Christimas Edition
Happy Holidays from the Executive Team!
As we wrap up another incredible year, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each of you. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment have made this year a tremendous success, and together, we've accomplished so much.
The holiday season is a time to reflect on what we're most thankful for, and we are truly fortunate to work alongside such a talented and passionate team. Your creativity, collaboration, and resilience continue to inspire us every day.
We wish both you and your loved ones, a joyful and restful holiday season filled with quality time with family and friends. May the New Year bring continued health, success, growth, and exciting opportunities for us all.
Thank you for your unwavering support and for making this company a special place to be. We look forward to all that we'll achieve together in the coming year!
Warmest wishes, from the Exec Team!
That’sawrapfor2024!
What a year it’s been! From juggling deadlines to solving problems no one saw coming (and, let’s be honest, a few we might have caused ourselves), we’ve absolutely smashed it in 2024. Whether it was a challenging project, tight deadlines, reactive works, rain, wind, or sunshine, you all showed up with determination and made it happen. Every curveball that came our way was met with resilience, creativity, and a healthy dose of humor – and that’s what makes this team so incredible.
Looking back, it’s amazing to see how much we’ve accomplished together Delivering some great projects across the board, your dedication and teamwork have been nothing short of inspiring. It’s also been great to see how we’ve kept learning and growing, tackling challenges with fresh ideas and a collaborative spirit. You’ve proven time and again that no obstacle is too big when we work together
As we wrap up the year, take some time to reflect on everything we’ve achieved, and be proud of it. Our industry isn’t always easy, but it’s always rewarding, especially when you have a team like this one.
Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited for what’s to come There’s no doubt it’ll bring its own share of challenges and unexpected surprises, but I know we’ll tackle them with the same energy, skill, and teamwork that have made this year such a success. For now, I hope you all enjoy a well-earned rest. Spend time with your loved ones, indulge in some holiday treats, and recharge those batteries. Here’s to an even bigger and better year ahead – one filled with big ideas, great teamwork, and many more fun times.
Have an awesome holiday season, and I’ll see you all in 2025!
Chloe Milligan Department Manager
Hip Hip Hooray!
Merry Christmas from the Construction Team!
As we wrap up an amazing year, lets celebrate our fantastic team and the strong finish we've had leading into Christmas. The crew has been absolutely brilliant, completing jobs with excellence and also setting the stage for a successful 2025. It especially humbling to witness the reactive project to finish off the year at the Bulmers farm, Lindenow A large amount of scope with 3 departments lending team members to assist. Excellent work to all involved! We were proud to be part of Movember this year, where Brad won the Mental Health Awareness Award, and Tom took home the title of Best Apprentice. A huge congratulations to both of them for their contributions and leadership!
Our apprentices have wrapped up another successful year, with a special shout-out to Jack for completing his Journeyman’s—what an achievement! We couldn't be prouder of the growth and dedication shown by all our apprentices.
This year was also special as we welcomed more potential plumbers into the world with Mitch, Brad, Troy and Brett all becoming fathers or adding to the family! Congratulations to them and their families on this exciting new chapter!
As we head into the holiday season, we want to thank each and every one of you and your families for your hard work and commitment. 2025 is going to be even bigger and better, and we look forward to continuing this journey together
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Bring on 2025.
Department Manager
The Crazy Christmas Countdown is on!
As we wrap up the year, we just want to take a moment to say a huge thank you to everyone for all the hard work and dedication you’ve put in. It’s been a crazy year, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together!
From tackling tricky service requests to keeping our customer care top-notch, each one of you has played a big part in our success. Your teamwork and determination have made this year something special. We’ve also been lucky enough to welcome some fantastic new team members to the crew so exciting! As the holidays approach, we hope you all get a chance to unwind, recharge, and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones. You’ve all earned it!
Wishing you and your families a super relaxing and happy holiday season—hope it's full of joy, peace, and well-deserved rest. We’re pumped for what’s to come in 2025 and can’t wait to tackle another year of success and teamwork with all of you! And don’t forget… the Crazy Christmas Countdown is on! Let’s finish strong!
Happy Holidays!
Birdy & Charlie
Season's Greetings from Traralgon Service and Maintenance!
As we reflect on an eventful year, we are proud of the progress we’ve made and the challenges we’ve overcome together. 2024 has brought plenty of changes and growth for our team. We wished Georgia all the best as she took maternity leave to welcome beautiful Henry into the world. At the same time, we were thrilled to welcome Malia to our team, whose calm and warm influence has made a lasting impact. This year, our team took on some big projects that really tested our ability to work together. Thanks to the incredible support from our offsiders Hilly and Bones, we successfully completed these jobs on time and on budget. Our apprentices have been a real standout, stepping up and learning from the best. We are so proud of their achievements, including passing their Journeyman's and receiving excellent feedback on their presentation and attendance at trade school.
Looking ahead, we have exciting plans for Joel, Brett, Hunter, Bayley, Nathan G, and Oakley. They have bright futures ahead of them, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish. A huge thank you to our senior team members Bryce, Dale, Fraser, Guy, Lachie, Ricky, Seddo, and Nathan L—whose mentorship, guidance, and innovative ideas continue to make a difference. Your dedication and expertise are invaluable.
This year, we've received wonderful reviews from our customers on Google, and many have taken the time to call and express their appreciation for a job well done. As we say goodbye to Ricky and Bryce for a few months as they embark on the trip of a lifetime around Australia with their families, we wish them safe travels and wonderful memories.
As we look to 2025, we’re excited about the big plans we have for the department and how we will continue to grow alongside our customers. A heartfelt thank you to everyone in the team for their hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. I can't wait for the year ahead!
Wishing you all a joyous festive season and an epic 2025.
Season's Greetings from the Liquid Waste Team!
As we wrap up another year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the hard work and dedication that has defined our team. Matt, Christine, and Bernadette have spent 12 months draining grease traps, sucking out triple interceptors, and clearing septic tanks all across Gippsland from homes and farms to worksites and schools. We've been there when needed, answering the call and proving that the Liquid Waste Department is an essential part of Tequa.
Our team may be small, but we are huge in talent! Christine continues to impress with her outstanding customer service and booking skills. Matt has built an incredible reputation for safety and reliability with our clients, and Bernadette keeps everything running smoothly.
As we head into the Silly season, we're excited to welcome Kane to the team! Kane will be handling our septic services over this busy time, and we know that there’s nothing more silly than a blocked septic, so we’re glad to have him onboard.
Here's to a wonderful festive season and another year of great work, teamwork, and serving the Gippsland community.
Happy Holidays from the Liquid Waste Team— Matt, Christine, Bernadette, and Kane! ����
Bernadette Dillon
Wrapping Up 2024 - What a year!
As 2024 comes to a close, let’s celebrate everything we’ve achieved together. It’s been a huge effort across the board, and I’m so proud of everyone working hard to kick goals and support each other. A big part of this year has been doing our best to support everyone out on site, making sure you have what you need to get the job done.
We’re always able to suppo Of course, we Kris Kringle, w stole the show
Thank you for your hard work, your dedication, and for making this team what it is.
Please rest, recharge, and enjoy some welldeserved downtime. Stay safe, stay healthy, and we can’t wait to kick off 2025 together!
Rachel Phelan
Office Manager
Winner
Prize Trent Pearson
Accepted by Cam Green on behalf of Trent
2024 EmergingLeader Alex Barker
Apprentice of the year
Challands
Accepted by Hilly on behalf of Jack
TEQUA TEAM’S OUT & ABOUT - JINGLE & MINGLE
TEQUA TEAM’S OUT & ABOUT - JINGLE & MINGLE
Golden Crowbar
Half-Arsed
Shawn Ray
Jason Sibley
The Malfunction
The Cat-arse-trophy
Ben Bassler
Dan Blakey
COURAGE TO ACT
Brett Lucas
In the last few months that he has had his own vehicle he had excelled as a plumber and had put his hand up to work almost every after-hours job that we have had. Even working till 1 in the morning on a Friday night/Saturday morning. Sure, it’s making the rest of us look bad but it’s setting a damn fine example!
PASSIONATE ABOUT PEOPLE
Christine Buckerfield
Because she genuinely goes above and beyond for everyone Even though she works hours away from the rest of us, she never hesitates to put her hand up to help. She’s often the first to reach out, whether it’s to share advice, jump in on a task, or just check in and see how everyone’s doing Christine makes you feel like you’re genuinely heard and understood Her warmth and dedication really set her apart. She’s the kind of person who makes our team stronger just by being herself.
RAISE THE BAR
Harry Langford
For stepping up and running the sewer crew. Having the confidence to back himself and get positive results.
Christmas Day
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Boxing Day
Thursday December 26, 2024
New Year’s Day
Wednesday, January 1st, 2025
Australia Day
Sunday, January 26, 2024
(Public Holiday Monday 27th)
Labour Day
Monday, March 10th, 2025
Public Holiday
Tequa 50th Celebration
Friday, March 21 2025
Good Friday - Easter Monday April 18th-21st
Closed Friday-Monday
Anzac Day
Friday April 25, 2025
Public Holiday
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: CHRISTMAS RECIPES
Barbecued lamb in baharat and yoghurt
500 gm Greek-style yoghurt
15 gm ground baharat (see note)
4 garlic cloves, finely grated
Finely grated zest of 2 lemons
1 cup (loosely packed) coriander leaves, finely chopped
3 kg easy-carve leg of lamb, French trimmed (see note)
2 tbsp pomegranate molasses, plus extra for drizzling
Pomegranate arils and chopped flat-leaf parsley, to serve
METHOD:
1) To marinate lamb, place yoghurt, baharat, garlic, zest and coriander in a food processor; season to taste and process until combined Place lamb in a large non-reactive bowl and coat with half of the marinade; cover and refrigerate overnight. Stir molasses through remaining marinade, cover and refrigerate. Bring lamb to room temperature when ready to cook.
2) Preheat a barbecue with a hood to 160˚C. Place a wire rack in a large deep-sided roasting pan. Pour in enough water to just touch the underside of rack. Place lamb on rack, cover with a layer of baking paper, seal tightly with foil, then roast with barbecue hood closed until lamb is cooked (3 hours) Remove covering, increase heat to 200°C. and roast until lamb has browned (25-30 minutes). Remove from barbecue. Loosely cover with foil to rest (20-30 minutes).
3) To serve, place lamb on a large serving platter, spoon over 2 tbsp remaining marinade, drizzle with extra molasses and scatter with pomegranate arils and parsley. Serve with remaining marinade on the side.
CHRISTMAS RECIPES CHRISTMAS RECIPES
ReindeerChocolateOreos FOR THE KIDS -
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
2 Cups of Chocolate Chips
15 Oreos
30 Pretzels
30 Candy Eyes
15 Red M&M’s
METHOD:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Melt 2 cups chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl.
Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, use a fork to place an Oreo in the melted chocolate.
Tap the Oreo on the side of the bowl to shake off access chocolate.
Place chocolate covered Oreo on the parchment paper.
Set 2 pretzels on the top of the Oreo for antlers, place 2 candy eyes beneath them, and finish by placing a red M&M beneath the eyes for the nose!
JaimeOliver’sHomemadeEggnog FOR THE ADULTS -
h 3 4 cup ( 75 l) aca d a u , o bou bo (Opt o al)
METHOD:
1.
In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, cinnamon, vanilla bean, vanilla seeds, and nutmeg. Bring to the boil over a medium heat. Once boiling, remove from the heat and allow to steep.
2.
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat egg yolks and sugar until combined and thick ribbons form when the whisk is lifted. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue to mix until the mixture is combined and smooth. Add bourbon or rum, and stir. Refrigerate overnight or for up to 3 days.
3.
Before serving, beat the egg whites in a large bowl or stand mixer until soft peaks form. Gently fold into eggnog until combined. Serve and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
STAY SAFE ON THE ROADS THIS CHRISTMAS STAY SAFE ON THE ROADS THIS CHRISTMAS
As the holiday season approaches, many will be hitting the road to celebrate with loved ones. With increased traffic, longer travel times, and unpredictable weather, road safety is more important than ever. Here are key tips for a safe journey:
Plan your route ahead to avoid peak travel times & ensure your vehicle is roadworthy—check tires, oil, and lights.
Watch for severe weather conditions & slow down in adverse weather. Increase following distance and use headlights in fog or smoky conditions to stay visible.
Organise a designated driver for your festive events.
Combat Fatigue by getting enough sleep and taking regular rest breaks to stay alert on long drives.
Be Prepared for Emergencies - carry an emergency kit with essentials, and have emergency contact numbers ready.
Do not use your mobile devices while driving!
By following these simple steps, we can all enjoy a safer holiday season. From all of us at Tequa, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Drive safe!
21
As Christmas approaches, many in our community face challenges. Local charities in Gippsland are working hard to ensure no one faces the holiday season alone. Here are some key initiatives making a real impact & some places you could go if you feel like donating this Christmas:
Offers Christmas hampers, gifts for children, and meals for the homeless and isolated. How to Help? Donate gifts/food, volunteer, or contribute to the Red Shield Appeal.
Provides food, gifts, and emergency relief, plus Christmas lunches for those in need. How to Help? Donate, volunteer, or give gifts.
Offers food hampers, gifts, and support for vulnerable families. How to Help? Contribute to drives, volunteer, or donate
Supports those facing financial hardship with food, clothing, and relief during Christmas. How to Help? Donate, volunteer, or support Christmas programs.
Churches like Sale Baptist and Uniting Church provide meals and gifts for those in need. How to Help? Volunteer at events or donate to programs.
Supports disadvantaged children with the Toy and Book Appeal. How to Help? Donate toys, volunteer, or fundraise
Lights, camera, Lights, camera, christmas! christmas!
CLASSIC MOVIES: CLASSIC MOVIES:
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) –
A timeless story about a man who learns the value of life through a visit from his guardian angel
A Christmas Carol (1951) –
The classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, who learns the meaning of Christmas after being visited by three gho
Miracle on 34th Street (1947) –
A tale of a department store Santa who claims to be the real Kris Kringle, spreading holiday cheer in New York City
Die Hard (1988) –
An action-packed Christmas thriller about a New York cop who must save a building full of hostages from terrorists on Christmas Eve.
FAMILY FAVORITES: FAMILY FAVORITES:
Home Alone (1990) –
ng boy is left behind when his family goes on on and must defend his home from burglars.
The Polar Express (2004) –ical journey to the North Pole for a young boy who doubts the existence of Santa Claus.
The Grinch (2000) –
arrey stars in this live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas Elf (2003) –
man raised by elves at the North Pole embarks mission to find his real father in New York City
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) –
The Griswold family’s Christmas plans go hilariously wrong as they try to celebrate together.
Bad Santa (2003) –
A dark comedy about a mall Santa and his sidekick who plan to rob stores during the holiday season
Scrooged (1988) –
A modern retelling of A Christmas Carol starring Bill Murray as a cynical TV executive
TEQUA TIMES Christmas Edition!
Didyouhearabout Rudolph’s rollercoasterride?
He held on for deer life!
Howmuchdid Santapayforhis sleigh?
Nothing, it was on the house! What’sacat’s favoriteholiday song?
Here Comes Santa Claws!
