AE S mi t h’s n ew s l e t te r fo r s t a f f an d fr ie n d s
Sep – Dec 2011 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility Are You Managing, Selling, Leasing or Subleasing Commercial Office Space? Morning Tea Time Raises Funds For Cancer Council June Quarter Safety Bucks Winner Announced R-22 Refrigerant Phase Out In Pursuit of Best Practice Cost Savings Delivered with “Better Than Design” Project Thin Nguyen – 2011 AE Smith National Training Achievement Award Winner Industry Veteran Looks To The Future AE Smith Apprentice Shows Off His Skills NABERS Rating Scale Now Extended to 6 Stars Australia Vs Ireland – Brisbane Style Townsville Toasts Bright Future for Apprentice New Apps for Mobile Tec AE Smith Mountain Bikers Fly The Flag Sydney Serves Up Magic To Ronald McDonald House Greenfleet CEO Awarded Supporting Aged Care
energy efficiency
building technologies
air conditioning
mechanical services
Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility
“ We simply cannot accept the rate of injuries we’ve had so far this year at AE Smith. It’s not just up to the leaders in our organisation to be responsible for Zero Harm. Safety is everyone’s concern ”
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It’s been only two months since the start of the new financial year and I’m disappointed to share that as a team we’ve incurred our 7th Lost Time Incident (LTI) for the year. This means we’ve already surpassed last year in terms of the total number of LTIs incurred; this puts our objective to show improvement through the 2012 financial year out of reach. So I offer these comments: Zero Harm AE Smith is committed to Zero Harm. Zero Harm is different to Zero Incidents. Last year we had 6 LTIs in total recorded across all AE Smith workplaces. We continue to encourage accurate and timely reporting, accurate and timely reporting helps us to better understand our workplace and factors that contribute to incidents. Reducing incidents is commendable. However, reducing harm to people is the imperative. In my view, the experience of our workforce is not a cure in itself. In fact, an inexperienced person learning good habits can improve our safety performance more readily than an experienced person contributing bad habits. Expectations All of our leaders must set expectations and examples within their teams. Our team members must understand those expectations and commit to them. In particular, we must service the expectations around behaviours and standards, especially when something is simply a “safer thing to do”. For example, in respect of eye protection; it is simply safer to be wearing safety glasses in the workplace, so instead of waiting for a direction, all leaders must set that expectation, and the example. Equally, there must be consequences when these expectations are not met. Invariable in these cases there has been a conscious decision or action not to meet the agreed expectations. Leaders must question these decisions or actions that detract from our capacity for improvement – otherwise there will be no improvement. So what? We simply cannot accept the rate of injuries we’ve had so far this year at AE Smith. It’s not just up to the leaders in our organisation to be responsible for Zero Harm. Safety is everyone’s concern. Be alert; look for ways that we can improve our safety behaviours, share these good ideas with your team mates and leaders. Most of all we must have the courage to stop any work that you think is unsafe. I urge you to please take care. Achieving a Zero Harm outcome is about adopting the correct attitude. It’s about a choice I ask everyone to make. I believe each of us must choose to work safely. Let’s set about making the next hour, day, week and remainder of the year free from harm. Andrew Permezel, CEO
“To support our vision and purpose, we are determined to prevent injury and harm to our people with the firm belief that all injuries are preventable and we will act accordingly. We acknowledge that the provision of a safe, healthy and secure workplace for our people is fundamental to our business success and is an important demonstration of the respect we have for our employees and their families. We are committed to a Zero Harm outcome for all parties.” Andrew Permezel, CEO Main pic: (L to R) Leonard AlvarezHernandez and Imran Khan. Cover page: (L to R) Gavin Ryall, Karl Lemaire, Dallas Cooper, Ross Duggan, Lucas Thomas and Peter Cooke.
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Are You Managing, Selling, Leasing or Subleasing Commercial Office Space? The ranks of AE Smith CBD and NABERS accredited assessors is growing with many from each AE Smith office having already started and/or waiting formal accreditation. See the list at www.aesmith.com.au
From 1 November 2011, the Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure Act comes into full effect. This means BEFORE the sale, lease or sublease of commercial office buildings with a net lettable area of 2000sqm or more, by law you must: > Disclose an up-to-date Building Energy Efficiency Certificate; and > Include the NABERS Energy star rating for the building in any advertisement for the sale, lease or sublease of the office space. How do I get a Building Energy Efficiency Certificate (BEEC)? > A BEEC can only be issued by a Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) Accredited Assessor. > Obtaining a BEEC from a CBD Accredited Assessor is not an overnight process. > It can take months to officially attain a certified BEEC. > BEECs are valid for only 12 months. > BEECs must be publicly accessible online at the Building Energy Efficiency Register maintained by the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. What does a Building Energy Efficiency Certificate contain? > NABERS Energy star rating for the building. > Commercial Building Disclosure Tenancy Lighting Assessment. > General Energy Efficiency Guidance.
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How do I get a NABERS Energy star rating? > A NABERS Energy star rating can only be issued by a NABERS Accredited Assessor. > Obtaining a NABERS Energy star rating is not an overnight process. > Depending upon the availability of particular documentation, it can take months to officially attain a certified NABERS Energy star rating for a building. > NABERS Energy star ratings are valid for only 12 months. How do I get a Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) Tenancy Lighting Assessment? > A CBD Tenancy Lighting Assessment can only be issued by a CBD Accredited Assessor. > Obtaining a CBD Tenancy Lighting Assessment is not an overnight process. > It can take weeks to officially attain a certified CBD Tenancy Lighting Assessment. > A CBD Tenancy Lighting Assessment measures the energy used by general lighting on an area basis, the size of lighting zones and the effectiveness of lighting control systems. How do I get General Energy Efficiency Guidance? > General Energy Efficiency Guidance is not specific to a building. > All BEECs include the same general guidance on how the energy efficiency of a building might be improved. > In practice, no action is required to obtain General Energy Efficiency Guidance. AE Smith is expert in energy efficiency building technologies. AE Smith NABERS Accredited Assessors and AE Smith Commercial Building Disclosure Accredited Assessors are ready to help building owners comply with national legislation that starts on 1 November 2011.
David Odd (above), AE Smith Sustainability Engineer, Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) Accredited Assessor and NABERS Accredited Assessor.
“AE Smith is well placed to partner building owners that are serious about protecting their commercial property investment. By first attaining and then maintaining a superior NABERS Energy star ratings and resultant BEEC certification, astute building owners strategically position their commercial property investments to match their commercial objectives,” said David Odd, AE Smith Sustainability Engineer and accredited Commercial Building Disclosure and NABERS assessor. If you manage, sell, lease or sublease commercial office space – do not wait. Time is running out. The total number of Accredited Assessors ready to issue Building Energy Efficiency Certificates is limited – Avoid the rush. Be prepared. Start now by contacting AE Smith today.
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Morning Tea Time Raises Funds For Cancer Council Main pic: Diane Wise, National Accounts Receivables Manager for AE Smith Service (standing front left) helps the Melbourne AE Smith team celebrate the Biggest Morning Tea. Pic above: AE Smith Sydney Biggest Morning Tea. Pic top: AE Smith Tasmania Biggest Morning Tea. Source: www.biggestmorningtea.com.au
Cancer touches thousands of families in Australia every year, including AE Smith That was Diane Wise’s inspiration for calling on AE Smith staff to participate in The Biggest Morning Tea – a national fundraising event for the Cancer Council in August. “After the Melbourne office said they’d participate in the fundraising event, I decided to ask all the AE Smith offices around the country,” says Dianne. “The support from management and staff was overwhelming – it brought a tear to your eyes,” says Diane, who adds that many people within AE Smith have been touched by cancer in one way or another. The morning tea held at AE Smith offices in Melbourne, Tasmania, Sydney, Brisbane, Mackay, Townsville and Perth was one of thousands of similar events held in Australian work places and homes as part of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea – which raised over $1.5 million for the Cancer Council. “I only expected to raise a few hundred dollars but thanks to the support of everyone who baked and brought in goodies for our morning teas we raised $2110.20,” says Diane, who is already thinking about next year’s Morning Tea fundraising event.
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June Quarter Safety Bucks Winner Announced Numerous nominations were accepted for Safety Bucks awards for the quarter closing 30 June 2011. Every nomination contributed to the intention of the Safety Bucks program and of course the Company objective of Zero Harm to all parties After careful consideration of the many nominations received, the winner is Ian Marris of AE Smith Construction in Victoria for his contribution to Zero Harm for all Parties at the Red Cross site in Melbourne. Nominated by his colleague, Ian’s winning Safety Bucks initiative was summarised as follows:
“ Concrete grinding work was being carried out by another subcontractor on site without the use of adequate dust suppression. Ian requested that they cease work, isolated the area and moved a number of other trades out of the vicinity ”
“On Saturday 26 March 2011 at approximately 1.30pm, AE Smith site employee and plumber’s OHS representative on site, Ian Marris observed airborne concrete dust on Level 1 at the Red Cross project. Concrete grinding work was being carried out by another subcontractor on site without the use of adequate dust suppression. Ian requested that they cease work, isolated the area and moved a number of other trades out of the vicinity. He then notified the Builders Site Manager who investigated the situation and implemented corrective action with the subcontractor.” Congratulations to Ian for applying his initiative to benefit the safety of his colleagues and other contractors. For details on the how to nominate and redeem vouchers, please visit the Safety Bucks Program page on the AE Smith Intranet. www.aesmith.com.au 7
HCFC Refrigerants Phase Out Update The most common HCFC (Hydrochlorofluorocarbon) refrigerant in use today is R-22. Most small to medium air conditioning systems use this type of refrigerant. In Australia, it is envisaged that there will effectively be a complete ban of R-22 (and associated HCFCs) by 2016. Importation quotas will be cut progressively until this time to ensure the Australian Government exceeds its obligations under the 1987 Montreal Protocol to phase out Ozone depleting substances The market is already feeling the impact of the rationing of HCFC refrigerants due to the phase out Ozone depleting substances. The implementation of this agreement falls under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989. As of 1 July 2010 Australia has banned the importation of most air conditioning equipment which is pre-charged with R-22 refrigerant. The implications of this policy, combined with the cut in importation quotas for this gas (and others) is that we are seeing very large price rises in the market for R-22 in particular. These price rises are expected to continue. Any air conditioning systems that have been installed after 2008 are probably not affected by this policy, as it is likely they were manufactured for newer, Ozone and Greenhouse friendly refrigerants.
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What this means for AE Smith customers Servicing and repair of air conditioning systems will become more expensive where refrigerant R-22 is required. As stocks of R-22 decline, AE Smith will be presenting alternatives based on pragmatic assessment of the plant in question. “In most cases, we can offer “drop-in” replacement refrigerants or, if equipment is ageing, replacement might be the best course of action. Regardless of the recommended course of action, AE Smith will consult all of our customers to reach the best decision as to how we may best assist,” said Brad Disher, Solution Sales Manager for AE Smith Service in Melbourne. Alternative refrigerants “There are a range of options available to switch from your existing HCFC based refrigerants to newer, ozone and/or greenhouse friendly options. The suitability of this will depend on individual applications. In some cases, drop-in replacements result in a slight loss of capacity of the system, which can often be overcome by installation of alternative metering devices. Again, these considerations will be made on a case by case basis,” adds Brad. Things to consider “If you have a significant amount of R-22 based equipment at your facility/building, we can help by preparing a refrigerant management plan. We can quantify your exposure, and develop a detailed plan for managing the transition to new alternatives. In most cases, this plan would span several years, with equipment being transitioned as required, usually in the event of refrigerant being required (such as a system leak),” concluded Brad. For more information, contact your local AE Smith Service office or call Brad Disher on 03 9271 1846.
“ Servicing and repair of air conditioning systems will become more expensive where refrigerant R-22 is required. As stocks of R-22 decline, AE Smith will be presenting alternatives based on pragmatic assessment of the plant in question ”
R-22 Phase Out Schedule 2004 (65%)
2010 (25%)
2015 (10%)
2020 – Phase out complete
Source: www.environment.gov.au
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In Pursuit of Best Practice
“ If you raise the bar outside of AE Smith as well as within, then everyone is on the same page when it comes to working together with other organisations ”
Mark Jacobson is serious about improving the industry. As Commissioning Manager for Brisbane AE Smith Construction, Mark is taking on the challenge of improving the entire industry head on, as he works to contribute to the collective knowledge and practices of the industry he has been part of for nearly 20 years Asked last year by industry body, AIRAH to join a working group responsible for developing a Design Aid known as DA27 – Building Commissioning, Mark then responded to a call by the representative body seeking people willing and able to present on a range of topics. That first presentation, titled ‘Good Design Leads to Good Maintenance’ saw Jacobson asked back to deliver two further presentations in the first half of 2011, one titled ‘Retro Commissioning – The Devil is in the Detail’, and another on ‘Absorption Water Chillers and Co-Generation – The Science, the Mystery and the Art.’ Having commenced in the industry with an engineering cadetship in the early 90s in an engineering design office working on mechanical systems, Jacobson was then required to go out and commission those designs.
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“That’s how I fell into commissioning, but it’s given me a real understanding of the importance of ensuring both sides understand what the other is up against.” He says the opportunity to be involved in development of the industry as a whole, and encouraging best practice among all professionals, is one that delivers a number of benefits both personal and professional. “I have a philosophy of sharing and spreading knowledge, I don’t believe in holding on to it,” Mark says. “These things are so important in helping to raise the bar in the industry. If you raise the bar outside of AE Smith as well as within, then everyone is on the same page when it comes to working together with other organisations.” “I basically aim to highlight the successful practices that we have developed over the years, informed also by good people who have joined us from elsewhere and brought their knowledge and experience with them – and to outline the results that can be achieved through those.” With the Design Aid on Building Commissioning now published, and helping to define the best practice commissioning requirements when specifying projects, Mark has now turned his mind to an area he believes is not getting talked about much, but is of paramount importance to an evolving industry. “The next big area for construction will be retro-fitting existing buildings and that will lead into Retro-commissioning,” he says. “This topic’s only been covered a few times within publications in Australia, so I’ll be starting a paper on it with a view to presenting that at next year’s AIRAH Pre Loved Buildings Conference.” Retro-commissioning as an important industry trend of the future was highlighted by AE Smith at a Green Cities conference a couple of years ago, he says, and he’s since noticed that no one has really been talking about it. Jacobson says there is a lot of information available on the commissioning process as a whole, and that can actually sometimes be problematic. The problem, he says, is that for some people there is almost too much, while for others they’re unsure of exactly what to use. “I’d like to help refine the industry so we don’t drown in paperwork while achieve world class performing buildings that have been efficiently and effectively commissioned,” he says.
Main pic: Mark Jacobson M.AIRAH was one of two presenters leading a Green Retrofitting seminar hosted by the Queensland division of AIRAH in August. A highlight of the seminar was the interactive group session where attendees divided into groups and identified the practices and skills required for a successful retrofit. Pic above: Mark Jacobson AIRAH has represented air conditioning, refrigeration, heating and ventilation professionals for nearly 90 years, and currently counts more than 10,000 professional members across Australia. Formed in 1920, AIRAH is recognised by government and industry bodies for its expertise across a wide range of issues in the area of engineering services for the built environment. Source: www.airah.org.au
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Cost Savings Delivered with “Better Than Design” Project AE Smith’s commitment to customer satisfaction has been highlighted in the outcomes of a Turnkey, Design and Construct mechanical project for a Tertiary Institution based in regional Victoria
“ As a single supplier performance based contract, the project took on an open book and transparent management approach ”
The project – which actually saw money returned to the client thanks to creative problem solving and an open book management approach – involved incorporating strict acoustic measures into the University’s Geelong Campus Chiller. Noise break out issues had arisen following the rezoning of adjacent mixed industrial-use land to residential, with nearby residents of the campus unhappy with existing plant and equipment noise. An extended hours function area and museum on the campus was also creating significant noise spill during after-hours periods, according to Manager of Special Project for Victoria Construction, Peter Galtry. “The extended hours and the importance of maintaining climate control within the museum at all times meant the solution for this project was not a straight forward one,” said Peter.
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As a single supplier performance based contract, the project took on an open book and transparent management approach to help meet the strict acoustic performance standards set out at the project’s inception. “It was this approach that helped AE Smith not only address the project’s challenges but also achieve cost savings,” adds Peter. By working with the client closely on all costing issues, it helped avoid many of the unknown variables that typically creep into a project as well as implement creative problem solving initiatives that were cost efficient. “It was very satisfying for our Project Manager Rod Lloyd, Site Manager Colin Bishop and the rest of the team to ultimately deliver money back to the client from the budget upon project completion,” comments Peter. But the cost savings are only one element of this project’s success. Equally as important was the application of innovative design and control of chiller compressors and condenser fans to achieve the strict acoustic performance criteria set out at the Tertiary Institution. “The project saw a ‘better than design’ outcome achieved in terms of acoustics, with the AE Smith team fitting new chillers, new pumps, revising equipment platforms and adding special acoustic measures for noise abatement,” says AE Smith’s Engineer, Stuart Gibson. “From an engineering perspective, to see a project go from concept design through to commissioning, handover and completion that delivers beyond expectation is a great outcome, as well as being able to deliver under budget” adds Stuart.
Main pic & above: AE Smith achieved a “better than design” outcome achieved in terms of acoustics as well as installing new chillers, pumps and equipment platforms. Pic top: Peter Galtry, Manager – Special Projects for AE Smith Construction in Victoria. Pic left: Original installation before new project works.
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Thin Nguyen – 2011 AE Smith National Training Achievement Award Winner By comparison to many of his co-workers, AE Smith’s 2011 National Training Achievement Award recipient, Thin Nguyen came to the plumbing trade along an unlikely pathway
“ Asked what’s behind the success he’s enjoyed during his apprenticeship, Thin credits his co-workers and mentors over that time for the positive experiences and opportunities he’s had to learn ”
A mature apprentice who had previously completed a university degree and worked in other areas, it was only when he bought a house and began renovating it that his interest in plumbing was first kindled. “That was a real learning process, and I quickly worked out that doing things yourself was the best way to keep costs down; but when it came to certain jobs I had to get help from friends. A mate who is a plumber was helping me out and I just found the whole hands on aspect of it really interesting and enjoyable and thought ‘I could make a career out of this’,” he said. The subsequent apprenticeship, completed in March of this year, has seen an array of accolades rarely achieved, the most recent of which is the 2011 AE Smith National Training Achievement Award. In addition to that prestigious award, Thin has in the course of his apprenticeship also been named the Holmesglen TAFE Best 1st Year Apprentice – Mechanical Plumbing, received the same award for 3rd year apprentices and taken out the Master Plumber’s Encouragement Award for 3rd year apprentices.
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He was also named the AE Smith Victorian Apprentice of the Year in 2009, before going on to win the same award in 2010 and then bettering it with the National equivalent. It’s an impressive resume, complemented by a top three placing in the 2010 Holmesglen TAFE Apprentice of the Year, chosen from all apprentices in all trades across Victoria; as well as inclusion in the final four of the 2011 Air conditioning & Mechanical Contractors Association (AMCA) Victoria Training Achievement Award. But according to Jeff Howell, Labour Controller for AE Smith Construction in Melbourne, it’s all in a day’s work for Thin with the overachieving former apprentice preferring to eschew the attention that goes with such successes. “He’s been very humble, despite his success to date,” Jeff says. “He demonstrates a real drive to succeed and pride in a job well done.” “He’s just a fantastic person – very diligent, focused and directional,” Jeff says. “He’s more than willing to learn; he sets agendas and achieves them; is very advanced in picking up systems and he’s just very respected by our entire group,” he adds. He points to Thin’s decision to undertake a National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) Commissioning Course as an example of the dedication and genuine enthusiasm he brings to the job. “That’s something he’s done off of his own bat, just to better himself, and to see that kind of thing is a real credit to him,” Jeff says. Vietnamese born, Thin and his family left the country as refugees in the 1970’s following the end of the Vietnam War. After a number of years in the Philippines, the family was sponsored to immigrate to Australia in the mid 1980s. He says his time at AE Smith has offered him the chance to tackle challenges, solve problems and work with some fantastic people. Asked what’s behind the success he’s enjoyed during his apprenticeship, Thin credits his co-workers and mentors over that time for the positive experiences and opportunities he’s had to learn quickly from “the best in the business”. “Paul Bird, in particular, is just a commissioning genius and that’s a field I’d really like to get into,” he says of the Commissioning Technician who has worked with Thin over the past two years.
Main pic: (L to R) Thin Nguyen, Daniel Harkness, Darren Farinski and Peter Staedler help AE Smith dominate at the 2011 AMCA Training Achievement and Drafting Traineeship Award gala dinner in Melbourne on 20 Aug 2011. Daniel was nominated for the Drafting Traineeship Award. Darren and Thin were both nominated for the Training Achievement Award. Pic top: Jeff Howell and Sue Howell. Pic above: Darren Farinski and Sarah Fennell. Congratulations to Darren for being selected as the winner of the 2011 Training Achievement Award.
“I’ve learnt so much from Paul and others, and really have the utmost respect for their willingness to share their technical knowledge with me and help me to grow and learn.” Other than that, he says, it’s simple – he just loves his work. “I think I’ve got one of the best jobs ever, basically, and I really wouldn’t want to do anything else.” www.aesmith.com.au 15
Industry Veteran Looks To The Future David Seedsman – Regional General Manager Construction retires Reflecting on 57 years in the industry, David Seedsman displays few signs of a man who is ready to call it a day. “The reason I’ve worked in this industry for so long is because of the talent and professionalism of the people around me,” he says. Main pic: Farewell drinks for David Seedsman at AE Smith Melbourne: (L to R) Bob George, Peter Staedler, Peter Kinsella, David Seedsman, Darren McGrath, Chris Cannon. Pic above: David Seedsman.
“When you love what you do and you work with great people, you can’t imagine doing anything else.” “I’ve always had a passion for the industry and that’s why I’m still here.” But delve a little deeper and it’s clear that while the industry veteran continues to carry a passion for the position he’s held with AE Smith for the last 15 years, he’s happy to have left a legacy and now be able to focus on the other things that ‘get him out of bed in the morning’. Beginning as a plumber’s apprentice in 1954, David says he could scarcely have imagined as a 15 year old that he’d only be bowing out of the industry now.
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In that time, he was elected Victorian President of the Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association (AMCA) in both 1989 and 1991, while in 2008 he was inducted as an AMCA Life Member – the most prestigious award in the HVAC industry. They’re the hallmarks of a man who has spent a lifetime committed to his work and his industry, and there’s little doubt that David leaves a strong legacy as he finally calls it a day. Colleague Bob George points to David’s commitment to quality and ‘team-first’ attitude as important aspects of that legacy, not only with AE Smith but throughout the entire HVAC industry in Australia. “Over David’s 57 year career he has become a true industry stalwart and AE Smith has been fortunate to have him on board for the last 15 years,” Bob says. “With skills and talents that are the epitome of best practice, he’s added value to everything he’s been involved with.” Bob, whose own career with AE Smith has spanned 45 years, adds that David has always been well respected for never saying ‘no’ when it came to helping someone. “For many years I have looked up to him as a friend, mentor and someone who has always been a pleasure to work with. He practices what he preaches, and for that I hold him in the highest esteem,” he adds. They’re glowing terms indeed, but not uncommon among David’s colleagues, some of whom have known him – and learnt from him – for more than 40 years.
“ Over David’s 54 year career he has become a true industry stalwart and AE Smith has been fortunate to have him on board for the last 15 years ”
Among the accolades are recurring themes of enthusiasm, commitment and a resolute dedication to solving problems and getting jobs done. Victoria Construction’s General Manager Peter Staedler, who reported to David as the Southern State Regional Manager, says one of his greatest roles has been as an agent of change and someone able to resolve challenges and disputes through a diplomatic approach. “I’ve been in the industry for close to 40 years and during that time I have never heard anybody say a bad word about David,” Peter says. “That’s quite an achievement given the Construction Industry is a tough place to keep everybody happy.”
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Peter says his colleague often commented that the construction industry is a ‘people business’, and his superior communication skills enabled him to resolve numerous complex disputes over the years, as well as support General Managers in their own roles to resolve some of their more challenging issues. Victoria Construction Manager, Darren McGrath – a 30 year veteran himself – agrees: “David has the ability to make difficult situations manageable through his skill and knowledge of the industry and a ‘never quit’ attitude to problem solving.” Darren says it’s a calmness and patience that characterise David’s approach, and which have made him such an invaluable part of the AE Smith team. “David has taught me to stop, think and then make the most appropriate decisions based on fact and not emotion.” David himself is more circumspect about his own achievements, preferring to reflect on the success of those around him, and the company as a whole. Asked what his greatest achievements have been in his time with AE Smith, he points to work on the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne and the Austin Hospital.
Pic top: (L to R) Andrew Permezel and David Seedsman. Pic right: David Seedsman accepting his AMCA Lifetime Membership Award.
Characteristically deflecting the attention from his own achievements, he says one of his greatest satisfactions has been seeing some of the younger trainees and apprentices go on to senior positions, taking on new challenges and succeeding. “With those projects, it is always a team effort and that’s been a key to the success of AE Smith in so many areas,” he says. “A lot of our competitors aren’t at the same level in terms of professionalism and that’s enabled the company to develop some great people,” he adds. David also points to the major changes he’s observed as the HVAC industry has evolved. “One of the biggest changes in my time has been the OH&S,” he says. “Years ago, companies didn’t focus on employee wellbeing in the same way, across many industries, but as more procedures and processes have become entrenched in the common practices the safety in the work place has improved dramatically.”
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“That means workers can come to work and go home safe and that’s really what it’s all about,” he adds. The other major change has been environmental, he says – “everything’s gone green.” “The environment is obviously a major issue and the entire industry has had to become much more conscious of the way things were being done, and meeting challenges in terms of environmental certification and accreditation.” But while he reflects fondly on his time in the industry, David says there is plenty to keep him focused on the future. “My wife Gail always says ‘I married you for lifetime not lunchtime’, so we’re certainly looking forward to being able to do a lot more things together,” he laughs. Chief among those things will be a return to studies with language courses on the cards, and a lot more time with his grandkids. First though, he and Gail will head up to the Arctic Circle on a Russian ice breaker, following a similar trip 18 months ago to the Antarctic. “We really enjoy the adventuring side of things, and plan to do quite a bit of travelling now that we’ll have more time,” he says. “I’ve always said that retirement’s not a sentence, it’s an opportunity.”
“ One of his greatest satisfactions has been seeing some of the younger trainees and apprentices go on to senior positions, taking on new challenges and succeeding ”
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AE Smith Apprentice Shows Off His Skills Main pic: (L to R) Joshua Boehm and Michael Claydon from AE Smith Service in Brisbane.
For second year AE Smith apprentice, Joshua Boehm, the first half of 2011 has been an exciting time Selected to compete in the World Skills Australia Regional Competition, the young Electro Technology – Refrigeration and Air Conditioning apprentice placed a close second, missing out on the top spot by just a single point. The competition, held biannually by Vocational Education and Training body World Skills Australia, aims to promote and build a skills culture by inspiring young people, celebrating skills excellence and providing them with an opportunity to showcase their trade and skill talent. Regional competitions are the first level of the World Skills competition cycle, with participants from 29 regions across Australia representing their local community. Regional competitions consist of projects to be completed within a set time frame, with projects in each competition category carefully designed and judged by industry experts to align with the current training and education provided within Australia’s VET system.
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A selection of place getters then advance to the National Competition to compete for the opportunity to go on and represent their country. For Joshua, just being selected to compete at the regional level was a great acknowledgement, but he says, “It was exciting news for me as I was chosen to compete based on my performance and results through TAFE. It was an honour to think that my results for TAFE were amongst the top results in the facility.” Joining the Brisbane AE Smith Service team in January with nine months previous experience, Joshua works assisting technicians with maintenance and repair of buildings environmental systems. He says his time with the company has already seen him develop new skills and an enthusiasm for the work that has driven him to succeed. “Working with AE Smith has provided me with opportunities for my career which I had never thought possible. The department as a whole has been greatly supportive with helping me to further my knowledge in my trade and with helping me with any questions, no matter how silly they may have seemed, to help me succeed.” Service Manager in the Brisbane Office, Michael Claydon says just to be chosen is a great compliment to any apprentice, but to achieve the outcome Joshua has speaks volumes for his commitment to his training and his future. “Joshua displays a refreshing degree of intelligence and a real eagerness to learn,” he says. Claydon points to the endorsement of more senior members of the team for Joshua’s contribution: “When I asked a tradesman he was working with to report on Joshua’s progress, he replied ‘you only need to explain what you require once to Joshua; he does as instructed without fault, hesitation nor complaint’.”
“ Working with AE Smith has provided me with opportunities for my career which I had never though possible ”
He adds that AE Smith Service in Brisbane work together as a team, supporting each other as necessary to obtain the best possible outcomes. “All of our team members should be really proud of the input they have had in Joshua’s development,” Michael says. World Skills Australia has seen over 50,000 young Australians participate in the various competitions over 25 years.
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The New NABERS Star Rating Scale 0
Very poor
1
Poor
2
Below average
2.5 to 3
Average
4
Good
5
Excellent
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Market leading
NABERS Rating Scale Now Extended to 6 Stars Adam Bek (above), GM for AE Smith Building Technologies is one of many AE Smith professionals around the country that has completed the NABERS exam and well on the way to joining the AE Smith ranks of NABERS Accredited Assessors around the country. Visit www.aesmith.com.au to see a full list of AE Smith NABERS Accredited Assessors and Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) Accredited Assessors. NABERS is the industry standard for measuring the environmental performance of Australian buildings. It uses operational data to rate a building’s actual impact, rather than modelled design performance such as Green Star. Source: www.nabers.com.au & www.cbd.gov.au
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6 star ratings are now available for NABERS Energy and Water ratings for offices, hotels and shopping centres “It is important to note the existing NABERS 0 to 5 star scale has not changed,” said AE Smith Building Technologies General Manager, Adam Bek. To ensure that NABERS continues to offer an aspirational target and to drive innovation and environmental improvement, a 6th star has been added to the existing rating scale.” A 6 star rating is awarded for “Market Leading” performance, and represents a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions or water use from a 5 star rating. “With a host of AE Smith NABERS Accredited Assessors already in place, AE Smith is providing easy access to an efficient and timely process of attaining a NABERS Energy star rating for building owners,” adds Adam. “Particularly with the 1 November deadline fast approaching under which the Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure Act 2010 requires most sellers or lessors of office space of 2,000 sqm or more to obtain and disclose an up-to-date energy efficiency rating – otherwise known as a Buildling Energy Efficiency Certificate (BEEC) – for which NABERS is an essential component.”
Australia Vs Ireland – Brisbane Style A couple of years ago, some friends at Brisbane AE Smith Construction thought it’d be fun, and great for morale, if they got together with a few of our co-workers and had a game of touch football “Then, because a number of the boys are English and Irish, we thought we’d have a game of soccer to encourage more people to play and get a bit of banter going around the office – It did,” explains Document Controller, Nathan Knight.
Main pic: (Back row, L to R) Chris Hargreaves, Chris McGregor, Shane Donoher, Iain Fraser, Corey Knight, Petar Ciric, Nick Mortensen, Dan Mortensen, Denis O’Mahony, Paul McTigue, and Ali Manouchehri. (Front row, L to R) Dan McCarthy, Warwick Williams, John Brydges, Dave Dalby, Paul Begonia, Toby Stephens, and Oisin Grennan.
“It’s been three years now since we organised those games and we haven’t looked back. We pitch them as ‘Australia vs. Ireland’ matches to play for bragging rights and to stir up a bit of national pride. The chaps involved love taking part and the photos and video footage taken are always a source of amusement.” “At the end of the day, it’s all about getting a bit of exercise and having a laugh with your workmates. The benefits are obvious and it’s an added bonus that the goodwill and camaraderie generated carry over into the workplace,” said Nathan. For the record, in a competitive game with a lot of laughs, a few dives (!!!), some cracking goals and a great penalty save, Ireland eventually prevailed 5-4 after leading 3-2 at half-time.
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“ AE Smith’s policy of supporting youngsters and apprentices was invaluable in developing good people, who would deliver value to the company for years to come ”
Townsville Toasts Bright Future for Apprentice The team at AE Smith Townsville have heralded the success of the branch’s inaugural Service Electrician apprentice, Josh Dodd, who finished in the top four of the recent 2011 Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) Apprentice of the Year Awards The August 27 awards dinner was attended by a strong contingent from AE Smith Townsville, and the branch’s Electrical Services Manager, Jim Kerby said the entire team could share in the satisfaction of Dodd’s strong showing. “This was the first apprentice we’ve taken on in the section, and to have your first one come out and perform so well is really satisfying for everyone that’s been involved in Josh’s development,” Jim said. A fourth year apprentice electrician, 21 year old Josh (pictured second from left) and his fellow nominees were assessed based on a combination of their TAFE results, the jobs they’d been involved with over their four year apprenticeship and their own technical ability. Jim said Josh’s performance across all assessment criteria to finish in the top four was a credit to his ongoing hard work and genuine commitment to excelling in the theory side of the apprenticeship as much as the practical elements. He added that AE Smith’s policy of supporting youngsters and apprentices was invaluable in developing good people, who would deliver value to the company for years to come.
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New Apps for Mobile Tec Every AE Smith Service technician is equipped with Mobile Tec – a Motorola handheld, portable electronic device that ensures technicians in the field have the right information, for the right customer, at the right time Adding to the productivity and efficiency gains already delivered by Mobile Tec since its implementation in 2008, AE Smith Service Group General Manager, Aldo Cevaal recently announced the launch of two new apps for Mobile Tec – Mobile Quote and Diagnostic Assistant. “Created in-house by Matthew Paine and Brad Disher in Melbourne, the two apps are designed to help make things quicker and easier for Service technicians on site,” said Aldo. “Mobile Quote allows technicians to complete quotations on site using Mobile Tec. It is simple to use and electronically submits quotations directly to the customer and the AE Smith back office team.” “Diagnostic Assistant is designed to assist technicians diagnose problems on site. After taking some equipment measurements and nominating if the readings are High, Low or Normal, the app gives general advice as to the nature of the problem and displays a short list of things to look for to help reach a definitive diagnosis,” said Aldo.
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AE Smith Mountain Bikers Fly The Flag Main pic: (L to R) Graeme Stewart (General Manager, AE Smith Service Perth) and Andrew Shave (Manager, IGA Group).
AE Smith enjoyed a strong presence at the 2011 Kep Track Adventure in May, with AE Smith Service WA General Manager, Graeme Stewart leading a team of riders sporting the company cycling shirts in the second annual cross-country mountain biking event While event organisers say the event is open to anyone with a moderate level of fitness and a mountain bike, it’s a challenge that requires a certain level of skill to complete and one which has an added layer of appeal as it raises funds for the Leukaemia Foundation of WA. “I’ve been mountain biking since I was in my teens, but only got into it seriously in the last two years,” says Stewart, who now rides regularly in the Perth Hills every week. “We saw this event on a bike website and decided it would be fun to ride, but were also really drawn to the fact that it raises very important funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.” The other two members of the team are friends who regularly ride with Stewart, both on and off road. All wore branded AE Smith cycling shirts, cutting a distinctive team figure in amongst the field of 120 riders.
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The Kep Track Adventure follows a multi-use trail from York to Mundaring built mainly on rail reserve, boasting a low gradient and compacted gravel surface which make it an ideal introduction to long distance cross country mountain biking.
“ Stewart and the Perth AE Smith team completed the event in just under four hours, placing in the top quarter of race finishers ”
The 75km track partly follows the famous Goldfields Pipeline built by CY O’Connor to carry water from Mundaring Weir to Kalgoorlie in the late 1890s. Stewart and the Perth AE Smith team completed the event in just under four hours, placing in the top quarter of race finishers. “It was a great experience riding with such a large group of riders and getting to meet some new faces,” he said. “To see $3,600 raised for a great cause in the Leukaemia Foundation was also hugely rewarding for the boys and I’m sure for the entire field,” he added. “We also participated in the ‘Cape to Cape MTB’ last October, a four day mountain bike endurance race through the south west region of Western Australia, which whetted our appetite for getting involved with more organised events.”
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AE Smith Sydney Serves Up Magic Tricks To Ronald McDonald House Above: AE Smith Sales Assistant David Dodgen entertains the kids at RMH Westmead. David attended the College of Magic in Capetown and studied mentalism (a style of magic) in London for 2 years.
The Sydney AE Smith Service team has continued the company’s long association with Ronald McDonald House (RMH) by participating in the ‘Meals from the Heart’ Program, which sees business and community groups provide meals for families staying at RMH
Pic above: (L to R) Daniel van der Ent, David Odd, Ronald McDonald, David Dodgen, Linda Isles.
According to AE Smith’s Linda Isles, who helped to organise the evening, it was a night to remember with more than 90 people served up delicious homemade Italian fare and a dose of magic to keep the kids entertained from part time AE Smith sales assistant and talented professional magician, David Dodgen. “The kids absolutely loved it!” Linda said. “They were enthralled with David’s tricks. I’m sure some parents had a problem getting their kids to sleep that night after all the dessert and David sculpting balloons into swords, flowers, dogs and other shapes,” she added. AE Smith provides air conditioning services to five RMH’s around the country, and Sydney Service have been involved with RMH Westmead for the last 12 months. This is the second time the Sydney team has helped with Meals from the Heart – an event that goes beyond pro bono HVAC service and extends hands on support from many of the Sydney Service staff and their families.
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“Our Customer Service Manager, Mary Beth Durrant cooks a fantastic lasagne and along with her husband Allan and daughter Phoebe, she prepared 10 over the weekend for the families staying at the House,” Linda said.
“ This is the second time the Sydney team has helped with Meals From the Heart – an event that goes beyond pro bono HVAC service ”
Daniel van der Ent (Sales Manager), Geoff McBlane (Service Manager), Kurt Edwards (Service Supervisor) and David Odd (Energy Engineer) all assisted with meal preparation including a dessert station for the kids as well as gelato for the parents. The Meals from the Heart activity provides a fun but immensely rewarding team building activity for the AE Smith Sydney office. “Can you imagine how your world turns upside down when you’re told the Flying Doctor will arrive in twenty minutes to take your child to Sydney – over 800kms away – for treatment?” “The father who shared that experience with us had been at RMH for eight months and told us after each course how much he really appreciated us cooking a great meal for his family.”
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Greenfleet CEO Awarded Prestigious 2011 Churchill Fellowship “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give,” Sir Winston Churchill.
About Greenfleet On behalf of it supporters like AE Smith, Greenfleet has planted over 7 million trees to restore biodiverse forests around Australia that sequester CO2 from the atmosphere as they grow. About the Churchill Fellowship Recipients of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust travel overseas to further their passion and return to Australia to implement their findings and share them with others. Source: www.greenfleet.com.au
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As a long term supporter of Greenfleet, AE Smith congratulates Greenfleet CEO, Sara Gipton, for being awarded The Lamington National Park Churchill Fellowship to investigate strategies for expanding Australia’s native forests in a changing climate Her research will focus on methods to protect and enhance biodiversity under the pressures that a changing climate will bring. Australia has enormous potential to generate land based carbon sinks and the opportunity to combine protecting and enhancing biodiversity as part of the market’s response to carbon pricing. She will travel to the US, UK and Germany to research models and standards for protecting and enhancing biodiversity as part of the market response to climate change. She will also investigate options for overcoming policy and regulatory barriers to investment in National Parks by the carbon market. Sara’s research will help Australian natural resource and National Parks managers better manage Australia’s natural assets in the face of climate change.
Supporting Aged Care For many years, AE Smith has partnered aged care centres across Australia to service their HVAC and mechanical systems From this hands-on experience we understand clearly that professional aged care service providers look to us for more than just air conditioning, but in fact rely on AE Smith to simplify their compliance issues; control and keep costs down; and let them focus on what they do best – care for their residents.
Main pic: Trevor McAllan (far left) and Brad Disher (far right) from AE Smith Service Melbourne. Source: www.baptcare.org.au
Baptcare in Victoria and Tasmania provide a range of support options for older people including: residential aged care homes; independent living apartments; and tailored care packages for people requiring extra support to remain living at home. The Melbourne AE Smith Service team was proud to be the major sponsor of the 2011 Baptcare Charity Golf Day. A total of 76 players from 33 different organisation enjoyed a glorious sunny day teeing off at 8.30am at the Heritage Golf and Country Club alongside a mob of kangaroos. Congratulations to Baptcare on hosting a wonderful fundraising event. With a combination of sponsorships, player fees and charity hole proceeds, AE Smith helped raise $43,827 for Baptcare’s programs for families, children, people with disabilities and asylum seekers.
Cool Breeze is a newsletter published by AE Smith & Son Pty Ltd ABN 54 004 274 793 for its staff and customers. Subscription is free and available directly from AE Smith. ©2011 AE Smith & Son Pty Ltd. Important Notice: The information contained in this newsletter is given in good faith. To the maximum extent permitted by law, neither AE Smith, its employees or contractors accept any liability for loss or damage arising as a result of any person acting on information contained in this newsletter. This newsletter should not be used or relied on as a substitute for detailed professional consultation with AE Smith.
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AE Smith & Son Pty Ltd PO Box 1590 Clayton South VIC 3169 1300 313 313 www.aesmith.com.au
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