Canberra Builder 2/2022

EDITION 2 / 2022 Master Builders Association of the ACT and Region Magazine

SUSTAINABILITY, INNOVATION AND A CUSTOMER FIRST APPROACH WITH HARVEY NORMAN COMMERCIAL AND FISHER & PAYKEL MASTER BUILDERS ACT AND MEMBERS DELIVERING PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES THAT BENEFIT THE CANBERRA COMMUNITY

New Showroom

OPENING SOON

45 DACRE STREET, MITCHELL ACT

OUR STATE-OF-THE-ART SHOWROOMS ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR ARCHITECTS DEVELOPERS PLUMBERS BUILDERS DESIGNERS

WE HAVE MULTIPLE SECTORS WITHIN OUR BUSINESS, WITH OVER 500 DEDICATED STAFF!

Bathroom/Laundry Items | Kitchen Appliances | Refrigeration & Wine Cabinets | Tapware & Accessories | Outdoor Living | Hot Water Systems Hospitality & Commercial Equipment | Tiles, Stone & Timber Flooring | Solar Power & Electric Charging Stations | Smart Technologies | Civil Plumbing Air Conditioning & Mechanical Services | Bowermans Commercial Furniture Joinery & Stone | Promotions Rewards & Incentive Programs

SHOWROOMS TRADE ONLY BY APPOINTMENT ACT Mitchell 31 Dacre Street, Mitchell • 6202 2000 NSW Sydney 15-21 Atkinson Road, Taren Point • 9710 4155 NSW South Coast Units 4-5, 34 Quinns Lane, Nowra • 4424 9900 NSW Central Coast 25 Kangoo Road, Somersby • 4340 8500

EVERY

$

1 DOLLAR

SPENT WITH HARVEY NORMAN

COMMERCIAL DIVISION

THE BEST BRANDS, THE BEST PRICES & THE BEST SERVICE!

EQUALS

1 QANTAS POINT

Approved account customers only.

Terms & conditions apply.

Minimum spend applies.

w w w. h a r v e y n o r m a n c o m m e r c i a l . c o m . a u Druin Pty Ltd As Trustee for Druin No.3 Trust, trading as Harvey Norman Commercial Division. ACN 003 062 379. ABN 11 530 188 684. Harvey Norman stores are operated by independent franchisees.

We respect and acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and also pay respect to elders both past and present. www.harveynormancommercial.com.au/qantasbusinessrewards

CONTENTS

MASTER BUILDERS ACT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Frank Porreca Commercial Sector Representative Matthew Rayment Residential Sector Representative Jason Tanchevski Subcontractors and Suppliers Sector Representative Sarah Flanagan Civil Sector Representative Nick Zardo Professional Sector Representative Bryan Leeming MBA National Representative Simon Butt CEO Michael Hopkins Extraordinary Committee Members Simon Butt – MBA Australia President Graciete Ferreira – MBA Australia Board Member Master Builders Association of the ACT 1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 PO Box 1211, Fyshwick ACT 2609 Tel: (02) 6175 5900 Fax: (02) 6280 9118 Email: canberra@mba.org.au Web: www.mba.org.au Magazine Editor Chelsea Mitchell Tel: (02) 6175 5973 Email: cmitchell@mba.org.au Advertising enquiries Tel: (02) 6175 5900 Email: canberra@mba.org.au Creative Consultant Pamela Slocum Mob: 0411 759 989 Web: pspamelaslocum.com Cover image supplied by Harvey Norman Commercial

34

Harvey Norman Commercial and Fisher & Paykel showcase tremendous commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

NEWS & EVENTS

FOREWORDS A Message from the President

7

Frank Porreca highlights the important issues that MBA Members are facing.

A Message from the CEO

9

Michael Hopkins discusses Master Builders ACT’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

11

Driving for Connection in the 28 Canberra Community © This publication is copyright. No part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means including electronic, mechanical photocopy, recording or otherwise without the permission of the Master Builders Association of the ACT. Disclaimer: readers are advised that the Master Builders Association of the ACT cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of statements made in advertising and editorial, nor the quality of the goods or services advertised.

Opinions expressed throughout the publication are the contributors own and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy of the Master Builders Association of the ACT.

Darrell and Peter Leemhuis discuss their upcoming Gears 4 Giving charity event.

DNA Architects: Two Decades of Creating Uniquely Crafted and Responsible Designs Discover a few of the incredible projects created by DNA Architects over their 20-years of MBA membership.

42

30

Richard Faulks from Snedden Hall & Gallop sleeps outside to raise money for Saint Vincent De Pauls.

On the Green for a Good Cause

The ACT Government outline it’s Charter of Procurement Values.

22

Manteena Residential takes out the top award at the Master Builders National Excellence in Building Awards.

Taking it Up to Eleven: Richard Faulks Marks His Eleventh Year Sleeping Out for Vinnies

OF INTEREST The Six ACT Government Procurement Values

Master Builders ACT Member Win National Residential Master Builder of the Year

AMA Projects raises over $17,000 for The OzHelp Foundation (OzHelp) with a Charity Golf Tournament.

36

NEED MORE?

In 2022 Asset Construction Hire is opening a brand new 7 day branch on Cessnock Street in Fyshwick.

This 4000sqm site will be focused on supplying everything Canberra’s busy builders need, with a huge range of construction rental equipment. Self-collect, hire on a trailer, or have it delivered to your site.

Rollers and Compactors

Concrete tools (cutters, grinders, drills and more)

Trailable scissor lifts

Bobcats, skid-steers and earthworking equipment

Forklifts and telehandlers

Tipper Trucks

Air compressors and trailable generators

Light towers

Utes

Need more? The list goes on!

Our aim is to make your hire as easy as possible. Drive in, load up and go!

How easy is that!

OPENING SOON! NOVEMBER 2022

Local service and support Our dedicated and experienced state-based teams can help get your super sorted so you can get on with running your business.

1300 361 784

cbussuper.com.au

This information is about Cbus. It doesn't take into account your specific needs, so you should look at your own financial position, objectives and requirements before making any financial decisions. You should read the Employer Handbook, Cbus Industry Superannuation Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and other relevant documentation to decide whether Cbus is right for you.

Also read the Target Market Determination at cbussuper.com.au/tmd. Call 1300 361 784 or visit www.cbussuper.com.au Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262.

At Master Builders ACT our responsibility, first and foremost, is to our members and our team has been working hard to elicit change on the pressures impacting MBA Members.

A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT, FRANK PORRECA

Our Responsibility is to our Members In this edition of Canberra Builder we discuss a number of ways that businesses are displaying responsible practices that contribute positively to the community, company culture and the environment. We provide a number of initiatives and practices that you can undertake which can help strengthen your brand, help retain employees and improve your connection to the local community.

At Master Builders ACT our responsibility, first and foremost, is to our members and our team has been working hard to elicit change on the pressures impacting MBA Members.

Our long-term vision means that we need to focus on addressing immediate problems such as the insufficient supply of land, to prevent this being exacerbated as the demand for housing increases.

With skills shortages rife within the industry, we understand the overwhelming pressure members are facing and we’re looking for new ways to attract people to the industry.

Internally, we have developed new strategies to break down barriers between potential apprentices and the choice to take up a trade. The MBA Group Training team are making regular visits throughout the year to local schools to discuss careers in construction with students. Our inaugural Carpentry Careers Evening is another strategy to connect employers with potential apprentices, by showcasing the value of a construction career.

To ease financial pressures on construction businesses, we need the ACT Government to increase apprenticeship subsidies for all trade apprenticeships, tackle lower apprenticeship completion rates by offering incentives for successful completions; and continue funding for MBA Women in Civil and MBA Women in Trades programs.

While our Members have used forward planning and creative alternatives to accommodate the ongoing building materials shortage, we need the Australian Government to increase the capacity of Australia-made building products to provide a long-term strategy to address this issue.

We need the next ACT budget to deliver a 25-year ACT infrastructure plan, with funding committed for a rolling $5 billion, 5-year, pipeline of infrastructure work.

While addressing all these issues will be a monumental task, if there’s anything I can take away from being the son of a bricklayer who then became a builder, it’s that every job starts with laying that first brick. If our members are still committed to delivering outstanding projects with all these pressures continuing to impact their businesses, then we are determined to continue fighting for positive change.

The MBA Group Training team are making regular visits throughout the year to local schools to discuss careers in construction with students.

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

7

The Master Builders Fidelity Fund was established in 2002 to protect the interests of builders and home owners in the ACT. Income received by the Master Builders Fidelity Fund remains in the ACT, and is securely invested, and used for the betterment of the ACT building and construction industry.

The Fund issues Fidelity Certificates which provide protection for new homes or those making substantial changes, if the builder dies, disappears or becomes insolvent.

The Certificates protect the owner during construction and for up to five years from the date a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.

Members of Master Builders ACT receive reduced premium rates.

For more information, please contact the Master Builders Fidelity Fund.

However, above all, our team recognised that the MBA has a unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership to our industry, our members, and our students, in all areas of CSR. A MESSAGE FROM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MICHAEL HOPKINS

Long-term Planning is Vital for Our Members A crucial component of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is long-term planning. Through effective planning, organisations can take purposeful actions that align with their long-term vision. Over two days in 2021 the Master Builders ACT team met to discuss how our organisation could enhance its commitment to CSR. As a starting point the team identified a number of areas where the MBA has demonstrated leadership. This included building four charity houses in conjunction with prominent local builders. These projects have raised more than $3 million for local charities and at the same time demonstrated issues in the building industry such as improving energy efficiency, incorporating accessible housing standards, and encouraging more women to work in the industry. The MBA has made a range of environmental commitments including generating 50% of our power through solar power, recycling in the office, and minimising waste from building products in our training workshop.

Through MBA Group Training, we encourage greater diversity in the building industry by attracting indigenous apprentices and dedicated programs to increase the number of women working in our industry, while also promoting safety for all apprentices. In our operations we support local businesses, partner with local sponsors, work collaboratively with the ACT Government to elicit change and support local charities through a range of initiatives.

When we considered how we could enhance our commitment to CSR we looked to the ACT Government’s Social Procurement Values as a basis for identifying how we could do more in the areas of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander economic participation, diversity and inclusion, business development and innovation, environmental responsibility, fair and safe conditions for workers, and transparent and ethical engagement.

Our team identified more than one hundred individual projects which we will progressively implement and continually review.

Above all, our team recognised that the MBA has a unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership to our industry, our members, and our students, in all areas of CSR.

In our operations we support local businesses, partner with local sponsors, work collaboratively with the ACT Government to elicit change and support local charities through a range of initiatives.

Our commitment is to demonstrate leadership to our industry, to continually learn and improve, and to assist our members and students while modelling the benefits of being a socially responsible organisation in the building and construction industry.

Lastly it’s important that we recognise the passing of John Haskins AM, MBA Life Member and former MBA ACT President. John’s work with MBA ACT and the construction industry more broadly, has been invaluable. We will have a feature on John in the next edition of Canberra Builder, but for now I would like to thank John for his lifelong commitment to our industry. Vale John Haskins.

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

9

THE SIX ACT GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT VALUES

THESE SIX PROCUREMENT VALUES ARE:

1/

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Economic Participation

We value the economic contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and businesses bring to our community. The ACT Government is committed to increasing the economic participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Enterprises and believes procurement can support economic participation and self-determination.

2/

The ACT Government is committed to leveraging its spending to meet community expectations as well as supporting the local economy and local jobs.

Through its Charter of Procurement Values the ACT Government recognises that the pursuit of value for money goes beyond financial considerations and includes a range of ethical, environmental, economic and social factors. The Charter expresses the ACT Government’s expectations through six procurement values.

Business Development and Innovation

We recognise the value in growing the economy in the Canberra Region.

The ACT Government is committed to building stronger communities by ensuring local businesses have equal opportunities to compete for government contracts arising from procurement.

3/

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

We value diversity, equality and inclusion so that all Territory residents can contribute and participate equally. The ACT Government is committed to encouraging organisations to build capacity for people who face social barriers and barriers to equal opportunity in employment, such as people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse people, children and young people, older Canberrans, women, veterans and LGBTIQ+ people. We support diversity, equality, and inclusion in procurement by procuring from suppliers who demonstrate inclusive practices.

4/

Environmental Responsibility

We value environmental responsibility and seek to ensure our procurement has a positive impact on our physical environment and local and global ecosystems. The ACT Government is committed to reducing the draw on natural resources, consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in procurement.

5/

Fair and Safe Conditions for Workers

We value fair and safe conditions for workers. The ACT Government is committed to ensuring that workers in businesses that have ACT Government contracts, have a fair and safe work environment. We support the awarding of contracts to businesses that do the right thing for their workers.

6/

Transparent and Ethical Engagement

We value transparency and ethical engagement and expect suppliers to adhere to and implement their own ethical behaviour standards. Territory entities must not knowingly engage with suppliers that demonstrate business practices that are objectionable, dishonest, unethical or unsafe.

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

11

In the News

Find out which MBA members are making headlines

The 2022 GEOCON Menslink Stair Chase MBA Members ABS Façade, IC Formwork and O’Neill & Brown Plumbing participated in the 2022 GEOCON Menslink Stair Chase with the event raising over $10,000 to help support young men in Canberra.

50 runners across eight teams challenged themselves to climb 27 stories of GEOCON’s High Society building in Belconnen.

Hugh Mackenzie (pictured) from O’Neill & Brown Plumbing took out the fastest time, completing the 27 flights in 2 minutes and 48 seconds.

Well done to everyone involved in this fantastic initiative.

The 2022 Vinnies CEO Sleep Out: MBA Members Brace the Cold to Support the ACT Community On 23 June 2022, Master Builders ACT CEO, Michael Hopkins, and a number of MBA Members camped out at the National Portrait Gallery overnight to raise money and awareness for those sleeping rough in our city.

Collectively Master Builders ACT and MBA Members raised over $87,000.

Great work to the MBA Members and sponsors who joined the 2022 CEO Sleepout: > Snedden Hall & Gallop (11th year participating) > Suburban Land Agency (5th year participating) > Geocon Group (2nd year participating) > PBS Building (ACT) > Sunny Homes

The 2022 Push-up Challenge: MBA Members Lend a Helping Hand to Lifeline ACT Over 24 days in June 2022, the Master Builders ACT Team and MBA Members challenged themselves to complete 3,139 push-ups, squats or sit-ups. The teams raised over $8,400 and all money raised went to Lifeline ACT. Thank you to the Master Builder members who participated: > ACT Steelworks > Canberra Contractors > FDC Construction & Fitout (ACT) > Vdara Construction > Lendlease Building ACT > Downer Group We hope to see many MBA Members putting their muscles to work for the 2023 challenge next year.

12

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

Creating Concrete Change: CE Construction Solutions and High Quality Concrete Partner to Deliver Industry Change High Quality Concrete and CE Construction Solutions partnered to be the first concrete plant in Australia to deliver the CarbonCure Technologies system. The system takes recycled carbon from other industries and injects it into fresh concrete, which results in an overall lower carbon footprint through the manufacturing process.

Congratulations to High Quality Concrete and CE Construction Solutions for partnering to deliver profound, sustainable change in concrete manufacturing.

FROM LEFT: MARK DAWES (GENERAL MANAGER, HI-QUALITY CONCRETE), RACHAEL (CARBONCURE) AND DAMIAN ROSS (GENERAL MANAGER, CE CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS). PHOTO CREDIT: ADAM MCGRATH.

MS Walk, Run or Roll: Pacific Formwork Raise Over $7K for Multiple Sclerosis Limited Master Builders ACT member, Pacific Formwork raised $7,054 for Multiple Sclerosis Limited by joining the ACT 2022 MS Walk, Run or Roll. This year there were 723 Entrants in Canberra who collectively raised $107,976 which goes towards supporting people living with MS. The Pacific Formwork team will also be completing the Oxfam Trailwalker in August, which involves completing a 50km walk in 24 hours or a 100km walk in 48 hours.

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

13

ENVISIA

®

Boral’s Lower Carbon Concrete ENVISIA® was designed from the outset to reduce the carbon emissions associated with concrete production. However did you know ENVISIA® has some excellent design properties also?

ENVISIA® achieves early age strength equivalent to conventional concrete (post tensioned and precast) despite up to 50 per cent cement replacement.

It outperforms conventional concrete in shrinkages and creep, providing up to 50 per cent reduction in shrinkage compared to conventional concrete.

For more information please visit

www.boral.com.au/LCC Boral, the Boral logo and Envisia are trade marks or registered trade marks of Boral Limited or one of its subsidiaries. 17697 Oct21

BUILDING HOPE with Hands Across Canberra

Hands Across Canberra, the National Capital’s independent community foundation, started in 2010. We work with over 300 local community organisations. Our goal is to tackle the challenges in the community by raising funds for community service organisations which work with our most vulnerable individuals and families.

We are an enabler for innovative partnerships and collaboration, working with a range of Canberra businesses and private individuals to amplify the benefits that can be accessed by charities and community organisations. We believe encouraging Canberra businesses and community organisations to work together fosters a healthier and more viable society and can reinvigorate local support for community work.

> Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are disproportionately represented in our jail and in out of home care

An interesting fact that is not well understood is that about 85% of funds donated to charity by Canberrans actually leaves the Territory to fund National charities. That is why we provide an avenue for Canberrans to ‘give where we live’, building a culture of philanthropy in the Canberra community.

The building and construction sector is a fundamentally important part of the ACT economy.

Since our establishment we have raised over $10m and contributed most of that to community organisations.

The ACT is generally perceived as a relatively well-off community. However, there are some concerning hidden realities about those with real need. A 2021 report (Vital Signs) commissioned by Hands Across Canberra and the Snow Foundation highlighted the following: > Too many Canberrans are living in poverty, with 38% of people in poverty having paid employment > Too many of these Canberrans are children > Lack of affordable housing remains the most significant challenge confronting people on low incomes in the Canberra community with growing numbers of older women at risk of homelessness or already homeless

> Our LGBTQA+ community continue to experience disadvantage and high levels of psychological distress > Too many others find life a constant struggle as much of their income is taken up with housing costs

The MBA has been an active partner of Hands Across Canberra since its inception. The MBA is a great supporter of HAC fundraising events and through its industry partners we have seen substantial funds raised for great causes here in the ACT. MBA members have also been wonderful supporters when local charities have needed building and construction expertise. We have seen commercial kitchens being created to allow social enterprises to flourish in the suburbs, facilities being upgraded to assist children with learning difficulties and many other great examples of industry generosity.

Hands Across Canberra are also involved in the Strathnairn Charity House, with the project promising to provide a significant boost to a range of local community organisations in West Belconnen while providing a platform to promote the growing participation of women in the construction sector.

Proceeds from the sale of the Charity House will be donated to Hands Across Canberra for distribution to four local charities.

The Strathnairn Charity House auction will be held in late 2022, for more information head to https://mba.org.au/about-mba/strathnairn-charity-house-2021/

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

15

Opportunities or Inconvenience?

Cord Civil and Calibre Group Seize the Opportunity to Protect an Endangered Species With every new civil project, many opportunities emerge for Civil Members to improve Canberra’s landscape and contribute positively to the surrounding environment. MBA Members have proven time and time again that they are willing to go the extra mile and enact environmental protection plans that preserve integral parts of the existing landscape. The Canberra Brickworks Precinct Access Road & Dudley Street Upgrade delivered by Cord Civil and Calibre Group was no exception.

The teams identified early on in the project that the site was home to an existing endangered species of Golden Sun Moths (GSM) and their habitats. To safely, temporarily relocate this species, detailed planning was required by Cord Civil and Calibre Group in consultation with an environmental expert. Anthony Giannasca, Director at Cord Civil, saw it as a valuable opportunity to be actively involved in the protection of this endangered species saying, “Through the preliminary stages of the project, Cord Civil was given the unique opportunity to learn and be hands on with the translocation process of this threatened species. The whole project team came to understand the ecological significance of the species and developed a strong sense of responsibility to protect the surrounding habitat for not only the species but the local stakeholders and the wider Canberra community.”

Calibre Group Construction Manager, Tim Berriman, described the straightforward decision to protect the species saying, “There was a clear opportunity to protect the species by relocating them to nearby undisturbed areas, as well as by planting native grasses to restore areas where Golden Sun Moths may thrive.”

Tim continued, “The project team welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of this species, and protect biodiversity more broadly, and to continue to lead the industry in environmental protection and conservation.”

Following the extensive plan submission and approval process and prior to any physical construction works being permitted to commence, there was the very delicate operation to relocate a localised population of endangered Golden Sun Moth (GSM) larvae from within the design footprint to adjacent native grassland areas. This process was undertaken with the supervision of experienced ecologists under the watchful eye of Dr Michael Mulvaney, an expert on the GSM life cycle.

16

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

QUICK FACTS > Golden Sun Moths were officially declared an endangered species in the ACT in 1996 > The Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate estimates that almost 60% of known Golden Sun Moth habitat in the ACT is under conservation management > There are currently 78 known occupied Golden Sun Moth habitats in the ACT

The construction industry has a crucial role to play in environmental protection, and the civil sector has a significant on the ground impact on the surrounding environment. Discussing the role of the civil sector, Anthony says, “The civil construction industry plays a crucial role in environmental protection through the initiation and adoption of more sustainable construction processes and practices, increasing mitigation and management measures to protect existing environments and by investing in new projects designed to enrich/offset the impacts of construction throughout the wider community.”

Tim described the vital role of the civil sector in environmental protection saying, “The civil construction industry continues to play a vital part in the protection and conservation of the environment. Whether it be in protection of biodiversity, as was the case with Golden Sun Moths, reducing causes/impacts of climate change, the protection of our waterways or reducing waste, there are many areas where the civil construction industry can, and does, lead the way in environmental conservation and protection.”

This project was also a winner of the Project value $5 million to $10 million of the 2022 CCF Earth Awards. We look forward to seeing more outstanding projects at the 2023 CCF Earth Awards.

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

17

MBIB_BetterOff_Commercial_211x295_ACT_v1.pdf

1

5/5/21

1:51 pm

Your go-to construction insurance broker

Builders are better off with MBIB. We provide all of our clients with:

02 6175 5975

Master Builders Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd ABN 17 110 143 550 | AFSL 281729

2 - 3 NOVEMBER 2022 2 HOTEL - 3 NOVEMBER 2022 REALM, BARTON 2 - 3 NOVEMBER 2022 HOTEL REALM, BARTON HOTEL REALM, BARTON

WHY CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IS IMPORTANT FOR YOUR BUSINESS

BY MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR, ASHLEE BERRY

In essence, it is about going above and beyond in your core business, whatever that may be, and contributing to and making a difference in your circle of influence.

20

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

The ‘buzz phrase’ of corporate social responsibility was first coined over 50 years ago, but in simple terms, it really means being a good corporate citizen, taking responsibility and doing more than just reporting a profit each year. In 2010, an international standard (ISO 26000) was released to provide guidance to businesses interested in implementing CSR practices. The objective of this standard is to assess the genuine commitment of an organisation to sustainability, and its overall performance. Interestingly, this is one of the few standards that only provides guidance and is not a requirement; socially responsible initiatives can be very subjective and it can be time-consuming and cost prohibitive to implement.

Technically, CSR is about triple-bottom-line reporting, but it doesn’t need to be technical.

In essence, it is about going above and beyond in your core business, whatever that may be, and contributing to and making a difference in your circle of influence.

That does not mean that a small business with a relatively small turnover, ought to have the same initiatives on offer as a multi-national corporation. The key is that you have something.

Once you have decided that your business needs to increase the CSR on offer, you should consider the following: > Any efforts must be genuine to ensure a real benefit to the business. This may include simple and small alternatives such as recycling coffee pods or cardboard boxes, through to more complex partnerships or initiatives. > Whilst cash may be king, making a cash donation is not necessarily right for some. Talk to the organisations that you intend to engage with and confirm what they actually need. > You need to believe in the cause you are committing to.

Don’t make token or piecemeal gestures, because your clients and the community will ultimately see through it. > How will you promote what you are doing? You may not be large enough to produce an Annual Report, so think about utilising your website or social media channels to ensure the world at large is aware of what you are doing. > Define your budget and your objectives. Do you intend to spend a larger budget, or nothing at all and rather rely on in-kind or other volunteer initiatives?

Some easy ways that you can improve your CSR offerings: > Speak with your team – you may find they have a significant number of people who have a real interest in improving the CSR on offer by your business and will soon become your champions – both internally and externally. > Start small. You don’t need to conquer or change the world immediately. Every little step in the right direction is a positive one. Take the small wins. > Look at what you are doing already and make sure that you are promoting the wins!

The next challenge for all businesses, once they have conquered what corporate social responsibility means for them and how best to implement it in their business, is to focus on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) principles. These principles take a business from assessing its impact on the world around it, to actually measuring these efforts. This is a slightly more complicated process.

CSR will become more important as governments place a greater emphasis on values (see page 11 for further information on the Procurement Values that have been adopted by the ACT Government), and as private clients seek more from the trades that they engage. This is becoming even more apparent as competition is fierce and businesses are striving to find a point of difference between themselves and their competitors.

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

21

Master Builders ACT Member Win NATIONAL RESIDENTIAL MASTER BUILDER OF THE YEAR

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: LOU AGNELLO, ROD MITTON, DANNY AGNELLO AND SCOTT PRESS

Manteena Residential won National Residential Master Builder of the Year at the 2021 Master Builders Australia National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards held on Friday 29 April 2022 in Cairns. The Awards showcased the Nation’s best projects across the residential, commercial and civil construction sectors.

The award came from the outstanding work on the Forrest home delivered by Manteena Residential, The Dept. of Design and Architects Ring & Associates. The home also took out the title of House of the Year locally.

Danny Agnello, Director at Manteena Residential, says of the victory, “To be nominated is amazing, obviously you’d like to think you can win but to actually win is an amazing experience.

Thanks to our team, the client, the architect (Architects Ring and Associates) and the designer (The Dept. of Design). Everyone comes together to bring these projects to life, it’s not one person, it’s a big team achievement.”

ACT National Award Winners include: > National Residential Master Builder of the Year – Manteena Residential > National Project Home – Over $2 Million – Manteena Residential, Architects Ring & Associates and The Dept. of Design > National Project Home – $1 million to $2 million – Brother Projects > National Medium Density – 2 to 5 Dwellings – Taylor & Knowles, DNA Architects and Sugar Designs

22

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

23

“There’s Never Been a Better Time to Employ an Apprentice” – THE TRAINING FUND AUTHORITY Did you know that there are financial incentives for employing an apprentice in the ACT? The Training Fund Authority aims to create a more skilled workforce by increasing training opportunities through a number of valuable incentives. Across the 2020/21 financial year, the TFA provided $1.6 million for ACT employers of apprentices.

View the full list of applicable trades below. This list is subject to change each year, visit the TFA website for the latest information.

If you’re unsure whether incentives apply, pick up the phone and call a helpful member of the Training Fund Authority team on (02) 6262 5630.

2019 INCENTIVES UP TO 2022 Employ an Australian Apprentice in the following certificate III trades in 2022 • Bricklaying / Blocklaying • Civil Construction – Various • Construction Waterproofing • Flooring Technology • Locksmithing • Painting & Decorating

• Mobile Plant Technology • Plastering – Solid • Plastering – Wall & Ceiling Lining • Roof Plumbing • Stonemasonry

For further information please call Michael Doyle—Industry Liaison Officer on 6262 5630 or email: mdoyle@trainingfund.com.au

$6,000

ployers Financial Benefits for Emd workforce and to

skille ntives is to develop a more ices in the ACT. The objective of providing ince nities for Australian Apprent ortu opp ing train and ent increase the employm ority is providing funding for tion Industry Training Fund Auth The ACT Building and Construc es during 2022.* trad d year Apprentice in the liste employers who employ a 1st roved • 1st Year Apprentice in app ACT Contract of Training • Excludes existing workers rate • ASBA payments at 50%

• Max per apprentice payable to employer 50% after 3 mths 50% after 12 mths

and new employer in the Building ing. entices commencing with a under an ACT Contract of Train *Applicable to First year Appr January–31st December 2022 Construction sector from 1st

2022

INCENTIVES

a) Skill Shortage $6000

#) Mature Age (in a, b or c) $4000**

b) Women $4000

(25–44yrs of age at commencement date)

c) Indigenous $4000

**Applicable to eligible skill shortage, women and indigenous in trades

Improve your skills and professional development with the following courses***: • Wet Area Waterproofing

• Senior First Aid (Level 2)

• Cert IV Project Management

• Optical Fibre Cabling

• Confined Space Training

• Computer Software

• Traffic Control Management

• ACT Work Safety Representative

• Testing and Tagging of electrical equipment

• Business Administration and Management

• ACT Construction Induction Card

• Work Safely at Heights

• Open Cable Registration

• Computerised Accounting

***These courses are examples of courses for which the Training Fund Authority may reimburse a percentage of the training cost (conditions apply).

trainingfund.com.au

24

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

Silica Course NOW AVAILABLE

The ACT Government has mandated silica awareness training Workers in the building and construction industry must undergo training by 1 July 2023. MBA Group Training is approved to deliver the only nationally accredited course.

Book now to secure your place in 10830NAT – Course in Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention.

Find available course dates by scanning the QR code, contacting us via email at training@mba.org.au or by calling (02) 6175 5900

LIVE YOUR JERRA LIFE DISPLAY VILLAGE OPENING SPRING 2022 southjerra.com.au

Building the homes that connect our community.

FIND WONDER IN WESTON

BOUTIQUE APARTMENTS & TOWNHOMES fetherston.com.au

Since 1988 we’ve built more than 18,000 properties, but to us it’s so much more than that. We lived up to our name by creating communities where people can live, work, laugh, play and simply spend quality time together.

We’re looking forward to the next 34 years of connecting people. villagebuilding.com.au

Driving for Connection in the Canberra Community

With a rich history embedded in the Canberra community, Darrell and Peter Leemhuis are well known names in many local households. Having been in business since 1956, the father son duo is at the helm of several local companies including A+P Leemhuis Builders, Asset Construction Hire and Quickeze Towing.

DARRELL LEEMHUIS

28

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

Looking for a way to give back to the Canberra community, Darrell and Peter have combined their love of cars with the opportunity to help Canberrans in need. On November 3rd and 4th, they are hosting their Gears 4 Giving charity event, in coordination with Hands Across Canberra.

THE DETAILS: Day 1: Head to the High Performance Track Day at Wakefield Park Raceway for an incredible showcase of high calibre cars.

Those wanting to test the performance and capabilities of their high-end vehicles can participate in five sessions as well as nominate themselves to drive a few hot laps with guest passengers who may never have the opportunity to ride/own cars like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens and the like.

General admission to this spectacular event gives you a pass to the pit garages and the Ferris Wheel where you can enjoy the scenery from high above.

You can purchase tickets to the Corporate Morning Tea and Luncheon, Virtual Reality Simulator Experience and enter to win the Major Prize (A Hyperdrive VR Race Simulator, valued at over $8,000!). Every dollar spent at the event goes to charity.

Day 2: Enjoy a Gala dinner with the awesome Shane Jacobson, an avid car enthusiast himself and well known for his support of various charities and mental health issues. You may well recognise him for roles in the films Kenny, The BBQ and Charlie and Boots. Shane’s passion for motorcars was exemplified as the Host of Top Gear Australia and his ambassadorship with the Australian Motoring Festival (Melbourne). A great entertainer with a passion for cars, Shane will set the scene for a wonderful night of fun and fundraising for the Canberra community.

The Gala dinner will be held at the National Arboretum in Canberra where there will be plenty of opportunities for connecting with local charities, hearing their stories, and seeing what a difference financial support makes to their lives.

All proceeds from the Gala will add to the total contribution collected from both events.

GEARS FOR GIVING - A SHOWCASE OF HIGH CALIBRE CARS

The event, run over two days, includes a High-Performance track day and a Gala dinner. All proceeds are set to benefit local charities across the Canberra region.

Darrell and Peter hope that the success of the events will allow them to drive future charity efforts with the aim of being able to give back regularly to local charities.

The idea has been on their radar for a while and the team knew that 2022 was the year to bring this vision to life, “The Gears 4 Giving event has been years in the making.

It’s been a dream of ours to one day be able to give back to the local Canberra community in a big way and I can’t think of a more necessary time for that than right now,” Darrell said.

Keen to get involved? Contact Melinda Hayward on 02 6100 2221, via accounts@apleemhuis.com.au, or search Gears 4 Giving on the Eventbrite website.

The A+P Leemhuis team hopes to see you at the event on the 3rd and 4th of November 2022.

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

29

TAKING IT UP TO ELEVEN: Richard Faulks Marks His Eleventh Year Sleeping Out for Vinnies

While a cold Canberra winter is intimidating enough for individuals with access to blankets, a comfy bed, heating and most importantly a roof over their head, it’s even harder for those sleeping rough in our city. Homelessness Australia (2022) estimates that 116,000 people in Australia are experiencing homelessness, which is an unacceptable number to philanthropic individuals like Richard Faulks from Snedden Hall & Gallop. Richard has participated in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout for 11 years, with his first night out starting back in 2011.

When Richard thinks back to why he first signed up it can be boiled down to his great sense of community spirit, “I first signed up in 2011, and I think one of the reasons that I got involved is because we have an attitude at Snedden Hall & Gallop that we want to have connection to the community. The issue of homelessness was one I had an interest in because in Canberra there’s a misconception that it’s not a problem here. The CEO Sleepout is a good fundraising campaign because it got the attention of the corporate world and some people like thinking of the corporate world suffering a bit (laughs),” Richard said.

30

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

The event raises much need funds for St Vincent De Paul’s fantastic existing programs as well as enabling future initiatives to further support the homeless community.

The large number of people still experiencing homelessness is what drives Richard to keep participating. “I believe in the cause and believe there is still a need for it, nearly 1,600 people a night in the ACT sleep rough. Vinnies do a fantastic job supporting people who are less advantaged and it’s a very small sacrifice to make to be uncomfortable for one night to help Vinnies to do a lot of good,” Richard explained.

This year four brave Snedden Hall & Gallop team members joined Richard to camp out in their courtyard in Deakin.

Richard has been named one of Vinnies event champions, and he recruited PBS Building (ACT) to join him to create a hub in Deakin. He hopes to get more surrounding Deakin businesses to join him in future years saying, “It’s really important for all businesspeople to consider getting involved. Only one night of discomfort, one night of no sleep but it makes a huge difference for fellow Canberrans sleeping rough.”

A MESSAGE FROM CBUS: Investment markets in a pandemic world

Despite ongoing uncertainty from new COVID strains, we’ve seen the last six months produce strong investment returns.

2021 ended with the discovery of Omicron, a new COVID strain. This sent shockwaves through financial markets as they responded to renewed uncertainty. COVID itself and any new strains will continue to pose a risk to global growth and recovery. But, as the world adapts to living with the virus, thankfully each new wave has had a smaller impact on the economy and on financial markets.

Despite the potential for short-term disruption and ongoing risk from the pandemic, the global economy is expected to continue growing strongly in 2022. Economic activity should be supported by further reopening of international travel, households building a larger amount of savings during the pandemic, rising house prices and share markets.

However, this strong growth is starting to create additional inflation pressures, something that has been made worse by pandemic-related disruptions to supply chains and extremely high demand for household goods. The combination of strong growth and higher inflation has seen most central banks around the world begin to remove some of the emergency stimulus programmes that have been in place.

Higher interest rates and strong economic growth should provide a positive environment for global share markets, although we are likely to see increased volatility and more modest overall increases. But should high inflation force central banks to tighten policy more aggressively, for example through raising interest rates, then markets could be in for a trickier time in 2022.

Our Growth (MySuper) option delivered a 13.01%* return for our members for the twelve months through to December 2021.

Returns across 5, 10 and 15 years have outperformed the industry average, which is why it’s important to focus on the long-term nature of super.

Performance (%) to 31 December 2021 13.01 13.41

9.31

10.29 8.46

9.18 7.14

1 year (%)

5 years (% per year)

10 years (% per year)

6.44

15 years (% per year)

Growth (MySuper) option* SuperRatings fund median†

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. * The return for the Growth (MySuper) option is based on the crediting rate, which is returns minus investment fees, taxes and until 31 January 2020, the percentagebased administration fee. Excludes fees and costs that are deducted directly from members’ accounts. † The average median return is taken from the SuperRatings Balanced (60-76) survey (December 2021). SuperRatings is a ratings agency that collects information from super funds to enable performance comparisons – visit superratings.com.au

This information is about Cbus. It doesn’t take into account your specific needs, so you should look at your own financial position, objectives and requirements before making any financial decisions. Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Also read the Target Market Determination at cbussuper.com.au/tmd. Call 1300 361 784 or visit cbussuper.com.au for a copy.

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

31

INTRODUCING ECOPACT AND ECOPACT ZERO At Holcim, we’re taking responsibility for the impact our products have on the planet. That’s why we created ECOPact and ECOPact ZERO – our low and no carbon concrete products that combine the best qualities of conventional concrete while reducing the concrete’s embodied carbon. Discover how we’re building a world that works for people and planet.

CO2 reduction* 30%

40%

50%

LOW CARBON CONCRETE

60%

70%

CARBON NEUTRAL CONCRETE

Visit www.holcim.com.au/ecopact to learn more.

Holcim Australia. Make Sustainability your point of difference. *

Reduction in embodied carbon compared to general ready-mix concrete

80%

90%

100%

The People’s Choice for Toyota.

Master Builders ACT members will receive Gold Fleet discount pricing on all models at National Capital Toyota in Greenway.

CANBERRA’S BEST TOYOTA BUYING EXPERIENCE 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021 Voted By Local Customers

NATIONAL CAPITAL TOYOTA 211 Scollay Street, Greenway ACT 2900

CANBERRA’S BEST TOYOTA SERVICING EXPERIENCE 2020 & 2021 Voted By Local Customers

02 6173 6100 nationalcapitaltoyota.com.au

CI926DTB4, Induction Cooktop, 92cm, Full Surface

PERFECT RESULTS With the ability to place cookware anywhere on the surface, the Full Surface Induction Cooktop allows you to cook creatively, without boundaries.

Proudly on display at Harvey Norman Commercial

fisherpaykel.com

HITTING THE GREEN FOR A GOOD CAUSE: AMA Projects Raise Funds for OzHelp with Charity Golf Tournament

36

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

On Thursday 17 March 2022, AMA Projects hosted its 2021 Charity Golf Tournament, raising over $17,000 for the OzHelp Foundation (OzHelp). OzHelp is a leading provider of health and wellbeing programs for hard-to-reach workers in high-risk industries.

AMA Projects was pleased to host 80 players at the Federal Golf Club in Red Hill, in a four-person Ambrose competition.

The event was a welcomed celebration for all attendees after the tournament was postponed in October 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

AMA Projects Director, Andrew Peereboom, said he was excited to be able to host this long-awaited event saying, “It’s great to see so many of our trusted subcontractors and corporate partners get on board to support such an important cause. The work that OzHelp does directly affects all of us as employers and workers in the construction industry.”

OzHelp run several valuable programs and initiatives including a 24/7 support line, onsite tradie tune-ups, toolbox talks, planning and advisory services and training focused on health and wellbeing.

OzHelp spokesperson Darren Black says these events are extremely valuable for supporting OzHelp’s ongoing initiatives commenting, “Initiatives such as the Charity Golf Tournament

by AMA Projects and the ongoing partnership, assist OzHelp in providing lifesaving mental health and suicide prevention training, health screens, support, and counselling services to Australia’s most at-risk workers.”

Facts about Construction from OzHelp: > Construction is one of the largest employer sectors throughout Australia and one of the highest risk sectors for issues related to mental health > Workers in the construction industry are six times more likely to die by suicide than a workplace accident > In the past 12 months 21% of workers nationally have taken time off work due to mental-ill health.

AMA Projects showed outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility by taking active steps to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and raise money to support valuable wellbeing services. OzHelp believes AMA Projects’ effort can’t be underestimated saying, “We would like to extend a big thank you to the AMA Projects team, sponsors, and participants of the Charity Golf Tournament. In an industry where mental health can be highly stigmatised, it is great to see so many people passionately supporting our cause.”

The charity partnership allows OzHelp to get more boots on the ground, right where the resources are needed the most, whilst also raising awareness of the risk of suicide and impact of mental health in the construction industry. AMA Projects has also pledged to promote the benefits of health and wellbeing in its workplace and encourage employees to look out for each other and access support if needed.

Tournament Winners > 1st Place - Proact Security > 2nd Place - BMAC Window Furnishings > 3rd Place - Australian Smart Group

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

37

HOW KINDNESS IS KEY FOR BUSINESS with Kath Koschel from The Kindness Factory

I think that my job is to demonstrate the strength of kindness and to show that there is a difference between kindness and niceness.

The Kindness Factory is a global not-for-profit organisation that operates with the goal of making kindness commonplace in all areas of life. Kath Koschel founded the Kindness Factory in 2015, and her appreciation for kindness was exemplified by the simple acts of kindness she experienced after she broke her back twice. Kath has gone on to win the Pride of Australia medal in 2016, the Young Australian Medal and the People’s Choice of Australia Award, both in 2017.

We sat down with Kath to find out how to harness kindness in your business to achieve the best results from staff.

Q. HOW DID IT ALL START? K. It was a culmination of experience, adversity, hurdles and triumph over those hurdles that really made me feel the power of kindness. In a hospital bed recovering from a pretty significant injury I came up with the concept of teaching others to be kind to one another. That all started back in 2015 and it’s now in three countries, soon to be four and it’s all an accidental success.

Q. IN BUSINESS IT CAN BE A DOG-EAT-DOG MENTALITY SO WHERE DOES KINDNESS FIT INTO ALL OF THAT? K. That’s become almost like this secret mission, to redefine what kindness is. It’s funny I get booked for appearances by these tough, corporate executives and they’re like what are you doing here and I’ll share my story with them and it’s almost like I get adopted into these places.

kindness is about having the integrity and the strength to have a conversation with them and deliver it in a kind way but knowing that’s the best thing for that individual and in leadership and the corporate world that’s how I would differentiate the two. I think emotional intelligence has become vitally important in the workplace because we’ve become so burnt out, overstimulated and overworked.

I think that my job is to demonstrate the strength of kindness and to show that there is a difference between kindness and niceness. It’s important to be nice but it’s more important to be kind. So, kindness means having a tough conversation with someone in a situation where you know it might hurt their feelings, but you know that it’s the best thing for them.

Niceness would to be just to ignore the issue and just say everything’s okay and you’re going really well, meanwhile

Throughout COVID I was doing a lot of research about the top ten employability traits and in 2019 python coding and techy things took pride of place but in 2021 kindness and compassion made the top 10. 10 years ago I don’t think these qualities would have been in the top 100 and I think as we’ve evolved technologically we’ve forgotten about the most important things we can be as individuals which is kind and to show compassion and empathy.

38

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

KATH KOSCHEL SPEAKING AT THE MBA WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY LUNCHEON

Q. IS THERE A ROLE FOR EVERYONE TO PLAY IN AN ORGANISATION IN TERMS OF ACTS OF KINDNESS?

becomes part of our daily lives, toxic cultures are squashed by default, and you don’t even have to talk about it.

K. Absolutely, no act of kindness is ever wasted. The crane operator smiling at the person who walks past them or vice versa and the CEO who says g’day to their employees, I don’t think kindness needs to be grand gestures all the time either, sometimes it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference. We’ve had 3.6 million people reach out to share an act of kindness. We’ve found that it’s sometimes the smallest action that has gone on to save a life. If we consider how quickly a virus spreads — starting with one person who infects another, who infects another two and so on, it’s not long before it spreads throughout the company. Well, kindness works in the same way, particularly when spreading from the top. When kindness

From a scientific standpoint when we’re in a kind state, giving or receiving kindness by a compliment or smile or whatever it is, we’re in the most oxytocin state that we can be so there’s nothing that can put you in a more feel good mood than what kindness will.

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

39

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Tom Argaet

FROM TWO-TIME APPRENTICE AWARD WINNER TO DIRECTOR OF PICHELMANN CUSTOM BUILDING SERVICES

40

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

Tom Argaet, a two-time MBA Award winning Apprentice, commenced his apprenticeship with Pichelmann Custom Building Services and his carpentry training with MBA Group Training in 2011. Tom started his own company ‘On Targaet Building’ at the age of 21 and following four years of owning his own business he returned to Pichelmann Custom Building Services, this time as a Director of the company.

It was evident from a young age that Tom would pursue a career in the construction industry, his father was a stonemason who frequently worked on construction sites.

At school he enjoyed Wood Technology where he saw ideas come to life with his finished projects.

Tom spent four years as a business owner while continuing to work with Pichelmann Custom Building Services as a Carpenter. “When the opportunity arose to become a

Director of the company the decision was a no brainer”, Tom acknowledges and commends the culture that Pichelmann Custom Building Services provides. He describes working for them as “a big family with a positive work environment, you have each other’s back and the work is not rushed completing quality projects to a high standard”.

Numerous homes that Tom has project managed with Pichelmann have been winners and finalists in the Master Builders and Asset Construction Hire Excellence Awards. One particularly memorable winning project for Tom was the Renovation/ Extension $450,000 - $1million project, which went on to be a finalist in the MBA National Building Excellence Awards.

Tom looks back fondly on his enriching experience with MBA Group Training saying, “The training provided by the MBA is superior to any other training facility and has an incredible

culture”. Not only did MBA Group Training provide quality training from industry current trainers, it also provided Tom with people skills that enabled him to form fantastic working relationships within the Canberra construction industry.

The next steps for Tom in his career are to continue growing Pichelmann Custom Building Services, with a strong emphasis on maintaining client relationships. Their company ethos is that a job is not complete once the house is built. They strive to continue working with their clients to maintain the quality of their homes.

Tom’s biggest advice for an up-and-coming apprentice in the construction industry is to take time to create positive working relationships with your fellow apprentices and co-workers.

Tom believes if you put in the time and effort to foster great relationships, “when push comes to shove you will always have people you can rely on,” Tom said.

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

41

DNA Architects: TWO DECADES OF CREATING UNIQUELY CRAFTED AND RESPONSIBLE DESIGNS

DNA Architects have enjoyed a reputation for delivering outstanding projects over their 20 years of MBA Membership.

They’ve collaborated with a number of MBA Members to deliver unique, cohesive and striking architecture. We chatted with DNA Architects Directors Glen Dowse, Ross Norwood, Michael Sergi and Aj Bala to find out more about how a brief conversation 20-years ago eventuated into a multi-award-winning architecture firm.

MASTER BUILDERS AND ASSET CONSTRUCTION HIRE EXCELLENCE AWARDS OVER THE LAST 3 YEARS: 2021 Medium Density Townhouses and Villas – WINNER 2020 House of the Year – FINALIST Custom Built/Project Home more than $2million – WINNER Renovation/Extension less than $250,000 – WINNER 2019 House of the Year – FINALIST Custom Built/Project Home $1million to $2million – WINNER Medium Density Townhouses and Villas – WINNER MBA AUSTRALIA NATIONAL AWARD WINS: 2021 Medium Density up to 5 Dwellings 2018/19 Haig Townhouses Medium Density

42

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

MEMBER MILESTONE

2EA0RS

Y

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

43

Q. HOW DID DNA ARCHITECTS START? A. DNA Architects started when Glen Dowse called his Uni mate Ross Norwood one Saturday night and said what do you think? After Sunday dinner it was all decided. Resign on Monday and two weeks to be operational. We both had plenty of experience and a solid network. After a couple of weeks in a flat in North Lyneham we found a small office on Lonsdale Street in Braddon. Twenty-one years later and we are still there. After starting with two directors, faith in ourselves and a dream, we now have 23 staff, with four directors and occupy four of the units on Lonsdale Street. Immediate support from a number of commercial developers and builders combined with key Project Home companies like Better Building Services and Classic Constructions gave us the foundation projects to build a reputation on and generate a very loyal client base.

Q. WHAT TYPE OF WORK DO YOU SPECIALISE IN NOW?

We work on projects that inspire us and work for the clients we respect and enjoy spending time with.

The success of our practice has been achieved through the development of strong, lasting relationships with our clients as much as creating award-winning architectural designs.

Our aim is to ensure that the design and building process is an enjoyable one and that each client, is thrilled with the final results. Our approach is relaxed and welcoming, as is our office and our handpicked staff.

A. We don’t so much specialise in a particular typology, but more so adapt and work on projects we enjoy. We have always maintained a diverse project base so that we are always busy.

Our core is high end residential, where we all share a passion.

We maintain a large market share of industrial projects and a broad cross section of the medium density market from affordable through to our own luxury developments. We are now moving into large multi-dwelling complexes and master planned mixed use developments which include boutique accommodation both locally & nationally.

Over the years we have gained a reputation for quality by consistently striving for the best answer rather than the easy one.

We understand the constraints of budgets, time and location. We have experience in dealing with commercial realities and complex planning issues. We will continually apply our industry knowledge and creative expertise to deliver the best possible outcome.

DNA Architects has been designing residential, commercial, interior and retail projects, of all sizes since 2001, with a strong commitment to fostering regionally based architectural values and environmentally sustainable design principles.

To sum it up: We work on projects that inspire us and work for the clients we respect and enjoy spending time with.

It’s these qualities that have earned us many industry awards and a client base that is largely made up of repeat customers and clients discovered through referrals. When they trust the results and enjoy the experience, they keep coming back.

Q. WHO IS PART OF THE DNA ARCHITECTS TEAM? A. We have four directors at DNA. Glen Dowse & Ross Norwood who were the founding partners. Aj Bala joined the team in 2007 and is now also a partner in the business. Our latest addition to the leadership team is Mick Sergi who has stepped up to take on a director role within the studio in the last couple of years.

Our engine room ranges in experience and expertise from students, graduate architects, draftspeople, building designers, architects, an office manager and admin support staff.

Q. WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 STAND OUT PROJECTS OVER YOUR 20 YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP AND WHY? A. That is too hard. We would probably all remember stand out clients more than projects. There are so many stand out projects in each sector. It is enjoyable to drive around the city and see the influence we have had over the years or to revisit suburbs and rediscover hidden projects. We have a pinboard map in the office that reminds us every time we enter.

44

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

MEMBER MILESTONE

2EA0RS

Y

Q. IS THERE A COMMON THREAD BETWEEN ALL YOUR PROJECTS OR DO THEY TEND TO VARY IN THEIR PROJECT BRIEFS? A. Only in the sense that we get a brief for a house, a townhouse complex or a commercial building. Each project is unique and that’s how we approach them. We look at the brief, the site, the budget and design the best outcome we can possibly achieve whilst maintaining a balanced approach to aesthetic, budget & constructability.

We craft and transform spaces that are as individually unique as our clients. We pride ourselves on our reputation for producing high quality, functional and responsible projects in a collaborative environment. We listen and apply our extensive experience and innovative ability to solve problems. We thrive on variety and creative problem solving so no project is too big, small or too unusual.

Q. WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?

CDC Fyshwick A cutting edge data centre that is the corporate headquarters of Canberra Data Centres and the culmination of years of work that launched the business into the international market.

CEA Industries Fyshwick A new headquarters building for a world leading radar manufacturing company based in Canberra. This building is nearing completion.

Woolstore Kingston Our first major success in a large multi-residential building which incorporated recycled bricks and a large 4-storey mural of the designers of Canberra. It really caught the imagination of our community and what architecture could be.

Haig Townhouses Turner An MBA National Award winner and our own development. A unique lifestyle community customised to each individual owner.

The Nest Red Hill An exceptional home for one of our favourite clients that pushes the boundaries of what a house can be when truly customised to personal needs without compromise.

A. We are working on a diverse cross section of projects at the moment. We are very excited by the boutique accommodation/hospitality projects we’ve got coming through along with the numerous multi-residential projects which we’ve tried to challenge the status quo in regard to design, functionality, materials and use.

Q. WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT DNA ARCHITECTS? A. Our philosophy is quite simple: to create uniquely crafted, responsible designs that reflect the individual needs and characteristics of our clients. We focus on developing a relationship with our clients to better understand what motivates them and what they want out of their project.

We don’t push a particular design style or theory. We don’t take ourselves too seriously but we are very deliberate and particular about our ‘craft’. Instead, we take the time to get to know you, find out how you live and work, study the potential and limitations of your site and explore every creative avenue before arriving at a design solution that is perfect for you.

This philosophy is applied to every architectural project we design from residential, commercial and interior. Because at the end of the day, we create spaces for people to live, work and play in. The better the design, the more enhanced their experiences will be. We are creative problem solvers who love a challenge and variety.

Congratulations to DNA Architects, we look forward to many more award-winning projects over the next 20-years of membership.

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

45

CCH NOW IN TWO LOCATIONS WITH NEW BRANCH 40 Endurance Avenue, Queanbeyan NSW 2620 02 6299 3551 info@civilconhire.com.au www.civilconhire.com.au

26 Kylie Cres Batemans Bay 02 4472 7895 southcoast@civilconhire.com.au www.civilconhire.com.au

Portable Buildings & Toilets

Small Equipment

Small Earthmoving

Large Equipment

Attachments

Vehicles

Your locally owned hire company Helping the building industry build the local community

Generators

The 2022 Civil Contractors Federation (CCF) Earth Awards: The Ground-Breaking Projects that Shaped Canberra over the Last Year

The 2022 Civil Contractors Federation (CCF) Earth Awards ceremony was held on 6 May at the Hotel Realm with Dave Thorton serving as the Master of Ceremonies and the event entertainment.

Year after year, CCF ACT members are not satisfied with doing the bare minimum on projects and they always push themselves to have a more meaningful impact with their work. This year’s awards were no exception.

On the Canberra Brickworks Precinct Access Road & Dudley Street Upgrade, Cord Civil and Calibre Group ensured that endangered Golden Sun Moth (GSM) larvae and their habitats were safely relocated by consulting with a GSM expert and enacting a construction environmental management plan. Because of the potential of uncovering

historically significant artifacts on this project, the teams also enlisted archaeology experts in case any important artefacts were unearthed.

The Outstanding ACT Government project, Namarag by Complex Co, Major Projects Canberra and the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate, saw a former AFP training and bomb disposal facility rehabilitated and restored into a memorable meeting place for the Ngunnawal people. The tremendous sensitivities around this project should not be underestimated, with this project becoming a chance to heal the land for the Ngunnawal people and create a new energy that allows flora and fauna to be celebrated.

Congratulations to all winners but also a big congratulations to all entrants for the positive contribution you’ve made to the Canberra region.

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

47

What we Accept: • • • • • • • • • •

ACT Recycling Pty Ltd

What we Sell • • • • • •

Recycling Canberra’s Construction and Demolition Waste.

BENEFIT AS A CUSTOMER OF ACT RECYCLING ››

Komatsu Smart Construction

Digitally transform your jobsite.

As technology has continued to enable other industries to accelerate innovation, it has revealed opportunities and potential in construction that were not possible just a few years ago.

Now, our industry is on the cusp of rapid change and innovation – where advanced automation and integrated technologies intersect to maximise optimisation.

Contact us today to find out more Mathew Byrne - Sales Account Manager 0417912743 | mbyrne@komatsu.com.au | komatsu.com.au

Aggregates Asphalt Millings Scalps Sub Base DGS-20 Crusher Dust Rock

• • • • • •

Bitumen Millings Concrete backing Crushed brick Crushed Brick dust General Fill Pallets

•

96% resource recovery of your construction and demolition materials.

• •

Savings on disposal fees Large range of superior recycled products at lower prices than raw materials.

•

Reducing green house gases. 1 tonne of recycled concrete = 65% less carbon impact of an equivalent freshly quarried product.

•

Contributing to a sustainable construction industry.

“Closing the loop”, your recycled construction & demolition materials being re-used on site.

Site Office: Mugga Lane Resource Management Facility, Mugga Lane Symonston, ACT 2609

Phone: 02 6239 7916 | Email: admin@actrecycling.com.au Website: actrecycling.com.au

Asphalt Brick Concrete Construction Timbers Dirty fill Metal Mixed Concrete, Terracotta, Ceramics Mixed Demo Rock Tile/Terracotta

•

CIVIL SUBCONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR

OUTSTANDING ACT GOVERNMENT PROJECT

Winner: Capital Asphalt

Winners: Complex Co, Major Projects Canberra and Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate Namarag

Sponsored by CCF ACT Capital Asphalt is a Canberra-based asphalt company that supply, haul and place asphalt and bitumen on many civil projects around the ACT. They provide open, transparent, and effective communication with their clients to successfully deliver on all elements of the project requirements. Complex Co praised the Capital Asphalt teams “unparalleled technical knowledge in flexible pavement construction and materials.”

Capital Asphalt has adopted a resource model that includes seven in-house civil engineers to ensure they have an engineering presence during the entire project delivery, from start to finish.

With their state-of-the-art production facility, as well as the largest fleet of asphalt trucks in Southern NSW, Capital Asphalt pride themselves on completing all projects on time and to the highest standard.

Congratulations Capital Asphalt.

Sponsored by Major Projects Canberra The Namarag Special Purpose Reserve Rehabilitation Project saw the dream of the land custodians blended with Ngunnawal people to create a memorable meeting place that showcases the diversity of the land while paying homage to its history.

The project requirements involved the creation of several meeting areas, viewing platforms, reflective artworks, interactive spaces and a recreational path network.

The Complex Co team faced many challenges while working on this project, including above average rainfall, significant ground water seepage, dispersive river soils and unexpected contaminated water. Despite these challenges Complex Co worked tirelessly to ensure the final delivered product was built to a high standard.

Congratulations Complex Co.

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

49

OUTSTANDING WOMAN IN CIVIL CONSTRUCTION

PROJECT VALUE $2 MILLION TO $5 MILLION

Winner: Zoe Livas Complex Co

Winner: Complex Co Belconnen Arts Centre Foreshore Path Link

From a young age it was evident that Zoe had a strong passion for working in construction which she gained from helping with her family’s home renovations. Since joining the industry, she has become an outstanding role model and she is a strong supporter of the MBA’s Women in Civil Construction Program.

Sponsored by Civil Construction Hire

Zoe prides herself on the successful relationships she has formed with a variety of stakeholders, which aides the successful execution of project plans.

Her positive nature, commitment, passion, and drive has made her a highly-valued team member at Complex Co. Congratulations Zoe.

Located along the shores of Lake Ginninderra, the team at Complex Co have created an outstanding project consisting of an overwater bridge, pedestrian path extension, feature lighting and extensive landscaping. The works complete a missing link in the Lake Ginninderra foreshore path network and intergrated the Belconnen Arts Centre with the Belconnen Foreshore precincts.

The main feature of the project is the 90m curved concrete, steel and FRP deck bridge which hosts two lookout platforms on either side of the inlet. The walkway consists of bored piers with a steel frame superstructure, mesh grating deck, architectural lighting and steel kerbed edging with a shroud to deflect water.

With careful planning, innovative thinking and safety at the forefront, Complex Co. delivered an outstanding finished project.

Congratulations Complex Co.

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

51

GREEN IS THE NEW GREY...

...and we’re serious about making a difference: Î First concrete plant to install CarbonCureTM technology in Australia Î Canberra’s only fully-enclosed concrete plant minimising dust and noise pollution Î 100% of onsite water collected and recycled Î GreenStarTM specified mixes available Î Highly efficient fleet of Australian-made Kenworth trucks

NOT A MEMBER OF MBA ACT? Join today to access a range of member benefits!

MBA ACT MBA members receive: Valuable information about the latest industry news Opportunities to have their voice heard on a number of important industry issues Workplace Relations Advice Access to the Master Builders and Asset Construction Hire Excellence Awards entry process, eDocs and MBA Legal Discounts with MBA Group Training, MBA Events, Ampol, Seaars Workwear, Harvey Norman Commercial, Telstra and Toyota Invitations to valuable member workshops

hqconcrete.com.au Call (02) 6152 8510 14 Tennant Street, Fyshwick

PROJECT VALUE $5 MILLION TO $10 MILLION

PROJECT VALUE $10 MILLION TO $30 MILLION

Winners: Cord Civil and Calibre Group Canberra Brickworks Precinct Access Road & Dudley Street Upgrade

Winners: Canberra Contractors, Village Building Co and Spiire South Jerrabomberra Civil Hydraulic Services

Sponsored by Boral

Sponsored by PSC Insurance Brokers

Cord Civil and Calibre Group delivered this project with great consideration for the surrounding environment. The project involved the realignment and upgrade of Dudley Street and the construction of additional 150 metre road and a new roundabout. This required traffic and environment management, bulk earthworks, major underground service relocation, flexible pavement construction, concrete works, landscaping, pavement marking and traffic signal modification.

Canberra Contactors, Village Building Co and Spiire delivered the South Jerrabomberra Civil Hydraulic Services project with safety at the forefront. The project involved the construction of a sewer pump station, an emergency storage tank, over seven kilometers of trunk water main and sewer infrastructure.

A major challenge that arose was the heavy rainfall that Canberra experienced during one of the wettest years in a decade. The teams used detailed planning and implemented erosion and sediment controls which kept impacts to the road to a minimum.

Congratulations Cord Civil and Calibre Group.

This project required earthworks, excavation, bedding, backfilling, stormwater drainage, landscaping, paving and the creation of manholes with a depth of up to seven metres.

A project risk management plan was put in place to identify risks, minimise hazards and ensure everyone onsite understood their role in project safety.

Congratulations Canberra Contractors, Village Building Co and Spiire.

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

53

S R A E E S W O R KW E A R ist

u rib

tio

n

MSA AUTHORISED DEALER

W O R KW E A R Essential lia

W

id

e

D

00342f 00342f

Au

st

ra

Workers 60 Barrier Street Work Hard 60Fyshwick BarrierInACT Street Style Fyshwick ACT Tel: 02 6280 4111 S SEEARFax: 026280 62809111 4111 W O R K W E ATel: R 02

Fax: 02 6280 9111

MSA AuthoriSed deAler

00342f

Master Builders 2010 Supplier of the Year Winner

Your One Stop outlet. rmsCanberra’s largest workwearWorkwear Shop Your one stop workwear and safety shop.

gear

Full range of: > Harnesses > First aid kits > Safety equipment > Protective clothing

Australia Wide Distribution

Canberra’s Largest Range

> Corporate and trade uniforms • Harnesses > Wide range •of First protective Aid gear kits > Workwear for all trades

Order now

• Safety Equipment • Protective Clothing

Trade and Master Builder member discounts apply

SEEARS W O R KW E A R 02 6280 4111 02 6280 4111

DISCOUNTS APPLY TO MBA www.seearsworkwear.com.au 60 Barrier Street MEMBERS Fyshwick ACT www.seearsworkwear.com.au

Fyshwick ACT 60 Tel: Barrier Street 02 6280 Tel: 02 6280 4111 4111 Fyshwick ACT Fax: 02 Fax: 02 6280 6280 9111 9111

• • • •

Corporate wear Trade Uniforms Protective Equipment Workwear for all trades

SEEARS W O R KW E A R 60 Barrier Street Fyshwick ACT Tel: 02 6280 4111 Fax: 02 6280 9111

MASTER BUILDERS

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR RECIPIENT

THANK YOU TO EACH OF THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS FOR

GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THESE AWARDS, IT IS THANKS TO YO

GET TO CELEBRATE THESE OUTSTANDING HOMES IN THIS PUB

PROJECT VALUE $30 MILLION TO $75 MILLION

PROJECT VALUE UP TO $2 MILLION

Winners: Canberra Contractors, Village Building Co and Spiire South Jerrabomberra Subdivisions Stages 1A, 1B and 1C

Winner: Complex Co Hotel Kurrajong Carpark

Sponsored by CCF ACT This impressive project involved the development of a 22-hectare site which was transformed into a new subdivision including 334 residential lots and 4 multi-unit developments.

The project was inclusive of road networks, sewer, storm water, electrical, gas and communication infrastructure.

With innovation at the forefront of this project, natural site materials were required to blend different soil types to achieve profiles that were suitable for geotechnical classification of residential blocks.

The substantial size of the project required carefully considered management of both internal resources and subcontractors to achieve the goals and deadlines set for this project.

Congratulations Canberra Contractors, Village Building Co and Spiire.

Sponsored by Able Landscaping The team at Complex Co were engaged to create a 53-space on-site carpark at the prestigious Hotel Kurrajong in Barton, for both public and private use.

Complex Co faced various challenges throughout construction including needing to stage the works to coincide with material deliveries with a long lead time. The design of the project was complex in nature and incorporated over 64,000 hand-laid ecotrihex permeable pavers.

The team delivered a design that allowed for a passive watering system for new and existing heritage trees. This involved sealing the clay subgrade to create a surface that was as impermeable as possible. Through careful planning and consistent consultation with stakeholders, Complex Co achieved an outstanding result for their clients.

Congratulations Complex Co.

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

55

TRINITY LAW. YOUR TRUSTED ADVISORS. Trinity Law is the local specialist in construction, commercial and business legal services.

Our firm is built on the core values of excellence, efficiency, integrity and positivity.

We strive to realise these values in all of our relationships – from our clients, to our employees, to our community.

With over thirty staff, we place your needs at the centre of our business.

Our services include: Construction Law Business Law Property Law Wills and Estates

Commercial Law Litigation and Dispute Resolution Insolvency Law Estate Planning

Find out how our expert team can help you. Get in touch today.

Find out how our expert team can help you.

Get5050 in touch today.

(02) 6163 trinitylaw.com.au Level 3, 40 Blackall Street, Barton ACT 2601 GPO Box 2705, Canberra City ACT 2601

MAJOR SPONSORS

CORPORATE SPONSORS

WHS CIVIL Winner: Complex Co Strengthening of Bridges 3092 and 3093 Sponsored by Suburban Land Agency This project involved the implementation of an intermediate pier on both bridges 3092 and 3093 over Yarralumla Creek to increase the bridge’s capacity.

The project scope included extensive demolition works and earthworks. The work, health and safety approach on this project was both unique and robust in its concept and application. The basis of the WHS system was around the use of a mobile plant, working on and adjacent to a live waterway and, within a confined footprint.

Adaptations and updates to the project WHS plan included working in a deeper excavation due to the unsuitable and waterlogged soils encountered which exacerbated the confines of the project. The team managed these challenges safely and efficiently.

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

Congratulations Complex Co.

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

57

MBA AUSTRALIA ECONOMIC UPDATE

BY MBA CHIEF ECONOMIST SHANE GARRETT

The latest data indicate that the ACT currently has once of Australia’s lowest unemployment rates.

The economic environment has changed hugely in recent months. We have seen our first RBA interest rate increase in almost 12 years – with a strong likelihood that more could come over the months ahead. The sharp escalation in cost pressures across the economy has raised the spectre of 1970s-style stagflation. In our own industry, the jump in the cost of key building materials has been particularly steep and this is probably the single biggest source of today’s pressures.

In some other ways, the performance of Australia’s economy looks quite healthy at the moment. Latest figures show that the pace of GDP growth is quite robust, with spending by households and the government being the main drivers of demand at the present time. The labour market is also looking pretty solid: at 3.9 per cent in May, the national unemployment rate is the lowest it’s been since current records began in 1978. Over 470,000 full-time jobs have been created over the past year, an incredible performance for an economy which has had no inward migration for the best part of two years.

The emergence of major inflationary pressures represents the outcome of a unique mix of factors. Global difficulties related to supply chains, commodities prices and the war in Ukraine have forced the cost of many imported products to Australia much higher. While low unemployment is a welcome policy outcome, it has also meant that wage demands in the economy have

58

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

8,000

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Demands for many types of building work are driven by population growth, meaning that projects related to housing, education, health and other activities can look forward to a boost.

intensified to the detriment of business costs. This issue has been exacerbated by the acceleration of house prices since the start of the pandemic, a situation which has also contributed to greater cost pushes. History has shown how much chaos can be unleashed by inflationary forces.

The 75 basis points of RBA interest rate increases since the start of May is a stern attempt to quickly kill off the spiral of price inflation before it becomes embedded in the economic system for years.

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

There are some interesting differences between the performance of building in the ACT and in the rest of the country. As the chart shows, the structure of new home building in the ACT means that the boom related to the HomeBuilder scheme largely bypassed Canberra due to the local market’s dependence on medium and high-density new homes. Having performed very strongly since the start of the pandemic, home renovations activity in Canberra appears to be in the process of falling back sharply: over the three months to April 2022, the value of major renovations approvals was 8.2 per cent lower than the same period last year.

While circumstances relating to interest rates and the cost of building materials currently present a serious challenge, there are also grounds for cheer. The latest data indicate that the ACT currently has once of Australia’s lowest unemployment rates. This places us well for the resumption of full-scale inward migration to Australia which ceased completely during Covid and whose return is being slowed by delays in visa processing capacity. Once we revert back to the kinds of migration levels seen pre-pandemic, further fuel will be added to the ACT economy’s growth potential. Demands for many types of building work are driven by population growth, meaning that projects related to housing, education, health and other activities can look forward to a boost.

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

59

Made with Made with Made with heart de heart with Made with heart art heart

Our passion is building something thatpassion people love to call something home.

Our is building that people love to call home. www.metric.homes Our passion is building something s buildingwww.metric.homes something that people love to call something home.

Our passion is building ove to call home. that people love to call home. www.metric.homes homes www.metric.homes

WE SUPPLY AND DELIVER READY MIX CONCRETE TO CANBERRA AND SURROUNDING AREAS • Residential • Commercial • Civil

• Premixed Concrete • Decorative Concrete • Coloured Concrete

For orders or enquiries call

www.elvingroup.com.au info@elvingroup.com.au 7 Cheney Pl, Mitchell 15 Alderson St, Hume

02 6175 9600

Over 75k product SKUs

11 branches nationwide

Australian independent

Technical knowledge & support

WE HAVE MOVED!

We have moved 100mtrs into a bigger and better site, which is easily accessible on the main road. Our NEW address is 134-136 Gladstone St, Fyshwick (next door to DHL).

• • • •

Increased inventory & range Quicker service Bigger showroom Easier access

FASTENERS & FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS I TOOLS I SAFETY I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE sales.canberra@unitedfasteners.com.au

(02) 9131 3366

134-136 Gladstone St, Fyshwick Mon to Fri 7am to 5pm www.unitedfasteners.com.au

Improving Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the Construction Industry

BY DR ROBYN HARDY, DR LARRY HU AND DR HENRY LIU

Sustainable development, consisting of three pillars: environmental, social and economic, is becoming a critical consideration for all industry, including the construction industry worldwide. The social sustainability pillar encompasses individual social responsibility, national and government social responsibility and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

It is argued that “A Standard definition of CSR is that it is about sacrificing profits in the social interest” (Benabou and Tirole, 2009). This cannot be true when the corollary is sacrificing sustainability, acting unethically, acting against the social interest or being a “bad corporate citizen”.

These actions tend to have an impact on the bottom line, the strength of which depends on the heinousness of the corporate behaviour. CSR is not altruism, especially when corporations also benefit from implementing it (Carroll, 2015).

Support for companies increasing their commitment to CSR has markedly increased over the last 50 years as consumers become more vocal, less trusting of corporations and their globalised power. Citizens rather than governments are demanding that corporations take responsibility for the negative impacts they have on society when things go wrong such as financial failures, defective products, and workplace accidents.

In a market driven by strong competition, a good reputation for quality and customer service, a good track record with staff and work health safety puts that business ahead of its competitors and improves its long-term financial sustainability.

62

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

Specifically, CSR in the construction industry could be enhanced through the strategies of business management, relationship maintenance, social impact, environmental friendliness, and project management.

Much depends on the culture and objectives of the owners of the firms. Is it longevity, making a good living and ensuring the firm into the future or large, short terms profits? Short term profit taking has its limits.

Today’s customer asks their Facebook followers for advice on which builder, which plumber and which electrician to use.

Social media is pervasive and ruthless in terms of reputations and engaging in unethical behaviour catches up eventually with most. Construction is no longer a once in a life-time engagement with a customer. Customers now have the media power and savvy to influence customers around them through social media channels and their opinions hang in the ether for a long time.

In times of workforce shortages, embracing CSR principles in terms of staff development and training, staff pay and conditions, having an environmentally-friendly and healthy workplace, strengthening positive relationships and supports, ensuring best practices work health safety and implementing staff achievement and recognition policies should improve staff retention to the benefit of the whole organisation. At the very least it should mitigate against high staff turnover and seeking better pay and conditions elsewhere. There is an obvious and confirmed link between job satisfaction, employee engagement and productivity (Shmailan, 2016).

Adopting CSR principles at the very least helps to avoid the negative consequences of inaction – best practice OH&S less work hours lost through injury; best practice human resource management the less staff turnover; best practice environmental safety and assurance the less time spent dealing with regulators and corrective actions; best practice quality control the less time and money spent fixing defects.

Specifically, CSR in the construction industry could be enhanced through the strategies of business management, relationship maintenance, social impact, environmental friendliness, and project management. These strategies could be further developed through the below actions.

Business management actions: > Committing to sustainability as a critical and natural part of the business. > Applying a corporate governance structure for CSR. > Establishing the right management ethics and operational integrity. > Improving business culture to emphasise ethical behaviour.

> Committing to local community protection and engagement. > Developing relationships with workers and unions, such as supporting employee development and education, preventing workplace bullying, fair work, equity, work health and safety.

Social impact actions: > Obeying the law, policies and regulations. > Engaging in charity work and encouraging staff to so as well. > Fulfilling moral obligations such as duty of care, fair trade, and minimizing payment delays to subcontractors. > Promoting local employment opportunities equally.

Environmental friendliness actions: > Commitment to the practices of sustainable construction and green buildings. > Reducing pollution, waste, resource consumption, and carbon footprint. > Using renewable energy, sustainable resources, low-emitting materials and green delivery. > Providing for biodiversity and wildlife conservation during construction.

Project management actions: > Committing to improving social value as a goal of project management.

> Relationship maintenance actions:

> Improving the awareness, knowledge and skills of project managers and staff in promoting CSR.

> Maintaining positive relationships with consumers by increasing satisfaction.

> Continuous improvement and assurance of construction quality.

> Expanding supply chain relationships with resource suppliers, equipment renters, and subcontractors by rewarding loyalty with repeat business but also avoiding the unethical ones.

> Reducing the adverse impacts of construction on neighbourhoods and local communities, such as construction noise and traffic control.

View the list of references for this article here: https://mba.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/References.docx

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

63

BUILD 2023

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES NOW OPEN PH: (02) 6175 5900 Email: canberra@mba.org.au

The Bink Cement Pavers name has gained a solid reputation across Canberra and beyond, for 60 years.

Sourcing raw materials locally, reflects the ‘Bink sustainable business’ philosophy, which also utilizes 100% water harvesting and 50% solar usage for paver production.

Architect requests are always welcome. > SMALL & LARGE FORMAT NON-SLIP PAVERS > PRE-CAST SLABS & STEPTREADS > SPLIT FACE DRY STACK RETAINING WALL BLOCKS > MASONRY BLOCKS > RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

Bink Pavers - An MBA award winning business with products featured in many MBA award winning projects. www.binkpavers.com.au info@binkcement.com.au sales@binkcement.com.au 40 Dacre st Mitchell ACT 2911 Ph: 62427033 A FAMILY OWNED AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS

Beautiful simplicity.

Tested in some of Australia’s harshest conditions, durable COLORBOND steel Matt diffuses light to create a subtle, textured and contemporary aesthetic.

COLORBOND steel in Surfmist Matt offers a stylish contrast to softer tones and complements darker hues for added design flexibility and an elegantly understated appearance.

Visit COLORBOND.COM/MATT or call 1800 702 764

Lantern House, Victoria, by Timmins+Whyte Architects. Photography by Peter Bennetts. The COLORBOND steel colour swatch represents actual product colour as accurately as possible. However, we recommend checking your chosen colour against an actual sample of the product before purchasing. COLORBOND , the BlueScope brand mark and colour names are registered trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited.

2021 BlueScope Steel Limited ABN 16 000 011 058. All rights reserved.

The MBA Social Scene

Enjoy photos from the fantastic events run recently.

MBA Annual Dinner Celebrating 2020/21 Member Milestones

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: DAVID HOWARTH, GAVIN POUND, MATT HOWARTH AND GEOFF HOWARTH

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: PAUL MURPHY, DARRELL LEEMHUIS AND GAVIN MURPHY

Annual Dinner 2020/2021 Member Milestone Sponsors

66

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

Master Builders Australia National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards ACT Member Local Celebration

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: FRANK PORRECA, CHRIS PIECHOCKI, ANTHONY ALOE, MARK BAUER, DANNY AGNELLO, KIER GREGG, TERRY RING, SCOTT PRESS AND MICHAEL HOPKINS

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MICHAEL HOPKINS, NATASHA KNOWLES, MARK TAYLOR, AJ BALA AND FRANK PORRECA

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 2 2022

67

MBA GROUP TRAINING Customised Training

Benefits of MBA GT

About Us MBA Group Training provides learning opportunities through industry training and education services. Safe work practices within the industry are a priority for Master Builders and expert advice is available in a range of areas including occupational health and safety requirements, industry codes of practice, contracts and legal.

MBA GT can also work with you to deliver new training courses that suit your training needs.

A talented team of industry current trainers Helpful short course coordinators that can help organise your training Customised training packages available Discounts for MBA Members Functional and modern training facilities A varied range of courses that are designed to accommodate the needs of the construction industry

Customised training packages are available: Training Dates and Times The MBA GT team can work with you to deliver training on a day and time that suits your business.

Ph: (02) 6175 5900

Request Courses

Call Now

Are there any courses you would like us to run? We can arrange training on a range of topics beyond our initial course offerings.

Find out how we can create customised training for you and your team by calling (02) 6175 5977.

Email: training@mba.org.au

www.mba.org.au

ADVERTISING INDEX Advertiser ACT Recycling Asset Construction Hire

Page 48 4-5

Bink Cement Pavers

64

Boral

14

Canberra Isuzu

50

Cbus

6

Civil Construction Hire

46

Colorbond

65

CRT Building Products Elvin Group Harvey Norman Commercial

Back cover 61 Front cover, 2 and 34-35

Hi-Quality Concrete

52

Holcim

32

Komatsu

48

Master Builders Fidelity Fund

8

Master Builders Insurance Brokers (MBIB)

18

MBA Legal

71

Metric Homes

60

National Capital Toyota

33

Seears Workwear

54

Toyota

70

Training Fund Authority

24

Trinity Law

56

United Fasteners

61

Village Building

10 and 26-27

THE ICONIC PRADO CONQUERS YOUR WORKDAY

LandCruiser Prado GXL shown.

v

TOYOTA FOR BUSINESS Claim a $40001 Gold Fleet discount across the Prado range with your MBA ACT membership.

The LandCruiser Prado needs no introduction. Its powerful performance and comfort makes it ready for all the workday challenges, whether in traffic, on the highway, or conquering the outback’s toughest terrains. Its performance is powered by a 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, while its smart technology and Toyota Safety Sense2 features assist with a safe ride. The sophisticated and spacious cabin offering 7 seats on GXL model and above is ideal for those long days on the job. This is 4x4 driving at its finest.

Scan to sign up for the latest insights from Toyota for Business

Delivery times are currently longer than usual. More information is available at https://www.toyota.com.au/support/delivery-wait-times-availability.

Please contact your preferred Toyota Dealer for more details.

To find out more, visit your Toyota Dealer or call 1800 679 247. toyota.com.au/fleet

Discount available across the Toyota Prado range. T&C’s apply. 2 Driver assist feature. Only operates under certain conditions. Check your Owner’s Manual for explanation of limitations. Please drive safely. Delivery times are currently longer than usual. More information is available at https://www.toyota.com.au/support/ delivery-wait-times-availability. Please contact your preferred Toyota Dealer for more details.

1

When you need legal matters resolved, we know the drill.

What is MBA Legal?

Your MBA membership provides access to a wide range of advice services, and this will never change. But sometimes you need more than advice. And for smaller businesses or contractors, legal representation can be daunting and simply not affordable. That is why we’ve introduced MBA Legal – a specialist legal practice that gives our members access to a legal team who can manage a range of matters on an affordable fee for service basis.

Access to MBA Legal means that MBA ACT Members will be speaking to lawyers with experience and knowledge in building and construction law, employment and work, health and safety law.

What services do MBA Legal provide?

Debt recovery Security of Payments (ACT and NSW) Contract drafting and advice Dispute resolution and mediation Employment law Workplace investigations Work, Health and Safety (WHS

Contact MBA Legal: Email: legal@mba.org.au Phone: (02) 6175 5900

STEEL STEEL FRAMES FRAME AND AND TRUSSES TRUSS

Only Only one supplierone can tick all the supplier boxes: can t Over 50 years Over truss and frame 50 experience years truss

Manufactured Manufactured right here in Canberra right

Made with Made TRUECORE® steel with TRUECOR

CALLCALL OUR TEAM TO DISCUSS OUR THE BEST OPTION TEAM FOR YOUR NEXT TO PROJECT. DI

02 6242 2211 | WWW.CRTPRODUCTS.COM.AU 02 6242 2211 | CRT@CRTPRODUCTS.COM.AU | WWW.C TRUECORE® is a registered trademark of BlueScope Steel Limited.

TR