Autumn 2019 / Issue 33 Pindan expands eastern states operations Benefits flow from $3.5 billion Rio Tinto investment Building momentum in aged care
Outlook
Integrated Marine Operations Centre, Port Hedland WA
Fremantle’s Kings Square construction contract signed Pindan Capital launches its first property financing deal
FUND BUILD MANAGE
A word From George Our capacity and capability to FUND, BUILD AND MANAGE property is stronger than ever
With our property funds management business Pindan Capital firmly entrenched in Sydney, three projects under our belt in New South Wales and a further two about to commence in Queensland, our national growth strategy is hitting its stride. 2019 sees our operations comfortably expand in New South Wales thanks to the transfer of skills honed over 40 years’ experience, the appointment of a highly connected Business Development Manager and a mobilised construction team familiar with local sub-contractors and suppliers. Our Queensland construction operations will follow in quick succession.
with Rio Tinto on their new A$3.5 billion
Closer to home base, we are entering an equally exciting time in the Western Australian market, with recent multibillion dollar investments in the mining and resource industry having a flow on effect into construction. Pindan has an excellent history in meeting the needs of these industry giants in the form of accommodation and non-process infrastructure to support their operations. You can read all about our latest A$45 million local procurement arrangement
and teams for a range of projects. With so
Koodaideri iron ore mine site on page 8. Another strong upward trend that shows no sign of abating is the provision of quality age-appropriate housing solutions for seniors. From state-of-the-art aged care facilities with specialist care units to independent living and affordable housing options, we are industry-renowned for our expertise in these highly specialised builds. Check out our current projects on page 12. On page 20 we reflect on a successful 2018 and in particular the recognition we have had amongst our various businesses many awards, there has certainly been a lot to to be proud of. Indigenous engagement and investing in our young people is something close
The importance of our charity work for Cancer Council WA is heightened whenever one of our own is affected. Since Natasha has courageously shared her diagnosis and recovery with us, our staff fundraising has taken on new meaning. We were humbled to present this wonderful organisation with the proceeds of our latest efforts. Natasha’s vital message is on page 24. And finally, I had great pleasure in catching up with one of our longest serving sub-contractors as he visited our Head Office on his retirement. Albert is a testament to our company mission of ‘building on partnerships’ and his loyalty and dedication are highly valued in our organisation. You can read more about him on page 25. Our 2019 is looking bright indeed, we wish you the same success.
to our heart. When the two collide, the success stories of some of our youngest indigenous trainees are inspiring. Watch Michael explain what it means to him on page 8 and read more about Tristan and Juanita on page 22.
George Allingame Managing Director
CURRENT Projects
Completed Projects
Mahala Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast QLD | Pindan Capital A$109m (sales Development of 94 apartments over 25 storeys with resortvalue) style amenities & pool
Indigo China Green, Subiaco WA | Pindan Capital Development, Design & Construct of 89 apartments, rooftop facilities
A$60m MYVISTA Aged Care Facility, Mirrabooka WA | MYVISTA 112 bed aged care facility, 45 independent living units, 850m2 commercial tenancy
Integrated Marine Operations Centre, Port Hedland WA A$40m Pilbara Ports Authority Design & Construct of a marine control tower & operations centre
Rosewood Aged Care Facility, West Perth WA Rosewood 152 bed aged care facility and cafe over 5 storeys
A$53m
A$33m East Lane, North Sydney NSW | Pindan Capital (sales Development, Design & Construct of 36 apartments & 3 value) commercial units
Graceview Apartments, Turramurra NSW | Pindan Capital Development, Design & Construct of 49 luxury apartments over 5 storeys
A$52m (sales value)
QUEST Mixed Use, South Perth WA | Silverleaf Investments A$29m Construction of 56 serviced apartments & retail/commercial tenancies over 8 storeys
Koodaideri Enabling Village, Pilbara WA | Rio Tinto Design & Construct of a 780 bed accommodation village & supporting facilities
A$45m
A$45m Kings Square Civic Building & Library | City of Fremantle Construction of a new civic, administration & library building in Kings Square Plaza Central, Maroochydore QLD | Pindan Capital Development, Design & Construct of 85 apartments & 6 commercial/retail units over 4 storeys
A$37m (sales value)
Haven, Ridgewood WA A$30m Southern Cross Care (WA) & Department of Communities Project management, design & construct of 151 lot subdivision, 104 house & land packages, 54 affordable houses & 36 walk-up apartments. Marketing & sales of house & land. Anzac House Veterans Centre, Perth CBD A$26m Returned & Services League WA (RSLWA) Design & Construct of a 7 level office building incl members’ club area, function room & café. Cape Naturaliste College, Vasse WA | Minister for Works A$23m D&T, science, health, IT and visual arts buildings. Refurbishment of selected rooms. Stan & Jean Perron Child Advocacy Centre, Midland WA Parkerville Children & Youth Care Design & Construct of a 5 storey child advocacy centre
A$20m
CEACA Seniors Housing, Wheatbelt WA | Shire of Merredin Design & Construct of 75 independent living units across 13 sites
A$19m
Carnarvon Community College, Carnarvon WA Building Management & Works Secondary & specialist facilities. Refurbishment of existing buildings . Midland Sidings Medical Centre, Midland WA Health Integra Specialist medical centre and day surgery over 3 storeys
A$19m
Cajuput Villas & Wickham Lodge Façade Replacement, Wickham WA | Rio Tinto Removal of existing cladding & recladding of accommodation
A$7m
Collie Senior High School, Collie WA Dept of Education Construction of new classrooms, renovation of existing food studio & creation of new STEM and IT areas
A$7m
A$14m
A$77m (sales value)
Warren Health Service, Manjimup WA A$29m Building Management & Works New health service incl new ER dept, ward & medical imaging facilities & birthing suite Koh I Noor Aged Care, Wembley WA Spine and Limb Foundation Design & Construct of a 2 storey, 80 bed aged care and dementia care facility
A$21m
Azure Mixed Use, Rockingham WA Blackburne Property Group Construction of 51 apartments, 2 commercial units & pool deck over 8 storeys
A$17m
Barque Apartments, Port Coogee WA | Stirling Capital Construction of a 52 apartment building with rooftop facilities
A$15m
Merredin Health Campus Redevelopment, Merredin WA Building Management & Works Refurbishment & expansion of existing campus including new ER & ambulatory dept
A$16m
Tjuntjuntjara Housing, Refurbishments & HACC Facility, Tjuntjuntjara WA | Housing Authority 10 new dwellings, refurbishment of 12 dwellings, upgrades to services, new Home & Community Care building
A$14m
Paraburdoo Community Hub, Paraburdoo WA Shire of Ashburton New multi-purpose building & refurbishment of old
A$13m
Wanneroo Central Shopping Centre, Wanneroo WA Charter Hall Expansion of existing shopping centre to incl ALDI, 14 commercial tenancies & amenities
A$10m
Mundaring Arena, Mundaring WA | Shire of Mundaring Design & Construct of a multi-purpose sports & community complex
A$9m
Juniper Gerdewoonem, Kununurra WA | Juniper 40 bed residential aged care facility incl HACC facilities, commercial kitchen & laundry
A$9m
Terrace House Mixed Use, Guildford WA | Willing Property Design & Construct of 22 apartments & 2 commercial units
A$7m
191 Great Eastern Hwy, Belmont WA 6104 | PO Box 93, Belmont, Western Australia 6984 | www.pindan.com.au Phone: (+61 8) 9471 5300 | Facsimile: (+61 8) 9277 6133 | Email: pindan@pindan.com.au | ABN 40 070 129 815
PINDAN EXPANDS EASTERN STATES OPERATIONS Pindan continues its national growth strategy into New south wales with the appointment of Allyson Small as Business Development Manager in its Sydney based team
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East Lane North Sydney NSW
James Rossetto (Construction Manager), Rob O’Connell (Project Manager), Paul Bruce (Site Manager), Allyson Small (Business Development Manager) at Graceview. Inset: Wayne Rossetto (Foreman), Sam Eisenhauer (Development Manager)
Allyson Small comes to the new role of Business Development Manager (NSW) with over 25 years in the construction industry with a diverse skill base in both architecture and project management. Managing Director, George Allingame, said Allyson’s appointment was timely with the construction of the $21 million Graceview luxury apartments in Turramurra on track for completion in mid 2019. This follows the recent completion of the $15 million East Lane mixed use construction on Pacific Highway in North Sydney and the current development of a 146-lot subdivision in Berry on the south coast of New South Wales.
Pindan has been operating in Western Australia for over 40 years and opened its Sydney based Pindan Capital office in 2015. With over $900 million of construction work-on-hand and annual turnover of over $400 million, Pindan’s national growth strategy is to diversify and assertively grow its construction work in the Eastern seaboard markets. Allyson said the Sydney team was pursuing more construction work for Pindan in the health, aged care, education,
commercial and residential sectors, given Pindan’s vast experience in these sectors is particularly strong. Allyson added that Pindan’s ‘building on partnerships’ mantra has also evolved in establishing strong local sub-contractor and supplier relationships in New South Wales. “This is a crucial element in delivering projects on time, and within budget,” she said.
“Allyson is a respected member of the property industry and joins our well-entrenched and highly capable construction team in Sydney,” he said.
We’ve successfully applied our outstanding track record in Western Australia to almost $40 million of construction in New South Wales and have the capability and capacity to comfortably expand our operations further.
Graceview Turramurra NSW
Pindan Outlook | Issue 33 I 5
Across the border, Pindan is making its mark in Queensland with plans to deliver two new apartment projects worth a combined $147 million
Mahala Mermaid Beach Gold Coast QLD
Plaza Central | Maroochydore Sunshine Coast QLD
Pindan Capital, which currently oversees 24 projects with an end value of over $1.7 billion, launched its luxury Mahala Mermaid Beach project on the Gold Coast late last year, and has now secured a site on the Sunshine Coast, destined for a $37 million mixed use precinct. The 3,050 sqm Plaza Central site in Maroochydore was acquired in 2018, with the required funds raised in one week through Pindan Capital’s network of investors and high net worth clients. Scott Davison, General Manager for Pindan Capital, said this spoke volumes about its investors’ confidence in the company and the South East Queensland market. “With the property market driven by a $10 billion investment in infrastructure resulting in robust population growth and expanding employment opportunities, our investors seized upon this unique property fund opportunity,” he said. www.plazacentral.com.au www.mahalamermaidbeach.com.au
Development approval is in place to deliver 85 apartments and six commercial tenancies across two five level buildings. With 40% of stage one now sold, Pindan anticipates mobilising its local construction team onsite mid year. Meanwhile, on the Gold Coast’s Mermaid Beach, the $110 million luxury Mahala apartment tower has been given the green light; the result of harnessing Pindan’s capabilities in managing the entire development process. Pindan has partnered with award-winning Cottee Parker Architects to achieve a distinctive design for the project which offers 94 high-end apartments built over 25 levels to encapsulate ocean views from all angles.
A company who can fund, build and manage property is a streamlined company capable of embracing opportunity and diversification. We’re pleased with the swift progress Pindan has made in establishing itself in Queensland. GEORGE ALLINGAME Manging Director
The Broadbeach-Mermaid Beach area, like Maroochydore, will benefit from billions of dollars in upgrades including the $500 million Light Rail, $670 million renovation at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and $850 million rejuvenation underway at The Star casino. Managing Director, George Allingame credits Pindan’s highly skilled workforce in all aspects of a property’s life cycle with the encouraging debut in these new markets. Pindan Outlook | Issue 33 I 7
BENEFITS FLOW
FROM $3.5 BILLION RIO TINTO INVESTMENT
Rio Tinto is to develop its most
vote of confidence in Western Australia.
technologically advanced mine following
The project will also deliver significant
the approval of a A$3.5 billion investment
opportunities for local companies and
in the Koodaideri iron ore mine in Western
we expect more than A$3 billion will be
Australia. Koodaideri is located about 110
spent with Australian-based businesses,
kilometres from the town of Newman in
with opportunities for about A$2.5 billion
the Pilbara region.
of spending for Western Australian-based
Apart from the mine infrastructure and
businesses during its development.”
the mine itself, Rio Tinto will need a village
The flow on effect has resulted in Pindan
and an airport for their employees. About
being awarded A$45 million of these
2,000 roles will be created during the
works by Rio Tinto to refurbish a 780
actual construction phase and 600 jobs
bed Enabling Village, contributing to the
once the mine is fully operational.
creation of 150 jobs in the process.
Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques
The project will be constructed in two
said “This further investment in our iron
main parts; delivery of the first 252
ore business is also a multi-billion dollar
rooms and the design and construct
8 I Pindan Outlook | Issue 33
of associated supporting facilities and services, and then the balance of the 780 rooms. Tony Gerber, Managing Director of Pindan Contracting, said the team was very pleased to be continuing their relationship with Rio Tinto. “We have completed over A$270 million worth of works for Rio Tinto since 2011 including the 496 room Yandi Sustaining Project at their Yandicoogina mine site located just 35 kilometres from Koodaideri. We are looking forward to delivering this important project for them within the financial year,” he said.
MICHAEL AsCrIZZI trAINEE trADE AssIstANt
Die-hard AFL fan Michael Ascrizzi is kicking some serious career goals. The indigenous 19 year old from Rockingham in Perth’s south is employed as a Trainee Trades Assistant on Rio Tinto’s Koodaideri mine site, an opportunity he says is open to any young person who is prepared to work hard. “For kids like me, it just proves that no matter what you’ve been put through growing up, at the end of the day, if you put your own mindset to it, you can achieve anything.” General Manager of Pindan Contracting, Jaco van Staden, said “It’s a great opportunity for us to put Michael through a traineeship and open doors for him. We take someone like a labourer and put him through some training and at the end of a project, he’s a construction professional. And that is extremely satisfying.”
Scan here to watch Pindan Contracting General Manager Jaco van Staden and indigenous Trainee Michael Ascrizzi discuss what Rio Tinto’s local procurement programme means to them.
Michael joins several other indigenous rising stars at Pindan of which you can read about on page 22.
Pindan Outlook | Issue 33 I 9
BUILDING MOMENTUM IN AGED CARE
MYVISTA Aged Care Facility & Independent Living Units Mirrabooka WA
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The upward trend in aged care construction continues for Pindan, following a plethora of awarded contracts on the back of successfully completing the $20 million Koh I Noor project in Wembley and the $11 million Juniper Gerdewoonem Aged Care Home in Kununurra
Pindan’s Director of Constructions Mark Thompson said Pindan’s experience and specialised skill set has meant they are perfectly positioned as a preferred builder in the negotiating and tendering of aged care contracts. “The expertise required for aged care construction is unique in that the specifications are complex and is governed by its own set of regulations in addition to standard regulations.” “We work with the client and their consultants from the outset, scrutinising the project from every angle and foreseeing any issues or making recommendations to ensure a better build. It all adds up to a value-added experience for our client and we’re very pleased that so many of our clients return to us time and again.
Pindan Outlook | Issue 33 I 11
West Perth WA Client: Rosewood Architect: Morley Davis Architects & Cameron Chisholm Nicol Project Manager: Total Project Management A$53M Project Value 152 bed aged care facility, café, wellness centre, day centre and training rooms.
Rosewood Aged Care Repeat business has certainly been the case with Rosewood recently appointing Pindan to construct their $53 million aged care facility in West Perth. Rosewood has provided aged care from the Cleaver Street premises for six decades including the opening of the social centre and Meals on Wheels kitchen. The new project features a 152 bed aged care facility, café, wellness centre, day centre and training rooms. The West Perth facility will be the second Pindan delivers to Rosewood following the successful completion of their $40 million 120 bed facility in Leederville in 2017.
Through construction of our Leederville aged care home, Pindan has proven to be a leader in the field with their professionalism, workmanship and a reputation that is second-to-none. MARIO ZULBERTI CEO, Rosewood
Mirrabooka WA Client: MYVISTA Architect: Silver Thomas Hanley Project Manager: Total Project Management A$60M Project Value 112 bed aged care facility, 45 retirement living apartments, office space, therapy pool, café, GP practice, pharmacy, physiotherapy and 24/7 gym.
MYVISTA Aged Care Construction is well underway at the $60 million aged care facility in Mirrabooka on behalf of aged care providers MYVISTA. The new project features a 112 bed aged care facility, 45 retirement living apartments, office space, therapy pool, café, GP practice, pharmacy, physiotherapy and 24/7 gym spread over two buildings. Chairman for MYVISTA Aged Care, Tony Vallelonga said MYVISTA saw a unique opportunity to integrate their aged care and retirement living offering into a town centre precinct and established local community. Project managers, Total Project Management, has been engaged on the MYVISTA, Rosewood and Alchera Living projects, further proof that building on partnerships runs deep at Pindan.
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We worked with Pindan adopting an open-book, collaborative approach to arrive at a contract sum that met MYVISTA and Rosewood’s financial requirements. We have now seen this collaborative approach successfully extended to the construction phase. We are confident of a successful project outcome for all parties. Tony PAPALIA Managing Director, Total Project Management
CEACA SENIORS HOUSING
WEERONGA VILLAGE
Westonia WA
Willagee WA
Client: Central East Aged Care Alliance (CEACA)
Client: Alchera Living
Designer: Pindan
Architect: Peter Hunt Architects
A$19M Project Value
A$17M Project Value
Design & Construct of 75 independent living units over 13 sites in the Wheatbelt region of North Western Australia.
Construction of 36 independent living apartments and facilities including indoor pool, changerooms & gym.
HAVEN
MANJIMUP SENIORS LIVING PROJECT
Ridgewood WA
Manjimup WA
Client: Southern Cross Care (WA) & Department of Communities
Client: Housing Authority
Designer: Pindan
Designer: Pindan
Project Manager: Pindan
A$2M Project Value
A$30M Project Value
Design & Construct of age-appropriate housing consisting of nine homes.
Project management, Design & Construct of 151 lot sub-division; Design & construct, marketing & sales of 104 house & land packages; Design & construct of 54 affordable houses & 36 walkup apartments.
Pindan Outlook | Issue 33 I 13
Fremantle’s Kings Square construction contract signed
The transformation of Fremantle’s city heart is about to enter an exciting new phase with the contract signed for Pindan to build the City of Fremantle’s new civic centre and library in Kings Square.
Pindan was selected as preferred contractor by Fremantle Council in November last year following a competitive tender process. Since then the City and Pindan have been engaged in negotiations to finalise the details of the project and to ensure it delivered the best value for money for the City’s ratepayers. Mayor Brad Pettitt said the new civic building would become a Fremantle landmark everyone could be proud of.
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“Kerry Hill also designed City of Perth
and retail concept and offices for 1500
Library and State Theatre Centre in
state government employees, is expected
Northbridge and the new civic centre will
to create more than 2000 new local jobs
have a similar feel to those exceptional
and inject an estimated $358 million into
buildings.
the local Fremantle economy.
“It will be a building for the whole
The civic centre build will be project
community, with an amazing modern
managed by Sirona Capital on behalf of
library, information centre, customer
the City.
service spaces, meeting rooms for public use, change facilities and exhibition spaces. “It will also better integrate with the historic Fremantle Town Hall, which will create more opportunities for people to enjoy that beloved building. “Most importantly, this project will bring people back into Kings Square to create a safer and more vibrant space that we can all enjoy.” The new Fremantle civic centre, which will be fully accessible, will also include commercial offices on the third floor to provide further jobs and business
Construction has commenced and will take about 18 months to complete. City of Fremantle Chief Executive Officer Philip St John said the construction cost would be $41.3 million. Pindan Managing Director George Allingame said the company was pleased to be awarded the civic building construction contract. “As a local company we are proud of our record of delivering top-quality construction projects all over Western Australia and across the country,”
activation within the city centre. The
George said.
ground floor will include retail space
“We’re excited by the opportunity to build
and a café.
what will become an iconic civic building
built award-winning projects like the
It will also boast a range of sustainability
for Fremantle.”
Wanneroo Civic Centre extension,
features and will be one of the most
Kerry Hill Architects Director, Seán
Claremont Council Chambers, Karratha
energy-efficient buildings of its size in Australia.
McGivern, said as Kerry Hill was a
Leisureplex and the Leighton Apartments,” Mayor Pettitt said.
The new civic centre is an integral part
was close to his heart.
“They’ll be constructing a building
of the broader $270 million Kings Square
“We look forward to working with Pindan
“Pindan are a quality WA-based construction company that has previously
designed by the world-renowned
Renewal project – a joint initiative
Fremantle local the new civic building
in delivering this exciting project and
Kerry Hill Architects, who won a major
between the City and Sirona Capital.
architectural competition for the right to
The Kings Square Renewal, which
which was the vision of both Kerry and
design the building.
includes the revolutionary FOMO food
the practice.”
achieving the outcome for Fremantle
Pindan Outlook | Issue 33 I 15
MODERN CONTROL TOWER FOR PORT HEDLAND
Scan here
to see the Integrated Marine Operations Centre come to life
16 I Pindan Outlook | Issue 33
Completed in December 2018, this stateof-the-art facility is located adjacent to the existing administration building and replaces the existing and outdated Shipping Control Tower. The IMOC is expected to be fully operational in 2019 and oversee more than 6,000 safe and efficient vessel movements in the harbour. Steve Tyter, Manager Special Projects for Pilbara Port Authority, said the IMOC represents a new era for PPA. “It transforms the way we do business to ensure we continue to meet targets and the global demand for resources,” he said.
Pindan has recently delivered the Pilbara Port Authority with a new Integrated Marine Operations Centre (IMOC)
Managing Director for Pindan Contracting, Tony Gerber, said the size and location of the site presented the site team with a challenge.
“We overcame this issue by utilising bulk ordering and off-site storage locations. This in turn allowed the project team to effectively manage a just-in-time delivery of all the goods and materials which is not always easy in a remote location such as Port Hedland, some 1600 kilometres north of Perth” he said. The new facility will control the marine operations of the port, including vessel movements in the inner harbour through the channel and off shore anchorage; and house best practice Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Systems and state-of-theart equipment for the harbour master function, dredging management, port security, marine pilot briefing facilities and improved incident control capability.
“The location within a live port coupled with a small footprint provided major logistical issues but it was no match for Pindan’s 42 years’ experience.
Pindan Outlook | Issue 33 I 17
General Manager, Scott Davison & Investment Manager, Steven Pringle
PINDAN CAPITAL LAUNCHES ITS FIRST
PROPERTY FINANCING DEAL Pindan Capital, the funds management business of the Pindan group, closed its inaugural project finance deal, just two weeks after releasing the product offering
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The A$4 million 12 month loan was heavily oversubscribed by its investors which is secured by a second mortgage over a 90% presold Sydney apartment development, Graceview in Turramurra NSW. Entering this section of the market is a logical move for Pindan Capital given the group’s 42 years’ experience in the property industry. This expertise allows Pindan to provide a point of difference to developers seeking finance that pure property financiers typically won’t.
Steven Pringle, Investment Manager of Pindan Capital, said, “Given increasing restrictions placed on local and foreign developers by Australian banks, the opportunity has arisen for reputable funding groups to fill this growing gap”. General Manager of Pindan Capital, Scott Davison, said, “We’re pleased the offering has proven so popular with our existing investors and have now set our sights on placing further funds over the next 12 months into similar deals.”
Pindan Capital will continue to broaden its product offering to its investors and is eager to work with quality developers through its philosophy of building on partnerships. SCOTT DAVISON General Manager
Graceview Turramurra, Sydney
Pindan Capital
Graceview Turramurra, Sydney
“In addition, Pindan can provide its fully integrated property service to clients, including development management and realty sales expertise, as well as its vast construction capabilities, including being recognised as one of Australia’s largest multi-unit builders, operating in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
Graceview Turramurra, Sydney
Pindan Outlook | Issue 33 I 19
AN AWARDWINNING YEAR Being recognised by industry for your work is always something special. And the last 12 months has certainly been no exception for Pindan
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Pindan has won nine awards, across six different award ceremonies recognising construction excellence and the industry’s star performers, an achievement the team is exceptionally proud of. In September, Pindan won the GoldfieldsEsperance MBA Excellence in Construction Award for the Best School Building ($20m-$50m) in addition to Best Regional Project for a three-phase construction upgrade at Kalgoorlie Boulder Community College in regional WA.
Carmen Gallagher, Acting Principal. Eastern Goldfields Educations Support Centre and Ian Masarei, Principal, Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School with students
Pindan’s Construction Manager, Gavin Bell, said the impressive project was the result of excellent communication between Pindan, designers T&Z Architects and the state government, adding that the results spoke for themselves. In July, Pindan was recognised with the MBA Excellence in Construction Award for Best Office Building ($10m-$20m) for work on the Wanneroo Civic Centre Extension in metropolitan Perth.
Managing a school where a building program is taking place is a complex job, however Pindan were sensitive to the issues created and supported the school by working in partnership to ensure the least impact on the teaching and learning program. IAN MASAREI Principal, Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School
Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School
Director of Constructions, Mark Thompson, said the award-winning project was completed four weeks ahead of schedule, a particularly strong achievement given the site included the existing council chambers and offices which remained operational during the 15 month long project. Pindan also scooped three awards at the MBA Kimberley-Pilbara Building Excellence Awards including Best Commercial Industrial Building and Best Steel Building
Wanneroo Civic Centre
for the Kununurra Renal Hostel and Best Multi Residential Development for Defence Housing Australia’s housing in Exmouth in June. Managing Director for Pindan Contracting, Tony Gerber, said the awards were recognition of Pindan’s ability to specialise in all manner of civil and commercial infrastructure projects – even in remote locations. Rounding out Pindan’s FUND BUILD MANAGE capabilities is Pindan Asset Management, who were nationally recognised for best practice techniques and originality in the Information Management category at the Asset Management Council Awards in Hobart in May. Most recently, one of our rising indigenous stars was awarded for his unbridled potential. Read more about Indigenous Apprentice of the Year Tristan Little on page 22.
Pindan Outlook | Issue 33 I 21
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
Winning the award is a great honour. I see myself as a strong role model in the community for other young Indigenous Australians to show them they can achieve anything if they put their mind and effort into it like I have. TRISTAN LITTLE
Tristan Little (right) with his partner Casey
Building a workforce for the future is a big part of Pindan’s approach
With apprenticeships and traineeships on offer across all areas of the business our youngest employees are often some of our biggest success stories. Recently our very own Tristan Little was awarded as the Master Builder’s Association’s Mid-West Region Indigenous Apprentice of the Year and was a finalist in the Carpentry Apprentice of the Year at the 2018 Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards Ceremony. Jerome Browne, Pindan Asset Management Branch Manager (Geraldton - Mid-West Gascoyne Region), said the award was a wonderful result, especially considering Tristan is only a second year apprentice.
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“It is wonderful to have Tristan’s hard work and dedication recognised in this way and we are extremely proud of him,” he said. “As a second year apprentice Tristan has surpassed our expectations and not only demonstrates great trade skills, but a high level of work ethic and is a great team member,” Jerome added. Tristan will complete his apprenticeship in 2021 and said as an Indigenous Australian his apprenticeship was very important to him.
I want to be able to teach others what I’ve learnt and they can probably teach me a thing or two as well. It’s a great thing for people to learn from each other. JUANITA EVANS
Juanita Evans (2nd from left) with Pindan Contracting General Manager, Jaco van Staden, Site Supervisor, Shane Langley, and crew.
Amongst our proudest Indigenous engagement success stories is when our trainees and apprentices themselves give back. Juanita Evans is the perfect example. Having worked in the North-West on Woodside’s housing refurbishment program and becoming a fully qualified Trades Assistant, she is now taking the time to offer our new trainees mentoring and guidance.
Juanita completed her Certificate II in Construction at North West Regional TAFE’s Minurmarghali Mia campus in Roebourne while working full-time for Pindan and said that now she is qualified is keen to give back. “I’ve been given so much help from other people and I wanted to do the same,” Juanita said. “I want to be able to teach others what I’ve learnt and they can probably teach me a thing or two as well. It’s a great thing for people to learn from each other.”
Pindan Outlook | Issue 33 I 23
GENEROUS DONATION TO THOSE LIVING WITH CANCER Natasha Curran
Junior IT Support Officer, Natasha Curran, appreciates first-hand the impact an organisation like Cancer Council WA can have
That’s why she is proud of her colleagues at Pindan who have donated over $15,000 to the charity since 2017. Natasha is at the coalface of the company’s IT Helpdesk, assisting the IT team with hundreds of calls for help each month. But it’s the advice that is close to her heart that she really wants to pass on. The 24 year old, who lost her leg to bone cancer (osteosarcoma) last year, urges people to seek medical advice when something doesn’t feel right and seek a second opinion if they are not being heard. Because she was young and fit, Natasha recounts how she put up with immense pain for many months. Her GP dismissed her symptoms as a self-inflicted injury, most likely sustained at the gym.
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scan, diagnosed and booked in for a femur replacement, the cancer had spread aggressively and the bone snapped while I slept. Unfortunately, it was too late to save my leg and it needed to be amputated above the knee.” Despite the cards she’s been dealt, Natasha says she refuses to live with regret. “If my story convinces someone to make that first appointment or ask for a second opinion, then I feel like I’ve done my job,” she adds.
“I didn’t fit into a high risk category for any illness, let alone cancer,” she said.
Reflecting on the amazing donation – which will help Cancer Council WA provide financial and emotional support to those in need, in addition to education and research – Natasha urged the whole community to continue to support Cancer Council WA.
“After a few months, the pain was unbearable. By the time I was given a
“They do amazing work to help people like me,” she said.
SUPER SUBBIE
ALBERT MAH AJ & KA ENTERPRISES One of Pindan’s longest-serving tiling sub-contractors has hung up his trowel after 30 years of service.
I have really appreciated all of the opportunities that Pindan has provided me, which helped us enormously in the early years when I had a young family to raise. ALBERT MAH
Super Subbie, Albert Mah has retired from his beloved profession to spend more time with his grandchildren. The 70 year old, from AJ & KA Enterprises, was part of a team of three highly experienced tilers including Albert and brothers Danny and Alby Slob, affectionately known as ‘Albert and the Slobs’. Pindan’s Director of Constructions, Mark Thompson, reflected that Albert was already working with Pindan when Mark started at the company himself 25 years ago. “We estimate that the trio have done more than 50 per cent of all of Pindan’s tiling over the years,” Mark said. “This is a remarkable achievement when you consider that they must have added their magic touch to hundreds if not thousands of Pindan projects.” Albert added that he had enjoyed working for Pindan immensely over the years and
this joy was one of the reasons he had only recently considered retiring. “Everyone is so professional and works as a team,” he said. “I have really appreciated all of the opportunities that Pindan has provided me, which helped us enormously in the early years when I had a young family to raise. In fact, I am feeling quite emotional about no longer working with Pindan.” On a recent visit to Pindan, Albert caught up with Managing Director, George Allingame. The pair reminisced about the many of the projects AJ & KA Enterprises had worked on through the years, including the recently completed Quest Mixed Use in South Perth. Albert says he will spend his retirement babysitting his young grandchildren and tiling daughter Leena’s new home.
Pindan Outlook | Issue 33 I 25