WHSEQ Managers Report

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IWSH PROJECT UPDATE

The IWSH foundation (International Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) have teamed up with the Rwandan Plumbing Organisation (RPO) in Central Africa to deliver a new toilet block to the Munazi Primary School in the Gisagara District of Southern Province, Rwanda.

Paul Harrington (Cooke & Dowsett Albury) was selected by IWSH to assist a group of Australian Architects and two plumbers from the RPO in Rwanda to join Zoom workshops in August 2021. The purpose of the workshops was to conduct interviews with the local community leaders, the school principal and school members to gather information about the schools’ requirements in order to build a suitable toilet block that would service the school’s 800 students. The group put together a suitable design for the new building which consisted of separate male and female zones, disabled access and water storage tanks for local squat toilets.

The design was then presented to the school for approval, IWSH now intend to engage local contractors to construct the facility. This is the first time IWSH has conducted a virtual design with the pandemic obviously not allowing the normal on-site design week. Construction is planned to commence in 2022.

Hear from the design week participants including our very own Paul Harrington via Linkedin https://www.linkedin. com/posts/iwshfoundation_givingtuesday-activity6871523233401716737-NhFG/

Proposed Toilet Munazi Primary School, Rwanda

WHSEQ MANAGERS REPORT

Step back, Take 5 and Stay Safe

2021 has been tough year and with the holiday season fast approaching, many if not all of us are keen to get 2021 over and done with.

We all know that the lead-up to Christmas is traditionally busy at both home and work and when we are rushed to meet tight deadlines, the chances of mistakes are higher and can lead to serious, or even tragic incidents.

Now more than ever its important to keep safety front of mind - no deadline is worth an injury and/or someones life.

The largest percentage of all workplace fatalities occur in November and December and it is crucial that we all understand the risks associated with the busy preChristmas period and work together to prevent a workplace injury.

The safest workplace is the one where we stop, take time and think about the work we are doing and plan to do it safely, it could make the difference between life and death.

Before starting work:

• Do a self-check to see if you are fit for work • Ensure your head is in the game and you are able to focus on your work. • Complete an inspection of your work area as well as any tools or equipment used. • Take 5 to ensure all the necessary safeguards are in place, i.e., SWMS & PPE • Stop work if needed to address and report hazards.

Don’t become a Christmas statistic, for the sake of your family and friends, make workplace safety your number one priority.

Remember to: start safe, work safe, home safe, stay safe. For any further help, information or advice in regards to any WSH matter don’t hesitate to contact me on 0418 333 362.

EMPLOYEE WELLBEING CALENDAR

Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide.

This year, Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Group got around this fabulous event to help raise funds and awareness for men’s health. Well done to the team which consisting of Neil Moxon (CD VIC), Matt Howe (CD VIC), Jacqui Besanko (CD VIC), Jo Bomm (CD VIC), Joseph Gilbert (TPAGG), Ryan Letcher (TPAGG), Andy May (CDR), David Page (CDR) and Liam Voss (TPAGG).

Shout out to Neil Moxon who grew a legendary mutton chops moustache / beard combo. Thanks again to all those who participated and donated to this great cause!

With COVID restrictions around the country being lifted and socialising back on the agenda, stay tuned for some exciting events in the coming months.

Rod Smith – Lachlan Batchelor, Oscar Besanko and Chadd Cooke

NEW APPOINTMENTS

We are excited to welcome our three new apprentices who have recently commenced their plumbing apprenticeship with Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Group. Lachlan Batchelor with Project Plumbing & Maintenance and Oscar Besanko and Josh Burton with Cooke & Dowsett – great to have you onboard lads!

Jude Fitcher – Payroll Officer (C&D VIC) Scott O’Regan – Project Manager (C&D VIC) Parwinder Gill – Project Administrator (C&D VIC) Nida Syeda– Purchasing Officer (C&D VIC) Lucia Glavas – Receptionist (C&D VIC) Guy Vincent – Project Manager (C&D WA) Michael Greiser – Account Manager (Central Plumbing)

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A big Cooke & Dowsett welcome to (L-R) Jude Fitcher – Payroll, Nida Syeda – Purchasing, Parwinder Gill – Project Administrator and Lucia Glavas Reception/ Administration all based in Victoria.

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

Now, more than ever, we are looking to further engage with our current and future employees to develop long lasting relationships. With the recent roll out of the new payroll system, we are refreshing and updating our recruiting and onboarding processes and introducing an on-line self-start processes that will make joining the CDPG team even simpler!

We will capture more relevant information and be able to provide purposeful social procurement reporting, strengthening our goal to be a leader in innovation and an employer of choice.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

The past couple of years have presented a challenging time for face-to-face training, COVID ensured we were limited in what we could offer to the team, however on a positive note, with the country reopening to on-site learning, we will be investing in developing a training calendar leading into 2022.

This will kick off with a number of internal training opportunities, delivered by our leaders and mentors, in conjunction with dedicated Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s) delivering specific and related topics to enhance our employee skills.

We are also partnering with a number of education institutions to offer job opportunities, intern programs and becoming an employer of choice for students looking to enter the industry.

Keep an eye out for the upcoming training calendar and contact your Manager or Jo Bomm.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Did you know you can access the newest internal job openings from around the company via our Careers Page? https://www.cookedowsett.com.au/career-opportunities/

MEET THE TEAM

Jude Fitcher joins the team with a strong background in providing payroll management across a variety of work environments. In her most recent roll Jude was responsible for multiple end-to-end payrolls across various awards and EBA’s, year-end payroll and providing support to HR and management. Jude will be responsible for processing payroll for the Group in accordance with awards, policy and agreed interpretations.

Nida Syeda has over 2 years’ experience as an architect in Middle East and recently completed her Masters in Project Management. She is very passionate about working and gaining hands on experience in the construction industry. Nida is very ambitious and aspires to become a Project Manager in the future and looks forward to learning and gaining experience at Cooke & Dowsett. During her free time, she loves to read different genre books and travel.

Parwinder Gill has been working with the Design team on a 12-week work placement as part of Melbourne Polytechnic’s Overseas-Qualified Professionals Program (OQP), which assists job-skilled ready migrants further consolidate their local experience. Parwinder recently accepted a Project Administrator role with Cooke & Dowsett has shown a real thirst for broadening his local knowledge in the plumbing and construction space and we pleased to be able to offer him this career pathway opportunity.

Lucia Glavas commenced with Cooke & Dowsett in in November in the role of Reception/ Administration at our head office in Victoria. Lucia has a strong work history in reception, administration and personal assisting. Lucia has two children, 2 grandchildren, is a singer (soloist) and plays rhythm guitar in a band. Lucia also finds time to paint fine art and loves painting people.

Please join me in congratulating our new employees to the team! Wishing everyone a safe and happy Christmas, enjoy your time with your friends and family.