COOL BREEZE spring 2008 by COOL BREEZE by AE Smith

Group wide Paper Recycling Set your printer to print double sided as default While its nice to recycle, its even better to reduce and avoid printing in the first place. That’s why most people will only get an electronic copy of the Cool Breeze with limited printed copies being 100% carbon offset and printed on 100% recycled paper.

C o o l

B r e e z e

AE Smith’s quarterly newsletter for staff and friends brisbane cairns perth sydney

darwin gold coast mackay melbourne tasmania townsville new zealand

Walk the Talk! Did you know AE Smith has group wide paper recycling available in every office around Australia and New Zealand? Some offices have taken it a step further by also implementing Co-Mingled Recycling accepting in addition to paper: > > > > >

Aluminium cans & aerosols; Steel cans; Plastic bottles; Glass bottles & jars; and Milk & juice cartons.

Play your part and recycle where possible.

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. AE Smith 21-29 Miles Street Mulgrave VIC 3170, Australia

©2008 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.

Spring 2008: > > > > > > > > >

Playing with eye safety is no game AE Smith recognised for engineering excellence Your finance team An outback ballad AE Smith celebrates 110 years Mackay streaks ahead with new safety record Team Melbourne fitness program A student project teaches all Group wide paper recycling

t. +61 3 9271 1999 f. +61 3 9271 1994 coolbreeze@aesmith.com.au www.aesmith.com.au

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and printed on 100% recycled paper

air conditioning

mechanical services environmental controls

energy & water services

Spring 2008

“It’s been a great opportunity to know that your thesis has contributed to the company and the industry as a whole,” comments Jonathan, who will now be working on a variety of engineering projects within AE Smith as well as mentored in a four year graduate program. The decision to welcome a student into AE Smith’s construction division to conduct a thesis assignment was an easy one for Queensland’s Engineering Manager, Mark Jacobson: “It’s an important part of being innovators and supporting the future of our industry.” “Nothing revitalises a company like the injection of fresh people with new ideas and approaches – and Jonathan’s questions and investigations during his thesis has also helped our team question and test old ways of thinking,” adds Mark. “It’s a great shared learning process,” he adds, with the outcome not only new knowledge for all, but a bright new recruit to mentor through the HVAC industry.

AE Smith Committed to Zero Harm

“We’re excited about Jonathan becoming a permanent member of our team and part of AE Smith’s future.”

After a courageous fight with cancer, Ken Robertson (above) sadly passed away on 14 September 2008 . For more than 31 years, Ken was a valued member of the AE Smith team, most recently as part of the Estimating department in Victoria Construction. His colleagues, both past and present, will miss him and wish to pass on their condolences to Ken’s wife, Sue, and their family.

For more information please contact Jonathan or Mark in the AE Smith Brisbane office on 07 3332 0333. Watching the Safety Clock Facility 1st team reach new safety milestone They’re the first division of AE Smith to clock 1500 hours incident free – a remarkable safety achievement considering the everyday dangers and risks the Facility 1st team work amongst in the field on various construction projects. A recently published “safety scorecard” that records Lost Time Injuries (LTI) amongst 16 different divisions of the company, revealed Facility 1st was leading the field when it comes to minimising incidents and managing health and safety. (Cont. p.3.)

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Playing with Eye Safety is No Game No ifs, no buts… Eye protection is for everyone! AE Smith’s National Safety Manager, Danny O’Reilly says “When I look at the three main causes of injury at AE Smith workplaces in the last financial year the three culprits are: > > >

Sprains (33% of all injuries); Open wounds (29% of all injuries); and Foreign bodies to eyes (11% of all injuries).

Whilst none of these causes is of lesser importance I want to draw our focus on Eye Injuries in this issue of Cool Breeze. Danny has a growing concern over the increase in eye injuries in the past few months. Seven incidents in the last 90 days from incorrect selection of eye wear or not wearing eye protection at all, is fuelling this concern. “This rate of injury is occurring in spite of specific workplace instructions and training sessions that are in place to protect us against eye injury. All of these eye injuries were potentially catastrophic, but what’s just as troubling is they were all preventable,” comments Danny.

Prestigious Accolade for David Seedsman AE Smith's Southern Region General Manager was recently presented with a Lifetime Membership of AMCA (Air Conditioning & Mechanical Contracting Association). Awarded as special recognition of David Seedsman’s contribution and service to the industry, AMCA President, Alex Hall made the presentation at a gala celebration dinner on 2 August in Melbourne. David’s service in the mechanical contracting industry spans over 40 years and he has been an active member of peak bodies such as ACMA (including a time as President) as well as the Plumbing Industry Commission Advisory Council. “We congratulate David on this esteemed and much deserved accolade – his service and contribution to our industry has been outstanding,” comments AE Smith’s CEO, Andrew Permezel.

David Seedsman (above left) is presented with the AMCA Lifetime Membership Award by AMCA President, Alex Hall. David commenced with AE Smith as the National Construction Manager in 1996 and has held other roles including Vic Construction General Manager, Business Development Manager and is currently the Southern Region General Manager which includes Vic, Tas and NSW.

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A Student Project Teaches All AE Smith’s Brisbane office recently opened its doors to 4th year Mechanical Engineering student, with innovative results When Jonathan Ramajoo approached AE Smith to help prepare a thesis, he didn’t realise he was walking into an exciting new opportunity.

Jonathan Ramajoo is completing an Extended Major in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Queensland.

“I was keen to put into practice the theory learned during four years at University,” reflects Jonathan, who conducted a thesis project by investigating the phenomenon of System Effect, in particular, the effect on fan performance when 90 degree bends are installed on the inlet of the fan. The outcome of the thesis was a range of correction factors that can be applied when the fans outlet conditions are less than ideal. Jonathan’s thesis received a distinction – and his other reward is a new role as Graduate Engineer with AE Smith in Brisbane. Jonathan’s recent appointment to one of AE Smith’s Graduate Engineer positions is a reflection on the contribution he made during his thesis work.

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“We urge you to follow our eye protection guidelines and be sure that you protect your eyes at every occasion. Serious eye injuries are irreversible, surely that is something for you to consider,” he adds. While Danny is encouraged by so many impressive safety milestones being reached throughout the company, there are always areas for improvement: “The key to ensuring a Zero Harm environment is planning for incident prevention - and we can certainly do more to prevent eye injuries that are happening at the rate of at least one a month,” adds Danny. Workplace Managers can always provide the correct safety equipment, but Danny also urges to ask for the right equipment if it’s not available.

“We have a terrific culture of promoting safe work practices throughout our company – and our 1500 hours of injury free time is a great reflection on Facility 1st’s commitment to implementing a safety first approach,” comments Michael Kiraly, General Manager of Facility 1st. For more information contact Michael Kiraly on 0411 698 335.

“Remember that Safety 1st is up to you!” For more information on eye protection or other safety matters, contact Danny O’Reilly on 0413 153 838.

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AE Smith Recognised for Engineering Exc Top honour for work on world-class convention centre AE Smith has added another prestigious industry accolade to its collection for their work on the newly completed $115 million Darwin Convention Centre. The 2008 Engineering Excellence Award was presented to AE Smith at the Engineers Australia Northern Division’s annual Engineering Awards that aim to celebrate world class engineering projects. Equivalent in height to six storeys, the Darwin Convention Centre spans a total floor area of 22,900 square metres offering a wide selection of conference, exhibition and function facilities. The world-class convention facility recognises both Darwin’s long-standing reputation as a unique destination as well as its emerging status as a dynamic business hub.

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The coveted top honour was shared with a team of engineering companies appointed as the Convention Centre’s fire engineers. AE Smith collaborated with Connell Wagner and Sitzler Laing O’Rourke Joint Venture to complete the engineering design and implementation for the Darwin Convention Centre that is amongst Australia’s largest convention facilities. The rigorous judging process for the Excellence Awards includes reviewing how projects exceed client expectations, their community benefit as well as environmental sustainability.

But it’s not all fun and games. The Team Fitness Program appears to be making a real difference in the lives of participants both personally and professionally. This in turn translates to improved: > > > > >

Wellness through improved fitness and weight loss; Team spirit and morale; Staff retention and attraction; Intra-office communication; and Ultimately heightened professional performance at the team and individual level.

At the time of print, Team Melbourne will be coming to the end of its third 12 week training season. Now with 32 team members in total, the Season Three All-in-Bash should be even more fun. For more information about Team Melbourne and the Fitness Program please contact Raymond Lee on 03 9271 1956. Season Two All-in-Bash photo: Front row (L to R): Nicole Jones, Michael Kiraly, James Kinsella, Andrew Permezel, Steuart Livingstone, Antoni Pisa, Raymond Lee, Ivan Cukanic. Back row (L to R): Peter McCarthy, Sam Waters, Darren McGrath, Steve Kosik, David Mason, Manish Trivedi, Brad Burke, James Collins, George Zombos, Tate McAllan, Denver Lewis, Stuart Gibson, Leonard Alvarezhernandez (Missing in action: Ella Ozberk, Matt Younger, Peter Kinsella).

Past, present and future members wear their professional Team Melbourne jerseys with pride Pictured above, past member Tira Morgan (who recently left AE Smith to travel) points out Whistler Peak the future home of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Canada. Pictured bottom far left, present member Stuart Gibson finishes 1st place in an amazing 33 mins 48 sec at the 10km 2008 Melbourne Olympic Dream Run. Future members of Team Melbourne will climb to glory competing in the 1958 steps, 89 stories high, Eureka Tower Charity Challenge on 24 October.

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Team Melbourne Fitness Program All-in-Bash Celebrates End of Season Two Inspired by the legendary team building activities pioneered by Graham Buderus and his Queensland team on Curtis Island, the Melbourne Fitness Program celebrated the end of its second 12 week training season earlier this year with a special All-in-Bash event complete with commemorative Team Melbourne AE Smith jerseys by professional sport wear company 2XU. Normally the 20 strong fitness team would train in groups of 10 starting at alternate times. But under the watchful eye of professional trainer Stu Livingstone from Corporate Strength Inc, the All-in-Bash saw the whole group compete in team events including: > > > > > > >

Touch football The dreaded “Beep Test” (Stuart Gibson maxing out at an incredible 15-9) Maximum push ups 5 minute maximum distance run Circuit training with free weights Poison ball 50 pound sled pull

cellence “We’re very proud to have been recognized at this level for such a high profile project,” comments Mark Jacobsen, AE Smith’s Engineering Manager for Queensland. “Collaborating with other engineering companies to deliver an outstanding project has also been very rewarding,” he adds. Winning the Northern Division overall accolade will now automatically enter AE Smith and partner companies into the Australian Engineering Excellence Awards, which will be announced at a ceremony at Parliament House in November. For more information about AE Smith’s involvement with the Darwin Convention Centre please contact Mark Jacobson on 07 3332 0333.

Right attitude to safety rewarded Back in 2007, the AE Smith Construction team in Darwin won the coveted ‘Golden Hard Hat’ Safety Award (pic above) for their work on the largest construction site in Darwin. Developers of the landmark waterfront Darwin Convention Centre, Sitzler Laing O’Rourke Joint Venture, decided to recognise safety performance amongst the dozens of contractors involved in the $115 million project. The AE Smith team was applauded for their commitment to safety practices, including their “incident free” record.

For the record, the day ended in a draw with each team scoring five points a piece. 16 Cool Breeze by AE Smith

Spring 2008 5

Your Finance Team L to R: Ann Davids, Brenda Lai, Tanya Meldrum, Diane Wise, Judy Moseley, Phuong Nguyen, John Taylor, Sheila Ohis, Lyndall Carrig, Ross Cochrane, Peter Robinson, Andrea Byrne, Adrian Clark, Wilson Zoh, Adam Franklin (absent: Angela Graham).

Like Safety, IT and Marketing - Finance cuts across all branches and touches every AE Smith office across Australia and New Zealand. But unlike Safety, IT or Marketing - Finance makes sure you get paid each and every fortnight! There are of course other reasons why Finance is important. But sometimes it’s hard to beat the old “What’s In It For Me” test. So with that in mind, here’s a little information about some of your Finance team:

Funny Finance

Adam Franklin, Assistant Accountant Construction: My duties include managing our fixed assets, reconciling the balance sheets, looking after the transfers of cash between the branches and various other accounting duties. I live with my girlfriend of 4 years in a house we recently purchased. My time outside of work is spent trying to get fit, and studying for my Bachelor of Accounting.

Budget: An orderly system for living beyond your means.

Adrian Clark, CFO: Accountant whose passion in life is shooting and fishing. Does get his 4WD dirty. Follows the Hawks if winning.

Accountant: Someone who solves a problem you didn’t know you had in a way you don’t understand.

Andrea Byrne, Assistant Accountant Service: I have been with AES for four years and started my working life in Melbourne Service. I moved across to Corporate Finance in Dec 2007. I also work with the Service branches and assist where I can. Married with a 14 year daughter. We have two pets, Sally the Pomeranian and Smoochie the Moggy, and one of my hobbies is cooking with chocolate.

Record Mackay’s achievements reflect a company-wide focus on safety in the workplace, that’s ensuring AE Smith’s 16 branches are collectively setting new benchmarks in safety. “Thanks to a heightened awareness of injury and incident potential, teams across the company are truly demonstrating that we are putting safety first,” adds Danny. Ongoing safety training is a key focus of AE Smith, with a new phase of planned education workshops spotlighting the behavioural side to risk and hazard management. For more information on Safety 1st contact Danny O’Reilly on 0413 153 838.

Ann Davids, Accounts Payable Administrator for Vic & Tas Construction: Pleasure to work for a company with such high standards and values, even more satisfying working with such a great finance team, they are the best.

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Spring 2008 15

Brenda Lai, System Accountant: My new role is responsible for maintaining system integrity of business applications including Timberline, Wennsoft GP, Outlooksoft and Paperless AP and providing helpdesk support for the users of these systems. Diane Wise, Service National Accounts Receivable Manager: My role primarily consists of liaising with customers and branches to get our invoices paid in a timely manner, and following up on any disputes. John Taylor: I've been with the Company so long that I can't remember why I am here. I've been known to have the occasional beer, and have been spotted at the odd Music Festival, but am happiest watching the Cats with my daughter, especially over the last two seasons. Judy Moseley: Varied roles including Corporate banking, priority payments, inter branch transfers, credit card payments, payroll transfers, combined with ordering of vehicles, fuel cards and accounts payable for Corporate. Lyndall Carrig, Service Accountant: I joined AE Smith in Oct 2007 as the Assistant Accountant, and within 3 short weeks was promoted to Service Accountant. My main duties are preparing and producing the Financial Results for the 10 Service branches. Outside of work, I have a partner, Michael, and a cute little 10 month old puppy, Molly. I am studying a Bachelor of Accounting part time and in my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym, and walking my dog.

Mackay celebrates with gastronomic delights Mike Mulherin, AE Smith Mackay General Manager (picture above standing at front), congratulates his team on their milestone safety achievement. To mark the occasion and celebrate, Mike invited select customers and guests to join him and his team and eat Mackay’s world famous Byrnes pie with mushi peas and sauce, sausage rolls, peach rolls and lamingtons.

Mackay Streaks Ahead with New Safety R

Peter Robinson, Service National Accounts Payable Manager: My role includes the processing of all payables entries for the Australian Service branches and the subsequent payment of these transactions. Married with three children and involved in the coaching of junior Cricket and Football.

500 days incident free and counting

Phuong Nguyen, Project Accountant: I joined the team for the Royal Children Hospital project. Currently I assist the Finance team with various month end tasks and ad hoc projects. It’s been interesting and enjoyable time so far, more importantly the people are great and I am glad to be part of AE Smith.

The team at AE Smith Mackay have joined the growing majority of AE Smith branches in achieving 500 Lost Time Incident (LTI) Free days. Leading the way in demonstrating a commitment to the safety and welfare of their staff and families, the Mackay team’s efforts are being heralded as a new safety record amongst the Queensland branches. “The management team and workplace managers have really set the example for walking the talk when it comes to safety,” says National Safety Manager, Danny O’Reilly. “The milestone of 500 days LTI free is a tremendous feat achieved by a consistent and persistent approach – even when sometimes decisions are not popular,” he adds.

Ross Cochrane, General Manager Finance: I’m responsible for the finance team, ensuring on time and accurate reporting of business results. The key focus for this year will be to ensure all the IT projects underway are completed. Qualified in Accounting (of course!), but also a background in IT and business development. Sheila Ohis: Sheila is a temporary resource working with Diane in the collections area for Service. Tanya Meldrum: Project managers and accountants are like chalk and cheese. They talk completely different languages and that's where I fit in. I function as the interpreter between these vastly different parties, translating one group's language to the other, and vice versa. Ultimately, this means project managers can effectively monitor the performance of their projects and accountants receive the monthly financial information they require. Oh, and I also get to chase slow-paying customers with a big stick!! When I'm not counting beans, I can usually be found tending my garden and property, getting myself involved in some horse welfare/rescue-related activity or caring for my own family horse, pony, donkey, 3 cats, rabbit, guinea pig (another on the way!) and my extremely tolerant husband! Wilson Zoh, Construction Accountant: Rather than being branded as a “necessary evil”, I would like this role to be regarded as a reliable financial resource with a pleasant human face. As I always believe, no matter where you go or what you do, it is the people that matter.

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Outside the Square Puzzle: In four straight lines or less, without moving the pen off the paper, place a line through each dot. Recently AE Smith offered a number of staff the opportunity to complete a Certificate IV in Business Administration. 8 people including 6 from Finance took up the Challenge and will complete their studies by the end of this year. The Finance team is proud to have four members in the Melbourne Fitness program: Ross Cochrane, Judy Moseley and Adam Franklin are new to Season 3 and Lyndall Carrig was one of the original pilot members.

Spring 2008 7

AE Smith - an Outback Ballad As far as icons go, they don’t get much bigger than the Aussie Outback and to many Longreach is its spiritual home Earlier this year, Graham Buderus and Mike Mulherin hosted the annual AE Smith GM’s Conference Longreach. Longreach is named after the ‘long reach’ of the Thomson River (pictured right) on which it is situated some 700km west of Rockhampton. Longreach is home to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Qantas Founder’s Museum, both of which - the Mackay AE Smith team are proud to say - are long standing customers.

AE Smith is now headed by CEO Andrew Permezel – a continuation of the family dynasty. At the helm since 2006, Permezel continues the AE Smith vision of combining family values with business innovation. 110 years later, with offices from Perth to Mackay, Melbourne to Auckland, the company is regarded as an industry leader in mechanical services and a “major player in the Australian air conditioning and heating services industries” (IBISWorld). Working with Australian and international partners, AE Smith collaborates on multi-million dollar projects, new developments and landmark buildings throughout Australasia. These include: > > > > > > > >

Darwin Convention Centre (winner Engineers Australia Northern Division 2008 Engineering Excellence Award); Brisbane's 53-storey Riparian Plaza (winner Property Council of Australia 2008 Innovation & Excellence Award); The first 6 Star Green Star shopping centre in Australia, Orion Springfield Town Centre in Brisbane; Sky City Tower in Auckland, New Zealand The world famous Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach, Queensland; Melbourne's 92-storey Eureka Tower (the tallest residential building in the world); The only synchrotron in Australia and only one of two in the southern hemisphere, the Australian Synchrotron; as well as the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The company is also recognized for pioneering various business stewardship issues that would never have been considered by founder Albert Smith 110 years ago – ranging from university graduate programs, apprenticeship schemes to promote future industry development as well as key initiatives to reduce the impact of the air conditioning industry on the environment. Its work with Green Star and NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) projects; the first air conditioning company to support Greenfleet as well as pledging to plant 10,000 trees by 2010 to help offset carbon emissions of the industry are examples of the keen eye AE Smith has on the future. Reinforcing their commitment to family values, AE Smith also maintains a program of community support that includes providing pro bono air conditioning and mechanical service to Ronald McDonald House Charities in Monash, Auckland, Townsville and Perth. From the passion and vision of Albert Edward Smith back in 1898, to its outstanding record of growth into a BRW Top 500 Private Company, AE Smith remains a proudly Australian family owned business that promises to live on for another 110 years. 8 Cool Breeze by AE Smith

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AE Smith Service Melbourne team, circa 1990 Ian Wallace (Front, 1st from left), Peter McCarthy, Russell Wilson (Middle, 2nd and 3rd from left) and Michael Kiraly (Back, 1st from right) still work for AE Smith today.

The Company motto is lean and green… you must adapt or die, For our Mother Earth is suffering, o'er land and sea and sky. She labours with love as Mothers do - suffering for each nation, And AE Smith lends a keen-green hand of experience and innovation. We went travelling out to Longreach, Queen City of the West, Where four thousand lucky people live, in the country of the blest. Through the Gateway to the Outback, land of hope and history and myth, Where the Hall of Fame and QANTAS, are cooled by AE Smith. Where the cooee of the stockmen, and the lonely bush wife's fears Join with early pilot's courage... and the spirit of the pioneers. Where the hardy Thomson' s winding, artery of an ancient land, Where sacred shades still linger... in each rock and grain of sand. There's a rumour 'round the back-blocks... passed about by gents and ladies, That Old Nick has queried AE, for a quote to cool down Hades: ''I'll want a discount too, old son - a fair slice or I'll throw a seven; The same you gave the other side when you air-conditioned Heaven." "We'll take the job" said the CEO; "and you can bet we'll do it well. But you'll have to change your motto 'cause it won't be... hot as hell." Now Old Nick's been around a while, and he likes to spin and spiel: ''I've got a reference from St. Peter - a couple more will seal the deal." "You can back our brand on air-con... we manage environment and power In commercial and residential: check Riparian Plaza and the mighty Eureka Tower; Through the Gateway to the Outback - land of hope and history and myth, The Stockman's Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders, are cooled by AE Smith. The Company motto is lean and green… you must adapt or die, For our Mother Earth is suffering, o'er land and sea and sky. She labours with love as mothers do, suffering for each nation, And AE Smith lends a keen-green hand of experience and innovation.

Top: Pictured here in 1993, John Hoens will celebrate 50 years service in 2009. Above: Andrew Permezel enjoying the Melbourne book launch of ‘Spanning the Centuries’.

“AE Smith - an Outback Ballad” written by Alan Blunt Banjo’s Outback Theatre & Woolshed, Longreach, Queensland

‘Spanning the Centuries: A History of AE Smith & Son Pty Ltd’ by J. Flesch & R. Francis is the story of the AE Smith family, the three men who owned the company from the end of the last century, and some of the many men and women who worked with them for 30+ years.

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Spring 2008 9

AE Smith Celebrates 110 years Top: Albert Edward Smith, 1871-1923. Above: Hobart office and AE Smith ute 1968. Above right: AE Smith team, Richmond Melbourne office, circa 1980. Can you spot the seven employees in the 1980 team photo that still work for AE Smith today?: (L to R) Peter Staedler, Mark Hobday, Graeme Warland, Frank Pak, Kevin McDonnell, Frank Wechsler, Bob George.

Family values lay the foundation for one of Australia’s business success stories

engineer Sir Walter Bassett on iconic sites as the Norman Brothers Headquarters in Elizabeth Street and Caulfield Town Hall.

From its humble beginnings in 1898 as a one man plumbing business in Richmond, founder Albert Edward Smith set in motion an industry leading company that would become one of Australia’s largest and most successful family owned businesses.

This passion for expanding the business was shared by the founder’s grandson, Barry Smith who took over the reins in 1953. Under his leadership, AE Smith opened offices throughout the country and added further landmark sites and projects to the company’s portfolio.

The growth of AE Smith into a formidable mechanical services company with 12 offices around the country, 600+ employees and intrinsic involvement in Australia’s built environment has been anchored around a combination of family values and innovative vision for the future.

But just as importantly, AE Smith continued to build on a culture of learning, integrity and innovation amongst staff that has created an enviable team of leading engineers and trades people. The company proudly boasts a host of employees who’ve been with AE Smith for as long as 50 years – testament to the passion employees have shared for growing the business.

AE Smith’s impressive 110 year success story is traced through three generations and hundreds of men and women who worked with them for up to fifty years. Its’ original business success enjoyed as a result of the huge demand for plumbing services during Melbourne’s settlement boom, meant founder Albert Smith could hand the business on to his son, Bert. He would serve the company for the next 40 years. Bert’s vision of broadening AE Smith’s services to include mechanical services for heating, cooling and ventilation saw the business take on larger projects in Melbourne – working with noted

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John Hoens (see picture p.12), AE Smith Apprentice Master for 30 years will celebrate 50 years service with AE Smith in January next year – and during that time has fostered the development and training of hundreds of apprentices. One of them includes Mark Lovelady, who has just commemorated 30 years with the business. During his tenure, Mark has worked his way from “the ground up”.. His progression from sheet metal apprentice in 1977 to General Manager of AE Smith Service in Brisbane highlights the opportunities and support offered to employees. (Cont. next page)

Above left: Melbourne drafting team 2007. Above: Melbourne head office and Service truck 2008. L to R: Mark Hobday, Adrian M, George Zombos, Brad Burke, James Collins, Sean Duffy, Ron Oates, Alan Chamberlain, Tom Ng, Chris Wardle, Graeme Warland, Barry Schneider, Xianjiang Lu, Steve Kozsik, Imran Khan (Absent: Shane Sier, Warren Kid, Victor Umansky). Mark Hobday and Graeme Warland are pictured in both the 1980 and 2007 team photos above.

Spring 2008 11