Tbar Talk Autumn 2024

TBAR TALK

A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FOR HUTCHIES’ TOOWOOMBA STAFF AUTUMN 2024

Baillie Henderson Hospital Day Surgery

It’s been a busy start to the year so far with a lot of work having been secured and a large number of ECI’s kicking off also. Despite a cooling market (especially locally) we find ourselves booked out for most of 2024 calendar year already. This has been on the back of converting Manjali ($47M), Prince Charles Hospital ($7M), MMC Tranche 3 ($11M), Drayton Fire and Rescue ($5M) and Toowoomba Grammar ($17M). We have also secured ECI’s for Pacific Seeds ($24M Manufacturing Facility) & Cubbie Station ($8M Workers Accommodation).

Securing this work is not happenstance and requires a huge amount of effort from a large number of people to achieve. Thanks to the entire Estimating team- headed up by Charlsey- for once again getting the job done. I can hardly recall a job that we have targeted over the last few years that we haven’t ended up with. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for the effort and how fortunate we are to have a team that can grab work when we need it. This task is also made much easier by delivering our previous and current project well; which takes every single one of us.

In terms of delivery, we have had a

From Leesy

large number of projects finish up over the last few months and are kicking off a few also. Shout out to the teams who have wrapped up jobs in the last little while, such as Benevolent (99%), Baillie Henderson Day Surgery, Baillie Henderson Enabling Works, MMC Tranche 2, Kuranda, FSQ, Kotzur, Glen Innes, Pyrocal, QR, Coles Glenvale Sewer Works & Centenary GLA.

I’d also like to make mention of our internal divisions who have been flat out also. The Blockies have finished up Benevolent- which was a very large brick and block project. We would have been buggered without their work on this project in particular. They are also a whisker off kicking Swallow Crt over the line, which was a job well done.

The Plumbers have continued to go from strength to strength under the guidance of Jimmy and Morgs. They are absolutely flat out doing both

work in their own right as a Principal Contractor and doing a large portion of our hydraulic work on the Construction side of the business. I believe we have the best plumbing business in the local market and that is despite their being a number of good local plumbing contractors around the place. Well done to both teams, you are a huge part of our business.

I hope you enjoy the read and have a wonderful Easter Break with your families.

TWMBA Office Trivia

For which client has our team has been doing work since 1943?

? ? ? ? ?

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TSBE foundation members

Celebrations

Annual Ladies Arvo

Our office was recognised as a founding member of the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise with a plaque. TSBE is an independent, member-driven economic development organisation actively linking our business community to opportunities across Toowoomba, the Western Downs, Maranoa and surrounding areas. We joined TSBE 11 years ago.

Australia Day Competition

Amidst the bustling work week, the ladies of our team shared stories while clinking glasses at Fitzy’s and The Rock. As we rejoiced in the valuable contributions of women within our office and welcomed even more women into our industry, we made a heartfelt commitment to stand by one another, offering unwavering support and advocating for each other’s success.

Our team was encouraged to dress up in ‘Straya’ attire for Australia Day Eve and they didn’t disappoint. Jesse “The Boomerang” Alroe was the happy winner of a $100 Bunnings voucher, a fitting reward for his commitment to celebrating all things Australian. Fair dinkum, mate!

Leesy receiving the plaque from TSBE’s BDM Daniel McNamara

Shelby ‘The Top Shiela’ Abbott and Tarla ‘The Trucker’ Judd

Josh ‘The Souffs Tiger’ Lee

Jesse ‘The Boomerang’ Alroe

Emma ‘The 2nd Best Friend’ Meiklejohn

Jess, Ish, Kirsten, Shelby, Gina, Bailee, Cody, Jodie, Bri, Amy, Emma and Tarla enjoying some fresh drinks at Fitzy’s

Danny ‘The Shit Shooter’ Charlesworth

Gabby ‘The Tall Drink O’ Behr Pete ‘Loves A Spankin’ Wetherspoon

International Women’s Day

Our office celebrated the contribution of the ladies in our team and while we have an increase in the number of women in our office and our industry, we will keep supporting and advocating for women not only on this day but all year round. Jodie organised some sweets and chicken wings for morning tea and Jodie, Shelby and Cody delighted us with some tasty cocktails in the afternoon.

NAWIC QLD IWD Lunch

Cody, Ish and Jordan joined a Hutchies Brisbane crew to attend NAWIC QLD International Women’s Day Lunch at the Brisbane Convention Centre. They enjoyed lunch and listened to the event guest speaker, Jamila Rizvi, an Australian author, presenter, and diversity and inclusion executive as she explored this year’s theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’. The funds collected during this lunch were donated to the Forgotten Women, an initiative committed to providing homes to homeless women over 55 years of age.

Leesy wears a custom-printed t-shirt featuring his wife Kisyne, titled “My Idol,” in appreciation of International Women’s Day.

Kirsten, Ish, Tarla and Gina enjoying arvo cocktails in the office

IWD morning tea in the office

Ish, Jordan, Cody, Rob Diamond (BNE Team Leader), Mark Kucks (Social Procurement Manager), Morgan Rooney (Social Responsibility Manager), Ruaa Dikhil (Learning and Development Manager), Sebastian Curtis and Nik Cox (PMs)

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April

1 Grant Gillian

6 Darren Armsden

9 Stephen Andersen

14 Emma Meiklejohn

15 Morgan Carroll

21 Bailee Ward

27 Corey Dwyer

Birthday celebrations

May June

3 Matt Waldron

4 Alec Noble

7 Andrew Nolan

11 Aruna Sujeewa

15 Rob Alford

1 Gavin Taylor

2 Ben McNalty

17 Nick Linnan

20 Jake Sutton

22 Bec Sutton

22 Adam Saunders

25 Rod Bussing

27 Hayden Phipps

Completed Projects

MMC Social Housing

28 2-bed units have been commissioned to various cities in regional Queenland. These modular units include amenities, laundries, decks, and carparks. They were built at our Modular Yard, transported and commissioned to Roma, Cunnamulla, Maryborough, Longreach, Walkervale, Hughenden, Gladstone, Churchill and Crestmead.

Glen Innes Ambulance Station

Part of Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration (RAIR) program, this state-of-theart facility is equipped with cutting-edge features to better serve the Glen Innes community in times of need. From internal parking for up to six emergency ambulance vehicles to modern administration and office areas, staff amenities, logistics and storage spaces, staff parking, relief accommodation, and an internal wash bay – every detail has been carefully considered to ensure optimal functionality. Our team was there for 41 weeks coordinating local subbies and suppliers.

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Ocean Verge

Hutchies Toowoomba worked with Citimax for 18 months to bring this stunning boutique residential development to life. The multi-level complex consists of 2 and 3-bedroom apartments across 7 levels and with two levels of carparks. These 40 architecturally refined residences, located within a stunning building with an ‘ocean-inspired’ design spirit, have generous and spacious proportions, private entertainer’s balcony, split system air-conditioning, quality appointed fixtures & fittings, stone bench tops, main bathroom plus ensuite, allocated secure car parking, open plan living, service elevator and security entry.

Baillie Henderson Day Surgery

The Bunya Centre Day Surgery includes two state-of-the-art operating theatres, consultation rooms, reception counter, pharmacy, offices, meetings and staff rooms, storerooms, recovery and discharge spaces, waiting rooms for friends and families, parking spaces and ample loading docks. This project is part of the Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan to provide additional capacity for our clinical staff to perform day surgery on the Baillie Henderson Hospital campus.

Centenary Heights SHS - Music GLC and Science Lab

This project included the refurbishment of the second level of Block C, the demolition of existing walls, and the upgrading of windows to build the new Music GLC and Science lab. Hutchies’ long-lasting relationship with this school started when we built it’s science block in 2010. We also built the Year 7 block and a grandstand shelter for them in 2014, and the awardwinning Performing Arts Centre in 2019.

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In Progress

Benevolent Living

The new retirement living building, Benevolent on West, is very close to completion. These 2 and 3-bedroom apartments each have a carpark, balcony with sweeping views of Rockhampton city and Berserker Ranges, self-contained kitchen with built-in appliances, open-plan living and dining areas, air-conditioning, aged-friendly design, and private laundry with storage. Washo and Ben relocated to Rocky for the duration of the construction. Good job. Thank you, guys!

Tara Hospital

Site establishment and the service diversions have been completed. The bulk excavation of the building pad and replacement of unsuitable soil is underway and expected to be complete by the end of March. Following this, in-ground services installations will commence and carry the team through to Easter. Working around live services and relocating services to ensure compliance with the existing facility has been a challenge. Fortunately, the project has a great consultant team that has provided some economical solutions to avoid significant impacts to the facility

Normanton Hospital

Works in the yard are progressing at a rapid pace, with wall framing and roofing to all wings completed. Rough-in and sheeting works are well underway too. Progress on the modules are on track for the May transport date. The team, however, has experienced delays getting to site due to the current flooding in the Gulf, which resulted in Normanton being cut off for several weeks. They are monitoring the situation and hope to mobilise to site in the next few weeks, pending any further rainfall. Bailee has finished her time on this project and the team wish her all the best as she commences her time in the office.

Museum of Health

Stage 1 of the Museum of Health project is nearing completion, with a lot of the finishing work well underway. Painting, tiling, fixtures, and fittings are currently in progress. Works expected in the following weeks will include external painting, tiling, balustrading, timber flooring repairs, and polishing. With the exception of some variation mechanical works, the team anticipates completing the majority of Stage 1 works for the project by mid-April. Fortunately, they haven’t encountered too many other interesting things as they near the end of the construction process. The team has enjoyed working on the heritage building, observing the past construction techniques, and engaging in detailed carpentry work. “Projects like these are always interesting because they allow us to witness the advancements in construction methodologies over the last 100+ years”, Alec said.

Swallow Court - Social Housing

Swallow Court Social Housing is now well past the midway point with all scaffolding to be removed this month. The removal of scaff will progress the external works over the next few weeks allowing for pavement & crossover prep and pour, retaining walls, fencing, and metalwork. Internal joinery installation is almost complete and painting is well underway. The team wants to give a shout-out to Blake Phipps for his time as a cadet onsite – great job and thanks, Blake!

Manjali Studio School

The project team is currently working through the design completion and commencing subcontractor engagement. The hardness of the site and the shallow rock onsite is being managed by altering the design to accommodate the depth so it can be excavated. The team would like to give a shout-out to Nolsey for working through a complex design period with short time frames. The Community Meeting which Lachie, Gav, and Danny attended with the client Studio Schools of Australia in Fitzroy Crossing has resulted in good feedback with local subcontractors sending through EOI’s to be part of this project. The next biggest milestone will be the chassis entering the shed in the first week of April for a project that was only awarded 4 weeks ago.

Danny and Gav addressing the public at the Fitzroy Crossing community meeting

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Hungry Jack’s Gracemere

Hungry Jack’s Gracemere’s slab is poured with structural steel, frames and trusses set to be completed by mid-March. Following this, several milestones will be reached this month including the roof being installed, rough-ins completed, and external pavements commenced. This is a huge achievement for the guys onsite. A big shout out to Brod Koina for moving this job along as best he can with difficult client consultants and managing an out-of-town job well.

Key Workers Accommodation

The Key Workers Accommodation project has witnessed the development of a prototype unit in preparation for a client inspection/review day. Harry has successfully steered the design and development approvals in the right direction, and procurement for the main modular works has begun. Dealing with a continually changing design has posed significant challenges. The team would like to extend a shout-out to Jack Carter who has been diligently overseeing the process and consistently going above and beyond to achieve the desired outcomes. While it’s early days, client feedback has been positive so far and the team is establishing strong working relationships with Health Infrastructure and the third-party superintendent. “The presentation of the prototype was extremely professional and the quality excellent. I was very impressed and proud of what the guys had delivered,” Leesy said.

Masterclass

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Last month, Mick Fleming, a.k.a. Baldy, presented a Masterclass on Building Services to our site team.

He talked about segregation of services, ductwork installation and underground wiring systems. He provided a detailed explanation of what each item was and why it’s required. Mick also presented both the regulations and practical visual examples to assist the participants in enhancing the quality of building services.

Did you know that Hutchies carried out the construction of 12 classrooms at Downlands College during the war years in 1943?

In the year 2000, the team completed a significant project: the extension of the Graham Centre. This expansion incorporated a brand new music and drama facility, enhancing the existing centre. Notably, the extension featured a timber performing stage, providing a dedicated space for music and drama performances.

In 2015, Hutchies completed the Year 7 Building, which involved internal demolition and refurbishment of science classrooms in Clark Hall. Additionally, six teaching spaces in McKenna Hall received a complete makeover, including new finishes, joinery, and loose furniture.

In 2018, the Mooney Wing and the years 5 and 6 buildings were constructed adjacent to the old Cody Building, further expanded the college’s facilities.

The Prep to Year 4 project was successfully completed in 2022. This complex build seamlessly integrated the new General Learning Areas (GLA’s) and a Physical Education (PE) Hall into the existing western hilly elevation of the prestigious college.

In 2023, our team completed the Cody House & Doyle Wing refurbishment’s. Cody House features six bedrooms, staff accommodations, common areas, and lobbies. The Doyle Wing contains workstations, meeting rooms, teacher’s retreat area, kitchen breakout with male and female toilets, and a cafeteria.

This ongoing commitment to enhancing Downlands College demonstrates Hutchies’ dedication to providing top-quality educational facilities for generations of students and staff.

Leesy and Gav at the Prep-Year 4 sod-turning ceremony in 2022

Doyle Wing refurbished this year

Downlands College in 1943

Blocka was part of the team who built the Mooney Wing

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Community Engagement

Community Spirit – Materials donations from MMC

We’ve recently donated the leftover materials from MMC sites to some community groups, including the Ipswich Men’s Shed Inc., the Bowra Wildlife Sanctuary in Cunnamulla, Bundaberg Central Men’s Shed, Browns Plains Men’s Shed, and the Men’s Shed in Crestmead. These materials are going to be put to great use—whether it’s for community projects or workshops.

Inspired Minds Lunch – Master Builders

Cody and Tarla participated in the ‘Adapt to Thrive’ lunch at Preston Peak Winery last month. They heard the keynote speakers talking about how our industry is adapting to an evolving workplace. The pandemic has re-imagined the traditional concepts of office working, seen employees prioritise their personal lives, and are now motivated by hybrid work, incentives, and a work/life balance. The panel also discussed the ever-changing work landscape and shared their experience with maintaining staff numbers, attracting job seekers, and differentiating from competitors.

Ricky donating leftover materials to Browns Plains Men’s Shed

Greg delivering some modwood to the Bowra Wildlife Sanctuary

The Ipswich Men’s Shed picking up the materials

The site in Bundaberg also donated some concrete to the Men’s Shed

Western Clydesdales

The Western Clydesdales squad held a special jersey presentation event in the lead up to their opening game for the HostPlus Cup competition in the Cracker McDonald Room at Clive Berghofer Stadium. Both the ladies and mens coaches called each one of the players by name and the jerseys were handed out by the sponsors. Kampfy represented Hutchies with a lot of enthusiasm.

Toowoomba Netball Association

We’re super excited to be sponsoring the Toowoomba Netball Association (TNA) this year. The TNA is the leading netball organisation in the Toowoomba region and runs competitions with players from 13 clubs across the region. TNA also have teams in the Inter-District, State Age and GBNL Competitions.

Apelt Floors Motorsports

Tarhlea managed to get into the top 10 at Maryborough Speedway last month. With the current season almost over, the team is now doing training laps at Hi-Tec Oils Toowoomba Speedway in preparation for the next season.

The Ipswich Jets cruised to a 36-16 victory against the Western Clydesdales in round 2 of the Hostplus Cup

The Western Clydesdales kicked their season off with a difficult defeat at home to a strong CQ Capras line-up

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Endeavour Foundation

The Endeavour Foundation has launched Australia’s largest Virtual Reality (VR) program for a disability service provider. Toowoomba residents are among the initial beneficiaries, thanks to our generous donation. Through VR, individuals can learn skills like forklift operation in a safe environment. “I kept thinking about how this can be applied – these guys have come up with a reasonable and practical solution to dangerous and dynamic operations,” Leesy said.

Kampfy’s VIP Liftoff to recovery

Kampfy received a VIP lift back home via an RACQ Lifeflight helicopter. We are happy to report that he is on the mend now. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the entire team for their unwavering commitment to safety and well-being.

Quinalow State School Campdraft

Hatched

Gav handling a symbolic $25,000 cheque out to Endeavour Foundation General Manager for Business Solutions, Simon Cook

Jake, Claire and Ava welcomed Gracie Elizabeth to the Sutton’s family

Kampfy being airlifted to Toowoomba Hospital from Tara

The students from Quinalow State School expressed heartfelt gratitude for our generous donation towards their campdraft

International Legends of League

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We were the Bronze sponsor of the International Legends of League event in Pittsworth. On the eve of the match, representatives from all the sponsors gathered at the Pittsworth Bowls Club for a friendly game of bowls.

Ben and Chez had the opportunity to play in the match and showed their skills, representing both sides of the game.

Thank you, Tarla for taking this awesome photo for us

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 June 14th.

Ben and Chez after the match.

Ish, Shelby and Nicole with The NRL Legend Antonio Winterstein at Pittsworth Bowls Club