Hutchies Tbar Talk | Spring 2023

TBAR TALK

FOR HUTCHIES’ TOOWOOMBA STAFF SPRING 2023

Welcome all to our Spring Tbar Talk.

There has been plenty going on in Toowoomba generally over the last little while, with the Carnival of Flowers, Food and Wine, TRL Grand Final, Clydesdales and TRL Presentation Nights and the Master Builders Awards (where we did very well- just quietly), etc. It has been a busy time for our little town. So too, it has been a busy time for us at Hutchies.

We have finally wrapped up Endrim Childcare which despite being a beautiful building and one we should be very proud of having constructed, has been extremely challenging and one I wish I never took on. The effort from the team in getting it over the line was incredible and something that I am proud of. We also wrapped up James St Bulky Goods, Hungry Jacks Anzac Ave and Southern Cross Care recently. All of which returned well for us and had extremely happy clients, owed to our execution and approach throughout the projects.

We are also at the business end of a large number of projects with only a couple of months remaining on the likes of Ocean Verge, Benevolent Living, Kotzur, St Vinnies ICU, MMC, Baillie Henderson Enabling Works, Baillie Henderson Day Surgery and Pyrocal.

The completion of these projects has lined up fairly well with the start of some of our new work such as Tara Hospital, Normanton Hospital, Toowoomba Hospital Museum, Swallow Ct Social

From Leesy

Housing, Downlands Refurb, CSI Modules, Key Worker Accommodation and Studio Schools Australia.

It is safe to say that the unprecedented commercial work in Toowoomba is starting to retract to a more typical volume, with a fairly sharp decline in good quality local opportunities recently. There is still some good work out there, but it is more competitive, smaller and fewer than what we have enjoyed over the last couple of years. We will adapt and make whatever the next market opportunities look like a winner for our team. At this stage, modular will be central to this adaptation strategy, with a huge portion of our work next year being modular already.

Finally, Spring has seen our annual Social Club Trip away come and go, with what sounds like a great time had by all and another superb job by JK to somehow make taking 100 odd people somewhere go smoothly. As I said on the Friday night, I love these trips away because it’s an opportunity to

show some appreciation to our team and perhaps, just as importantly, everyone’s team at home. To use a footy analogy, it often takes a team at home to keep each of us performing on the paddock, how nice it is to have these unsung heroes spend a weekend in the sun with us all to say thanks.

TWMBA office trivia

Which members of our team rescued a boy with a forklift?

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of our Hutchies’ Tbar Talk

TOOWOOMBA BULKY GOODS

Celebrations

Master Builders Awards 2023

Representatives from the nominees’ projects attended the Master Builders Downs & Western Awards gala dinner at Rumours International where they scooped up five awards. This achievement is a result of their amazing dedication and hard work, along with the unwavering support and commitment of our trusted subcontractors. Congratulations to the well-deserving award-winners.

Ben receiving an award from Synergy Consolidated Director Kathy Wockner

Glenvale Medical & Pharmacy is the winner of the Downs & Western Retail Facilities up to $5 Million

Tim receiving the Downs & Western Health Facilities up to $20 Million award for the Toowoomba Base Hospital Emergency Extension from Construction Skills Queensland Industry Engagement Manager Jason Wright

Ben receiving an award from Wagner Concrete Sales and Production Manager Ryan Woodfield

Both Hutchies tables celebrating the five awards the Toowoomba Team received on the night

Mylne Street Apartments is the winner of the Downs & Western Residential Building (High-Rise over 3 storeys) up to $20 Million award

Good Samaritan College won two awards: Downs & Western Education Facilities up to $10 Million and Community Service Facilities.

3/1b Kitchener St. Office

Lachy receiving one of the awards from Construction

We made the big move to our brand-new office last July, and it’s packed with fantastic improvements to enhance our workspace experience.

Our spacious, modern kitchen is complete with all-new appliances. We can now enjoy our coffee breaks or lunchtime with a breathtaking view of the Mother ’s Memorial Fountain

We’ve introduced sit-to-stand wide desks to make sure everyone can work the way they want

However, it’s not just about the new physical space; it’s about our behaviour and the positive impact we can create. This new office is a wonderful opportunity to collectively contribute to a clean and enjoyable workspace. So, our new office commandments were the result of our suggestions for a better co-working experience. Together, we can maintain a clean and harmonious workplace that enhances our overall work experience.

Skills Queensland Industry Engagement Manager Jason Wright

Our boardroom has also received an upgrade – it’s bigger and more modern, perfect for those important meetings and brainstorming sessions

Cody was very grateful for her birthday celebration in the office

Jamie in the midst of a delightful birthday celebration in the lunchroom

Jordy enjoyed his first birthday celebration in the office

Lachlan enjoying a meat pie during his birthday celebration in the office

Blake‘s first bday celebration with Hutchies

Welcome to Hutchies!

Our workforce continues to expand, and we extend a heartfelt welcome to all our recent additions. We’re truly thrilled to have each one of you become a part of our team.

Bridget McVeigh, Commercial Manager Emma Meiklejohn, Contract Administrator

Jamie Nielsen, Contract Administrator

Lachlan Mason, Contract Administrator

Harry Baumann, Design Manager

Endrim Childcare

Situated in leafy and historic Toowong in one of Brisbane’s most iconic character homes, The Arlington Early Education and Care is an intricate blend of old and new; interweaving historic elements with modern state-of-the-art facilities and a huge natural playscape. Covering nearly 4000 sqm and with uninterrupted views of the CBD, children at The Arlington will have probably the best views of any daycare kids in Brisbane.

Bulky Goods

The massive 3,136 sqm retail showroom along one of Toowoomba’s busiest streets includes the allocation of three tenancies with retail areas, offices, lunchrooms, toilets and storerooms, 67 parking spaces, and footpaths for pedestrians. “Thank you so much for your efforts and perseverance on this job. You guys have been a pleasure to deal with and we sincerely hope that we get the opportunity to work with you again soon”, Motif Properties Director Jon Crampton said.

Southern Cross Care

Our dedicated team has been hard at work, and we are thrilled to announce the successful development of eight fully selfcontained accommodation modules. These modules were crafted with care at our Modular yard right here in Toowoomba and have now been transported and commissioned in the heart of Chinchilla. We take immense pride in our contribution to the growth of Southern Cross Care Qld Ltd. which stands unwaveringly committed to delivering the highest quality services, care, love, and respect to those who have chosen to make their homes within their villages.

In Progress

SVPHT ICU and Carpark

The 42-space carpark was completed and handed over to the Hospital, making the access to Entrance 2 more user-friendly, which has been greatly appreciated by doctors and their patients. A big milestone for the team this quarter in the ICU was the removal of all scaffolds, and the tower crane being demobilised. Another achievement they are proud of was the completion of night works, when they focused on the sub-floor sanitary drainage. During these works, 80 penetrations were cored into the existing slab, and the pipe work was being steered through and around existing services. The team managed to complete all this work within 9 nights They want to give a big thanks to Plumbing & Gas Australia and Jake Sutton for all their help. Internally, they are progressing well with all services roughed in. Internal painting has also begun. The next stages will be vinyl and fit off during September, with commissioning starting in October, followed by practical completion in November.

Kotzur

The structure is complete with roofing and wall cladding over half way complete. The majority of external aprons have been poured, with the internal factory slab being completed by mid-September. Internally, the office rough-in is complete with finishing trades in progress such as tiling, joinery and painting due to begin early September. The factory lunch room is also progressing well, with frames completed and rough-in beginning early this month.

MMC

The modular build started in the shed beginning of August, number 18 of 58 was rolled into the shed earlier this month. The team should have the first six modules ready for delivery in the next few weeks. Build time restraints have been the main issue so far but Blocka has been excellent at keeping the subcontractors on site, working hard throughout the build and keeping them to a rather strict timeline.

Centenary Heights SHS

All building structures are nearly complete with roof and cladding to follow. Also, the internal rough-in of all trades is to commence soon. The team had some minor design adjustments around the project which were resolved with positive communication and proactive thinking. Toowoomba Formwork has done an outstanding job to date. They have communicated really well and have delivered a quality product. The biggest milestone to date has been the LVL 1 deck pour of 921m2 in one go by DJCS while the biggest obstacle has been keeping a good relationship with neighbours who are in close proximity to the job site. The school is very much looking forward to having its new music building and is happy with the progress so far.

Hungry Jacks

This project has progressed well, bringing the handover date and opening date for Hungry Jacks a month earlier. All external pavements have been poured with landscaping currently being completed. Inside, services trades are completing fit off with final joinery, cladding and painting being completed by mid-September .

Glen Innes Ambulance Station

The ambulance station is now wrapped up, awaiting for the power to be upgraded so we can commission. The demo of the old nurses’ quarters is well underway with all hazardous material removed from all levels. The subfloor remediation works have commenced with all bubbles now in place.

Baillie Henderson Hospital - Day Surgery

The external shell of the building is complete and the project team is now working on services fit off, commissioning applied finishes and external pavements. The team is targeting a mid-November completion of the building both internally and externally with the remaining weeks before PC in 2024 to allow for commissioning and validations.

Darling Downs Health Board were impressed with the building when they did a walk-through and are looking forward to the end result. The project team would like to thank Declan for his hard work and commitment on-site during his first 3 months on-site.

Washo and Steve’s quick actions saved the lives of two boys run down by a car in front of the Eastside Village McDonald’s restaurant during its grand opening celebrations in 2016.

The elderly driver of a white 4WD vehicle had gone to park in the disabled space at the front of the restaurant when the car shot forward, pinning a 15-year-old boy under the car and jamming a 12-year-old against a seat bench and wall.

Hutchies had handed over the restaurant to the new owners only hours before and were working nearby on the Eastside Village development site. In response to the panicked screams and loud crash, the Hutchies’ team rushed to the scene. Initially, they attempted to move the car but it was too heavy. Washo used a forklift from the work site to shift the vehicle off the boy so he could be dragged to safety. An ambulance spokesperson described Washo’s quick action as a life-saving moment.

The 15-year-old boy was taken to hospital with severe chest and back injuries while the 12-year-old was treated for shock and suffered minor injuries.

New Toowoomba Hospital - Enabling Works

Road works are 90% complete with asphalt works close to being underway which will be a major milestone in the progress of the road with the occasional challenge encountered with authority delays’ progress has not been hindered. Everything else on site is shaping up well with landscaping now underway.

Ocean Verge

Finishes complete to level 5. Level 6 fit-off occurring at the moment. The façade is being rendered and painted. Scaffold drop has been very busy. The site team has liaised well with subcontractors to ensure continuity. The site team needs a shout-out for adjusting to each obstacle and getting on with the job. PC is expected to be in October. The client is happy with the fluid communication and for keeping them updated on this difficult project.

Benevolent Living

The kitchen and laundry work was the major milestone reached over the past few months. Building B continues to tick over with a roof on. Resources have been an issue on this project but Hutchies has stepped in and boosted resources to important trades which has only been possible through the management of our persistent site team. A big shout-out must go to the whole site team, specifically Benny McNalty who has fitted seamlessly into the finishes foreman role and Shane Perkins who came to Benevolent with very short notice to lend a hand.

Pyrocal

The team has finally commenced the project after a short delay. They have completed all building slabs with light gauge framing stood and roof on the office. External cladding is nearing completion and internal linings are underway. The warehouse structural steel has been stood with roofing nearing completion. A big shout out to Clinton Cover for his proactive attitude on site and keeping the job on program. The client is happy with the progress on site and overall workmanship.

Forensic & Scientific Services

This Modular Office Accommodation project for Queensland Health, with an approximately value of $4,687,366.00 has recently been awarded, and construction has started at the yard.

Museum of Health for Toowoomba Hospital Foundation Approx. value $2,471,325.00

Tara Hospital for Queensland Health Approx. value $22,675,715.00

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Prostate cancer claims the lives of 9 Australians every single day (3,507 deaths a year). This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we partnered with ManUp!, a remarkable nonprofit organisation at the forefront of prostate cancer education and support, to provide valuable education and resources to all our sites.

Don’t procrastinate until it’s too late! Take the initiative and chat with your GP about getting a PSA blood test today. And don’t forget to ask them what your score is and keep tabs on it year after year.

7SD

New office

Baillie Henderson Hospital

Normanton Hospital for Queensland Health Approx. value $33,878,448.00

Swallow Court for QBuild Approx. value $4,687,366.00

Community Engagement

Toowoomba Rugby League

Presentation Night

Kampfy and Jake proudly represented Hutchies at the TRL Presentation Night. They extended an invitation to Davo, who was delighted to join them for the event. During the evening, Kampfy had the honour of presenting the Team of the Year Jerseys alongside Steve Price for the A Grade Team of the Year. Additionally, Jake, known as the Safety Snake, ensured a safe journey home for Davo, Thelie Pollard, and Kampfy.

Grand Final

With unwavering and vocal backing from their dedicated supporters, the Dalby Diehards secured their second TRL Hutchinson Builders A-Grade championship over the weekend. In the first-ever Saturday TRL grand final showdown, the Diehards outshone the Valleys Roosters, emerging victorious with a score of 20-14.

The loyal fan base of the Diehards showed up in impressive numbers, generating an electrifying ambiance that reverberated throughout the matches in both the A-grade and Reserve grade divisions.

Apelt Motorsport

We take great pride in our role as the gold sponsor for Tarhlea Apelt and her Apelt Floors Motorsport team as they embark on their exciting journey at the Hi-Tec Oils Toowoomba Speedway – Thunder on the Downs event. With more than 13 years of active involvement in motorsport, Tarhlea’s journey began with quarter midgets and progressed through to Formula 500s, culminating in her establishment as a seasoned sprint driver.

Her outstanding progress over the past two years underscores her immense potential. Make sure to mark your calendar for Round 1 of the Thunder on the Downs championship, scheduled to take place at Toowoomba Speedway in Charlton on September 23rd at 4:30 p.m.

Before

TRL’s Media Officer Andrew O’Brien and Leesy holding the trophy

the Valleys’s Roosters faced the Dalby Diehards in The Toowoomba Rugby League grand final at the Clive Berghofer stadium, Sean and Ben had the pleasure of hosting representatives from the finalist teams inside the big shed of our Kotzur construction site for a press conference.

Gav, Tarhlea and Leesy at the new gear reveal day at our new office

Jake, Kampfy and Davo reunited at the TRL’s Presentation Night

Western Clydesdales

The Western Clydesdales Football Club is gearing up for their 2nd year in the Host Plus Cup 2024 and we are sponsoring them to make it a triumphant one.

For us, this partnership goes beyond merely placing our brand on their jerseys; it’s a commitment to fostering a thriving community and promoting the values that sports instill in individuals.

“We are very proud to be on the journey with the Western Clydesdales. I reckon this year has been a great start towards building a strong Clydesdales, which will in turn help build a stronger TRL and open up more opportunities for young kids right across the Downs and throughout the region. I tend to think that’s a good thing for the wider community beyond Rugby League as well,” Leesy said.

Darling Dingoes

The Darling Dingoes are a franchise of the new T20 cricket competition, the Brisbane Premier League. Being based rurally on the Darling Downs, the Dingoes not only represent our region but also all other parts of Queensland.

Although the results didn’t go their way this year, we couldn’t be prouder to be the major sponsor of this team and how they conducted themselves this season.

Downlands Art Exhibition

We came on board as a Silver Partner for the Downlands Art Exhibition 2023. The Downlands Art Exhibition is a week-long event that meaningfully engages the Downlands and wider community with artists, artwork and creative minds. Oil paintings, water colours, ceramics, photography, sculpture, jewellery, installations, works on paper, drawings and prints were on display at the College’s Graham Centre.

The funds raised from this Exhibition go directly towards enhancing College facilities, enriching teaching and learning experiences, and providing essential pastoral care for their students. By supporting this exhibition, we are contributing to the growth of artistic expression and education in the region. Art plays a pivotal role in shaping young minds, fostering creativity, and encouraging critical thinking, and we are honoured to be part of this journey.

Jess, Coxy and his wife Rachel immersed in the vibrant and creative atmosphere of an art exhibition.

Social Club

Food & Wine Festival

Some members of our Social Club got together to enjoy the drinks, snacks, music, and camaraderie at the Food & Wine Festival, which was a part of the Carnival of Flowers celebration. Even the storm couldn’t stop us from having a great time.

Maroochydore Trip

The annual Social Club Trip this year led the lucky members to the vibrant coastal town of Maroochydore. Upon their arrival, the group swiftly checked in at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, their home away from home for the long weekend. The excitement was palpable as the group geared up for a night of festivities at the Duporth Tavern, where scrumptious cuisine and infectious laughter set the tone for the evening.

Alec, Wayne, Peter and his wife Lisa, Ben and Charlesy enjoying some drinks and catching up at the festival

The cheerful Hutchies table included Glen, Charlesy, Bailee, Jess, Cody, Leesy, Tarla, Jordan, Amy, Ben, Jaime, Josh, Lisa, Hayley (Josh’s girlfriend), Wayne, Peter, Alec, and Jodie (who took this photo).

Kampfy, Blocka and Greg enjoying each other’s company

Leesy and Jimmy enjoying the party at the Duporth tavern

The following day, the gang split into groups, each embarking on a unique adventure chosen in advance. Some set sail for thrilling whale watching, while others embarked on an Australia Zoo tour. Golf enthusiasts teed off at Twin Waters, and connoisseurs savoured a distillery tour and tastings at Brouhaha Brewery, Paradise Rum, Sunshine & Sons, Fortune Distillery, and The Long Lunch at The Boat Shed.

This unforgettable trip concluded with a nail-biting NRL Grand Final watch party at the Maroochy Surf Club, a fitting end to an amazing Maroochydore escapade.

Humans of Hutchies Toowoomba

Ben McNalty, our Site Foreman at Benevolent Living Aged Care Rockhampton, started in the construction industry five years ago.

“I discovered my passion for the Construction Industry when I was in year 10, so I decided to start a school-based apprenticeship doing one day a week.

I started working in a full-time capacity with Hutchies as soon as I finished grade 12. From there, I worked my way to become a Site Foreman. During this time, I have been involved with multiple jobs including commercial, residential and hospitality.

Outside of work, I like motorbikes and have been an aficionado since I was a little kid. I like Hutchies Toowoomba because they are a great team to work with. They make everyone feel welcome. They have great career opportunities too”, Ben said.

Thanks to all our contributors! We couldn’t do this newsletter without you GOT AN IDEA? If you would like to contribute to the next edition of Hutchies’ Tbar Talk, take a photo of the activity our team is taking part in and send it by email to Jessica.Ramos@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au by COB December 9th.

Social club members enjoying the distillery tour with family and friends

Photo credits: Griff