PLUMBING GROUP
NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2020
NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2020 From The Directors................................................................................ 1 WHSEQ Managers Report ............................................................... 4 Victoria........................................................................................................ 5 University of Melbourne - Student Precinct ........ 6 Docklands Primary School ........................................... 6 Deakin University .............................................................. 7 Civic Precinct ...................................................................... 7 Geelong Arts Centre .........................................................7 State Netball Hockey Centre ....................................... 8 New South Wales ................................................................................. 9 Dubbo Hospital .................................................................. 9 Wagga Base Hospital ...................................................... 9 Estella Primary School .................................................... 9 Tallangatta DECWP Project ....................................... 10 Queensland. ............................................................................................ 11 433 Queen Street ........................................................... 11 Cairns Convention .......................................................... 11 Western Australia ................................................................................ 12 Wellington Street Sudent Accomdation .............. 13 Newman Hospital 13 New Zealand .......................................................................................... 13 The Plumbing And Gas Guys ......................................................... 15 Project Plumbing & Maintenance ................................................ 16 Gemlife Woodend ........................................................... 16 Parliament House of Victoria ..................................... 16 Victoria Police Building Melbourne ......................... 16 CSIRO Parkville ................................................................. 16 NUDJ Plumbing Services ................................................................. 17 Cooke & Dowsett Rosetta Plumbing.......................................... 18 Southern Remand Centre Early Works In Ground Drainage Pre-Fab ............................................................. 18 Central Plumbing & Hardware ..................................................... 20 Socials ....................................................................................................... 21
PLUMBING GROUP
Directors – Scott & Chadd
FROM THE DIRECTORS Most people will look back at 2020 remembering it as a year they would rather forget. However, to do that would mean ignoring how we rose to the challenges together. Yes, it’s been a hard year, and because of that there’s a lot to be proud of. When the first COVID-19 wave hit, Cooke & Dowsett moved quickly to ‘batten down the hatches’. Working with our internal and external partners we readied the business for a tough year. Setting strong foundations was paramount to see the business through the year with strong results. Our people have always been the heartbeat of the business. A year like this certainly brings home our responsibilities as owners of the business to you and your families to ensure the community we create at Cooke & Dowsett is supportive and secure. We’ve not only focused on the health of the business; we’ve focused on the mental health and well-being of everyone who forms part of our team. There have been no small players this year and our ability to enjoy the success from a year when many couldn’t was a combined effort. We got through this together and we couldn’t be prouder of every single one of you. Wait and see what we’ll achieve next year now that we’ve weathered this storm together! Welcome to Matthew Quick who was appointed General Manager, Cooke & Dowsett P/L in October. This new role encompasses State Manager responsibilities for Victoria and also consolidates the operations of our Western Australia and Queensland operations. With over 30 years’ experience in the plumbing and construction industry, Matthew has worked with leading national construction companies on many high-profile infrastructure projects including the MCG Northern Stand Redevelopment, Crown Casino and the Monash Children’s Hospital. Matthew will lead the Victorian, West Australian and Queensland business with support from Directors Scott Dowsett and Chadd Cooke. This appointment follows a period of sustained growth across Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Group and sets the platform for continued growth. Welcome to the team Matthew!
Social Procurement We are pleased to advise that Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Group are leading the way nationally in social procurement and innovation. Our social procurement framework ensures that maximum benefits are achieved by purchasing goods and services that generate social value above and beyond the value of the items procured. While we engage many social benefit suppliers, we have recently entered into a joint venture partnership with 100% indigenous owned company Pathway Plumbing Services to deliver the Docklands Studios Stage 6 Project for client Kane Construction. Pathway Plumbing Services’ vision is to provide a work platform that promotes employment opportunities for Aboriginal people who would like to consider a career in the plumbing industry while providing a culturally appropriate environment to learn and build individual capacity. We look forward to working with both Ricky and Kaelun, both now and on future projects.
Scott & Chadd Directors 1
Matthew Quick
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Innovation Always striving to implement new innovations and cutting-edge technology – Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Group are at the forefront of our industry - constantly improving efficiency and minimising operating costs by developing design solutions which utilize 3D Modelling and AutoDesk Software including AutoCad and Revit MEP. Our prefabrication systems bring together collaborative input from all project stakeholders ensuring the best in hydraulic solutions. Check out our use of prefabrication on the Southern Remand Centre Early Works Project in Tasmania in the Cooke & DowsettRosetta Partnership section of this newsletter. Supporting Mental Health Awareness If you haven’t already, I urge you to check out the new podcast series developed by PukaUp founder Wayne Schwass. The podcast series has been designed and created to help open up more conversations about wellbeing and good mental health by educating listeners about the conversational tools they can develop to start having these important discussions as well as develop tools to put into their individual toolbox that allows them look after their mental health. The podcast is a great resource for all Cooke & Dowsett staff looking to start their wellbeing journey and begin investing into their mental health. Available on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.
Apprentice Exchange Program Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 travel restrictions our long-term apprentice exchange program has been put on hold in 2020 however I have kept in close contact with our partner abroad Anders Thim from Finn L. & Davidsen A/S VVSPlus in Denmark who is hoping to visit us in the new year. This partnership provides the opportunity for nominated apprentices to experience the plumbing trade abroad. If you are interested in hearing more about this program please contact Kevin McKeown who can explain the program and put you in touch with apprentices who have participated in the past.
COOKE & DOWSETT PLUMBING GROUP CHRISTMAS OFFICE CLOSURES Cooke & Dowsett Victoria Closed from COB 23/12/20 until 11/01/21 Cooke & Dowsett Western Australia Closed from COB 23/12/20 until 04/01/21 Cooke & Dowsett Queensland Closed from COB 23/12/20 until 04/01/21 Cooke & Dowsett Albury Closed from COB 22/12/20 until 11/01/21 Cooke & Dowsett Rosetta Plumbing Closed from COB 23/12/20 until 4/01/21 Project Plumbing & Maintenance Closed from COB 23/12/20 until 18/01/21 Nudj Plumbing Services Closed from COB 18/12/20 until 06/01/21 Central Plumbing & Hardware Closed from COB 23/12/20 until 11/01/21 The Plumbing And Gas Guys Closed only on Public Holidays
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Head Office Renovation Update
2020 Excellence in Sustainability Award
Our head office renovations in Keilor Park Victoria are progressing well and are expected to be completed in time for office reopening on 11th January 2021.
Congratulations to The Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) and Norman Disney & Young (NDY) who were recently awarded the 2020 Excellence in Sustainability award at the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) Awards. The Excellence in Sustainability Award recognises Australian initiatives that have made clear improvements in the sustainability of HVAC&R systems or the HVAC&R Industry. From the outset, PICAC envisioned a building that embodies innovation and sustainability and would showcase the latest technological developments in the industry. NDY oversaw an ambitious engineering strategy that has enabled PICAC Narre Warren to become the first Net Zero Energy education and research facility in Victoria, Australia. A well-deserved award for a fantastic industry project which we were proud to take part in. PICAC Narre Warren
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Exciting Opportunities in the Geelong Region Cooke & Dowsett are gearing up for a busy 2021 and will be opening new office space in Geelong to service numerous large-scale projects in the Greater Geelong Region. Our portfolio includes St. John of God Hospital, Deakin University Student Accommodation, GMHBA Office Development, Geelong Clinic Stage 2 MHF, Geelong Civic Accommodation and Geelong Arts Centre Early Works. We are no strangers to the region, having partnered many builders in the successful delivery of projects over the past 20 years including RACV Torquay, Wyndham Resort Torquay, NDIS Geelong, Geelong Performing Arts Centre Stage 2, Barwon Health, GMHBA Stadium and a number of Deakin University Upgrades. Supporting the regions @GrowG21 Regional Opportunities for Work plan, we are exciting to welcome Geelong based fully qualified plumber Kelsey Houghton to the Cooke & Dowsett team! Kelsey completed her training with the Master Plumbers in 2019 and has received numerous industry awards including the 2017 Rose Curtis Female Plumber Award presented at the Fire and Plumbing Industry Awards. Kelsey has worked on both domestic and commercial plumbing projects and is looking forward to expanding her experience and skillset with Cooke & Dowsett. We wish Kelsey all the best in her new role.
WHSEQ MANAGERS REPORT Congratulations to West Australian Jack Quale for completing his plumbing apprenticeship in August 2020. Jack has been an integral part of the WA team and we are pleased that he will be continuing on with Cooke & Dowsett as a fully qualified plumber – all the best Jack! Cooke & Dowsett’ s strong health and safety culture “safety comes first” has been further enhanced by the formation of the Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Group Safety Committee. The committee was formed in October 2020 to provide an important forum for consultation and sharing information on matters which are likely to affect the health, safety and welfare of all Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Group’s employees. I am always available should you have any questions or wish to discuss anything health, safety or welfare related! My contact mobile is 0418 333 362. Stay safe and look after each other!
Kevin McKeown WHSEQ Manager
Geelong Based Plumber – Kelsey Houghton 4
VICTORIA
Docklands Primary School
With the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, most of our projects are operating back to normal staff levels. We have been working closely with our builders during the past 3 months, ensuring that program dates are being achieved and restricted labour requirements met. This has resulted in plumbers being moved from one project to another to comply with the state regulations. We acknowledge and appreciate the support and positive outlook all employees have displayed during these challenging times. The business is currently targeting opportunities that are supported through the Government’s stimulus spending initiative in Victoria, focusing on social housing, health and infrastructure projects. Such projects include the Melbourne Metro Stations, CSL Fit out CBD, Social Housing PPP, Wonthaggi Hospital, Sunshine Private Hospital, Warringal Private Hospital, Frankston Hospital, Bendigo Law Courts, and Geelong Art’s Centre. We were successful in securing the following projects: Geelong Civic Accommodation Building (Watpac), Docklands Studio (Kane), Geelong Art’s Centre – Early Works (Lend Lease).
The team are looking forward to a positive and productive year in 2021, as the business will be very much focused on growth and the successful delivery of our projects. We will be building on our prefabrication capabilities, looking to diversify the types of projects we deliver and promoting our social procurement initiatives. I would like to thank all site employees and office staff for remaining positive throughout the year which has certainly delivered a huge amount of challenges and uncertainty. Managing home schooling, working either reduced hours or working from home and to top it off working through a huge Vic office renovation – well done to you all. Welcome aboard to Vic based employees Liz Koszisc – Project Administrator, Hitesh Sojitra – Hydraulic Draftsperson, Diana McEvoy – Accounts Assistant and Kelsey Houghton our first fully qualified female plumber in Geelong - we look forward to getting to know you all. Please enjoy the Christmas break with your family and friends, putting behind a difficult 2020 for all of us. Keep safe.
We have also leased an office space in Geelong within close proximity to our projects, which will provide a stable base for the project management team to reside in.
Matthew Quick General Manager Cooke & Dowsett P/L
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Geelong Arts Centre
University of Melbourne – New Student Precinct
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE PRECINCT
DOCKLANDS PRIMARY SCHOOL
The University of Melbourne New Student Precinct project is well underway with Building 1888 in the last stages of fit-off on the ground floor. This building was built in 1888 and has been a challenge with many heritage restrictions, but Steve Spooner and Corey Small both apparently on the heritage list have adapted to the restrictions in fine style.
Final handover has now been completed on the Docklands Primary School with students due to commence next year. It has been a successful project in partnership with Monaco Hickey and a great effort by our Cooke & Dowsett Site Manager Todd Hopkin and the team to work through complexities of COVID-19 and deliver another quality project on time.
Eastern Resource Centre is an existing 3 level library that will be completely re-furbished and extensive demolition and re-design works are still in progress. We have completed sections of below ground works including a large toilet block area and will soon be on higher levels for rough-in. The two new to be constructed buildings are out of the ground and we are currently installing penetrations as the building’s progress up. Next year will be busy on site with construction and demolition works for the 5 buildings completed and ready for service trades to get into. To all, enjoy your Xmas and see you next year. David Benton Project Manager
Docklands Primary School
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Deakin University Waurn Ponds Student Accommodation Expansion
DEAKIN UNIVERSITY WAURN PONDS STUDENT ACCOMMODATION EXPANSION With Melbourne Metro region taking some big hits in 2020, Geelong has remained steadfast. We are nearing completion on St John of God Hospital CSSD expansion, as well as Deakin Waurn Ponds Student Accommodation expansion. The site team at Deakin University Waurn Ponds, led by Jake Young are very close on the successful delivery of the 32-townhouse development, each consisting of 10 beds. The project also consists of an administration building, a common room for eating, socialising and studying, a new town hall for gatherings and events, seating up to 300 people, and a village green. Whilst regional COVID-19 restrictions have been far less stringent than Melbourne Metro, our Geelong crew have had to deal with the same uncertainties as Melbourne. Our Site Managers and Plumbers have handled this exceptionally, and have adapted to COVID-19 safe plans and contract tracing apps with ease. We have worked closely with our builders, including Icon Co at Deakin to ensure COVID-19 safe temporary amenities are provided, ensuring all trades are kept safe.
CIVIC PRECINCT DEVELOPMENT - CITY OF GREATER GEELONG This project is a great win for the Cooke & Dowsett. We have proudly been engaged by Watpac to deliver a Design and Construct hydraulic & civil package for the new $82 M development. The precinct will feature co-working areas, end-of-trip facilities, café and retail. Designed by COX Architecture, the buildings structure is almost entirely cross laminated timber. The new precinct features the highest sustainability credentials, with a target 6-Star Green Star design and target 5 Star NABERS Energy rating for peak efficient energy, waste and water usage. We look forward to delivering another successful project with Watpac, with groundworks commencing early December.
GEELONG ARTS CENTRE Lend Lease in their ‘Geelong First’ project have engaged Cooke & Dowsett to deliver an early works package for the final and largest stage of the project. We are working closely with the Lend Lease team with the main works tender package. Dane Peterson Project Manager
Geelong Civic Precinct - Artists Impression
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State Netball Hockey Centre
Site Sign in at the State Netball Hockey Centre
STATE NETBALL HOCKEY CENTRE Thanks to Project Manager Peter Mavropoulos who organised and led the recent tour of the State Netball Hockey Centre Project in Parkville (Kane Constructions). Staff from our Operations Department enjoyed Peters update and description of the various areas of the project including the fire tanks and pumps, the innovative prefabricated in wall fixture layout and the recycled water service. The state significant project looks impressive and is on schedule to be completed early next year.
Project Manager Peter Mavropoulous (left) and our Project Administrators (right) viewing the showcourts.
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NEW SOUTH WALES
Dubbo Hospital It’s been a strange year for many no doubt what with working from home, kids remote learning and Donald Trump! COVID-19 has not impacted us too badly up here on the border, a few minor hiccups in the early stages with cross border restrictions creating some confusion but by the time you are reading this all borders will be fully open again. The past few months have seen Cooke & Dowsett Albury (CDA) continuing with current projects with a number of them coming to completion by years end. John has been flat out tendering but the market is extremely competitive and projects are taking some time to be awarded. We have recently been awarded the new Aquatic, Arts & Leisure Centre at Batemans Bay on the South Coast of NSW with ADCO Constructions and the Hay Hospital upgrade in South Western NSW with Barpa, both have dropped at a good time and we are confident on a number of others projects in our region, so fingers crossed. Thanks to all the CDA crew for another year of great work and commitment, big thanks to all Cooke & Dowsett staff in Melbourne for the assistance and support throughout the year and putting up with my grumpiness!! On behalf of all the CDA crew we wish you and your families a safe and Merry Christmas and let’s hope 2021 is a better year for us all.
DUBBO HOSPITAL Our regional team are working through a difficult hand over phase on this one, but with level heads are tracking well. Later this month the final stage being 4C will commence with sub drains, HL mains and rough-in then the final fit off. Nathan and Rhett are doing fantastic job and thanks to Craig Proctor for stepping in to support Nathan while I have been unwell. Ian Avage Director
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WAGGA BASE HOSPITAL Currently the boys (Tim, Paddy, Jack, Josh and Charlie) are working through a fit-off frenzy to maintain the ever-changing program, we are holding our own but with many a curve ball thrown our way and are in a great position to wrap it up by Xmas. We have maintained a very good relationship throughout this project with CPB and hope to continue this through to the completion of the project.
ESTELLA PRIMARY SCHOOL Hat’s off to the Cooke & Dowsett team and subbies for riding the fast wave on this project (6-month build), we are currently in front of the completion program which sits us in a great position for PC early December. Credit to the whole team involved from the day the first fitting went in the ground we haven’t looked back which has been acknowledged by the Hansen & Yuncken team throughout. Mark recently got married in late November to partner Jacqui, Congratulations!!!! Craig Proctor Project Manager
Wagga Base Hospital Stage 3
Site Manager Mark Adams and Ian Avage onsite at Estella Primary School
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Hamilton Apartments Albury
HAMILTON APARTMENTS
TALLANGATTA DELWP PROJECT
Hamilton Apartments in Albury is nearing final stages with the boutique apartment complex finally having the scaffold removed and is on track for handover before Christmas. This project has been well run by local site manager Jye Shields and is a mixture of apartments and retail spaces. Jye and his team have managed a tight program throughout the build but can see the light at the end of the tunnel with some very positive feedback from the building group and we end the project on very good terms for future works.
Tallangatta DELWP project is also on track for handover before Christmas with Brendan Brain steering the ship this project has delivered the fire and forestry department in the Tallangatta region a brand-new facility to base and help combat future bushfires in the area. The facility consists of a new office and administration building, radio towers, storage sheds and will be the hub for future firefighting and forest management efforts in the Tallangatta region for years to come. Paul Harrington Project Manager
Craig Proctor attended the startup meeting for the Batemans Bay New Aquatic, Arts & Leisure Centre.
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QUEENSLAND
New Performing Arts Venue Brisbane (Concept image Development Brisbane)
Greetings to the Cooke & Dowsett family from sunny Qld and gee whiz hasn’t the wheel spun in a positive direction since the last newsletter! The mighty Tigers have gone back to back, the Storm win another flag while being based in the Sunshine state and at the time of writing this newsletter, it is great to see COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown measures easing in Victoria. Heading into summer, we are super excited to announce that Cooke & Dowsett have secured the major works hydraulic package for the New Performing Arts Venue (NPAV) at the existing Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) located in the Southbank precinct for Lend Lease. We are really proud to say that we have been able to secure the design and construct hydraulic package on the back of months of excellent work for the builder during the early works/scope gap package. Congratulations to Travis and Marcus for all their great work so far on this job which is another flagship project for Cooke & Dowsett. Out at the racetrack at Eagle Farm, work continues to fly along on the 9-storey luxury apartment complex for Mirvac, known as Tulloch House. Program dates continue to exceed expectations, with the job already into pouring L3 this month. Zayne and his team have completed 80% of all basement work and will this week finish the major sewer service cut in from Tower 1 next door and continue to smash out decks at record pace!
Tulloch House Luxury Apartments
443 QUEEN STREET On the river in the heart of the city, 443 Queen Street is up to L32 with another 15 to go. It’s been well documented in previous newsletters that this job has certainly had its challenges for everyone involved, but we can now see some light at the end of the tunnel with Southern and Northern jump forms hitting cycle dates and windows going back in apartments L8 - L18 allowing us to get back into apartment rough ins. A big thanks to Chris, Andy and all the boys who continue to jump every hurdle that comes their way in particular when they have been involved in the job for over 3 years and there is still a long way to go.
CAIRNS CONVENTION CENTRE Finally, up in Nth Qld, Luke and his team continue to make giant strides forward on the construction of the Cairns Convention Centre for Lend Lease. This is the biggest job in Cairns in over a decade and once again we are super proud to have this one in our job portfolio. Onsite training and up skilling play a very important role on this site for all trades concerned and our boys have been obtaining tickets in Backflow, TMV, Boom lift and PE Poly Welding just to name a few. The refurbishment is moving reasonably well and we are thrilled that Luke has developed a close partnership with Lend Lease, performing many out of scope tasks, due to the Cooke & Dowsett cultural attitude of going above and beyond for our clients. Keep the good work up boys! Wishing everyone and their families a Merry Xmas and here’s to a magical 2021 that is nothing like the disaster that 2020 has been. Justin Pitts QLD State Manager
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The team on site at the Cairns Convention Centre
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WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Wellington Street Student Accommodation With the pre-Christmas rush on in earnest over here in WA, Cooke & Dowsett are finding themselves very busy both with the current work load, with several projects needing to be completed prior to Christmas, and the mad rush for the estimating of some new and exciting projects that will start in the new year. Probuild have been awarded the 2020 Master Builders Association award for excellence in construction for the project at Lot 9 and 10 Elizabeth Quay. The project was a combination of high-end apartments and a 200 bed Ritz Carlton 6-star hotel complex. Cooke & Dowsett are proud to have been involved in this award-winning project
from start to finish with the supply and installation of the hydraulic package. The Cooke & Dowsett construction team of Project Director Chadd Cooke, Project Managers, Shannon Jones and Jeff Hegarty and Site Managers, Jarrad Sara, Brendan Tyrell and Paul Callaghan can take a step back and be very proud of a great project that was almost 2.5 years in the making. This was the largest project undertaken by the WA team and to see this successful result is a testament to all involved from the very early estimating through to the final commissioning of the project. Well done to all.
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WELLINGTON STREET STUDENT ACCOMMODATION In June this year Cooke & Dowsett were awarded a project with Icon for the Wellington Street Student Accommodation. The construction program was confident that they would be able to have the project topped out at Level 40 by Christmas. Needless to say, we were a little unsure that such a tight program could be met. With the Deck for level 30 being poured recently it looks like they will achieve this very ambitious goal. With structure being complete it will then be up to the service trades and the finishing trades to get the project across the line and have completed in line with program in May 2021. The Construction Team of Project Manager, Shannon Jones and Site Manager, Mark Michelutti are up to the challenge and look forward to the busy next 6 months of this project.
NEWMAN HOSPITAL This project forms part of the McGowan Governments plan for the Pilbara Region and includes the redevelopment of the existing hospital which will benefit from the latest in innovative healthcare technology with an investment of $53.7 Million from the Western Australia Government and BHP. Below features the new pad being cut to level. The new hospital will be constructed around the existing one which includes a GP and dental clinic. The job will have staged handovers to enable the existing buildings to be demolished once the hospital is nearly complete. This project’s schedule of works has been developed to minimise the disruption to the Newman community. Site Manager David Stimpson has advised that after a little bit of a slow start things are expected to ramp up very quickly! I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all a safe and happy Christmas and a great new year. Jeff Hegarty WA State Manager
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NEW ZEALAND
Check out the view from the Pacific Apartments in Auckland – amazing!
Pacifica Luxury Apartments are racing towards PC for end of the year. Hot water is flowing freely and the boys are pushing through the barriers to get the fit out completed on time, with the majority of L9 to L49 complete and undergoing final ticks and checks. Ready to tackle L50- 52 with the 9 Exclusive penthouse apartments to fit out. The $37mill top 2 floors super penthouse is ready waiting for someone to snap up and take it from an impressive shell with 360-degree harbour views to a home with top end fixtures and fittings ready for some serious living.
It’s been a challenging year across the board, here in NZ we have delt with the pandemic on and off and at the time it seemed like the worst it could be, but on reflection and in hindsight with what others have had to endure we have been quite lucky. We can only hope for a better end to the year for everyone here and back in Australia better times are on the horizon. Check out “Icon Construction - The Pacifica - July 2020 Update” from Timescapes on Vimeo.
The Bunnings and 7 additional tenancies have been completed and handed over to H.Troon with the New Bunnings store in full operation since July even through NZ’s August Covid-19 lock down. We are currently tendering for many projects, with some exciting opportunities on the cards here in NZ. We are confident our portfolio in NZ will continue to increase ensuring Cooke & Dowsett’s foothold across the ditch. On a personal note, our 1st NZ employed Plumber Tom Hoult is expecting his first child with his wife Sophie, due early December. Congratulations and good luck with the sleepless night Tom!
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THE PLUMBING AND GAS GUYS
TPAGG – JOE GILBERT OPERATIONS MANAGER The Plumbing And Gas Guys are proud to announce that Joe Gilbert has taken the big step from being an onsite maintenance plumber to now working in the office as our new Operations Manager. Joe has been with the company for the last 5 years and in that time has gained a sound knowledge of all of the systems and operations that are in place. It is a showing of how strong a company is when we can develop and promote from within the company and offer great career opportunities for our employees. We wish Joe all the best with this new role and I’m looking forward to working with him in this new capacity.
Welcome to the role of Operations Manager Joe Gilbert.
New addition to the Plumbing And Gas Guys Fleet!
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PPM
Carl Misson (L) Cooke & Dowsett Head Office Renovations and Jordan Purcell (R) installing in ceiling sewer at CSIRO.
Finally, the restrictions are easing and the construction jobs which were placed on hold are back up and running. The local maintenance works is slowly increasing as well. Hayley Brennan started with us in October as an Office Administrator, she will replace Courtney Barnes who will go onto maternity leave at the end of the year. Hayley comes with industry knowledge and will support the current construction projects as well as scheduling local and interstate works – welcome aboard Hayley. Prefabrication works for Cooke & Dowsett has increased in volume and variety. PPM is now prefabricating hot water plants, main water meter assemblies, sub-water meter assemblies, TMV assemblies and complete stacks including acoustic lagging. The Caroma maintenance works was on hold during the stage 4 restrictions. At the Cooke & Dowsett office extension PPM is carrying out the Amenities and Fire Services upgrade. Thanks to Scott Dowsett for giving us the opportunity to be part of this.
GEMLIFE IN WOODEND Our residential project for GemLife in Woodend is still slow moving as the sales were low because of the travel restrictions out of Melbourne. Stephen Dale is managing this project with one apprentice from the master plumbers. Last week PPM was listed as the preferred plumber for the after DLP service of the Villas and the Club House.
PARLIAMENT HOUSE OF VICTORIA
Steven Dale GemLife Woodend fit off
VICTORIA POLICE BUILDING IN MELBOURNE End of October we completed the fit-out works at the Victoria Police Building in Melbourne. The great team on site, led by Sam Failla got the highest score during a safety audit by Arete, well done guys. Now the Victoria Police has taken over the floors. PPM started an infill project with Arete in September. The ANSTO Synchrotron which is a small extension to the existing building. Carl Misson is the site manager and we expect this project to be completed by end of the year.
CSIRO PARKVILLE As mentioned in the previous newsletter, back in June we completed with Arete the first stage of the hydraulic services works at the CSIRO in Parkville. Now we are back on site with Arete to continue with stage 2, which has a completion date in June next year. Sam Failla has taken on this challenge and is the new Site Manager for this project. Sam was working on the first stage and has deep knowledge of the project. He works closely with James Climas our Project Manager. Their biggest challenge currently is to get the tapware for the labs from overseas on time and budget. A couple of months ago Jordan Purcell started with us as a plumber and is acting as a 2ic for Sam on the CSIRO project. PPM is close to finalising new contracts for additional Facility Maintenance here in Melbourne. We will provide an update on the progress in the next newsletter.
The civil works in the basement of the Parliament House of Victoria is bought forward and will continue early December 2020. Carl Misson has taken over this project from Sam Failla as the new site manager. Carl is currently preparing to install the stormwater services in the basement without normal access and or exit making it a logistical challenge to get equipment and materials in and out.
Peter Herzog General Manager Steve Cameron testing on site at Soldiers Hill
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NUDJ PLUMBING SERVICES
Removing redundant services at the Curtin RAAF Army Base in Derby
As the heat of summer and the flies really starts to kick in with the current NUDJ Plumbing Services projects so does the work load. The run into Christmas will see the completion of the Derby RAAF projects. We are very proud of these projects as these have been completed in a joint venture between NUDJ Plumbing Services and Kullarri Building Services working for the principle contractor of NACPP. All of these companies are indigenous owned and it is a privilege to be able to deliver defense projects with a such strong indigenous content. The Newman Hospital upgrade and the Carnarvon Aged Care project will both see significant milestones just prior to the holiday season with most of the inground plumbing being completed and concrete floors being installed prior to the break. A fantastic joint team effort for Nudj Plumbing & Cooke & Dowsett – I’m sure all employees involved with these projects will be looking forward to getting back to the cooler weather of Perth for the Christmas break. Eathan Corpus Manager
Fire Service Installation
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Completing prelay drainage to the first half of Carnarvon Hospital
Nudj have recently secured a small project with a new contractor – Yulu. Yulu is a joint venture between Icon and Njamal Resource Enterprises. The project is the early stage for the proposed Iron Bridge Mine approx. 155km South of Port Headland and is being managed and run by Fortescue Metals Group. The project involves the supply of plant and equipment and includes installation and commissioning. We look forward to working with Yulu on this project.
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COOKE & DOWSETT ROSETTA PLUMBING
Prefrabrication Innovation
Wow, what a year 2020 has been….. yet again I find myself saying ‘where did that year go?’… at the time of writing just a few weeks before Christmas, 2020 seems to have passed in the blink of an eye, maybe even more so that is has been one of the most challenging on record and one that has been a game changer for our lives henceforth and consequently one that we might wish to forget. Although Tassie as a whole faired comparatively well through the COVID-19 mess that was 2020, heightened safety measures, policy changes, work reduction and strategic planning at numerous levels kept team CDR incredibly busy as it did no doubt with others throughout the group. I both need to thank and congratulate all our colleagues for a stellar job throughout this year ensuring we made it through 2020. A particular mention to Andy May who has been unable to travel to see family for many months… solid effort from everyone. After an initial cessation of new projects across the estimating desk which certainly raised the blood pressure, eventually a single drip turned to a small trickle and then continued as consumer and developer confidence gradually started returning and prospective projects started to circulate once again. Then came the challenge of winning jobs which were significantly more competitive as competitors also sought security. Group Estimator Richard “Floody” Flood chipped away and worked hard to secure a number of great wins….. a sporting complex, a school redevelopment, a new medical clinic and then the most exciting win of Hobarts new Remand Centre project. All giving work security into 2021.
SOUTHERN REMAND CENTRE EARLY WORKS IN GROUND DRAINAGE PRE-FAB Undoubtedly one of the success stories for me personally this year in the name of ‘company development’ was the pre fabrication project of in-ground cell drainage for our SRC early works project. In October 2018 I was introduced to CDPG’s innovation centre at HQ - fast forward almost 2 years and we are implementing these innovations on the design of this prison cell drainage layouts, We did not realise at the time just how beneficial and important these innovations were going to be. The prision is the perfect project to adopt these innovations. We found it critical to have 1 x person championing the offsite works. This person was in control of what was produced and sent out to site. They need to ‘own’ the product to ensure it was suitable, standardised, quality tested and installed in the location intended.
CDR has a number of smaller projects finishing before the break and our flagship Parliament Square Precinct is trying to be closed out by February.
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As each drain was built it was tested, labelled, and recorded to ensure QA and to track our project. In our case we chose to install the basin waste into the 4-way and FW and we supported this in transportation. It was onsite however where the pre-fab model realised its greatest benefit for our project. The structural engineering and footing detail of the build was significant. The pre-fab experience was very beneficial and needs to continue to be driven and developed as a key tool in our repertoire as we strive for continuous improvement. CDR became the first plumbing company to utilise prefab and the point was not lost on the wider project team including builders Hansen Yuncken. The principal drivers to remember are: Smarter, Faster, Cheaper and Safer‌.. and to that extent it was undoubtedly successful on the SRC project. Well done to the project team and to all involved. Happy Plumbing and enjoy the festive season. Robert Pearshouse Director
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CENTRAL PLUMBING & HARDWARE
WE ARE OPEN! To our valued customers – our showroom is now open! Our pre order and contactless delivery services are still available.
Visit our website centralplumbing.net.au For our family and friends – mention this advertisement and get 10% off your order prior to Christmas! Wishing you a Merry Christmas from the Central Plumbing & Hardware Team! Jon Bird - Manager
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SOCIALS
ZZ Top - Dane Sara & Josh Chapman at the Carnarvon Cup (Western Australia) in August 2020
Ride2Work Day – any chance for these two to jump in the lycra! Group Accountant Neil Moxon and Hydraulic Designer Mathew Yanez recently participated in the national Ride2Work Day promoting the benefits of riding to work – well done gents! Congratulations to Victorian based Contract Administrator Rebecca Abela on her employee recognition award. Rebecca who was presented this award by General Manager Matthew Quick was acknowledged for her outstanding work ethic and her amazing enthusiasm! Keep up the great work Bec! Congratulations to Cooke & Dowsett - Rosetta Director Robert Pearshouse who received recognition for his significant contribution to Master Plumbers Australia and New Zealand. Rob was on the board of Master Plumbers Australia for 11 years, he was an active Director and Chair of Master Plumbers Australia, his stewardship and guidance brought MPA to its current respected position in the industry. Great work Rob!
Congratulations to James and Melissa Climas on the safe arrival of Summer Rose born on 11th November weighing 3.14 Kg – she is gorgeous guys! 21
Neil: I became a Mamil (middle aged man in lycra). I’ve cycled 6759 km’s in 7 months!
Jacqui: Living in Regional Victoria I was impacted less – but I still used the excuse to indulge in a few <extra> beverages.
Diana: The shops were closed so I took up sewing.
Kelly-Anne: I loved lots of family time. That and red wine.
Nicola: I reignited my hobbies, meditated (with wine), & generally reset myself for a new perspective on the future
Maria: I learnt a third language – on top of English & Italian – through watching my Spanish Netflix shows.
Christel: First lockdown – jigsaw puzzles with the kids. Second lockdown – I joined a punters club!
Dennis: Jan created a “list” for me – a never ending list. But hey, the house has never been so well maintained!
The Finance & Marketing Team (from left to right): Nicola Bell, Christel Van Der Bergt, Kelly-Anne Walker, Jacqui Besanko, Neil Moxon, Diana McEvoy (front), Dennis Hesketh, Maria Pecora (front)
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OFFICE LOCATIONS VICTORIA - HEAD OFFICE (Servicing SA, TAS & NZ) 25 McGregors Drive, Keilor Park VIC 3042 Ph 03 9365 7000 NEW SOUTH WALES 3A/39 Bennu Circuit, Albury NSW 2640 Ph 02 6043 2910 QUEENSLAND (Servicing NT) 4/525 Lytton Road, Morningside QLD 4170 Ph 07 3899 3519 WESTERN AUSTRALIA 1/15 Exchange Road, Malaga WA 6090 Ph 08 9249 4955 NUDJ (WA) 29 Clementson Street, Broome WA 6725 Ph 08 9192 5144 TASMANIA Cooke & Dowsett Rosetta Partnership 98 Gormanston Road Moonah TAS 7009 Ph 03 6144 5504 NEW ZEALAND 9 Gore Street Auckland NZ 0600 Ph +64 418 320 568
PROJECT PLUMBING & MAINTENANCE 79/2 Thomsons Road, Keilor Park VIC 3042 Ph 03 9331 5730 THE PLUMBING AND GAS GUYS 1/15 Exchange Road, Malaga WA 6090 Ph 1800 087 244
INFO@COOKEDOWSETT.COM.AU
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