NEWSLETTER OF THE FAIRBROTHER GROUP OF COMPANIES ISSUE 82

what’s building APRIL 2015

Release of the Fairbrother Book “Shaking the Foundations” A History of Fairbrother & its People

Overall Winners Employee & Apprentice of the Year Awards Retiring After 34 Years Farewell to Long Serving Employee John French Cover photo: The Brooke Street Pier Development, constructed by the Fairbrother and Degree C teams, Contents completed on the 12th December 2014. 1

Features 7 The Fairbrother Story Shaking the Foundations seven 9 Retiring After 34 Years Fond Farewell to John French 14 Fairbrother Group Overall Winners Employee & Apprentice of the Year Overall Winners

News eleven 3 In the News Staying Fit & Healthy - Running Around the State 11 Brooke Street Pier Project Review Fairbrother & Degree C Working in Partnership 15 Bulletin Board Information & Announcements, to Share

In the Business 5 Construction, Joinery & Facility Management -wide Round Up 6 Construction Victoria Victorian Round Up 10 Degree C Staying Positive five Craig’s Communiqué 2

Welcome to our first Edition of What’s Wishing John Well in Retirement While still in concept planning we are Building for 2015. We have a full newsletter On the 13th March 2015 being John French’s proposing to build a multi-storey mixed again of information and announcements to 65th birthday, John retired after 34 years of use development. There is still a journey update you on. service with the Company. John has made a to go with this development but it has the huge contribution towards the success of the potential to be a major landmark project for . RHH & Project Outlook Company over this time and played a major role in the construction of many landmark We are now well into the new calendar year. buildings all over Tasmania. John has While most business units and divisions are Employee Milestones personally contributed to the development of currently seeking additional work, there Our years of service milestones are on the many of our key people today and is very well is a general feeling of optimism with an back page of the newsletter. I congratulate respected within the industry. We are grateful outlook that is looking much more positive. all our employees who have achieved for John’s loyalty, passion and friendship and The standout region is Southern Tasmania milestones for their loyalty and commitment wish him all the very best for the future. We where our Construction Division has secured to the company. In particular, I would like to have a feature detailing John’s history and a number of major projects with increasing congratulate and thank John Jago for his 30 many achievements in this newsletter. th activity forecast for the next two to three years of service achieved on the 7 January. years. New Developments The big news since the last newsletter is In other news we have made the decision Craig Edmunds that the Royal Hobart Hospital has been to purchase land and build new office and Chief Executive Officer rescued in the words of the Health Minister, workshop facilities for Degree C in Hobart. Michael Ferguson. The State Government We will be moving from our current leased has made the decision to continue with the premises on the Brooker Highway at Derwent redevelopment of the existing Royal Hobart Park to a new site on the corner of Stanton Hospital although with a hybrid single Place and Kennedy Drive in Cambridge. stage build methodology as opposed to the This will also accommodate our Southern options originally proposed. Additional scope Tasmanian Facilities Management Team has also been added bringing the project and provide undercover storage for the value closer to $400m. The Fairbrother and Southern Construction Division. The project is John Holland Joint Venture now has approval currently awaiting development and building to commence with early works. Our overall approval prior to commencing with a target completion date is December 2018. completion date of late August.

Further good news is the recent Our Project Development business announcement that we have been successful unit is also making progress with with the UTAS NRAS project in Hobart. At two new developments. We have $62m this will be our largest construction bought the former Thunder project we have undertaken in our own right. Stone site at Oatlands adjacent Our Southern Construction management to the Midlands Highway and team put an amazing effort into winning this are currently constructing a project and are to be congratulated. bulk store and retail outlet for Roberts Ltd as the new Overall Winners tenant. Once completed the development, with a long In our December newsletter we term lease in place, will be announced our Divisional Employee and put on the market for sale. Apprentice of the Year winners. Since then I have undertaken the enjoyable task of Additionally we have interviewing and selecting our overall purchased the high Employee and Apprentice winners. As with profile site which was every other year I have found it very difficult previously Roberts to separate the overall winners from a group Ltd property in the of divisional winners that have all excelled CBD of Hobart, on in their various roles. The 2014 Fairbrother the corner of Collins Group Apprentice of the Year winner is Jordan Street and the Flannery from our Joinery Division while our Brooker Highway. Employee of the Year winner is Nathan Murfet from our Northern Tasmania Construction Division. Congratulations to Jordan and Nathan. You can read more about Jordan and Nathan’s achievements on page 11 of our five newsletter. In the News 3

Run the Bridge Hobart Record Entries ...

Sunday, 15th February 2015 saw a record new supplied running / walking tops with challenging, however everyone successfully number of Fairbrother employees and their pride. completed the event and was proudly families participate in the challenging B&E presented with an event finisher medal on Run the Bridge event. The day was a typical Hobart day cool and the completion of their race. beautiful, ideal conditions for pounding the The event showcased 2km, 5km and 10km pavement. Well done to everyone who partcipated, a fun run or walk events. The turn out was fantastic effort and a display of staying fit and fantastic with all participants wearing their The course is known to be very hilly and healthy!

Devonport Run Winners - that’s two in a row ...

The sun was shining and the weather was happy to stand up on the podium to collect perfect for a Sunday fun run. It was great to the trophy on behalf of Team Fairbrother. see so many families running in all events. We had Piper Elliott (Peter’s daughter) Leah Elliot ran solo supporting the running with her grandfather and Oscar Fairbrother colours in the 10km run, well Smith (Tammy’s son) running with his done Leah on running the extra 5km. Dad in the 1km run which was thoroughly enjoyed by both children. Piper and Oscar Thank you and well done to everyone who were very excited and proud to receive their represented team Fairbrother and we look medals when crossing the finish line. Well forward to even more participants joining done Piper and Oscar great work! us in this great family fun event next year.

Team Fairbrother entered the 5km Corporate Challenge again this year and are proud to announce we are the reigning champions two years running. Awesome effort by our four competitors Jason Waldron, Grant Lunson, Karen Bell and Tammy Williams. Thankfully by the time the presentations were done Tammy and her son Oscar were still present and In the News Continued ... 4 Memorial for Truck Drivers Opens Supporting Our Community ...

It had taken four years, however finally the committed to the worthy project and set Concrete Supply, Elite Concrete = Concrete Tassie Truck Memorial Wall Committee can about devising a plan to complete the Finishers, Paul McCartney Concrete (PMC) = honour the people who helped shape the constructon stage. Nick was able to bring Concrete Pumps, All Brick = Block Laying and states transport industry. KJ Painters = Rendering and Painting.

The Tassie Truck Memorial Wall Committee Fairbrother employees involved also took had for some time been attempting to personal leave and worked in their own time organise the development and construction to donate labour free of charge to assist in the of a memorial wall to honour truck drivers completion of project. who died at work. The end result saw the opening of the The memorial wall was to be located at memorial site on Sunday, 18th January 2015 in the Epping Forest road house and planned front of an estimated crowd of 1500, in what to hold 60 plaques to remember those was a very emotional and superbly organised truck drivers who had been killed at work, and worthy event. either on the road or off road. However together a number of key supplier contacts due to challenges with raising funds, the and dedicated employees to provide support Special thanks to all suppliers and to Nick construction stage of the memorial wall was to the Tassie Truck Memorial Wall Committee and his team for their contributions and unable to get off the ground... that was until to see their dream and hardwork come to dedication to this fantastic community the committee approached Nick Freeman, fruition. project, special thank you to Nathan Murfet, Fairbrother’’s Northern Construction Manager. Phil Berwick, Andrew French, Jake Herbert, Donated resources we gratefully received Tim Colgrave and Nigel Curran on a job well After speaking with Nick, he quickly from the following suppliers: Hazell Bros = done!!

PPE & Clothing Wear it with Pride ...

With the weather in the Southern states cooling quickly we are reaching for a few extra layers of clothing and gloves to cover up and stay warm.

It is important to always maintain your Company clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for your safety and the professional image of the Company. Ensure that branding is current and that damaged and untidy clothing is promptly replaced.

PPE is anything used or worn by a person to minimise risk to the person’s health or safety and includes a wide range of clothing and safety equipment. PPE includes boots, face masks, hard hats, ear plugs, respirators, gloves, safety harnesses, high visibility clothing etc.

Hi visibility clothing issued by the Company must be worn by all employees at all times on Fairbrother and Degree C work sites and maintained in good condition. Company clothing must also be worn when representing the Company during work hours and participating in any training.

If any individual identifies a defect in any article of personal protective equipment or clothing, they must notify their supervisor immediately. IF YOU HAVE IT, WEAR IT and MAINTAIN IT For more information please see your Supervisor or Manager. The following documents relating to Clothing are: Company Clothing Policy, PRO:400 Personal Protective Equipment & Clothing Procedure, Personal Protective Equipment Order Form. Construction, Joinery & Facility Management Tasmania-wide round up 5

Can you believe we are heading towards staffed at present, particularly while Peter are mobile whilst we make the most of work the end of another financial year! As usual, Adams is on long service leave. We are wherever it is. This is far from ideal and I our Industry is its usual moving beast, with starting to see some strong signs that the thank our employees for their persistence, all Divisions facing varying and different Launceston area is kicking and breathing but unfortunately we have little choice but circumstances since the previous newsletter. again. After what has been a job to job to soldier on as hopefully work picks up as It’s fair to say that all regions have battled prospect for what feels like forever, you the year progresses. We generally see an extremely hard to maintain employee can now see multiple opportunities on the improvement around April through to the numbers and adequate turnover through the horizon, particularly in the tourism and aged end of the financial year as clients finalise first nine months of this financial year. care sectors, whilst retail projects continue to their budget allocations for the current be the backbone of the region. This is great financial year. As a matter of interest, to date In North West Construction we are facing news for the Division and we must continue our FM teams have completed over 340 a region where the larger projects we have to work hard to secure our share of the individual work orders in this current financial enjoyed over the last few years are replaced opportunities and hopefully with jobs that year, that’s a significant amount of jobs, and a with, at best minor works and projects will have positive impacts on the Division, in true reflection of their diverse work nature. away from home, all within a very tight and both experience for our younger employees competitive market. Project Frost is at the and some strong financial returns as well. Southern Construction have had their back end now, with works on site winding up, Nick and his team have been burning the challenges maintaining adequate work levels although works continue on the waste water midnight oil for many many months to keep with any sort of margin attached for some treatment project. This has been a massive the Northern Division going forward and are time now, but the horizon is looking much project, and in fact is the largest project making good inroads. Our latest trainee Jake stronger. The Hobart region looks to be that Fairbrother have currently undertaken Herbert is settling into the office and getting heading towards a significant purple patch outside of our JV with John Holland. a taste of what makes a construction office off the back of Tourism and accommodation Congratulations to Jim Brinkman and his work and has recently project managed his projects that total hundreds of millions of whole site team for what they have been able first project at the Grand Chancellor Hotel. I dollars. As Craig has mentioned, we have to achieve on this project over the last three remain confident that the next few years in secured Stage 1 of the UTAS NRAS student years. It’s been an amazing effort, well done. Launceston look much brighter than in the accommodation project in Hobart which recent past - something for us all to look gives us the best possible opportunity of We currently have projects ranging from the forward to. securing Stage 2 of the project, with a total West Coast through to the East Coast and one value of around $64m dollars. If successful in the middle at Oatlands, all being resourced Fairbrother Facility Management have this will be the largest project undertaken from the NW Division. This we will need to had an extremely busy start to the current by Fairbrother in our history. On top of continue into the future until things pick up calendar year with some extreme weather this opportunity, the early works at the within the region. events in Southern Tasmania adding Royal Hobart Hospital are again moving significant workloads onto to our Southern forward, with the main construction work to It’s going to be strange heading into the team. Whilst these events are not welcomed commence in early 2016. The 12 month delay NW office and not see John French’s car in for the obvious reasons, they do create a following the review by the Government the carpark! John has been an employee significant amount of work opportunities Taskforce has provided the Joint Venture with Fairbrother the whole time I have been for the Division and we make the best of with the opportunity to review the project part of the business, and it will take some the situation where we can. This does create in detail, whether that be program, staffing, time to get used to! Whilst John is featured a large spike in our works schedule, with structure etc, placing us in a better position throughout the newsletter, I would like to many jobs having to be made safe and then to construct the project with an even better wish John and Chris all the very best for their progressed when time is available. Our outcome for all parties. It is an extremely life after Fairbrother and thank John for his lomg term contracts like the Risdon Prison exciting opportunity that lies ahead with this incredible contribution to the company over are continuing along in their normal and project. 34 years, congratulations John. steady routine, whilst the North and North West areas have been extremely patchy and Outside of these significant projects, we Northern Construction are slightly short challenging at best ensuring our work teams continue to undertake our normal size

Pictured: Windsor Park Pavilion, constructed Pictured: Ghost Rock Vineyard Whinery, by the Northern Construction Team constructed by the North West Construction Team 6

projects and we will continue to do this team. To date these have been going okay, will reap the benefits. ensuring that we do not put all our eggs but it will be nice to see a couple of projects in one or two baskets. It’s critical for the coming through again with an increased I will take this opportunity to wish Neil business and to the Southern Division to do value. Randall all the very best as he prepares to this. leave us after 18 years with the business. In Late last year we were forced to review our a true sign of commitment, Neil has driven Fairbrother Joinery have made a strong fist edge bander capabilities after we endured from Somerset to our Devonport workshop of maintaining our employee numbers and a troubled period with our edge band each and every working day that he has been a reasonable turnover to date, surviving on machinery, with constant breakdowns with us. With his workmanship abilities and projects with a significant smaller project and lack of reliability. We bit the bullet his consistent work ethic, Neil will be sorely value to what we have enjoyed over the last and invested in a new edge bander and missed by all in Fairbrother Joinery. I will couple of years. With some of our recent more recently a return table system that miss not catching up for a chat on my walks joinery projects reaching multiple million has made a significant improvement to through the workshop with Neil. dollar contract values, we are now surviving our productivity. Whilst it was a large and on $200,000-$300,000 projects which does relatively unexpected capital purchase, it’s Peter Killick place a huge strain on our management been a wise selection of machinery and we General Manager Construction Victoria Victorian round up

Project Completion The diverse range of projects, some The $6m Penola Milk Processing Plant project Numerous Victorian projects are nearing logistically challenging, we have/are taking is due for commencement in June 2015. completion with the $14m Kilmore Hospital’s on, is due to the slow economy of the final stage (inpatient’s) to be handed over in Government sector, as a result of last year’s More works are scheduled for Girton the coming weeks. Special mention needs to Victorian State Election. Grammar to start mid-year, also more works be made to the whole team as they delivered are to be undertaken at Hazeldene’s Poultry a complex operational theatre in just 45 days Our aim going forward is to pursue the in the not too distant future. - JOB WELL DONE! (Photo Below) tender opportunities for release mid- year in the Education, Health, Justice and Staff The $3.5m Multi Disciplinary Centre in Community sectors. As a young core group with Billy and Simon Bendigo is also nearing completion. This leading their divisions, the emphasis is to project has been great effort by the entire Midfield Meats Administration building in Warrnambool is a new administration wing, develop our team of Young Guns into future team (nearly there), to build a complex leaders of the industry. structure in just 16 weeks, completion is an alternate design which incorporates a lot expected in the first week of May 2015. of materials used by the abattoir on a day to day basis, namely exposed meat rail installed It’s been an eventful couple of months Curlewis Woolworths project, $11m separable as structural steel trusses and reconfigured since commencing my employment at portion one, is to be handed over in the first shipping containers. This allows the building Fairbrother with a lot of faces to meet and week of June. to reflect products that are utilised by the names to remember, I am looking forward to Midfield corporation. an exciting remainder 2015 - Onwards and Project Commencement Upwards! We are spreading our wings and are about The exciting new $8m Avaigen Chicken to commence construction in another two Hatchery project is about to commence with Michael Josey states namely NSW Goulburn (Avaigen) and Mick Ryan and Brad Cunningham relocating General Manager SA Penola (Milk Drying Plant). to Goulburn NSW to oversee the project.

Pictured: Kilmore Hospital Theatre, Pictured: Curlewis Woolworths, being constructed by the Bendigo Construction Team constructed by the Bendigo Construction Team The Fairbrother Story Shaking the Foundations 7

It’s been a while in the making but to properly tell the story. And for at last the Fairbrother book “Shaking me that’s been the tough bit. the Foundations” is real. This is a book that records the history of Fairbrother Together Thea and I have had a and the people who have been an rewarding, at times challenging, important part of the journey, from but I hope in the end history will the beginning in 1972 until now. record a very meaningful life. But there have certainly been some As a taster, below is a section of the tough bits along the way and I’ve Forward written by Royce. The official found reliving these strangely launch date is Friday 10th April and unsettling. I’m a persistent copies will be available for purchase person and I don’t give up easily. from leading Tasmanian book And I think mostly resilient when shops, after that date. Employees things go wrong and I need to may purchase by completing the bounce back. The coping method authorised form and returning with I’ve used over years is to put the time sheets. Note all proceeds bad times out of my mind as soon will be donated to the Fairbrother as possible and keep on dreaming Foundation. and planning for a better future. I’m optimistic this experience will FOREWORD help me to understand and deal The idea to write a book on our life’s with these things a little better. journey, from a business perspective, had been rumbling around in my An important principle I’ve learnt head for a few years. Some of our key from my life’s experiences is an people were getting older and nearing understanding we all have a retirement. Vic commented a few purpose in life. For everything times, we should organise a reunion. that happens there is a reason. Then Peter ignited the fire at a board When you are dealing with life’s meeting when he too suggested the challenges, and the outcomes idea of a book. seem so unfair, it can be hard to accept this notion. But reflecting That’s when I asked friend, Julian on this has been a great comfort O’Brien, for some advice on a possible for me. This insight grew from my author to work with us and he journey coping with Glen’s illness sheepishly suggested the best person and searching for answers to the he knew was his wife, Kellie. reasons for mental Illness. That’s proved to be some great advice. What a pocket dynamo and an Understanding and coping with absolute delight to work with. Kellie’s the effects of mental illness has ability to interview a wide range of been by far the most challenging people and to take their stories and thing I’ve ever faced in my life, pull them together in a logical and and still is today. yourself. That feeling won’t ever go interesting way has been outstanding. away. I cope by looking ahead and Understanding why a perfectly assuringmyself there is a reason and In the beginning I thought this would healthy, happy, intelligent young man one day, perhaps not in this life, but be a fun thing to do – a simple little can become so badly affected and one day I will understand. story about our company’s growth. changed so much by a mental illness But as we progressed and Kellie is incredibly hard to do and accept. From the beginning Thea and I were started to map out the content, it was There are so many questions you ask. blessed with an ability to work well clear this needed to include a good And in spite of what the professional together and value each other’s deal of Thea and I’s personal journey people tell you, it’s hard not to blame strengths. And we both had that The Fairbrother Story Continued ... 8

people were and to see their arm. She makes me look good. And potential. Then, it was to have I look back at Thea’s decision to hand the good sense to provide them over the entire administration and with career path opportunities, financial control of our company to support and encouragement Mark Nugent when we were still far along the way. And, as they from financially secure. Mark’s ability proved their commitment, an to lift our financial management and opportunity to share in our corporate governance procedures to a success. But this story is about whole new level has been a significant the power of a committed contributor to our growth and success. group of people to achieve How did Thea know Mark was the one? extraordinary things. Some might say this was blind faith Can you imagine employing a and the results pure luck. But we young David Ingram and then have repeatedly proven this theory weeks later giving him the wrong with our people. Look at responsibility to look after your the honour roll in the back of this entire outside operations, and book. And look at the wealth of having total faith in his ability young talent progressing through to do that? And employing a today. These young people are our young John French and tasking leaders of tomorrow. Look back at him with the responsibility to the outstanding sub-contractors and take the business into a whole suppliers we’ve had over the years, new commercial and industrial and still have today. This is not luck. world and giving him relative This is a business, and a life model free rein to do that? Or sending that works. This is about being honest a young Craig Edmunds off to with everyone you deal with in life and Launceston to find himself an having a carefully considered set of office, win some work, employ a guiding principles and core values that workforce and grow a successful are based on all the right attributes. division? Or similar with a young Peter Killick, starting with us These people are our family. That’s as a work experience boy at what Fairbrother is. That’s an the Ulverstone Civic Centre, important part of the legacy I want then progressing through his to leave. A company that is firmly apprenticeship and into an grounded on its guiding principles office role for a short time before and its core values and these things sending him off to Hobart with are an integral part of its culture. the same brief as Craig? What a daunting challenge this must have been for each of them and Royce & Thea Fairbrother what an awesome outcome. dogged persistence and ability to work hard and make the sacrifices How about a young 16-year-old Vicki necessary to get our business started Pendrey, progressing through various and heading in the right direction. roles in our administration division But from then on, there is no doubt to become our board secretary and, our success has been driven by the for many years now, my invaluable quality of the people we have been personal assistant? Today, she is fortunate to employ, train and develop our longest serving employee. For over the years. For sure, we had a long time Vic has been my right the ability to know who these right Retiring After 34 Years Fond Farewell to Long Term Employee - John French 9

Nowadays I occasionally stop and reflect back young builder was a huge leap of faith for scrounging much of our equipment from on our journey, building a business over the John. But leap he did and I will be forever auctions or the second hand market. For past nearly 43 years, starting from me doing grateful he chose to become a part of our many years he lead the way devising odd jobs from the back of my panel van to team. innovative ways to do our work more where we are today. Suspect that’s a sign effectively and was a wonderful role model I’m getting a little older, but also sparked My brief to John from the very beginning teaching our young people the skills needed by several of our founding team reaching was to lead the way to take us from a house to do their job. And importantly John’s values retirement. John French’s decision to call builder into the commercial and industrial have always been very much aligned with it a day was certainly a trigger. It’s been an sector. And lead he did. The first major our Company values. His commitment to exciting journey, we’ve come a long way and project John won was the Melaleuca Home his customers, subcontractors and suppliers achieved so much. But when I look back and for the aged at East Devonport, in hindsight a has been exemplary and his devotion to consider how all this has happened I have good transition from house building to a new the tradespeople that worked under his absolutely no doubt it’s a result of all the sector. Then followed the Ulverstone Civic leadership outstanding. outstanding people we have been fortunate Centre, the project that firmly established us to employ, train and retain over the years. as an emerging builder in the commercial John has been an integral part of And John’s contribution has certainly been and industrial space and a defining moment shaping Fairbrother’s foundations and his crucial, particularly in our early days. in our growth. From there we spread along contribution will be the legacy that remains the North West Coast and then down the with the Company forever. Thea and I will John started with us on 17th November, 1980 West Coast at a time when the Hydro Electric be eternally grateful he chose to answer our when we’d been in business for around 8 Commission where in full swing building the advertisement, join our team and buy into years. At that stage we were predominantly dams. John won and successfully managed our dream. house builders but were keen to progress to many major projects over this time. Then as the commercial and industrial sector. John the West Coast slowed down John played contacted me from an advertisement an important role in helping our spread to Royce Fairbrother I ran in the local paper looking for Launceston and the early attempt at Hobart. an experienced Estimator and Project As we grew John managed our North West Pictured Below (from Left): Royce Fairbrother, Manager. At that time he was working for Division for many years then progressed to John French and Craig Edmunds. Terry Matthews, a major and well respected our Major Projects Manager. Building Contractor on the North West Coast, In our early days when funds were tight John so a change to a small relatively unknown was our chief plant and equipment purchaser Degree C Staying Positive ... 10

A Quarter of the Year Gone Already event we have decided to give it a go again years. Brett and the team are working hard With it now more than 3 months into the and have secured a site (M71) in Main Street. to identify opportunities in the region, but year, things seem to be more or less back to We hope to see you there this year. it’s fair to say, we are facing a tough market at normal following a busy Christmas period, the moment. with our Fabrication team working through An Up and Down Market the break on a number of manufacturing Looking at 2015/16 and how the mechanical Whilst the above may seem all “doom and shutdowns. Other than that the majority of and electrical market is shaping up over this gloom”, it’s the market….. and it’s what we our workforce took the opportunity to take a period, there is a level of optimism in the have to work with at the moment. The key break following a relatively busy year. South of the state, with a number of projects for us is to be as efficient and productive as slated to get underway over the coming we can be so we can remain competitive and In February we took the opportunity to months. Our task will be to win a good share take advantage of every project opportunity participate (for the first time) in the Housing of this work in the ever competitive open we can. Industry Association Home Show, held at tender market….. Things seem to be heading Princess Wharf Number 1 building on the in the right direction in this region. I look forward to the coming months with Hobart waterfront. This was held over a optimism and I am positive that with all of Saturday and Sunday with several thousand The North of the state (whilst not looking us pulling together we can secure our share patrons coming through the show and to be overly busy) does have some of the project opportunities as they present our representatives receiving a number of opportunities coming up similar to the South, themselves. enquiries, “All in all” it was a great success and the challenge will be to win a good share of we look forward to next year. these projects in the increasingly competitive We trust everyone had a wonderful and safe open tender environment in the North. Easter and enjoyed a few days off – and hope As many readers would be aware we took you didn’t eat too much chocolate. the opportunity to exhibit at Agfest in The greatest challenge for Degree C is the 2014, which was a good opportunity for significant downturn in work opportunities Michael Rogers Degree C to show our wares in a different in the North West of the state. There just General Manager environment… to a huge number of varied doesn’t seem to be the work prospects that people. Based on the relative success of this we have come accustomed to over previous Safety First Asbestos Awareness ...

In recent years, general asbestos awareness or ingested. This occurs once a material (whether or not contained in other material): and the awareness of materials containing containing asbestos is broken, starts to asbestos has increased significantly. deteriorate, or is disturbed in such a way (a) is crumbly, dusty or powdery; or Promoted by media interest and research that dust particles containing asbestos are (b) when dry, can be crumbled, pulverised or findings have increased the public’s produced. Therefore, DIY renovators and reduced to powder by hand pressure. awareness of the product and the negative tradespeople are the ones most at risk of health effects that exposure to these exposure to asbestos fibres as they are Examples of friable asbestos include, sprayed products can have. more likely to frequently undertake repairs, asbestos coating or insulation, asbestos renovations and other work which can lagging, loose asbestos and asbestos in its What is Asbestos? generate the release of asbestos fibres into raw form. Asbestos is the generic name for a number the air. Asbestos is classed as being either of naturally occurring silicate mineral fibres. bonded or friable. In upcoming Consultative Meetings, SQE Asbestos is a versatile product. Due to Coordinators will be undertaking asbestos its ability to withstand heat, erosion and What’s the difference between bonded awareness training and providing copies decay, and for its fire and water resistant asbestos and friable asbestos? of the Fairbrother and Degree C Asbestos properties, asbestos was widely used in Awareness handbooks to you. In the building materials for residential premises Bonded Asbestos (as defined in the Building meantime more information can be sourced until it started to be phased out in the 1980s. (General) Regulation 2008) bonded asbestos from the Code of Practice detailed below: Despite the use of all forms of asbestos being is in a form where asbestos fibres are held banned nationally since 31 December 2003, within another material (for example, cement) “How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the building materials containing asbestos are but does not include friable asbestos. workplace December 2012” still prevalent in our community today. The Examples of bonded asbestos include, most commonly found building materials asbestos cement sheeting and corrugated http://www.worksafe.tas.gov.au/__data/ that contain asbestos are asbestos cement asbestos cement roofs (commonly known as assets/pdf_file/0018/192060/manage_control_ products. ‘Super Six’). asbestos_code.pdf

Asbestos poses a health risk when asbestos Friable Asbestos (as defined in the Building fibres are released into the air and inhaled Act 2004) Friable asbestos is asbestos that Brooke Street Pier Fairbrother & Degree C Working in Partnership 11

Every now and then Fairbrother and Degree C project being constructed on a 5 degree slope! idea was for the winches to allow the structure come together and work on the same project, to roll down on the air bags until a point where this recently happened on the newly developed Installation of Structural Steel Framing and it started to float at which point tug boats would Brooke Street Pier project. Timber Work for the Upper Floors then drag the structure the last bit to get it fully Once the main structure concrete works were floating. This however did not quite go to plan, Fairbrother Construction had the task of the completed, the structural steel portal frames with the massive ropes that were connecting development and construction of the Brooke commenced installation. This would form the the winches to the pontoon snapping allowing Street Pier made up of two sections - the upper two levels. An innovative idea that was the pontoon structure to roll freely into the construction of the floating pontoon and the used to speed up works and minimise works water. While this was not intended, there was no preparation of wharf forecourt. at height, was to prefabricate timber floo-r issue and had the structure floating in a lot less sections on the ground beside the pontoon time than intended! An overview of the project and work undertaken structure simultaneously as the structural steel is detailed: installation progressed to a point at which point Once in the water, the pontoon was slowly they were craned into position completed. towed by two tug boats down the Derwent The construction of the Pontoon consisted of River creating quite a spectacle for those lucky the: Installation of the Everbrite Closed Cell Cladding enough to witness it, including it being towed 1. Construction of the main precast pontoon The external cladding of the pontoon is a under the . structure out at . product called Everbrite. This is a polycarbonate 2. Installation of Structural Steel framing and triple skin roof and wall cladding system, made Once at Brooke Street Pier the pontoon was timber work for the upper floors. up of extruded translucent panels, providing locked into position by the use of Seaflex 3. Installation of the Everbrite closed cell superior thermal and acoustic performance anchors which are basically large rubber bands cladding. characteristics as well as providing a soft run in different directions between sea floor 4. Polishing of the concrete floors on the naturally diffused light thus avoiding the anchors points to the underside of the pontoon main deck level problem of excessive glare which commonly structure. These rubber bands are tensioned in 5. Commencement of fit out works. occurs with other forms of glazing such a way to hold the pontoon in its correct 6. Floating of the structure and towing it from location whilst allowing the pontoon to rise and Incat into its location at Brooke Street Pier. Commencement of Fit Out Works fall with the changing tides 7. Connection of the pontoon to the Fit out works inside the pontoon were well forecourt both service and access. underway by the time the structural steel and Connection of the Pontoon to the Forecourt 8. Completion of fit out works . external cladding works were completed, which both Service and Access challenged those undertaking the works due to Connection of services between the forecourt Construction of the Main Precast Pontoon the pontoon being built on a 5 degree slope. and the pontoon was another challenging Structure Out at Incat aspect of the project and involved the use of Construction of the main pontoon structure was Floating of the Structure and Towing it from large braided stainless steel lines with swivelling completed at Incat’s ship yard in Prince of Wales Incat into its Location at Brooke Street Pier couplings for Sewer, Water, Fire hydrants and Bay. The area for where the pontoon was to be While this component of the project was not fuel. constructed was excavated to create an angled carried out by Fairbrother, it was the culmination dry dock platform on an approximate 5 degree of all the planning and construction that had The last piece of the puzzle was to connect the slope. This slope would once the pontoon was the works to this point. To get the pontoon into floating pontoon structure to the forecourt. constructed, be critical in assisting in getting the the Derwent River, firstly two massive winches This was done with three ramps of various sizes. pontoon into the water and floating. were set up and anchored behind the pontoon These ramps fixed to the pontoon with hinged on dry land. These were connected to the pins and then sitting on the forecourt on large Before the main base slab could be poured, pontoon and were going to hold the pontoon rollers, allowing the ramps to rise, fall and move an approx. 300mm thick sand blinding was in place as well as slowly allowing the pontoon with the tides. laid with intermediate strips of isolite set out to roll into the river once it was sitting up on the the entire length of the structure. The idea numerous inflatable air bags. Then, as previously Completion of Fit Out Works being that once constructed that the isolite be mentioned, air bags were inserted at intervals Once access was created between the pontoon removed allowing the inflatable airbag rollers in the voids left by the removal of the isolite and forecourt the site was turned into a hive to be positioned at intervals along the structure under the structure. Once all were in position, of activity as the race to complete the works and inflated. Once inflated the sand blinding they were partially inflated to lift the entire began. With the number of workers on site in washed out allowing the structure to be rolled structure up off the sand blinding that had up the vicinity of 150 at its peak, with many more into the Derwent River. until now supported it. Once the sand was involved in the various off site fabrication works Construction consisted of precast concrete washed out from underneath, the air bags were that were required. The pontoon was opened panels being erected to form the walls of the fully inflated, dam wall of the dry dock that had for business on the 19th January 2015. structure and then infill base slabs poured to been excavated to below sea level was removed form the base. Lastly the main deck concrete allowing the structure for the first time to be suspended slab was poured. The works were partially submerged in water. Once the time made all the more complicated by the entire came for the pontoon to be fully launched, the Brooke Street Pier Fairbrother & Degree C Working in Partnership ... Continued 12

The works associated with the Forecourt all other stakeholders with no noise complaints planks. involved several components these being: made throughout the entire piling process. 1. Demolition of the existing Brooke Street Services Pier Structure including parts of the To add to the complexity of driving piles in a Electrical, Communication and Hydraulic Franklin Wharf Apron. marine environment from both land and water, Services were all required to be run underneath 2. Piling, Precast Beams, Deck and Wall the area of the works had numerous services the new wharf structure for what would Installation as well as in situ wharf apron including Low and high voltage electrical eventually connect up to the pontoon once in concrete works. cabling as well as fibre optic cabling that over place. This was another set of tasks that required 3. Provision of electrical, communication the years has been run around the waterfront careful planning. Works were required to be and hydraulic services to connect existing which was strewn all across the sea bed. While done underneath the existing and new wharf land based services mains to the floating initial surveying of these services identified structure which in itself was a challenge access pontoon potential clashes with new pile locations, wise, but also because of the tides with only 4. Structural Steel support for the requiring redesign works, it also was not able limited opportunities each day when the tides architecturally designed forecourt timber to clearly identify these services locations in were low to actually undertake these works. decking as well as the three ramps all places as they disappeared underneath the connecting the forecourt to the pontoon. sea bed. To overcome this, required employing Structural Steel 5. White Cypress Timber Decking and divers to firstly, where possible, move the The structural steel support of the timber Cladding throughout the forecourt cabling to avoid pile locations. Where this was decking was one of the more straight forward including to two of the ramps. not possible but the services still visible, divers tasks in this project apart from the ramps that 6. Stainless Steel Handrailing with Ronstan were in the water to guide the locating of the connect the pontoon to the forecourt. These Mesh Balustrading. piles to ensure they did not come into contact ramps all had to be made on site due to their with these. Some piles were driven as close as size not allowing them to be transported Demolition 300mm to live underwater high voltage cabling. to site via road. The biggest being the main Before any of the new forecourt works There were also a couple of piles that were ramp which was 16.5 metres long and tapered could commence the existing structure was identified to be in a high risk area where the HV from 6.5 metres wide at the forecourt end to demolished and the remaining pier was cable could not be seen and the divers had to 3 metres at the pontoon connection. These dismantled. Hazell Bros then either completely use a compressed air wand which blasted the again required the use of the 220T crane for the removed or where possible cut off all piles to a sea floor to excavate the seafloor in the locations installation of these once the pontoon had been predetermined depth below the sea floor as to the piles to confirm the service location. This floated and towed around into place. not interfere the new pontoon when in place. proved to be a good display of the planning and processes that were employed to ensure the White Cypress Decking The works also required part of the Brook Street works were conducted as safely as possible, as White Cypress was identified as being a more Pier and Franklin Wharf apron to be removed the HV cable was located directly underneath suitable timber to that which was originally taking everything back to the existing seawall. the location proposed for two piles. specified (macrocarpa or black cypress). This was to be green rough sawn in a sectional size Lastly as part of the demolition works, it was Once all piles were driven they had a HDPVC of 200 x 50 and features predominantly as the necessary for the sea bed to be groomed cover slid down over the top protecting the pile decking timber used throughout both on the (excavated) to ensure that there would be from exposure to the elements and give them forecourt and on two of the ramps. It was also adequate clearance between the sea bed and an expected lifespan of a minimum of 50 years. used as cladding for the bin enclosure which the underside of the pontoon structure at low proved a challenge for the boys on site with all tide. The installation of precast concrete beams was the different angles. This quite fragrant timber, next in the process with these connected to the when installed, has a rich yellow colour, but Piling, Precast and In situ Concrete Works piles with the pouring of insitu beam splices . is intended over time to grey off to give the Piling was the first of the new construction appearance similar to that of other timber works. Piles were driven from both land and Precast planks and walls were then installed around the waterfront. also from water with the assistance of Tasport’s sitting over the top the precast beams. This task motorised landing barge MV Kulanda. The was made more complex by having to ensure Stainless Steel Handrails and Balustrading method of piling used was to first place the that the crane set up was done at a safe distance One of the most noticeable features of the piles with a vibrating head, vibrate the piles behind the existing sea wall. This meant that for forecourt apart from the white cypress used, is until initial refusal. The piling rig then changed the outer panels and some of the heavier panels the stainless steel handrailing which has 50mm to a hydraulic hammering head to put the final that the 220T crane was required. Once planks diameter stainless piping as the handrail with set on each pile. Given the nature of the site were in place, these were either attached to the the upright supports being stainless flat bar with numerous stakeholders including office, beams by epoxied bolt connections or through with a slot cut in the middle of it. Then Ronstan accommodation, restaurant and other tourist an insitu pour. Mesh, which is a woven stainless steel wire mesh operations in close proximity, noise was always product, was used for the balustrading. This was going to be of concern. Vibrating of the piles Lastly, as part of this process, the wharf apron used either side of the main entry ramp and into place dramatically reduced the noise levels were created from the pouring of a on the access ramp within the forecourt which impact to not only those working on site but to concrete screed in places over the top of the leads up to the main ramp. Brooke Street Pier Fairbrother & Degree C Working in Partnership ... Continued 13

Degree C installed the air conditioning and to produce heating, hot water and chilled favourable. ventilation requirements of the Brooke water, which is then circulated to 1000 litre Street Pier project, which can also be heating and chilled water storage tanks via Control via BAC BMS control system, refers described as being very similar to an airports CHWP-1 and HHWP-1 water pumps. Heating to the control functional description for requirements. The advantage Brooke Street and chilled water is circulated from the operation. Pier has is that it can harness the sea water storage tanks to multiple fan coil units and and use the sea temperature as its primary air handling units via CHWP-2 and HHWP-2 Level 00, +01 and +02 Eastern and Western source for heating and cooling. water pumps and copper piping. Tenancy The east and west facing façade has been This Project for Degree C started back in June Heat rejection and absorption is conducted provided with multiple manually opening 2014 and was brought on line in January, via sea water pumps SWP-1 and 2 and ABS windows which will facilitate the use of February and March 2015 as the building was piping, circulating sea water from under the natural ventilation to maintain acceptable completed by Fairbrother. pontoon via filters to titanium plate heat comfort when conditions are favourable. exchangers and discharging back under Tenancies are capped with heating and The floating 80m x 30m building is located pontoon. chilled water pipe work for future fit out. at the Hobart docks and is used as an arrival and departure point for Hobart’s ferry Condenser water is circulated via the heat Level +02 Commercial Office transport. The building also accommodates pumps own separate condenser pumps The commercial office is served from the ticketing booths, exhibits for local businesses, CWP-1 to 4 to the header piping to titanium chilled and heating water air handing restaurants and retail outlets. The building plate heat exchanger. Control Via BAC BMS units via sheet metal ducting and double serves Hobart’s ferry service in much the control system, refer to controls functional deflection grilles, which provide air same way as Hobart’s Airport looks after description for operation. conditioning to the space. Hobart’s aviation industry. Level 01 Preparation Kitchen There is no provision for natural ventilation to The project was a collaboration between our The preparation kitchen has space available this tenancy as the fan coil units serving this Southern Mechanical Services and Electrical for future installation kitchen exhaust space can operate in economy cycle. Division. The BAC controls and ducting was systems. supplied by our North West Divison and the Key Personnel Involved in the Project: System Design was shared, with Cundell Make up air is provided via air gaps/louvers’ in Mechanical Services - Consulting Engineers completing the base eastern stair same level. • PM / Estimator: Kent Nugent, build design and Engineering Solutions • PM / Estimator: Des Gallagher Tasmania completing the sea water central Level 00 Ferry Waiting and Level +01 • Key Site Personnel: Michael Edwards plant system. Ticketing The ferry waiting area is served from the Electrical - An overview of the project and work chilled and heating water air handing • PM / Estimator: Tim Jordan undertaken is detailed: units via sheet metal ducting and double • Key Site Personnel: Nick Mole deflection grilles, which provide air The Air Conditioning System - conditioning to the space. These spaces Central Plant No.4 heat pumps are located are also provided with multiple manually within the mechanical plant room on Level operable natural ventilation openings which 01 of the structure, this system is utilised can be utilized when external conditions are Fairbrother Group Overall Winners Employee & Apprentice of the Year Overall Winners 14

Overall Apprentice of the Year Winner - Jordan Flannery

The winner of the Fairbrother Group Apprentice of the Year is Jordan Flannery from Fairbrother Joinery. We were impressed with the maturity and skills development of Jordan who has now completed his apprenticeship. The experience of competing in the State World Skills Cabinet Making competition which he won and the pressure of then going on to compete in the National World Skills competition in Perth, WA has no doubt contributed to Jordan’s development and confidence.

Jordan has been given responsibility to lead and undertake various joinery projects including the on site joinery installation.

Jordan has a desire to continue to learn and undertake additional training that will hopefully lead to career progression in Project Management.

Congratulations Jordan on winning the Apprentice of the Year Award and for your success to date, as you continue to progress in your career

Overall Employee of the Year Winner - Nathan Murfet

Nathan is a very worthy winner of the Fairbrother Group Employee of the Year Award and is due recognition of his commitment, development and achievements since commencing with us as a Trainee Estimator / Project Manager 6 years ago. In this time Nathan has completed a Diploma of Building and Construction and has recently commenced a Diploma of Business Management.

His knowledge, experience and confidence has advanced him to be a key member of the Northern Construction team where he has been estimating and project managing multiple major projects at a time. In addition to the success of the projects Nathan has won and delivered, he has built some very important relationships with clients and key consultants.

Nathan has been a shining light in the Northern Division at a time when the industry has been struggling in the region from lack of construction activity. Nathan has been willing to take on additional responsibility and to successfully secure key projects that have been so important to the Division.

Congratulations Nathan on winning the Employee of the Year Award and for your excellent achievements Bulletin Board Information and announcements, to share

ANNOUNCEMENTS YEARS OF SERVICE MILESTONES Congratulations and best wishes to the Congratulations also to the following couples Congratulations to the following employees following couples who recently celebrated who recently married : who recently celebrated Years of Service the arrival of bouncing bundles of joy: milestones:

• Jack Graham was born to Degree C’s Beau • Ricky Ellis from Construction in Bendigo 10 Years Graham and his partner on 6th November married partner Damika Fahy on the 8th • Ricky Ellis (Construction - Bendigo) 2014. October 2014. • Mark Baker (Construction - Southern) • Natalie Bell (Construction - North West) • Andrew Lovell (Construction - Southern) • North West Construction’s John Cornell • Bendigo’s Blair Holmes recently married his partner Kelsea on the 13th December 2014. • Robert Nielsen (Joinery - North West) and his wife Nicole welcomed the arrival • Jeremy King (Fabrication - North West) of baby boy Patrick Guy Cornell on the 28th • Degree C’s Tim Jordan married partner Jo January 2015. 15 Years on the 28th February 2015. • Philip Berwick (Construction - Northern) • Mark Hallsworth of Southern Construction • Darren Thompson (Construction - Southern) and his wife Sandra welcomed the arrival of • Peter Elliott (Corporate - North West) Leo Hallsworth into the world at 3.00am on • Barry Jane (Construction - Bendigo) 18th February 2015. • Tim Hurford (Construction - Bendigo)

• Facility Management’s Katherine Ryan and 20 Years her partner David welcomed the arrival of • Kurt Arnold (Joinery - North West) • Noel Giri (Construction - Bendigo) baby boy Owen Christopher Webster on • Des Gallagher (Mechanical Services - Southern) 21st February 2015. 30 Years • John Jago (Construction - North West)

THAT’S A WRAP UP receiving a Christmas gift from Annual Christmas functions the great man. were held at the end of last year to celebrate 2014 and to Lollies, face painting, jumping thank employees and their castles and waterslides also families for the efforts and featured prominately at their contributions throughout the respective events, and the year. annual game of cricket and football always drew a crowd. Christmas functions in each division encouraged the Thank you to all employees attendance of employees and and families for supporting the their immediate families, with Annual Christmas functions all events reported as having and special thanks to those another successful celebration. employees who organised and catered for the events. The arrival of Santa at each function was a big hit for the youngsters, with each child

What’s Building, Issue 82, April 2015 Newsletter of the Fairbrother Group of Companies

Head Office 12 Stony Rise Road Devonport Tasmania 7310 Ph. (03) 6420 7000 E. [email protected] W. www.fairbrother.com.au

Editor Corporate Services Ph. (03) 6420 7000 Visit our website or follow the links on Facebook to E. [email protected] download a copy of this newsletter in the Adobe PDF format.

Printer Impress Print, Devonport. This newsletter is printed on Forest Stewardship Council certified recycled paper.