In the spirit of reconciliation CDPG acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today
1992
SCOTT DOWSETT PLUMBING COMMENCED TRADING
2024
Introduced CJ Arms Design, a fresh venture aimed at transforming our operational delivery through inventive and sustainable design solutions.
2022
Cooke & Dowsett completed the acquisition of the remaining minority shares in Cooke & Dowsett Albury, now fully owned by Cooke & Dowsett.
2021
Introduced - Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Group. Launched new company Pathway Plumbing Services with Ricky Morris. Pathway provides Indigenous plumbing and maintenance services to foster support, training and membership for Indigenous youth.
PLUMBING ALBURY
2006
Expanded our portfolio with the inclusion of Central Plumbing and Hardware, a wellestablished retail business specialising in plumbing and hardware supplies.
2008
Chadd Cooke became part of the team, and in tribute to their fathers partnership in the late 1970's, the chosen trading name for the business was Cooke & Dowsett.
2020
Purchased a 50% share in The Plumbing And Gas Guys to broaden our maintenance services in Western Australia.
2018
2009
Collaborated with PPTEU and two Indigenous communities to empower, educate, and guide Indigenous youth in Broome by launching NUDJ Plumbing Services.
2011
Purchased a controlling interest from CIC Plumbing and initiated operations under the name Cooke & Dowsett Albury.
2014
We launched branch operations in Western Australia, with our inaugural Bunnings Project. Our operations are steadily capturing a growing share of the local market. .
Partnered with Rosetta Plumbing to establish Cooke & Dowsett Rosetta Plumbing, our joint venture operating in Tasmania.
Project Plumbing & Maintenance started trading to provide an end to end maintenance and minor project option for our clients and compliment our commercial construction firm.
2017
Acquired 50% shares in a local Queensland Plumbing BusinessCooke & Dowsett (QLD) successfully delivered our first Tier One Project. The business continues to thrive.
DESIGN
THE DIRECTORS
WELCOME TO THE SEPTEMBER
EDITION OF THE CDPG NEWSLETTER.
Celebrating a Remarkable Achievement: Cooke & Dowsett's ISO 9001-2015 Renewal
We are proud to announce that Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Group has successfully renewed its quality assurance accreditation ISO 9001-2015, now becoming JAS-ANZ accredited. This monumental achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to excellence, quality, and continuousimprovement.
This accomplishment would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts and leadership of Theo Apostolides (National WHSEQ Manager). Theo’s exceptional guidance, tirelesswork,andattentiontodetailhasbeeninstrumentalin steering us through this rigorous process. His commitment to upholding the highest standards has maintained CDPG’s commitmenttoquality.
Thanks to all Cooke & Dowsett staff, each of your hard work, dedication and teamwork have been exemplary. Each of you has contributed to making this milestone a reality, and your effortshavenotgoneunnoticed.
Achieving JAS-ANZ accreditation is a testament to our collective commitment to quality and excellence. It reflects ourdedicationtoprovidingthehighestlevelofservicetoour clients and our continuous drive to improve and innovate. Let us continue to strive for excellence and set new standards in ourindustry.
World Skills - Lyon
I am excited to report that I had the privilege of forming part of a delegation as a Board member of PICAC that attended Word Skills held in Lyon (France).
For a week, the centre of Lyon was transformed into a Village des Métiers, or Skills Village, at Place Bellecour, where people engage with different skills and learn about new careers.
Meanwhile, the Sports & Skills exhibition at the Rhône Prefecture also drew large crowds, highlighting the connections between World Skills competitors and athletes.
World Skills offered a host of experiences to build a deeper understanding of the power of skills. Visitors got hands-on at 51 Try-a-Skills, immersing themselves in new worlds. Some got to run a “bubble production line” with Festo while others operated a robot on a virtual farm with Studica.
I attended a community project, headed by IAPMO & ISHW that had set up a social impact project with BTP CFA Rhône training school, approximately 5km north of the city of Lyon. The plan is to repurpose materials and fittings from the plumbing and heating skill competition and use them to create a new washroom for men and women. As well as bringing a disused space back to life, the project gives students a chance to test out their skills on a live project.
Scott
PLUMBING GROUP AWARDS AWARDS
Chadd & Scott would personally like to congratulate each of our team members who have been individually recognised. Our industry, (in particular plumbing), has so many pathways and opportunities, available to anyone, where you can hop on and off the training and career elevator whenever you like.
MPA SKILLS WA PLUMBING INDUSTRY AWARDS
Jeff Hegarty nominated for the Stuart Henery Plumbing Industry Service Award.
NAWIC 2024 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE (QLD)
Jaslyn McClear finalist for the McIllwain Apprentice/ Trainee/ Student of the Year Award.
PPTEU 2024 APPRENTICE AWARDS (QLD)
Jaslyn McClear won Apprentice of the Year Award, Excell Placid was runner up and Max Quodling earnt Best Third Year Apprentice.
MASTER PLUMBERS 2024 APPRENTICE AWARDS (VIC)
Congratulations to our finalists,
Charlie Ackerman Most Outstanding 1st Year Apprentice, Brendan Thompson Most Outstanding 2nd Year Apprentice,
Oscar Besanko Most Outstanding 3rd Year Apprentice, Jessah Iliopoulos Alfred Atherton 4th Year Apprentice Award.
Well done to our winner Taylor Moxon who was awarded Most Outstanding 2nd Year Apprentice,
Congratulations to Vic Plumber Brett Woods who received a Safety Award for his commitment to PPE at Kingston Aged Care (CD VIC).
Scott and Andy May congratulate Jessah on competing her apprenticeship. Alex and Robert acknowledge Sam’s apprenticeship completion.
Site Visit to Queens Wharf (QLD)
In July, Chadd had the opportunity to visit Queensland and tour the impressive Queens Wharf Project. The site visit was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the incredible progress and achievementsofourteamonthislandmarkdevelopment.
Queens Wharf is a significant project, seeing it firsthand highlighted the hard work, dedication, and expertise of our Cooke & Dowsett QLD Team. The precision, innovation, and commitment to excellence on display were truly inspiring and a testamenttothehighstandardswestriveforasacompany.
The success of the Queens Wharf Project is a collective effort, and we want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to every member of the Cooke & Dowsett QLD Team. Your relentless hard work and dedication have been instrumental in bringing this project to life, and we are immensely proud of what you have accomplished. This project delivery enhances our reputationandsetsabenchmarkforfutureprojects.
Congratulations to Pratham & Nimali on Their Path to Australian Residency!
We are delighted to share the wonderful news that Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Group has recently sponsored two employees, Pratham and Nimali in their successful application to become Australian residents. This significant milestone marks a new chapter in their lives, andwecouldnotbemorethrilledforthemboth.
Pratham (IT Systems Administrator) and Nimali (Assistant Accountant) are integral members of Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Group. They consistently demonstrate dedication, hard work, and a passion for excellence. Their contributionshavegreatlyenrichedourteam.
PleasejoinusincongratulatingPrathamandNimalionthis achievement. We look forward to celebrating their continued success and seeing the many wonderful things they will accomplish in the future. Congratulations, PrathamandNimali!
Welcome Back, Mark Sullivan!
We welcome the return of Mark Sullivan to Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Group, taking on the role of Construction Manager for Victoria South & West Regions. Mark rejoins us after a five-year absence, bringing with him a wealth of experience andarenewedenergythatweareexcitedtoharness.
Mark’s journey with Cooke & Dowsett has been a significant part of his professional career, and his return feels like welcomingbackafamilymember.
In his new role as Construction Manager, Mark will oversee operations in the Victoria South & West Regions. His deep understanding of our company's values and objectives will support our operations and growth in these regions. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Mark Sullivan. We look forward to the positive impact he will make. Welcome back,Mark!
3rd Year Plumbing Apprentice Excell Placid recently returned from Denmark where he embarked on 5 weeks of work experience with our Denmark host company Finn. L. & Davidsen A/S | VVSPlus. Enjoying Denmark’s summer, Excell worked on various projects experiencing all the different plumbing applications and met many local apprentices employed by our host company. Excell also travelled for a week after his placement and we have received great feedback on Excell’s industry knowledge and interest in the alternativeplumbingtechniquesusedinDenmark.
We will soon be launching the 2025 Danish Apprentice Exchange Program – all CDPG 3rd Year Apprentices areencouragedtoapply!
MentalhealthconditionscostAustralian workplaces$10.9billioneachyear–more than any physical injury. One in five Australianswillexperienceapoormental healthepisodeinanyoneyear. Thestresscanbesudden,orbuildover time,andimpacttheemployee’swellbeing andperformance.
Theconstructionindustryisahigh-pressure environmentandwehavepartneredwith Incolinktoprovideanemployeeassistance program (EAP) which understands the industry,whilstofferingawiderangeof specialistcounsellingservices.
Early intervention and easy access to treatmentcanreducethedurationofa mental health episode and enable an employeetoparticipatemorefullyinthe workplace. NationalRUOKDaywasheldon12thSeptember advocatingforpeopletohaveconversationswith otherstopromotesuicideprevention. https://www.ruok.org.au/ ThisyeartheVicOfficeheardfromphysicaland mentalwellnessadvocateCoreyMcKernan(WalkWith Me)who presentedthefoundationpillarsaround beingproactivewithyourphysicalandmentalfitness. ThankyoutotheWalkWithMeteam!
WWW.COOKEDOWSETT.COM.AU/CAREER-OPPORTUNITIES/
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
As part of our commitment to continuous improvement and professional development, we are developing an Operations Training Program. This Program aims to boost our employee skills, improve ourprocessesandensurethesuccessofourprojects.
The Training Program will cover a wide range of topics, including project management, risk management, business development and client relationship management. The Program will include subject matter experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and practical insights. We kicked off the Training Program for CD VIC with an introductory sessionandEstimatingmodule.Staytunedforfurther informationaswerollouttheTrainingProgramtoour Stateteams!
POLICY & PROCEDURE
Update to Australian Government Paid Parental Leave
On 1 July 2024 there was a change to the Paid Parental Leave (PPL). Eligible employees who are the carerofachildbornoradoptedfrom1July2024can nowgetupto22weeks’ParentalLeavePay,whichis paidattheNationalMinimumWage.
An additional two weeks will be added each year from July 2024 to July 2026, increasing the overall lengthofPPLbysixweeks.
Increasing the number of PPL weeks available will reducethefinancialimpactonfamiliesoftakingtime off to care for their newborn or newly adopted child. Weeksofthepaymentwillbeavailableforparentsto accessconcurrently,allowingthemtotakepaidleave onthesamedays.Thiswillprovideparentsthechoice and flexibility to manage work and care arrangementsinwaysthatbestsuitstheirneeds.
Please find following details of the CDPG Employee Assistance Program (EAP) CDPG WELLBEING:
Toll Free Number: 1300 415 447
Website: https://incolink.org.au/cdpgwellbeing
The EAP provides free counselling services to our employees and their immediate family and I encourage you to reach out. Details are confidential and no information is provided to CDPG.
WORKPLACEGENDEREQUALITY
CDPG have recently participated in the WGEA Gender Equality Reporting program.
The aim of gender equality in the workplace is to achieve broadly equal opportunities and outcomes for women and men, not necessarily outcomes that are exactlythesameforall.
Workplace gender equality will be achieved when people are able to access and enjoy equal rewards, resourcesandopportunitiesregardlessofgender.
Itwillrequire:
Workplaces to provide equal pay for work of equal orcomparablevalue
Removal of barriers to the full and equal participationofwomenintheworkforce Access to all occupations and industries, including leadershiproles,regardlessofgender;and Elimination of discrimination on the basis of gender,particularlyinrelationtofamilyandcaring responsibilities.
TEAM SPOTLIGHT
1ST YEAR PLUMBING APPRENTICE - CHLOE TOPPERWEIN
What is your role at the company, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am a first-year apprentice currently working on the Thomas Embling and Frankston Hospitals. I have most recently been installing penetrations and assisting with the installation of suspended drains. I’ve enjoyed the process of starting work on the penetrations, learning how to read and execute plans, and get myself to the point where I’m comfortable to install them independently.
How has your role evolved since you joined the company? I have become a lot more comfortable working on the tools and more confident in my understanding of the work I’ve been pursuing.
What advice would you give someone starting in your field? Always ask for help if you’re unsure or uncomfortable especially when using tools that you’re not familiar with and always maintain respectandcautiousnesstopotentialhazards.
What is a skill you have developed during your time at the company?
Before starting my apprenticeship, I had never looked at any type of floor plan. Now I feel confident to read and understand the informationprovidedregardingwhichfixturesneedtobeusedand understandhowtoworkoutlevels.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy playing Football for my local club and catchingupwithmatesforadrinkandfeedatthelocalpub.
Who has been a significant influence on your career?
My dad has been a great influence on my career, he has always been supportive and extremely encouraging. Whenever asked he always takes the time to explain smarter and more productive ways that I can complete a certain task, helping me to continuously improve. (Mark “Grumpy” Topperwein is a Senior CDPGSiteManagerwhohasbeenwithusforover14years!)
What is your favourite thing about working for this company?
My favourite part working for Cooke & Dowsett has been how encouraging everyone has been, anytime I have asked a question or have been confused everyone has taken the time to explain in depthtohelpmeunderstand.
How do you stay motivated in your role?
I have been working alongside a great group of people that have made coming to work enjoyable, and I’m excited to keep learning andimprovingmyselfwhichmakesiteasytostaymotivated.
What do you think sets our company culture apart?
The environment of the company and the people I have met and worked alongside hold a lot of respect and pride in their work. They have made sure I’m learning the correct methods, following codesofpracticewithoutanyshortcuts.
How do you approach challenges in your work? I like to give everything a fair crack myself, if I am stuckorunsureIspeakupandaskforhelpandtake onasmuchadviceasIcan.
What is something you wish people knew about your job?
How important the job is, especially when it comes tocleansanitarydrinkingwater.
What is the best piece of career advice you have received?
To stay focused and on the ball with any small task evenifitdoesn’tseemasimportant.Spottingasan example,youcanstilllearnlotsbywatching,asking therightquestionsandpayingattentiontograbthe next lot of materials required or tools needed to makethetaskmoreproductive.
FINANCE
With June 30th been and gone there is a perception that our busy time has passed, in fact it’s quite the opposite! It’s go time !!!!! The team are making great progress in finishing off the year end accounts for our external accountants to review and complete, for Cooke & Dowsett Pty Ltd this also includes preparing the financials for our yearly audit, which kicked off in September and lasts about 4-5 weeks.
So, what’s involved in an audit you ask?
BeanCounter.
It’s a group of qualified external bean counters working their way through our books ensuring what we do internally complies with Australian Accounting Standards and the numbers we produce are substantiated by how we manage our jobs contractually and how we run our business internally, they also challenge our processes including and not limited to IT, Warehouse and Procurement and may recommend process improvements to assistthebusiness,atahighlevel.
Its them checking our work and giving us the tick of approval while recommending improvements. This information then becomes available to external stakeholders via ASIC (Aussie regulatory body) who may or may not have a vested interest in our business, like a new developer or builder who can complete their own due diligence regarding Cooke & Dowsett’s financial position giving them confidence in the numbers as our accounts are signed off by an external 3rd party (auditor), this confidence will ideally encourage them toengagewithusnowandinthefuture.
Speaking about our external accountants and auditors it gives me great pleasure to announce our new partnership with the following…..
Matthews Steer areournewexternalaccountants,alocalaccountingfirmbasedinEssendonFields who we have partnered up with to assist with our financial obligations and compliance, while we do have a number of qualified accountants within our team internally their work is based more around Management Accounting, a specific area of accounting based on internal forecasting, budgeting and reporting as opposed to tax and compliance accounting with which Matthews Steer assist us with,ensuringwekeeptheATOhappy!
Matthews recently completed our FBT returns based on the information provided to them from our internal accountants and are taking the time to get to know our business and its people, while there are 9 trading entities within the CDPG there are a number of non-trading, trusts and personal tax affairs that are also managed internally and externally, so a lot more than just the 9 entities we see andspeakaboutdaily.
Mclean Delmo Bentleys areournewauditorsforCooke&DowsettPtyLtd,basedinHawthorn,they are only required to complete an audit on C&D. Mclean’s have already completed their prelim work, basically who are we, what do we do, who’s who in the zoo, learning our processes and how we operate.TheyhavebeenreviewingthenumbershereatourVicOfficeformostofSeptember.
Unfortunately, we said goodbye to our Payroll Assistant Virender and Shruti in accounts, we wish them both all the best for the future, while it’s always disappointing to lose a team member it’s also brings in new faces to the team, so we welcome Luisa who replaces Virender as our Payroll Assistant and Ying who will replace Shruti as a Bookkeeper. Luisa has already commenced and loving the EBA’s! Ying started with us on 12th SeptemberafterherhandoverfromShruti.
Dave and Nimali are currently studying another subject within their respective accounting bodies, Dave working towards becoming a CA and Nimali a CPA. Internally we support and encourage continual professional development (CPD) and wherepossibletakethetimetostayuptodateon current accounting standards and develop in current or new areas of our profession. Course/Webinars recently completed covered areas like Payroll Tax, Land Tax and the latest on recently released updated Accounting Standards, excitingstuff!
Davealsorecentlygotmarriedandembarkedona honeymoon around Europe, then came back to work in the middle of winter, bit of a downer, returning to work in the winter - not getting married!
We have finalised and confirmed the FY25 budgets to alignwithourstrategicobjectives.Thisensuresthatour financial planning is robust and supports our long-term goals, allowing us to allocate resources efficiently and effectivelytomeetourstrategicneeds.
Obviously, an important part for our team is ensuring theday-to-dayaspectsofourrolesarecarriedout,this is where our payroll team of Fran and now Luisa shine bright with our fantastic bookkeepers Ying, Terina and Jo. Unfortunately, weekly payroll deadlines do not move, for anybody, so to continually complete our payrollsofover450employeesontimeisagreateffort by payroll and truly appreciated by all, so please ensure we continue to support payroll by providing accurateandtimelyinformationwhenit’srequired.
A woman went to the doctor who told her she only had six months to live.
“Oh my God!” said the woman. “What shall I do?”
“Marry an accountant,” suggested the doctor.
“Why?” asked the woman. “Will that make me live longer?”
“No,” replied the doctor. “But it will SEEM longer.”
With a mix of new and familiar faces, the Finance team is prepared to tackle the challenges of the new financial year!
PROJECTS
GLM2 Social Housing Port Melbourne – Icon
MAU – BRS Drainage Package – H.Troon
370 Albert Street East Melbourne - Minicon
435 Bourke Street Melbourne - Multiplex
Bunnings Narre Warren – H.Troon
Cranbourne Hospital - Lendlease
Cootamundra Abattoir - AMG
Delacombe Town Centre S2- H.Troon
Frankston Hospital Redevelopment - Lendlease
Hopkins Correctional Centre - Kane
Kingston Aged Care – Icon
Moorabbin Airport Upgrade – H.Troon
Nicholas Hall – Minicon Constructions
St Vincent’s Private Hospital - Kane
Thomas Embling Hospital- John Holland
V-CAT – McCormack Property Services
Warringal Private Hospital (Tower 1) - Kane
Westgate Tunnel – Entire Mechanical Services
500 Bourke Street – National Project Solutions
Barwon Procedural Hub - Kane
GMHBA Stadium - Watpac
Melbourne Quarter Towers - Lendlease
Northern Bay College – Plan Group
Pathway 144 – Sunshine & Royal Melbourne
Hospital - Lendlease
RACM Early Works - Lendlease
St John of God Maternity - Struxture Group
Over the past few months, the Vic Operations Team has engaged in industry-specific training sessions including the Master Plumbers Contract Administration and Dispute Resolution Workshop, aswellasour Supplier Training in July.TheContract Administration Workshop covered topics such as Contract Administration, Effective Communication, and Mediation Techniques. The Supplier Training featuredupdatesfrom Geberit, Vinidex, Milwaukee, and All-Purpose Pumps andwasattendedbyover50 team members. We appreciate the excellent presentations and positive feedback from all attendees.
We are also pleased to announce that three of our Project Managers have started the Cert IV in Project Management Practice at Swinburne University, offered in collaboration with Master Plumbers. This program covers essential skills like Scope, Time, and Cost Management, Quality Control, and Stakeholder Engagement. Good luck Rhys Brand, Ayden George (CDVIC)andPaulHarrington(CDA).
Some of the amazing team at Thomas Embling Hospital L-R Chloe Topperwien (1st Year Apprentice), Jason Sprange (Plumber), Glen Jones (Site Manager), Ben Lamb (C&D’s OH&S Rep)
SOCIAL HOUSING PROJECT BARAK BEACON PORT MELBOURNE
Homes Victoria, together with not-for-profit project partner Building Communities,willdeliver408newhomes,includingsocial,affordable rental, private rental and specialist disability accommodation homes at the Barak Beacon housing site in Port Melbourne. These homes will be close to jobs, shops, services and all the great destinations the local area has to offer. The redevelopment will include a 46% increase in social housing on the site to accommodate former residentsandpeopleontheVictorianHousingRegister.
Building Communities has now received planning approval to deliver these modern and energy efficient new homes which will be warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer and residents will be saving on theirpowerbills.Cooke&Dowsettarelookingforwardtoworkingon thisimportantprojectwiththe builderICON.
After many months of back and forth and delays in starting the boys are finally on site and hanging ductile pipe above the tunnel road deck.Withthecomplexitiesofaccessrestraintsandthesheerweight ofthepipeworkbeinginstalled(canbeover300kgperlth),theguys are doing a great job far from the normal workplace and conditions. This project is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country and we have committed to the additional training of both High-Risk Work licenses and Confined Space Training, providing a great opportunityforoursiteteam.
SiteManagerBenVennellhasbeenheadinguptheteamtoprogress the works including the ductile Iron pipework. Works on the tunnel sumpareproceedingtoallowfortheinstallationofourpipeworkand the nearly 2m high 2-tonne pumps which our team will be installing 10mbelowtheroaddeckatthebottomofthetunnel.
HOPKINS CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
After working on the original prison with Cooke & Dowsett 12 years ago, Ararat local Matt McKew is back again in the Site Manger’s role getting well acquainted with the requirements of working in a live prison. With the cut and seal works completed we are hoping to commence our scope of works soon. This prison accommodation project will include the employment of local labour, Indigenous Labour including Pathway Plumbing Services, extensive prefabrication, and the potential for additional scope items throughout the courseoftheproject.
Westgate Tunnell Project – Cement lined ductile iron pipework
THOMAS EMBLING HOSPITAL
Works are progressing well onsite with the early works package starting to come to a close. A very complex scope including 7m deep sewer provided some tough challenges, thanks to the site team and our subcontractors who have worked really hard to ensure the successfuloutcome.
Our attention now moves to the handover stage, with the first separable portion including the final fixtures andequipmentfitoffprogressingwell,withthebuilding readyforonsitecommissioningandhandover.
It is all systems go in the main building with formwork stripping progressing well, providing opening areas for the team to commence high level services. Shout out to Glen Jones and the site team who have structured this projectsetupsafelyanddeliveredqualitytoclientJohn Holland. A special mention to Kaitlin Mavropoulos (Project Administrator), for all her hard work on this project, stepping up and delivering under pressure. KeepupthegoodworkKaitlin.
Thomas Embling Hospital – Building C - Above Manhole Deep Sewer Works- Right
CONTRACT MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP –MASTER PLUMBERS
PPM ATTENDED A ZIP WEBINAR FOR INSTALLATION UPDATE TRAINING
Thanks to PPTEU Victoria for delivering first aid training to several Vic site and office employees.
Above - Testing their skills are plumbers Matthew O’Brien and Ayden George and PPM Admin Guru’s Casey Small and Tori Thompson.
VIC OPERATION TEAM SUPPLIER TRAINING – MILWAUKEE WORKSHOP
VIC OPERATIONS TEAM SUPPLIER TRAINING – GEBERIT PRESENTATION
Structure Build:
Completed swiftly from the basement ground slab to Level 13 within 8 months , including the new multideck carpark.
Multi Deck Carpark:
Three levels were handed over to Peninsula for staff carparking in May 2024.
Refurbishment:
Staged handovers have successfully been handed over to Peninsula Health with 5 new areas between 2023 & 2024 now going Live.
Top Out Slab:
Successfully completed on Level 13 in June 2024.
Structural Steel & Helipad Installation:
The Frankston Hospital redevelopment is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with Peninsula Health and the Exemplar Health consortium comprising of Capella Capital, Lendlease, Honeywell, Compass Group Australia and Aware Super.
The Victorian Government is delivering a $1.1 billion redevelopment of the Frankston Hospital. This is the largest ever health infrastructure investment in Melbourne’ssoutheast.
The project is progressing remarkably well across the construction and installation phases, setting a solid foundation for its timely completion, with main works expected to be completed in 2025. This update underscores the project's commitment to innovation, efficiency, and excellence in healthcare infrastructure development.
Currently progressing on levels 13, 14, and 15. Expected full completion by early 2025.
Project Site Working Hours:
A milestone of 1 million working hours have been worked on this project from June 2022 to August 2024.
Cooke & Dowsett Working Hours:
Approximately 50,000 working hours have been contributed by Cooke & Dowsett from June 2022 to August 2024.
The hydraulic services are being managed by Project Manager Peter Mavropoulos and his team of dedicated Site Managers. Contract Administrators and Plumbers. Keep up the great work team!
PROJECT SITE WORKING HOURS
1 million
June2022toAugust2024.
COOKE & DOWSETT WORKING HOURS
50,000
June2022toAugust2024.
PROJECTS
Pier Street Apartments & Mixed-Use Development - ICON
Home Fire Film Studios - Built
Dorsett Hotel – FEC Constructions
Murdoch 61 Fifty - Multiplex
Perth Hub – FEC Constructions
1 Richardson Street South Perth - Merym
Cirque Duet Apartment – ICON SI Aust
Elizabeth Quay Tower A and B – D&C Corporation
Wellington Street Student Accommodation - Built
Fremantle Woolstores 1A – Trisquare
Pier St - Perth
The95PierStreetProjectconsistsof29storeys,it's focus is on inclusive community living, offering 219 apartments ranging from studios to two bedrooms. The development features a ground floor with flexible co-working spaces, a corner food and beverage tenancy and office space for Housing Choices WA. This extensive podium level serves as a community hub, providing shared amenities to foster social interaction among residents. This projectprovidesanexcellentopportunityforCDPG to showcase our prefabrication capabilities workingintricatelywithourinhousedesignteamCJ ArmsDesign.
Wellington Street Student Accommodation
This project is progressing well, on a tight/ quick program we are currently completing high level works on level 12 and finishing rough-ins on level 10. The kitchen fit off is due to commence in the coming weeks allowing us to finish the typical floorsuntilthecommissioningstage.
Elizabeth Quay Towers A and B
The fit off to the apartments is progressing well with half the floors being completed by our two crews which are running in tandem and are workingatagreatpace.Keepupthegoodwork!
Home Fire Film Studio
Located in the Malaga Metronet Station Precinct theworldclassHomeFireFilmStudioincludesfour purpose-built sound stages, construction workshops, a backlot, production offices, edit suites and amenities required to host film, television, and screen productions. Works have commenced including prelay’s, hydrant risers, stormwater rollovers (footings), stormwater run-ins, tanks and pumps along with 600 metres of site temps.
BAC Aeromedical Base - ADCO
Cucina Regina Restaurant Fit Out - Built Pty Ltd
Queens Wharf Gantry Site Amenities - Far East Consortium
Queens Wharf Tower 5 & Tower 6 Temp Works - Far East Consortium
Townsville University Hospital Early Works - Watpac
Albert St Cross River Rail - CBGU
Carindale Food Court Upgrade - Scentre Group
Coast Apartments - Multiplex
David Jones Mt Gravatt - Scentre Group
Food & Beverage Tenancy Drainage - Built Pty Ltd
Griffith University N82 Building - Lendlease
Lady Ramsay Childcare Centre (LRCC – Herston) - Built Pty Ltd
New Performing Arts Venue - Lendlease
Ripley AIDP - Hutchinson Builders
Roma St Cross River Rail - CBGU
Skydeck F&B Fit Out - Built Pty Ltd
Queens Wharf Casino Towers 2, 3 and Skydeck - Multiplex
Ripley Satellite Hospital - Hutchinson Builders
St Andrews Hospital - John Holland
Tugun Satellite Hospital - Hutchinson Builders
Justin Pitts, Steve Troon (H.Troon) and Travis Richards onsite – Mainfreight
Starting off with a real positive up here in sunny Qld with a massive congratulations to apprentices Jaslyn McClear, Max Quodling and Excell Placid. At the recent Qld PPTEU apprentice awards Jazz picked up Best Overall Apprentice award, Max won best 3rd year apprentice and Excell runner up in Best 4th year!! An amazing effort, our apprentices will shape our future and we look forward to participating in the career development of our apprentices.
Onthejobfront,after3yearsofblood,sweat and tears we recently handed over towers 2 and3ofQueensWharfCasinoforMultiplex.A massive thanks to the Senior Management team on this project and all our plumbers and apprentices who have worked on this Qld generational project. A special thanks to Site Manager Chris Gray who steered the ship on this very complex project from its commencementtocompletion.Chrisisleaving us with our blessing for a well-earned spell and to pursue a different direction in the construction industry. Wish you all the best for the future - the door will always be open for you “Graysy.” Whilst we are still on-site at Queens Wharf, Josh Ashman has taken over from where Chis Gray left off and is now the main site point of contact for Built on our tenancy fit outs. With only a couple left to complete, we envisage completion in SeptemberjustintimefortheStage1opening -PARTY!!!
OutWestatStAndrewsPrivateHospital,JordanLowthandhis crew have handed over the day of surgery admission centre, finally wrapping up all elements to this project for John Holland. The timing of this project finishing has worked out well with our site labor team being moved 10 minutes down the road to Ripley Satellite Hospital Stage 2. This project is really firing up, moving along at a rapid pace, with all decks complete, first level high level water commencing as well as drainage stacks. We are also excited to introduce the CDPG Prefabricated Modular Wall System which will be the first project in Qld utilising this innovation and we look forward to incorporating this in our future projects. At the time of publishing this newsletter we are hoping to secure the multistory carpark package for this project which has a fair civil componenttoitwhichwillkeepourgroundhogsveryhappy!!
Façade NPAV Brisbane - Lendlease
Back in Brisbane at the New Performing Arts Venue (NPAV), Angus Hill and his small team are heading down the home straight of this project, with the December handover date in site. The glass facade installed at NPAV- makes it one of the most impressive projects built inAustraliaoverthepast30years.
Works are progressing on one of the biggest transport infrastructure projects in Qld history, Cross River Rail underground train line and stations. Whilst unprecedented industrial action has really slowed this project, our team can be proud of their work ethic and achievementstodate.
Project Manager Travis Richards, Site Manager Luke Villantiandtheteamhavebeenkickingsomemajorgoals at our two Westfield Shopping Centre projects for Scentre Group. David Jones at Mt Gravatt is nearing completion and the feedback from the builder has been nothing but glowing for our team, so congratulations to all who have worked on this site. We have received the samepositivefeedbackfromourclientattheFoodCourt Upgrade at Carindale which is really great to hear as a StateManager,keepupthegreatworkteam!
Lady Ramsay Childcare Centre located in Herston and the Coast Luxury Apartments on the Gold Coast are moving along, albeit slowly with both Brett Miskin and Jack Mahoney only utilising 1 tradesman each at this stagetokeepupwithbothprograms.
Whilst it has been a sluggish year on the new project front, we have been very busy in the tendering space. We are confident that we will have a HUGE finish to the year and are looking forward to sharing some significantannouncementsinthecomingweeks,watch thisspace.
Finally,abigcongratulationstoplumberDanielMegin's with the arrival of his beautiful baby boy Ellis!!. What a story, Daniel gets the call from his partner Megan "it’s time". He leaves work (Carindale Shopping Centre) to get home to take Megan to hospital, but low and behold, baby can't wait and the couple had to deliver theirbabyintheirlivingroom,DanielstillinhisCooke& Dowsett Hi Vis - what a legend !! More importantly Mumandbabyaredoinggreat.
Ripley Satellite Hospital High Level Copper Rough In - pictured Zane White.
Carindale Food Court Upgrades
Leneva Primary School & Kindergarten – Joss Constructions
Coles Complex Thurgoona – H.Troon
O’Brien’s Transport Warehouse – Joss Constructions
LAHC – NSW Housing – Monarch Building Solutions
Mt Barker Bunning SA – H.Troon
Cootamundra Abattoirs – AMG Group
Mars Petcare – Joss Constructions
Wangaratta United Housing – D5 Building Group
Cooinda Nursing Home – Landmark Construction Group
Lutheran Aged Care – Hansen Yuncken
University NSW Wagga - Lipman
Albury Wodonga Emergency Department – Joss Constructions
Wangaratta Special School Benalla – Joss Constructions
PLUMBING ALBURY
Exciting times @CDA, we have had a solid few months in our estimating department with some great project wins over recent times, which has put us in a great position heading towards 2025, welldone John Colley!!!!
Recently we conducted some training for our Site ManagementteamintheAlburyofficesharingour projecttenderingprocessandbudgetsetups.We worked through our operational procedures, policies and live project movements giving the teamaninsightintoourbehindthescenebusiness operations. We received great feedback and interestbyallwhoattended.
New starters to the CDA team include Nathan Penny who has walked into a Site Managers role with a great understanding of the CDPG processes coming from C&D in WA (Thanks Jeff), John Lee a local Wangaratta plumber who is displaying quality workmanship, Oscar Bowditch who is a second-year apprentice that has hit the ground running and Joshua Kite who joins the CDA team after a few years traveling around Australia. Joshua thought it was time to settle in AlburyWodongaandblowthedustofhistools,we are impressed with his sound knowledge of the commercialplumbingindustry.
We also welcome back Sam Millington to the CDA team as an operator / plumber. Fifteen years ago, Sam, Josh, Paul Harrington and myself worked together delivering some cracking projectsacrossVictoriaandNewSouthWales.
We have been recently recruiting 1st Year Plumbing Apprentices and I am pleased to announce that Cruz Drage and Ricky Rast are joiningtheCDPGApprenticestableinSeptember. Welcometotheteamguys!
Hats off to the whole CDA team for their efforts, buckleupandenjoythebusyridetowards2025.
Taylah Causby, Joshua Kite, Nathan Penny and Oscar Bowditch at the Benalla Police Station
We are thrilled to announce that PPM is nearing completion of theprestigiousMelbourneCityCouncil's"Make Room" project. After over a year of diligent work, the project is set for handover by the month's end. Our site team, expertly led by Site Manager Matthew Foster and Project Manager Luke Urquhart, have impressively managed the largest project in PPM'shistory.
The team recently overcame the final challenge by installing a significant onsite Stormwater Detention Tank and connected thefinalauthoritysewermain.AspecialthankstotheCooke& Dowsett Prefabrication Team for their excellent work in assemblingallapartmentwatermetersetupsandthetwomain incoming meter assemblies. This project marks a significant success for PPM, in collaboration with head contractor Harris HMC, who expertly navigated challenging conditions to bring this project to fruition. Our partnership with Harris HMC continues to grow, and we eagerly anticipate future collaborations.
PPM is excited to begin a new partnership with Urbancore on a major refurbishment project near CDPG's head office in Airport West. The Qantas Airlines Cabin Crew and Pilot Training Facility will receive updates including new training rooms, kitchen and lunch areas, various amenities, and a first aid and medical training room. This project kicks off later this month, offering our plumbers a robust new challenge. Thanks to Phil Adams, our expert drain CCTV plumber, whose preliminaryinvestigationswerecrucialforthefinaldesignand PPM'sprojectinvolvement.
In other news, our team continues to explore and grow. Jonathon Simpson recently completed Muay Thai training in Thailand, while Lachie Mackie recently returned from a threeweektriptoVietnamwithhispartner.
Welcome Antares Koskos and Kip Grogan to the PPM team! Antares joins us as a second-year apprentice, and Kip will soon start his school-based apprenticeship. We're excited to haveyoubothonboard!
Moorabool Street Geelong
Levels 35 & 36, 500 Bourke Street Melbourne
PPM has recently completed a high-end office fit-out across two floors at 500 Bourke Street, where Cooke & Dowsett VIC carried out the base build refurbishment. This project included private tenancy shower and amenity areas, as well as two large kitchen/breakout areas, and was a great success thanks to the collaborative efforts of our plumbing team and McCormack,ourlong-standingheadcontractor.
Levels 12 & 13, 484 St Kilda Road Melbourne
PPM continues to excel in this precinct, having completed several floors of tenancy and core amenity refurbishments throughout this building. In collaboration with Urbancore, we delivered further upgrades of core amenities and another level of tenancy fit-out. Over the past six months, PPM and Urbancore have teamed up to deliver a number of projects, producing fantastic results thankstotheirgreatteam.
Ground Floors, Levels 1 & 2, 362 Little Collins Street Melbourne
PPM has recently completed this project, initially awarded more than two years ago, the project faced several delays before finally being awarded to PPM under our great partners, McCormack. The project consisted of amenity upgrades and tenancy fit-outs on the upper levels and ground floor, including a fire separation to create a fire barrier between floors. This fire separation posed numerous challenges, but our plumbing team, working closely with the fire barrier installers,managedthesechallengesexpertly.
45 Collins Street, Melbourne
PPM recently completed a large amenities refurbishment in the 45 Collins Street precinct, involving male and female amenities and new DDA and parent room facilities. The project presented unique challenges, including the installation of a new cleaners' sink facility within a large open-air dining area. Despite challenges with the existing sewer and water services, our team met the project deadline, maintaining a high standard of work.
15 Vaughan Street, Essendon Fields
15VaughanStreethasbeenafantasticprojectforPPM’s younger site teams, involving 3 levels of core amenity upgrades,newendoftripfacilities,tenancyservicessplit works, and new underground sewer drainage to the ground floor tenancy. In collaboration with Intermain, the projectiswellontrackforcompletion,demonstratingthe capabilitiesofourtalentedteams.
60 Moorabool Street, Geelong
Returning to the Moorabool Street building, PPM has undertaken another challenging project involving three large ground-floor tenancies: a medical facility, an optical facility, and a dental facility. Our Project Manager, Luke Urquhart, made significant efforts to redesign the entire drainage system for these tenancies. Thanks to Luke's dedication and the support from Cooke & Dowsett plumbers in Geelong, this project is on track forasuccessfulcompletion.
NEW PROJECTS
M80 Capacity Improvements & Site Establishment - CPB
M80 Ring Road Site Establishment - Northern Alliance
Hopkins Correctional Facility – Kane Constructions
ONGOING COMPLETED
North East Link - SPARK NEL DC JV
Trevi Wagstaff - Trevi Aust & Wagstaff Piling
T4 Melbourne Airport - Site EstablishmentSeymour Whyte
Pathway Plumbing have been busy in the past few months wrapping up a number of projects across manysectors.Thankstotheteamfortheirhardwork, it is humbling to see how far our apprentices have come and the support provided from our more experienced site staff is a credit to them. We have some exciting projects around the corner which will provide new opportunities for skill development and expose the PPS team to the benefits of prefabrication through CDPG’s Modular Flow Solutions.
TrainingorFurtherEducationinvolvement Congratulation to Eddie Hayden who recently passed his journeymen’s practical exams. Eddie who commenced his apprenticeship in Mildura has faced many challenges getting to this point however his hard work and dedication has paid off and we are all very proud of his achievements. Good luck with yourcareerEddie!
Pathway Plumbing Service are proudly providing training, mentoring and employment of First Nations Australians in a culturally safe environment.
‘We want to create a culturally safe space where they can train and learn, but also grow as people’ says Ricky Morris, DirectorofPathwayPlumbingabouttheWillanProgram.
An important partnership between the Willan Program and North East Link provided 10 weeks of pre-employment training to young Aboriginal people from backgrounds of unemployment. Upon completion, participants received a Certificate 2 in Construction Pathways and opportunities to workontheNorthEastLinktunnels.
The program was established through a collaboration with SPARKNELDCJVandPathwayPlumbing,andisonewayFirst Nations people are contributing to the development of the NorthEastLinkProject.
Local AFL Footy Club - Fitzroy Stars were narrowly beaten in the Grand Final this year in the Northern Netball Football League. Well done to Pathway apprentices Keith Morgan, Tony Mullett and tradie Duane Wright who each represent the Stars. The Fitzroy Stars Football club are a community-based club that is well connected to the Aboriginal CommunityinVictoria.
Watch the interesting story of the Fitzroy Starsbesides being a great team (winning five premierships in 15 years), they are a hub in the Melbourne Koori community. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=4m7u4XpsvOk
At
PROJECTS
1292 Hay Street / Dalkeith Village Shopping Centre - Bushell’s Building & Maintenance
Aegis Level 9 - Total Project Solutions
Aegis Level 1 - Total Project Solutions
Innaloo Shopping Centre Tradewaste RelineScentre Group
Capital Square - Tower 3 – D&C Built
CycloWest – Cooke & Dowsett DLP
The Point / Aurora Apartments - Origin Hot Water Plant
Sushi Jiro Carousel - Scentre Group
WESTFIELD INNALOO TRADE WASTE RELINING AT INNALOO SHOPPING CENTRE
High pressure clean and camera inspection were completed on two of the trade waste lines to the Westfield Innaloo Shopping Centre. Conducted to assess the damage to the drain lines and inform of the most effective resolution to avoid the expensive andintrusiveprocessofexposingthelines.
These works will be completed in 2 stages, the inspectionandreportthenthereline.Pipereliningis a modern and innovative technique used to repair and rehabilitate damaged or deteriorating pipes from within. It involves the insertion of a seamless liner coated with a special epoxy resin into the existing pipe. The liner is then expanded and moulded to fit the shape of the pipe, creating a new, strong inner layer. Once the resin hardens, it forms a durable and watertight seal, effectively sealingcracks,leaks,andotherpipedefects.
The Plumbing And Gas Guys completed works at Sushi Jiro Carousel for client Scentre Group (Owner of Westfield destinations in Aus and NZ) and were commendedforthelevelofserviceprovided.
To acknowledge Project Manager Mark Michelutti’s efforts, Scentre Group Design & Construction nominated him for their monthly People Protecting People Safety Award, Mark was presented with a certificateandWestfieldvoucherinMay.
Mark was praised for ensuring that the correct safety precautions/ permits and monitoring tools were in place for the duration of the works and that the required drilling and cutting works were carried out within the validity period and in line with the centres requirements.
Scentre Group Design & Construction also had Mark signontotheirSafetyCommitmentWall–amessagehe sharedwiththeTPAGGteam.
MarkreceivinghissafetyawardfromScentreGroup
IMAS Taroona - Vos Construction
LGH Helipad - Vos Construction
UTAS Willis St - Fairbrother
Health Hub LauncestonVos Construction
Uniting Age Care StrathavenVos Construction
UTAS Forestry Project - Hansen Yuncken
KGV Sports RefurbishmentMaverick Builders
Bellette Street Project - Vos Construction
Bellerive Vet Clinic - Vos Construction
Sorell School - Fairbrother
A busy few months down here in the cold, the CDR team have been engaging in some critical works which will remain a lasting legacy for the Tasmanian cityscape. The two UTAS projects - Forestry and Willis Street - are transformative buildings in both Launceston and Hobart and will create excellent facilities for local and international students. Both projects are architecturally impressive and service intensive, with our teams completing the complex scope of works with great care and detail. Strathaven Aged Care Facility is at the final stages of fit-off ready for completion at the end of this month. Bellette Place, Launceston Health Hub and KGVSportsground projectsareallprogressingnicely.
CongratulationstoSamMcLaganwhoisinthefinalstageof his apprenticeship, due to finish at the end of the month. Sam has been an exemplary apprentice, showing keen interest and passion in his work. Sam has been awarded a CDPG Training Contract to further his training and complete hisCert.IVcommencingthisyear.Welldone,Sammy.
Sam McLagan onsite at IMAS Taroona
Jordan Toussaint and Sam McLagan
Works commence at IMAS Taroona
INSTITUTE FOR MARINE AND ANTARCTIC STUDIES (IMAS)
This project includes the construction of a new building hosting a teaching lab, wet lab and research facilities enabling IMAS’ research to be integrated with its teaching programs, making them applicable to realworld scenarios. Construction of a new krill research aquarium in partnership with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) are co-located on-site where world-leading research, conservation and management of Antarctic krill will be conducted. The addition of a new site entrance and car park along with other improvements will make the site more welcoming and accessibletostudents,staffandthecommunity. Upgrades to services infrastructure includes extending the existing saltwater discharge pipe outlet next to the TaroonaForeshoreTrackneartheIMASsite.
LAUNCESTONGENERALHOSPITALHELIPAD
Works to the new Launceston General Hospital Helipad are well underway with the scaffold coming downtorevealthenewstructureandthedrainageworks have been completed to the new deck. A challenging install sitting high above the city and exposed to all the elements, including those freezing Launy mornings has pushed the team hard, but they have produced an incredibleproduct,aheadofschedule.
SORELLSCHOOLCOMPLETION
Late last month we completed the final stage of the Sorell School project, which had been going for over 3 years. Lead by Site Manager Kalum Krautz the job navigated the difficult post-Covid period and faced challenges in the ground as well as working in a live school environment. The finished product is a highquality, well-functioning facility in which the broader team can be very proud of, with most of the CDR team having worked there at some stage over the duration. CongratulationstoKalumandtheteam.
Long Lunch – The C&D Vic Ops Team enjoying networking at Blacksmith Bar & Grill in Melbourne.
The following Vic office staff participated in the Dream Run – walking 700km in a month to raise funds for kids in poverty to help them get the education they need to achieve their big dreams. Well done Stephanie Hobbins, Rachel Duncan, Rebecca Sultana, Jo Bomm, Neil Moxon, Terina Considine and Biju John for raising much needed funds for The Smith Family. Further information can be found here https://www.thedreamrun.com.au/
CDPG celebrated NAIDOC Week with a themed quiz developed by Pathway Plumbing Services Director Ricky Morris. Congratulations to Matthew Halsey – CJ Arms Design who completed the most answers correctly!
Questions included;
The Pathway Plumbing Service Logo is reflective of the partnership with Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Group since 2021, what are the two key messages within the logo?
The Yellow Tail Black Cockatoo - guiding spirit, warns of danger. The dot artwork represents family, networks, partners and the community that supports PPS.
In 1984 a young man from the bush won the NAIDOC apprentice of the year. Who was it?
A Scott Dowsett B Chadd Cooke or C Ricky Morris
TEAM PPM SUPPORTING “FIGHT MND”
Chadd (far right) and wife Jo (far Left) paid the QLD team a visit
CDPG Finance Team Walking Group
Photo from the left, Nimali, Luisa , Terina, Fran , Kathryn & Ying
PPM team went go karting as a midyear winter activity. In 1st Place was Adam Robbins, 2nd Place James Climas & 3rd place was Dylan Hoysted. Casey Small won the consolation race ��
Congratulation’s to PPM General Manager James Climas and wife Melissa who recently welcomed his third child son Riley James!
Jonathon Simpson (Blue Shirt) Training Muay Thai in Vietnam
Adam Robbins - 1st place PPM Go Carting
Craig Proctor (CDA General Manager) and son Billy travelled to the Finke Bike Races in Alice Springs in June below they are camped out in Williams Creek.
Plumber Daniel Megin who recently welcomed son Ellis – here with his family Meagan and Lane.
PPM’s Casey Small holidayed in Bali
VICTORIA HEAD OFFICE 25 McGregors Drive, Keilor Park VIC 3042 | 03 9365 7000
