overloaded' which demonstratedthecorrectwaytomanageyouremailandtouseMicrosoftOutlook correctlyinordertomaximiseitscapabilitiesandyourowntimemanagementskills.

Director of Eastcliff Pty Ltd, Mr Bryan Ahern gave a talk named 'Dealing with Disputes'whichdealtwithtechniquesandtipsondisputeresolutionwithinthe workplace.Thisseminarenjoyedafullclassroom,aseverysectorofindustryhas to endure arguments and disagreements both internally and externally.

Ms Nicole Turner and Ms Meaghan Leeson from Insight Services gave a demonstrative,practicalpresentationoncorrectmanualhandlingtechniques,a topic highly relevant to both the construction worker and the office worker.

Overall,theseminarswereagreatsuccessandwebelievetheopportunityforour memberstotrainandincreasetheirindustryknowledgeatthehandsofexpert speakers was extremely beneficial to all attendees.

Chief Minister Publication Launch at Master Builders Headquarters Chief Minister of the ACT, Jon Stanhope chose the Master Builders Professional Development & Training Seminars event to launch the new publication Construction Snapshot.

The launch took place at 11am on Tuesday 22 September at the Master Builders Headquarters and was attended primarily by government representatives and industry professionals.

The Canberra Construction Snapshot promotes the ACT and region as an investment location by providing up-to-date information of continuing and planned capital works and construction activities. It highlights the impact of the Government's commitment by showcasing the success and diversity of the industry in the Canberra region. The Snapshot highlights the work that is provided for large multinational companies as well as local companies and subcontractors.

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20YearMembers

CB Richard Ellis Pty Ltd

Q Projects

DSB Landscape Architects

ABA Construction Managers

Brown Consulting (ACT) Pty Ltd

May & Russell Architects Pty Ltd

N Hatzidoulis & Associates

St George Bank Limited

O'Connor Harris & Co

Manteena Pty Ltd

Cardno Young

Canberra Building News Edition 3 - 2009

Anniversary's MEMBER

25 Year Members

T.OK. Carpentry and Partitioning

OneSteel Reinforcing Pty Ltd

Douglas Joinery Pty Ltd

Belconnen Concrete Pty Ltd

Newham's Hardware 43

BORAL / JUVENILE

DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION

SEVENTH ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF DAY SeventynineplayersattendedtherecentSeventhAnnualBoral/JDRFCharity GolfDayheldattheMurrumbidgeeCountryClubonMonday12October2009.

Forthefirsttimeinmanyayeartheraingreetedtheplayerswhowereenjoying a great BBQ lunch, thanks to Boral Concrete & Quarries just before they teed off for eighteen holes of golf with drinks on course compliments of Seears Workwear followed by a happy hour with finger food and drinks and the presentation of prizes.

Seears Workwear

Trophy Sponsors Boral Country Concrete & Quarries Komatsu & Westrac

JuvenileDiabeticCourtneyPitsonspoketothosepresentduringthehappyhour tellingthemwhatlifeislikeasachildwithDiabetes.Courtneyconcludedhertalk bythankingallthesponsorsandplayersfortheirgenerosityinhelpingtofinda cure for Juvenile Diabetes.

Raffle Sponsors

Theearlymorningandlateafternoonraincertainlydidnotdampentheplayers whoenjoyedthedaywhichturnedouttobeafantasticsuccessbothsociallyand financially.

Hole Sponsors

BoralandtheJDRFwouldliketothankthesponsorsfortheirgeneroussupporton the day which raised over $12,000 for the JDRF.

THE WINNERS Overall winners Trevor Tindale, Rob Dawson, Mick Price, Simon Frowd

Overall Runner up Steve Peter, Albina Zmbriano, Scott Gilday, David Watts

Third Place John Wells, Mick Wells, Phil Green, Robert Murray

Bradman Graham Thomas, Danny O’Connor, Adam Taunton, Andrew Cocker

Best Dressed Team Robert Sheldrick, Josh Turk, Max Rafferty, Tim Furner

Best Shots Longest Drive 3rd Hole, Paul Kelly Nearest the pin second shot 18th hole, Michael Price Nearest the pin second shot 5th hole, Brendan Byatt Nearest the pin 13th hole, Rob Murray Nearest the pin 9th hole, Tina Samarkos Nearest the pin for ladies 4th hole, Tanya Zantis

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Drink Sponsor

Canberra International Golf Centre Komatsu and Westrac

A C Contractors Australia P/L Boral Formwork & Scaffolding Canberra Investment Corporation CanberraSand&Gravel Concrete Colour Systems Delta Group G.E. Shaw & Associates Hays Construction & Property I.C. Formwork Services P/L John McGrath Ford Members Equity Bank ProjectCoordination(Australia)P/L Signs We Do Tractor Replacements P/L Urban Contractors P/L W T Partnership And the Master Builders Association of the ACT who supported the day

FOR EXCELLENCE IN CIVIL CONSTRUCTION

This year the CCF Earth Awards were held on Thursday 27 August in the luxurious Members Dining Room at historical Old Parliament House. The heritage-listed venue provided an exquisite setting for this unique networking opportunity, particularly for our Civil members.

ThenightwashostedbyABCRadio’sBreakfastShowhostRoss Solly,whomadetheeventatrulyenjoyableonewithhisoff-thecuff humour creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Canberra Building News Edition 3 - 2009

CCFEARTH AWARDS 2009

WinnersonthenightincludedCordCivil,whotooktheawardfor Projectvaluedupto$1millionfortheirexceptionalworkonthe RoyalAustralianMintTunnel.Thisjobrequiredrealknowledge andcarefulconsideration,andCordCivilcarriedouttherequired works with expertise. >>Photo: Nigel Forde, Cord Civil Pty Ltd, Royal Australian Mint Tunnell

AbergeldietookouttheawardforProjectvalued$1-$4million for the Cotter Tunnel No 3 Stablisation project. This was a complexjob,whichwascompletedinaprofessionalandtimely manner by the team at Abergeldie.

The award for Project valued $20 to $75 million went to MacmahonContractorsfortheKingstonForeshoreDevelopment HarbourCivilWorks,atrulycolossalprojectcarriedouttogreat success.

>>Photo: Mick Boyle, Abergeldie - Cotter Tunnel No 3 Stabilisation

The industry speakers on the night were Mr Pieter Burghout of the Building Research Association of New Zealand and Mr WilhelmHarnisch,CEOofMasterBuildersAustralia.Bothspeakers madegrippingpresentationswhichcoveredthehottopicsfacing industry this year and informed the audience accordingly.

PieterBurghout’spresentationwasbothentertainingandhighly informative.BRANZappearstofillaveryrealgapinthemarket by dedicating themselves so entirely to research, something thatisinvaluabletothebuildingindustryasawhole.Attendees respectedBRANZasanorganisationmandatedbymembers.

ThepresentationgivenbyMasterBuildersAustraliaCEOWilhelm Harnisch was an enlightening one and well received by all. Mr Harnischcoveredthemosthighlyrelevantissuesconfrontingthe industrytoday,includingpresentinghisfrankandhonestviewof current Industrial Relations issues.

Overall, the night was enjoyed by all and the results are a true credittothegreatworkconstantlybeingcarriedoutthroughout the Civil sector within the ACT and the surrounding region. >>Photo: Winston Hyland, Macmahon Contractors - Kingston Foreshore Development Harbour Civil Works

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7 July 2009 Sponsored by Mission Australia

Ross Barrett, President, Master Builders Association of the ACT Mark Sullivan, Managing Director, ACTEW Corporation Fred Selley, ACT Area Sales Manager, Mission Australia

13 August 2009 Sponsored by Village Building Co.

Ross Barrett, President, Master Builders Association of the ACT Andrew Barr, MLA, Minister for Planning Bob Winnel, Chief Executive, Village Building Co

8 September2009 Sponsored by ActewAGL

Ross Barrett, President of Master Builders Association of the ACT David Dawes, Deputy Chief Executive, Business and Projects Division Geoff White, General Manager, Sales, Marketing and Product, ActewAGL

12 November 2009 Sponsored by Hays Construction & Property

Shane Little, Regional Director NSW & ACT, Hays Richard Calver, National Director, Industrial Relations & Legal Counsel, MBA Sam DeLorenzo, Acting President, Master Builders Association of the ACT Simon Barton, Manager, Hays Construction & Property 24 November 2009 Sponsored by Village Building Co

28 July 2009 Sponsored by Village Building Co.

John Kenworthy, General Manager, Housing, Village Building Co Gary Byles, Chief Executive, Territory & Municipal Services Sam DeLorenzo, Acting President, Master Builders Association of the ACT

25 August 2009 Sponsored by Strategic Directions

Ross Barrett, President, Master Builders Association of the ACT Ian Chubb, Vice Chancellor, Australian National University Mike Andrea, Director, Strategic Directions

24 September2009 Sponsored by Goodman Law

Ross Barrett, President, Master Builders Association of the ACT Simon Corbell, MLA, Attorney-General Steven Gavagna, Managing Director, Goodman Law

17 November 2009 Sponsored by Balmain Commercial

Ross Barrett, President, Master Builders Association of the ACT John Mackay, Chairman, ACTEW Corporation DavidKimmorley,Partner,CanberraandSouthernNSW,BalmainCommercial

1 december 2009 Sponsored by Matrix Compliance

Matri

C O M P L I A N C E M A N A G E M E N T

Ross Barrett, President, Master Builders Association of the ACT Jon Stanhope, Chief Minister of the ACT Bob Winnel, Chief Executive, Village Building Co 46

Ross Barrett, President, Master Builders Association of the ACT Helen Marshall, Federal Safety Commissioner DarrenSterzenbach,GeneralManager,NationalOperations,MatrixCompliance

00204b

WORKFORCE

WITHOUT THE ADMINISTRATION Consider the advantages of becoming a Host Employer.  Master Builders Group Training only charges you for the hours 1the apprentice, trainee or cadet actually works on the job.

Group Training is responsible for all administration of wages, pays workers compensation, long service leave and superannuation.  As a Host Employer you have the choice of selecting a 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th year apprentice to fulfil the skill requirements of the job as your work load demands  Group Training employs field officers to assist you with hosting the apprentices, trainees or cadets  If you direct employ your own apprentice Group Training can provide the training required.  There are benefits to the industry as well; you provide opportunities for apprentices, trainees and cadets to learn on site skills, you contribute to skilling the future construction industry.

For more information contact Master Builders Group Training.

MBA Group Training Ltd. 1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 | PO Box 1211, Fyshwick ACT 2609 Tel: (02) 6280 9119 Fax: (02) 6280 9118 Email: training@mba.org.au Web: www.mba.org.au

To find out if you’re eligible for the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus, call your Local Apprenticeship Solutions Consultant now on 6252 0400

We’ve changed housing affordability in Canberra

... and will continue to do so in Macgregor, North Watson, Bruce, Franklin & Dunlop There were just 11 new 3 bedroom homes sold in Canberra under $350,000 between 2006 and 2008.

In 2008/09 VBC sold 436 new homes under $360,000, and achieved 788 total new land and home sales.

6242 5999 www.villagebuilding.com.au