TBAR TALK
A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FOR HUTCHIES’ TOOWOOMBA STAFF WINTER 2023
Welcome to our EOFY edition of Tbar Talk. I can’t believe we are halfway through another year already! The EOFY is always a time for me to reflect, as I do a lot of financial analysis of the year that’s been, financial planning for the year that’s upcoming and do about two months’ worth of performance reviews where I get to talk to everyone in the business. After doing that, I am always left with what feels like a fair amount of clarity of where we are at as a team and as a business. As well as feeling fairly energised by it all. This year, perhaps more than any other, I am left feeling very optimistic about what we have achieved over the past year and how strong we are as a unit. I reckon we are better right across the paddock now than we have ever been. Thanks again for everyone’s efforts over the last 12 months, it has been as challenging a time as I have seen and the results are amazing, especially when considering the difficulties.
It is, however, my anticipation that the challenges will remain similar for the next few years. The QLD Government has launched an unprecedented spend of circa $7B in Health Infrastructure across the state, at a time where labour and material shortages are still creating issues on our projects. This infrastructure will do a lot of good for the community, but also put pressure on our industry. Specifically, with the new Toowoomba Hospital being around $1.4B of that expenditure (which has now been awarded), the labour and material constraints in our region are likely to get worse before they get better. What will come from this is pricing volatility, a general increase in labour costs (as businesses try and compete on labour rates to retain staff), not enough labour to support the volume of work, and supply chain constraints. This will in turn mean that our focus areas of the last few years such as subbie relationships,
From Leesy
coordinated procurement of subcontractors, short term programming, subbie meetings and ultra proactive engagement with subbies around start dates and quality of work, etc., are going to remain paramount for us to continue to navigate the next few years successfully. The good news is we have risen to the challenge to date at a time when so many of our colleagues in the market have not, this gives us a competitive advantage moving forward. I genuinely feel that we are better placed to handle these challenges than anyone else in our sphere due to our strong balance sheet, reputation as a fair builder who pays on time and the quality of our people. We can’t be complacent, but I am certainly confident.
We are again in the fortunate position of having plenty of work and being able to be selective about what we take on. We are currently knocking back more opportunities than we are pursuing. If we continue to deliver well and stay focused I expect this to continue for a while yet.
Another major milestone approaching too, with the move in date for the new office locked in for the 5th of July. I personally can’t wait for the team to enjoy a nice new environment to work from. I reckon we won’t look back.
Finally a special time also to celebrate the career and retirement after 25 years of our mate Davo. There will be plenty more said about this at the farewell, but officially, thank you Davo. 25 years is an amazing knock by anyone’s measure and the way you have done it as a team player and great all around person is a real credit to you and one I am grateful for. All the best to you and Deb, enjoy a well-earned retirement!
TWMBA office trivia
Who in our Team was a Toowoomba rugby league player who went on to play for QLD?
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Find the answer in one of the inside pages of our Hutchies’ Tbar Talk newsletter. ?
WILSONTON SHOPPING CENTRE STAGE 2
Celebrations
AIA Darling Downs and West Moreton Regional Awards
The Bigger Big Rig received a Commendation Award and was shortlisted for the 2023 Queensland Architectural State Awards. Kirsten and Andrew attended the awards night at the City Hall Annex.
The Bigger Big Rig is a bespoke structural steel tower that is a great addition to the Maranoa Regional Council’s thriving tourism and will integrate into the existing Big Rig interactive tours and tourism program. The project includes a ‘Tree Top Walkway’ that counter levers a thrilling 12m over the Bungil Creek and also features a large viewing platform that is 43m above the ground, perfect for soaking up the vistas of the Western Downs.
Clydesdales Ladies Day
Members of our Team, their families and friends participated in this family event for Mother’s Day.
We enjoyed the energetic and vibrant atmosphere, the camaraderie and the social interaction while watching the Western Clydesdales U21 Colts rebounding in epic fashion against the Northern Pride.
It was a 2.5hr drink package, nibbles, raffles and live music by Pete Cullen on the
Presentation of the award to the Bigger Big Rig
Kirsten proudly posing next to the project’s poster
Fleur, Brooke Linnan and Cody enjoying the game with friendsMatt, Morgs, Doggy and Jordan chatting during the half time break
Hutchies Hill.
Corporate package attendees watching the game from the Hutchies Hill
The Western Clydesdales in action
Downlands Prep - Year 4 Opening Ceremony
Downlands Prep to year 4 students are now enjoying the new precinct making their way through the five different levels the project is constructed over.
This space provides a really close and warm environment whilst also ensuring even the most imaginative students are able to explore and be challenged every day.
We were proud to attend the official opening ceremony which started with the lighting of the college candle, followed by the placing of college symbols, the official blessing and concluded with the official ribbon cutting.
Kotzur Sod Turning Ceremony
Our Team Leader, Sean Lees, joined Kotzur Pty Ltd Managing Director, Andrew Kotzur, and Design Engineer, Ben Kotzur, at the sod turning ceremony to celebrate the beginning of construction at their new production facility in Charlton.
This $20m manufacturing plant will include a silo manufacturing building to satisfy the increased demand for larger on-site storage from farmers around Australia and overseas.
We feel proud to be part of Kotzur’s expansion, a third-generation Australian-owned and operated business, which will double its workforce in our region.
Drone photo of the Issoudun Centre Gav accompanied by Bishop Robert McGuckin, Principal Stephen Koch, Head of Junior School Rebecca Brownhall, a Member of the Board Julie Raitelli, and students
Leesy accompanied by Kotzur’s Managing Director, Andrew Kotzur, and Design Engineer, Ben Kotzur
Leesy with Andrew Kotzur, Ben Kotzur, and Ben’s wife and daughter
Birthday celebrations
Nolsy was very grateful for his birthday celebration in the office
June 1 Gav Taylor 2 Ben McNalty 17 Nick Linnan 20 Jake Sutton 21 Charlie Hasted 22 Bec Sutton 1 Grant Collyer 7 Nick O’Riley 15 John Clohessy 15 Blocka Campbell 19 Ish Macaulay 23 Jodie Kelly 3 Peter Wetherspoon 4 Tim Thompson 8 Jordan Furnell 18 Dale Borghardt 22 Blake Phipps 30 Cody Lugg July August
Aruna didn’t hide his emotions when being celebrated by his colleagues
Upcoming birthdays
22 Adam Saunders 25 Rod Bussing 27
Benny looking surprised with the Bday cake he received at the Benevolent Living site
Hayden Phipps
Darren about to devour the pastry he got for his birthday
Morgs enjoying a meat pie during his birthday celebration in the office
Bailee ‘s first bday celebration with Hutchies
Hatched in Toowoomba
Congratulations on the arrival of your precious newborns! This is a truly joyous occasion, and we couldn’t be happier for you and your family. Wishing you a lifetime of cherished memories, endless snuggles, and the purest form of love that only a child can bring.
Grace’s baby shower
In a heartwarming display of support and celebration, the ladies of our Team got together to throw a love-filled baby shower for Grace. The joyful event, held at the characterful Gip’s Restaurant, was nicely decorated with grey, gold and white balloons to honour the imminent arrival of the precious little one.
Grace, looking radiant, was the centre of attention throughout the event. Glowing with happiness, she expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support and affection showered upon her and her unborn child after receiving the Hutchies baby hamper. The hamper included essential items for the baby’s care and other baby-related items.
As the afternoon drew to a close, we departed with hearts full of love and anticipation for the arrival of Grace’s little bundle of joy. The baby shower not only provided an opportunity for cherished memories but also showcased the unwavering support and solidarity that define our Team.
Madelaine, a daughter for Lauren Kalinowski and her husband, Alex
Blair, a daughter for Tom Hagan and his wife, Whitney
The ladies of our Team having lunch at Gip’s to celebrate Grace’s baby shower
Grace was very grateful for the celebration and the gifts
Ricky, Max and Megan welcomed Miles to the McGuinness family
Meet Nora Mae, a daughter for Grace and husband Josh
Team keeps growing. A warm welcome to all our new starters. We are very excited to have all of you joining our team.
Welcome to Hutchies! Our
Grant Gillam, Roving Foreman
Shelby Abbott, Payment Officer
Blake Phipps, Cadet
Declan Balassa, Junior Contract Administrator
Blake McCarroll, Roving Foreman
Saying Goodbye with Gratitude
It’s never easy to see our mates go. In a bittersweet moment, some of us gathered together to farewell Mitch Donovan and Darren Pirovich. May your path be filled with continued success and fulfillment.
Bowie’s Farewell
Paul Bowe’s (a.k.a. Bowie) history in the construction industry goes back to 1974. Prior to joining Hutchinson Builders in 2003, Bowie worked with a variety of construction companies. Throughout his time in the industry and working on various projects, Bowie developed from a skilled carpenter, leading hand and site foreman to a site manager.
Paul’s wide range of experience has made him a valuable foreman who has managed any type of building project including: the Empire Theatre, Bunnings Warehouse, the Toowoomba Hockey Club, Jimbour House, Condabri IOC and Camp Extension, and Alpha Hospital.
“I can remember first working with Bowie on Turinga Village a while ago and being immediately impressed with Bowie’s maturity and ability to handle some tricky interpersonal situations. We also built Alpha Hospital together a few years later, which was finished early, made good money and was an award-winning building, despite being pretty technical and extremely remote”, Leesy said. “I remember when Bowie saved an electrician’s life when he was stuck on a live switchboard and Bowie noticed he was jiggling about and run (was a few years ago) and shoulder charged the guy on the board. He has always been a practical thinker and, in this case, he saved a life’, Charlesy, added.
Now Bowie is relaxing into a well deserved retirement. “It hasn’t been smooth sailing into retirement. It’s been a tough slog at Ocean Verge but you are leaving the project in a much better position than when you came on board”, Nick said.
Davo, Bowie and Blocka at the Laurel Bank Villas site in 2003 Davo, Blocka, Bowie, John, Kampfy and Charlesy during Bowie’s send off at Kings Beach Tavern
Mitch’s farewell gathering at Proof restaurantDarren’s farewell drinks at The Rock pub
Davo’s Farewell
Barry Davidson (a.k.a. Davo) has been a part of the construction industry for more than 40 years. During his time, Davo has held numerous positions within the industry and has developed his knowledge and skills from each position. Davo joined Hutchinson Builders in 1998 where he has undertaken roles as a Workplace Health and Safety Officer and Workplace Health and Safety Manager.
Whilst working with Hutchinson Builders, Davo has been responsible for ensuring that all our regional construction projects comply with the Hutchinson Builders Health and Safety Management Procedures.
Due to his vast knowledge and experience within the construction industry, Davo has demonstrated his ability to assist in the successful delivery of any construction project including Toowoomba City Police Station, Centenary Heights School, Wilsonton Shopping Centre, Richmond Hotel, CareFlight, Seachange, and RSPCA.
“Not only has Davo done 25 years with us, but he has done them with dignity, respect and has been extremely reliable throughout all of them. I want to congratulate you Davo on your incredible knock. Thank you for all your work and wish you and Deb every happiness in a wonderful phase of life. You will be sorely missed”, Leesy said.
Hutchies gear that Davo has kept all these 25 years
Davo with Debbie enjoying his retirement in Bali
Kampfy and Davo having fun at the Break party last year
NextGen
Vitality Unleashed: Energise Your Body and Elevate Your Wellness
In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to overlook the profound connection between our physical, mental, and emotional health. However, nurturing these three aspects of our wellbeing is vital for leading a fulfilling and vibrant life.
We invited Ben Loxley, Complete Body Director, to give us some tips to elevate our wellness. He presented a holistic approach to wellness, addressing various aspects beyond physical fitness. He explained how exercise, nutrition, and self-care practices can impact not only physical fitness but also mental health and emotional balance. He also guided us to practice a couple of easy meditation techniques to do when required. Ben finished his presentation by challenging us to commit to our health for 28 days.
Masterclass: Site Presentation
The Masterclass in this second quarter of the year was about Site Presentation.
Leesy and Nick reminded the participants that the presentation of our sites represents our Team. They also showed good and bad examples of branding, delineation, cleanliness and amenities layout.
“People charge a fortune to put a moderately sized sign on the side of road. We can have 1000s of m2s of signage available beside some of Toowoomba’s busiest roads and should maximise this opportunity as it’s a cheap investment and has a huge return”, Leesy said.
Mindful Nourishment: Feeding Your Mental Wellbeing
Eating well is a recipe for success. What you eat affects you and your family’s mental and physical health. Poor diet has been linked to an increased risk of chronic conditions including depression.
Food experts Holly and Amanda’s six weeks Mood Food Program aims to provide easily digestible advice about what to eat and how it relates to mental health.
We have uploaded the material of this program to our Diamond Edge portal so you can access it at all times. These videos, recipients, and weekly challenges will help you to improve your eating habits and mental health.
Bunya Centre Day Surgery site tour
Following the Site Presentation Masterclass, Alec, Richard, Gabby, Tony and Wayne gave us a tour at Baillie Henderson Day Surgery site and showed us the progress of the project. After the tour, we enjoyed a delicious BBQ with sausages, salad and soft drinks.
Illuminating the Night: dazzling Hutchies neon signs around the city
Another new addition to our site presentation have been the ‘H’ neon signs. They look great and are very visible, especially at night time. Credit for the ingenuity belongs to Bryce Tippins.
Richard and Alec showing off their cooking skills on the BBQ trailer Gabby starting the tour with one of the groups which visited the site
Tony showing the retaining wall installed around the project Wayne chatting with some visitors before the BBQ
Neon sign above the St. Vincent’s Hospital Emergency Department Neon sign at the Bulky Goods site on James St.
Reaching New Heights: the crane is up at St. Vincent’s
Our Team at the St. Vincent’s Private Hospital Toowoomba woke up very early in the morning to supervise the erection of this large crane which will assist in the expansion of the hospital.
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
Bowel cancer claims the lives of 103 Australians every week (5,354 people a year) - but it’s one of the most treatable types of cancer when detected early. We reached more than 300 subbies working on our sites locally and outside of Toowoomba with our BBQs and pizza days. This was a great opportunity to remind them to take a test if they experience any symptoms.
We also engaged Claire Condon, Health Promotion Officer from Darling Downs Health, to give us a presentation about Bowel Cancer and how to access the Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
BBQ at Kotzur Pizza Day at Endrim
Combined BBQ at Baillie Henderson Hospital
BBQ at the Prescott St. Office
Kampfy reunited with Shag Robert McDougall. They first met while working at Trilogy Apartments in 2007
Project updates
Wilsonton Stage 2
After a year of hard work, the Wilsonton Stage 2 Team completed this shopping centre. The project incorporated over 11,500m2 of new commercial tenancies, a carwash, carparks and a fuel station, including Toowoomba’s first Starbucks. A big shout out to all involved from the design boys in the office to the subbies on site.
Bunya Centre Day Surgery - Baillie Henderson Hospital
Generally, most of the structure is complete (blockwork, structural steel, retaining walls, suspended concrete). The project team is now focusing on services installation, cladding, roofing and internal fit-outs.
Due to the sequencing of the services diversion, the team were unable to complete the bio basin during the civil phase. However, they have managed to install a temporary basin to capture and retain heavy rain events until complete.
Gabby Behr is fast approaching the end of her cadetship rotation on site. Gabby has been a great asset to the team and will be missed. This project is fast approaching being weathertight with a majority of the roofing being complete and the team is hoping to see the balance of the wall cladding to be installed within the next 3-4 weeks.
Endrim Childcare
The wet area bedding and tiling, existing house external paint, and heritage flooring structure upgrade have been completed. Level 2 floor joists are damaged due to borers. The next big jobs will be to install new joists and to relay flooring and patch heritage ceiling. The Team wants to give a special acknowledgment to Tommy Green and Greg Inwood for their unwavering dedication and extensive expertise in tackling some exceptionally challenging problems. They have approached the Endrim challenge with great enthusiasm and there is no doubt that they are the perfect duo to accomplish the task at hand. “Well done, gentlemen and thank you”, Tommy Hagan said.
Peter, Coxy and Jack celebrating PC with some subbies at The Rock pub
The future Pet Barn at the Wilsonton Shopping Centre
SVPHT ICU and Carpark
After preparing the building to be watertight in the ICU, the Team has completed the external frames and trusses, render, and structural steel install. In the carpark, they have completed the demolition of the Chapel and the carpark area. They faced more obstacles than expected with delays due to the discovery of asbestos. The completion of bulk earthworks is their next milestone
The Team has welcome Bailee Ward to the site, who’s blending in well. They would also like to give Jake a shout out for his safety awareness and commitment to providing a safe workplace for all subbies and Hutchies staff
St Vincent’s Hospital staff are looking forward to the completion of the ICU and its updated features. Members of the community have expressed their happiness with the new carpark and have advised of its many benefits.
Bulky Goods
The project Team has completed installing the HVAC units and completed the pour of the loading dock for Tenancy 3. They are in the progress of having all the internal slabs polished and are currently working through having the electrical and mechanical roughin done and the internal sheeting and setting. The carpark is underway with the sub-grade being laid in preparation for the concrete pour to take place. They would like to give a shout-out to our cadet Gina for getting involved and taking the learning in her stride as well as CreteCo for working with them through staging internal pours and grinding. Their biggest milestone so far has been getting all the tilt panels stood and the roof on.
Centenary Heights
Establishment and site facilities have been mobilised on site this month. Early inground sewer diversion is to commence early next week with the TRC pre-start booked this week. Bulk earthworks cut to fill will commence mid-next week with a blended mix of existing site material and crushed concrete being utilised for the fill portion. The team is working through finalising the complete design for full IFC to be completed by the middle of this month as well as front-end trade letting and pricing.
Ocean Verge
The Team has had issues procuring structural steel and painters, however, has adjusted to being able to work with the new suppliers effectively.
They would like to give a big shout-out to Grant Gillam, heading straight up to the Sunny Coast to help the project out. And another shout out to Paul Bowe for his excellent tenure at Hutchies. They wish him the best in retirement. Getting the roof on is the next milestone.
SCC Chinchilla
The chassis went into the shed and all of the light gauge frames have now been erected. The Team is ahead of schedule after resolving an issue with the incumbent certifier. Peter Wetherspoon has been an incredibly patient architect on this project. The client is happy with the progress that the Team has made so far. The next step is for the internal walls to be put up, painting, and building the decks onto each of the modules.
Glen Innes Ambulance Station
Structural steel and light gauge framing has been installed, the roof is on and all pavement is down now. The Team is still encountering subcontractor issues due to the location. The demolition of the old nurses quarters is underway, with all encapsulation bubbles established and asbestos removal well underway. They have encountered some unexpected finds in the demolition which has potential to delay that portion of the job.
Hungry Jacks
After some delays working with Council on sewer diversion works, Hungry Jacks is now underway and prepping for the building slab pour. The last month has seen the completion of bulk earthworks as well as detailed excavation and construction of the detention tank. Footings, slab, framing & roofing will all happen over the next month.
New Toowoomba Hospital - Enabling Works
The Team has installed approx. 500 lin m of sewer pipe and pits, removed approx. 25,000 m3 of excavated soil for a future building pad, removed trees to allow the construction of a new road into the hospital, and have completed approx. 50% of excavation and shaping of the new road.
Rain delays have been an issue. As the site is on the lower side of the hospital, it receives a lot of the runoff from the existing stormwater drainage system, which has caused soft spots in their road substrate, causing delays. A cultural heritage group contacted the client (Darling Downs Health and Hospital Services) and requested they to conduct site inspections during the surface scraping to confirm if there were any artifacts of indigenous nature. The Team also discovered a cow bone. Due to the nature and heritage of the site, a Forensics team from the Queensland Police Force was requested to attend the site and determine the find.
Benevolent Living
The Team has been progressing structurally throughout the tower with the final deck pour being completed this month. Structural steel is being installed this week. The finishes are starting to progress with joinery in on the ground floor and framing has begun on level 3. Upcoming milestones include getting the roof on and completing the Kitchen and Laundry Building. All the site team and subcontractors should be commended on their efforts of continually turning up and trying their best in a tough market.
Kotzur
Kotzur is progressing well with the majority of bulk earthworks completed and tilt panels getting prepped and poured. All pad footings have been dug and poured, with services trenching/under boring happening on-site. The next month will see the office tilt panels lifted and the installation of structural steel.
Community Engagement
Run the Range 2023
Hutchies Toowoomba is proud to be the major sponsor of Rotary Run The Range. Run the Range is a charity sporting event hosted by Toowoomba Metropolitan Rotary Club. It has a proud heritage, remembering and recognising the Darling Downs-based 25th Australian Infantry Battalion and its role in the battle of Milne Bay in Papua New Guinea during World War II. The event raised $45,000 for 14 Toowoomba charities with Protea Place raising the highest amount totalling $10,000.
Toowoomba Rugby League Season Launch
Hutchies Toowoomba is ecstatic to lend our continuous support to the Toowoomba Rugby League.
Toowoomba Rugby League is a professional sports league that runs competitions in 5 grades – First Grade, Reserve Grade, Second Division, Under 18 and Open Women – and has 15 affiliated clubs from a vast geographical area.
Leesy, Alec and Wayne represented Hutchies at the Season Launch press conference held at the Baillie Henderson Day Surgery site.
Western Clydesdales Sponsorship
As proud major sponsor of the Western Clydesdales, we follow their journey in the Hostplus Cup.
The Hostplus Cup has reached the halfway point of the competition, with teams set to ramp up their campaigns as they move into the back end of the season. Eleven rounds are down and there’s another 11 to come, with Burleigh sitting atop of the Hostplus Cup ladder at the midway point and the Western Clydesdales sitting 13th.
This sponsorship demonstrates our commitment to nurturing and uplifting local sports, allowing the team to excel both on and off the field. Through this collaboration, we aim to not only celebrate the sport but also contribute to its growth by providing invaluable resources and support.
Leesy opening the event on behalf of Hutchies Leesy, Kirsten, Ish, Gabby, Bree, Cody, Alec, Tarla, Jordan and Nick facing the cold to embrace this challenging trek
Different kind of busy, with media
Obee interviewing Leesy, Wayne and Alec on site
and TRL visitors on site
Free Dress Day at Benevolent Living
The construction site at Benevolent Living was filled with laughter, creativity, and a vibrant display of costumes as workers gathered for an exhilarating Free Dress Day. The event, designed to motivate and inspire the hardworking individuals on site, featured a costume competition where the winner was rewarded with a delectable meat tray.
The event, organised by the site management team, aimed to foster team spirit and recognise the dedication of the construction workers who play a vital role in building the aged care centre. Participants enthusiastically embraced the open theme, allowing their imaginations to run wild, resulting in a diverse range of eye-catching outfits.
Downlands Trivia night
Friends of the Performing Arts (FOPA) Trivia Night is a major fundraising event for Downlands College’s Performing Arts program. This year’s theme was Musical Favourites. We donated $1000 to the Downlands arts/music department.
In the 70’s, Davo started playing rugby league for the Newtown Lions where his football career excelled.
Davo was chosen to play for Toowoomba in a bunch of State League games. He also played games against England, New Zealand, and France. In 1981, he made the Queensland Team, which was a huge achievement coming from Toowoomba.
After a Toowoomba football game, Davo suffered a serious head injury which ended his footy career. This forced him into a long rehabilitation period where he had to learn to walk and talk again.
During rehab, Davo had taken a strong interest in the gym which resulted in him participating in a bodybuilding competition where he was crowned Mr Queensland.
Also during recovery, Davo’s Gym’ was established. He ran it for a number of years before returning to the construction industry in the 90’s. Davo still continued to follow his passion in rugby league by coaching several Newtown sides.
Smiley (crane’s dogman) was the lucky winner
New Office Sneak Peak
We are moving to our new office at Kitchener St on Thursday the 6th July. But we couldn’t contain our excitement any longer, so we wanted to give you an exclusive sneak peek into our brand new office space.
area
Pano picture of the lunchroom and kitchenette Reception
Toilets
Pano picture of the open offi
ce area
Social Club: Jimmy Carr, Terribly funny show
Our first Social Club event of the year was held at the Empire Theatre on Friday 28th April. We also had pre-drinks and snacks prior to the show at the Hutchies Bar in the Armitage Centre. Carr was in his element, as he presented a structured show that started with a number of jokes on screen that tested the audience’s comedy aptitude. After thunderous applause, he continued with a stream of rapid-fire, inappropriate jokes. They were all presented with his pointed, sarcasm-laced delivery and punctuated with his signature laugh. Carr did a great job interacting with the audience, especially parents who brought their teenage kids to the show.
Finally, the show was topped off with a selection of texts that were sent by the audience prior to the show. The texts were just as risqué as Carr’s material and proved they could be just as funny without trying to outdo the comic. His responses were a testament to his ad-lib skills.
Everyone enjoyed it and turned out to be a great night. We appreciate the Social Club putting that on for us.
Humans of Hutchies Toowoomba
Peter Wetherspoon, one of our Hutchies Modular team members, started in the construction industry at age 16 when he scored a Carpenter Joiner apprenticeship literally within 10 minutes after walking away from Year 10.
He was quickly drawn towards commercial joinery and later shopfitting, working on numerous large-scale projects such as the Brisbane Treasury Casino, Law Courts and PA Hospital, to name some better-known projects.
In 2001, he changed his direction and turned his attention to building design. The George Banks Rooftop Bar & Bistro along with the old Westpac Bank refurbishment below and Carnival Lane in Margaret Street are two examples of his work completed locally.
Karate, his other life, started even before that though. He tried Taekwondo for a while before moving on to Karate. Forty five years on he owns and operates Altered States Fitness & Karate with his wife Diane. There he spends his other 8 hours a day coaching, torturing, and mentoring children into finding their own superpowers. His membership is made up of children suffering from major confidence issues, shyness – chronic shyness in a couple of cases, victims of domestic violence and bullying as well as other social and mental disorders.
Peter is part of our Design Management Team and recently began putting more energy into the modular design work here at Hutchies. He is one of our early birds in the office rolling in at 5.00am every day. He is a skilled draftsman, respected in the industry for his experience. “I love the culture here (at Hutchies). I don’t drag my feet on Monday morning which is something I can’t say about anywhere else that I have worked before”, Peter says.
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 September 15th.