NatioNal a w a r dwiNNers B r a n d N e w s h o w r o o m

C O M M E R C I A L D I V I S I O N

C O M M E R C I A L D I V I S I O N

tHe Cost oF a siX-star r a t i N G

Master Builders Group traiNiNG 40tH aNNiversary F e a t u r e

saFeGuardiNG HoMe warraNty iNsuraNCe

Edition 3-2009

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When you need room for a business meeting or a training program, there is always a professional solution in the Master Builders new training facility located next to the DFO in Fyshwick.We offer rooms of various sizes, from comfortable one-on-one interview rooms, training and meeting rooms accommodating up to 70, or for that very special meeting the Master Builders Boardroom is also available for hire. Your guests will not have to find or pay for parking as our site has 120 free car parking spaces.

With flexible room lay-outs and seating arrangements, choose classroom, theatre or boardroom style.

The dedicated Master Builders staff are trained to ensure your event is a success.

IncluDeD FacIlItIesHigh speed internet access �Whiteboard and markers �Data projector and screen �TV DVD/Video �Flip charts �Tea, coffee and biscuits � IT Room �

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caterIngOptions from light meals, morning and afternoon tea, sandwich platters to boardroom silver service with wait staff

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email: training@mba.org.au Web: www.mba.org.au

Multi-purpose training & meeting facilities, tailored for you!

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Master Builders Association of the ACT1 iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACt 2609

Po Box 1211, Fyswick ACt 2601Tel: (02) 6247 2099Fax: (02) 6249 8374

Email: canberra@mba.org.auWeb: www.mba.org.au

Advertising enquiresMarketing & Membership

development Manager – david LeitchTel: (02) 6247 2099Mob: 0437 379 391

Email: dleitch@mba.org.au

Master Builders eXeCutive CouNCil

president – ross Barrett

treasurer – simon Butt

Commercial Builders Council Chair – sam delorenzo

Civil Contractors Council Chair – peter Middleton

residential Builders Council Chair – andrew Kerec

professional Consultants Council Chair – Hans sommer

suppliers and subcontractors Council Chair – peter Fairburn

Master Builders MaNaGeMeNt teaM

executive director – John Miller

deputy executive director – Jerry Howard

director skills development & research – Grant daly

senior Management accountant – louise McCallum

Marketing & Membership development Manager – david leitch

Master Builders Group traiNiNG General Manager – wendy tengstrom

Trade Night - Landscapingdate: thursday 18 February time: 6.00pmwhere: Master Builders Headquartersthroughout 2010 Master Builders will be holding a series of themed trade information nights at their headquarters in Fyshwick. the first trade Night of 2010 will focus on landscaping, and will include expert guest speakers from the industry and innovative product displays.

Master Builders Charity Golf Daydate: Monday 22 February time: 6.45am onwardswhere: yowani Country Clubthe Master Builders Charity Golf day remains a favourite event for our members. the price includes a sausage sizzle lunch and the chance to pick up some fun prizes. special guest after dinner speaker sam Kekovich.

15 Moving to six stars

what are the implications? what are the costs?

18 Assessing Energy Efficiency

New sustainability initiatives in 2010, new nationally-

recognised qualifications in energy assessment

available at Master Builders

16 Changes at ACTPLACraig simmons moves up, david Middlemiss moves in

43 Tributeswe remember steve pinter, alan richards & Clive waldren

22 ACTwinnersattheNationalAwardsthe outstanding quality of building & construction in the aCt is confirmed with seven awards at the Master Builders National excellence in Building & Construction awards

26 MasterBuildersGroupTrainingturns40From humble beginnings in 1969 to the award winning rto it is today. Master Builders Group training celebrates 40 years of service to the industry

14 NewDirectionstoSkillsDevelopmentHow to find the balance between training to meet minimum needs and professional development to achieve excellent outcome

24 Canberra’sfirstTradeonlycommercialshowroom

Harvey Norman Commercial sets a new standard with their commercial showroom in Mitchell

13 HomeWarrantyInsuranceMaster Builders Fidelity Fund has safeguarded the aCt home building industry against the uncertainty over home warranty insurance

12 FrankGillinghamRetiresFrank Gillingham’s illustrious career with Master Builders spanned 27 years. at the annual dinner the industry recognised his achievement and Frank was made an honorary member

2010 Master Builders & Boral Excellence Building Awards Important Dates15 december entry kits available12 March entries close12 april – 7 May Judging period18 June 2010 Master Builders & Boral excellence in Building awards

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President's MessagePresident of Master Builders Association of the ACt, Ross Barrett

workaholism is a disease. it is a serious affliction and i have suffered from it for about 50 years, so i don’t fully appreciate this new concept of life balance or work/life conflict or work/life collision as it is even sometimes called. these are very emotive terms used to describe a very modern complaint.

Finding a better work/life balance is an issue now facing employees the world over. But why is that? surely all this cannot simply be the result of working for a few hours extra a week?

in the first couple of million years of human habitation of the earth, primitive man had to work around the clock hunting for food and protecting themselves and they just managed to get sufficient

rest to allow them to follow the same routine 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. Full time work was necessary just to continue living. they didn’t have time to think about work/life balance. they were tough, they survived and they thrived because that is all they knew and that is what was necessary.

By my parent’s time, humans had become more sophisticated but they had lived through two world wars and the great depression of the 1930s. they were also made of tough stuff. they appreciated just having a job. they survived and they thrived because there was no alternative. they wouldn’t understand this work/life balance debate any more than i do. they would have dismissed such talk with a “she’ll be right mate”

My generation wasn’t so robust, probably because we lived through better times. However, when i entered the workforce we were still pleased to have a job, we appreciated our employer and we were happy to work 40 hours a week and receive 3 weeks annual leave.

we believed in the concept of a fair days pay for a fair days work. we even believed sick pay was only to be taken when we were legitimately sick. long service leave was seen as a reward for staying with the same employer and was taken after 15 years

of dedicated service. we survived and we thrived because that is what was expected of us.

Haven’t things changed? today we have a 38 hour week, 20 days annual leave, 12 days of public holidays, 10 days sick leave, 3 days compassionate leave, 13 rdo’s. that’s a total of 58 days idle from a possible 260 weekdays or a staggering 22% of the available working week days.

plus, we go home if it’s too hot, too wet or too cold to work… and we can take long service leave after 7 years…and it’s portable from employer to employer! i wonder if any industry, anywhere in the word, operates under such favourable workplace conditions?

employment conditions are obviously the best they have ever been. life is the best it has ever been. unfortunately though, today we aren’t coping so well…conditions are so good that we can afford to worry about less significant matters.

we have a wonderful social security system which allows people to simply opt out of the workforce and still survive. we tell our children that all people are born equal. we let them believe the world owes them a living. they don’t have the same respect for authority or property as i grew up accepting. they certainly don’t have the same work ethic my generation had. they seem to have negative thoughts thrust at them from every type of media outlet. time management is a foreign concept. they are not as resilient as previous generations, they are too introspective. is it any wonder they sit around stressing about their perceived work/life conflicts?

But it doesn’t matter what i think, the reality is that business owners do need to ensure their workplace offers workers a range of flexible work options and adopts family friendly policies if they are to attract and retain skilled staff. this is particularly important when there aren’t enough workers to fill every job and will only get worse as our ageing population get closer to their retirement age.

and of course all business owners have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment…and that cannot be achieved with employees who believe they’re overworked, fatigued or stressed.

traditional wisdom says our staff are our businesses biggest asset, but i’m not sure. Maybe Business owners are the businesses most important asset. so it should be worth some time for our business owners to step back occasionally to review how they manage their own well being which really is just as important as reviewing the balance sheet. investing some quality time in getting your personal act together will not only save you some time it should also save you some money. the trick is to

arrange your time so you use it effectively. and just as importantly, review how your wife and family view your use of your time.

there is nothing more important than self and family. But this current unbalanced concentration on work/life issues encourages unrealistic expectations, especially in the younger working generation.

what is wrong with working longer hours if we believe that serves our purpose? why should we be made to feel guilty? personally i have always found that contentment is the result of being too busy to be miserable.

My message is simple. try to put your own perceived problems about life balance into context. unfortunately, most of us are sometimes guilty of making mountains out of molehills. Negative thoughts lead to a negative attitude which shapes the way we think and the way we go about the things we do.

if you stress because the glass is half empty rather than be pleased that it is half full, you are in for a difficult day. a positive attitude can influence how you deal with all issues and this can even influence the attitude of those around you. i think we would be better off if more people were actively encouraged to be more positive!

Finding a better work/life balance is an issue now facing employees the world over. But why is that? surely all this cannot simply be the result of working for a few hours extra a week.

The 1-tonne ISUZU D-MAX marks its territory on the job site with more features than a tradie’s tool kit. Try the longest trays, cab-to-axle load lengths and wheelbase in the cab/chassis class, a cabin guard frame (SX and LS-M utes only) that doubles as a long load rack, LSD and 4x4 models with bigger wheels, steel guards underneath and dual range gearing. That’s just for starters. Then you’ve got 3 litres of turbo diesel torque, towing up to 3 tonnes in 4x4 or 2.5 tonnes in 4x2, all with great fuel economy. So take your pick: single, space or crew cab, high or low ride, ute or cab/chassis. No wonder your best mate’s a bit pee-ed off.

*Applicable to Isuzu D-Max models sold and delivered to current Master Builders Association (“MBA”) members between 1 November 2009 to 31 December 2010. A valid MBA membership identification card must be presented to claim national fleet pricing. Vehicle(s) purchased must be registered under the name on the MBA membership identification card. Family and friends of MBA members are not eligible.

SEND YOUR ENQUIRY TO FLEET@IUA.NET.AU OR CALL 1300 147 898 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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where is plain common sense disappearing to? the problem is that most people agree it’s disappearing but how do we stop it from becoming extinct in situations where it is desperately needed? if there was ever a campaign to bring back common sense, i’ve not a doubt in the world it would be over-subscribed.

Just to help this discussion it is worthwhile to consider a definition of common sense. one is “sound practical judgment that is independent of specialised knowledge, training, or the like; normal native intelligence.” it’s the “normal native

intelligence” that caught my eye – what comes natural. we are becoming consumed by building complexity where it is not needed, adding layers where layers are not required and encrypting language where it should be kept legible.

i’ve got to come clean on this issue too. Not long ago in making a submission to government, one of our very astute members suggested that we promote an “office of Common sense”. i wasn’t sure in the context of the paper that this would be a good idea and subsequently we didn’t make the request. wrong! it is needed but it is a sad indictment on where we have come to when we need someone to make a call on what is or isn’t common sense.

let’s take occupational health and safety (now workplace safety – i’ll come back to this name change). what is it about thousands of reams of paper that is going to make the world a safer place? the great paper chase (read as loss of common sense) in the name of safety is surely nothing more than a major distraction in pursuit of the main game – actually observing and doing things that make things safer. But no, not good enough; write it down in triplicate using millions of words in language that people meant to interpret it can’t possibly understand. that ought to confuse things enough.

yes, we all know in this thing known as ‘contemporary society’ we have a penchant for making sure everything is written down to make

Executive Director's MessageExecutive director of Master Builders Association of the ACt, John Miller

sure our proverbial posteriors are covered, but it is creating victims at a far greater rate than whatever we are trying to protect. i would argue that the great paper chase is stifling business growth and innovation. i apologise to those who want to research and analyse things to death for i can only base this on anecdotal evidence – eg. talking to people which is a novel approach for some.

the great paper chase is wearing people down! the number of people who raise this as one of the most exasperating experiences in running their operations is unquestionably in the increase.

we have found this time and time again during recent visits to member sites. it is detracting from productive time in developing new ideas and creating growth opportunities, or just plain getting on with the job. every time a new piece of legislation is added to the mix, the compliance and reporting requirements increase.

it would be interesting to see just how many “red tape” reviews have been conducted across the country say over the past decade or two. From listening to business people out and about i think the next person who suggests “a review of red-tape impacting on business” had better come up with another set of words to describe their promise to make things better. Nobody really believes it will happen, not in a meaningful way in any case.

all of this is not to oversimplify what are clearly issues that need to be addressed. it is just that too often the responses are so complex and the imposts on business are far too onerous as to be justifiable. if greater rigour was imposed during regulatory impact assessments, there would be much draft legislation that would remain just that – draft.

another battle being faced in trying to hang on to common sense is that the whole lexicon or dictionary is changing. this is yet another means of turning the simple to something more complex than it needs to be. i mentioned this phenomenon above when referring to the change from occupational health and safety to work safety. Maybe this is not

a big deal but it is further evidence of this continual propensity to want to change things. you only have to scan daily newspapers, particularly the opinion pieces from experts, to get a sense of how we are trying to encrypt and constantly change language that people once perfectly understood.

we are losing the battle to retain common sense on many fronts. it’s being lost through action where we have a system everyone agrees is working well and someone decides it should be changed, neither rhyme nor reason. you will all relate to that. it is being lost in the name of compliance. it is being

lost in the name of accountability. it is being lost in the name of complexity. worse still, it is being lost in front our very eyes. For that very reason we need to campaign hard for some adherence to common sense.

to round out my report for this issue i would like to finish on two higher notes. one is the opportunity brought on by the Global Financial Crisis. it has certainly created problems for the industry but i was buoyed by recent comments by some supplier members at the loyalty being shown to them by local industry. suppliers have been working hard to remain very competitive in trying times and this is helped enormously when local industry puts their hand up to support them in the face of external challenges. there is a local camaraderie that exists which is one of the reasons that this region often defies trends in other areas.

the second, whilst also sad, is the retirement of Frank Gillingham. Frank has been an outstanding servant of the Master Builders association of the aCt over 27 years. He will be missed by many industry friends and colleagues. everywhere you go people have terrific stories to tell of Frank and many complimentary remarks. if ever there is an interesting story to put to print, it would come through Frank’s memories of life in the workforce. we all wish Frank and Margaret a well earned rest although we may still see him with some industry involvement in the years ahead.

every time a new piece of legislation is added to the mix, the compliance and reporting requirements increase.

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The Building and Construction industry is extremely complex. Not only do employers need to contend with the complicated process of building and its numerous laws and regulations, but they are responsible for the day to day management of their employees.

People management is a job in itself, and no employer can be fully prepared for every workplace relations issue that may arise. That’s why Master Builders Association of the ACT has created this Human Resources Manual.

The manual has been designed to arm members with the resources and required knowledge to deal with everyday situations that may arise in the workplace.

• Federal Government’s Industrial Relations Changes• Recruitment• Induction• Record keeping• Discrimination and Bullying in the Workplace• Dealing with Unions• Performance Management• Discipline and Termination of Employment• Drug and Alcohol Policy

Master Builders association of the act Human ResouRces manual

HUMANRESOURCESMANUALFor employers in the building and construction industry

Master Builders Association of the ACT

Master Builders Association of the ACT1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609

PO Box 1211, Fyswick ACT 2609Tel: (02) 6247 2099 Fax: (02) 6249 8374

Email: canberra@mba.org.au Web: www.mba.org.au

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Industrial RelationsWoRkPlACE ChAngE In ThE BuIlDIng AnD ConsTRuCTIon InDusTRynational director, industrial Relations & Legal Counsel, Master Builders Australia, Richard Calver

the Government’s workplace relations changes for the building and construction industry are in three stages: the majority of the new requirements commenced on 1 July 2009 when most of the Fair work act, 2009 came into effect. the second stage, with the new minimum safety net established by the National employment standards and modern awards, also part of the Fair work act, commences on 1 January 2010. Building and construction industry specific arrangements (including the establishment of the replacement body for the australian Building and Construction Commission (aBCC) and changes to industry specific laws) are set to commence on 1 February 2010. the main changes affecting the building and construction industry are shown in table 1.

the Fair work act comprehensively overhauls the industrial relations system. the act comprises six chapters. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the act and its structure, and contains relevant definitions. Chapter 2 deals with terms and conditions of employment, including the National employment standards, modern awards, enterprise agreements and workplace determinations and transmission of business. Chapter 3 concerns rights and responsibilities of employees, employers and organisations, including freedom of association, protection from discrimination, unfair dismissal, industrial action and rights of entry. Chapter 4 deals with compliance and enforcement, including remedies, and jurisdiction and powers of the courts. Chapter 5

Measure EffectiveDateworkplace relations amendment (transition to Forward with •Fairness) act 2008.

Commenced 28 March 2008.•

Fair work act 2009 (Cth)•Fair work regulations•Fair work rules•

Most aspects of the new workplace relations arrangements •commenced on 1 July 2009.the National employment standards commence on 1 January •2010.Modern awards commence on 1 January 2010.•

Building and Construction industry improvement amendment •(transition to Fair work) Bill 2009

this Bill was introduced to parliament on 17 June 2009. if •passed by parliament it will replace the aBCC with the office of the Fair work Building industry inspectorate from 1 February 2010. it will be considered in the senate, including amendments introduced by senator Fielding, in the last 2009 parliamentary sitting from 16 to 26 November 2009

National Code and implementation Guidelines changes •http://www.workplace.gov.au/workplace

the implementation Guidelines were amended with effect from •1 august 2009. Ministerial direction communicated 6 october 2009 says if an agreement is approved by Fair work australia it will comply with all implementation Guidelines.

independent Contractors act 2006• Commenced 1 March 2007. the Fair work act 2009 also •contains provisions regarding independent contractors, including anti-sham provisions. 2009 implementation Guidelines reflect new role for aBCC in checking for sham contracts.

taBle i: workplace Changes under the rudd Government

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contains administrative provisions, including establishment of Fair work australia (Fwa), the new “omnibus” organisation that rolls up the functions of, amongst others, the australian industrial relations Commission (airC), the workplace authority and the australian Fair pay Commission and which came into effect from 1 July 2009. the office of the Fair work ombudsman is created, a matter of interest to the building and construction industry because the successor to the aBCC is to be housed within that office, as a specialist division, but with autonomy. Chapter 6 deals with a range of miscellaneous matters.

Master Builders has been involved with Government in seeking clarification of the agreement making laws, monitoring decisions of Fair work australia (which has powers to vary awards, make minimum wage orders, approve agreements, determine unfair dismissal claims and make orders on such matters as good faith bargaining and industrial action) and being ready to appear in test cases on important matters. we have also been extensively involved in making submissions on modern awards where, for the building and construction industry, five modern awards will replace all existing awards. this will occur on 1 January 2010.

Master Builders is also currently engaged in a comprehensive educational programme funded by the Government that seeks to advise members about the main changes made by the Fair work act, particularly agreement making.

the Fair work act departs significantly from the workChoices framework in the area of collective bargaining. the new regulatory context places requirements and obligations on all parties where much of the law is new and the boundaries are untested including an obligation borrowed from the united states to bargain in ‘good faith’ which, according to one commentator, has emerged as the “prime focus of attention over the first 100 days"1 of the new laws.

there is also a new rights based focus to the act:

at the same time that the new laws empower collective bargaining, there is an equal boost to enable individual grievances to be pursued. employers whose recruitment and personnel practices are not up to scratch will be more vulnerable than ever. even the best employers will have to navigate this minefield carefully.2

there can be no doubt that the act has greatly expanded employee rights including opening up the unfair dismissal jurisdiction and creating a new basis for grievances via “general protections.” the act makes it unlawful for a person to take adverse action because another person has, or exercises, a workplace right. adverse action includes dismissal, discrimination, refusing to employ a person, or prejudicially altering the position of a person. workplace rights include an entitlement under an award or agreement, or an industrial law.

Master Builders has responded to the host of changes by writing a Human resources Manual which we publish with member associations. the Master Builders of the aCt version is now available. it will help members navigate the workplace relations minefield and contains a number of pro forma policies and procedures that will, when adopted, ease compliance with the act.

1 anthony wood 100 days of fair work: the verdict so far association of Corporate Counsel2 id

the Master Builders annual dinner is a forum for recognition. each year we recognise the achievements of the association, our members and the industry in general. the annual dinner was considered the perfect event to recognise Frank Gillingham, a true icon of the aCt’s building and construction industry and the aCt Master Builders association.

Frank Gillingham began his involvement with the Master Builders association 27 years ago.

prior to that Frank’s impressive employment history includes a decade as the cadet industrial officer to the director industrial relations at the employers Federation of the aCt (1960-70).

He then went for another 10 year stint as the superintendent of industrial relations at Hammersly iron in dampier western australia. (1970-80). apart from all of his on-site responsibilities there, he was Chief industrial advocate for Hammersly in both the wa industrial Commission and the Federal industrial Commission.

Moving back Canberra in 1980 as the aNu’s industrial officer Frank was responsible for their policy direction and management for industrial relations.

in 1983 he became the Master Builders association of the aCt director of industrial relations. in between 1986 and 1987 he took on the role of the association’s executive's director.

during the course of his working life in industrial relations, he has advocated on behalf of employers in most state industrial jurisdictions as well as the australian industrial relations Commission and the Federal industrial relations Court.

in addition to all of his other responsibilities, he has been a long standing member of the aCt occupational Health and safety Council (since 1992), a representative on Canberra Business Council task forces and has sat on other important committees relating to Hazardous substances, legislative review, workers Compensation, and First aid.

For eight years he was the employer representative on the aCt industrial relations advisory Council and has spent 20 years on the aCt Building and Construction industry training Council as employer representative and member of the executive and Council.

Frank has not only been a loyal and committed servant to our association, the work he has undertaken has served this community more broadly. He has made many friends in Canberra and around australia as well as sparring with the best of opponents and won on more occasions than he lost. No doubt that whatever Frank’s done for members and the industry, he’s done for all the right reasons.

to recognise and honour Frank Gillingham’s illustrious career the executive of Master Builders association of the aCt awarded Frank honorary membership of the association at the annual dinner.

the Master Builders has only on two previous occasions awarded an association employee honorary membership (david dawes in 2007 and david andrew in 1989).

we all join in wishing Frank all the best for the future.

Frank Gillingham

retires after 27 years of service

Master Builders Fidelity Funda fund developed for Builders & Managed by the industry

Concern has arisen in the minds of some consumers and industry members after two major insurance companies withdrew from the Home warranty insurance market in Nsw and the Nsw government announced it will take over Home warranty insurance in the state next year.

CGu has announced it will cease providing home warranty insurance on 30 November and lumley has said it will cease on January 1 2010. the two insurers cover as many as 7500 of Nsw's more than 30,000 home builders. the future of the main provider in Nsw, vero, is uncertain.

From 1 July 2010 the Nsw Government will underwrite and capitalise the state’s Home warranty insurance scheme, which the Government says will be fully funded by premiums.

the real value of the insurance provided under the scheme has been questioned by several government inquiries and by sections of the building industry. However in the aCt home warranty insurance is unaffected by the Nsw changes, with the Master Builders Fidelity Fund continuing to provide coverage in the territory.

Master Builders Fidelity Fund Master Builders Fidelity Fund provides the same level of consumer protection as provided for by Home warranty insurance providers. it was established in 2002, under the aCt Building act following the collapse of HiH and the reluctance of other insurers to step into this gap.

the Fund operates under a prudential standard established by aCt Government regulation and reports to aCt treasury through the responsible minister.

under the aCt Building act, Builders warranty insurance, up to a maximum sum insured of $85,000 per unit, must be provided against the insolvency or death of the builder during construction and against latent defects. this warranty insurance must be provided for all residential construction and alterations with a contract price of $12,000 or more, but not for residential buildings of above three habitable storeys. landscaping, swimming pools, driveways and similar works are not covered.

the warranty period is six years from completion for structural defects and two years for non-structural defects. purchasers of properties covered by the Fund

(successors in title) inherit the remaining period of cover under the above provisions of the scheme.

Master Builders Fidelity Fund was established to secure the future of the construction industry in the aCt when insurance companies were collapsing or withdrawing from the Housing indemnity market. Master Builders recognised that a long-term solution was required and the Fidelity Fund, administered by the Master Builders association of the aCt, delivers warranty insurance to builders at the lowest possible premium rates. Master Builders believes consumers and builders can have confidence in the stability and the security of the Fidelity Fund.

activities of Master Builders Fidelity Fundthe first certificates were issued by the Fidelity Fund on 24 June 2002. since then almost 15,000 certificates have been issued to licensed builders in the aCt.

the Fidelity Fund arrangements ensure the Fund’s capital is securely invested, remains in the aCt and is used for the benefit of aCt builders and consumers. another great advantage of the Fund is that approved surpluses are used in the development of training initiatives to secure the future skills needs of our industry in the aCt. Consumers can be certain that their protection will continue, irrespective of the fortunes of major insurance companies or foreign investment markets.

the Fidelity Fund requires builders to undergo a risk and financial assessment before admission to the Fund. the assessment is carried out by an

independent auditor to ensure consistent standards. For builders meeting the requirements of the Fidelity Fund’s risk and financial assessment, the

Fund promises a transparent cost structure and efficient processes for the approval and issue of certificates for cover

to protect the interests of consumers and to ensure satisfactory standards of building work are maintained, the Fidelity Fund auditor undertakes regular onsite inspections of building work during varying stages of construction and works with builders to ensure non-conforming work is rectified at

critical stages in the construction process.

remember that this Fund was established at a critical time in our industry and it has now served the industry since 2002. the support from our members and non-members has been exceptional. it is in all your interests and our interest that you continue to support the Master Builders Fidelity Fund and you can be assured that surplus funds will be used to the benefit

of the industry in the aCt and not diverted into the coffers of international insurance companies who have no interest whatsoever in supporting industry in the aCt.

Master Builders Fidelity Fund has safeguarded the aCt home building industry against the uncertainty over home warranty insurance which has affected some other states.

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New direCtioNs we have been exploring lots of really innovative ideas in the skill development area with the plan to translate the more workable options into more formal training formats based on the recent Business in Focus event held at Master Builders australian Capital territory. the event was well received judging by the feedback we have received to date.

we are keen to move the perception of training from an ‘in order to meet regulatory and legislative needs’ focus to one which sees it as an investment and of course the dividends must flow from this. we’ll take that on as our responsibility. the engaging question for us to find an answer to then is – how do find the balance between training to meet minimum needs and professional development to achieve excellence in outcomes? My concern has been that we have focussed for so long on the former that it has become an unconscious expectation by the industry we serve.

For a purist and one as passionate about training and professional development as am i, this is a situation that reflects a great need to elevate perceptions about training and professional development to one which is more, well, realistic - and i am up for that challenge. i reiterate a premise earlier stated that if training doesn’t return a dividend – why would you do it?

i often compare notes with my colleague at Master Builders New south wales and he reports to me that they have had a record year in terms of the number of people participating in all forms of training. His spreadsheets reflect this situation graphically. interestingly, they don’t have a training fund in New south wales, so people who participate in training and professional development do so out of their own pockets. He runs a lot of training that frankly – we don’t seem to be able to get people along to. what do we need to do to ‘pitch’ this evolution to our punters?

don’t get me wrong; i recognise that to a certain extent there is training that people engaged in the building and construction industry must do to satisfy regulatory and legislative requirements, and that includes builder licensing, oH&s inductions, working at Heights etc. we cater for that type of training in spades and i think the quality of training we provide is of a very high standard because we get a lot of repeat business.

i want to talk about training and professional development to achieve excellence as opposed to industry competence standards. training and professional development that shows you how to put money in your pocket and gives you access to greater freedoms because it challenges you, face to face, to lift your game and to create resilient business structures. this is a field of endeavour that sets open-minded and courageous individuals apart from the rank and file within the industry. this type of training and professional development is about leading edge innovation, generating truly remarkable sets of outcomes and most importantly it is about creating industry leadership for the future and the time to be able to give yourselves to such pursuits. we want people to leave this type of forum touched, moved and inspired.

Quite frankly we are at our wits end trying to figure out how to get people to evaluate such high end options. over two weeks we brought in a couple of Business Coaches from New south wales to talk to local punters about how coaching could literally transform their businesses – and they offered a ‘risk reversal’ outcome that if they weren’t able to help participants increase profitability then they would get their coaching fees refunded. that is confidence. of the forty people who registered to attend the free evenings, we had a total of sixteen actually attend – most of whom incidentally indicated a likelihood they would undertake the coaching program.

the Business Coaches really got into the faces of the audiences with the statement that people must be eligible to undertake coaching – and a couple within the audience railed at this. the Business Coaches were quite right. anyone can come along to training, take notes and generally survive a ‘chalk and talk’ fest, but how many of us are prepared to put ourselves on the line, participate actively and honestly in self-analysis, identify our own shortcomings, do what must be done in a disciplined and structured way to meet goals and objectives? it is not ‘comfort zone’ activity and therefore we have to be bigger than our fears to truly get any value from it. the ‘in order to’ we set ourselves for such training and professional development has to be bigger and more personal than industry regulations and legislation, it has to include big goals that doing the same old, same old, frankly will not ever achieve.

the revolution in training and development we want to lead will initially include a handful of willing participants. we could call these people, the ‘captains of our industry’ because they will set the benchmarks for others to follow. they will set the benchmarks because they are prepared to be coachable and prepared, like riding a bike, to fall off before they learn how to balance themselves. they will be up for scrutiny and will set themselves targets that they will honour – above all other circumstances.

the brave new world i am talking about is one where training and professional development is sought out for the difference it will make to business viability, where excellence is championed and even demanded of the participants and where those who invest in training and professional development can demonstrate the dividends on a daily basis in terms of profitability, time wealth, satisfying work relationships, and business carried out according to well thought out plans.

there is an old Ghanaian proverb which goes something like – it is impossible to awaken someone when they are pretending to be asleep. i am going to champion this new order of training and professional development – in the face of the widespread conservatism and cynicism i see within our industry, because i know that there are people out there like you who will hear what i am saying and who will be called by it.

Grant daly - �director skills development & research

to sKills developMeNt

Master Builders australia has warned that the proposed move to a mandatory 6-star energy rating for all new residential buildings from 2010, from the current 5-star rating, will be counter-productive.Master Builders believes that environmental benefits and reductions in greenhouse gases will come from increasing energy efficiency requirements for the existing housing stock, rather than tougher rules in relation to new housing.

at the request of the Council of australian Governments, the australian Building Codes Board is currently reviewing the energy efficiency provisions of the Building Code of australia for a probable increase in 2010.

while acknowledging there will be benefits from proposed changes to the parallel code for commercial buildings, the Master Builders has told the aBCB the costs of going to a 6-star rating for new residential buildings will be greater than any benefits of the change. Master Builders concerns and arguments for a focus on the existing stock have been strongly supported by the Master Builders association of the aCt.

aCt deputy executive director Jerry Howard said, “one of my main concerns is that these provisions relate to new housing, yet existing stock and additions to houses do not have specific requirements.”

He warned that housing lots now being delivered to the market are narrower and rectangular, making it extremely difficult to achieve reasonable solar access and adequate energy ratings if the block orientation is poor in the first instance. improved solar access can always be achieved on poorly orientated blocks, however, there are cost implications associated with design to achieve this improved outcome.

"additions and alterations to existing houses are on the increase and are likely to increase dramatically in future years because many new houses on greenfields estates have little or no scope for adding additional space as families grow. as a result, first home buyers and, indeed, second home owners, will be increasingly likely to move into established areas where there is greater capacity to extend existing houses" Mr Howard said.

in its submission to the aBCB, Master Builders australia argues that increasing the eer for new homes is subject to the law of diminishing returns: once a 5-star rating is reached, each additional step up the 10-star scale costs more and gives less in

return. “it is not cost-effective to mandate any more than a 5-star rating for homes.”

the submission says “the policy focus should shift from new buildings to the existing housing stock.”

the aBCB’s calculations under-estimate the costs of moving to a 6-star rating and of the impact of its proposals on housing affordability and makes unrealistic assumptions about the behaviour of new homes buyers, Master Builders says. Contrary to the aBCB’s assumptions, new home buyers are more concerned about the up-front purchase price of a home than about the energy costs they will pay over their life-time

in contrast to the aBCB’s focus on new dwellings, “Master Builders believes that the best and most cost-effective results will be achieved by focusing on the existing housing stock, particularly by giving householders meaningful incentives to improve the energy efficiency of their own homes (for example, through the installation of insulation and solar hot water).”

the costs of moving from 5 to 6-star in the aCt is likely to be $2,000 to $3,000 on the average house. our view is that these additional costs will be mainly attributed to increased performance associated with the glazing/windows to the house.

Moving to six-star: the implications and Costs for the industry

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the tax office has released a new range of small business benchmarks to help businesses meet their tax obligations. More than 50 new performance benchmarks were released last week with a total of 100 to be published by June 2010. the new performance benchmarks are in addition to the existing range of tax office input benchmarks and have been developed based on information reported by small businesses on income tax returns and business activity statements.

the performance benchmarks can help tradespeople to compare their business performance to trade businesses of a similar size. this can assist businesses to see how they can improve their profitability.tradespeople can also use the new benchmarks to check that they are on

the right path with their tax obligations, particularly in relation to cash income, with the opportunity to adjust things if required.

they are also a useful reference for tax agents preparing and lodging returns or business activity statements for their clients.there are often good reasons why a business might report outside the benchmark range for their industry; however it may also be an indication the business is not meeting its tax obligations, particularly in relation to cash transactions.

small business benchmarks are one way the tax office can support honest businesses by identifying and taking firm action against those that are avoiding their

New BeNCHMarKs promote a level playing field for tradespeople

Changes in structure and personnel in the aCt Construction occupation registrar have been announced.

under the changes to the aCt Construction occupations registrar a new branch, Construction services, has been created within aCtpla and Craig simmons, the aCt Construction occupation registrar has been appointed its director.

Mr simmons, who has been aCt Construction occupations registrar since 2005, said he will cease to be the Construction occupation registrar in the near future with the present deputy registrar, david Middlemiss, to succeed him. Mr Middlemiss’ appointment will take effect in the New year on the completion of some outstanding issues that Mr simmons is handling as registrar, including those around asbestos removal in the aCt.

the new Construction services branch will be responsible for land regulation and utilities. in his new role Mr simmons will be responsible for enforcement of leases and lease provisions and matters concerning the construction industry’s dealings with utilities.

Mr simmons said the restructuring was part of aCtpla’s efforts to improve services for the building and construction industry, including improved quality standards and service delivery to the industry.

david Middlemiss is a qualified building certifier who came to aCtpla from the sydney olympic park authority. Before joining the olympic park authority he had worked in a number of positions in Nsw local government, with responsibilities for commercial and residential construction.

licensed occupations - understand your responsibilities in compliance with the relevant legislation applicable to your occupation

in February aCtpla announced the transfer of broader responsibilities for disciplining people in construction occupations from the Construction occupations registrar to the aCt Civil and administrative tribunal (aCat). the Construction occupations registrar retained responsibility for minor disciplinary matters and will continue to investigate complaints against licence holders but will refer more serious matters to aCat.

Grounds for occupational discipline include:

contravention of Construction occupations �licensing act (Cola) or an operational act

giving false or misleading information in relation to �a construction service

the licensee or a director, partner or nominee �of the licensee, being found guilty of an offence involving fraud, dishonesty or violence that is punishable by imprisonment for at least one year

if the licensee is an individual, the licensee �has compounded with creditors or made an assignment of remuneration for their benefit

if the licensee is a corporation the licensee enters �into a scheme of arrangement, or a receiver, manager, receiver and manager or administrator is appointed over the licensee or any of its assets

a licensee that is a corporation or partnership �operating without a nominee, or

the licensee's licence has been automatically �suspended and the cause of the suspension still exists.

Craig simmons steps up as director Construction services Branch and dave Middlemiss steps in as Construction occupations registrar

News from ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA)

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obligations.specifically, the benchmarks make it easier to identify possible non-reporting of cash transactions. Comparing a business against the benchmarks for its industry is one way the tax office will identify businesses for audits.

if a business falls outside the benchmarks they should review their records, returns and income, and contact the tax office if they have made a mistake.

More informationincluding access to the small business benchmarks is available on the tax office website www.ato.gov.au/businessbenchmarks or by calling 13 28 66.

aCat will be able to make one or more of the following orders for occupational discipline against a licensee:

reprimand the person �require the person to give a written undertaking �require the person to complete a stated course �of training to the satisfaction of the regulatory body or another stated persongive the person a direction �cancel or suspend the person’s licence or �registrationdisqualify the person from applying for a licence, �or registration, of a stated kind for a stated period or until a stated thing happens

disqualified licensees are not entitled to apply for or be issued with a licence for the entire time of the disqualification. if a licensee applies for a new or renewed licence, and has within the previous three years incurred 15 or more demerit points within the construction occupation in which they are applying, the registrar may refuse to issue the licence.

Have you ever thought whether you or your business is properly insured? do you know that many construction contracts that you now sign will virtually render your insurance void?

whenever you see the following words in a contract ask why they are; Guarantee, warrant or warranty, insure, liability, indemnify or indemnity. i have two short case studies that highlight my concern.

the first example is an architectural firm required to sign a contract in which it required the architect to indemnify the building owners from acts or omissions by entities other than

the designing architect. Not only was the indemnity required it was also not limited to the value of the insurance policy required under the contract. these clauses were of course buried in various clauses of the contract. when we provided a copy of the contract to the insurer the insurer immediately wrote and indicated that they would not even cover the insured sum because of the wording and structure of the document.

the second example is of a structural steel fabricator who was, under a “standard contract” of a builder, asked to warrant that all components of the structure met the relevant australian standards. that also included other than steel components. the insurers again turned down the insurance.

My advice is that when you get a contract or sub-contract check it for the words i have identified above. if you don’t understand what the clause implies or what the word means get it checked by your insurer or solicitor. if you don’t it may cost you your entire business if not more.

steven Gavagna, �principal director of Goodman law.

the disappearing insurance trick

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it is that word again – sustainability – but this time around we can see the smoking gun; perhaps that should be the environmentally-friendly wisps of naturally-produced steam.

in 2010 Master Builders will set out to show leadership in the field of sustainability by offering training for energy efficiency ratings assessors against the imminent nationally-recognised Certificate iv in energy assessment qualification as well as assessment for those who hold current qualifications and who wish to have these recognised against the new national standard.

work has already begun in this pursuit by developing the capacity of high profile private providers so that immediately the new qualifications are registered, Master Builders will be able to table comprehensive training and assessment plans so that we are in place to accommodate what we see as a significant industry need.

alongside this capability to provide training and assessment for assessors to work in existing homes we will be offering training and assessment for those who want to learn how to use the new generation Household energy rating software (Hers) – such as accu-rate, First rate 5, and Bers. we anticipate the new six-star eer due in early 2010 will generate a significant volume of work for trained assessors and using our recently acquired computer capability, we will be looking to establish ourselves as the premier training provider for these areas of work.

we have recently run sessions on section J of the Building Codes of australia and plan to do so again in early 2010, given the number of enquiries we have received about these seminars – after they were run locally.

Commentators in this field say that sustainability will generate a lot of new work in 2010 for Certifiers, real estate agencies, Builders, developers, planners, architects and assessors and much of this we think will be driven by a very savvy public in the aCt who will be looking at ways to enhance their homes (or buy new ones) and take advantage of the significant Federal Government Grants to do so. while the motivation may well be more about increasing the saleable value of homes than to meet energy efficiency mandates, consumers who have

already invested in green technology are starting to report on the dividends of their investments – energy cost savings and better resale value on their houses on the market.

the bigger picture focus on Global Climate Change does not seem to have really informed the local take up of so-called ‘green’ technology; it might even be seen as fashionable at one level and pragmatic at another. if we were betting people, we’d say the increased demand for eer assessment will be consumer-driven in 2010 because we think the aCt public are a well-informed lot and they keep abreast of developments in this broader area and will quickly see the value in green home improvements.

For further information about sustainability initiatives, please contact

Grant daly - �director skills development & research

assessiNG

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on 25 November, 250 guests attended the Master Builders annual dinner for 2009. John Hargreaves, Mla and his wife Jenny represented the aCt Government and amongst the guests from all sectors of the building and construction industry were life members John Hailey, John Haskins and of course our president and life member ross Barrett.

ross commenced the formal part of the evening and during his address he brought to mind some important moments for the industry and Master Builders.

GloBal FiNaNCial Crisis:

this time last year we were all wondering where we might be one year from then. with the world’s financial system crumbling, confidence being stripped away by the hour, forecasts of gloom and doom coming from every quarter, it wasn’t too hard to be a bit pessimistic.

well, here we are tonight and you’ve got to think we haven’t copped it as badly as we might have.

at a local level, the aCt Government got on the front foot early to deal with the GFC by establishing a roundtable forum. the forum was designed to collect information from business and industry and act on that information. the creation of the industry Monitoring Group around planning was a key initiative from the forum and supported by Master Builders.

Master Builders has so far provided submissions to four of the forums and i know this has been well received by the aCt Government. we believe we had to go beyond just spoken words and help the Government pinpoint areas where things could be improved to keep the economy moving. we will continue to involve ourselves in these forums at every opportunity to represent the interests of our members and also put forward sensible ideas and solutions.

at a Commonwealth level, the rudd Government moved quickly to inject activity into economy. their economic stimulus package which included the Building education revolution work and social housing program was lauded across the globe as a good thing to do.

the First Home owners Grant boost has been a terrific bonus for our residential sector. Coupled with record low interest rates and the aCt Government’s own affordable Housing initiatives and land release program, we hope to see this sector gain more strength in the coming years.

CHaNGiNG laNdsCape:

the rudd Government has been running fast since it came to office just over two years ago. with that has come some significant change, much of which is directly aimed at and impacting on our industry. award modernisation, moves to harmonize occupational Health and safety, unfair Contracts legislation, the Fair work act, changes to the australian Building and Construction Commission – this will all keep us on our toes and opens the door to new challenges. some of it might seem like looking in the rear vision mirror – checking back in on the past.

this all makes the involvement and input of members vital as we try to influence those things that might unfairly and negatively impact on the industry.

our New BuildiNG aNd traiNiNG:

it was a year ago last sunday that we fully occupied our new building. it is such a wonderful facility and we are continuing to find ways to use it to its capacity to the benefit of our members.

obviously, training is a big component of what we do and to how we put the building to use. i will keep asking members to support our Group training organisation.

if you haven’t used one of our apprentices before - think about it. if you need your own apprentices trained – use us. if you have some other training you need – talk to us. oH&s training from basic to advanced diploma is at your finger tips. we can do height training, confined space and asbestos handling, builders licensing, and traffic control. if it’s it training you need, we can help you there too, especially with our brand new it training Centre.

it is an obligation of this current generation to help the next generation.

Guests were treated to several very funny sets by our MC paul Martell. paul is a truly funny man and kept the evening moving along.

Mark sullivan, Managing director, actew Corporation and News limited journalist Glenn Milne were also part of the evening’s line-up as guest speakers. and to cap things off seventeen long standing members were presented with Membership anniversary certificates.

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top left: paul Martell, MC

top right: Mark sullivan, Managing director, aCtew Corporation

Middle-left: annual dinner overview

above: Glenn Milne, Journalist, News limited

left: david dawes, Honorary Member

John Haskins, life Member

Frank Gillingham, Honorary Member

John Hailey, life Member

ross Barrett, life Member

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the highly anticipated Master Builders National excellence in Building and Construction awards took place this year on Friday 7 November, with great success for the aCt and surrounding region. Master Builders association of the aCt members took out an astounding seven awards on a National level.

the National awards took place at the magnificent Conrad Jupiters pavilion Convention Centre in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast. winners from the 2009 Master Builders and Boral excellence in Building awards were automatically nominated by Master Builders aCt in their corresponding categories at the National awards.

although each year the aCt is highly successful at these awards, achieving seven nationally-recognised wins is an extremely noteworthy feat. the success of our members in these awards is a strong indication that the work being produced by the building and construction industry throughout the aCt and surrounding region is exceptional in quality and highly competitive on a national level.

among the winners was Matthew Kennedy of Matken Constructions, who won the title of National young Builder of the year. His success in this category reflects his sound business management, ethical conduct, the quality of his workmanship and high safety standards. Matthew has also been actively involved in Master Builders and contributing to the betterment of the industry for years.

"i was just so excited," Matthew said, "the quality of the homes that go into the National awards is just amazing. it's really the best of the best there, so it was a big shock to win."

"i thank my family for all their support. i also really need to thank the Master Builders association, particularly in the aCt, as they've been there from the start. they're the ones that put me through my apprenticeship. they gave me the opportunity to be a carpenter, and then go on for further training to become a builder as well." Matthew said.

Capezio & Co pty ltd, in conjunction with Goodwin aged Care services limited, won the department of Health & ageing National award for lifestyle Housing for seniors with their multi-unit development, Goodwin village in ainslie.

the award for National project Home $350,000 to $500,000 went to Nature Coast Homes for their exceptionally high quality home in Malua Bay, built in conjunction with tt architecture.

antos Constructions took out the award for National Medium density - over 5 dwellings for their stunning o'Malley home, displaying truly outstanding workmanship and expertly designed by dowse Norwood architects.project Coordination took out the National Commercial/industrial Construction award under $5m for the challenging work they carried out on the impressive rolfe audi showroom to a great result.

the award for National Commercial/industrial Construction award $5m to $10m went to Manteena for the Csiro New Bio science laboratories. this purpose-built project was highly complex in its construction, but was successfully completed to the highest standard by the team at Manteena.

the exquisite National portrait Gallery constructed by John Holland pty ltd won the award for National public Buildings award over $50m. this building was a standout project in the Master Builders & Boral excellence in Building awards, winning project of the year and endless accolades from our judges for it's stunning and impeccable workmanship.

Master Builders National excellence in Building and Construction awards

Conrad Jupiters, Gold Coast, 7 November 2009

National AwA r d

winners

department of Health & ageing National awardCapezio & Co pty ltd in conjunction with Goodwin aged Card services limited - Goodwin village ainslie

National project Home $350,000 to $500,000 awardNature Coast Homes / tt architecture - Malua Bay

National Medium density - over 5 dwellings awardantos Constructions - o'Malley

National Commercial / industrial Construction under $5 million awardproject Coordination - rolfe audi showroom, phillip

National Commercial / industrial Construction $5 to $10 million awardManteena - Csiro - New Bio science laboratories

National public Building awardJohn Holland pty ltd - National portrait Gallery, aCt

National young Builders of the year awardMatthew Kennedy

over the last nine years Harvey Norman Commercial has grown from a one man show to this magnificent 2,500 square metre showroom/ warehouse and sales complex.

we have the most dedicated and enthusiastic team of 20 staff, which i believe to be the best in the industry. our commercial operation now has the resources and the assets to meet all our customer service needs. the growth of the business over the last 2 years has been

a staggering 50%, and with over $6 million invested in this new complex we continue to build our position as a major commercial outlet in the aCt & southern Nsw region. the New Harvey Norman commercial showroom, opened on 3rd september by senator Mark arbib Minister for employment participation & Minister assisting the prime Minster on Government service delivery, and is one of the most extensive and modern showrooms in the region.

with a wide range of products from all the leading manufacturers and suppliers we can cater for the exclusive penthouse to the budget minded first home buyer. we feature brands such as Gaggenau, Miele, Bosch, ariston, smeg, Blanco, Fisher & paykel, electrolux, aeG, lebherr, and asko. we believe we have all the products and the best service to meet our customers needs.

a feature of our magnificent showroom is our bathroom displays, with the best from local manufactures such as Caroma, decina, Methven, Clark, Cibo, and Marquis, and the leading brands from europe such as laufen, v&B, parisi,

sudio Bagno, Kaldewei on display there is no limit of product range to match your dreams. when you are next planning a specification for a new multi-unit development, or need to put together an inclusion list for your new home, or have a refurbishment you need doing please feel free to call Harvey Norman Commercial aCt and make an appointment with one of our experienced staff who will help you with all your requirements.

Geoff andrew Branch area Manager, Harvey Norman Commercial aCt31 dacre street Mitchellphone 62022000 Fax 62022099

C O M M E R C I A L D I V I S I O N

C O M M E R C I A L D I V I S I O N

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what the industry thinks?the new Harvey Norman commercial showroom in Mitchell is a significant and welcome addition to any Canberra specifier. tony trobe, tt architecture believes Harvey Norman have provided a facility that has raised the bar for all those concerned with interior design in the aCt building industry.

He went on to say “there is a considerable array of well presented frontline bathroom and kitchen products. the extensive display covers most of the brands that one might consider as mainstream. one particular advantage of so many products in one place is that the broad spectrum covers not only a large range of styles but also diverse cost points. after visiting the showroom it is very easy for one to come away well equipped to make decisions about product selection for any scale project”.

"the showroom is capacious, well laid out and attended by knowledgeable and polite staff. access to the showroom is by appointment only; this has the advantage of ensuring that any visit will be well coordinated and efficient for all concerned." Mr trobe said.

Master Builders’ professional Consultant of the year for 2009, sonja archer from archertec interiors recently attended an evening function put on especially for architects, designers and specifiers where chef Bridget o’Conner from Gaggenau gave guests the live experience and prepared meals in the showroom.

“Having the ability to take clients to a showroom where the appliances are installed and operational is fantastic.” sonja said “our clients can touch, feel and use working appliances. it’s so much better than showing a brochure or looking at

a website. the client understands exactly what the product can do, how much it costs and how it will look in their home.”

Jane Bush from sutton and Horsley will discuss the budget allowance with the client and then the client can go to Harvey Norman Commercial’s showroom and see what suits their taste and price range. “i think the concept is wonderful, Gavin pound from Harvey Norman still visits our office on a regular basis and we also have the opportunity to send clients to Mitchell to see the kitchens and bathrooms first hand”

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the Master Builders association has been at the forefront of developing the skill base of the local building and construction industry here in the aCt for the past 40 years.originally known as the Group apprenticeship scheme (Gas), the scheme was developed not only to provide a service for Master Buidlers members, but to provide opportunities for young people seeking a career in the construction industry.

the scheme has evolved in those 40 years from just providing apprentices to the industry. in 1992 the Gas scheme became a registered training organisation (rto) and began training apprentices and construction paraprofessionals (cadets) in house. in 2002 the Governing Boards of the Gas

Master Builders Group training 40th anniversary Feature

ChairmansMessage - rod Mitton

The CreaTion of an icon.

an interview with len o’Hara on the creation of Master Builders Group training

it’s not everyone who can lay claim to creating an icon. len o’Hara can although he wouldn’t accept that accolade. in his own modest and self-effacing way, he made it clear that Master Builders Group

training exists today, 40 years on from its birth, because of the efforts of david andrew.

“really, it was david andrew who took up the idea,” said len.

len o’Hara was president of the Master Builders association at the time Master Builders Group training was established in 1969. david andrew was the long serving

executive director of the association between 1964 and 1980 becoming the association’s first

honorary member in 1989.

in 1967 len went on a world trip that included 32 Master Builder members from around australia. it was a fact-finding trip to the united Kingdom, europe

and the united states. the party carried with them letters of introduction from then minister and later to be prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser.

len recalls, “when in america i got the germ of an idea to start a scheme without locking in the kids with one employer.” He added that he had discerned “problems with kids with one employer.”

with that “germ of an idea”, len arranged for david andrew to visit the united states the following year to follow up on the visit of the group and learn more to be able “to start the initial theme”.in responding to questions about the impetus for adopting a group scheme model, len replied, “the failure of the old system. it was about moving the kids around and giving them different experiences.”

there is always opposition to something new. len, david and others involved at the time experienced

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that opposition in heavy doses and on a number of fronts. the opposition came from industry, unions and teachers at the technical colleges. with the resilience it took to push on with the plan, len calmly said, “the old diehards couldn’t get away from the old system. the unions and employers both had a fear of the unknown. it was more a prejudice but not something that couldn’t be overcome by sitting around a table.”

it is clear len was a visionary and ahead of his time. it’s only more recently that we have understood the need to treat individuals as just that, individuals. He questioned why we need to take a one size fits all approach when it’s obvious that people progress differently. He said he “wanted to shorten apprenticeships” where people clearly had achieved a level of education and performance that could justify their advanced skills being recognised. len is sage enough to know this wasn’t a solution for everyone.

“the teachers couldn’t see that they (the apprentices) needed to get away from an entrenched system. Mobility was the thing,” said len. when asked if he would do anything differently len added a firm “nothing”.

len remains a firm supporter of the group scheme and the concept. He saw that the commercial builders and housing builders had “separate identities” and to allow young people the opportunity to interchange between the sectors during their training would have long term benefits in developing their skills and ultimately their careers. this was in spite of some of the challenges he faced. He believes government does have a role in supporting the ongoing training and development of apprentices and helping industry to take them on through group schemes.

len is rightly proud of what has become of the “germ of an idea” he brought back to Canberra over forty years ago. a charming and modest man, he is also very proud of those who turned the idea into reality and his vision is vindicated by today’s Master Builders Group training.

scheme and Master Builders aCt agreed to change the structure of the Gas to enable it to widen its focus from just employing and training apprentices and building cadets to delivering all ongoing training for existing industry participants previously administered by the Master Builders .

with a new mandate came a new name: Master Builders Group training (MBGt). the Board and staff of the new group then set about developing and implementing a strategic plan for the future direction of the Group (a copy of this available at MBGt). in our strategic plan, we see that the future success of our industry is reliant upon the quality of training of new entrants

in the industry and the ongoing training of existing participants

to meet this need, we have developed a significant range of courses which have been adapted to meet the changing needs of a diverse industry. our priority is to continue to develop and evolve our training to meet this demand.

i would encourage all Master Builders members to take a look at what Master Builders Group training can provide in the way of training. at MBGt you can either host an apprentice or cadet, or further develop your own skills to ensure that you are prepared to embrace the innovation occurring in our industry.

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The Training Fund Authority is committed to encouraging women to enter the ACT building and construction industry via a trade and to contribute to our creative and dynamic industry.

KNOCK!KNOCK!

EMPLO

YERS – OPPO

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CKS

Open the door to quality staff.ff.ff.

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Markporreca

where are they Now?

>>photo: Corey Karl, Mark porreca & paul Clayton

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“darren displays a caring and helpful attitude. He is a person who will do anything asked of him no matter what the task”

that was how darren Goodwin was described in 1991 after winning the apprentice achievement award.

From the start of his apprenticeship with Master Builders Group training in 1989, darren showed plenty of potential and now 20 years later darren, together with his business partner Matt smith, run the very successful residential building company Gracious living.

during his apprenticeship darren worked on several commercial sites including the Canberra Centre, tuggeranong social security Building and the Burns Club. later in his apprenticeship and until finishing his

carpentry qualifications darren worked on residential building sites under a former Master Builders apprentices Mark porreca.

obtaining his building license in 1993 darren joined is brother wayne (another ex MBa apprentice) and paul Clayton to form pdw Carpentry services, that worked mainly as sub-contract carpenters and then moved to bathroom renovations and other larger house renovation projects.

Now like many former Master Builders apprentices, darren through Gracious living became a host employer and helped tim shipway (2002) and steven swift (2008) become qualified carpenters, steven is now a full-time employee of Gracious living.

award-winning builder, Mark porreca, attributes his success largely to the excellent training he gained through the Master Builders Group training.

Narooma born and bred, Mark was a 22year-old butcher when he decided that his future lay in the building and construction industry. in 1986 he moved to Canberra, joined Master Builders Group training as an apprentice carpenter and joiner and worked with host employer toscan enterprises.

there was never any doubt that the hardworking apprentice and black belt karate champion would become a highly skilled tradesman. working nights and weekends in security and crowd control to supplement his income and build up some capital, Mark did not neglect his studies.

apprentice of the year in his first and third years, he also won top honours as Best apprentice in the aCt and gained a 'B' Class building license immediately he completed his indenture.

in his own business, Mark quickly became a host employer has supported Group training over many years "i have had a lot of apprentices through the Master Builders and give them all the same advice, which is to 'be prepared to work hard.'

"Master Builders can be proud of Group training and the contribution it makes by helping young people become skilled tradespersons," says Mark.

Currently Mark porreca builds 35 to 50 houses a year, has land developments in Casey, Franklin and Harrison and a display home in Bonnor.

in september 2008, the aCt Building and Construction industry training Fund authority launched its tradeswomen in Building and Construction campaign with the aim of encouraging more women to enter the industry via a trade.

it is very fitting that with the 40 year celebrations of Master Builders Group training that a campaign centered on the recruitment of women to the industry be launched. it is indeed a sign that times are changing and that women can play a role in helping the industry to address the issue of skills shortages. there are now more opportunities for women in the trades as well as career paths that reward a commitment to life-long learning and the upgrading of skills over time.

stage 1 of the campaign targeted girls in years 9-12. a 13-minute dvd, posters and brochures were distributed to all aCt schools and colleges. a website www.tradeswomen.com.au providing additional information was also set up.

officially launched in september 2008, the campaign was well received by the target audience, careers co-ordinators and industry. tFa is making a long-term commitment to the campaign and will be revising and redistributing materials for the next few years.

the training Fund authority is now launching stage 2 of the campaign and targeting the other side of the employment coin -- employers and industry. the campaign promotes women to the industry and aims to address some of the commonly held misconceptions about women working in trades associated with the industry. the campaign is not intended to be anti-male apprentice but is designed to highlight the positive contribution women can make to the industry.

the development of both stages of the campaign is based on research conducted through interviews held with industry stakeholders, rtos, Gtos, a range of employers, female apprentices and qualified tradeswomen. where some employers raised issues that create barriers for women to enter the industry, others provided solutions to those very same problems. the result from the research is a bank of information where industry has contributed to both sides of the equation. these issues will be addressed in detail in future editorials.

the following positive themes emerged from the research about women working in the industry’s trades:

women can do the job »they make a conscious decision to enter a trade »they’re good at detail »they’re accepting of the workplace »it is easy to employ a woman—you don’t have to do anything different »where physical strength may be limited, women have other strengths and »these can round out the skills base available in your business.women relate well to female clients and are especially suited to »residential work. »

the training Fund authority would like to thank all organisations that participated in the research and in particular Mick Burgess, John stephens and Neal lamb for their participation in the campaign.

eMployers-opportuNity

KNOCKS!

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ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING FUND AUTHORITY

Suite 6, National Associations Centre, 71 Constitution Avenue, Campbell ACT 2612Phone: 6262 5630 Fax: 6257 5058 www.trainingfund.com.au

*The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), 2009

Currently in the ACT only 2%* of tradespeople are women, yet a high percentage of women complete their apprenticeship. Women make a conscious choice to enter the industry and the Training Fund Authority is committed to encouraging women to enter the industry via a trade and to contribute to our creative and dynamic industry.

ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING FUND AUTHORITY

S it 6 N ti l A i ti C t 71 C tit ti A C b ll ACT 2612

“ I’m a great believer in women in the industry—all of it”MICK BURGESS Urban Contractors

Trade skills lay a solid foundation for moving into other areas of a trade.

Women can progress through your business from a trade to other key areas; thereby rounding out the available skills base.

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Back to the Futurewe need to look both ways when we consider the capability of our training unit – backwards to review the significant achievements of the past and at the same time forwards to try and scope what is possible and to forecast future needs.

one of our current big picture issues is how to address the perception of our membership in specific and the public in general that we are a nationally-recognised training provider with the same licence to train apprentices as the taFes. we’d even argue we provide the best training for apprentices in the aCt but then we also know that no matter how many times we market this capability, somehow it just does not get heard because we are so accustomed to the ‘public education’ way of thinking.

if you go back 40 years Master Builders was in fact the first operational Group training scheme not only in the aCt but also in australia. in the 1990’s we took the reins from Cit in terms of the training of our apprentices, other than the plumbers, to do it our own way. at that time we operated out of a very tired facility in page and offered trade training in carpentry and bricklaying; this was expanded to include some of the civil and finishing trades in ensuing years. in 2005 Master Builders Group training moved away from the ‘mothership’ to another nearly-as-tired facility at Fyshwick - in Canberra avenue. the standing joke was that we’d often ask visitors, tongue-in-cheek, to identify a landmark to describe the whereabouts of the office. Many a person unwittingly offered that it was situated just down the road from the burnt-out brothel on the corner of Canberra avenue and Geelong streets.

Many of those involved will remember the early days of clearing the back section on the Canberra avenue property; encountering very change-resistant animals and reptiles (including a brown snake and a blue tongue lizard that would not be moved for any amount of money) and fairly staunch plover birds who chased apprentices off their nesting patch for two successive years before we engaged a stronger inducement to move (a prefabricated two-classroom block). there were the countless structural changes within the administration building we undertook which saw us move from trade apprenticeship training to a stronger school-based apprenticeship presence, business qualifications and advanced diplomas in Building and Construction Management. the joke was in Fyshwick, because the building was so dilapidated, that apprentices had to take turn in holding up the four corners while they were attending their classrooms.

our core business, as reflected by our business name, is the training of apprentices. in the lean years and the times of economic uncertainly, Master Builders Group training has been able to operate under the financial auspices of Master Builders aCt and because we maintain very close links with our industry, it gives us just an extra edge in terms of our applied capability.

it was not until the early 2000’s that Master Builders Group training really widened it’s brief to take on additional training mediums. Builder licensing, at the residential level, enabled us to extend our horizons and prepare aspiring builders to obtain the required competencies to achieve their C Class licences. at about the same time Master Builders Group training took on training school-based apprentices including a ‘youth at risk’ option for year 10 students, and a cadet program designed to qualify para-professionals from within the vocational training and education framework. to this day Master Builders Group training is amongst a handful of providers nationally that still run these programs amidst a sea of curriculum-only alternatives where learners get nowhere near the field work experience and employer input that our cadets do.

Master Builders Group training has an enviable reputation as a training provider having achieved a two-star rating from the now defunct institute of trade skills excellence (we were the only private training provider at the time to have achieved this distinction) and a host of territory awards for excellence in training and for high achievement by graduates of our programs. Master Builders Group training has the widest scope of all the Master Builders associations in australia and for such a small jurisdiction we certainly punch above our weight.

Master Builders Group training has shown industry leadership in sustainability issues, oH&s and asbestos training and has recently embarked on a wide range of niche training opportunities to meet specific industry needs.

our future capability is potentially unlimited although we must ensure that we maintain our standards and at the same time never stray from our core business. the old saying is that in order for a tree to grow tall it must also go deep and wide with the roots for a solid foundation – and that is something we are getting better at as we consolidate and push upwards at the same time.

Call it mathematics – the ‘product’ (i.e. our potential) is the multiplication of factors which include public perceptions about us, emerging needs of the industry and our ability to exceed the industry benchmarks. Master Builders Group training is up for this challenge.

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ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING FUND AUTHORITY

Suite 6, National Associations Centre, 71 Constitution Avenue, Campbell ACT 2612Phone: 6262 5630 Fax: 6257 5058 www.trainingfund.com.au

*The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), 2009

Currently in the ACT only 2%* of tradespeople are women, yet a high percentage of women complete their apprenticeship. Women make a conscious choice to enter the industry and the Training Fund Authority is committed to encouraging women to enter the industry via a trade and to contribute to our creative and dynamic industry.

ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING FUND AUTHORITY

S it 6 N ti l A i ti C t 71 C tit ti A C b ll ACT 2612

“ I make it a point to hire the right person for the job”JOHN STEPHENS Custom Plumbing ServicesEMPLOYER OF 2008 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR, RACHEL KEILEY

I employ plumbers—male and female—it doesn’t matter. If they can do the work, they’ve got the job.

As an employer, it is satisfying to assist a woman through a trade apprenticeship.

S Custom Plumbing ServicesPRENTICE OF THE YEAR, RACHEL KEILEY

rs—male oesn’t

an do e

it isst h a ship.

the Kids assist program has been growing and developing for the past 8 years. originally the aCt regional Building and Construction industry training Council (CitC) approached Master Builders Group training to support a new initiative to assist year 10 students deemed to be ‘at risk’ of not completing their year 10 Certificate. the worth of this program was seen by the construction industry and in particularly by pBs Building as a way of supporting young people that normally would not be provided with opportunities to develop and contribute to the broader community.

vocational training in australia is an initiative that is adopted in senior years of schooling (years 11 & 12) to provide competency based qualifications and make students 'work ready' on the completion of their formal schooling. in 2006 Master Builders Group training and pBs Building raised the bar in australia for vocational education and training. while the idea of vocational training is not a new or innovative concept, the delivery to year 10 students through a program such as Kids assist is.

the Kids assist program is the first program to be focused purely on students in their final year of Junior High school (year 10). the students selected to participate in this program are students considered at risk of not completing High school. the program shows them a path of relevance between the subjects they undertake at school and how those subjects are used and can be of benefit to them in the workforce. on completion of the course the students receive a statement of attainment equivalent to a Certificate i in Construction and a General industry oH&s induction Card.

in 2007, as a culmination of all the good work undertaken until this time, the Kids assist program won the aCt excellence in training award for best prevocational training program in schools. at the same time, Master Builders Group training was awarded a two-star rating by the institute for trade skills excellence and this award was based on amongst other things, the great work done within the school-based programs.

Kids assist continues to thrive until the present day and has enhanced its profile amongst aCt schools; it is another very effective way by which Master Builders identifies and recruits new people into the aCt building and construction industry.

Master Builders Group training – award wiNNiNG Kid's assist proGraM

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asBa Certificate ii in ConstructionMaster Builders Group training offers an australian school Based apprenticeship (asBa) program. this program is aimed at year 11 students who have an interest in gaining experience in the building industry and is also designed to expose students to trades whilst completing College studies. students must be enrolled in an aCt high school or college to participate in this program.each student enrolled in the asBa program is required to complete 11 hours training per week, consisting of two components;

oFF-site traiNiNG

on a scheduled weekday evening between 4.30 – 7.30pm, students attend the Master Builders skills Centre, where they undertake the theory and practical component of Certificate ii in Construction. the students are required to complete a total of 15 competencies which include:

occupational health and safety �work effectively in the general construction industry �read and interpret plans and specifications �use construction tools and equipment �

oN-site traiNiNG

students are required to complete eight hours on-site training with a host employer. a student, in conjunction with their school, nominates a suitable day to minimise the impact on college studies. students can introduce their own host or will be placed with one of the Master Builders approved hosts.

MBa Group training ltd.1 iron Knob st, Fyshwick aCt 2609tel: (02) 6280 9119 Fax: (02) 6280 9118email: training@mba.org.au web: www.mba.org.au

don rail and Geoff wood are the Master Builders Group training Field officers, responsible for liaising with host employers and ensuring both our apprentices and their hosts are being looked after. Both don and Geoff have extensive experience in the industry. don has for many years dealt with apprentices and the issues that confront them and host employers on a daily basis. Geoff is a qualified tradesperson and has the capacity to relate on a one-on-one basis with the prospective tradespeople of the future.

Glenn Hart is the Master Builders occupational Health & safety officer and Glenn's and Master Builders Group training's objective is to ensure that our apprentices constantly work in a safe environment. Glenn will also provide advice to our host employers and members on how safety management systems are implemented on site in the interests of promoting a safe work environment for all. Glenn is also a qualified trades person and has had extensive hands on experience in the construction industry.

MasterBuilders Field officers

>>photo: don rail, Glenn Hart, Goeff wood

Master Builders Group training apprentice carpenters had the chance to put their own stamp on Canberra's heritage earlier this year, when they helped restore one of yarralumla Nursery's historic glasshouses.

Built approximately 70 years ago the glasshouse was in need of extensive repairs and virtually unusable. the Chief Minister and Minister for territory and Municipal services Jon stanhope provided funding for the restoration and Master Builders Group training proved the expertise.

Group traiNiNG appreNtiCes at

yarraluMla Nursery

>>photo: apprentices working hard on the new yarralumla Nursery

the nursery's manager, Michael Kidd, said the idea had come up to have the restorations done as a training session for carpentry apprentices.

"we approached the Master Builders Group training in Fyshwick, and it was agreed that this was a wonderful community minded opportunity for these apprentices to get involved in a live project that has historical significance and as a permanent structure for the future," he said.

in all 36 apprentices were involved and the new structure was completed in two days.

"these apprentices had this opportunity to do this traditional work; get involved in history and they have done a beautiful job" Mr Kidd said.

the nursery, which is an aCt Government business unit, has a number of historical buildings located on its site, including potting and propagation buildings erected in the early 1900s. it has administered the free plant issue scheme since 1930, helping new home owners to establish their gardens.

in 2010 Master Builders Group training and the carpentry apprentices will restore another historic glasshouse at yarralumla Nursery.

33

ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING FUND AUTHORITY

Suite 6, National Associations Centre, 71 Constitution Avenue, Campbell ACT 2612Phone: 6262 5630 Fax: 6257 5058 www.trainingfund.com.au

*The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), 2009

Currently in the ACT only 2%* of tradespeople are women, yet a high percentage of women complete their apprenticeship. Women make a conscious choice to enter the industry and the Training Fund Authority is committed to encouraging women to enter the industry via a trade and to contribute to our creative and dynamic industry.

ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING FUND AUTHORITY

S it 6 N ti l A i ti C t 71 C tit ti A C b ll ACT 2612

“ Girls have the ability to think outside the square. They’re creative problem solvers”

All apprentices need to pass aptitude tests and girls have the same mechanical aptitude; they’re good at detail and using their hands and minds on the job. They are also good in areas where good client skills are required.

NEAL LAMB Electro-Group Training

The Master Builders Fidelity Fund was established in 2002 to protect the interests of both consumers and builders in the ACT.

For Builders, the Master Builders Fidelity Fund provides � nancial certainty as money held by the Fund remains in the ACT. It is securely invested and used for the betterment of the ACT builders and consumers and is therefore not subjected to the vagaries of international markets and events.

The Fidelity Fund issues Fidelity Certi� cates which provide consumer protection for owners of new homes and those making signi� cant changes to homes. The Certi� cates protect the owner during construction and for up to six years from the date of practical completion.

Master Builders members receive reduced premium rates and we also o� er special discounts for volume users of the Fidelity Fund.

For more information contact the Master Builders Fidelity Fund.

Master Builders Fidelity Fund1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 | PO Box 1211, Fyshwick ACT 2609

Tel: (02) 6175 5995 Fax: (02) 6257 8349 Email: mbff@mba.org.au Web: www.mba.org.au

0011

5c

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James Miller and his team at roof & Balcony solutions have recently been recognised for their continued effort to update and upgrade workplace safety systems at the safe work aCt awards 2009. Having received commendations at this very event for four years in a row, saw James's relentless drive to continue improving the system, worthy of more than just a commendation in 2009. aCt's attorney-General, Mr. simon Corbell made the announcement at the National Convention Centre on thursday 22 october on an evening which celebrated the contributions of aCt business' and organisations to aCt occupational Health & safety across both public and private sectors with award categories ranging from Best safety Management system to training, practices and promotion. roof & Balcony solutions

took out the award for Best workplace Health and safety practices in small Business with their modern approach to safety systems.

the company has made all Jsa’s (Job safety assessments) and compliance items accessible and stored electronically for easy, efficient logging and communication between staff. this eliminates the need for paperwork on work sites and ensures that important information is not lost and makes its way back to the office. However implementing this new system has meant that all staff have had to be re-trained which further goes to show the determination and dedication, by management to get the business running at such a peak level. James is passionate about the need for constant up-skilling and continued learning in an industry that is forever changing,

saying "it's the way of the future". He also has plans to make this a permanent fixture in the training of all new cadet/apprentices and any other new staff that join the team.

this is a step in the right direction for all business, large or small and roof and Balcony solutions are a great pioneer for this new concept leading the way by implementing this system. all businesses should look to take this on board and continue updating and training staff on a regular basis as they have done. it has taken James five years to receive this top honor in his nominated category but it won't stop there. the constant desire to uphold a modern safety Management system will surely follow James and the team at roof & Balcony solutions into all their future endeavors.

rooF aNd BalCoNy

solutioNsloCal BusiNess taKes out award For ModerN worKplaCe saFety systeM.

with 'ecological sustainability' a hot topic on the lips of every citizen and politician and Global warming now a worldwide phenomenon, small and large business', corporations and everyday households have made efforts to reduce the amount of waste being produced. with the exception of our giant counterpart the usa, australians are among the world's largest producers of waste per capita than any other country, releasing millions of tonnes of waste into the environment and sending approximately 1 toNNe of solid waste, per person, annually to landfills or 'tips' as they are affectionately referred to. if you listen to the experts one thing is clear, and that is that the focus needs to be on the more sustainable goals of waste minimisation and waste recovery - reducing, reusing and recycling our waste.

locally, one company has moved forward in eco-sustainability with its innovative creation

of australia's first e-Cycle plant. the crew at schiavello (aCt) pty ltd have produced a splendid and unique new service that re-acquires office furniture at the end of it's lifecycle to recycle or reuse as a way of reducing material consumption and therefore our carbon footprint. with the opening of schiavello’s new 3000 m2 e-Cycle plant warehouse & showroom in Queanbeyan, part of the program will focus on 'up-cycling', which involves purchasing second hand schiavello product from around australia and restoring it to like-new condition using all australian owned products.

the majority of australians have grown accustom to recycling- paper, plastics, glass and metals but rarely is it thought that office furniture is also a recyclable product and its planned disposal forms an important part of any environmental management system. recycling office furniture protects the environment through the re-use of diminishing timber products, by the diversion of

waste away from landfill and through the reduction of manufacturing carbon emissions.

schiavello have given Canberra companies a cost-efficient way to be greener with the opportunity to achieve valuable Green star points and soon this opportunity will be available nationwide with their plans to expand across australia. they ought to be commended for their efforts to create more sustainable way of producing or rather re-producing office furniture through the establishment of the schiavello e-Cycle plant and they have been rewarded through the obvious popularity of the service, securing dozens of contracts in both the Government and private sectors to have hundred's of workstations, chairs, mobile pedestals, storage units, tables, partitioning, etc re-powder coated, parts replaced and re-assembled. since it's opening in october 2008 the plant is shaping up to be a healthy branch of the schiavello tree.

office Furniture rejuventaion

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LandscapeArchitects

LandscapeArchitects

in 2009, dsb landscape architects celebrates 30 years of providing landscape architectural, arborist and Horticultural services to Canberra and the surrounding regions.

in 1979, Malcolm Fraser was prime Minister and John Howard was treasurer and Canberra was developing into a city. at the time, Canberra’s southern edge was the partially completed suburbs of Kambah, wanniassa, Fadden, Gowrie and Macarthur. anything further south in tuggeranong valley was dirt roads, sheep paddocks, wheat fields and the telephone exchange at Conder in the middle of a sheep paddock. in Belconnen, Florey was a sheep paddock in the middle of suburbia and Gungahlin was at the beginning of the planning process to become the next satellite town.

it was at this time in 1979 that John deverson, paul scholtens and paul Bombardier commenced deverson scholtens Bombardier landscape architects later to be known as dsb landscape architects. From premises in Mta House in Northbourne avenue, they began to service private and public clients. initially the practice provided landscape designs for private residences and public infrastructure. the National Capital development Commission was a significant client and dsb provided landscape architectural services for schools, churches, health centres, and residential estates either by direct engagement or as a sub-consultant to architects and engineers.

in the first five years, dsb had established a solid practice with local and regional projects for NCdC and private and commercial clients. the practice records

indicate that almost 2000 private residential landscape designs have been completed in the 30 years since.

as Canberra grew and developed, the diplomatic community was encouraged to move diplomatic missions out of residential locations across the city and develop dedicated embassies within the nominated areas of yarralumla and south Canberra. dsb landscape architects have provided landscape architectural services in the development of over 19 diplomatic missions and many of the mission’s residences. a significant and continuing client is the embassy of the united states of america.

in 1985, dsb landscape architects moved into deakin Chambers and can still be found at 14 Hannah place deakin.

in the late 80’s and early 90’s, Canberra as a city tempered it’s rate of establishment and installation of basic infrastructure and the nature and character of projects changed to reflect these times. services were provided on the establishment of the National aquarium as a trout farm. New garden internment memorial areas were developed in woden Cemetery.

Canberra projects from this period include stage 88 Commonwealth park, Medium density apartment / townhouse projects at emu ridge and Kingston, recreational facilities at Cotter and Casuarina sands, a number of aged care facilities, Gorman House refurbishments and the Governor’s General office Building at yarralumla.

LandscapeArchitects

LandscapeArchitects

>> photo: rainforest Gully at the National Botanical Gardens36

LandscapeArchitects

LandscapeArchitects

a number of landmark projects have been completed making significant contributions to the landscape development of Canberra,

Glebe park, Civic, �

tuggeranong town Centre and lake edge, �

thurgoona town Centre, albury, �

australian National Botanic Gardens, �

eddison park, woden, �

Fadden pines district park, Fadden, �

woden cemetery, �

Hobart place, Civic, �

Manuka oval Master plan, �

Moreshead drive – Kings avenue to airport, �

Gungahlin drive extension, and �

Gungahlin Central linear park. �

dsb landscape architects provided the first privately designed Floriade in 1990 and we have been involved in the Floriade design for the last ten years.

the practice has completed over 2500 major projects, 2000 private residential projects and we are approaching vegetation assessments of 400,000 trees.

For the 30th anniversary, dsb landscape architects deposited the early

hand drawings of the practice with the aCt Heritage library. these drawings

include private residential projects and commercial projects from 1979-1999

commencement to Job Number 1200 about 1998/1999. this deposit has

archival significance in that it is the continuous drawing records of a significant

member of the landscape architectural profession working in the Canberra and

regional landscape.

dsb landscape architects has developed, prospered and continues to provide

quality landscape architectural services to the local and regional community with

responsibility. irrespective of the size and budget of a project, all are treated with

care and attention to detail in certain knowledge that we are providing services

based on sound knowledge of local conditions and requirements that are valued

by our clients.

Directors

paul scholtens, arborist and Horticulturist

paul Bombardier, registered landscape architect

and Michael reeves, registered landscape architect.

>> photo: Glebe park

>> photo: Gungahlin Central linear park37

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in august this year our community lost one of its great leaders when steve pinter, former Managing director and Chairman of Brown Consulting, lost his battle with cancer.

steve was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1941 on the eve of europe’s darkest hour. He grew up in the occupied Budapest never knowing his father who perished in the early days of the world war ii.

as the Hungarian revolution of 1956 was crushed by the warsaw pact tanks, steve’s family fled the country and spent the next few years in refugee camps of vienna, austria, and wodonga, australia. steve’s mother Judith, a well educated woman with a steely determination, somehow seemed to always attain the best conditions for the family. this left a lasting impression on the young teenager as he witnessed first-hand the importance of education and seizing an opportunity.

the family then moved to Melbourne where steve completed his education and acquired an engineering degree. He joined wp Brown & partners (predecessor to Brown Consulting) in 1968 as a graduate engineer and worked with the late Bill Brown, a pioneer in prestressed and precast concrete structures.

in the late ‘60s and through the ‘70s, wp Brown & partners were a prospering structural practice with over 80 employees in its Melbourne and sydney offices. steve’s early projects included park towers in Melbourne, which still remain one of the highest prestressed precast buildings in the southern hemisphere, and the old Charles Grimes Bridge (opened in 1975 and replaced in 2000 with a new high structure).

in 1974 steve transferred from Melbourne to open a Brown’s office in Canberra, in what would prove to be an inspired move. in 1981 he employed a young civil engineer Chris Haley who would remain his closest business partner for the next 20 years.

during the late ‘80s and early ‘90s steve took control of wp Brown & partners. as the firm’s first Managing director, he transformed the company from a loose association of offices to the national and international corporate entity that Brown Consulting is today. He led the practice’s decision to expand into Queensland, supported the growth into asia through the establishment of the singapore office and, possibly most importantly, was the catalyst behind the decision to broaden the ownership of the company from the initial partners through to over 30 shareholders today.

steve retired in June 2001 as the Managing director, but was invited to continue as the Chairman on Brown’s Board of directors. He retired from that position in June 2003 to travel and enjoy life, his family and grandchildren.

in February 2008 steve was diagnosed with an aggressive and untreatable form of cancer. Never one to shy away from a challenge, steve took the illness on. He endured more than most, but ultimately this was the one battle that he couldn’t win. He quietly passed away on the morning of 14th august 2009.

throughout his life and professional career steve remained a rare breed of a visionary. even through the boom years, he was always the first to advise caution and encourage planning for an inevitable downturn. He was a great supporter of business diversification and leveraging clients and skills in order to manage risk. the early business relationships that steve forged with the clients such as the village Building Company over 25 years ago remain very strong today.

steve always encouraged innovation and was the driving force behind adopting new technologies. always looking for a better way to do work (as an engineer would do), steve drove the customisation of autoCad to improve productivity and minimise errors, resulting in Brown Consulting (then wp Brown & partners) being awarded autoCad user of the year for the three years running (1994, 1995 and 1996). He saw an early potential in the 4d Model (later renamed 12d Model) and was one of the first consultants to adopt the software.

steve was passionate about improving business processes. He studied the world best practices and adopted them with zeal. He initiated development of JoBs, Brown Consulting’s proprietary business management system and supported Chris Haley in its continuous development.

steve was an outspoken advocate for the engineering community and active in a number of professional associations. From 1999 to 2001 he was president of Master Builders association of the aCt, prior to that chairman of the Master Builder’s professional sector Council from 1993 to 1997 and he also held the presidency of the aCt Chapter of the association of Consulting engineers australia (aCea). after retiring from Brown Consulting, he was invited onto the aCt procurement Board, from where he resigned when the illness struck.

those who knew and worked with steve will remember him as a strong-willed person who was passionate about employees being given every opportunity to achieve their goals within the company. His legacy continues to live through the people he mentored and the strong practice he set the foundation for.

steve will be sadly missed by his family and friends, his Brown Consulting family and many in the engineering profession and Canberra community

stephen John pinter 1941 – 2009

Tributes

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alan ross richards1939 – 2009

Clive James waldron1931 – 2009

Tributes

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alan ross richards who established erincole Building services in Canberra in 1989 sadly passed away at Queanbeyan on 11 July 2009. alan was born 12 april 1939 at Narrandera Nsw, one of 11 children and grew up on wheat and sheep farm approximately 30 kilometres from Grong Grong.

as a child he travelled 50 kilometres each way to school with his brothers and sisters by horse and sulky. when he was 15 years old alan left school and gained an apprenticeship in a local joinery shop.

He moved to Cowra in the central west Nsw in 1960 to work on wayangla dam and was married in 1961 to isabelle together they had 4 children, Craig, wayne, david and Michelle. He operated as a sole trader from 1965 and undertook domestic, commercial and public works contracts. one of alan’s proudest moments when he was a volunteer member of the darwin restoration and repair team in the aftermath of Cyclone tracy in 1975.

in 1986 alan relocated to the Canberra region and secured contracts for the Members and Guests Facilities of the New parliament House. as alan’s reputation grew, so too did his business, culminating in the incorporation of erincole in 1989 with his sons.

this was one of his proudest achievements. erincole continued to expand, due to alan’s management skills and his knowledge and expertise in the building industry. over alan’s 50 year career he trained or was involved in the training of at least 60 apprentices. He was well respected by all in the building industry.

once alan retired in 2002 he focused his attention on his lifelong passion for horses and horse racing. alan was lucky enough to fulfil his dreams by winning the wagga wagga town plate and the National sprint on Black opal day. whether on the building site or on race tracks around the country, alan was known as ‘the little fella in the punters hat’.

since alan’s retirement, erincole Building services have specialised in external building facades using aluminium composite panel (alucobond, alpolic), insulated wall and façade systems (Kingspan), pre-weathered steel (Xlerplate), pre-weathered zink (rheinzink), recycled hardwood and stainless steel. erincole has won several industry awards,

alan will be missed by his family, friends and workmates.

the Canberra and region building and construction community and the community-at-large lost a pioneer and great friend in august with the passing of Clive waldren. Clive was a great supporter and contributor to the Master Builders association.

the waldren family has a long history of building in the aCt, a history that spans three generations. in 1921, the waldren’s involvement with Canberra started with oliver waldren, Clive’s father, who came to Canberra, like so many did in that era to work on what we now colloquially call old parliament House.

Clive was born in 1931, raised and educated in Canberra. He started his apprenticeship in 1947 and then began working for himself in the early 1950’s. Clive married Joan (nee Cusack) on 21 october 1956 at st Christopher’s Cathedral, Manuka and together they raised eight children – Jim, Mary-anne, elizabeth, dorothy, stan, anthony, Mark, and alison.

during his long building career Clive was known as a can do man and was instrumental in overcoming problems around finance availability on commercial land in Canberra.

a significant building project for Clive, in the early days (1963) was the albany apartments, dominion Circuit, Forrest. this project was completed in just three months and includes 25 one and two bedroom holiday/serviced units. this building is still held by the family.

Clive was still actively involved in the building industry right up until March of this year and the waldren name will continue to be prominent in Canberra with Clive's son stan an active commercial builder and current member of the Master Builders.

Clive waldren will be sadly missed by his family, friends and the Master Builders association.

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Kiwis: did you know that under the trans-tasman Mutual recognition agreement (1992) you are entitled, as of right, to have your New Zealand qualifications (and partial qualifications) in the building and construction industry formally recognised as the equivalent of the corresponding australian qualifications?

New Zealand and australia are the only two countries in the world to have such an agreement; that’s because our two qualifications frameworks are so extraordinarily similar. Master Builders has done the work to ensure that your entry into the australian workforce is smooth and seamless – and we have also established relationships with the New Zealand authorities so that australian building and construction workers heading over the tasman sea can have the same experience in New Zealand.

we are often most comfortable with what is familar. Many australian employers still look for australian qualifications (just as New Zealand

employers still look for New Zealand qualifications) and we can organise either context for you. we can also help and advise you to get your Contractor and Builder licence at whatever level you might require so that you can work interchangeably in both New Zealand and australia. New Zealanders arriving in australia need to know all about their legal rights under the ‘special Category visa’ (sub Class 444) which is granted you upon entry into australia – and what you need to do to become self-employed in the australian building and construction industry.

we have the knowledge and expert advice to make it possible for you to work interchangeably in either country. did you know that australian citizens in good standing can live and work in New Zealand as of right? Had you considered taking a working holiday in New Zealand close to the hiking, skiing, rugby, and other outdoor recreational meccas? talk to Master Builders to make this happen for you!

Grant daly - �director skills development & research

did you train and qualify (or partially qualify) towards a building and construction qualification in New Zealand before coming to australia to work?

are you an experienced building and construction worker from New Zealand but do not hold formal qualifications?

are you an australian building and construction worker interested in working in New Zealand? we can assist you!

pieter Burghout, Ceo of the research and information organisation dedicated to working with building industry practitioners in New Zealand (BraNZ) was in the aCt last august at the invitation of Master Builders as the key-note speaker for the CCF earth awards dinner. He was unable to resist the opportunity to take a swipe at the wallabies and australian cricket generally, post 1987. the following day he formally presented us with a cabinet of BraNZ publications for re-sale within the aCt building and construction community and afterwards, he spoke about New Zealand recent research carried out on sustainability issues. He was very politely received on both accounts, because australians are polite people and great sports.

pieter informed us he was formerly the Chief executive officer of the national builder training organisation in NZ (having grown the training numbers from 3,000 to 10,000 trainees over his 3 year tenure there) and earlier, Ceo of the national registered Master Builders Federation in NZ where his main task was to work with Government on reform of the New Zealand Building act. He was able to provide some useful insights into the industry and research work being done in NZ by BraNZ as well as offer some stinging barbs about trans-tasman sporting rivalries, conveniently overlooking the overall australian ascendancy in the sporting arena.

the industry reps here in Canberra certainly came away from the dialogue having seen the advantages of having a research and information organisation dedicated to the building and construction industry and in fact several participants at the sustainability seminar have already arranged to visit BraNZ research facility at Judgeford in regional wellington.

Master Builders is proud of the relationship it now has with BraNZ, and hosts a brand new showcase for their material in our display Centre where members can browse publications and purchase them though Master Builders. in october of this year, Grant daly will visit the BraNZ facility to repopulate the current complement of books so that members and public will have a wider range to choose from.

Master Builders intends to continue dialogue with pieter and his team at BraNZ to see what future synergies might be created – the way the trans-tasman market works these days it would make sense to see what BraNZ could do for us here, rather than re-inventing the wheel. it would also provide rich opportunities to reciprocate with sporting stories and thus enhance the true spirit of trans-tasman rivalry.

BranzBooks

the pegasus project was one of many worthy organisations given a helping hand during september when the lend lease Group holds their annual Community day.

lend lease Community day encourages all lend lease employees around the world to give something back to the communities in which they live and work.

employees nominate their own project and create small teams to work with the community group or cause. activities can include helping senior citizens, the homeless people, people with disabilities, the environment, working with children/youth and animals. Community day is about using employees’ time, energy and skills, and the experience helps to create a strong team spirit, and employees unanimously agree – this is an immensely rewarding experience.

around 46 employees from the lend lease Group converged at pegasus riding for the disabled in drake Brockman drive, Holt, on thursday september 25 to

help construct new facilities. this included further work on an adventure trail created as part of last year’s Community day, digging a sand pit, painting poles to be used for jumping and building scarecrows. the team also built horse shelters and troughs.

emma whitehead, team leader of the group, said the pegasus project was chosen because it is a not for profit organisation that provides a valuable service for disabled children. “Horse riding can provide physical, psychological and social benefits for disabled children and we hope to help the team with their running costs and provide additional facilities for the children,” said emma.

this is lend lease’s 14th consecutive Community day, and since the initiative began in 1996, employees have volunteered over 425,000 hours.

p e G a s u s p r o J e C t Ge ts a HelpiNG HaNd

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the Master Builders australia 2009 National Conference and awards has been hailed an outstanding success! Feedback from delegates has been extremely positive and encouraging. the conference held 5 – 7 November at the Conrad Jupiters Convention Centre, Gold Coast provided Master Builders members’ with high quality professional development balanced with an entertaining social program

the conference was officially opened by the prime Minister the Hon Kevin rudd who spoke in detail about the Governments stimulus measures and plan for australia’s economic recovery. For delegates this was clearly a highlight of the conference and reflects the respect and good relations that Master Builders has with government.

delegates were entertained and informed on a wide ranging set of topics such as productivity and performance, examining the economic outlook, sustainable urban development, the National strategy for energy efficiency, workplace relations, Building trends and effective leadership. the delegates program also included site tours to inspect the Master Builders Queensland Coomera retreat display Home village and the robina Hospital redevelopment. the Conference was also complimented with an exhibition of over 30 exhibitors displaying a wide range of innovative products and services.

as with all Master Builder Conferences it was not all work. there was a great opportunity for builders to network with their peers on the golf course and fun filled social evenings including Movie world. accompanying persons enjoyed an extensive partners program as well which incorporated a Hinterland tour and Cruise.

the Gala National excellence in Building and Construction awards dinner attended by over 500 people was an exciting finale to a fantastic Conference. a spectacular evening that celebrated and acknowledged the best of the best nationally for their building excellence in 2009. special guests included senator Mark arbib, safety Commissioner Helen Marshall and Max smith deputy director Queensland Government public works.

Master Builders australia 2009

National Conference and awards

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Chief Minister publication launch at Master Builders Headquarters

Chief Minister of the ACT, Jon Stanhope chose the Master Builders Professional Development & Training Seminars event to launch the new publication Construction Snapshot.

The launch took place at 11am on Tuesday 22 September at the Master Builders Headquarters and was attended primarily by government representatives and industry professionals.

The Canberra Construction Snapshot promotes the ACT and region as an investment location by providing up-to-date information of continuing and planned capital works and construction activities. It highlights the impact of the Government's commitment by showcasing the success and diversity of the industry in the Canberra region. The Snapshot highlights the work that is provided for large multinational companies as well as local companies and subcontractors.

Business in Focus Month took place for the first time this september, with over 70 Canberra Businesses getting involved. the program is a new concept for the aCt involving a month-long schedule of events that engage, support and promote the Canberra business community, through a partnership between government and local business organisations and institutions.

Master Builders association of the aCt was thrilled to take a lead role in this event, by holding a two-day long series of workshops and seminars on a broad range topics relevant to our members.

the Master Builders professional development & training seminars were held on tuesday 22 and wednesday 23 september and demonstrated current information on sustainability, technical skills, product ranges, dispute resolution, legal advice and much more. the seminars were provided free of charge for Master Builders members, due to our recognition of the importance of providing training and direction in our industry, particularly in economically turbulent times.

the event ran over a two day period, with 25 seminars each running for 1-2 hours in total. the schedule was designed to allow individuals to chose to attend one seminar or spend an entire day or two at the event if they wished,

attending several different seminars sequentially. approximately 225 members attended the event.

the schedule of events was jam-packed with expert speakers, including Judy Gleeson aka. 'the desk doctor', who ran a session called 'overloaded' which demonstrated the correct way to manage your email and to use Microsoft outlook correctly in order to maximise its capabilities and your own time management skills.

director of eastcliff pty ltd, Mr Bryan ahern gave a talk named 'dealing with disputes' which dealt with techniques and tips on dispute resolution within the workplace. this seminar enjoyed a full classroom, as every sector of industry has to endure arguments and disagreements both internally and externally.

Ms Nicole turner and Ms Meaghan leeson from insight services gave a demonstrative, practical presentation on correct manual handling techniques, a topic highly relevant to both the construction worker and the office worker.

overall, the seminars were a great success and we believe the opportunity for our members to train and increase their industry knowledge at the hands of expert speakers was extremely beneficial to all attendees.

business in Focus MonthProfessional development and training Seminars

MeMBer Anniversary's20 year Members

25 year Members

CB richard ellis pty ltd

Brown Consulting (aCt) pty ltd

o'Connor Harris & Co

aBa Construction Managers

t.oK. Carpentry and partitioning

Newham's Hardware

Belconnen Concrete pty ltd

Q projects

May & russell architects pty ltd

Manteena pty ltd

onesteel reinforcing pty ltd

dsB landscape architects

N Hatzidoulis & associates

Cardno young

st George Bank limited

douglas Joinery pty ltd

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seventy nine players attended the recent seventh annual Boral / JdrF Charity Golf day held at the Murrumbidgee Country Club on Monday 12 october 2009.

For the first time in many a year the rain greeted the players who were enjoying a great BBQ lunch, thanks to Boral Concrete & Quarries just before they teed off for eighteen holes of golf with drinks on course compliments of seears workwear followed by a happy hour with finger food and drinks and the presentation of prizes.

Juvenile diabetic Courtney pitson spoke to those present during the happy hour telling them what life is like as a child with diabetes. Courtney concluded her talk by thanking all the sponsors and players for their generosity in helping to find a cure for Juvenile diabetes.

the early morning and late afternoon rain certainly did not dampen the players who enjoyed the day which turned out to be a fantastic success both socially and financially.

Boral and the JdrF would like to thank the sponsors for their generous support on the day which raised over $12,000 for the JdrF.

tHe wiNNers

overall winnerstrevor tindale, rob dawson, Mick price, simon Frowd

overall runner upsteve peter, albina Zmbriano, scott Gilday, david watts

third placeJohn wells, Mick wells, phil Green, robert Murray

BradmanGraham thomas, danny o’Connor, adam taunton, andrew Cocker

Best dressed teamrobert sheldrick, Josh turk, Max rafferty, tim Furner

Best shotslongest drive 3rd Hole, paul KellyNearest the pin second shot 18th hole, Michael priceNearest the pin second shot 5th hole, Brendan ByattNearest the pin 13th hole, rob MurrayNearest the pin 9th hole, tina samarkosNearest the pin for ladies 4th hole, tanya Zantis

drink sponsorseears workwear

trophy sponsorsBoral Country Concrete & QuarriesKomatsu & westrac

raffle sponsorsCanberra international Golf CentreKomatsu and westrac

Hole sponsorsa C Contractors australia p/l Boral Formwork & scaffoldingCanberra investment Corporation Canberra sand & GravelConcrete Colour systems delta GroupG.e. shaw & associates Hays Construction & propertyi.C. Formwork services p/l John McGrath FordMembers equity Bank project Coordination (australia) p/l signs we do tractor replacements p/lurban Contractors p/l w t partnershipand the Master Builders association of the aCt who supported the day

Boral / JuveNile diaBetes researCH FouNdatioN seveNtH aNNual CHarity GolF day

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this year the CCF earth awards were held on thursday 27 august in the luxurious Members dining room at historical old parliament House. the heritage-listed venue provided an exquisite setting for this unique networking opportunity, particularly for our Civil members.

the night was hosted by aBC radio’s Breakfast show host ross solly, who made the event a truly enjoyable one with his off-the-cuff humour creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

winners on the night included Cord Civil, who took the award for project valued up to $1 million for their exceptional work on the royal australian Mint tunnel. this job required real knowledge and careful consideration, and Cord Civil carried out the required works with expertise.

CCFeartH AWARDS 2009FOR EXCELLENCE IN CIVIL CONSTRUCTION

abergeldie took out the award for project valued $1 - $4 million for the Cotter tunnel No 3 stablisation project. this was a complex job, which was completed in a professional and timely manner by the team at abergeldie.

the award for project valued $20 to $75 million went to Macmahon Contractors for the Kingston Foreshore development Harbour Civil works, a truly colossal project carried out to great success.

the industry speakers on the night were Mr pieter Burghout of the Building research association of New Zealand and Mr wilhelm Harnisch, Ceo of Master Builders australia. Both speakers made gripping presentations which covered the hot topics facing industry this year and informed the audience accordingly.

pieter Burghout’s presentation was both entertaining and highly informative. BraNZ appears to fill a very real gap in the market by dedicating themselves so entirely to research, something that is invaluable to the building industry as a whole. attendees respected BraNZ as an organisation mandated by members.

the presentation given by Master Builders australia Ceo wilhelm Harnisch was an enlightening one and well received by all. Mr Harnisch covered the most highly relevant issues confronting the industry today, including presenting his frank and honest view of current industrial relations issues.

overall, the night was enjoyed by all and the results are a true credit to the great work constantly being carried out throughout the Civil sector within the aCt and the surrounding region.

>>photo: Nigel Forde, Cord Civil pty ltd, royal australian Mint tunnell

>>photo: Mick Boyle, abergeldie - Cotter tunnel No 3 stabilisation

>>photo: winston Hyland, Macmahon Contractors - Kingston Foreshore development Harbour Civil works

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ross Barrett, president, Master Builders association of the aCtandrew Barr, Mla, Minister for planningBob winnel, Chief executive, village Building Co

ross Barrett, president, Master Builders association of the aCtian Chubb, vice Chancellor, australian National universityMike andrea, director, strategic directions

13 August 2009Sponsored by Village Building Co.

25 August 2009Sponsored by Strategic Directions

shane little, regional director Nsw & aCt, Haysrichard Calver, National director, industrial relations & legal Counsel, MBasam delorenzo, acting president, Master Builders association of the aCtsimon Barton, Manager, Hays Construction & property

ross Barrett, president, Master Builders association of the aCtJohn Mackay, Chairman, aCtew Corporationdavid Kimmorley, partner, Canberra and southern Nsw, Balmain Commercial

12 November 2009Sponsored by Hays Construction & Property

17 November 2009Sponsored by Balmain Commercial

C O M P L I A N C E M A N A G E M E N T

Matri

ross Barrett, president, Master Builders association of the aCtJon stanhope, Chief Minister of the aCtBob winnel, Chief executive, village Building Co

ross Barrett, president, Master Builders association of the aCtHelen Marshall, Federal safety Commissionerdarren sterzenbach, General Manager, National operations, Matrix Compliance

24 November 2009Sponsored by Village Building Co

1 december 2009Sponsored by Matrix Compliance

ross Barrett, president, Master Builders association of the aCtMark sullivan, Managing director, aCtew CorporationFred selley, aCt area sales Manager, Mission australia

John Kenworthy, General Manager, Housing, village Building CoGary Byles, Chief executive, territory & Municipal servicessam delorenzo, acting president, Master Builders association of the aCt

7 July 2009Sponsored by Mission Australia

28 July 2009Sponsored by Village Building Co.

ross Barrett, president of Master Builders association of the aCtdavid dawes, deputy Chief executive, Business and projects divisionGeoff white, General Manager, sales, Marketing and product, actewaGl

ross Barrett, president, Master Builders association of the aCtsimon Corbell, Mla, attorney-Generalsteven Gavagna, Managing director, Goodman law

8 september2009Sponsored by ActewAGL

24 september2009Sponsored by Goodman Law

MBA Group Training Ltd.1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 | PO Box 1211, Fyshwick ACT 2609

Tel: (02) 6280 9119 Fax: (02) 6280 9118 Email: training@mba.org.au Web: www.mba.org.au

WITHOUT THE ADMINISTRATIONConsider the advantages of becoming a Host Employer.

Master Builders Group Training only charges you for the hours 1the apprentice, trainee or cadet actually works on the job. Group Training is responsible for all administration of wages, pays workers compensation, long service leave and superannuation.

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If you direct employ your own apprentice Group Training can provide the training required.

There are benefi ts to the industry as well; you provide opportunities for apprentices, trainees and cadets to learn on site skills, you contribute to skilling the future construction industry.

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We’ve changed housing affordability in Canberra

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