2015 MB VIC Journal Nov/Dec

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015 VOLUME 70 ISSUE 05

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA

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2015 Excellence in Housing Awards: review the winners p.14 Taking inventory: the Andrews government one year on p.12 Member profile: Kleev Homes p.38

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forewords

Master Builder Victoria

1

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

Time flies Though we’re not quite there yet, turning the corner into 2016 will come soon enough and at high speed, and that means it’s worth tapping the brake for a moment to take inventory of what we—and our elected leaders—have achieved for you over the past 12 months. If you inspected the annual review that we bundled with the previous issue, then you have some idea of the statistics; in this edition, CEO Radley de Silva offers his perspective (p. 12) on to what extent the new Labor Government has delivered on its promises and how our sector stands poised to work cooperatively with it to generate more wins for building and construction.

The main focus of this issue, of course, is the outcome of our Excellence in Housing Awards, a high-spirited event held at Crown Palladium on Friday 16 October. We congratulate all the participants of this major event and present you with a summary of the members and projects who earned accolades that evening. It was a big gathering indeed with nearly 750 of us toasting achievement in residential building, so even if you were there yourself you’d be well advised to review the portfolio of winners beginning on p.14 to see what you may have missed.

When the Turnbull government took federal office in September, Master Builders Australia welcomed the appointment of Hon. Kelly O’Dwyer as Minister for Small Business, citing that the building and construction industry is made of more than 300,000 such small businesses. Minister O’Dwyer is poised to become one of Mr Turnbull’s most powerful cabinet members, with considerable influence in shaping the landscape for owners of these businesses in our sector, as well as increasing the voice of women among our elected officials. Master Builder is pleased to have our guest foreword in this issue penned by Minister O’Dwyer (p.6) and we look forward to her advocacy for members of our industry.

The Building Leadership Simulation Centre (BLSC) continues to blaze trails with innovation in training technology and customisation. The BLSC’s effectiveness in simulation received acknowledgement from Monash University in its report, “Building a Better Workforce”. That’s a nice feather to have in your cap, and Business Development and Relationship Executive Alan Odgers shares some of the details on p.20.

So much activity happens in just one year. We enjoy working hard to make sure you know what’s happening in your professional world so you can seize the opportunities that get you where you want to go, equipped with the information you need.

Peter Sackett Editor

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contents forewords A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

Master Builder Victoria

CONTENTS

features

membership

1

FROM CEO RADLEY DE SILVA

PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD

4

Taking Inventory: a look back at the Andrews government’s first year

GUEST FOREWORD

6

2015 EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

14

BLSC

20

Kelly O’Dwyer MP, Federal Minister for Small Business, Assistant Treasurer

NEWS ROUND UP CASE STUDY CONSTRUCTION

12

FINANCIAL SERVICES 8 32

SPONSOR PROFILE

Chris gets the compo lowdown

22

What to do in a low-interest environment

INSURANCE

24

Liability insurance: having the right cover

LEGAL

REGIONAL ROUND UP

34

DIRECTORY

60

Licence Lending … Money for nothing or Dire Straits?

WHAT’S NEW

62

OHS

38 40

Incolink

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS

42

SOCIAL PAGES

43

LONG TERM MEMBERS

44

VALUE OF MEMBERSHIP

44

MEMBER MILESTONES

46

NEW MEMBERS

47

26

general features 27

Setting measurable and effective OHS objectives

TRAINING

MEMBER PROFILE Kleev Homes

Can’t find the perfect course? Why not develop your own?

regulars

3

28

BUILDING SOFTWARE

50

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

52

HIRE

56

Training: the quality Master Builder delivers

GREEN LIVING

30

Master Builder Green Living Conference 2015

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA 332 Albert Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002 Tel: (03) 9411 4555 Fax: (03) 9411 4591 Email: mbassist@mbav.com.au www.mbav.com.au Master Builder is the official journal of the Master Builders Association of Victoria, which was established in 1875 and is one of the state’s oldest employer organisations.

The organisation is part of the Australia-wide Master Builder movement. The keynote is service: and Master Builder is produced in line with this objective of keeping all members informed of all matters affecting them. Membership of the Master Builders is open to all qualified business operatives in the building and construction industry; the basis of membership is integrity and competence, based on training and experience.

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT: Peter Picking (President) Melanie Fasham (Deputy President) Greg Zuccala (Immediate Past President) Richard Hansen (Treasurer) David Moyle, Richard Hansen, Jarrod Sanfilippo, Darren Pye and Ian Hawkey

Council of Management: Peter Picking (President) Melanie Fasham (Deputy President) Greg Zuccala (Immediate Past President) David Moyle, Richard Hansen, Jarrod Sanfilippo, Darren Pye, Ian Hawkey Philip Robinson, Lindsay Barber, Michael Clemenger, Tom Basel, Michael Cameron, Claude Salvatore, Sandy McPherson, Nic Morgan and Paul Gardiner CEO: Radley de Silva, 9411 4501 General Manager, Commercial Services: Viviana Hood, 9411 4516 General Manager, Corporate Services: Lawrie Cross, 9411 4582 General Manager, BLSC: Marc Lyons, 9411 8001 MANAGERS: Membership: Dom Butera, 9411 4598 Legal: Angelo Simonetto, 9411 4593 Industrial Relations: Daniel Hodges, 9411 4562 OHS: John Darcy, 9411 4521 Training: Corrie Williams, 9411 4544 MBA Insurance Services: Joe Keiper, 9411 4504 Policy & Communications: Leanne Edwards 9411 4515 Business Development: Tony Biffaro, 9411 4557 Finance & Administration: Ron Joordens, 9411 4556 Human Resources: Steven Hogan, 9411 4540 Sponsorship & Alliance: Danielle Penna, 9411 4551 Strategic Projects: Julie-Anne Sheppard, 9411 8000 Magazine Editor: Peter Sackett, 9411 4534, psackett@mbav.com.au

PUBLISHED BY

Tel: 1800 222 757 Fax: 1800 063 151 Email: publications@crowtherblayne.com.au Advertising Executive: Paul Baird Tel: 1800 222 757 Email: paulb@crowtherblayne.com.au Production: Brooke Travers Tel: 1800 222 757 Email: brooke@crowtherblayne.com.au Graphic Design Team: Andrew Crabb, Byron Bailey, Michelle Triana, Danny McGirr Print: Newstyle Printing Distribution: adelaide business bureaux Disclaimer: The Publisher and the Master Builders Association of Victoria, their employees and agents take no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions. The opinions are those of the contributors and not necessarily of the Publishers nor of the Association. No warranty is given and no liability is accepted. Products and Services appearing in Master Builder are not necessarily endorsed by the Publisher or the Association.

While every care has been taken during production, the publisher(s) do not accept any liability for errors or omissions that may have occurred.

4

Master Builder Victoria

PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD

forewords

EBAs: Costs to the industry and Victorians The building and construction industry is the bedrock of the economic and social stability of Victoria, not only generating jobs, considerable taxes and output for the economy, but also providing the much needed houses and social infrastructure for Peter Picking our communities. Our community President needs our industry to remain strong, particularly in a competitive international investment market.

It is deeply saddening therefore, when we see the costs of commercial construction accelerating out of control and important reforms being undermined.

Master Builders recently commissioned Deloitte Access Economics to provide a report on the current health of the construction industry and it shows significant concerns. The report (available on the Master Builders website) indicates disturbing trends in the costs of construction and the impact that will have on non-residential investment and therefore construction in our state.

For over a decade the EBA agreements applicable in the commercial construction sector have created unsustainable wage increases.

Over the past 15 years, these increases have exceeded the Wage Price Index by 27.6 per cent; costing Victorians around 1550 jobs in the construction industry and investment in important commercial construction projects.

These costs mean that the sector is continuing to become less attractive when compared to other investments.

Does anyone really pay more for a service because it’s local, or do they check around and then buy from another source? The investment institutions are correctly putting their funds where they can maximise returns for their members and, as a result, the social infrastructure which we deliver is either not being constructed or our governments are paying more than elsewhere.

There is still significant demand for commercial residential work in our state and without it our industry, the second largest full-time employer in the state, would be in significant trouble. We need the housing and roads and community facilities that commercial construction work brings.

So with the negotiations for the next EBA underway we must hope for commercial and economic sense to prevail.

All stakeholders must recognise that in Victoria the costs of construction are already too high. The Deloitte report shows that if these massive EBA wage rises continue over the next four years, we will lose around 40 new schools or six new hospitals from the government construction spend. This is not a palatable outcome and the community should be outraged about these continuing losses.

Master Builders stands ready to negotiate the best possible EBA agreement and we must hope for a sustainable result for the future of our industry and the community.

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Master Builder Victoria

GUEST FOREWORD

forewords

Preparing for transition and success Australia’s economy is undergoing a significant transition, and we need to make sure every sector, every business, is ready for the opportunities that arise.

We reduced the tax rate for small companies by 1.5 per cent and provided a 5 per cent tax discount to unincorporated small businesses. Over the next four years, this will deliver a tax cut of $1.8 billion.

It is acknowledged that the building and construction industry faces Kelly O’Dwyer MP challenges during the transition away Federal Minister for Small Business, Assistant Treasurer from the mining investment boom, but the outlook is very positive with dwelling investment forecast to grow strongly and non-mining construction expected to pick up over the next few years.

The Government’s historic package also includes an immediate tax deduction for every eligible asset costing less than $20,000 purchased until the end of June 2017, giving small business owners the ability to buy new assets sooner.

In 2013-14, Australia’s building and construction sector accounted for close to 8 per cent of gross domestic product and 9 per cent of employment in Australia.

This includes around half of the industry made up of small businesses and over 60 per cent employed in a small business.

The Turnbull Government is supporting small businesses, which makes up 97 per cent of all businesses in Australia, to ensure growth is achievable and jobs are created.

We have a $5.5 billion Growing Jobs and Small Business package, announced in the last Budget, which was the biggest small business initiative in this nation’s history.

We have improved the taxation of employee share schemes so that small business can access and retail talented employees and we will have legislation supporting crowd-sourced equity funding later this year so small business owners can access new funding.

The Turnbull Government is committed to creating the right environment for businesses to succeed, including the building and construction industry.

We are currently in discussions with the states and territories on how we can improve our tax system. Our aim is for a tax system that is fit for purpose to grow our economy, improve our competitiveness, and secure our continued prosperity into the future.

We are committed to getting the economic settings right which will help business to take advantage of opportunities to build their businesses and create more jobs.

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news

Master Builder Victoria

Have you heard about Building Victoria? Visit www.mbavnews.com.au for up

Commonwealth $1.5 billion for Victorian infrastructure welcomed The announcement on 28 October from the Turnbull government that $1.5 billion of Commonwealth funding will be now be made available for new infrastructure projects in Victoria comes as welcome news according to Master Builders Association of Victoria CEO Radley de Silva.

The availability of these funds comes with the stipulation that they be used for new infrastructure projects, with the Western Distributor and Monash Freeway upgrades identified as possible targets for the funds.

“Master Builders is very encouraged by the news that federal funding originally slated for the now-defunct East West Link project, has been approved to help

Approvals of both houses and apartments up in September The number of dwellings approved in Victoria increased by 5 per cent in September: • Following a fall in August, multi-unit approvals increased in both Victoria and Australia.

• Although approvals of detached houses eased nationally, they increased in Victoria.

pursue new infrastructure projects in Victoria,” Mr de Silva said.

“While East West Link represented a vital project for alleviating congestion on our roads, it is now important to move on and take action on much-needed engineering construction projects and stop playing partisan politics with our transport infrastructure,” he said.

“It appears the Turnbull government recognises the urgency for major infrastructure projects in Victoria and our hope is that the Andrews government seizes this opportunity to fulfil the acute need for shovel-ready engineering construction works to plan for Victoria’s future,” Mr de Silva said.

“The funds approved make a significant gesture toward recognising not only the need for projects that boost the economy and the high quality of life enjoyed by Victorians, but also the urgency of protecting the building and construction industry, which is Victoria’s second-largest full-time employer.”

In the three months to September, total dwelling approvals fell by 8.1 per cent to a seasonally-adjusted 16,054: • 7,497 multi-units • 8,557 detached houses

• The trend in housing renovations was virtually unchanged but was only 1.5 per cent higher than a year ago.

• The trend in the value of non-residential building fell by one per cent and was 15 per cent lower than a year earlier.

• The trend in the value of all building approved fell by 1.5 per cent but was 0.3 per cent higher than a year ago.

House approvals in the three months to September were 2.9 per cent higher than in the previous three months and 8.6 per cent higher than in the same three months a year ago. Approvals of multiunits fell by 18 per cent but were 16 per cent higher than a year earlier.

In the year to September, Victorian approvals, at 69,374, were ahead of the 63,631 approved in New South Wales and well ahead of Queensland’s 46,829.

Trends in the value of building approved were negative for housing and for nonresidential building: • The trend value of new housing approved in September fell by 1.8 per cent but was still 8 per cent higher than a year earlier.

In addition, results of Master Builders’ September quarterly survey indicate the crucial need to address the skills shortages being faced in the building and construction industry, particularly in the face of population growth in Victoria.

“Whilst builders have quite strong expectations for their own business activity, they are facing delays in sourcing labour and materials, and expect increasing costs from this,” Master Builders Association of Victoria CEO Radley de Silva said.

The survey results can be read online at www.mbavnews.com.au.

news

Master Builder Victoria

9

to the minute news and info from the building and construction industry, 24/7

Legal seminars now available online

Employment Minister Cash gets first tranche of workplace reforms through Senate

During 2015, our Master Builders’ Legal Department has conducted a series of bi-monthly seminars on legal topics of interest and importance to members.

These legal seminars have been well received, but we are also aware that not every member who stands to benefit from the information shared at the seminars has been able to attend. We are pleased to now provide these seminars as an online resource for members to purchase and access at their convenience.

To date, we have four seminars available, with more coming online shortly: • Hand-over – a seminar on how to best handle the hand-over process and deal with disputes that may arise.

• How to get paid using the Security of Payments Act – this seminar provides an introductory guide to contractors and subcontractors on being paid sooner by making a payment claim using the Act. • The most common mistakes made by domestic builders – a seminar covering good contract administration; a must for any builder wishing to avoid costly mistakes and seeking to get paid.

• Variations, extensions of time and superintendent certificates, what you should look out for – a seminar aimed at contract administration of some common commercial contracts.

The videos can be found on the “Products” web page at www.mbav.com. au and are offered to our members at a discounted price. We recommend that you check the website regularly for posting of more legal seminars as we continue to deliver new, relevant and informative content on legal issues faced by builders within the construction industry.

If you have any questions or would like more information about future legal seminars, please call us on (03) 9411 4555.

New Employment Minister Michaelia Cash has helped secure the Turnbull Government’s first major legislative victory on workplace laws, with the Senate passing amendments to the Fair Work Act’s “strike first, talk later” loophole – as well as making improvements to the greenfields agreement making arrangements.

Whilst the changes fall short of the full range of reforms originally earmarked in the Fair Work Amendment Bill, it is nonetheless a significant step in the right direction.

The changes to the Fair Work Act’s protected industrial action provisions are particularly important, as it ensures that the “strike first, talk later” loophole created by the infamous JJ Richards decision will belatedly be addressed.

Employers will now have certainty that protected action will not be available to employees (and their union representatives) unless either the employer has agreed to negotiate, or the Fair Work Commission is satisfied that a majority of employees that would be covered by the Agreement wish to negotiate – and there has subsequently been a genuine attempt to reach agreement.

The Coalition and crossbench senators Glenn Lazarus, John Madigan, Dio Wang, Nick Xenophon, Bob Day, David Leyonhjelm and Ricky Muir voted in favour of the amended Bill to provide its passage, providing a three-vote majority.

It was opposed by Labor, the Greens and Jacqui Lambie. If the Turnbull Government accepts the amendments, the Bill will go back to a vote in the House of Representatives.

Commenting following the vote, Senator Cash is quoted in The Australian as stating: “I applaud the co-operation and reasoned approach taken by the crossbench senators and look forward to maintaining this constructive approach on future legislation”.

Master Builders welcomes the passage of these necessary reforms through the Senate. We call upon the crossbench senators to take the same approach towards approving legislative reforms necessary to introduce the rule of law to the building and construction industry, including by supporting the passage of the Bill to re-establish the ABCC.

10

news

Master Builder Victoria

Have you heard about Building Victoria? Visit www.mbavnews.com.au

St Anne’s School visits the BLSC

President Peter Picking, flanked by ALink trade apprentices, introduces Ministers Donnellan and Herbert before the media at the BLSC.

Ministers Donnellan and Herbert announce 50 per cent rego discount at BLSC Early on Thursday 12 November Master Builders and BLSC staff hosted Luke Donnellan MP, Minister for Roads and Road Safety and Steve Herbert MP, Minister for Training and Skills as they announced the launch of the 50 per cent vehicle registration discount scheme for eligible trade apprentices.

“Master Builders is committed to the careers of our apprentices, and this scheme makes a practical gesture toward helping to alleviate the costs young men and women face in working hard to build those careers,” Master Builders Association of Victoria Radley de Silva said.

The presentation was made at the state-of-the-art training facility in South Melbourne with print and television media attending, in addition to a troop of trade apprentices gathered by Master Builders for the occasion.

“The discount scheme complements our own apprentice support programs, such as ALink, which provides much needed assistance, financial support, career advice and job information to our young trade apprentices,” Mr de Silva said.

On 20 October, a troop of curious year five students from St Anne’s School in Kew East gathered at the BLSC to learn about careers in building and construction. Teachers from the school had contacted the centre after several of the students had expressed an interest in knowing more about careers in building and having learned from a parent, who works in the industry, about the resource the BLSC provides.

Master Builders Careers Manager Jarrod Flanigan, always ready to entertain, delivered a hands-on experience with tool belts, drills, chisels and saws to introduce the fundamentals. Afterwards, Jarrod demonstrated the basic joystick controls of the virtual worksite before allowing the kids to drive the simulator on their own, which consisted mostly of high-speed airborne somersaults through “concrete” walls and headlong crashes into the “street”. Though the teacher chaperones succumbed to mild vertigo, they were delighted with the students’ level of engagement.

Minister Steve Herbert MP chats with ALink apprentices before announcing the rego discount scheme at the BLSC.

Luke Donnellan MP announces the car rego discount for trade apprentices flanked by President Peter Picking (L) and Steve Herbert MP (R) at the BLSC.

Master Builders Careers Manager Jarrod Flanigan gives Kew East year five students hands-on exposure to the building industry.

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Master Builder Victoria

R A D L E Y D E S I LVA , C E O

features

Taking inventory:

a look back at the Andrews government’s first year Ed Koch, the former mayor of New York City, was renowned for asking his constituents, “How am I doin’?” It has Radley de Silva been one year CEO, Master Builders Association of Victoria since I sketched out what Master Builders hoped to see from our newly elected Victorian government, and I’ll pretend they have asked the same question of us.

Distilling precisely what we wanted to see develop for our sector, Master Builders released Master Builders’ Priorities: Building Our Future in April this year outlining some of the key initiatives for driving the growth and prosperity of the building and construction industry. We can offer some refreshed perspective on what has been achieved and what remains to accomplish on this set of priorities.

Among Master Builders’ most frequent messages to both the state government and the general public is expressing the urgency for substantial and rapid progress on infrastructure projects throughout Victoria, including hospitals, schools, roads and other engineering construction works.

The May budget revealed that the Labor government would commit nearly $20 billion for major infrastructure, a need for which Master Builders has been an advocate for a long time. With up to $11 billion for the Melbourne Metro Rail Project, including $1.5 billion over four years to complete the planning, design

and commence construction by 2018, this is a welcome step toward building a pipeline of such projects. But much more is needed particularly since construction will not commence for at least another two years, and traffic congestion will exacerbate further both before and during that phase.

Labor also earmarked up to $6 billion to remove 50 level crossings throughout Melbourne. As of this writing that work has begun in several locations with a commitment to contract 17 of them by the end of this year, though funding for these removals depends on the government’s successful lease of the Port of Melbourne, which still hangs in the balance.

The Western Distributor proposal remains perhaps the most conspicuous but least resolved project that began to take shape in the wake of the East West Link cancellation. We urge the government to progress this in a timely manner.

We have seen some progress on the establishment of Infrastructure Victoria, as the Infrastructure Victoria Bill was passed on 3 September this year and Premier Andrews announced the makeup of its board on 7 October. We look forward to Infrastructure Victoria’s release of their 30-year plan as we move ever closer toward a projected Melbourne population of eight million by 2050.

Alongside infrastructure investment, underscoring and upholding the rule of law in our industry remains one of our most emphatic causes, particularly as we draw close to the renewed industry EBA negotiations with the union.

On 31 August, we released the report we commissioned from Deloitte Access Economics, Victorian Construction – labour costs and productivity, which showed that construction industry EBA wages have been growing at unsustainably high rates and costing Victorian jobs and much needed social infrastructure like schools, hospitals, parks and roads. The Royal Commission has highlighted numerous instances of unlawful behaviour demonstrated by the union. Victoria remains particularly vulnerable since the abolition of the Construction Code Compliance Unit (CCCU) early in 2015. The penalties for bullying and intimidation in place by the FWBC are helpful but do not offer nearly as potent a deterrent as the ABCC, the likely re-establishment of which remains uncertain, though it has received recent public support from Federal Minister for Employment Michaelia Cash.

Housing affordability remains a nettlesome challenge. The revised Plan Melbourne discussion paper, released on 22 October revealed that the Andrews government has amended the plan to address the needs of housing expansion in the wake of population growth, but we will be assessing the viability of these changes, especially in light of housing affordability challenges. In addition, a new national taskforce will address housing affordability in the context of providing the key to long-term employment. The taskforce will be led by Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas.

Master Builders has been pleased to have opportunities to publicly emphasise the need for trades registration, including a radio interview I did just after the Victorian

features

Auditor-General’s report became available in May. It revealed the large number of building defects that plague consumers in their dealings with unregistered builders.

We have been in discussion with the Victorian government about this issue and have prepared a paper to address it specifically. We anticipate that our call may be heard. Master Builders is also encouraged by proposed changes to the Building Legislation Amendment Bill and remain hopeful for a good outcome.

In the context of cutting through red tape associated with building activity, we can

report that the Andrews government has tabled legislation for the establishment of a “Fair Go Rates” system, professed to be a salve for uncontrolled council rate hikes in Victoria. The bill would authorise Minister for Local Government, Natalie Hutchins MP, to stop councils from exceeding rate caps based on the Melbourne Consumer Price Index forecast.

This has been a fascinating year, with achievements and disappointments both, but with plenty of enthusiasm and determination to continue to push for our industry’s best interests. We

Master Builder Victoria

13

R A D L E Y D E S I LVA , C E O

have seen the Labor government offer a number of gestures toward getting critical issues addressed, and even resolved, and the next 12 months will be an especially important time to remain focussed. We’ll need to be vigilant and seek every opportunity to keep them as priorities, not just for our sector but for the politicians who represent us. I look forward to continued cooperation and hard work with our colleagues in Victorian Parliament.

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features

Master Builder Victoria

2 015 E XC E L L E N C E I N H O U S I N G AWA R D S

2015

Excellence in Housing Awards A METICULOUSLY CONSTRUCTED ALBERT PARK HOME HAS EARNED IMPERIAL BUILDERS THE TITLE OF 2015 MASTER BUILDER OF THE YEAR (RESIDENTIAL).

On Friday 16 October nearly 750 guests attended the Master Builders Excellence in Building Awards at Crown Palladium to join in the celebration of Imperial Builders’ success and recognise other high achievers in residential construction.

Shadow Minister for Planning David Davis MP and Victorian Leader of the Opposition Matthew Guy MP joined in the program, presenting to the winners among 255 entries, an increase of 29 per cent from last year. Among the other major winners was Kinglake West builder Camson Homes, named Regional Master Builder of the Year and Warragul builder Leigh Allchin who was named Young Builder of the Year.

Host Tim Campbell did an outstanding job not only hosting the evening but, backed by his band, entertaining everyone with an energetic series of songs that ran well into in the evening.

triple-glazed panels, and is especially appealing when illuminated at night.

The house is well fitted out with a high quality full joinery package featuring the highest quality materials available.

THE 2015 REGIONAL RESIDENTIAL BUILDER OF THE YEAR WAS AWARDED TO CAMSON HOMES FOR THEIR PROJECT IN TALLAROOK. The design strategy of this new fourbedroom home required the use of salvaged timber to construct a series of gabled pavilions in the landscape.

The interior spaces are modulated and articulated by the large, salvaged jarrah columns that are coupled and bolted together. Timber trusses within the lofted ceiling spaces support the prominent gabled roof form. The result is a simple and pure form that evokes images of local rural building types. The silhouette of the house is dramatised in the landscape.

THE 2015 MASTER BUILDER OF THE YEAR WAS AWARDED TO IMPERIAL BUILDERS PTY LTD FOR THEIR PROJECT IN ALBERT PARK.

THE 2015 YOUNG BUILDER OF THE YEAR WAS AWARDED TO LEIGH ALLCHIN, ALLCHIN BUILDERS PTY LTD.

The two-storey, three-bedroom Albert Park residence makes distinctive use of a broad palette of textures and materials in defining the living spaces, and includes an illuminated display of the owner’s wine collection behind triple-glazed panels. A central feature of the home is an infinity-edge reflection pool, visible to each of the rooms that surround it. Large pivoting and sliding glass doors allow this water feature to feel part of each room. Also, a seethrough temperature-controlled wine cellar on the ground floor showcases the client’s wine collection behind

Leigh has been in the building industry for over 20 years, having undertaken and completed an apprenticeship in carpentry and worked for a number of builders, gaining invaluable experience before becoming managing director of the multi-award-winning company Allchin Builders Pty Ltd. He later completed a Certificate IV in Construction and became a registered builder in 2009. Since becoming a builder, Leigh has successfully completed residential projects valued up to $2M. His understanding of the importance of building strong client relationships is one of Leigh’s key strengths demonstrated

by the respect and time he offers his clients. The judges commend Leigh on his commitment to the building industry and to his local community.

Master Builders congratulates all entrants in this year’s 2015 Excellence in Housing Awards and looks forward to your continued support of this program.

The Awards continue to receive significant publicity and media coverage, including Master Builders’ Winning Homes magazine, which provide entrants and winners with a unique marketing tool to promote their business.

JUDGES Very special thanks are extended to this year’s judges, who once again were faced with an extremely difficult task. This year’s judges were Chief Judge – Mort Mitchell, Dr Phil Alviano, Rod Bell, Paul Chen, Tony Croucher, Trevor Evans, Geoff Falk, Charlie Hartup, Joe Hastie, Peter Helfer, Efy Karagiannis, Robert Lees, Max Loche, Brian MacSweeney, Christopher McSteen, Bill Miller, Frank Pavan, Steven Peluso, Don Ravida, Michael Rigg, Peter Sutton, Austin Swain and Peter Vleugel SPONSORS Events such as this are not possible without the continuing and generous support of our sponsors.

Thank you to our sponsors: AGL , Cbus, Chocolate Home Loans, Crowther Blayne, DG Global, Fox FM, MBA Insurance, Miele Australia, PremiumOZ, Rylock Windows, SiteSoft

features Craig Kinney, Ben Robson, David Tankovich, Imperial Builders and Peter Picking, President.

Master Builder Victoria

2 015 E XC E L L E N C E I N H O U S I N G AWA R D S – W I N N E R S

Peter Picking, President and Wayne Campbell, Camson Homes.

Leigh Allchin, Allchin Builders and Peter Picking, President.

MASTER BUILDER OF THE YEAR

REGIONAL BUILDER OF THE YEAR

YOUNG BUILDER OF THE YEAR

IMPERIAL BUILDERS PTY LTD

CAMSON HOMES

LEIGH ALLCHIN

Project: Albert Park

Project: Tallarook

Allchin Builders Pty Ltd

Craig Flenley, Crowther Blayne and Pete Furlong, Elyte Focus.

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Craig Flenley, Crowther Blayne and Frank Parisella, Ecobuilt Vic Pty Ltd.

Anthony Adams, Complete Builders Insight and Laurie Mihan, Miele Australia.

BEST RENOVATION/ADDITION UNDER $200,000

BEST RENOVATION/ADDITION $200,000 - $300,000

BEST RENOVATION/ADDITION $300,000 - $500,000

ELYTE FOCUS PTY LTD

ECOBUILT VIC PTY LTD

COMPLETE BUILDERS INSIGHT PTY LTD

Project: Merricks

Project: Travancore

Project: Richmond

Jan Knecht, The Zimmerman OZ and Adam Whiting, Rylock Windows.

Damien Rinaldi, Ultra Builders and Adam Whiting, Rylock Windows.

BEST RENOVATION/ADDITION $500,000 - $750,000

BEST RENOVATION/ADDITION $750,000 - $1M

THE ZIMMERMAN OZ PTY LTD

ULTRA BUILDERS PTY LTD

Project: Kew

Project: Newport

Melanie Laing, AGL and John Leone, Leone Constructions.

Hans Oudemans, Carlisle Homes and Ross Macdonald, SiteSoft Pty Ltd.

Adam Whiting, Rylock Windows and on behalf of James Kleverlaan, Kleev Homes.

SPECIAL COMMENDATION

BEST RENOVATION/ADDITION $750,000 - $1M

KLEEV HOMES PTY LTD Project: Hawthorn

Peter Langfelder, Metricon Homes and Ross Macdonald, SiteSoft Pty Ltd.

BEST RENOVATION/ADDITION OVER $1M

BEST DISPLAY HOME UNDER $200,000

BEST DISPLAY HOME $200,000 - $250,000

LEONE CONSTRUCTIONS

CARLISLE HOMES

METRICON HOMES PTY LTD

Project: Toorak

Project: Hawkesbury 25, Mickleham

Project: Agar 28 BP Kingston, Cranbourne East

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Master Builder Victoria

2 015 E XC E L L E N C E I N H O U S I N G AWA R D S – W I N N E R S

Craig Delaney, Long Island Homes, Danielle Jarvis, Fox FM and Danny Safadi, Long Island Homes.

BEST DISPLAY HOME $250,000 - $300,000

LONG ISLAND HOMES Project: Taya 300, Diggers Rest

features

Danielle Jarvis, Fox FM and Simon Dunstan, SJD Homes.

SPECIAL COMMENDATION

BEST DISPLAY HOME $250,000 - $300,000

SJD HOMES Project: Stanford 273, Officer

Trevor Evans, National President MBA and Lisa Nightingale, Henley Properties.

BEST DISPLAY HOME $300,000 - $350,000

HENLEY PROPERTIES Project: Lexington Vue Q1, Greenvale

Trevor Evans, National President MBA and Peter Langfelder, Metricon Homes.

Melanie Laing, AGL and Peter Langfelder, Metricon Homes.

BEST DISPLAY HOME $350,000 - $500,000

BEST DISPLAY HOME $500,000 - $750,000

BEST DISPLAY HOME OVER $750,000

METRICON HOMES PTY LTD

METRICON HOMES PTY LTD

BETTER LIVING GROUP

Project: Vantage 38 Cube, Keysborough

Project: Balmaine 51 Oak Park, Point Cook

Project: The Fitzgerald, Balwyn

Danielle Jarvis, Fox FM and Ken and Sharon Stevenson, Lekeal Pty.

Bruce Charlton, Mode Projects and Laurie Mihan, Miele Australia.

Daniel Mazzei, Better Living Group and Jarrod Coysh, Cbus.

Laurie Mihan, Miele Australia and Terry and Sylvia Keon, Keon Constructions.

BEST CUSTOM HOME $300,000 - $400,000

BEST CUSTOM HOME $400,000 - $500,000

BEST CUSTOM HOME $500,000 - $600,000

LEKEAL PTY LTD

MODE PROJECTS PTY LTD

KEON CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD

Project: Yarrawonga

Project: Mt Martha

Project: West Brunswick

Bradley Barlow, AGL and Cameron Gibney, Gibney Building.

Raymond Zhang and Mua Kasi, R.Z. Owens Constructions and Jarrod Coysh, Cbus.

Anthony Burge, Clearview Constructions and Jarrod Coysh, Cbus.

BEST CUSTOM HOME $600,000 - $800,000

BEST CUSTOM HOME $800,000 - $1M

BEST CUSTOM HOME $1M - $2M

R.Z. OWENS CONSTRUCTIONS

CLEARVIEW CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD

GIBNEY BUILDING

Project: Nunawading

Project: Carlton

Project: Mansfield

features Tim Campbell (on behalf of Scott James Builder) and Jarrod Coysh, Cbus.

SPECIAL COMMENDATION

BEST CUSTOM HOME $1M - $2M

SCOTT JAMES BUILDER Project: Beechworth

Joe Keiper, MBA Insurance and Jeremy Gates and Sue Robertson, Gaia Construction.

Master Builder Victoria

2 015 E XC E L L E N C E I N H O U S I N G AWA R D S – W I N N E R S

Craig Kinney, Imperial Builders, Joe Keiper, MBA Insurance, David Tankovich and Ben Robson, Imperial Builders.

BEST CUSTOM HOME OVER $2M IMPERIAL BUILDERS PTY LTD Project: Albert Park

Sheila Hogan and Craig Hopcraft, Bayside Construct and Jarrod Coysh, Cbus.

Joe Keiper, MBA Insurance and Peter Mason, Ducon.

SPECIAL COMMENDATION

BEST CUSTOM HOME OVER $2M

DUCON PTY LTD Project: South Yarra

Laurie Mihan, Miele Australia and Tino Filippelli, Glenn Hemphill and Tahnee Verbakel, Liberty Builder.

BEST MULTI-UNIT DEVELOPMENT UP TO 3 UNITS

BEST MULTI-UNIT DEVELOPMENT 4 - 12 UNITS

BEST MULTI-UNIT DEVELOPMENT OVER 12 UNITS

GAIA CONSTRUCTION PTY LTD

BAYSIDE CONSTRUCT

Project: Elwood

Project: South Yarra

SOUTHSTAR HOMES PTY LTD (T/A LIBERTY BUILDERS)

Tim Campbell (on behalf of Cobild) and Peter Brown, PremiumOZ.

Ross O’Neill, VR Builders and Adam Whiting, Rylock Windows.

Project: Abbotsford

Danielle Jarvis, Fox FM and Damco Kitchens.

BEST INTEGRATED HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

BEST SUSTAINABLE HOME

BEST KITCHEN UNDER $40,000

VR BUILDERS

DAMCO KITCHENS PTY LTD

COBILD PTY LTD

Project: Barkers Creek

Project: South Morang

Project: Glen Iris

Craig Smith, Quality Built and Jarrod Coysh, Cbus.

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Craig Smith, Quality Built and Joe Keiper, MBA Insurance.

Craig Smith, Quality Built and Joe Keiper, MBA Insurance.

BEST KITCHEN OVER $40,000

BEST BATHROOM UNDER $30,000

BEST BATHROOM OVER $30,000

QUALITY BUILT PTY LTD

QUALITY BUILT PTY LTD

QUALITY BUILT PTY LTD

Project: Narre Warren North

Project: Narre Warren North

Project: Narre Warren North

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Master Builder Victoria

2 015 E XC E L L E N C E I N H O U S I N G AWA R D S – W I N N E R S

Brent Henry, BH Prestige Homes, Peter Brown, PremiumOZ and Heath Henry, BH Prestige Homes.

features

Heath Henry, BH Prestige Homes, Peter Brown, PremiumOZ and Brent Henry, BH Prestige Homes.

Andrew Brady, Latrobe Valley Building Services and Ross Macdonald, SiteSoft Pty Ltd

BEST KITCHEN IN A DISPLAY HOME

BEST BATHROOM IN A DISPLAY HOME

MASTER TRADESMAN AWARD

BH PRESTIGE HOMES

BH PRESTIGE HOMES

ANDREW BRADY

Project: The Entertainer 41, Mernda

Project: The Entertainer 41, Mernda

Latrobe Valley Building Services

Congratulations to all the 2015 Excellence in Housing Awards Winners.

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20

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Master Builder Victoria

BLSC

To assess the longer term impact of the BLSC learning experience upon returning to the workplace, it was identified that 86 per cent of individuals reported significantly higher levels of work related self-efficacy following simulation-based training.

The Monash University report also highlighted that supervisor support in the workplace was one of the most crucial influences on trainee motivation to apply newly learned skills to the workplace.

Alan Odgers Business Development and Relationship Executive, BLSC

Can’t find the perfect course?

Why not develop your own?

Imagine a learning program driven by your ideas and in which you have the ability to contribute directly to your team’s skill base.

After three years of delivering some of the most exciting and innovative training to the building and construction industry, the Building Leadership Simulation Centre’s clients have given us a 92 per cent satisfaction rating for such programs.

To achieve this, the BLSC has worked closely with companies such as Australand, Lend Lease, Metricon, Carlisle Homes, James Hardie Australia, Bowens, Dahlsens, Higgins Coatings and many others, in providing customised training solutions that are powerful, immersive and interactive. Tapping into everyday management, leadership, sales and site-specific issues the BLSC, in consultation with learning and development and human resources managers, work together to produce desired learning outcomes that target your organisational objectives specifically.

Course development costs are very competitive and throughout the process we work closely with your learning and development team in order to deliver training that meets your objectives,

allowing your employees to be more confident, effective and obtain higher levels of productivity.

The effectiveness of simulation training undertaken at the BLSC has been acknowledged in a Monash University report, “Building a Better Workforce”, generated by their Department of Business Management.

Those conducting the research for the report commented that it was clear from their observations, interviews and survey responses that participants felt the simulation was realistic and indicated that they understood how what they experienced related to the workplace.

The learning undertaken was active rather than passive in that they had “lived the experience” and had taken the feedback on board. The report also featured these response statistics collected from BLSC graduates: • My job performance will improve if I use the skills – 95 per cent Agree/ Strongly Agree • I know of work situations in which I plan to use what I have learned – 86 per cent Agree/Strongly Agree • I learned skills in this training that I intend to use in my everyday work - 90 per cent Agree/Strongly Agree

With this understanding, the BLSC has launched new personal and professional development program options for workplace supervisors and managers. These programs focus on the development of personal development plans, goal setting and coaching skills.

We’re happy to share feedback from other recent BLSC graduates: “We couldn’t be happier to have established a relationship with the BLSC, which I know will sustain momentum and continue to be a valued partner of our business. There is enormous enthusiasm and commitment to the centre and the opportunity to revolutionise the way we implement learning and development offerings, has been invaluable.”

– Amanda Hart, Senior Human Resources Advisor, Carlisle Homes “Overall, the participants thought the BLSC was a valuable and practical way of learning. It left the participants in a buzz of enthusiasm. Just this morning a participant came to tell me he applied a win-win approach to a situation not a few hours ago, and it paid off! So we are already seeing the benefit.”

--Brigit Abdulnour, Employee Relations Manager, Winslow Group Tours of the Building Leadership Simulation Centre are conducted regularly, and we encourage you to make arrangements.

Feel free to browse our website at www.blsc.com.au or contact us on (03) 9411 8000.

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Master Builder Victoria

FINANCIAL SERVICES

features

What to do in a low-interest environment

Harry Pontikis Director, MBA Financial Services

There have been significant changes to the lending environment recently; banks have been adjusting the amounts they will lend to borrowers, especially to investors.

In addition, some banks have decreased the discounts they provide to existing and new loans and, in some cases, banks have increased their interest rates on existing loans. Yes, that’s right – whilst calling on the Reserve Bank to lower the cash rate further some have been increasing the interest rates on home loans. The increases have been up to 0.25 per cent for mortgage holders.

In spite of all these occurrences, we still live in a low interest environment for home loans (for the time being) and there are certain things you should consider doing to take advantage of the current situation.

The very first thing you might do is establish that you have the most competitive loan for which you are eligible. At the time you took out the loan, it may have been the best one for you, but there is a range of providers to consider that offer different discounts, savings and interest rates. Therefore, you could call Master Builders Financial Services on 1300 137 539 to establish that your mortgage is still suitable to your needs and one of the most competitive.

Consider offsetting your mortgage with your income and savings as this will dramatically reduce the term of your loan as well as the interest you will need to pay over the long term. Speak to Master Builders Financial Services for a general explanation of how offset can benefit you.

The next thing you can consider is making extra repayments while rates are low. These will reduce your loan balance, save on interest and build a buffer to minimise the impact of future rate rises. If you are not sure by how much you might increase your repayments, you could: • Increase your repayments as if rates were already 2 per cent higher • Round up your repayments to the nearest hundred dollars • Just pay what you can afford on top of the minimum repayments.

Making more frequent payments will also work to reduce your loan term and the amount of interest you pay. Most people pay monthly, but if you change your repayments to fortnightly, this will work to make additional payments each year and it’s unlikely you will notice the extra amount you would have paid off your mortgage.

Obviously, having principal and interest repayments is the way to pay off your loan and not just pay the interest.

For a more detailed analysis of whether there are better loans out there for you, whether it’s worth your time and money to change and for strategies for paying off your loan sooner, speak to a Credit Advisor at Master Builders Financial Services by calling 1300 137 539.

Interest rates will go up eventually so you need to exploit this opportunity wisely and build a buffer for when your cash flow may be under pressure due to more of your income spent maintaining your loans.

Disclaimer: This information is not specific Financial Advice as your situation has not been taken into consideration. For specific Financial Advice, contact Master Builders Financial Services on 1300 137 539. Chocolate Money t/a Master Builders Financial Services Australian Credit License 387277

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24

Master Builder Victoria

INSURANCE

features

Liability insurance: having the right cover

Joe Keiper State Manager Victoria, MBAIS

For most occupations, you would expect to need insurance cover only while you’re still trading. Once you retire or your business closes its doors, most of us believe there is no need for ongoing insurance cover, as your business is no longer operating and would have no tangible company assets or ongoing exposures. However, quite the opposite is often true, and for builders in particular.

While you may no longer have active job sites to cover whilst under construction, or work vehicles, tools, or even an office to insure, you have a real and significant exposure to product liability claims that can arise down the track.

Liability insurance is written under a condition called “occurrence basis” which effectively means that the policy responds only if in place when the incident occurred. For public liability claims this is fine; for example, if a subcontractor injures themself on your job site, and this is only initially reported as a minor incident, but years later you receive notification that the injury was more severe than originally thought, your liability policy that was current when the incident occurred would cover you, even if the claim arose several years later, because you had a policy in place when the incident occurred.

Unfortunately, what many builders don’t consider is their ongoing product liability exposure. Anything you’ve constructed has the potential to lead to an injury or financial loss at a later point in time, and if you do not have a current liability policy in place when that incident occurs, you won’t have cover for the loss should you be found negligent. An easy example to relate to would be in the context of a backyard deck. Consider the following scenario: you have built a deck, and a few years later it collapses, resulting in the injury of a few people. If the subsequent investigation found that you did not construct the deck properly, resulting in the collapse and injuries for which you were liable, you would have insurance cover if you still had a liability policy in place. Water damage is another example of something that can arise well after construction has been completed. If the damage was a result of the build, through insufficient waterproofing or sealing, you could be notified of the costly problem several years after works were completed. If you cease trading and don’t obtain ongoing cover, you would likely be pursued for these losses.

A simple and very cost effective solution is to obtain a ‘run-off’ liability policy when you retire or cease trading. The

team here at MBAIS can source the best option for you, and ensure that any future issues that arise from your completed works won’t affect you financially down the track. While product liability claims are infrequent, when they arise they are often very costly.

For those who are at the other end of their building career, we often receive requests from newer builders to insure the construction works and liability cover on a job-by-job basis, as they’re just starting out, and may only do a few jobs each year. In most cases it’s more cost effective for us to arrange an annual construction and liability cover, which provides cover for all work done over the year. Importantly, obtaining single project cover does not include any product liability cover, whereas the annual policy provides this cover, along with several other benefits.

MBAIS is a not-for-profit insurance brokerage specialising in providing insurance solutions for the building industry.

Whether you’re just starting out, winding down, or charging ahead with running a building business of any size, if you’d like to discuss how to best protect your balance sheet and business, please contact the insurance team on (03) 9411 4555.

Renault TRAFIC

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Australia’s most awarded builders deserve Australia’s most awarded van.* *As voted by Delivery magazine. †Warranty & Roadside Assistance valid for 3 years or 200,000km (whichever comes first) from new. Demonstrator vehicles receive balance of new vehicle warranty and Roadside Assistance. Roadside Assistance terms and conditions apply. Call our Customer Service Team on 1800 009 008 or view the Terms and Conditions statement at www.renault.com.au/drivingpeaceofmind for details. ^First 3 scheduled maintenance services capped at $349 per service on new and demonstrator Trafic III models, based on standard scheduled servicing from new and on normal operating conditions. Scheduled maintenance services required every twelve (12) months or up to 30,000km (whichever occurs first). However, Trafic III is subject to adaptive servicing requirements, as determined by the Oil Condition Sensor, and may require servicing prior to the standard twelve (12) months or 30,000km service interval. If vehicle is not presented within three (3) months of when the scheduled service is required, right to that capped-price service under the program is forfeited.

renault.com.au

26

Master Builder Victoria

LEGAL

features

Licence lending ... money for nothing or dire straits?

After years of hard yards in the building game, including study and jumping through countless bureaucratic Tristan Moseley hoops, why would Solicitor a registered builder let anyone else use their builder’s registration to carry out works? As the ancient Greek Sophocles wrote, “Profit is sweet, even if it comes from deception”. But as it often is with things that seem too good to be true, the sweet profit that Sophocles was talking about can quickly sour.

A “licence lending scheme” typically involves a registered builder lending their builder’s registration, for a fee, to a third party builder who usually does not hold registration themselves. The third party uses the registered builder’s registration details to obtain warranty insurance and a building permit to carry out works, but the registered builder doesn’t sign a contract with the owner/ principal and often has little, if any, involvement in the works.

Usually, the registered builder is assured by the third party that they won’t have to do anything or carry any liability for the works. But the builder may find— often when it’s too late—that they have exposed themseves to liability far greater than the value of any “sweet profit” and put their own registration in jeopardy.

Under the Building Act 1993 (Building Act), it is an offence for an unregistered builder to carry out major domestic building work or to use the title “registered builder”. The Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 makes it an offence for an unregistered builder to enter into a major domestic building contract. Given the possible fines (up to $108,000 for the above) a small lending ”fee” may seem like a good investment to a third party builder.

Licence lending schemes are often used in circumstances where the third party doesn’t have registration or can’t obtain builder’s warranty insurance because the project exceeds their job or annual limit.

The third party’s objective is to fool the innocent party—be it a client, the registered builder or someone else— into thinking that they are competent and compliant with the law.

to the builder’s evidence that there was a verbal joint venture in the past and that he had contemplated one when putting in an application for warranty insurance. Importantly, VCAT found that the registered builder had to accept responsibility for the works performed under the contract even though he did not perform or direct them and had no involvement in them.

The source and extent of the registered builder’s liability in a licence lending scheme will depend upon how the law considers how the builder participated in the scheme and who else is at fault. In 2006, in Hill v Bastecky [2007] VCAT 2663, the facts involved a “sham contract” prepared by the third party builder and then presented by the registered builder in an application for a builder’s warranty insurance policy. Although VCAT didn’t find any contractual liability for the registered builder, it did identify the scheme as a “nasty scam” involving misleading and deceptive conduct. As a result, , the registered builder was liable for damages suffered by the owner.

In addition to any civil law issues, Master Builders members should be aware of potential criminal and disciplinary consequences of a licence lending scheme. The Building Act makes it an offence to make statements or provide information, to a person or body carrying out any function under the Act or regulations, which are false or misleading.

It is arguable that the registered builder would be guilty of this offence for misleading the warranty insurance provider and/or the building surveyor.

More recently in Theodor v Noonan [2015] VCAT 1390, VCAT identified a “joint venture” between a registered builder and third party builder in circumstances that might have been considered a licence lending scheme.

The facts concerned a building contract that was executed for works to a holiday home near Mt. Buller. The third party signed the contract on behalf of the builder whose registration could have been considered to have been “lent”.

The works didn’t go well and the contract was terminated.

VCAT found that there was a “joint venture”, between the third party builder and the registered builder, and therefore found there was a valid building contract between the registered builder and the owners. The finding of a joint venture was largely due

Such conduct may provide grounds for the Building Practitioners Board to conduct an inquiry. An adverse finding by the Board could result in, amongst other things, a fine, suspension or cancellation of the builder’s registration.

Even if a registered builder doesn’t lose their licence, being listed on the Practitioner Disciplinary Register and the associated issue of obtaining insurance, could spell an end to the registered builder’s career.

Accordingly, the risks associated with lending your licence will far outweigh any possible profit that could be made in the short term.

Master Builders members should be careful to ensure they do not unwittingly become involved in a licence lending scheme.

For more information call Master Builders’ legal department on (03) 9411 4555.

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Master Builder Victoria

27 OHS

Setting measurable and effective OHS objectives Once a drive in reporting has occurred, effective incident investigation – using a sound methodology in a manner free of prejudice, oversimplification and blame— is critical to ensure there is sustained success. The organisation must use the learnings it uncovers effectively and apply the appropriate corrective actions to ensure it is continuously improving.

James Curtin Senior OHS Advisor

When an employer is devising their corrective actions they must consult with their workers, hear what they have to say, take what they say in consideration before, ultimately, decisions are made which aim to eliminate or significantly reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Many organisations are investing an enormous amount of resources, energy and time implementing health and safety management systems (OHSMS) that are heavily compliance based and administratively intensive. A reasonable proportion of these companies then take additional steps and “check” whether they are implementing their OHSMS in accordance with the schedule of activities set out in their policies and procedures.

However, seldom have organisations set measureable objectives which can be used to effectively measure the organisation’s OHS performance.

Without this critical link, an organisation cannot appropriately undertake a management review, with the appropriate cross-section of workers, to realign or reinforce their policy objectives and ensure they are continuously improving how they manage OHS. It was Albert Einstein who stated famously that insanity is “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

The management review of an OHSMS and its effectiveness presents enormous opportunities to consult with workers about general items which may affect their safety (a fundamental duty under the OHS Act, 2004), and ability to learn and improve all facets of how a business operates and protects its people.

Some organisations limit their opportunities to capture data and information by inadvertently discouraging incident reporting.

That is, they choose to evaluate their OHS performance based on “lag indicators”’ or what has gone wrong, such as the number of medical treatment injuries (MTIs). This creates the perception that incidents are a sign of “poor performance” instead of an opportunity to learn and gather as much information as possible.

Naturally, harm to any person, equipment, property or the environment at work is below the standard towards which we should all be striving. Unless we take stock and do our best to learn what we can from these instances, good fortune may be the only factor preventing future disaster.

Organisations should be aiming to increase the number of minor incidents, near misses and/ or hazards that are formally reported in their workplace. A high-quality reporting culture is fundamental to creating a safety culture. This can only be achieved by providing workers with the necessary training and instruction, management commitment and setting targets which can be used to evaluate the organisation’s OHS performance and recognising and rewarding the desired behaviour.

Thus, the objectives of effective incident investigation must be to ensure the organisation learns, continuously improves, strives to meet its legal OHS duties under the OHS Act 2004 (Vic) and in doing so, ultimately take steps to prevent or significantly reduce the likelihood of similar occurrences.

Master Builders considers that it is reasonable for employers to make genuine attempts to improve safety standards by undertaking incident investigations, and should be able to conduct them without resistance from the unions. Workers must comply with their employer’s reasonable OHS instructions, which include participating in incident investigations and reporting incidents and near misses.

Master Builders encourages industry to push ahead in its efforts to undertake robust incident investigations and, in doing so, ultimately increase its informedness. Employers should also strive to enhance their OHSMS by setting targets which can be used to effectively evaluate the organisation’s OHS performance and foster continuous improvement. There’s much more to safety than ticking a box.

For further information contact the Master Builders OHS Department on (03) 9411 4555.

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Master Builder Victoria

TRAINING

features

Training: the quality Master Builders delivers As the new year approaches, you may be starting to consider the direction of your career and the professional Katie Tunnah development Senior Logistics Coordinator opportunities you’ll want to undertake. With multiple training providers offering courses with similar descriptions, how do you decide what will be best for your needs and interests?

Natural instinct might drive you to choose the least expensive course, or the one that promises the shortest delivery time, but you should take into account other factors when doing your research and making decisions.

Master Builders Association of Victoria operates a registered training Organisation (RTO) with its primary goal being to provide you with relevant, nationally recognised training and development solutions influenced and validated by your industry, and that build your career, business, skills, knowledge and, most of all, your professional reputation.

When it comes to selecting our trainers, we choose not to follow a ”jack of all trades” approach. Instead, our courses are run by industry professionals, with detailed knowledge in specific areas, with current industry expertise. In our longer qualifications, we have allocated each unit to trainers who have expert knowledge on that precise topic, rather than allocating the full course to just one trainer who may not have the same level of specific knowledge. We opt for quality over quantity, and for this reason we sometimes choose to reschedule classes rather than providing a ”fill-in” trainer for the day.

You may already have had the experience of taking a course at our Building Leadership Simulation Centre (BLSC), which offers a state-of-the art learning

environment. Our new and innovative offerings include sales and human resources courses and the introduction of simulation modules within the CPC40110 Certificate IV in Building Construction (Building), making Master Builders the only training provider in Australia to offer this form of experiential learning.

Other inclusions and extras in our Certificate IV Building courses that distinguish Master Builders training as the best available include training and six months’ worth of access to estimating software that can be used for your projects, as well as builders registration assistance workshops that have helped many to achieve registration with a minimum of stress and difficulty.

Our qualifications are fast-tracked, and are shorter in duration than those offered by other RTOs. This does not compromise your quality of learning; rather, Master Builders training requires our students to have a certain level of knowledge and experience in the construction industry prior to commencing coursework. This is measured by a pre-enrolment application and interview to ensure the course for which you are applying is the right one for you. Master Builders aims to produce the best builders in the industry.

Like your professional career, our training evolves constantly to meet both the demands of the industry and your

requests for professional experience to meet that demand. To that end, Master Builders has recently launched the Industry Future Skills Committee, which is tasked with the responsibility and challenge of identifying the newest training opportunities relevant to our sector, tracking emerging employment trends and helping to link state, national and international priorities and development for training and business innovation. The committee includes representatives from all Master Builders membership categories and invites suggestions for placement on their agenda.

Master Builders does not just react to changes in the industry—we research and anticipate them, identifying the gaps and developing the programs and expert trainers to close those gaps.

If you are looking to start an OHS or building, estimating or management qualification, Master Builders has a course to meet you needs. We also offer short courses on a range of topics that could meet personal development requirements or help in your everyday business, such as Preparing Tenders, Lead Auditor OHS, MS Project, Time Management and Plan Reading. If we don’t offer what you need, we can tailor courses for group training.

Contact the Training Department today on (03) 9411 4555 for more information.

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30

Master Builder Victoria

GREEN LIVING

features

Master Builders Green Living Conference 2015

Dr Philip Alviano Sustainable Building Advisor

The eighth annual Green Living Conference took place this year on 28 August at the Building Leadership Simulation Centre (BLSC). A near sell-out crowd of 127 attendees heard from a range of speakers and took part in a very interesting and lively question and answer session.

The session kicked off with a presentation from Master Builders’ Sustainable Building Advisor, Philip Alviano, who spoke about his visit to Germany earlier this year to learn their techniques for prefabricated construction. This industry is expanding in Australia and the study provided insight into our future requirements for training and skills.

Particularly impressive was the builders’ and carpenters’ pride in their craft and the long history of their skills. The quality of the houses and attention to detail also stood out as a highlight.

Peter Steudle from Passive House then followed with a deeper look into prefabricated construction practices in the larger European market, focusing on the benefits and efficiency of the methods. This construction approach also allowed the houses and apartments to easily meet the passivehaus standards

for air tightness and energy efficiency.

These buildings result in very low levels of air infiltration, without condensation issues. Peter also discussed a number of projects delivered in Australia.

from Proclima, Rylock, Westinghouse and Weathertex. Attendees were able to circulate through a number of extended product demonstration sessions which provided the opportunity to ask questions.

The morning sessions were completed by a presentation from Clare Parry, a director of the Australian Passive House Association. Clare showcased what has been achieved to date by passive house in the Australian context, providing examples of a number of certified homes. She then discussed proposed future developments, including education buildings and social housing.

We hear from our members constantly that they would like to know about new products. As a result, the speaker presentations were split by a product information session featuring displays

Chris Corke from Repor kicked off the afternoon session. His presentation on geothermal heating and cooling described how the system worked and the benefits of using such a system to virtually eliminate heating and cooling costs. Repor has been a specialist in the residential and commercial HVAC sector for more than 20 years. As the sole Australian distributor of Westinghouse EarthDirEXTM Geothermal HVAC systems, Repor offers a range of incredibly quiet and efficient systems to suit both the residential and commercial market.

features Repor also provides geothermal drilling services to complement the distribution of the Westinghouse EarthDirEX Geothermal Heating and Cooling systems.

Continuing the theme of building tightness, Stewart Prain from Rylock Windows and Doors talked about the importance of making sure that windows shut correctly and limit the amount of air infiltration, thus avaoiding a reduction in window performance. He highlighted the importance of windows that latch in more than one place to limit distortion.

Isabelle Asafar from Mobius Materials Recovery presented on the importance of limiting waste production on site and managing it effectively, showing how construction waste can affect profit.

Questions about solar power always feature prominently among those we receive here at Master Builders’ sustainability group. With that in mind, we invited Stephen Ingrouille from Going Solar to the conference. Stephen is a veteran of the industry having

Master Builder Victoria

31

GREEN LIVING

established Going Solar, a multi-award winning renewable firm, in 1978, well before most people had even heard about solar power. Typical questions include: is it worth the investment? What should we be looking for in terms of quality? What is happening with battery systems? Stephen was able to provide helpful answers to all of them.

let us know what topics you are interested in hearing about or anyone you have met who you think would be a great speaker. We are already looking forward to next year’s conference.

We’d also like to thank the sponsors:

The day finished with all the speakers and product suppliers returning for a questionand-answer session. This lively and interactive exchange elicited some really useful information for all who attended.

We were very happy with the feedback received from the day and ask members

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Glazing to the south is to be minimised where possible – stunning views excepted! For this aspect, minimising heat loss is everything, so think double glazing with a Low E coating for maximum insulation.

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regulars

Master Builder Victoria

C A S E S T U DY C O N S T R U C T I O N

Chris gets the compo lowdown

Chris from Case Study Construction

Chris from Case Study Construction was proud of the fact that he had run his business for years without a WorkCover claim. Unfortunately, that good fortune came to an end when his carpenter, Joe, drove a nail through his hand with a nail gun.

Joe had been taken off to the local hospital to have the offending nail removed and Chris, still concerned for Joe’s wellbeing, started casting his mind around to what his obligations were and what he would be liable for.

Chris picked up the phone and spoke to Emma Dunlop in the OHS Unit at Master Builders. Emma took stock of the situation and recommended to Chris that he should notify WorkSafe of the incident to meet his OHS responsibilities before bringing the discussion around to his WorkCover obligations.

“I have never had an employee injured in my business before,” Chris explained.

“Could you please tell me how to handle the situation?”

“A WorkCover claim is a ‘once-in-19years experience’ for a small business, so

it is not unusual for small business owners to not be aware of the process,” Emma explained calmly. “Thankfully, we can talk you through what you need to know.”

Emma explained to Chris that Joe would be entitled to make a WorkCover claim for his injury and how Chris could help facilitate this process. Emma also clarified to Chris that he would be liable for the first ten days of work and the first $667 in medical expenses.

“Wouldn’t it be easier for both Joe and me I if I just paid for his time off work and his medical expenses?” Chris asked.

“We strongly recommend to our members that they should always manage work-related injury through the WorkCover scheme. The scheme protects both you and your employee!”

Emma said.

Emma continued, “What might have seemed like a minor injury at the time can easily develop into something more serious. We have seen employers who have taken it upon themselves to pay the doctors’ bills and time off work but have left themselves seriously out of

pocket and frustrated when their injured employee hasn’t returned to work weeks after their injury.”

“Whilst they will pull the nail out of Joe’s hand and hopefully nothing further will come of it, if Joe develops nerve damage or needs further surgery or treatment in the future all costs can be attributed to his claim for compensation,” she said.

“The claim he lodges now will cover any future treatment and time off work he might need. It would even cover the legal costs and common law damages.”

Emma explained to Chris that he could obtain a WorkCover Claim for Compensation form from the local post office.

Chris was pleased when he realised the importance of the WorkCover premium that he paid year after year, but he was even happier when he realised that getting Joe to fill out the claim form would protect both of them.

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regulars

Master Builder Victoria

REGIONAL ROUND-UP

WODONGA

ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF DAY, BENDIGO

In October we welcomed Darcie Cousins, from Barnawartha, who joins our staff as Building Approvals Coordinator. Her father is well-known in the local plumbing industry, and prior to joining us she worked with Westmont Aged Care. We’re very pleased to have her come aboard.

BENDIGO The Bendigo office is delighted with the arrival of Adrian Sharman as Relevant Building Surveyor. We encourage all members to drop in and say “hi” to Adrian. Adrian comes to us from Mildura and is pleased to be setting up home in Bendigo.

Bendigo’s median house price for the first three months of 2015 has surged.

According to the Valuer General’s office it is close to 13 per cent. Strathdale, with a median price rise of 22.9 per cent over the past twelve months, was the best performing suburb. White Hills was also exceptional with an annual increase of 12.4 per cent. The City of Greater Bendigo experienced a 69 per cent jump in building permit values for the financial year 2014 – 2015. These wonderful figures move Bendigo into the top 10 by value of building permits for all Victorian municipalities. This all bodes well for the building industry in our area!

The Bendigo Section recently held its Annual Charity Golf Day at the Neangar Park Golf Course. With thirty-six teams registered and perfect weather the event was an outstanding success. All proceeds go to HALT and SOAR. We will prepare a full article for the next magazine.

Building mates pause to take a break for a photo in between holes.

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Melanie Jackson and Lyn Lowndes tend the grill at the Annual Charity Golf Day at Neangar Park Golf Course

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Master Builder Victoria

REGIONAL ROUND-UP

regulars

GEELONG Geelong office has had a good level of activity as of late. The Cert III course in Work Health & Safety has commenced with good numbers and we have had a great level of interest shown in attending our Builder Registration Workshop and study group sessions that were held on Tuesday, 13 October.

The Geelong Section meeting was held on 22 September, which included our AGM with Master Builders CEO Radley de Silva in attendance.

Guest sponsors on the night were representatives from F C Walker & Sons Pty Ltd and USG Boral Group, who gave an update on new products on the market.

Master Builders would like to congratulate all new committee members on their appointment to the Geelong Section Committee; we would also like to thank the outgoing committee members who offered their valuable time and their contributions to the Geelong Section.

Norm Lyons from Lyons Construction has again initiated and programmed site visits for some students from Geelong High School, Lara Secondary College,

Northern Bay College, Western Heights College, St Joseph’s College and The Gordon at various work sites of our members. With member assistance and coordination by Careers Manager Jarrod Flanigan and Aaron Hartup from the Gordon, the day was a successful one with 60 students attending.

The students received firsthand experience and learned how several of our members built a successful career in the industry. The variety of sites visited gave the students exposure to a broad range of trades in a single day. Norm’s passion has allowed many secondary school students to become better informed in determining their career paths. Well done to Norm and the committee for this very worthy initiative that is becoming an annual event!

Some of the 60 Geelong-area students.

Master Builders has welcomed Rajesh Kumar into the position as a Building Surveyor in the Geelong Office.

The team at the Geelong office welcome all members and clients to visit the office for contracts or to speak to a staff member if they require assistance with any of their projects or are looking to take out a building permit.

GIPPSLAND The 2015 year is finishing fast, with a very busy couple of months in October and November for Gippsland MBA Members.

Master Builders Training successfully delivered a Certificate III in WHS course and a Green Living course in Traralgon during October. The members jumped at the opportunity to do this training locally rather than having to travel to Melbourne.

We have been conducting “Registration Road Trip” visits throughout all areas of Gippsland and it has been great to see many local provisional members

take up the opportunity and commit to obtaining registration.

Our Gippsland AGM Dinner was held on Thursday 22 October and was very well supported by members. Marc Lyons, Dr Phil Alviano and Danielle Penna represented MBAV, along with a planning manager from the Latrobe Shire. The night was a great success with members stating that they gained a lot from all the guest speakers.

Congratulations to the following members elected to executive positions on the Gippsland Section Committee.

Trevor Bowler – Chairman Rohan Dare – Deputy Chairman Peter Lowe – Secretary/Treasurer Leigh Allchin – General Committee Michael Ellett – General Committee Peter Sutton – General Committee Andrew Brady – General Committee It has been many years since we have had this many committee members on the Gippsland Section Committee.

This is a great sign for the region, and we look forward to working with the committee to help and support our local Master Builders.

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Master Builder Victoria

MEMBER PROFILE

membership

Kleev Homes • Housing member • Member since 2004

At least by some measure, James Kleverlaan owes a debt of gratitude to his chiropractor for success as a home builder. Early career experience working as a bricklayer for his uncle, also a builder, took its toll on the intervertebral discs in James’ back. After several years, they began to lose their ability to recover from the repetitive lifting and twisting required of a brickie.

“I was a good client of his, it’s true,” James says, grimacing at the memory.

“My bricklaying days were numbered, but I knew I wanted to become a builder and, a few years later, I found myself supervising for a small building company, and running shops and offices on Bridge Road, as well as working on four-storey apartment projects in Collingwood. My back was in bad shape, and I got to the point where I asked myself ‘Why am I doing all of these hours for someone else?’”

In 2006, when he and his wife and business partner, Kim, began operating as Kleev Homes, James was already well prepared to run his own shop, having not only the standard industry experience under his belt, but also hands-on time overseas in Kobe, Japan, constructing apartment buildings according to strict earthquake codes. James had also gone to night school in formal preparation for a career as a builder. He had given himself a broad base on which to assemble his future in the industry.

“And then it sort of happened,” James explained. Word of mouth paid fast dividends as his good reputation placed two jobs before him—not big ones, but substantial enough for a new business.

It grew rapidly from there. “Trade-wise I had a healthy network I could rely on, and a lot of them still work for me now.”

Kleev Homes focuses on customdesigned renovations and new houses.

James explains he does no design work himself, choosing instead to leave that to the architects, with whom he has long-standing relationships. When a client approaches him, he can present his portfolio of completed work and help steer them to the architects he feels would be best able to meet their needs.

It’s a formula that has worked well for builder and architect alike, with multiple awards to demonstrate it.

At the Master Builders Excellence in Housing Awards this year, Kleev Homes received a special commendation for their deft renovation work on a heritagelisted Hawthorn residence. This is just their most recent accolade, the first having been earned in 2008, also for an exceptional renovation. In all, Kleev Homes has collected Master Builders awards five times, including James having been named Young Builder of the Year in 2011.

James and Kim work from an office in Upper Beaconsfield, and occasionally

tackle a new home in their immediate area. There are merits to building a less demanding house, James explains, though he thoroughly enjoys the challenge of more architecturally ambitious projects.

“When you’re doing a display home, you know exactly how many nails are in the job, and you can determine your margins pretty well,” James says. “The architectural jobs can be very difficult. It can take me a month to quote one, but I enjoy the opportunity to work with architects on their designs for more ambitious and technical projects.

I’ve worked with over twenty different designers; for two of them, I’ve even built their own homes. I also enjoy the mateship with the all of the trades involved on a project. I still enjoy that culture.”

Typical of a dedicated builder, James enjoys seeing the finished product, but he also relishes the moment when he can see that he’s made the client happy.

Oftentimes, he says, that moment comes when he and Kim receive an invitation from the clients to celebrate.

“They’ll have us over for a barbecue,” he says. “They usually don’t get to meet Kim during the whole process, and it’s nice for her to see the end product as well.”

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membership

Master Builder Victoria

SPONSOR PROFILE

Incolink • Master Builders Sponsor

Incolink is a joint enterprise of employer associations and industry unions in the commercial building, construction and civil allied industries in Victoria and Tasmania, established in 1988.

Incolink administers redundancy, portable sick leave and income protection insurance schemes for the commercial construction sector.

Incolink’s core responsibility is to preserve and invest these funds and make severance payments on behalf of worker members. In addition, Incolink provides a range of insurance, training, health and wellbeing services to the building and construction industry.

About the Incolink team Incolink is managed by people who understand the commercial building and construction industry. We are committed to helping workers through the tough times. Our members are part of a unique and dynamic industry, and face a number of challenges from irregular work patterns to health and safety issues.

Our ten-member Board and Advisory Committees are drawn from key industry groups. They provide specialist advice and assistance for the strategic direction and running of Incolink aimed towards protecting the interests of members.

Incolink’s Management team leads the organisation staffed by dedicated, professional and experienced personnel committed to assisting our members and providing a range of benefits and supports.

Incolink’s products and services for industry Incolink provides a range of benefits and services, including: • Redundancy funds administration • Insurance benefits, including:

- Leisure time accident and illness Insurance

- Portable sick leave scheme

- Income protection and trauma schemes

- Emergency transport benefits - Dental accident benefits • Dedicated Member Services team providing;

- Counselling and support programs

- Health and wellbeing programs

- Free Worker Health checks

- Drug and alcohol support

- Apprentice Support

- Employment placement services

- Financial Rights support Incolink and Master Builders Incolink supports activity that is beneficial to the industry as a whole.

With the surplus generated by prudent management of the funds, Incolink supports training and development as well as industry occupational health and safety initiatives through the Master Builders Industry Training Centre and the Building Leadership Simulation Centre. Incolink is proud to have supported Master Builders Association of Victoria for over 25 years, with

sponsorship of events such as the ALink Apprentice Road Shows, Master Builders Association of Victoria Member Nights and the prestigious 2015 Master Builders Association of Victoria Excellence in Construction Awards.

Incolink in Victoria Incolink has a head office in Carlton, Melbourne and regional representatives servicing over 50,000 workers across the Victorian and Tasmanian building and construction industry. Incolink can offer support to members across Victoria and Tasmania including those in Geelong, Portland/Warrnambool, Latrobe Valley, Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton and Hobart.

Contact Incolink: 1 Pelham Street Carlton VIC 3053 03 9639 3000 www.incolink.org.au

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Master Builder Victoria

E XC L U S I V E D I S C O U N T S

membership E USIV EXCL BER

MEM

R

OFFE

MASTER BUILDERS EXCLUSIVE FLEET DISCOUNT For on or oFF oFF site, europcar will have a solution For you.

As a proud partner of Master Builders, Europcar offers you great car rental rates with reduced excess liability.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXCLUSIVE OFFERS

PH: 1300 724 131 mbav@prestonmotors.com.au

HAD A CAR ACCIDENT? For members of Master Builders, Sheen Panel Service Bulleen provides:  $200 insurance excess reduction  Free pick up and delivery of your car from any location in Melbourne  Free loan car for duration of repairs*  Management of insurance claim process on your behalf Call Michael Edwards on (03) 9852 1511 (BH) or 0418 835 025 (AH)

Reservations:

1300 555 242 or europcar.com.au & quote promo code 47684221 * Conditions apply. Utes available.

Phones & internet Master Builders member-only deal with Telstra can save you money on a wide range of mobile, landline and internet products.

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• Share call and data allowances across your account • Two month ‘port-in’ credit for switching providers

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membership

Master Builder Victoria

MASTER BUILDERS CELEBRATED BUILDING EXCELLENCE IN HIGH STYLE AT CROWN PALLADIUM ON 16 OCTOBER

President Peter Picking opens the evening’s festivities.

CEO Radley de Silva shares Master Builders’ achievements and goals for the year.

Shadow Minister for Planning David Davis congratulates our residential builders.

ion, Matthew Guy Leader of the Opposit major awards. the t sen pre to us joined

Helen Pritchard and Peter Vleugel toast the evening.

MC Tim Campbell hits a high note.

l, Emma Dunlop, Ralf Huempe tice Watson.

Kathleen Peachey and Pren

Frank Parisella and the Ecobuilt Vic ga ng.

The crew from AGL, one of our proud sponsors.

Leone Constructions celebrating their achievement.

social pages

Quality Built, SJ Vuillermin Master Builders and friends.

If you have any photos you’d like to submit for the Social Pages, please email them to psackett@mbav.com.au naming who is in the photo and where it was taken. Likewise, please contact us on (03) 9411 4555 or visit www.mbav.com.au if you’d like to know what events are happening in your area.

Katie Tunnah, Leanne Edwards, p.

Bridie Allandale and Emma Dunlo

43

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Master Builder Victoria

LONG TERM MEMBERS

Recognising our long-term members

Long term members gather in March 2015 to be recognised for their committment to Master Builders

Long-term membership is something the Board and Council of Management of Master Builders Association of Victoria believe deserves recognition.

With this in mind, this year we have added a Long-Term Member Recognition event to its long list of events in order to celebrate and recognise those members who have maintained membership for 30 years or more. In the past, these

members were recognised bi-annually at our President’s Inauguration Dinner.

In March and October, our President, CEO and Deputy President were joined by approximately 40 members, some of whom had travelled a considerable distance to celebrate with their peers.

Mildura member Weir Constructions Pty Ltd formerly known as S J Weir Pty Ltd along with its Ballarat operation, S J Weir

(Ballarat) Pty Ltd celebrated 70 years membership having originally joined the Association in July 1944.

Master Builders has been representing the interests of Victoria’s building and construction industry for 140 years and it is only with the long-term support of organisations like these that we are in a position to serve our sector.

Value of Membership A valuable benefit of your Master Builders membership that you may not be aware of is access to the Member Benefits program.

Master Builders’ Member Benefits program offers members unbeatable savings on leisure activities, cinema tickets, retailers, accommodation and much more. The huge savings available to Master Builders members adds significant value to your membership.

Members can access the Member Benefits program and information about how it works through the Members Home page on the Master Builders website at www.mbav.com.au.

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Through the program you gain access to high value offers in both regional and metropolitan areas across Australia and New Zealand. Woolworths, Caltex, Masters, Dan Murphy and many other partners participate, offering 5 per cent off purchases.

Hundreds of restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets also take part.

If you’re planning a holiday, Master Builders members have exclusive access to over 1,800 hotels and resorts across Australia and the rest of the world through the Member Benefits program.

Accommodation rates are typically 10 per cent better than the best available rates publicly available online.

Take advantage of the Member Benefits program through Master Builders and reward yourself for your hard work!

If you’d like more information, contact the Membership Department on (03) 9411 4555.

LOOKING FOR AN APPRENTICE? AGA is one of the most experienced and respected Group Training Organisations in Australia.

AGA has been successfully hiring high quality apprentices and trainees to industry for more than 30 years.

WE OFFER APPRENTICES AND TRAINEES IN THE FOLLOWING TRADES / VOCATIONS:

WHY CHOOSE AGA? AGA will recruit and employ the apprentice, look after the induction process, train and mentor the apprentice while they are placed with you.

At AGA we make it our business to find you the right apprentice to suit your business needs.

A dedicated AGA Field Officer will work closely with you and the apprentice for the duration of the apprenticeship.

Placements can be as short as a few weeks or as long as the full duration of the apprenticeship.

If you are interested in hiring an AGA apprentice or business administration trainee or would like further information on apprenticeships in general, contact AGA on: 1300 AGA 000 facebook.com/agaustralia @AGAustralia agaustralia.com.au

Proudly part of

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Master Builder Victoria

MEMBER MILESTONES

MEMBER MILESTONES MASTER BUILDERS VALUES LOYALTY TO OUR ASSOCIATION AND AWARDS CERTIFICATES TO MEMBERS AT MILESTONES OF 10, 15, 20 AND 25 YEARS, AND PLAQUES AT 30, 40 AND 50 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP. WE WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNISE AND THANK THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WHO ACHIEVED THESE MILESTONES BETWEEN 11 AUGUST AND 9 OCTOBER 2015.

We appreciate that many members have continuous years of service that fall between these milestones and hope you understand that we award certificates and plaques only for the milestones mentioned. If you are a long term member we thank you for your commitment and look forward to recognising your loyalty when you receive your next milestone certificate or plaque.

60 YEAR PLAQUE H L Kidman & Sons

50 YEAR PLAQUE John E Robinson Pty Ltd Noranja Nominees Pty Ltd

40 YEAR PLAQUE F J & N Richards Grahams Bldg & Maint Serv Pty Ltd James Alateras Constn Pty Ltd Muse Constructions Pty Ltd R J Hollingsworth W Bird & Sons

30 YEAR PLAQUE A B & M D Milburn Pty Ltd Chippa Constructions Civicon Pty Ltd Lama Homes Pty Ltd Matique Constructions Pty Ltd

25 YEAR CERTIFICATE Chatsworth Constructions P/L Colin Beanland Miro Deljo Morgan Construction & Shopfitting Pty Ltd Pigatto Constructions Pty Ltd Summit Builders Pty Ltd

20 YEAR CERTIFICATE A & A Cabinets Pty Ltd Alpine Kitchens Buildcorp Commercial Pty Ltd Building Plastics (Holdings) Pty Ltd Bunnings Group Limited Chemcoat Holdings Pty Ltd Concept Design & Construction (Vic) Pty Ltd Concrete Formwork Industries Pty Ltd Devco Project & Const Manag. Pty Ltd Flexitray Hallmarc Construction Pty Ltd J & K Mitchell Pty Ltd

La Collinares Pty Ltd Lotus Folding Walls & Doors Pty Ltd Melbourne Concrete Constructions Pty Ltd Mitrea Constructions Pty Ltd Russell Watkins Sunraysia Billiard Table Serv.

Unique Building Services

15 YEAR CERTIFICATE Alba-force Enterprises Arrow Construction Australia Attic Ladders Pty Ltd Barton & Sons Pty Ltd City Living Property Services Dalton Builders E & T Csenar Eco Urban Builders J R & A J Graham Masterline Homes (Vic) Pty Ltd Moretto Building Pty Ltd One Building Group Pty Ltd P D H Group Pty Ltd Peter Seregin Rebuild Construction Pty Ltd Southern Vale Constructions TJ & MA Haley Investments Vic Pty Ltd Valleyview Home Wattle Glen Homes & Extensions Pty Ltd

10 YEAR CERTIFICATE Allgrange Services Andrew Ayson Ausbuild Company Pty Ltd Ausecon Developments Pty Ltd B Hinton & D P Hinton Best Fab Pty Ltd Bill Kiriakidis BSS Group Pty Ltd Building and Sustainable Environment P/L C K Constructions Pty Ltd Central Victorian Bldg Srvcs PL CHR Builders & Designers Circon Constructions Pty Ltd Contraxx Commercial Building - Interiors Exteriors CRK Construction Group Pty Ltd D & G Siciliano Building Company Pty Ltd

David Lane Builder Designplus Construction Dezcon Constructions Pty Ltd Direct Skills Pty Ltd E E K Construction Pty Ltd Ecopod Pty Ltd Endeavour Ceilings Aust Pty Ltd Forte Renovations Pty Ltd G W Clancy Glencairn Developments Gunsen Constructions Pty Ltd Inform Design & Construction Pty Ltd J & R Carpentry Pty Ltd Knight Homes Pty Ltd Knot Only Carpentry Pty Ltd Langdon Building Pty Ltd Larkin & Drought Builders Pty Ltd Leonard Building Services Mallia Builders (Vic) Pty Ltd Mancon Projects Pty Ltd MBJ Builders MBM Designs Cabinets & Carpentry Melbourne Property Inspections Pty Ltd Michael John English New Leaf Construction Oasis Tension Structures (Aust) Pty Ltd O’Neill Homes Pty Ltd Pearl Hill Pty Ltd Period Building Conservation Pty Ltd Prestige Lifestyle Constructions Pty Ltd Quinlivan Constructions Vic P/L R R B Group Rudolf Boscolo Safety In Numbers Services Pty Ltd Sam Leo Sfera Homes Shane Luke Spanmaster Pty Ltd Sureline Construction Tombay Constructions Tony Kregting Tymaline Building Services Pty Ltd Udaya Pty Ltd United Roads Construction Group P/L Westkon Precast Pty Ltd Wimbledon Homes Pty Ltd Woodridge Pty Ltd Zachary Spark Construction Pty Ltd

membership

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NEW MEMBERS

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS MASTER BUILDERS IS PLEASED TO WELCOME THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS WHO JOINED THE ASSOCIATION IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2015.

CONGRATULATIONS FOR JOINING MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA.

ASSOCIATE Scene5

GENERAL CONTRACTOR Capabuild Pty Ltd Central Property Service Roger Sheldrick Winola Pty Ltd

GENERAL CONTRACTOR PROVISIONAL Esprit Developments Pty Ltd Gino Bird & Associates Pty Ltd

HOUSING ARKit Armistead Homes Artifex Building & Construction Pty Ltd AssetsCon Homes Ausflair Bahl Enterprises Pty Ltd Bespoke Homes & Renovations BH Design & Construction Pty Ltd BJR Projects Cayenne Projects Pty Ltd Comres Construction Pty Ltd Cullen Building Group Dean Edwards Builder Drake Build Pty Ltd Dreshie Constructions Pty Ltd G T Construction Goycon Grab Property Group Pty Ltd Grmusa Constructions Pty Ltd In Design Innovation By Design J.Mar Constructions Pty Ltd Keldon Constructions Pty Ltd L. Built Langley Homes Laxton Construction Pty Ltd Lindsay Hill Murtaza Akdogan Project Build Pty Ltd PSCA Constructions Roclar Constructions Tritec Constructions

HOUSING PROVISIONAL 1st Avenue Constructions Accolade Services Pty Ltd AMT Consultants Pty Ltd At Total Care Construction Be Inspired Building & Design Pty Ltd Beaspoke Joiners Best Termites Control

Bobcon Brennos Rennos Bullzeye Constructions C J Murray C3B Homes Christopher Todorov Carpentry Constantinos Patronis Corey Skinner Daniel Jonathan O’Connell Daniel Tawaf Dejan Milijanic Dimitri Simadopoulos DMC Homes Improvements Eklund Concreting & Excavations Pty Ltd Frugal Creations George Stamatonikolos Glenn R Stevens GNC Building Pty Ltd Harris Property Pty Ltd Hidesign Constructions Pty Ltd J & C Pitman Jacob Theodore Joseph Coonan Joshua Doncevic Kambuild Pty Ltd Lazaridis Pty Ltd Leigh Dimitropoulos Lian Yao Li Loc-It-Together LZ Homes Pty Ltd MacBuild Projects Manart Construction Pty Ltd Matthew Holm Carpentry Matthew J McNally Memet Subasi Morrissa A.D Pty Ltd MW Royal Homes Pty Ltd Nathan McPherson Neil Osborne-Walker Northpac Investments Co Pty Ltd Paul Ellis Paul Scopelliti Peter Barton Peter Roupas Pravin Bhatnagar Pro-Finish Plastering Pty Ltd RAD Build Rizwan Rahman Robert Gemes Savvy Builders Semir Besic Shakeel Muhammad Taylor James Building Group Pty Ltd Timothy Bader Carpenter Uniek Constructions Unikilt Pty Ltd Warrick Holt Westcon Building Group Wiscon Constructions Pty Ltd Wolfwork Building

HOUSING SUB-CONTRACTOR Alexandra Kate Dacy Alhome Building & Maintenance Ask About Renos & Home Maintenance Batco Services Brickit Mark Pty Ltd C & N Roofing Pty Ltd Cornerstone Creations (Vic) Pty Ltd Crafted By Coops Deans Maintenance Elsum Constructions Garden Guys Australia Gerard Butterss Landscape Design & Construction Glenn Hartrick Landscapes Greenschemes Garden Services House & Garden Presentation Services iMyFun Inspiring Landscape Solutions Instyle Gardens J Haynes Construction Jamie Clapham Landscapes Pty Ltd Jims Fencing (Bulleen) Jims Fencing (Mount Eliza) Limitless Building Carpentry & Construction Maurer Construction Tiling Mullers Homes Pty Ltd NAC Property Improvements Nick Humphrey Not-A-Drama Maintenance Paul Engellener Prospective Carpentry Solutions R.A Paul Property Services Pty Ltd Renovation Works Pty Ltd Robert Green Carpenter SC Landscapes Subeg Singh Waddell Landscapes

MASTER TRADESMAN Hunt Environmental Pty Ltd MEL Pergolas Tanwillow Building Services

MATERIALS, MANUFACTURING & SUPPLY Australian Drug Detection Agency - Dandenong Nth RB Doors Australia Smarter Storage Solutions Pty Ltd

SPECIALIST CONTRACTOR 360 Windows A & C Development Pty Ltd Ambassador Crewing Pty Ltd Anderson Building Concepts Pty Ltd Apex Formwork Pty Ltd

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NEW MEMBERS

BKS Stonemasons Cabinet Constructions CIA Services Group Dynamic Retail Group Easy Industries Pty Ltd Eco Group Greeneez Greenleaves Australia Pty Ltd Inglis Concreting JAK Demolition & Rubbish Removals Kascorp Pty Ltd Kilbury Group Pty Ltd Kustom Windows L & D Contractors Pty Ltd Leigh Waters LTC Demolition Pinnacle Team Pty Ltd Premier Commercial Constructions Pty Ltd Scotts (Bendigo) Pty Ltd Shannon Properties Pty Ltd SS Balustrading Pty Ltd Statewide Scaffolds Pty Ltd Tenon Contracting Pty Ltd The Drug Detention Agency

STUDENT Aarush Sharma Abe Lerardo Adan Nismo Adrian Borelli Alex Beardsele Alex Cobb Andon Saplamaev Andrew Bell Andrew Wylie Angelique Plunkett Angus Last Annie-Jayne Beckley Anthony Raduka Anthony Zinn Arvind Kumar Ash Bevan Austin Levick Baily Salidris Ben Bantario Ben Cassidy Ben Rider Ben Skinner Ben Tuifuli Blake Jorgensen Blake Meuburn Blake O’Brien Blake Pallett Brad Vandort Brandon Lugg Brandon Ross Brayden Allan Brayden Hall Brendan Mason Brent Sanders Brenton Ferris Brenton Young Brody Hehir Brody Sporzynski Caleb McGrath Callum Crafter Cameron Butcher Cameron Stone Canaan Ellis Charlie Cawvert Chase Hearn Christopher Gulle Clancy Faulkner

membership Cody Davis Colin Cook Connor Salmon Cooper Gray Cooper McMartin Cooper Mills Damian Foloki Damian Mann Daniel Andrews Daniel Beyer Daniel Craig Daniel Garrard Daniel Pollard David Handle Dillon Campbell Dominic Arceri Drew Delacey Dylan Drinkwater Dylan Sandell Dylan Thorley Dylan Wright Ebonie Innes Eli Baran Ethan Peters Finn Collins Frazal Brouns Gary Johnston George Steven Glen Alexander Hamish Heather Harley Malady Harron O’Brien Harry Hansen Harry Spedding Hayden Deaby Hayden Wilson Holly-Jade Pvaszcjalek Jack Agnew Jack Granger Jack Grinter Jack Malone Jack Martin Jack Peacock Jack Rice Jack Thompson Jack Willot Jackson Donaldson Jacob Darby Jacob Fraser Jacob Story Jacson Cusworth Jaime Heinjus Jake Counsel Jake Graham Jake Hinchcliff Jake Koski Jake LeMaistre Jake Loeffler Jake Muller Jake Newton Jake Williams James Brian James Buckley James Chol James Priestley James Steele Jamie O’Toole Jamison Owen Jason Schirmar Jaxon Wilson Jayden Tom Jayden Womlell Jayson Sullivan Jesse Kaytar

Jesse Leferre Jimmy Nurdag Joel Chapman Joel Ho Joel Swindells Johen Stacks Jonathan Bond Jonathan Pintos Jordan Celantro Jordan Davis Jordan Fitzsimmons Jordan Meddings Jordan Sterco Jordan Turner Joseph Vallelonga Josh Fedley Josh Hallow Josh Paten Joshua Mitchell Jourdain Pontelli Justin Blair Justin Goonan Kai Bohan Khalid Elmobayed Kirsty Starkey Kyle Cant Kyle Ogden Kyle Pondeljak Kyle Van Gulen Lachie Yuill Lachlan Allsopp Lachlan Bruce Lachlan Marchant Lachlan May Lachlan Sagent Lachlan Serle Lachlan Shaw Lachlan Taffe Lee Noden Leigh Mills Liam Giles Liam McCarthy Liam Warren Lochlan Barry-Godden Lucy Dixon Luke Brady Luke McKeown Luke Sally Luke Stevenson Luke Stirling Luke Vucicevic Luke Williams Lyndsay Bryant Mason Guy Mathew Moustique Matt Brooks Matt Kapp Matthew Beckham Matthew Jones Matthew Kaszuba Matthew Nowell Matthew Thomas Michael Castanedo Michael Curtis Michael McIntosh Michael Sawyer Mitch Haintz Mitch Rlovdan Mitch Thompson Mitchell Mitchell Cullen Mitchell Macheda Mitchell Perkins Mitchell Woods

membership Nash Tomlinson Nathan Jonkers Nathan Scarlett Ned Thorley Ngarra Williams Nial Ellis Nicholas Humphries Nicholas Thomas De Cicco Noah Calandro Oliver Benson Oscar Coutts Owen Faafetal Patrick Membrey Peter Zeuschner Rhett Petersen Rhys Gleave Rhys Miller Riley Featherby Robert Brishoshi Rory Davis Ross Ivermee Rueban Vesiwru Ryan Bradding Ryan Gamble Ryan Jennings Ryan Moore Ryon Rush

Sam McCauley Sam Vandermark Samison Owen Samuel Queen Sandrino Di Cacco Sani Vaelua Sarah Lomas Scott Fisher Shanko Kitete Shantelle Capurso Shaun Allen Sidney Glenister Simon Prymke Sith Doh Steele Trease Steven Wilson Storm Wagner Tait Collins Tannaoa Jnr Manuela Tarj Harrison Taylor Henry Teah Thilonius Teghan Durbridge Terence Palermo Tevan Nofi Thanakorn Samlong Thomas Clugston

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NEW MEMBERS

Tim Conway Tim Csorba Tim Tot Timothy Thompson Tom Hendrie Travis Moule Tyler Joass Tyson Berg Tyson Loft Tyson Stone Will Chester Will Ford Will Knuckey William Elliot Xavier Hunt Zac Crossley Zac Wood Zachary Cam Zachary Grigson Zake Turner Zav Herman Zav Taylor Zavier Ballis

Have Your Business Seen In 2016 Secure your spot today in the upcoming 2016 Master Builders Victoria Journals and Awards publications.

Crowther Blayne is an Australian leader in business-to-business online and print publications for a variety of industries worldwide. Crowther Blayne publications provide businesses with the broadest possible audience and target the most relevant decision-makers. By providing a platform of the highest quality, products and services are presented in the best possible light to the marketplace.

CALL US NOW - 07 5553 2800 | crowtherblayne.com.au

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Master Builder Victoria

B U I L D I N G S O F T WA R E

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UNLOCKING HIDDEN CAPACITY BY CLOSING THE GAPS It is vital to understand all aspects of a construction business and its processes, to track the work being carried out and to close gaps to increase your capacity without increasing your workforce.

The gaps include but are not limited to the deep disconnect between the office and onsite activities, consistent execution of policies and procedures, poor communication and separate silos of information.

Offering the same consistent and efficient experience to all clients every single time is extremely important but it is difficult. Each client is unique, and there are many factors that influence a client’s experience, such as communication, efficiency and consistency.

Successful businesses understand how important it is to identify what those factors are, and develop ways to manage or moderate their impacts. Managing these influences requires consistent policies and procedures and the systems or tools to implement and maintain them.

Due to its intricate nature the building and construction industry operates in a difficult communication environment with a number of stakeholders including your clients, in-office and on-site staff as well as trades/ subcontractors and regulatory bodies. The intricacies of project management creates the challenge for effective and efficient communication that is faced by every construction company big or small.

With all the complexity, challenges and various stakeholders within the construction industry, it is impossible to monitor every aspect of the business fully without the correct systems and processes in place. The construction industry can be disjointed and as a dynamic sector with a project based nature, communication

efficiency is essential to the success of each project. Miscommunication or a lack of effective communication processes can cause expensive mistakes. Well-organized communication results in fewer delays, lower expenses and can increase capacity.

Removing the disconnection between in-office and on-site staff, disjointed client communication and subcontractors results in increased satisfaction about the job process/experience and the quality of the build. Not knowing exactly where each job is up to, or who is responsible for ensuring that activities are completed on time can result in financial loss, brand damage and unsatisfied clients. There are solutions available to help reduce the challenges the construction industry faces, Workflow Management Software is the solution.

Workflow Management Software (WMS) are fully integrated business management systems, which provide a single location for internal communication, resource and project management information for your business. Workflow Management Software gives you total control of your construction processes in an easy to use streamlined approach which helps you maximise productivity and supports you to make informed leadership and management decisions. The best systems are customisable to meet the needs across all levels of the construction industry from custom home to production and commercial builders.

By using Onsite Companion, a workflow management software, Tania Beckton at QA Developments has experienced that “everybody across the company whether it be internal office or guys out on-site, knows exactly where each job is at, at any given time.”

WORKFLOW MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE PROVIDES YOU THE TOOLS TO MANAGE THE ENTIRE PROCESS: • Communications – Sharing information among all the departments removes the separate silos of information and provides all staff members a location to communicate with the relevant parties on projects or activities.

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) – from initial enquiries through to the completion of their construction process and ongoing communication with existing customers.

• Preconstruction & Administration Processes – managing all preconstruction and administration tasks and activities to ensure that the correct process and procedures are followed for each and every job.

• Construction Scheduling – during the construction phase the schedule is crucial to keep the build on track. WMS provide the ability to have a clear view of the schedule of each project down to daily activities and tasks.

• Employees and Contractors – Assign work to employees and contractors with ease reducing the need for constant meetings, reducing confusion and providing accountability across the entire process.

• Document Management – Generate, store and track all documents and communications in the office and on site.

With Workflow Management Software you have a one stop shop that helps increase efficiency, reduce complexity, increase capacity, insure effective communication and connect all stakeholders with the process. “OnSite Companion increases capacity by 30 to 50 per cent by closing the gaps” – Matthew Camenzuli Managing Director Companion Systems If you would like to discuss your Workflow Management requirements, contact Companion Systems on 02 9365 0000, our WA Representative Aaron on 0400 097 833 or, via email at sales@ companionsystems.com.au

Christmas & New Year Special 1 x additional user FREE

With all purchases in December 2015 and January 2016 (valued at $2,100).

Scott Cam - To do a good job, it is so important to have the right tools. To run a successful business, it is just as important to have the right software. BEAMS has all of the features and functions in one software package and it just works. BEAMS has been around for over 20 years and they know what is needed.

ESTIMATES: Quick and accurate estimates in minutes not days. BEAMS provides all the necessary tools to complete and produce cost-effective and personalised estimates for your clients.

CAD IMAGE: CAD Image allows you to open any image or PDF file on screen and perform an estimate. The introduction of our unrivalled roofing tools produces detailed cutting lists and printable roof overlays.

CONTRACTS: The Contracts module of BEAMS allows you to create variations and purchase orders, while providing comprehensive job tracking features displays the current stage of the job and when it is due for completion.

ACCOUNTS: Full accounting functionality allowing you to compare budgets at invoice posting, make payments, issue progress claims and receipts effortlessly, included in this is a full payroll suite.

MOBILE: Providing supervisors and employees with all the tools required to maintain all their On-Site activities on their mobile iPhones or iPads.

CRM: Captures leads from your website, tracks the job as it progresses to contract or conversion.

(08) 9454 7760 | sales@beamsbuild.com.au www.beamsbuild.com.au

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Master Builder Victoria

K I T C H E N S & B AT H R O O M S

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Kitchen and Bathroom Wish Lists

The Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute of Australia, in conjunction with its Media Sponsor, Kitchens and Bathrooms Quarterly, has recently carried out the largest survey of consumers in the kitchen and bathroom market for a decade. Their purpose was to find out what consumers are looking for when renovating or building these increasingly specialised areas, and the results are encouraging for designers and manufacturers alike.

Whilst other studies in the kitchen and bathroom industries tend to focus on volumes/economics or trends, this survey sought out a more practical ‘wish list’ of consumers who were planning for an upcoming project, or in the early stages of a build or renovation.

The survey attracted significantly more ‘renovators’ than new home builders, and the participants were mostly undertaking projects for homes they intended to occupy (rather than sell or rent out). Not surprisingly, a new kitchen topped the list for those undertaking new home builds and whole home renovations, but laundries were very close behind in an unexpected swing, even ousting ensuites from the renovation hit list!

Kitchens Appliance manufacturers and suppliers would be pleased to know that a third of survey participants were planning to invest over $10,000 on appliances for their new kitchen, indicating that high-end appliances are both desired and valued.

New rangehoods and cooktops topped the list, closely followed by refrigerators.

Permanent hot/cold water dispenses have taken hold too, with 24 per cent of consumers looking for this option, while

an impressive 39 per cent consider a coffee machine to be a must have!

Not surprisingly, 84 per cent of the consumers questioned would expect casual dining and/or entertaining areas to be included in their kitchen space. For almost a quarter of participants, a small office/workstation or homework/study nook would need to be factored in as well.

VALUE ADD YOUR OFFER TO YOUR CUSTOMER. For every sink you replace explain the advantages of an InSinkErator Food Waste Disposer.

• Reduces the need for a food waste bin hence eliminating the smells and bacteria associated with them • Environmentally responsible alternative to sending food waste to landfill • Protects the home owners investment • Uses <1% of household water consumption

Tel: 1300 136 205 | Web: www.insinkerator.com.au

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general feature Bathrooms The average number of bathrooms in Australian homes has risen significantly in the last decade, and the list of desired inclusions in ensuites, main bathrooms and ‘boot rooms’ has grown, too. A shower/bath combination is far less desirable than a shower cubicle, with only 14 per cent looking for this space saver in the main bathrooms, and only 6 per cent in ensuites. This is not to discount the desire for a bath; 57 per cent of consumers want a stand alone bath in their main bathroom, and 16 per cent seek a soak in the ensuite.

And More The study uncovered an overwhelming increase in the desire for an ‘alfresco room’ in New South Wales, Victoria and the Northern Territory, along with some very interesting finds regarding consumers’ changing attitude to design fees. KBDi Members can access the full survey results from the Members area of the website: visit www.kbdi.org.au for more information.

general feature Australia may be an island, but we’re far from isolated when it comes to interior design, with a plethora of international design blogs streaming to Aussie phones, tablets and PCs every day.

And when these American and European interiors are ‘pinned’ and filed by your clients, so too is the foreign terminology, adding a few more tweaks to our complex vernacular and more opportunities for confusion.

In this feature, we’ll look at the subtle differences between the terms gaining popularity in Australia today.

Powder Room ‘Powder room’ has been used by Australians for some time, most often for the small bathroom to be used by guests.

The room essentially houses a toilet, basin and mirror, and often adjoins the living/ entertaining areas of a home. The powder room is by no means losing its favour, but has some growing competition with the incoming boot room.

Boot Room The term ‘Boot Room’ appears to have originated in the UK, defining the room that football teams broke to for their post-game cheers or commiserations. As home-owners looked for a similar room to facilitate muddy boots, wet sporting gear and the necessary ablutions, the boot room made its way on to the home design wish list. Over the years it has evolved to become a bathroom near an entrance way that houses a bench to sit on while you pull off your muddy boots, along with coat hooks and storage, a basin, toilet and shower or bath. For obvious reasons, the boot room is best finished with hard-wearing, easy-to-clean products, but by no means need it look like the ‘man cave’ some would imagine!

Mud Room The mud room is virtually the American equivalent of the boot room – without the amenities – and until the last few years, has most often been found in snowy, damp northern American climates. The sensibility of such a room

can be appreciated in any climate, however, and as a place to store outerwear, boots, sports gear and the like, could be considered a practical must have. The location of the mud room will generally dictate its contents and finish: by the back door it may contain storage bins and shelving, and a floor finish well suited to muddy ingress and egress.

By the front door, a more welcoming arrangement would be required, with decorative hardware and cabinetry.

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K I T C H E N S & B AT H R O O M S

standards of design and business practice in this specialised field. KBDi is achieving this through:

facilitating continual professional development for its members

encouraging participation in recognized and quality training

co-ordinating a highly esteemed annual awards program delivering a comprehensive accreditation program — suitably

The Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute is a not for profit industry association representing Australia’s finest kitchen and bathroom designers.

The Institute’s primary goal is to develop, encourage and recognize the highest

To learn more about KBDi, visit: www.kbdi.org.au or phone 1300 253 223.

The Kitchen & Bathroom Designers Institute (KBDi)

qualified and experienced designers are approved to use the post nominal letters CKD Au (Certified Kitchen Designer) and/or CBD Au (Certified Bathroom Designer). These Certified Designers must maintain industry currency with Continuing Professional Development, and adhere to a strict code of ethics.

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HIRE

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Helping all industries work smarter and safer There is a compelling business case around the relative merits of hiring what you need, versus purchasing and owning it and the Hire and Rental Industry Association of Australia (HRIA) is the key representative body for the hire industry in Australia.

The HRIA works hard to keep the rental industry working safely and to Australian Standards and to ensure all rental companies operating in Australia meet and adhere to strict safety regulations and legislation across all the relevant codes for all the rental markets, whether general hire, access hire, or event hire.

“In recent years there has been a raft of new legislation creating uniformity for Australian business but simultaneously tougher working conditions right across

Every May the HRIA hosts the ‘only hire industry expo in Australia’ with live hands-on demonstrations

the board for all industries,” James Oxenham, National Operations Director of the HRIA said.

“This has occurred as every market has worked to adjust their businesses and conform to the new operating requirements.

“Changes in legislation in recent years relative to the hire industry have included changes in: • workplace health and safety; • training and licensing; • privacy laws and marketing to customers; and • the biggest hurdle for the hire industry in recent times, the introduction of the national property registration system – the Personal Property Security Act (PPSA).

general feature “The Personal Property Securities Act 2009 or PPSA has revolutionised the way creditors and financiers take security over assets to protect their position.

“The PPSA requires all security interests in equipment to be registered under the PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) against potential customer security interest.

“To secure interest in their hire equipment, hire companies must register their equipment on the PPSR every time it goes out on hire, against each new hiring customer if the hire is defined as a PPS lease under the PPSA. This is to protect it against liquidator security interest should the customer go into liquidation while the equipment is on hire.”

“This is especially pertinent on big projects and operations where equipment might be hired for extended periods. For many, if not all hire companies, this has become an expensive proposition,” Mr Oxenham said.

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57 HIRE

“For the hire industry, safety of the operator and liability for use of the hired equipment are prime considerations,” Mr Oxenham said.

Operator and workplace safety makes good business sense.

“So while hire offers many valuable options to help keep other industries afloat during tough economic times, no industry is recession proof and the hire market has worked harder, smarter and more effectively to become more productive and cost effective for itself and for its customers.”

Members of the HRIA work hard to make operators aware of the importance of safety. As part of the process of hiring out equipment, hire companies conform to a rigorous set of regulatory requirements plus have additional systems and services in place for operator education.

A major benefit of hiring is the education and instruction on the safe and correct use of equipment operators receive upon hiring from reputable hire companies and HRIA members.

Regulatory requirements identified by the Workplace Health & Safety Act, and overseen by WorkCover Inspectors in the field, are stringently adhered to by HRIA member companies to ensure

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HIRE

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the highest standard of safety for both employees and hirers of equipment.

The HRIA, as a national industry association, maintains a close eye on changes to safety legislation and works with its members and regulators to develop national codes of business management to ensure safety measures are identified, adopted and implemented into HRIA member businesses.

All rental equipment is thoroughly checked and maintained prior to each hire and electrically tested and tagged as applicable. All rental equipment is hired out complete with written operating instructions, warning decals and labels, and support manuals as required.

The hirer is instructed on the use of the equipment and further advice is available through brochures and videos.

The hire company also checks the hirer’s qualifications to operate certain types of plant where a licence is required.

To increase end user accessibility, the HRIA website features a comprehensive database and search engine capable of locating specific equipment to the nearest rental supplier location. Making this location identifier even easier, the new HRIA website also features Google maps which displays local street maps and directs users to their nearest hire location.

Businesses that hire their plant and equipment eliminate hefty upfront capital expenditure or funding, while freeing up resources to focus it on where it really should be – on the core business of managing their regions.

“The hire and rental industry in Australia professionally meets frequent and widely variable business needs with safe, upto-date and specialist equipment for dedicated jobs,” Mr Oxenham said.

There are also compelling environmental reasons for choosing to hire, he said, explaining bought equipment often languishes unused for long periods and is essentially wasteful in an era when resources are scarce and people are increasingly conscious of their carbon footprint.

“How many times does business buy equipment and use it once or twice on specialist jobs? Hiring is often a better use of money and better for the environment, because hire equipment is always well maintained and will be used many times over during the course of its hire lifespan offering a ‘greener’ alternative.”

“Hiring equipment is fully tax deductible which makes good economic sense during tough economic conditions. By hiring, businesses can offset any outlays, recoup some of their operational costs and limit their overall capital equipment purchases, all the while enabling a wider range of jobs outside what they might normally do,” Mr Oxenham said.

HRIA recommends its member hire companies to ensure end users receive the best equipment which complies with Australian Standards, with the best instruction and the safest loading/ unloading and operational advice.”

For more information about the HRIA: Phone: 9998 2255 Web: www.hireandrental.com.au

“In this economic environment, hiring becomes a smart alternative to buying outright and whether you are a business or a private operator, there is a serious proposition to consider. People are increasingly seeing the advantages of becoming more hire-conscious.

Kindly provided by James Oxenham, National Operations Director, HRIA

“But it definitely pays to ensure you seek professional assistance and advice from professional operators and the

For more information about this release, contact: Allison Leo – Punctuated! Media Phone: 02 6687 2607 Mobile: 0428 107 341 Email: allieleo@bigpond.net.au

A MOBILE

PHONE plan offer built for Master Builder members only.

• Massive

5GB of data

• Range of included handset choices *Some models may incur additional monthly charges

RESTRICTED AREA

MEMBERS ONLY

• Unlimited

*Standard National calls, SMS & MMS to most fixed & mobile numbers in Australia

• Data sharing in Australia for greater savings • 2 months port in credit when moving services from another provider • Dedicated support team from a local MBT helpdesk

Master Builders & Telstra have joined forces to build the perfect mobile phone plans exclusive for you and your business. More data and great value on Australia’s best mobile network.

Call

Receive a bonus Universal Powerbank. Available to the first 1000 subscribers only

1300 881 372 to take advantage of this Master Builders only offer.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: Minimum total cost is $2,160 ($90/mth) over 24 months. Monthly repayment options (MRO) for the handset vary in price depending on handset and plan chosen. If you cancel early the remaining handset payments will be higher as you’ll no longer receive a discount to offset your handset cost. Ultimate Plan: Some usage is excluded; such as calls/text/MMS to Premium numbers (e.g. 19xx numbers). 1234, 12455, 12345 numbers and to some satellite numbers, content changes and use overseas. Unused allowances expire monthly. For new connections the total of your minimum monthly fee (excluding any device payments) and charges for eligible calls over your included calls/text/MMS allowance will not exceed $90 per month. Android, Google Play and other marks are trademarks of Google Inc. The Android robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. The Spectrum device and TM are trade marks and ® are registered trade marks of Telstra Corporation Limited, ABN 33 051 775 556

Master-Builders_Magazine AD_V5.indd 1

10/07/2015 2:28:20 PM

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Master Builder Victoria

directory

LAWYERS

PEST CONTROL

Fixed Fee Building and Construction Lawyers

Termites - White ants

Level 3 179 Queen St Melbourne Victoria 3000 t f

1300 556 140 9670 0704

mail@boutiquelawyer.com.au boutiquelawyer.com.au

• Established 1985 • Domestic and Commercial • Accredited and Insured • Australian Standard AS3660.1 & AS3660.2 • Termite Soil Treatments • Termite Physical Barriers • HomeGuard: Code Mark, GreenSmart (HIA) and Ecospecified.

• Stops Kills Repels • Termite Inspection Reports • Home Guard available in Sheet, Granular and Collars • Safe Affordable Reliable

Call today 1800 686 299 Email: info@exopest.com.au Web: exopest.com.au

DRUG TESTING

Frontline Diagnostics 1800 888 852

www.frontlinediagnostics.com.au

TARPAULINS & CANVAS

TARP HIRE SALES REPAIRS Floor Tarps – Any Size

1800 4 TARPS 1800 482 777 4 Sir Laurence Drive Seaford 3198

www.melbournetarphire.com.au SOLICITOR

• Building Law • Mediation • Appearances at VCAT and other Court venues • Legal Advice for Builders • Business Structures • Asset Protection

Telephone: (03) 9009 5800 Facsimile: (03) 9009 5899 Level 4, 530 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Also at Mitcham by appointment only.

Email: wre@wrelawyers.com.au Web: www.wrelawyers.com.au

WATERPROOFING

ALL TYPES OF COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC WATERPROOFING

0418 999 876 LICENSED WATERPROOFER’S

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what’s new

Master Builder Victoria

W H AT ’ S N E W

QUALITY DRAINAGE BY STORMTECH The selection of quality drainage is crucial not only to the wellbeing and amenity of building occupants, but to the integrity and value of a built project as a whole.

Poor or untimely drainage selection can have costly implications for owners, placing the home or building at undue risk of ruinous inundation.

Faced with the competing challenges of today’s ultra-modern building designs, aging infrastructure and a litany of Building Code of Australia (BCA) requirements, today’s specifiers and builders must navigate a myriad of planning and regulatory hurdles.

Whilst the importance of meeting mandated compliance measures (such as BCA waterproofing standards AS-3740 & AS4654) must not be discounted, it is crucial for any implemented solution to accord strictly with the unique built and natural landscaping features of the property. This includes provisions for adequate grading and a thorough understanding of drainage flow rates, particularly in areas prone to excessive downpours.

Moreover, all outdoor drainage projects should aim to incorporate best practice in sustainable design (encapsulated in Australia’s Water Sensitive Urban Design, or WSUD, principles), to ensure water is discharged cleanly into sensitive catchment areas.

As one of Australia’s most respected drainage manufacturers and suppliers, Stormtech is committed to delivering the highest quality drainage solutions for today’s unique building projects.

Stormtech’s skilled specialists work closely with specifiers and builders to offer tailored drainage solutions, including bespoke drawings and plans for customised drainage designs for all Australian environments.

Stormtech works proactively with plumbing advisory services to ensure drainage is not only fit for purpose, but meets stringent Building Code of Australia (BCA) compliance measures.

To learn more about the selection and implementation of superior drainage solutions, visit www.stormtech.com.au and download Stormtech’s guide to expert drainage selection for architects, specifiers and builders.

For more information contact: Phone: 1300 653 403 Website: www.stormtech.com.au

what’s new BEAUTIFUL. STRONG. DURABLE.

Much more than a mere surface treatment.

IronAsh is transformed so dramatically that it has a 25 year durability guarantee. You will harvest a huge time, cost and labour saving when you specify the most affordable Australian hardwood fit for external use, easily stained or painted, and durable to H3 classification.

For more information contact an IronAsh specialist: Phone: (03) 5139 7001 Website: vicash.com.au/ironash

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W H AT ’ S N E W

TRADE-FOCUSED SUPPLIER DAHLSENS OPENS IN PAKENHAM.

Now new IronAsh from Australian Sustainable Hardwoods perfectly answers your exterior timber needs, too.

The biggest news to hit the Australian timber industry in years! Using innovative technology now you can specify Victorian Ash throughout a home and outside, too - seamlessly integrating the much-appreciated beauty of this gorgeous wood inside and out. It’s all thanks to the unique, non-toxic TruCore treatment that gets deep into the core of the product. Australian Sustainable Hardwoods call this exciting new development “IronAsh”.

Master Builder Victoria

THE BAYER PROTECTION PROGRAM OFFERS HOMEOWNERS TOTAL TERMITE PROTECTION A first for the termite industry in Australia, the Bayer Protection Program offers homeowners total termite protection -- a combination of regular termite inspections (e.g. annually) to detect the presence of termites; and a physical barrier (Kordon®) to prevent entry via areas that can’t be inspected.

The Bayer Protection Warranty starts with an inspection of the home by a Bayer Accredited Timber Pest Inspector. If the home is termite-free, and possible conditions which may be conducive to termite attack are addressed, your Bayer Protection Warranty can be renewed. The same inspection takes place each year to give the homeowner total termite protection. This warranty can be renewed annually (fee applies) for the life of the structure.

The Bayer Protection Warranty covers homeowners for up to $1 million worth of termite damage due to product failure or any other means of termite entry.

To activate your Bayer Protection Warranty visit www.kordonwarrantycentre.com.au or for further information contact the Bayer Protection team on 1800 552 802.

Whole of house building materials supplier and truss and frame manufacturer, Dahlsens, continues to go from strength to strength with the addition of a new trade store in Pakenham, south east of Melbourne.

Dahlsens has worked closely with fellow Natbuild member and long standing family hardware store Hardy’s since their exit from Pakenham in order to continue the same great service customers have come to expect. In fact, customers to Dahlsens Pakenham will be familiar with Bruce Andrews and many other key trade staff from Hardy’s who have joined the Dahlsens team.

Customers will also benefit from Dahlsens’ trade only ‘for the builder’ service model and the strength of their now 19 stores, 7 truss and frame plants and 1 metal roofing centre in the Victorian and southern NSW region.

Dahlsens looks forward to welcoming you to the new store.

For more information contact Manager, Bruce Andrews (image front left) and the team can be contacted at Address: Dahlsens Pakenham 3/6 SouthEast Bvd Phone 5943 7400 Email: pakenhamtrade@dahlsens.com.au For other stores, call 1300 DAHLSENS.

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Master Builder Victoria

W H AT ’ S N E W

KIMARU KNOWS BUSINESS. It is the Essendon Mazda Corporate Business Program geared for business. As a standalone Mazda fleet specialist, we get down to business and don’t muck you around. We save you time and money and will come to you.

When it comes down to business, New Mazda BT-50 is ready to be put to work. The gutsy diesel engine delivers powerful performance, while it’s tough new look commands attention.

Inside, the refined style and car-like handling come with added technology to make every drive smarter and smoother. Even when you take it off road. So whether it’s grunt work or weekend work, new BT-50 is one tough office.

If you are in business and the BT-50 is your choice, Kimaru can help.

For more information contact Mike Smith or Andrew Ward: Phone: 9374 2222 Website: www.kimaru.com.au

what’s new

BRING ON THE LED LAMP REPLACEMENT. We have seen huge changes within our industry in the past few years.

When LED Lamps first hit the market, you needed to heatsink the lamp to the fixture helping reduce heat… those days are gone when using the correct product.

The LED Replacement Lamps allows you to update your existing halogen lights without the cost of new fixtures as technology advances. If you have a new project, buy quality lights and exterior LED Lamps to suit.

Manufacturers have now addressed our concerns with dedicated LED and now supply options with modular parts and after sales service which reduce ongoing maintenance costs.

- David Spark For more information about the different ranges available contact: Phone: 03 9509 8000.

Website: www.lightonlandscape.com.au

GET THE TOOLS TO BUILD

BIGGER

w w w. s y d n e y b u i l d e x p o . c o m

Grow your revenue by 400%* with a G.J. Gardner Homes franchise We’re looking for ambitious, business-minded builders who want to grow their revenue, increase their profits and become the largest and most highly regarded builder in their community.

Work smarter – not harder – with our integrated sales and construction software, systems and marketing tools. There’ll be less sweat and more time to enjoy the rewards of your business, plus when you’re ready to retire, a G.J. Gardner Homes franchise is a proven asset that you can sell.

If you’d like to join more than 120 successful franchisees operating throughout Australia, New Zealand and America, please call Stewart Raitt on 0488 442 355, or visit gjgardner.com.au/franchise to contact us today.

* Based on the average of Australian Franchisees who were previously operating residential construction businesses.

Annual revenue compared from the final financial year before joining G.J. Gardner Homes to their 3rd Financial year with G.J. Gardner Homes.

Featuring:

40+

expert speakers

20+

topics covered

30 FREE

training CPD-accredited workshops

EXHIBITION BOOTHS ARE BEING FINALISED AT PRESENT, CONFIRM YOUR SPACE BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! SOME OF OUR EVENT PARTNERS INCLUDE

SOME OF OUR TOP-LEVEL SPEAKERS REPRESENTING FROM

MEET THE RIGHT PEOPLE A key format of the event will be the business matchmaking service for all attending. A series of high level networking functions and meetings are to be run in conjunction with the exhibition and conference , these include:

GJGARDNER.COM.AU/FRANCHISE

OR PHONE 0488 442 355

For more information please contact:

Organised by:

Email: sydneybuild@oliverkinross.com | Phone +61 (02) 8006 7557 * The event is free to attend for anyone working in or linked to the construction industry

@ Sydneybuild # Sydneybuild

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015 VOLUME 70 ISSUE 05

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA

mclabour.com.au

IMPERIAL BUILDERS NAMED MASTER BUILDER OF THE YEAR Print Post Publication No. 100008007

24/7 National Operations Line

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015 VOLUME 70 ISSUE 05

1300 10 12 14

p.14

2015 Excellence in Housing Awards: review the winners p.14 Taking inventory: the Andrews government one year on p.12 Member profile: Kleev Homes p.38