Type
Area / Topic
Location
Date

All time

October

30 October / Quality Alert

Engineered stone ban effective 1 July 2024

ALL engineered stone regardless of the silica content percentage will be banned


Alternative products must be considered and implemented on all projects.

The industry is shifting away from engineered stone due to the risks of respirable crystalline silica, which can cause silicosis and other silica-related diseases. Although the consultations are under way and there has been no official announcement by Federal or State Governments on the issue, the health and safety risks along with the uncertainty around this issue warrants a decision to ban all engineered products entering job sites nationally. The ban will take effect on 1 July 2024 and will extend to ALL engineered stone regardless of the silica content percentage. 

An update to this alert will be provided before the end of the year when the Federal and State Governments are expected to issue a formal decision on the ban. In the meantime, to mitigate the impact of potential delays and variations, the best approach is to inform the clients of the pending ban and to propose and seek approval for an alternative product. Similarly, ensure all future estimates have the stone specification qualified and priced accordingly.

Product alternatives going forward include:

Compact Laminates

  • Under 1% silica content
  • Extremely competitive pricing
  • Only comes in 12mm thickness
  • Heat resistance is an issue
  • Product not suitable for high end applications

Porcelain Surfaces

  • Under 10% silica content
  • Price dependant of product and supplier
  • Large variety of colours and thicknesses (4, 8, 12, 20 and 30mm)
  • Great resistance to staining, scratches, UV and heat
  • Good warranty terms

Acrylic Solid Surfaces

  • 0% silica content
  • More expensive alternative
  • Limited thickness availability
  • UV stable and heat resistant but direct heat exposure not advised
  • Minimising wastage through flexibility in sheet sizing
  • Seamless joints

Natural Stone*

  • Various silica content percentages
  • Variety of products at different price points available
  • Ongoing maintenance may be an issue
  • Unlikely to satisfy specific warranty requirements

*Although this alert does not directly impact natural stone, some types have high silica content so risk of using these on projects should be considered carefully.

For an up-to-date list of available products and their usability, click here.


More information

If you need additional support, please contact the Quality Team:

Phone 1300 HUTCHIES
Email QualityTeam@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au

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10 October / Update

Make sure bin chute systems are installed correctly, following the tested systems and the manufacturers’ instructions.

Check the detailed drawings from Elephant’s Foot and Wastech for different wall types (plasterboard, shaft-liner, speed panel, concrete, Hebel, and masonry).

Any changes to the tested systems must be approved by your project certifier, signed off by the fire engineer in the fire engineering report (FER), and accepted by the relevant state / territory fire service.

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July

23 Jul - 23 Aug / Compliance

Hutchies' accreditation with the Australian Government Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) has been renewed through to July 2030.

This confirms we have met the requirements of the Australian Government building and construction WHS Accreditation Scheme.

Clients may request a copy of Hutchies' certificate in tenders or as part of prequalification processes.

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22 Jul - 10 Aug / Initiative

NAWIC is excited to share a glimpse into their Male Allies Program — designed for men within the construction industry to understand and champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Partnering with Lysander, this self-paced, five digital module course aims to build awareness and knowledge — exploring key concepts, engaging in interactive learning experiences, and developing actionable plans to drive cultural change within their teams and organisations.

By participating in this program, learners will:

  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of gender disparities, biases and challenges faced by women in male dominated industries.
  • Recognise the importance of male allyship in creating inclusive workplace culture and fostering diversity.
  • Acquire practical skills and strategies to support and advocate for female colleagues, challenge biases and promote gender inclusivity.
  • Explore individual and collective roles in fostering gender inclusion, including personal, social, societal and organisational levels.
  • Commit to implementing action to promote gender inclusivity, advocate for change and shift the culture.

The NAWIC Male Allies Program will be launching 26 July — however, we are excited to open up early EOI’s for the program giving you 24 hours early access to the program before we release to the public! Please enter your details below to be added to our waitlist.

This program is exclusive to NAWIC members — you can join Hutchies' corporate membership for free.  

Please register your early interest in the contact form on NAWIC's website, for any additional queries please contact Carol at education@nawic.com.au

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1 July / Notice

Starting 1 July 2024, Victoria is introducing a new operator licence for non-slewing telehandlers (capacity of more than 3 tonnes).

Previously, only a CN licence was required for mobile cranes.

There is now special training for safely operating non-slewing telehandlers with different tools attached.

If you already hold a crane licence (CN / C2 / C6 / C1 / C0), you don’t need to do anything unless you want to learn more about telehandler operation.

Effective 1 July 2024

If you don't currently hold one of these licences, and need to operate a non-slewing telehandler over 3 tonnes, from 1 July you must:

  • Complete and pass the non-slewing telehandlers training by an authorised registered training provider (Course 11249NAT)
  • Apply for the new licence
  • Provide a copy of the licence to Hutchies

The new licence is only for operating non-slewing telehandlers, not a non-slewing mobile crane or slewing telehandler.

To operate non-slewing telehandlers under 3 tonnes, there are no changes. Operators must still be trained in either THA Gold Card or RIIHAN309F.

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June

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28 June / New

Hutchies has a new facilities management system to under pilot for our Toowong office.

The myBuildings tool aims to streamline work requests, quotes, communication, and invoicing for our on site contractors. 

Our plan is to extend the implementation of this system to our office at 31 Staple Street, Seventeen Mile Rocks.

Reporting building maintenance

If you're in Toowong, and have an item to report, please send all maintenance requests to:

brisbane.reception@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au

Contractors on site

All contractors performing works internally and externally at Hutchies' Toowong office (which includes ADG Engineers' buildings) must complete our induction process and sign in using the QR code located at reception.

More information

If you have any questions about the new system, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Sarah Di Lorenzo in Hutchies' Property Team. 

Thank you in advance as we transition to this more efficient way of managing building maintenance.

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19 June / Training

This qualification applies to individuals working in, or wishing to transition into, a work health and safety (WHS) role who provide a broad range of technical knowledge and skills and have some limited responsibility for the output of others.

The qualification applies to those working as supervisors, WHS personnel, and workers in other WHS-related roles who manage risks effectively, apply relevant WHS laws, and contribute to WHS within the workplace in known or changing contexts with established parameters.

The specific nature of this course will include contextualisation of Hutchies’ Policies, Processes, Procedures, and Systems relating to on-site hazard identification, risk assessment and hierarchy of control measures within the scope of its operations.

Units of competency for the Cert IV WHS that we will cover are:

  • BSBHWS412 Assist with workplace compliance with WHS Laws
  • BSBWHS413 Contribute to Implement & Maintenance of WHS Consultation & Participation Processes
  • BSBWHS414 Contribute to Risk Management
  • BSBWHS415 Contribute to implementing WHS Management Systems
  • BSBWHS416 Contribute to Workplace Incident Response
  • BSBWHS417 Assist with Managing WHS Implication of Return to Work
  • BSBWHS418 Assist with Managing WHS Compliance of Contractors
  • BSBWHS431 Develop Processes and Procedures for controlling Hazardous Chemicals in the workplace
  • BSBCMM411 Make a Presentation
  • BSBWRT411 Write Complex Documents

Funding is available for eligible Queensland participants via CSQ.

For course inquiries call / email Warren Belford on 0427 337 379.

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April

9 April / Quality Alert

Engineered stone ban effective 1 July 2024

ALL engineered stone, regardless of the silica content percentage, is banned.


Alternative products must be considered and implemented on all projects.

In October last year Hutchies noted that the industry was shifting away from engineered stone due to the risks of respirable crystalline silica, which can cause silicosis and other silica related diseases.

On this basis, Hutchies proactively took a position to ban all engineered stone on our projects, regardless of silica content percentages, from 1 July 2024.

In December last year, we then had confirmation that following an Industrial Relations Ministers meeting, State and Commonwealth Leaders had agreed to ban engineered stone products.

Some at Hutchies have noted that the State and Federal communications concerning the ban have included transition periods as well as exemptions for some engineered stone with low (under 1%) silica content.

For clarity, there has been no change to Hutchies' position following these communications – Hutchies will not be using engineered stone that contains any percentage of silica on our projects from 1 July 2024.

Actions

To mitigate the impact of potential delays and variations, the best approach is to inform clients of the pending ban and to propose and seek approval for an alternative product.

Similarly, ensure all future estimates have the stone specification qualified and priced accordingly.

Refer to Hutchies' Stone Product & Suitability for Use List on the Document Library.


More information

If you need additional support, please contact:

Design — Michael Lawlor / Ogi Latinovic
Work Health & Safety — Jimmy Andersen
Industrial Relations — Ben Young
Other — Russell Fryer

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3 - 20 April / General

Calling all nominations for stand out apprentices and cadets across Hutchies.

Help us by nominating an apprentice or cadet that you think is a true representation of Hutchies' way.

We also want to celebrate other significant training achievements by anyone else across company over the last 12 months.

Make your vote by COB 12 April 2024 (extended to Friday 18 April!)

View More

March

4 March / Meetings

Thanks for participating in Hutchies' All Company Update.

A copy of the presentation slides is available to download below.

View More

December 2023

16 December 2022 / General

Congratulations all of our Hutchies' veterans and to the winner of Constructor of the Year 2023: Kerri Bolton!

View More
13 Dec - 15 Jan 2023 / Reminder

Hutchies wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year.

The silly season can be a time of fun and frivolity, but it can also take its toll on our mental health. Spending time with or without family and friends, financial stresses, packed calendars, and long to do lists can seem overwhelming, and stressful.

We wanted to use this opportunity to remind everyone that Hutchies has free and confidential employee assistance programs (EAPs) and support services available.

Details are provided below for these services, which are available 24 x 7 to any of Hutchies' people, their family members or our subcontractors and suppliers for any reason at all. 

Hutchies' mobile devices also have access to the Converge International app in our catalogue which you can text for a time to chat.

Please take care over the break and look after yourself and those around you. We look forward to seeing you in 2024.

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8 December 2023 / Notice

Every project needs to be prepared for the Christmas holiday shutdown.

Sites must be secure and ready for any potential weather events during the shutdown period.

All projects need to prepare, plan and coordinate the implementation of Hutchies' shutdown and storm preparation processes prior to the break.

This includes: 

  • Ensuring plant, amenities, temporary structures and perimeter fencing is secured with the relevant site contacts for the break displayed on the perimeter fence
  • Ensure external areas / works are secure and have controls in place as per erosion sediment control plans
  • As a Project Team, ensure there is a communicated plan to attend the project during the break for emergencies
  • Checking that open excavations and trenches have been filled or barricaded

All shutdown checklists are to be completed on HammerTech > Inspections: Site Shutdown Storm Preparation Checklist (F-084)

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5 December 2023 / General

Our latest suite of insurances are available now available.

Hutchies' Toolbox / Company Information

Hutchies' Document Library / Company Member Resources > Company Details

Hutchies' Website / The Feed > Downloads

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1 December 2023 / General

Our latest suite of insurances are available now available.

Hutchies' Toolbox / Company Information

Hutchies' Document Library / Company Member Resources > Administration

Hutchies' Website / The Feed > Downloads

External Share Link / hutchies.com.au/insurances

View More

November 2023

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6 November 2023 / General

Hutchies has submitted our annual report to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) as part of our commitment to an inclusive and equitable workplace.

This report, in line with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012, is now available to view in Hutchies' All Company Teams.

We encourage you to explore Hutchies' Hive, where you can find a range of resources and information about events, culture, initiatives, support and more.

View More

October 2023

26 October 2023 / Warning

Hutchies has made some tweaks to our Monthly Budget Meeting sheet in Viewpoint.

These changes tidy up the budget sheet layout, grouping relevant fields together, and simplify our language to be consistent with head contracts.

These new dates are now available to use for Hutchies' Monthly Budget Meeting Reports.

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11 October 2023 / Observation

October is Indigenous Business Month, a special time where Indigenous enterprises across Australia unite to celebrate their accomplishments with partners and allies. 

Hutchies is proud of our strong history of engaging with and supporting Indigenous businesses. We actively invest time to understand these businesses and identify where they best fit within our supply chain.

Over the last decade, we've worked with more than 170 Indigenous owned businesses, with a total spend of approximately $85 million. For the 2022-23 financial year, we achieved our highest-ever engagement, allocating over $20 million to Indigenous enterprises.

Special shoutouts go to our top-performing teams in this regard: Mitch Grimmer at $3.5 million, Townsville at $2.3 million, Coolie at $2.2 million, Keenan Wolski at $1.9 million, and our Civil Team at $1.5 million.

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9 October 2023 / Warning

BOM is forecasting a warm summer ahead for Australia. Previous data shows there will also be wet days. 

Make sure to account for wet weather in your prelims and ensure your contracts include clauses for delays due to extreme weather events. Also, have a plan to manage risks from high winds, heat, and smoke. 

 

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6 October 2023 / Notice

All offices are classified as workplaces, this requires Hutchies to ensure they remain safe places to attend and work. 

Offices occupied by Hutchies' Teams (owned or rented premises) are to complete a 6 monthly inspection to ensure the building and office is maintained.

Where office layouts or locations change, it is important that the latest information is captured in the emergency planning and that all property maintenance records are being maintained.

Action

Office Managers

  • Review the office audit information prior to commencement if you have not completed this inspection before
  • Complete the 'Office Inspection' in HammerTech before 31 October 2023
  • Collate and upload the relevant registers and plans into 'Office Documents' and 'Office Registers' in HammerTech
  • Close out any non-conforming items with your Team Leader and / or Team HSE Manager 

Team HSE Managers

  • Assist Office Managers in accessing the HammerTech platform
  • Assist where required in the completion of this inspection
  • Identification and scheduling of office training as required

Team Leaders

  • Ensure close out of non-compliant office / property maintenance items
  • Facilitating and authorising required training

More information

Hutchies' Property Team

Louise Keam / louise.keam@hutchies.com.au
Jacqui Minnis / jacqui.minnis@hutchies.com.au

Hutchies' System Team

Jamie Spooner / jamie.spooner@hutchies.com.au
Shannon Scott / shannon.scott@hutchies.com.au

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September 2023

14 September 2023 / Event

We'll be streaming Design Managers' Conference live on Microsoft Teams from Q1 at Surfers Paradise on Thursday, 14 September 2023 from 10.30am AEST.

Everyone is welcome to join remotely throughout the day.



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5 September 2023 / Warning

Recent consultation with worker groups has identified a number of functional changes to HammerTech.

This includes general configurations and some of the processes within.

These changes are scheduled to be actioned by Friday, 8 September 2023.

The configuration updates will require tweaks to on site processes and will be communicated as part of these changes.

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1 September 2023 / Warning

The Quality System Manual (QSM) and Management Plan (QMP) have been updated. 

ISO Systems Audits identified that the quality system requirements for corrective actions were unclear.

The update provides clarity regarding the requirements to formally record corrective action/s and close out actions for quality nonconformances.

Maintaining a record of corrective actions enables lessons learnt and ongoing improvements to be identified.

We have tried to keep the requirement to formally record corrective actions (CARs) straight forward.

The updated requirements for CARs are when:

  1. Rectification costs are >$25,000; or
  2. A building regulator issues a notice or a direction

Also Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Discipline Lead roles have been defined and updated in the manual and management plan. 

Actions

Projects with more than 3 months remaining on site are required to update to Version 5.2 of Hutchies' Quality Management Plan (QMP) by 24 November 2023.

Projects with less than 3 months remaining on site are not required to update to the latest QMP

Quality Leads

  • Review the updated Quality System Manual and Quality Management Plan, and communicate changes to Project Teams 
  • Facilitate the plan update across projects under their control in consultation with the Project Team
  • Ensure the updated plan and specifically the corrective action process is adequately communicated with Project Team
  • Ensure adequate archiving of superseded plans (all plans are to be archived following completion of the project)

Team Leaders

  • Where the team does not have a Quality Lead, the Team Leader is required to oversee this process and all updates

Project Teams

  • Review updated QMP with Quality Lead ensuring quality nonconformances that meet the above definition have a corrective action raised and follow up actions completed with close out records maintained
  • Maintain updated copy of the Quality Management Plan on site

Further updates

The Corrective Action Record (HB-HSEQ-F-029-A) has been updated and is available on Hutchies’ Document Library.

Please review and commence using the updated form as appropriate.

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August 2023

11 August 2023 / New

Based on your feedback, we've created a library with hundreds of our best photos to use as device wallpapers.

All available for computers, mobiles and tablet devices.

View More

July 2023

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31 Jul - 6 Aug 2023 / Promotion

Hutchies has just partnered with FRANKIE4 Footwear for a special discount on all orders.

FRANKIE4 Footwear is offering Hutchies' people an exclusive 20% discount on all orders. 

This offer ends 6 August 2023 and will reduce to an ongoing 15% discount.

USE CODE HUTCHIES20

Simply use the code when you checkout on their shop: frankie4.com

Check out the Hive for other benefits with more exciting new partnerships in the works! 

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11 October 2023 / Promotion

Join Bupa for a live Q&A with Mental Health Advocate, Osher Gunsberg. You may recognise Osher as host of TV shows including The Bachelor, The Masked Singer and Australian Idol. You might also recognise his voice from Bondi Rescue.

He has long advocated for mental health on his podcast, Better Than Yesterday and highlights just how much work there is to do in Australian suicide prevention in SBS documentary, Osher Gunsberg: A Matter Of Life And Death, which also aims to give hope to those struggling.

Osher joins us to share his personal journey of lifelong struggles with his own mental health and breaking the stigma of the silent illness.

During this session he will shed light on his own experience with the hope it will encourage conversations between friends, family, and colleagues. But more importantly, to seek help when you're struggling with mental health issues. 

This session will be held Wednesday 11 October 12:00pm – 1:00pm (AEDT). Click the link below to sign up.



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10 July 2023 / Meetings

Thanks for participating in Hutchies' Site Managers' Meeting. 

A copy of the presentation is available to download below.

There is also a recording you can watch if you missed it.

View More
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4 July 2023 / Warning

As part of Hutchies' accredited systems, company policies and procedures are reviewed every 2 years.

Documented policies and procedures provide the framework for quality, health and safety, and environmental activities across all of our workplaces (ie sites and offices).

All of Hutchies' policies have been updated to reflect leadership changes and operational objectives.

Ongoing review of quality, health and safety, and environmental procedures will be reviewed throughout July, with updated documentation uploaded to the Document Library. Revised processes will be highlighted with a NEW label.

Where there are any significant changes, additional and specific communications will be circulated.

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June 2023

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30 June 2023 / New

Hutchies strives to empower subcontractors with practical industry knowledge and solutions to enhance your business while making a positive impact.

We are excited to introduce our brand new resource library, exclusively designed for ambitious subcontractors who want to join the movement of enabling business for good.

Navigating policies and requirements can be challenging. We want to make it easy, with a digital resource hub on Hutchies' Subbies Toolbox to assist.

It includes a wealth of information, insights, and actionable strategies to help you harness the power of social enterprises and leverage government projects effectively.

This will help you:

  • Unleash your business potential
  • Stay ahead of the curve
  • Expand your network
  • Access practical resources
  • With expert support and guidance

We believe that together, we can reshape the construction industry for the better. Join us in this exciting journey towards enabling business for good.

Together, we will build a sustainable future, one project at a time.

Kind regards,
Hutchies

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28 June 2023 / Warning

We have listened to your feedback and updated Hutchies' subcontractor and consultant templates.

Australian Standard (AS) subcontracts updates:

  • Legislative changes
  • Hutchies' insurance requirements
  • Added D&C provisions for Professional Indemnity insurance
  • Corrections of errors
  • All of the above with a net reduction in pages

Minor Works contracts updates:

  • Now accommodate a broader range of projects

Consultant Agreement updates:

  • Better alignment between Long and Shortform agreements

Standard Contracts

Updated Templates

More Information

Get in touch with:

Harry White
Phone 0419 762 429
Email harry.white@hutchies.com.au

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23 June 2023 / New

This is the first installment as we work through a complete overhaul of Hutchies' standard scopes covering trades, consultants and services.

Our new template will bring all scopes into a single template, making it more efficient for teams to set up a project specific scope first, and then save off each relevant trade as required.

This also means we can keep the content more up to date (so long as you're always opening off the latest template from the Document Library or Hutchies' Word Ribbon).

Hutchies' new scopes were developed with the Contract Administrators Working Group and various construction teams.

We're in the process of reviewing and updating all of our consultant and services scopes.

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23 June 2023 / Warning

Respirable crystalline silica and health surveillance and exposure monitoring procedures are included in the Safety Management System. 

Following legislative changes for activities involving respirable crystalline silica, the following safety documentation has been updated to reflect Hutchies' processes to manage RCS.

NEW
Specific Procedure (SP) 07 Respirable Crystalline Silica (V1)
Download →

UPDATE
Project Risk Assessment – Respirable Crystalline Silica (V15.1)
Download →

UPDATE
Safe Work Method Statement – Managing Respirable Crystalline Silica (V4)
Download →

NEW
Specific Procedure (SP) 08 Health Surveillance & Exposure Monitoring (V1)
Download →


Consultation

HSE Managers in all states were consulted during the collation of all documentation, as it applies to all of Hutchies' operations.

Actions

For all projects

  • Ensure the PRA is reviewed, and the updated RCS content included for V15.1
  • SWMS to be reviewed for the project where a review has not occurred in the last 3 months
  • Access and review updated procedures

Projects with are required to ensure the project controls align with the PRA and SWMS and project documentation is updated.

Support

If there are any questions or concerns about the implementation of this process contact Jimmy Andersen on 0400 220 381.

More information

Jamie Spooner
Phone 0400 705 493
Email jamie.spooner@hutchies.com.au

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4 Jun - 4 Jul 2023 / Warning

Join us for an informative webinar on Unlocking Tax Time Tips. We will be joined by a health insurance expert who will run through important financial information relating to tax time, they will also cover off how to get the most value out of private health insurance.

This webinar will be held over three days throughout June and July. 

Webinar Dates:

  • Friday 16 June, 11:30am – 12:00pm (AEST)
  • Tuesday 27 June, 1:00pm – 1:30pm (AEST)
  • Monday 3 July, 1:30pm – 2:00pm (AEST)

To reserve your spot and book in, click here.

We look forward to having you join the webinar.

The Bupa Team

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29 June 2023 / Warning

Join Bupa for a live virtual Q&A with former Sydney Swans footballer and co-founder of the GO Foundation, Michael O’Loughlin. Michael joins us to discuss breaking cultural barriers, embracing diversity and making a positive change for a better future.

This webinar will be held Thursday 29 June 12:00pm – 1:00pm (AEST)

To reserve your spot and book in, click here.

We look forward to having you join the webinar.

The Bupa Team

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May 2023

5 - 21 May 2023 / Event

Please join us for a night of celebration to recognise Hutchies’ apprentices and cadets. 

Every year we identify an exceptional apprentices and cadets from Hutchies’ training and professional development programs. Teams nominate candidates who are recognised for consistently performing beyond expectations.

Date and Time

Saturday, 20 May 2023
5.30pm for 6pm start

Location

Western Districts Rugby Football Club
65 Sylvan Road
Toowong QLD 4066
view map

After Party

The Sound Garden (18+ only)
312 Brunswick Street
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
view map

Enquiries

Michelle Buckland
0447 758 566
training@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au

RSVP

Places are limited - please confirm
your spot by
Friday, 12 May 2023

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April 2023

28 April 2023 / New

Commencing May 1, 2023, a new code called the 'Managing respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust exposure in construction and manufacturing elements code of practice 2022' applies to all projects in Queensland. 

The following is required on all projects to ensure compliance with the Code:


Project Risk Assessments (PRAs)

The PRA in Appendix 2 of Hutchies' Work Health & Safe Management Plan (WHSMP) must be updated for your project and made site / activity specific. 

Download WHSMP →


Hutchies' Project Specific RCS SWMS Template

Hutchies' SWMS for Managing Respirable Crystaline Silica must be adjusted to include project specific works in alignment with Appendix 4 of the Code.

Download SWMS Template →


Subcontractor SWMS

Subcontractors should revise their SWMS ensuring controls align with the Code and re-upload them to HammerTech.


Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)

  • Workers using RPE must be fit tested for the equipment and upload their test certificate to HammerTech
  • Hutchies' workers requiring RPE must have received a quantitative type fit test (QNFT)
  • Workers using RPE as the main control for silica work need to keep records in an RCS Logbook
  • After 30 days of using respiratory protection, workers must undergo health monitoring

Download Toolbox Talk Template →


Atmospheric Monitoring

Hutchies has undertaken atmospheric monitoring on our commonly occurring activities on our sites. A finalised report will be circulated in upcoming communications. 

Appendix 4 of the Code has approved standard controls. If you are unsure about monitoring requirements for your project, call Jimmy Andersen.

Contact Jimmy Andersen →


Actions

Team HSE Managers / Site HSE Advisors

  • Review the project's PRA and SWMS in consultation with the Project Team 
  • Distribute worker RCS Logbooks to construction teams and conduct relevant RCS Logbook Toolbox Talk with the site team and workers instructing how to use the RCS Logbooks
  • Ensure these updated requirements are adequately communicated with project team
  • Ensure adequate archiving of superseded project processes (PRA / SWMS)

Team Leaders

  • Consult with your Team HSE Manager to ensure updates have been implemented across your projects
  • Where the team requires assistance in updating the content, contact Jimmy Andersen

Project Teams

  • Review the project silica mitigation controls and ensure the PRA and SWMS templates are site specific and uploaded to HammerTech
  • Communicate with subcontractors the requirement for their SWMS and processes to be inline with the Code
  • Confirm that all Hutchies' workers on the project have fit testing completed and records uploaded to HammerTech
  • Ensure workers required to use RPE receive a logbook and the records are being maintained
  • Complete Toolbox Talk on use of the RCS Logbook
  • Contact Jimmy Andersen if you are unsure about monitoring requirements for your project

Additional communications will be circulated regarding this process. If there are any questions or concerns about this update, please contact Jimmy Andersen. 

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19 April 2023 / Training

Contract Administration Training

Following the success of last year’s cadet program, Wednesday afternoon training will be returning in 2023.

Hutchies is focused on widening the audience to provide accessible training to CAs and PMs, reinforcing best practice across the company.

This year is different...

The content curated for these sessions will be more advanced than last year. Industry professionals and Hutchies’ veterans will offer their insights and practical tips, with condensed 45-minute sessions running fortnightly on Wednesday afternoons.

This year's program will run from 19 April to 4 October. Sessions will be presented fortnightly on Wednesdays at 3pm and hosted on Microsoft Teams.

Content 

More advanced content aimed at PMs & CAs, including more case studies.

Timing 

Content is now condensed into 13 shorter sessions – max 45 mins

Access 

Sessions to be hosted fortnightly at 3pm Wednesdays on Teams.

How to opt into the training

If you are a CA or PM, you will be invited automatically via Outlook. Each training session will also soon be added to our all company calendar. To add a session, browse to the company calendar, click the relevant session and then hit the button on the popup to add it to your own calendar.

Team Leaders are also encouraged to forward the recurring meeting invite to any team members they wish to add.

2023 Training Schedule

The following schedule is subject to change, but provides an outline of the curriculum for reference. All sessions will start at 3PM AEST and run for approximately 45 minutes

Session Focus 

Date

Expert Presenter/s

Subbie solvency / deposits / liquidations

Wednesday 19 April

Owen Valmadre / Marc Penisi / Harry White

Head contracts / Hutchies' departures / contract card

Wednesday 3 May

Harry White / Mark Kenney

Job start-up / time management

Wednesday 17 May

Rhett Falchi

Construction management planning / tower cranes / scaffold / plant

Wednesday 31 May

Jason Birch

Subbie scopes / Quality Handbook / vetting / workload

Wednesday 14 June

Harry White / Duy Phan

Licensing

Wednesday 28 June

Warren Belford / Chris Stevenson

Subcontracts / changes to Hutchies' suite

Wednesday 12 July

Harry White / Mark Kenney

Insurances / subcontract departures

Wednesday 26 July

Harry White / Darren Bryan

Forecasting / Viewpoint / Appian Payments tool

Wednesday 9 August

Mitch Grimmer

Design management / doc control / RFIs

Wednesday 23 August

MOGI (Michael Lawlor / Ogi Latinovic)

Delays / EOTs

Wednesday 6 September

Harry White / Owen Lyden / Graham Topp

Variations

Wednesday 20 September

Harry White / Cy Milburn

SOPA / payment claims / payment schedules / cashflow

Wednesday 4 October

Harry White / Murray Creevey

More Information

Get in touch with Warren Belford to find out more

Phone 0427 337 379

Email warren.belford@hutchies.com.au


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18 April 2023 / Warning

Our standardised site induction template has been updated and is now available on Hutchies' Toolbox.

This template enables consistent communication of Hutchies' expectations across all projects.

The induction includes:

Actions

Project Teams need to review their current induction and update concurrently at the time of the WHS Management Plan review (3 monthly).

For more information on setting up your site specific induction using this template, please watch the explainer video on Hutchies' Toolbox.

Team HSE Managers / Site HSE Advisors

  • Consult with Project Team and Site Managers on the updated template and its contents
  • Facilitate the update of site specific induction PowerPoint and WHS Plan reviews in consultation with the Project Team
  • Ensure previous induction presentations are archived in the job folder on Hutchies' server

Team Leaders

  • Consult with your Team HSE Manager to ensure updates have been implemented across your projects
  • Where the team requires assistance in updating the content, contact Shannon Scott

Project Teams

  • Ensure adequate time is available to consult with your HSE Advisor / Manager to review the updated induction presentation prior to use on site
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6 April 2023 / Reminder

Warning

Fines and penalties for non-compliance with Project Trust Accounts can be issued. Please ensure you read and understand the below requirements.

If your project meets the following value thresholds in Queensland, you must be using Project Trust Accounts (PTAs).

All projects >$10M in value

All private projects in Queensland valued over $10 million (ex GST) require Project Trust Accounts (PTAs).

This includes projects under early works / ECI contracts that grow in value and then exceed $10M. Please start a new job number for the main works (rather than cost adjusting an ECI job).

A private project is anything being built by a party who is not the government. For example private / institutional developers.

Government projects >$1M in value

All Queensland Government projects valued over $1 million (ex GST) also require PTAs. 

What you need to do

It is critical that the below steps are completed by the Project Manager / Contract Administrator as soon as a head contract is executed.

Do not issue any minor works agreements / subcontracts to subbies until the below process is complete.

If you're unsure, do the QBCC Self Assessment anyway to double check — it takes less than a minute.

Step 1 / Do QBCC Self Assessment

QBCC Self Assessment


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3 Apr - 1 May 2023 / General

Nominations are now open for the apprentice, cadet and future leader of the year awards!

Calling all nominations for stand out apprentices and cadets across Hutchies.

This year we're recognising the efforts of apprentices and cadets across 2021 and 2022 for the Apprentice of the Year and Cadet of the Year awards.

Help us by nominating an apprentice or cadet that has stood out to you as a true representation of Hutchies' way.

Make your vote by COB 28 April 2023

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1 Apr - 1 May 2023 / Warning

Bupa are providing an insightful webinar Corporate Health Plan Check-In & Looking after your mental health, covering two important topics:

  1. Bupa Health Plan Check-In (Presented by Elaine McCluney and & Janick Auguste)
  • Bupa corporate health plan-getting the best value out of your cover
  • Benefits and features of the VP products
  • Answer a few questions received
  1. Looking after your mental health presentation (Presented by Psychologist Nathan McCleod)
  • Some general mental health strategies and tips
  • How to keep on top of your mental wellness
  • Answer a few questions as they come up

To reserve your spot and book in, click here.

We look forward to having you join the webinar.

The Bupa Team

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March 2023

31 March 2023

Inspection guidelines have been updated, effective as of 29 March 2023.

The following inspection guidelines have been updated:

  • Guidelines for inspection of Class 1a and 10 buildings & structures
  • Guidelines for inspection of Class 2 to 9 buildings

The guidelines also update legislative reference to match the Building Regulation 2021.

Please review the below resources for more information.

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29 March 2023 / Warning

We know that quality and safety go hand in hand. These new resources help make our sites safer through better quality planning.

Developed to assist sites with managing and assisting subcontractors to improve their processes, this new guide and video suite covers planning for safety and quality control on site.

For Hutchies

These new resources are available on Hutchies' Toolbox and loaded into your LMS profile.

For industry

These resources are also available for free to the industry via Hutchies' Subbies Toolbox

A HammerTech Bulletin with links will be automatically sent to Primary Contacts state by state over coming weeks, starting with Victoria and Tasmania.

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20 March 2023 / Notice

All offices are classified as workplaces, this requires Hutchies to ensure they remain safe places to attend and work. 

Offices occupied by Hutchies' Teams (owned or rented premises) are to complete a 6 monthly inspection to ensure the building and office is maintained.

Where office layouts or locations change, it is important that the latest information is captured in the emergency planning and that all property maintenance records are being maintained.

Action

Office Managers

  • Review the office audit information prior to commencement if you have not completed this inspection before
  • Complete the 'Office Inspection' in HammerTech before 30 March 2023
  • Collate and upload the relevant registers and plans into 'Office Documents' and 'Office Registers' in HammerTech
  • Close out any non-conforming items with your Team Leader and / or Team HSE Manager 

Team HSE Managers

  • Assist Office Managers in accessing the HammerTech platform
  • Assist where required in the completion of this inspection
  • Identification and scheduling of office training as required

Team Leaders

  • Ensure close out of non-compliant office / property maintenance items
  • Facilitating and authorising required training

More information

Hutchies' Property Team

Louise Keam / louise.keam@hutchies.com.au
Jacqui Minnis / jacqui.minnis@hutchies.com.au
Megan Connelly / megan.connelly@hutchies.com.au

Hutchies' System Team

Shannon Scott / shannon.scott@hutchies.com.au
Demi Carter / demi.carter@hutchies.com.au

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16 March 2023 / Safety Alert

Hutchinson Builders maintains in stock a fleet of aluminium stretcher stair pans as well as the recently introduced 2.0m rise construction stairs.

The aluminium stretcher stair risers and 2.0m construction stair pans must be secured to the scaffold using the ’stair brackets’ that are provided.

This falls in line with industry best practice and reflects the guidelines stated in the Queensland Code of Practice (Scaffold COP 2021) – Chapter 3.4, with an extract provided below.

Stairs should be secured to the scaffold bay. If not secured, the supplier should provide documentation illustrating the maximum amount of clearance allowed between the transom and the top and bottom of the stair module.

The detail showing how these brackets are to be configured is provided on every scaffold design series. This detail is reproduced below.

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16 March 2023 / Quality Alert

Building forms 12, 15, 16, 17 and 18 have been amended by the Queensland Department of Energy and Public Works.

The new, updated forms can be downloaded now and must be used from 1 May 2023.

You can immediately start using the new updated Forms 12, 15, 16, 17 & 18. The new forms can be downloaded here.

Prior versions of these forms signed before 1 May 2023 remain valid and can still be accepted by a building certifier, builder, competent person or owner. However, you should now use the new forms where possible. 

Please also be aware of the new (non-mandatory) Form 73 - Product Technical Statement available.

For more information, read the bulletin

You can find out more about the changes to the building forms in the Queensland Government's Building and Plumbing Newsflash 614.

You can also access and start using the new forms straight away. Simply go to the website here and navigate to the relevant form in the list, which were updated as of 10 March 2023.

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8 March 2023

Hutchies celebrates IWD to recognise women in the workforce, but we also support and advocate for women all year round. 

Our network of female leaders provides a platform for our women to develop experience in a diverse range of challenging roles and projects. Our learning culture provides the opportunity to develop leading edge construction knowledge with the support of some of the best across disciplines. 

Central to Hutchies’ structure is the ownership principle that demands individuals take responsibility for the part they play. We acknowledge the enormous contribution of women at Hutchies, and the positive impact they are having to the industry and communities we build.  

Our unyielding effort is to create an environment that provides individual support to all Hutchies' people. We want to foster a feeling of safety, respect and inclusion, with a stable platform to confidently build a career. 

Last year, Hutchies continued to #BreakTheBias around women in the workforce as we celebrated 25 years of membership with the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). Further, we partnered with a range of new associations, including UNIQ You and Women in Design and Construction, to expand our organic reach and attract new female talent.  

For 2023, Hutchies will continue to #EmbraceEquity through the implementation of our newly developed female participation objectives. These will guide us to meet the needs of our people, the industry and our clients. We have also developed ‘Hutchies Hive’ as a culture hub for company members to access support and resources to suit their individual needs.  

Finally, to celebrate the achievements of women at Hutchies we have created the following IWD specific Humans of Hutchies' posters for pinning up around offices and sites.

You can find these posters and more on our Women in Construction page


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8 March 2023 / Notice

We've renewed our preferred supplier agreements for equipment hire providing Hutchies' teams consistent service, products and pricing. 

  • Each of these hire companies have provided their best rates to Hutchies, based on our top 260 spend items
  • Proven service and reliability
  • Geographical spread to ensure most, if not all, of Hutchies' sites are covered across Australia
  • Site accommodation availability is scarce — make sure you secure your site needs when tendering and confirm as soon as your contract is awarded
  • We have a great pricing comparison tool to see rates between each supplier
  • Further discounts may be available on longer term hires
  • Significant savings are achieved if we all back these suppliers
  • These rates are exclusive to Hutchies and are confidential
View More
6 March 2023

The heart of Hutchies

The Hive expands on Hutchies' existing wellbeing information on Toolbox. This makes it easier to access our support services / EAPs in one easy place when you need it.

You'll find shortcuts to our social club, practical guides to help with maintaining positive wellbeing, and access to our independent, free and confidential support services if you need to talk to someone.

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February 2023

23 Feb - 23 May 2023 / Promotion

Bupa Corporate comes with all kinds of benefits. For starters, we’re known for providing great value health cover that you can count on. Plus, we’ve got a huge range of membership perks.

And, with the cost of living rising, we’ve added another good reason for you to join.

Here’s what you could get if you sign up now

In addition to keeping more money in your pocket every month, you’ll also get to enjoy all the great Bupa Corporate perks. Like unlimited emergency ambulance on eligible Corporate voluntary combined Hospital and Extras products, an online support service, which allow up to make claims 24/7, and a dedicated corporate concierge line.

Health cover packed with value

Join Bupa Corporate by 23 May 2023 and you’ll get:

  • 6 weeks free* on eligible combined Hospital and Extras products.
  • 2 and 6 month waiting periods waived on Extras cover*. 
  • If you are eligible, an increased ongoing monthly discount of at least 8%, which is roughly equal to a minimum of 4 weeks free for every full year that you remain on your policy.*

If you are eligible, an increased ongoing monthly discount of at least 8%, which is roughly equal to a minimum of 4 weeks free for every full year that you remain on your policy.*

Join now 

To find out more, call 1300 662 074 or visit bupa.com.au/corporate or your local Bupa retail store.

Benefits of Bupa's exclusive corporate plans

Age-based discount
If you’re aged 18-29, you are entitled to receive an age-based discount on your domestic hospital cover. The discount is calculated at 2% for each year you’re aged under 30, when you first purchase domestic hospital cover. For more information visit; bupa.com.au/age-based-discounts×
Access to myBupa 24/7
24/7 access to myBupa online, where you can make electronic claims on some services, view your policy details and more.×
Pay nothing for your kids (Gap free)
Pay nothing for your kids on most dental, physio, chiro and podiatry consultations at Members First providers, up to yearly limits.×

Getting Bupa health cover is easy

1 / Find your cover
The Bupa team will help find the right product for you and your budget.
2 / Bupa does they paperwork
If you're joining from another provider, Bupa will cancel your old membership and keep you covered while you join.
3 / No waiting period**
If you're switching over to Bupa, you've already served the waiting period** at your old fund, so you can claim straight away.

Speak to a health insurance expert now

Phone / 1300 662 074
Email / sales@bupa.com.au
Message / Chat to a live consultant now

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22 Feb - 22 May 2023 / Warning

In response to feedback and ongoing reviews of Hutchies' systems, we've updated the Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

These updates better reflect the arrangements to manage environmental matters on our projects.

Hutchies' Environmental Management Plan and accompanying Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are used to identify project environmental risks and the controls to be employed on site to manage those risks. 

Actions

Projects with more than 3 months remaining on site are required to update to Version 15 of Hutchies' Environmental Management Plan (EMP), including with all attachments by 22 May 2023.

Projects with less than 3 months remaining on site are not required to update to the latest EMP. However, to ensure your plans remain applicable to your projects, please review the content within the updated Project Risk Assessment (PRA).

Team HSE Managers

  • Review the Systems Amendment Register and communicate changes to project teams 
  • Facilitate the plan update and accompanying SOPs across the projects under their control in consultation with the project team
  • Ensure updated plans and SOPs are adequately communicated with project team
  • Ensure adequate archiving of superseded plans (all plans are to be archived for 2 years following completion of the project)

Team Leaders

  • Where the team does not have a Team HSE Manager, the Team Leader is required to oversee this process and all updates

Project Teams

  • Undertake and assist in the review with HSE Team, and consult with subcontractors on the update (subcontractor meetings, prestart meetings or a toolbox)
  • Maintain updated copy of the Environmental Management Plan on site for any workers undertaking high risk construction work 

Further updates

Hutchies also recently released our updated Work Health and Safety Management Plan (Version 16).

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20 February 2023 / Meetings

Thanks for participating in Hutchies' Site Managers' Meeting. 

A copy of the presentation is available to download below.

There is also a recording you can watch if you missed it.

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20 February 2023 / Meetings

Thanks for participating in Hutchies' Project Managers & Contract Administrators' Meeting. 

A copy of the presentation is available to download below.

There is also a recording you can watch if you missed it.

View More
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8 Feb - 30 Apr 2023 / Warning

In response to feedback and ongoing reviews of Hutchies' systems, we've updated the Work Health and Safety Management Plan (WHSMP).

These updates better reflect the arrangements to manage health and safety on our projects.

Hutchies' WHS Management Plan is used to identify project risks and the controls to be employed on site to manage those risks. 

Actions

Projects with more than 3 months remaining on site are required to update to Version 15 of Hutchies' Work Health and Safety Management Plan (WHSMP), including with all attachments by 30 April 2023.

Projects with less than 3 months remaining on site are not required to update to the latest WHSMP. However, to ensure your plans remain applicable to your projects, please review the content within the updated Project Risk Assessment (PRA) and Emergency Response Plan (ERP).

Team HSE Managers

  • Review the Systems Amendment Register and communicate changes to project teams 
  • Facilitate the plan update across the projects under their control in consultation with the project team
  • Ensure updated plans are adequately communicated with project team
  • Ensure adequate archiving of superseded plans (all plans are to be archived for 2 years following completion of the project)

Team Leaders

  • Where the team does not have a Team HSE Manager, the Team Leader is required to oversee this process and all updates

Project Teams

  • Undertake and assist in the review with HSE Team, and consult with subcontractors on the update (subcontractor meetings, prestart meetings or a toolbox)
  • Maintain updated copy of the WHS Management Plan on site for any workers undertaking high risk construction work 

Further updates

In addition to Hutchies' updates to the Work Health and Safety Management Plan, a revised Environment Management Plan (Version 6) with relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be published by the end of February 2023. 

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3 - 6 February 2023 / Safety Alert

Low to severe heatwave conditions are forecast over the next 3 days.

Particular areas include the Queensland tropical and central coast, including South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

BOM Heatwave Map

Working in hot conditions

Awareness, education and preparedness are the key factors in recognising and countering the potential risk to health of workers when working in hot environments.

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January 2023

23 January 2023 / Warning

No one in the industry has the potential insight into cost and time data as Hutchies.

This gives us competitive edge. And can help us be more efficient. 

By adopting consistent cost codes and folder structures across the company, we can all benefit from faster access to these insights gathered across hundreds of tenders and projects annually.

We've incorporated the best examples from across our teams to create an updated set of our templates for everyone. They're more logical, familiar and flexible to suit our diverse projects.

Following successful trials with teams and input from each discipline, these new tools are ready for everyone to use.

You can access them today in CostX, Viewpoint and your local JOBS / Estimating folders, and they can be adopted incrementally as new projects come on. 

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17 January 2023 / New

A new poster has been created to help you keep track of Accounts Payable cut off dates for 2023.

Don't forget, we now also have the new All Company Calendar to help everyone stay across our key national dates for:

> Our regular company meetings

> Payment cut off dates for AP (also now in poster form)

> Training sessions

> State specific RDOs and school holidays

> Public holidays and observations

> Social events

Open in Outlook on desktop

More ways to access

The All Company Calendar can now be opened from more places and has new features:

> Open it via your Outlook app on desktop or mobile device

> Add events to your own calendar by right clicking

> Click the date in Toolbox's top navigation bar

> Search 'calendar' on Toolbox to open in your web browser

> Print the calendar from your Outlook desktop app

Overlay with your calendar
> Open Outlook calendar
> 'Tick' Company Calendar to switch it on
> Click 'View' in the top ribbon
> Select 'Overlay'
Add events to your calendar
> Open Outlook and go to Calendars
> Go to 'Company Calendar'
> Right click any event to 'Add to my calendar'

Open easily from Toolbox

New All Company Teams Group

You've been added to our new All Company Microsoft Teams group. We'll use this channel to share small updates and minimise future emails. 

Printing as PDF

The calendar can still be printed easily if you prefer a hard copy. Open the Outlook app on your computer (not in the browser), click File > Print (or Ctrl+P) and in the Settings, select the 'Monthly Style' to get a month to month snapshot.

To access on mobile, download the apps

Microsoft Teams

Download Teams for Apple 
Download Teams for Android 

Microsoft Outlook

Download Outlook for Apple 
Download Outlook for Android 

Updates

If you have any queries about dates in Hutchies' All Company Calendar, please get in touch with:

> Company meetings & public holidays / Natalie Roma

> Payment cut off dates / Mandie Quint

Our calendar is updated annually towards the end of the year and everyone is notified via email when it's ready.

View More
12 Jan - 15 Feb 2023 / Promotion

Thinking about getting health cover? 2023 is your year, and Bupa’s here to help you start it the right way and set new health goals.

Private health cover gives you more choice, more control, and more opportunities to take care of your wellbeing. And now’s a great time to join because we’re offering an exclusive range of benefits to new Bupa corporate members who join on an eligible product. Including, as always, the peace of mind that you’re in great hands with quality cover.

Here's what you could get if you sign up now:

  • 4 weeks free* on eligible combined Hospital and Extras products
  • 2 and 6-month waiting periods waived on Extras* 
  • An ongoing corporate discount every month

In addition to keeping more money in your pocket every month, you’ll also get to enjoy all the great Bupa Corporate perks. Like unlimited emergency ambulance on eligible Corporate voluntary combined Hospitals and Extras products, an online support service, which allows you to make claims 24/7, and a dedicated corporate concierge line.

Be quick to get it all — this offer ends Feb 15.

Join now 

To find out more, call 1300 662 074 or visit bupa.com.au/corporate or your local Bupa retail store.

Benefits of Bupa's exclusive corporate plans

Age-based discount
If you’re aged 18-29, you are entitled to receive an age-based discount on your domestic hospital cover. The discount is calculated at 2% for each year you’re aged under 30, when you first purchase domestic hospital cover. For more information visit; bupa.com.au/age-based-discounts×
Access to myBupa 24/7
24/7 access to myBupa online, where you can make electronic claims on some services, view your policy details and more.×
Pay nothing for your kids (Gap free)
Pay nothing for your kids on most dental, physio, chiro and podiatry consultations at Members First providers, up to yearly limits.×

Getting Bupa health cover is easy

1 / Find your cover
The Bupa team will help find the right product for you and your budget.
2 / Bupa does they paperwork
If you're joining from another provider, Bupa will cancel your old membership and keep you covered while you join.
3 / No waiting period**
If you're switching over to Bupa, you've already served the waiting period** at your old fund, so you can claim straight away.

Speak to a health insurance expert now

Phone / 1300 662 074
Email / sales@bupa.com.au
Message / Chat to a live consultant now

View More

December 2022

16 December 2022 / Reminder

Hutchies wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year.

Christmas is a great time of year for most, but for some it can also be an emotional and difficult time.

We wanted to use this opportunity to remind everyone that Hutchies has free and confidential employee assistance programs (EAPs) and support services available.

Details are provided below for these services, which are available 24 x 7 to any of Hutchies' people or family members for any reason at all.

Hutchies' mobile devices also have access to the Converge International app in our catalogue which you can text for a time to chat.

Please take care over the break and look after yourself and those around you. We look forward to seeing you in 2023.

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16 December 2022 / General

Congratulations all of our Hutchies' veterans and to the winner of Constructor of the Year 2022: Harleigh Venables!

View More
15 December 2022 / New

Hutchies' key dates and meetings for the year ahead are now available in our All Company Calendar and new Microsoft Teams group

Stay in sync

Our All Company Calendar will help everyone be across our key national dates for:

> Our regular company meetings

> Payment cut off dates for AP

> Training sessions

> State specific RDOs and school holidays

> Public holidays and observations

> Social events

Open in Outlook on desktop

More ways to access

The All Company Calendar can now be opened from more places and has new features:

> Open it via your Outlook app on desktop or mobile device

> Add events to your own calendar by right clicking

> Click the date in Toolbox's top navigation bar

> Search 'calendar' on Toolbox to open in your web browser

> Print the calendar from your Outlook desktop app

Overlay with your calendar
> Open Outlook calendar
> 'Tick' Company Calendar to switch it on
> Click 'View' in the top ribbon
> Select 'Overlay'
Add events to your calendar
> Open Outlook and go to Calendars
> Go to 'Company Calendar'
> Right click any event to 'Add to my calendar'

Open easily from Toolbox

New All Company Teams Group

You've been added to our new All Company Microsoft Teams group. We'll use this channel to share small updates and minimise future emails. 

Printing as PDF

The calendar can still be printed easily if you prefer a hard copy. Open the Outlook app on your computer (not in the browser), click File > Print (or Ctrl+P) and in the Settings, select the 'Monthly Style' to get a month to month snapshot.

To access on mobile, download the apps

Microsoft Teams

Download Teams for Apple 
Download Teams for Android 

Microsoft Outlook

Download Outlook for Apple 
Download Outlook for Android 

Updates

If you have any queries about dates in Hutchies' All Company Calendar, please get in touch with:

> Company meetings & public holidays / Natalie Roma

> Payment cut off dates / Mandie Quint

Our calendar is updated annually towards the end of the year and everyone is notified via email when it's ready.

View More
13 December 2022 / Safety Alert

Following a recent spate of incidents across the industry that have been directly attributed to management of 'delivery zones', it is a timely reminder that all projects have a direct obligation to manage the risks to workers, delivery drivers and plant operators during the loading and unloading process.

Each project is unique, and requires planning to assess and mitigate the project specific risks associated for these activities.

Please ensure that the below information is communicated to your project team at your daily coordination meeting and next toolbox talk.

Action

Project Manager & Site Manager / Supervisors

Planning considerations:

  • Regular communication with suppliers on safe delivery requirements (ie strapping of materials / palletising / crates / purpose-built cradles / slings or lifting equipment provided with loads are adequately tested and inspected) for things like reinforcement steel, facade, glazing etc
  • Review of plant capacities and the project specific requirements (including competencies of the operators)
  • Location of delivery zones (ie gradient / people and plant interactions / lifting zones / public interaction etc)
  • Specified delivery signage / waiting areas or induction requirements

Site Manager

Review your site processes for deliveries. This means any delivery of materials, plant and equipment, as well as: 

  • Actively reviewing your no-go / exclusion zones in-place during deliveries
  • Assessing each load and plant to ensure suitability for loading / unloading (ie plant capacity)
  • Clear access to the load (edge protection / safe access and egress from the truck etc)
  • Review and ensure your people plant movements / internal traffic plan is current and adequate for the works being conducted
  • SWMS in place for use of plant, and where the delivery drivers will be involved in the unloading process, they are workers and must be treated as such
  • Ensure there is a Task Observation completed in HammerTech focusing on the above
  • Communication with all trades on delivery requirements and delivery drivers is essential — this needs to be a documented process

HSE Manager / HSE Advisor

  • Assisting the team to review and adjust SWMS and PRA to address site controls
  • Comprehensively review competencies of the operators unloading deliveries (Manitou / forklift / mobile crane / tower crane etc)
  • Complete a Task Observation in HammerTech
  • Updating HammerTech and ensuring there are suitable records maintained

Considerations


Exclusion zones
Plant selection
Create exclusion zones around delivery trucks
Ensure suitable plant is used for the situation (unloading / assessing load types / plant capacity / ground conditions)
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12 December 2022 / Notice

We’re not the only ones who party over the break. Mother Nature is known for getting rowdy over Christmas, dishing out some severe weather and environmental events.

Ranging from high winds, heavy rain, flooding, hail and in some cases cyclones, these have the potential to cause damage to Hutchies' sites, and adjacent properties and assets.

Since the beginning of 2022, our sites have already braved significant wet weather, and the forecast predicts more to come.

To best prepare for these potential weather events and to keep our sites secure, every project needs to fully implement Hutchies' shutdown and storm preparation processes prior to the holiday break.

This includes:

  • Ensuring plant, amenities, temporary structures and perimeter fencing is secured with the relevant site contacts for the break displayed on the perimeter fence
  • As a Project Team, ensure there is a plan to attend the project during the break for emergencies
  • Checking that open excavations and trenches have been filled or barricaded
  • Sediment and erosion controls are in place on the boundaries and around any soil stockpiles that could potentially cause impact to the environment
  • Consideration of insurance requirements for weather and flood mitigation

All shutdown checklists are to be completed on HammerTech > Inspections: Site Shutdown Storm Preparation Checklist (F-084)

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5 December 2022 / Warning

Programming is an important lynchpin to the success of Hutchies' projects and reputation. To increase our quality of programming and planning and ensure continued high quality delivery standards, we will be periodically releasing updates, tools, information, and training to a central portal.

The new programming portal is now available on the Toolbox.

This page will give you easier access to updates, information and tools as well as training sessions on all you need to know about programming. You can get to the page on the Toolbox or click the link below to view now. 

Updates and tools will be uploaded periodically so check back often.

View More

November 2022

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30 November 2022 / General

Our latest suite of insurances are available now available.

Hutchies' Toolbox / Company Information

Hutchies' Document Library / Company Member Resources > Administration

Hutchies' Website / The Feed > Downloads

External Share Link / hutchies.com.au/insurances

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28 November 2022 / Meetings

Thanks for participating in Hutchies' Company Meetings for Site Managers & Project Managers / Contract Administrators.

A copy of each presentation is available to download below.

Share your feedback on these sessions

Survey > Site Managers' Meeting

Survey > Project Managers & Administrators' Meeting

Meetings in 2023

  • We're introducing a new 'All Company Update' meeting in the new year, open to everyone and held 2-3 times a year
  • This will keep the Site Managers' and Project Managers / Administrators' Meetings more discipline specific (anyone can still join, we'll just cover less of the company overview / around the grounds in these sessions)
  • Hutchies' new calendar will be available on Toolbox shortly - search 'calendar' to download in PDF or add it to your Outlook Calendar
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22 November 2022 / COVID-19

As Australia moves into a new phase of living with COVID-19, it is still important to minimise the risk of transmission, particularly to keep vulnerable people safe and reduce pressure on the nation's health system. We are currently dealing with another wave of increased case numbers around the country, so we all must continue to play our part to help each other. However, now that many Australians are vaccinated, community guidance has changed and government requirements have been revised.

This update is to cover some key changes in line with reduced restrictions that apply to site procedures and other practices.

If you have any questions, get in touch with the Coronavirus Team.

Changes to site and office procedures

Under current government recommendations, sites and offices are no longer required to:

  • Follow a specific COVID-19 Safety Plan
  • Apply any COVID-19 related entry conditions to workers
  • Ask workers to sign a COVID-19 Safe declaration
  • Complete weekly COVID-19 checklists
  • Send workers home to isolate as it is no longer mandated
  • Notify workers of COVID-19 cases. This is now a personal responsibility.
  • Hutchies' teams should remove any materials from sites and offices related to the above updated guidance.

Updated guidance for everyone

It is important to continue to maintain your personal responsibility to keep other people safe from illness.

As an individual, you should:

  • Continue to monitor for symptoms
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Test for COVID-19 regularly if you develop symptoms
  • Inform the people around you if you test positive, including your social and work contacts
  • Report your positive result to the relevant state health authority
  • Ensure your Team Leader and Payroll are aware if you test positive
  • Obtain a medical certificate if requested
  • Wait until symptoms resolve before returning to work
  • Wear a face mask in recommended settings (such as hospitals) or if you must leave home while symptomatic
  • Consider social distancing in crowded areas

Hutchies has RATs and masks on hand for anyone in Hutchies who needs them for themselves or their family members. Just order via the Toolbox Shop, or email the Coronavirus Team.

Practical steps sites and offices should continue to take

The experience of the pandemic has taught us that there are some simple, practical steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of coming into contact with an illness, such as COVID-19.

Sites and offices should continue to take reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of the workforce, such as the following:

  • Maintaining good hygiene and topping up supplies
  • Continuing a regular cleaning regime
  • Considering holding meetings online or outside
  • Updating information posted around sites or offices (like posters)
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October 2022

28 October 2022 / Warning

Australia’s largest privately owned construction company, Hutchies, has today announced the appointment of veteran Russell Fryer to the position of Managing Director.

This follows the retirement of Greg Quinn who has been Hutchies’ Managing Director since joining in 2001 and will remain on the Board as Non-Executive Director.

Scott Hutchinson, Chairman of the century old company and fourth generation family member to preside over it, described Greg as a one of a kind in the construction industry.

“Greg played footy for Brothers and Queensland in the 70s before doing a carpentry apprenticeship and running his own small building business in Ipswich – then he went on to head up Master Builders Associations in Queensland and New South Wales in the 80s and 90s.”

Keep reading

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25 October 2022 / Notice

We've secured new agreements to provide Hutchies' teams consistent service, products and pricing. 

Hutchies' signage catalogue has also had a tidy up to coincide with this procurement update. We're in the process of updating the Toolbox Shop to open up the ability to select your preferred supplier between Sitemax and SS Signs.

You can now choose which fixed price and delivery options suit your team best. Hutchies has dedicated account managers at both Sitemax and SS Signs.
branded signage catalogue items, Sitemax and SS Signs can also provide:

  • Custom banner mesh and hoarding
  • Gantries
  • Jumpforms
  • Crane deck signs
  • Building signage (statutory etc)

Sitemax

We have a new partnership with Sitemax across Australia. This expands Hutchies' price competitive options for construction signage.

Sitemax also provide free shipping within South East Queensland.

Sitemax Pricing

Contact

Lenny Wallace, Account Manager
sales@sitemax.com.au
1800 007 557

SS Signs

Our long term partner in South East Queensland, SS Signs, has updated their rates exclusive to Hutchies for the next 12 months.

SS charges freight costs for all orders across Australia.

SS Signs Pricing

Contact

Steve Smith, Account Manager
admin@sssigns.com.au
07 3821 7326

How to order

Hutchies' signage catalogue has been fine tuned to ensure consistent branding and is updated regularly. 

Only Sitemax and SS Signs are approved to supply Hutchies' branded signage.

Teams must ensure that their site signage is supplied by either Sitemax or SS Signs to maintain consistency with branding and legislative compliance. You can order from either of our suppliers via:

  • Hutchies' Toolbox Shop
  • Email to our contact with a PO
  • Phone order with a PO
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13 October 2022 / Event

October 1 marked the start of Indigenous Business Month, which has been held in October each year since 2015.

As a way of commemorating the occasion, some of our Team Leaders have helped us put together case studies on their engagement with the Indigenous business sector and some things for you to think about to give you a leg up on the competition.

Thanks to Justin Clark, Bernie Nolan, Aaron Ohl and Mitch Grimmer, we’ve created four business profiles, which we will reveal across Indigenous Business Month.

At any time, Hutchies is working with around 60 Indigenous businesses to the tune of around $10m per annum.  

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11 October 2022 / Event

A quick reminder that today's Mood Food Webinar will run from 12pm to 1pm AEST  via Microsoft Teams. Simply click the below button to register and join the session.

Food experts from Mood Food, Holly and Amanda, will introduce there business and suggest easy-to-implement ideas and break down some common myths around diet and food. Their tips and tricks are backed by evidence and will give you insight into why eating well helps you stay mentally health.

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10 Oct - 19 Dec 2022 / Promotion

Bupa is offering more benefits for new Bupa members with our Corporate Health Cover plans. They’ll get:

Some of the other reasons people love us are: 

  • 12% discount ongoing*
  • 2 & 6 Month waiver on extras*
  • 6 Weeks free on combined hospital and extras products to new to Bupa customers*
  • Employees who are existing Bupa members can request a cover review of their policy and take advantage of this offer.

It pays to tell your colleagues

Sharing the gift of great cover just got even more rewarding. If you join Bupa and refer a colleague, you’ll receive a $100 e-gift card^. All you need to do is:

  • Share your membership number with your colleague
  • Tell your colleague to reference the number when they join.

Once your colleague has been a member for 30 days, we’ll email you the gift card. It’s that simple.

Benefits of Bupa's exclusive corporate plans

Age-based discount
If you’re aged 18-29, you are entitled to receive an age-based discount on your domestic hospital cover. The discount is calculated at 2% for each year you’re aged under 30, when you first purchase domestic hospital cover. For more information visit; bupa.com.au/age-based-discounts×
100% back for on optical
100% back on most items at recognised Optical providers, including frames, prescription lenses and contacts, up to yearly limits. #
Pay nothing for your kids (Gap free)
Pay nothing for your kids on most dental, physio, chiro and podiatry consultations at Members First providers, up to yearly limits.×

Getting Bupa health cover is easy

1 / Find your cover
The Bupa team will help find the right product for you and your budget.
2 / Bupa does they paperwork
If you're joining from another provider, Bupa will cancel your old membership and keep you covered while you join.
3 / No waiting period**
If you're switching over to Bupa, you've already served the waiting period** at your old fund, so you can claim straight away.

Speak to a health insurance expert now

Phone / 1300 662 074
Email / sales@bupa.com.au
Message / Chat to a live consultant now

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September 2022

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28 September 2022 / Warning

Edition 5

Here are our latest HammerTech tips and tricks.

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19 September 2022 / Meetings

Thanks for participating in Hutchies' Quarterly Company Meetings for Site Managers & Project Managers / Contract Administrators.

A copy of each presentation is available to download below.

Share your feedback on this session

Survey > Site Managers' Meeting

Survey > Project Managers & Contract Administrators' Meeting

View More
15 Sep - 4 Nov 2022 / Promotion

Bupa is offering more benefits for new Bupa members with our Corporate Health Cover plans. They’ll get:

Some of the other reasons people love us are: 

  • 6 weeks free* on eligible combined Hospital and Extras products if they join by 3 November 2022
  • 2- and 6-month waiting periods waived on Extras* • ongoing corporate discounts, every single month

It pays to tell your colleagues

Sharing the gift of great cover just got even more rewarding. If you join Bupa and refer a colleague, you’ll receive a $100 e-gift card^. All you need to do is:

  • share your membership number with your colleague
  • tell your colleague to reference the number when they join.

Once your colleague has been a member for 30 days, we’ll email you the gift card. It’s that simple.

Benefits of Bupa's exclusive corporate plans

Age-based discount
If you’re aged 18-29, you are entitled to receive an age-based discount on your domestic hospital cover. The discount is calculated at 2% for each year you’re aged under 30, when you first purchase domestic hospital cover. For more information visit; bupa.com.au/age-based-discounts×
100% back for on optical
100% back on most items at recognised Optical providers, including frames, prescription lenses and contacts, up to yearly limits. #
Pay nothing for your kids (Gap free)
Pay nothing for your kids on most dental, physio, chiro and podiatry consultations at Members First providers, up to yearly limits.×

Getting Bupa health cover is easy

1 / Find your cover
The Bupa team will help find the right product for you and your budget.
2 / Bupa does they paperwork
If you're joining from another provider, Bupa will cancel your old membership and keep you covered while you join.
3 / No waiting period**
If you're switching over to Bupa, you've already served the waiting period** at your old fund, so you can claim straight away.

Speak to a health insurance expert now

Phone / 1300 662 074
Email / sales@bupa.com.au
Message / Chat to a live consultant now

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13 September 2022 / Warning

An ASIC document was lodged mistakenly listing an External Administrator to J Hutchinson Pty Ltd in lieu of an unrelated third party. 

This was an administrative error which has been immediately corrected and is in the process of being removed.

Hutchies has been trading for 110 years and has a debt free balance sheet with equity exceeding $380M.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) we will issue an email that can be forwarded directly on to any stakeholders and interested parties.

In the meantime, please feel free to contact Russell Fryer or Owen Valmadre if you have any questions.

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13 September 2022 / Warning

BOM continues to forecast above average rainfall across eastern and central Australia for the next six months.

Make allowances for wet weather in your preliminaries, ensure contracts have provisions for extreme weather related time and cost delays, and have risk mitigation plans in place to prevent impacts from bad weather or flooding on sites for insurance purposes.

Potential Impact

We typically see around 15% of wet weather days per annum. The 2022 weather events have seen this jump up to 38% in some areas like NSW. It's important to have plans in place from a contractual perspective, and risk mitigation strategies on sites to minimise impact of weather and flooding.

Key Resources

Ensure our sites are ready in the event of bad weather. Our recent insurance policy changes requires all of Hutchies' sites to demonstrate that they have considered the risk and impact of weather and flooding.

> HammerTech

> Storm Video

> Insurance Requirements

Contract Clauses

Hutchies' head contracts on the Toolbox includes inclement weather as a qualifying cause of delay.

If you're not using a standard Hutchies head contract, ensure inclement weather is a qualifying cause of delay. The Contracts Review Team can assist with drafting.

Programming

Where your contract doesn't entitle you to an EOT for inclement weather, a minimum of 15% delay contingency (in working days) should be factored into current and upcoming programs for inclement weather.

In addition, you should ensure your contract allows you to seek an EOT for 'extreme' weather events by including a qualifying cause of delay such as "any inclement weather which is in excess of the 10-year average weather pattern at the location of the Site."

Tender clarifications should be clear as to what inclement weather risk has been accepted in the program. Anything beyond that allowance will be a claimable qualifying cause of delay.

More Information

Contracts Review
contractsreview@hutchies.com.au

Programming / Owen Lyden
owen.lyden@hutchies.com.au

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8 September 2022 / Observation

Checking in on your mates could make a difference.

Today is a reminder of the importance to check in on each other and ask R U OK? And not just today, but regularly if you can.

The last couple of years have been difficult and intense for most people. Between the direct effects of the pandemic, and the ongoing inflationary economic situation, stress levels are likely to be high.

People at Hutchies have gone over and above to deal with the current climate at work. Today, however, is an opportunity to take a moment to check in with each other.

For anyone struggling, know that there are genuine mates and the broader Hutchies’ crew around, plus other support services - people that care about you and are ready to listen and understand.

Take the time to try and connect openly – a conversation could mean a lot to someone right now.

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5 September 2022 / Notice

All offices are classified as workplaces, this requires Hutchies to ensure they remain safe places to attend and work. 

Offices occupied by Hutchies' Teams (owned or rented premises) are to complete a 6 monthly inspection to ensure the building and office is maintained.

Where office layouts or locations change, it is important that the latest information is captured in the emergency planning and that all property maintenance records are being maintained.

Action

Office Managers

  • Review the office audit information prior to commencement if you have not completed this inspection before
  • Complete the 'Office Inspection' in HammerTech before 30 September 2022
  • Collate and upload the relevant registers and plans into 'Office Documents' and 'Office Registers' in HammerTech
  • Close out any non-conforming items with your Team Leader and / or Team HSE Manager 

Team HSE Managers

  • Assist Office Managers in accessing the HammerTech platform
  • Assist where required in the completion of this inspection
  • Identification and scheduling of office training as required

Team Leaders

  • Ensure close out of non-compliant office / property maintenance items
  • Facilitating and authorising required training

More information

Hutchies' Property Team

Louise Keam / louise.keam@hutchies.com.au
Rukea Lennon / rukea.lennon@hutchies.com.au
Jacqui Minnis / jacqui.minnis@hutchies.com.au

Hutchies' System Team

Jamie Spooner / jamie.spooner@hutchies.com.au

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August 2022

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23 August 2022 / Warning

We've made a bunch of improvements to Hutchies Toolbox, and added new features to help you find things faster.

Enhancements include:

> New global search

> Fresh design and sorting for tiles 

> Personalisation to make your own order

Document Library

We're also doing a big tidy up of the Document Library, so you may notice files have new names and some links may be broken. 

Please let us know if you find a broken link.

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16 August 2022 / Warning

Built by Hutchies' Teams, for Hutchies' Teams.

Our new Payments Tool is live and replaces our Filenet system. 

We've got some resources available below for anyone new to the system to help you get up to speed on how it works.

Filenet is no longer being used for payment processing. If you need to refer back to previous invoices, please contact AP.

Payment Enquiries

Please contact AP

Technical Enquiries

Please contact IT Support

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1 Aug - 1 Sep 2022 / General

Running across August, Tradies National Health Month is all about raising awareness of the health and injury risks affecting tradies, their families, employers and the wider community.

There is no better time to start a conversation within your workplace and create a culture where people feel confident in opening up about their challenges. 

So this August, take the time to think about tradies health and use the tips and resources provided by Hutchies' partners at TIACS and help spread the word. 

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1 Aug - 14 Sep 2022 / Promotion

Winter’s nearly over and it’s time to get into the spring of things. For singles, couples or families, that could mean something totally different. But one thing they can all agree on is great value. It’s partly why people choose Bupa for their health cover.

Some of the other reasons people love us are: 

  • cover options that suit different lifestyles,
  • great Extras across our entire range, and 
  • awesome membership perks
  • easy claiming in 4 simple steps

Put a spring in your step 

If you join between 1 August–14 September 2022, you could get up to $800 off*^ on eligible combined Hospital and Extras products. Not only that, but you'll also get monthly ongoing discounts on Corporate Health Cover.

*Price is for couple and family Gold complete hospital cover in VIC, with Top Extras 90. Hospital price include an excess of $500. Price excludes any lifetime health cover loading, age-based discount, or government rebate.

Benefits of Bupa's exclusive corporate plans

Accidents Happen Refund
When requiring hospital treatment as the result of an accident, Bupa will refund you the hospital excess you paid for that admission. For Bupa's accident definition and explanation, please see the Important Information Guide.*
100% back for first Massage and Physio service
Get 100% back on your first Massage and Physiotherapy service every year at Bupa recognised providers on selected Corporate Extras products. Up to yearly limits.#
Pay nothing for your kids (Gap free)
Pay nothing for your kids on most dental, physio, chiro and podiatry consultations at Members First providers, up to yearly limits.×

Getting Bupa health cover is easy

1 / Find your cover
The Bupa team will help find the right product for you and your budget.
2 / Bupa does they paperwork
If you're joining from another provider, Bupa will cancel your old membership and keep you covered while you join.
3 / No waiting period**
If you're switching over to Bupa, you've already served the waiting period** at your old fund, so you can claim straight away.

Speak to a health insurance expert now

Phone / 1300 662 074
Email / sales@bupa.com.au
Message / Chat to a live consultant now

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July 2022

29 July 2022 / Notice

We've secured new agreements to provide Hutchies' teams consistent service, products and pricing. 

Bingo & United

We have a new partnership with Bingo Industries and United Waste Services across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. This expands Hutchies' price competitive options for construction and demolition waste bins.

Bingo / United covers:

  • New South Wales – As north as Dungog, out to Katoomba, all of Sydney and down to Nowra in southern NSW
  • Queensland – Morayfield down togreater Brisbane region, west out to Tivoli and down to Kingscliff in NSW
  • Victoria – most of Greater Melbourne and surrounds

Raw Skips

Our long term partner in South East Queensland has secured their rates exclusive to Hutchies for the next 6 months.

Raw Skips and their partner Whale Skips cover most of the South East Queensland regions – from Gold Coast right up to Noosa and everything in between.

Benefits

Our suppliers both have a range of options available at exclusive prices:

  • Guaranteed fixed pricing for 6 – 24 months
  • Up to 4 x 1.5m crane bins included at no charge for each project (region / supplier dependent)
  • Below market rates guaranteed
  • Detailed waste reporting & recycling / sustainability reports
  • And more!
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18 July 2022 / Warning

Hutchies' new Payments system training kicks off this week.

The login details are on page 3 of the draft training manual

Access via this link

Everyone now should have invoices under their test login (you can start testing now).

We are aware of a couple of bugs (The format of the Payment Schedule report & IV performance).

If you experience any issues during testing, please log them here.

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15 July 2022 / Notice

With the implementation of our new system for processing claims & invoices, please take note of the following dates to ensure a smooth transition.

  • 25/07/22 – No access to retention release module in Viewpoint.
  • 27/07/22 – No new invoices will be scanned into Filenet.
  • 27/07/22 - Filenet must be cleared entirely by 4pm– no exceptions. Every invoice will need to be actioned and cleared out.
  • 29/07/22 – No access to Filenet until we go live with the new system.
  • 02/08/22 – Go Live.

The week beginning 18/7/22 will be the start of our training blitz.

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12 July 2022 / Notice

New > Lead Procedure

Lead management was previously included in Hutchies' Hazardous Substances Procedure.

The separation of lead works / process into a standalone procedure provides updated specific guidance for the identification, assessment, communication, risk controls, monitoring and record management associated with lead works / process on site.

SP:06 Lead

Updated > Removal of Lead Material Checklist

The Removal of Lead Materials Checklist has been updated to address the planning and preparation requirements for lead works / process.

This checklist is used prior to the commencement of work, and confirming the area is safe to re-enter following completion of removal work.

Removal of Lead Material Checklist

WHS System Updates

Other recent updates include:

  • Energisation Permit [HB-HSEQ-F-074-B] — now available in all projects via HammerTech
  • JSA Form — revision of JSA to align with other risk assessment formats

Where there are minor formatting, grammatical updates or moderate changes in wording in any resources / templates, these will be updated automatically in our tools, without formal communication. 

To ensure you're using the latest tools, always access the Safety Systems via Hutchies' Toolbox > HSE tile and use HammerTech for on-site application. 

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Health, Safety & Enviro

Actions

Team Leaders

  • Where your Team does not have a designated HSE Manager or HSE Advisor, please communicate these changes to your Team

Site Management

  • Review project requirement for lead work / process and where applicable implement the lead removal checklist prior to the commencement of work and before opening areas to other work groups

Team HSE Managers

  • Review updates and communicate these changes to projects where there may be lead removal works or energisation activities
  • Provide feedback on application of the process
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4 July 2022 / Meetings

Thanks for participating in Hutchies' Quarterly Company Meetings for Site Managers & Administrators.

A copy of each presentation is available to download below.

Share your feedback on this session

Survey > Site Managers' Meeting

Survey > Project Managers & Contract Administrators' Meeting

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1 Jul - 1 Aug 2022 / Promotion

As the financial year wraps up, it’s natural to think about the cost of things. Do the products or services we use work for us? And are we getting real value from them? It’s a time of making ‘new financial year resolutions’ – like switching to a health plan that better suits our lifestyle. 

To help kick off the new financial year, Bupa is offering 6 weeks free* in the first year on their range of Corporate Health Cover. So you can start fresh with a health plan that meets their needs and offers great value too.

Here are some of the ways you’ll benefit by joining Bupa health insurance:

  • You'll get a $50 Prezzee Gift Card when you get a quote with Bupa in July
  • You'll get 6 weeks free* on eligible combined Hospital and Extras products by joining between 1 July and 31 July 2022
  • You'll waive the 2 and 6 month waiting periods on Extras cover*
  • You'll get ongoing monthly discounts on Corporate Health Cover

Confused about the Medicare Levy Surcharge this tax time? If you earn over $90,000 as a single or a household income above $180,000 as a couple / family, getting Bupa Hospital Cover could help you at tax time.  

Speak to a health insurance expert now

Phone / 1300 662 074
Email / sales@bupa.com.au
Message / Chat to a live consultant now

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June 2022

22 June 2022 / Legislation Alert

Scaffold Code of Practice 2021 commenced on 1 July 2021, with the exception of Section 2.7.1.1 which had a 12-month delayed commencement.

From 1 July 2022, the following requirement applies to stand-alone scaffolding that has been installed on or after 1 July 2022.

The new recommendation is that the step height from the scaffold stair module onto the working platform should be minimised so that it is no more than 300 millimetres. This only applies where there is a change in direction between landings.

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17 June 2022 / New

Hutchies is defined as a ‘person conducting a business or undertaking’ (PCBU). This means we all have a duty to manage risks in our workplaces, including on ‘minor works’ projects.

To assist Project Teams in the management of risks on minor works projects, Hutchies has developed a new Minor Works Safety & Quality Management Plan with associated risk identifier processes for Project Teams. 

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May 2022

29 May - 30 Jun 2022 / Promotion

Why wait? Join Bupa by 30 June 2022 and you’ll have exclusive access to corporate health insurance offers and ongoing monthly discounts. 

Here are some of the ways you’ll benefit by joining Bupa health insurance:

  • You’ll get up to 8 weeks free* on eligible combined Hospital and Extras products when you join between 19 May 2022 and 30 June 2022. This includes 6 weeks free in the first year and 2 weeks free in the second year.
  • Bupa will waive your 2 and 6 month waiting periods for Extras cover*
  • You’ll get ongoing monthly corporate discounts. 

Confused about the Medicare Levy Surcharge this tax time? If you earn over $90,000 as a single or a household income above $180,000 as a couple / family, getting Bupa Hospital Cover could help you at tax time.  

Speak to a health insurance expert now

Phone / 1300 662 074
Email / sales@bupa.com.au
Message / Chat to a live consultant now

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24 May 2022 / Warning

Edition 4

Here are our latest HammerTech tips and tricks.

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12 May 2022 / Notice

We've secured a new national agreement to provide Hutchies' teams consistent service, products and pricing. 

A review was undertaken on the top 20 items Hutchies purchases from Hilti annually. From here we were able to negotiate and ensure that Hutchies has the best and cheapest price in the market for these items.

These new and fixed rates are reflected in the Hilti price list

Products

Hilti has an extensive range of products available at exclusive prices:

  • Cordless tools
  • Power tools
  • Dust management and vacuum cleaners
  • Tool inserts
  • Direct fastening
  • Measuring tools and scanners
  • Fasteners
  • Fire stop and fire protection
  • Modular support systems
  • Facade mounting systems
  • Construction chemicals
  • Exoskeleton and human augmentation systems

And more!

Benefits

Using Hutchies' preferred supplier will give you:

  • Pricing security for ALL teams nationally – what you pay for an injectable mortar in Rockhampton, is the same price that you will pay for the same item in Sydney
  • Based on previous years purchasing there is a projected saving of $100K per annum on current spend
  • Hilti has dedicated engineering professionals available to assist in ensuring our projects have been specified with the correct product
  • National access to industry leading products
  • Dedicated account managers in each state / territory
  • Hutchies receiving up to 15% cheaper on select products than our competitors
  • Fixed pricing on a wide range of products
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11 May 2022 / Notice

Revised agreements with Hanson have now been finalised to provide Hutchies' teams consistent service and pricing for concrete supply across QLD. 

These updates follow the notice circulated to all South East QLD Teams on 14 April 2022.

Updated documents are available on the Document Library and via the below links.

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9 May 2022 / Meetings

Thanks for participating in Hutchies' Quarterly Company Meetings for Site Managers & Administrators.

A copy of each presentation is available to download below.

Rate this session

Share your feedback on the updated format

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3 May 2022 / Quality Alert

Here is what our regulators are focused on

Hutchies prides itself on being ‘a safe pair of hands’. We deliver projects that stand the test of time and scrutiny of all. 

The QBCC has a new Commissioner and executive team in place to facilitate change and restore public confidence, so it is important we are adequately prepared to demonstrate Hutchies’ commitment to compliance, quality and safety.

The QBCC has a wide-ranging set of responsibilities and powers in the industry including authority over:

  • Adequate supervision
  • Unlicenced supervisors
  • Incorrectly licenced supervisors
  • Non-Conforming Building Products (NCBP)
  • Building quality on site
  • Proper building certification
  • Consumer / body corporate defects complaints
  • Safety record (ie notifiable incidents)
  • Issuing of demerit points

We have our own high standards that align to our company objectives. Hutchies is committed to the performance and compliance of our projects. We should never need a regulator to direct us to do the right thing. We are proud, professional, and responsible enough to manage our business.

As it stands, we have defended a number of issues over the years and have no less than 5 issues at present. The consequences of failing on any of these issues with the QBCC can lead to demerit points on our builders' licence. On the spot, investigated or prosecuted issues can be fined up to 10 demerit points each, to a maximum to 20 points if an issue leads to multiple breaches. Each issue also attracts considerable financial penalties and appears on public record for 5 years. If a builder exceeds more than 30 demerit points, QBCC will cancel its licence for 3 years. If it happens to Hutchies, we stop trading - it's that serious.

Given that Hutchies has over 100 sites underway in Queensland at present, and 6.5 years' worth of previous projects which QBCC can review for Category 1 major defects at any time, issues such as NCBPs and incorrectly licenced subbies can bring us undone. Managing our sites by doing the right thing and implementing good controls is of the greatest importance especially in the current environment.

Start by reviewing your site against the Regulatory Inspection Guide and implement the key actions described in the full alert below.

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2 May 2022 / Quality Alert

Here are our key focus areas for 2022

After considering carefully:

  • Improvements made over many years through the implementation of Hutchies' Quality, Services and Facades Handbooks and Systems
  • The impact of increasing legislative change on building acts and regulations, the NCC and Australian Standards
  • Issues repetitively identified through ongoing progressive site Quality control inspections
  • Long term / statutory warranty issues and associated cost impacts

We’ve identified the top 10 areas for focus on improving quality / reducing defects as follows:

1 / Stormwater overflows / flow paths

2 / Balcony / podium construction & waterproofing

3 / Fire compartments, passive fire, penetration register / markups

4 / Services

5 / Acoustics

6 / Internal wet areas and waterproofing

7 / Facades

8 / Floors

9 / Basements

10 / Durability and Corrosion

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April 2022

27 April 2022 / Notice

QBCC is out in force looking at issues including temporary fire services.

Using the below previous alert and QFES guide, please ensure your sites are compliant with all relevant requirements.

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1 - 20 April 2022 / Promotion

From April 1 to 19 Bupa has extended one of their greatest offers yet – 8 Weeks Free! + Ongoing Corporate Discounts.

Learn more about why we partner with Bupa at a Bupa Corporate Benefits Webinar. Bupa will help to demystify Health Insurance + hear more about ongoing corporate offers and discounts!

Click below to secure your seat now! Limited seats available!

April Webinar Booking / 'Why Bupa' - register here

April Booking Consultations / Bupa Phone Consult - register here

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March 2022

31 March 2022 / Warning

Enjoy faster access to Australian Standards

SAI Global has recently enhanced their Standards Online (SOL) tool to make it easier to access content.

Enjoy an improved interface and faster search capabilities when looking for Australian Standards. Key enhancements include:

  • Mobile friendly
  • Faster page load times
  • New announcements section
  • Search filter features

As a result of this update, Hutchies will be removing old PDF Standards off the Document Library in coming weeks to remove any risk of storing outdated Standards.

Moving forward, please use SAI Global's Standards Online tool to access all Australian Standards.

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29 March 2022

Hutchies is kicking off a brand new internal cadet training program available company-wide for all cadets and junior administrators.

This HUTCHIFIED task based training is aimed at cadets and junior administrators. Project managers, site managers and anyone else interested are all welcome to attend as well.

We’ll talk through Hutchies' expectations, how best to complete each task, what tools / resources you can use, and who to contact if you need assistance. Read on for more info.

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28 March 2022 / Licensing Alert

The QBCC is regularly checking company and Workers’ licences on site against the work that is being performed. 

It’s important that you personally understand what is required on your site, especially if you are in a site supervisory role.

You are also required to check that all Subcontractors and their Workers are correctly licensed for the works they are performing on site. 

If works are completed by unlicensed Subbies or their Workers, we face significant penalty. It only takes 30 demerit points in 3 years to have Hutchies’ building licence disqualified in QLD.

Please familiarise yourself with the below resources.

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24 March 2022 / Event

Hutchies' Estimator of the Year and Estimating Cadet of the Year Awards were announced at the annual conference, held on the Gold Coast.

We were joined by estimators from Hutchies’ offices all over Australia, for a beach front dinner at Kurrawa Surf Club. The event was a great success and brought together our extended estimating experts throughout Hutchies.

For the first time since the awards started back in 1996, we have also introduced the Estimating Cadet of the Year Award to recognise Hutchies' growing young talent.

The event kicks off our formal 2022 Estimators' Conference which will be in full swing tomorrow at the Hutchies built Twin Towns Services Club at Tweed Heads. We'll be streaming this event live on Microsoft Teams from 8am AEST.

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25 March 2022 / Event

We'll be streaming Estimators' Conference live on Microsoft Teams from the Gold Coast on Friday, 25 March 2022 from 8am AEST.

Everyone is welcome to join remotely throughout the day.


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17 March 2022 / Notice

All offices are classified as workplaces, this requires Hutchies to ensure they remain safe places to attend and work. 

Offices occupied by Hutchies' Teams (owned or rented premises) are to complete a 6 monthly inspection to ensure the building and office is maintained.

Where office layouts or locations change, it is important that the latest information is captured in the emergency planning and that all property maintenance records are being maintained.

Action

Office Managers

  • Review the office audit information prior to commencement if you have not completed this inspection before
  • Complete the 'Office Inspection' in HammerTech before 30 April
  • Collate and upload the relevant registers and plans into 'Office Documents' and 'Office Registers' in HammerTech
  • Close out any non-conforming items with your Team Leader and / or Team HSE Manager 

Team HSE Managers

  • Review the office audit information prior to commencement if you have not completed this inspection before
  • Complete the 'Office Inspection' in HammerTech before 30 April
  • Assist where required in the completion of this inspection
  • Identification and scheduling of office training as required

Team Leaders

  • Ensure close out of non-compliant office / property maintenance items
  • Facilitating and authorising required training
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11 March 2022 / New

Save time and money by ordering your project's signage requirements online via Hutchies' Toolbox Shop

Hutchies' Toolbox Shop > Signage

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9 March 2022 / Quality Alert

Facade Submissions remain a critical part of quality outcomes for our projects to ensure we have considered compliance and implemented Hutchies experience for best practice.

To date, the Quality Team have reviewed these submissions with a strong focus on cladding / all elements of external walls and other attachments. 

With Hutchies' in-house Facade Glazing Team now in place, there has been some confusion on submissions and a ‘double-up’ of documentation submitted for review to both teams

Facade Submissions remain with Hutchies' Quality Team

Glazing compliance is with Hutchies' Facade Glazing Team — this includes design reviews, in-house performance solutions etc

Facade submissions are to be prepared as early as possible in the project and before subcontract finalisation / commencement of works, to avoid delays and any design / compliance issues. 

A Facade Submission is required for all of Hutchies' projects, irrespective of whether the project is importing facades or not.  

BAL (Bush Attack Level) must be checked on every project by the Project Team in accordance with AS 3959.

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8 March 2022 / Warning

Edition 3

Here are our latest HammerTech tips and tricks.

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2 Mar - 30 Apr 2022 / Warning

As South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales are continuing to experience detrimental flooding impacting many Australians; Bupa have announced existing health insurance customers* who have qualified for the Federal Government Disaster Relief Payment can apply to have their premium fees waived for three months while still being able to make full use of their health insurance policy.

Please see link to Bupa's press release below.

Customers can apply for the flood relief package through to 31 July 2022 and are encouraged to contact Bupa on 134 135, or at bupafloodrelief@bupa.com.au. There may be a delay for phone enquiries due to the personal impact on our call teams.

*To be eligible for this offer, customers must have been a domestic Bupa member on 24 February 2022 and apply by 31 July 2022. They are required to provide evidence that have received or can provide confirmation that they will receive the Federal Government Disaster Recovery Payment from Services Australia.

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February 2022

28 February 2022 / Warning

Over the last two weeks, Hutchies has undertaken a national roll out of training for compliance with Building Code 2016.

The training has been State specific and is compulsory for all Team Leaders, Project Managers, Site Managers, Health & Safety Advisors and Contracts Administrators.

These sessions are part of Hutchies' ongoing commitment to the ABCC to conduct regular refresher training for our project teams. They have also been focussed on those commitments made to the ABCC over the last couple of years as a result of audits and inspections on our sites.

If for any reason you missed the training, please take the time to watch the recording relevant to your State below.

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24 Feb - 31 Mar 2022 / Promotion

Throughout March Bupa has one of their greatest offers yet – 8 Weeks Free! + Ongoing Corporate Discounts.

Learn more about why we partner with Bupa at a Bupa Corporate Benefits Webinar. Bupa will help to demystify Health Insurance + hear more about ongoing corporate offers and discounts!

Click below to secure your seat now! Limited seats available!

March Webinar Booking / 'Why Bupa' - register here

March Booking Consultations / Bupa Phone Consult - register here

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21 February 2022 / Meetings

Thanks for participating in Hutchies' Quarterly Company Meetings for Site Managers & Administrators.

A copy of each presentation is available to download below.

Rate this session

Share your feedback on the updated format

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4 - 24 February 2022 / Warning

As Hutchies undertakes projects funded by the federal government, we are required to comply with Building Code 2016 on ALL projects nationally.

Hutchies has committed extensive resources to ensuring full compliance with the Code over the last 5 years and as part of that ongoing commitment we are required to undertake refresher training for existing staff, and bring new staff up to speed on Hutchies’ Code compliance policies and procedures.

In keeping with current COVID-19 restrictions, this training is scheduled to take place via Microsoft Teams so people can join from wherever they are located.

There are two time slots offered for each of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria and one time slot for Tasmania.

It is expected that ALL Team Leaders, Project Managers, Site Managers, Health and Safety Advisors and Contracts Administrators participate in one of these sessions.

Even if you have participated in previous Code compliance training, you are required to attend these sessions as there have been some necessary changes to a few of Hutchies’ procedures.

It is also important you attend as Hutchies expects to be subject to another wave of ABCC inspections and audits in March and these sessions are the best way to be prepared.

Please indicate which session you will be attending by clicking on one of the buttons below to register in Microsoft Teams.

Once you register, you will receive an email confirmation with a calendar reminder attached, open it and add it to your Outlook Calendar as a reminder.

You can join the session directly from your calendar on the day.

Training sessions

Queensland

Monday, 14 February 2022 (AEST)

9.30am / QLD 3.00pm / QLD

New South Wales

Wednesday, 16 February 2022 (AEDT)

9.30am / NSW 3.00pm / NSW

Victoria

Wednesday, 23 February 2022 (AEDT)

9.30am / VIC 3.00pm / VIC

Tasmania

Thursday, 24 February 2022 (AEDT)

9.30am / TAS

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4 February 2022 / Warning

Injured worker packs have been established to enable project teams to efficiently manage site injuries and return to work processes.

The pack will assist the project team to collate the necessary information following an injury on site.

If a Hutchies company member is injured while at work, or there is a non-work related injury / illness that requires suitable duties whilst at work, Hutchies' Wellness Facilitator Sandra Long will assist the HSE Team Manager / Advisor or Team Leaders in the coordination of the return to work process.

The procedure (MP 15) that addresses Rehabilitation and Return to Work (RRTW) has been updated to reflect the current RRTW process.

Action

  • Access the updated Injured Worker Pack and make site specific ensuring there are packs available on site in the event of an injury 
  • Early engagement with local medical centres ensures suitable treatment — once there is a preferred location in place, send through the site specific Injured Worker Pack with Team HSE Manager / Site HSE Advisor contact details 
  • If a Hutchies company member is injured on site, contact Hutchies' Wellness Facilitator for assistance with and rehabilitation or return to work management

Wellness Facilitator

Sandra Long, Wellness Facilitator
0437 930 741 / sandra.long@hutchies.com.au

Injured Worker Pack

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1 February 2022 / General

Hutchies has now joined forces with TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter) partnering as an Alliance member!

TIACS was started by the co-founders of TradeMutt to provide early-intervention mental health support for Australia’s truckies, tradies, blue collar workers and those who care about them.

Whether you're after counselling support or just a yarn, TIACS offers a free and confidential chat, text and callback service that links individuals up with mental health clinicians. 

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January 2022

31 Jan - 3 Feb 2022 / Safety Alert

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued warnings for severe heatwave conditions in parts of Southern QLD and Northern NSW.

These conditions are forecast over the next 3 days for areas reaching from Brisbane to Gladstone, and parts of border areas around Northern New South Wales.

BOM Heatwave Map

Working in hot conditions

Awareness, education and preparedness are the key factors in recognising and countering the potential risk to health of workers when working in hot environments.

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27 January 2022 / Warning

Hutchies' Subcontractor HSE Requirements document is a summary of safety expectations for all of Hutchies' projects. 

The Subcontractor HSE Requirements is referenced in all subcontract agreements (Annexure E) and is used in conjunction with local legislated requirements and Hutchies' Safety Management System.

To accurately reflect our current HSE requirements, this document has been updated to include:

  • The use of HammerTech on all projects
  • Incident notifications and investigations
  • Rehabilitation and return to work 
  • Plant and equipment maintenance 
  • Minimum Licencing Requirements 

Prior to commencing on site all subcontractors shall be provided access to the following WHS documentation via our Subbies Toolbox:

  • WHS Management Plan
  • Project Risk Assessment
  • Site Rules 

Action

HammerTech

The document has been uploaded to all HammerTech welcome emails and will be automatically attached to the welcome email which you need to send to each new Subcontractor as they are onboarded into HammerTech.

Project Teams

  1. Add subcontractors to HammerTech in advance of their commencement and then send HammerTech's 'welcome email'
  2. Update any team specific process or project specific Subcontractor HSE documentation to reflect this latest content

Future updates of this document will be automatically attached to HammerTech's 'welcome email'

Hutchies' Subbie HSE Requirements

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24 January 2022 / Notice

Overview

With ongoing insurance changes throughout the market, the most recent insurance policy requires all Hutchies' sites to demonstrate that they have considered the risk & impact of weather and flooding on the site. This extends to stored materials, temporary accommodation and other temporary and permanent works. All project teams are required to implement a sensible strategy to minimise this risk with a documented plan that considers:

  • the methodology & sequence of works
  • reliance on & interface between temporary and permanent works
  • the site location & monitoring of weather conditions for the area as a part of daily site management

In the event of a claim, the Project Manager for the site will need to demonstrate there was planning in place that was implemented by the Site Manager, Supervisors and Subcontractors as required. 

The insurance requirements are noted in the below ‘Insurance Guidelines' and there is a Hutchified checklist below as well to assist in guiding you through the process. 

Please also note the previous alert on protection of people and property. 

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21 January 2022 / COVID-19

The Industry Working Group has moved to Phase 4 – 'Living with COVID' – and has updated the Queensland Construction & Related Industries COVID Safe Plan to reflect this. This latest version also incorporates current Queensland Health requirements and some minor refinements to clarify existing procedures.

Hutchies' teams working in Queensland must read the below, implement the changes and circulate the latest copies of the COVID Safe Plan for Phase 4 and Managing Positive Cases & Close / Casual Contacts Update to all Workers / Subcontractors / Suppliers as a priority. This enables everyone to be on the same page with how positive cases and close contacts are managed on construction sites in Queensland.

The Queensland Construction Industry Working Group will continue to meet and will also consult with Queensland Health as the COVID-19 environment evolves. The Industry Plan will be reviewed and amended as Government Directions are updated, and guidance materials are released.

It is important to remember that anyone you interact with at the moment could have coronavirus and everyone should be extra vigilant with COVID safe measures to keep each other safe. You should monitor for symptoms – if any develop, stay home and get tested.

If you are unsure about anything, need to report a positive case / close contact, or have questions about COVID-19, please contact Hutchies' Coronavirus Team.

What's in this update

> Version 2 of the Industry COVID Safe Plan for Phase 4
> Version 3 of the Managing Positive Cases & Contacts Update
> Reporting & managing cases
> Timelines for Positive Case & Close Contact Requirements
> Clarification on Close Contact Isolation Period

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17 January 2022 / New

Hutchies' meetings and key dates calendar for the year ahead are now available in the All Company Calendar.

Downloadable PDF

We also maintain a printable A3 PDF of Hutchies' key meetings calendar. You can download, print and have this version in hard copy. Please note that sometimes dates do change, so be sure to regularly check that you have the latest copy.

Open Calendar

Updates

Hutchies' Outlook calendar enables real-time updating of events in a format everyone is familiar with. We specifically only include events in this calendar that are relevant to all of Hutchies nationally to avoid overloading it with irrelevant information.

Annual updates are made for the year ahead roughly in October / November for:

> Company meetings (budgets, board meetings etc) by Natalie Roma to assist the regions in their local calendar planning

> Payment cutoff dates for middle and end of month runs by AP

> Public holidays / social events / observations by the Comms Team If there is an event applicable to all of Hutchies that you think should be included in the company calendar, please let us know.

Other Formats

Previously we published some key dates on Toolbox and through the Meetings for the Year PDF (published on the Doc Library).

Toolbox continues to be used to publish key updates through our Activities area, while the Meetings for the Year is a summary of the key meetings proposed for the years (ie doesn't have as much detail as our Outlook version).

Hutchies’ Toolbox Activities will remain your central go to point for all key company announcements / alerts.

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12 January 2022 / COVID-19

As the potential for exposure to COVID-19 in the community increases, the Queensland Construction Industry Working Group has developed a guidance document for leave entitlements and potential financial support. Hutchies has adopted this industry led approach, along with many other major builders in Queensland.

This advice is specifically for Hutchies’ direct company members who may be required to stay home either due to having COVID-19 or because they have been deemed a close / household contact. Other businesses, such as subcontractors, may also adopt the document however how they choose to manage their own staff entitlements in accordance with their own industrial instruments is a matter for them to decide.

The guidance document contains information about Pandemic Leave, however please note that this type of leave may not be relevant to all company members as it is only applicable to employees covered by particular Awards. In circumstances where Pandemic Leave does not apply, it would be replaced with Leave Without Pay. Both types of leave are unpaid however when on Pandemic Leave, the employee continues to accrue service / leave entitlements.

As cases continue to escalate throughout Queensland, it is important to remember that anyone you interact with could have COVID-19 and everyone should be extra vigilant with COVID safe measures. You should monitor for symptoms – if any develop, stay home and get tested.

If you are unsure about anything, need to report a positive case / close contact, or have questions about COVID-19, please contact Hutchies' Coronavirus Team.

If you have questions specifically about leave entitlements, please contact Hutchies' Payroll Team.

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10 - 21 January 2022 / COVID-19

Government advice at all levels is changing rapidly. Hutchies will continue to communicate the latest relevant requirements to you as soon as information becomes available. 

Hutchies' teams working in Queensland must read the below, implement the changes and circulate the latest Industry Update with all Workers / Subcontractors / Suppliers as a priority. This enables everyone to be on the same page with how positive cases and close contacts are being managed on construction sites in Queensland.

Other states and territories have slightly different requirements but with the same principles, and these are being communicated separately to those relevant teams.

The processes outlined in this email are based on the latest advice as adopted by the Queensland Construction Industry Working Group and following direct advice and support from Queensland Health. The Industry Plan will continue to be updated as Government Directions are updated and guidance materials are released.

As cases continue to escalate throughout Queensland, it is important to remember that anyone you interact with could have COVID-19 and everyone should be extra vigilant with COVID safe measures. You should monitor for symptoms – if any develop, stay home and get tested.

If you are unsure about anything, need to report a positive case / close contact, or have questions about COVID-19, please contact Hutchies' Coronavirus Team.

Key changes

> Version 2 of the Industry Process for Managing Positive Cases
> Reporting all cases to Hutchies' Coronavirus Team
> Managing Positive Cases & Notification Templates
> Circulating the Industry Update to Workers / Subbies / Suppliers

What's in this update

> Latest Industry Update (Managing Positive Cases & Contacts)
> Reporting & managing cases
> Time and cost clauses in contracts (for COVID-19)

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9 Jan - 3 May 2022 / COVID-19

Government advice at all levels is changing rapidly. Hutchies will continue to communicate the latest relevant requirements to you as soon as information becomes available.

Hutchies' teams working in New South Wales must read the below, implement the changes and circulate the latest Industry Update with all Workers / Subcontractors / Suppliers as a priority. This enables everyone to be on the same page with how positive cases and close contacts are being managed on construction sites in New South Wales.

Other states and territories have slightly different requirements but with the same principles, and these are being communicated separately to those relevant teams.

The processes outlined in this email are based on updated advice since our email on Friday as adopted by the NSW Construction Industry Working Group and following direct advice and support from the NSW Government.

As cases continue to escalate throughout New South Wales, it is important to remember that anyone you interact with could have COVID-19 and everyone should be extra vigilant with COVID safe measures. You should monitor for symptoms – if any develop, stay home and get tested.

If you are unsure about anything, need to report a positive case / close contact, or have questions about COVID-19, please contact Hutchies' Coronavirus Team.

Key changes

> Version 2 of the Industry Process for Managing Positive Cases
> Reporting all cases to Hutchies' Coronavirus Team
> Managing Positive Cases & Notification Templates
> Circulating the Industry Update to Workers / Subbies / Suppliers

What's in this update

> Latest Industry Update (Managing Positive Cases & Contacts)
> Reporting & managing cases
> Time and cost clauses in contracts (for COVID-19)

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7 - 9 January 2022 / COVID-19

National Cabinet has agreed to a unified approach to managing contacts of a confirmed positive case of COVID-19. This includes a new definition for close contacts. It currently applies to NSW, QLD, VIC, TAS, SA, ACT and will eventually be adopted by WA and NT.

The changes simplify the circumstances when a person is classified as a ‘close contact’. They also minimise the need for isolation and testing for anyone else potentially exposed to COVID-19 – that is those contacts that have been previously referred to as casual contacts. This update summarises the new requirements and how they will be applied in the construction industry in New South Wales.

The Update below has been developed by an Industry Working Group that includes the CFMEU, PTEU, ETU, MBA and a large number of principal contractors in NSW. It has also been provided to NSW Health and WorkSafe.

This advice is effective immediately and will be implemented across the New South Wales Construction Industry from 7 January 2022 (today). 

Hutchies' teams delivering projects in New South Wales must download and read this latest industry advice and be ready to implement it when managing positive cases on any of our construction sites or in our offices.

A further update will be distributed shortly concerning other states however given the national approach to close and casual contacts, the general principles will be consistent.

Contact the Coronavirus Team if you have any questions or need more information about the current status of COVID-19 in New South Wales.

This important update includes the latest advice for construction on:

> New Definitions & Requirements

Changes for confirmed positive cases and new definitions of close contacts

> Managing a Positive Case

Step by step process for construction sites or offices to manage positive cases

> Contact Tracing

Ensuring Workers continue to check in so they can be promptly notified of a positive case

> Masks

Requirements for mask wearing in Queensland

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4 - 10 January 2022 / COVID-19

National Cabinet has agreed to a unified approach to managing contacts of a confirmed positive case of COVID-19. This includes a new definition for close contacts. It currently applies to QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS, SA, ACT and will eventually be adopted by WA and NT.

The changes simplify the circumstances when a person is classified as a ‘close contact’. They also minimise the need for isolation and testing for anyone else potentially exposed to COVID-19 – that is those contacts that have been previously referred to as casual contacts. This update summarises the new requirements and how they will be applied in the construction industry in Queensland.

The changes are effective immediately and will be implemented across the Queensland Construction Industry from 4 January 2022 (today). They supersede the previous Industry Plan (13/12/2021) which will be updated in due course. 

Hutchies' teams delivering projects in Queensland must download and read this latest industry advice and be ready to implement it when managing positive cases on any of our construction sites or in our offices.

A further update will be distributed shortly concerning other states however given the national approach to close and casual contacts, the general principles will be consistent.

Contact the Coronavirus Team if you have any questions or need more information about the current status of COVID-19 in Queensland.

This important update includes the latest advice for construction on:

> New Definitions & Requirements

Changes for confirmed positive cases and new definitions of close contacts

> Managing a Positive Case

Step by step process for construction sites or offices to manage positive cases

> Contact Tracing

Ensuring Workers continue to check in so they can be promptly notified of a positive case

> Masks

Requirements for mask wearing in Queensland

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4 January 2022 / COVID-19

In line with new Government definitions and requirements, the industry working group has been discussing recent changes to the status of cases, close contacts and what this means for the construction industry following the latest National Cabinet meeting.

The group is expected to be able to provide a further update with the latest specific industry guidance later today. The new guidance will replace the recent Phase 3 industry COVID Safe plan update dated 30 December 2021. In the meantime, sites should continue to implement all COVID safe measures and enhance them where practicable.

Contact the Coronavirus Team if you have any questions or need more information about the current status of COVID-19 in Queensland.

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December 2021

17 December 2021 / General

Congratulations all of our Hutchies' veterans and to the winner of Constructor of the Year 2021!

Watch the video below to find out the winner and see all of our service awards for the year. 

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17 December 2021 / COVID-19

This morning the Queensland Government re-introduced stricter mandatory mask rules for certain public settings.


As of 1am Saturday 18 December, masks are mandatory across Queensland in the following locations:

  • In retail settings such as shops, retail centres and supermarkets  
  • In taxis and ride shares vehicles
  • On public transport 
  • When at airports and on planes 
  • In hospitals and aged care

From today, pubs, clubs and other public venues are for the vaccinated only. Masks will not be required in these venues but they are strongly recommended when social distancing cannot be maintained.

For clarity, these additional Government requirements do not apply to Hutchies' construction sites or offices.

These changes have been made in light of border openings and increased case numbers expected over the holiday period, so please remain vigilant.

The mask mandate will be revised once Queensland hits 90% double dosed. This will likely be towards the end of January.

Have a safe and happy holidays!

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16 December 2021 / Notice

These events, which range from cyclones, rain, hail, flooding, high winds and bushfires have the potential to cause damage to Hutchies' project sites, and adjacent properties and assets.

Since the beginning of Summer 2021 our sites have already braved significant wet weather, and the forecast predicts a lot more to come.

To ensure we're prepared for these weather events and to keep our sites safe and secure, we need to fully implement Hutchies' shutdown and storm preparation processes prior to the holiday break.

This includes checking that the sediment and erosion controls are in place and effective for any projects where we have open ground and soil stockpiles that could potentially cause impact to the environment.

Hutchies' shutdown checklist is on HammerTech > Inspections:
HB-HSEQ-F-084 Site Shutdown Storm Preparation Checklist

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16 December 2021 / COVID-19

As of yesterday, Wednesday 15 December, a range of restrictions were eased as over 93% of people aged 16+ have been fully vaccinated and NSW has now moved to the next stage of reopening.

This email update will focus on changes to restrictions that are relevant to the construction industry. For more information about other changes, click the button below to read more.

Get in touch with the Coronavirus Team if you have any questions.

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16 December 2021 / COVID-19

December 17 Changes

A reminder that from tomorrow, the Queensland Government will limit access to certain public settings to only those that are fully vaccinated. This includes venues like pubs and sports venues. See the below table for more details.

For clarity, these additional Government requirements do not apply to Hutchies' construction sites or offices. 


When checking into the below restricted public settings you will be required to show proof of your vaccination status. This can be done by linking your COVID-19 digital certificate to your Check In QLD app so its easy to access as you're checking in. You can also show a copy of your digital certificate or immunisation history statement.

'Fully vaccinated' refers to when a person has had two doses of an approved vaccine, and a week has passed since the second dose. Whilst booster shots are now available as an additional measure for protection, they are not currently required.

The following table provides a quick snapshot of the upcoming changes to Queensland Government rules for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Those with only one dose will be considered unvaccinated for the purposes of these new rules. See below links for more info.

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15 December 2021 / COVID-19

The construction industry in Queensland has been particularly successful in managing risks associated with COVID-19 due largely to the implementation of sensible and effective controls since the beginning of the pandemic. Much of this success can be put down to the well-established systems and procedures that the industry has in place to manage risks on a daily basis.

In light of the reopening of borders and the expected spread of COVID-19 in Queensland, Hutchies has taken a proactive approach in continuing to manage risks associated with the virus. Hutchies, eight other major builders, and the building unions have established an Industry Working Group specifically for this purpose.

Together, the working group has developed the Queensland Construction & Related Industries COVID Safe Plan (Plan) which aims to provide a consistent, practical and proactive approach to the management of COVID-19 on construction sites in Queensland.

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13 - 31 December 2021 / COVID-19

As mentioned last week, Hutchies has been part of a working group with other major builders and the building unions to prepare for the likely spread of COVID-19 following the easing of border restrictions. The result has been the production of the Queensland Construction & Related Industries COVID Safe Plan which aims to provide a consistent, practical and proactive approach to the arrival of COVID-19 on construction sites.

The Industry Plan has been developed in consultation and with the support of Queensland Health to provide clarity for sites regarding issues such as cleaning requirements, contact training protocols and what to do in the event of a positive case. The Plan's general intention is to ensure that people are kept safe whilst adhering to Public Health Directions, preventing people being placed in home isolation unnecessarily and maintaining productivity.

The Industry Plan has now been launched and is ready for implementation. Read on for more information. 

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9 December 2021 / COVID-19

The below update contains a large volume of information regarding upcoming changes in Queensland. It has been sent to all company members as some of the content may relate to teams nationally. Please ensure you read this update, especially if you are based in Queensland. Contact the Coronavirus Team if you have any questions. Key topics in this update

  • Industry Plan
  • Client requests regarding vaccination
  • Rapid antigen testing
  • Borders reopening
  • QLD-NSW border zone changes

Other important reminders

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November 2021

7 December 2021 / Event

Join us for Hutchies' second virtual professional breakfast panel event.

A Financier's Perspective

Tuesday 7 December 2021 on Microsoft Teams
7.30am to 8.30am AEST / 8.30am to 9.30 AEDT


As part of Hutchies' virtual event series, you're invited to attend the second of our professional breakfast panels.

The theme of the breakfast is ‘A Financier's Perspective', where Jack Hutchinson Jnr will moderate a casual and candid panel discussion with three experienced financiers.

The panellists will cover a range of topics such as:

  • Background into our panellists’ careers
  • Characteristics of good and bad debt deals
  • Analysis of credit / creditworthiness
  • Capital raising and capital allocation at big bank vs non-bank lender vs family business
  • Returns on lending and how that relates to cash rate
  • State of the market

If you would like to join, please register your interest by emailing Natalie Roma natalie.roma@hutchies.com.au.

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25 November 2021 / General

Our latest suite of insurances are available now available.

Hutchies' Toolbox / Company Information

Hutchies' Document Library / Company Member Resources > Administration

Hutchies' Website / The Feed > Downloads

External Share Link / hutchies.com.au/insurances

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17 Nov - 12 Dec 2021 / Warning

Edition 2

Here are our latest HammerTech tips and tricks.

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11 November 2021 / Warning

Hutchies is currently experiencing a wave of site visits and inspections from the ABCC right around the country. During these visits the ABCC is assessing Hutchies’ compliance with Building Code 2016.

It is essential that you read this update and apply all of the Code compliance measures outlined to be confident that your project is compliant, and Hutchies is not exposed when these visits and inspections occur.

Compliance with Building Code 2016 is necessary for Hutchies to undertake projects funded by the Federal Government and non-compliance can lead to sanctions and other significant penalties.

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10 November 2021 / COVID-19

Coming Soon: no more masks

Following announcements made yesterday by the Queensland Government, masks will no longer be required when 80% of eligible Queenslanders have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Queensland is currently sitting at a rate of 79.84% single dose.

This means that masks will no longer be required in indoor areas including pubs, clubs, workplaces, cafes, schools and hairdressers.

Masks will only be needed at airports and on planes and will be recommended for use on public transport, taxi services, ride shares and in shopping centres.

This change is extremely likely to take effect tomorrow and will apply across the state.

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4 November 2021 / Notice

We've secured a new national agreement to provide Hutchies' teams consistent service, products and pricing. 

Click the 'view notice' button below for all the details.

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October 2021

11 October 2021 / COVID-19

70% double vaccination target achieved! 

From today, Monday 11 October, a range of restrictions will change as a result of NSW achieving its 70% double vaccinated target last week.

This email update will focus on changes to restrictions settings that are relevant to the construction industry. For more information about other changes, click the button to read the NSW Government press release below. Get in touch with coronavirus@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au if you have any questions.

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8 October 2021 / COVID-19

Stage 3 Restrictions

From 4pm today, Friday 8 October, restrictions will ease for the below local government areas (LGAs) to re-join the rest of the state on Stage 3 restrictions.

LGALGALGA
Brisbane  LoganGold Coast
Moreton Bay Townsville (including Magnetic Island)Palm Island

Eased restrictions for these LGAs and current restrictions for the rest of Queensland include:

  • Up to 100 people can gather in homes. No limit for people gathering in public spaces.
  • 200 people are allowed weddings and funerals (1 person per 2m2)
  • Dancing is allowed
  • All indoor settings (including restaurants and bars) can have up to 1 person per 2m2 or 100 per cent capacity if they are ticketed and seated events, including stadiums
  • No density restrictions for businesses that operate only outdoors
  • Community sport can recommence in full

Some mandatory mask requirements will remain. Read on for more info.

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September 2021

30 September 2021 / COVID-19

New restrictions from 4pm today

Six new cases have been announced in Queensland this morning which has resulted in the Queensland Government re-introducing stricter measures in some local government areas (LGAs) of Queensland. Check your LGA here.

These additional restrictions will be in place from 4pm today, Thursday 30 September for at least two weeks.

Affected LGAAffected LGAAffected LGA
BrisbaneLogan City Palm Island
Gold Coast Moreton BayTownsville

Breakdown of new restrictions

  • You must carry a mask and wear it everywhere indoors including at work. Masks must also be worn outdoors when you cannot stay 1.5 metres away from others. Further details below.
  • Gatherings in homes and public spaces can have a maximum of 30 people.
  • Weddings can have up to 100 people. 20 people max can dance.
  • Funerals can have up to 100 people.
  • Businesses (including places of worship, convention centres, retail, dining, gyms, hairdressers, beauty and personal care services etc) are allowed to operate but with reduced capacity depending on the setting.
  • Patrons must be seated in hospitality venues to eat and drink, and dancing is not permitted.
  • Stadiums and indoor / outdoor events can have 75% seated and ticketed capacity. Patrons must wear masks at all times, except to eat and drink

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28 September 2021 / COVID-19

Masks remain mandatory in the local government areas (LGAs) of Brisbane, Gold Coast, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, Moreton Bay, Scenic Rim, Somerset and Lockyer Valley.

Today the Queensland Government re-introduced stricter mandatory mask rules specifically for the LGAs of Brisbane and Moreton Bay in response to 4 locally acquired cases announced earlier this morning.

Please ensure you follow the Government's new requirements below if you live or work in the Brisbane or Moreton Bay LGA.

If you are unsure which LGA you live or work in, check here.

Outdoors (including on construction sites)

You must wear a face mask when you are unable to stay 1.5 metres from people, including when you are at an outdoor workplace, unless:
you are alone or with the members of your household
you are alone in your car or with the members of your household
you are eating or drinking
you are participating in strenuous exercise
it is unsafe to wear a mask

Indoors (including in Hutchies' Toowong office and on sites)

You must wear a face mask at all times when you are indoors, including workplaces, unless:

  • you are alone in an office or meeting room with the door closed
  • you are at your residence and there is no one else there except people you live with
  • you are eating or drinking
  • it is unsafe to wear a mask

For more information, check out the update below

New exposure sites

Please ensure you check the latest exposure sites list regularly as new venues of concern will likely be added as a result of these 4 local cases. 

If you have been to any of the venues of concern at the date and time identified, inform your Team Leader, get tested and follow the direction listed by Queensland Healt

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27 September 2021 / COVID-19

This update is intended to provide a summary of the current impacts of COVID-19 in Australia that are relevant to Hutchies and the wider construction industry. If you have any questions, get in touch with the Coronavirus Team.

In good news, over half of all Australians over the age of 16 are now double vaccinated.

Once states and territories reach 70% and 80% double vaccinated milestones, governments will begin to ease restrictions safely.

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24 Sep - 18 Oct 2021 / Training

Intakes are now open for all school leavers

Hutchies Training is taking enrolments for its Trade Start (pre-employment) program.

This program is delivered on a live construction site and is perfect for students who have finished school or anyone looking to kick start their career in the construction industry.

If anyone has family, friends, neighbours etc who may be interested in learning more about the construction industry please encourage them to get in touch or apply now.

Key information

  • Trade Start offers 'real world experience'
  • 70+ career pathways to choose from
  • Intake is now open for early October start
  • Trade Start is provided at no cost for eligible participants by CSQ
  • Delivered on Hutchies' live job sites in South East Queensland
  • Participants will gain a Cert I in Construction (with life skills & green skills)

More information

Get in touch with Hutchies Training to find out more or apply now

Phone 1300 488 244
Email training@hutchies.com.au

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9 September 2021 / COVID-19

The Australian Federal Government, together with each state & territory leader, have agreed on a plan out of the pandemic once vaccination rates reach certain thresholds.

The plan contains the following milestones:

  • When 70% of Australia's adult population is fully vaccinated we will see less restrictions, with an emphasis on preventing serious illness from the virus
  • When 80% of Australia's adult population is fully vaccinated we should see further removal of restrictions, with an emphasis on preventing hospitalisation from the virus

Additionally, all states and territories will be able to determine the settings in their jurisdiction depending on what is occurring in that location at the time.

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9 September 2021 / Observation

A conversation could change a life.

Today is a reminder of the importance to check in on each other and ask R U OK?

Each of us have experienced the COVID-19 pandemic differently, but it has had an impact on us all. Some of us have been unexpectedly caught behind interstate travel bans, some in extended lockdowns, some living in hotspots, some at home with their families and some away from them.

It has been a challenge for each of us to adjust to new rules and restrictions which we have never had to deal with before.

We have all adapted in our own way to help ourselves and others. We have all done our best despite much of what we knew before having changed in so many ways.

For anyone struggling, know that there are genuine mates and the broader Hutchies’ crew around, people that care about you and are ready to listen and understand.

Now, more than ever, it’s a time to connect openly – a conversation could mean a lot to someone right now.

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August 2021

27 August 2021 / COVID-19

South East Queensland

From 4pm today, Friday 27 August, restrictions will ease for 11x local government areas (LGAs) of South East Queensland to join the rest of the state with the exception of mask wearing. 

LGA LGALGA
Brisbane Logan Scenic Rim 
Gold Coast NoosaSomerset
IpswichMoreton Bay Sunshine Coast 
Lockyer ValleyRedland


Eased restrictions for the South East Queensland LGAs and current restrictions for the rest of Queensland include:

  • Up to 100 people in your home, including people who live there
  • 200 people are allowed weddings and funerals (1 person per 2m2)
  • Dancing is allowed
  • All indoor settings (including restaurants and bars) can have up to 1 person per 2m2 or 100 per cent capacity if they are ticketed and seated events, including stadiums
  • No density restrictions for businesses that operate only outdoors
  • Community sport can recommence in full

Some mandatory mask requirements will remain. Read on for more info.

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25 August 2021 / Warning

In response to feedback and ongoing reviews of Hutchies' systems, we've updated the Work Health & Safety Management Plan.

These updates better reflect the arrangements to manage health and safety on our projects. Hutchies' WHS Management Plan is used to identify project risks and the controls to be employed on site to manage those risks. 

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23 August 2021 / COVID-19

As announced by the NSW Government last week, stay-at-home restrictions for Greater Sydney will remain in place until at least the end of September. Regional NSW's stay-at-home restrictions will remain in place until at least 28 August.

The Central Coast and Shellharbour local government areas (LGAs) were previously covered in the Greater Sydney area but are now identified as Regional NSW and will be subject to the same rules and restrictions as the regional areas

For those living and working in the 12x affected LGAs of concern, some additional rules came into effect as of 12.01am this morning, along with some other restrictions which are detailed further below under the heading 'Affected LGAs of Concern'.

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20 August 2021 / COVID-19

South East Queensland

From 4pm today, Friday 20 August, restrictions will ease in 11x local government areas (LGAs) across Queensland. These eased restrictions will include: 

  • up to 30 people in homes and public spaces
  • up to 100 attendees at weddings with a maximum of 20 people dancing
  • up to 100 attendees at funerals
  • community sport, with reduced spectators and in line with density requirements
  • 75 per cent ticketed and allocated seating capacity for indoor events (with COVID Safe Checklist) 75 per cent ticketed and allocated seating capacity for stadiums over 20,000 people with COVID Safe Site Specific Plans
  • Some mandatory mask requirements will remain. Read down below for more info.

The 11x LGAs include: 

LGA LGA LGA
BrisbaneLoganScenic Rim
Gold CoastNoosaSomerset
IpswichMoreton BaySunshine Coast
Lockyer Valley Redland
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16 August 2021 / COVID-19

Current Status

Queensland closed its border to all of New South Wales as of 1am, Friday 23 July. A border zone was established to enable movement between the states of Queensland and New South Wales for residents who live near the border.

However, Queensland has responded to NSW's recent state-wide lockdown by further limiting reasons to cross the border.

Please read the below update if you reside or are intending to transit within the border zone.

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10 August 2021 / COVID-19

The NSW Government has announced new requirements for workers and construction sites across Greater Sydney.

Whilst we are still awaiting the official Health Directive, we understand that from 12.01am on Wednesday (11 August), all construction sites will be able to reopen across Greater Sydney albeit with two new requirements as outlined below.

Hutchies' focus is to make this new information available to all workers and subcontractors across NSW immediately. We are developing further detail for site entry requirements which will be issued in coming days. Team Leaders will also work with members of their team who reside in the affected LGAs with regards to coordinating their return to work.

New requirements announced by NSW Government in place from 12.01am Wednesday 11 August

  1. Construction sites can operate at a maximum capacity of 50%; and
  2. Construction workers from affected areas can return to work but must provide evidence that they have received:
    1. two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, or
    2. one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 3 weeks before attending work, or
    3. one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and, if less than 3 weeks since that vaccine was administered, a negative COVID-19 test in the previous 72 hours and this must be repeated for the first 3 weeks following the initial vaccine dose

Maximum construction site capacity

Hutchies' Teams will work with all subcontractors to establish workforce requirements across each trade to ensure optimal productivity across our sites.

Immediate steps people from affected LGAs should take

If you reside in one of the affected suburbs or local government areas (LGAs) listed below, to work on site you must:

  • Get a vaccination as soon as possible
  • Get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible if you have only had one vaccine and that dose was less than three weeks ago (so you have evidence of a negative test result before sites open on Wednesday) and continue to do so every 72 hours for the first 3 weeks

Naturally Hutchies is committed to complying with all Health Order requirements. Once the Health Order is released we will work with everyone to ensure compliance with these new requirements.

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9 August 2021 / COVID-19

Important Update 

The NSW Government's new requirements for workers and construction sites across Greater Sydney have been confirmed in the latest Health Order published earlier this evening.

The result of the Health Order is that from 12.01am on Wednesday (11 August), all construction sites will be able to reopen across Greater Sydney (including in affected LGAs) provided they comply with the following:

  • capacity limit of 50% of the maximum daily workforce, or 1 person per 4 square metres of space at the construction site (whichever is lesser)
  • ensuring workers from affected LGAs are complying with the COVID-19 vaccination requirements before they enter site
  • the COVID-19 safety plan in place at the site

Maximum daily workforce of a construction site means the maximum number of workers (including supervisors and people in site offices) at the construction site on any day during the project life cycle, derived from the current resourcing plan for the construction site. Each project must have available a resourcing schedule which clearly shows the actual or projected maximum capacity of the project.

Hutchies' Teams will work with all subcontractors to establish workforce requirements across each trade to ensure optimal productivity across our sites.

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9 August 2021 / COVID-19

Queensland Government Direction

Although lockdown has now lifted in South East Queensland, masks remain mandatory. The Queensland Government's official health direction applies to the 11x LGAs of Brisbane, Gold Coast, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, Moreton Bay, Scenic Rim, Somerset and Lockyer Valley. Face masks must also be worn in Cairns / Yarrabah which entered a 3 day lockdown yesterday.

The direction is being enforced by Queensland Police who are visiting workplaces to check compliance. The construction industry is at risk of being shut down if mask wearing and other COVIDSafe compliance is not maintained.

Please ensure you follow the Government's requirements if you are in one of the affected LGAs.

Outdoors (including on construction sites)

You must wear a face mask at all times when you are outside your home, including when you are at an outdoor workplace, unless:

  • you are alone or with the members of your household
  • you are alone in your car or with the members of your household
  • you are eating or drinking
  • you are participating in strenuous exercise
  • it is unsafe to wear a mask

Indoors (including in Hutchies' offices and on sites)

You must wear a face mask at all times when you are indoors, including workplaces, unless:

  • you are at your residence and there is no one else there except people you live with
  • you are eating or drinking
  • you are alone in an office or meeting room with the door closed
  • it is unsafe to wear a mask

Review the latest information here, including updated restrictions for South East Queensland.

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8 - 11 August 2021 / COVID-19

3 day lockdown announced

This morning the Queensland Government announced a 3 day lockdown for the local government areas (LGAs) of Cairns Regional Council and Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council. 

The lockdown will be in place from 4pm today (Sunday) through to 4pm Wednesday, 11 August. It has been announced following a positive case detected in a Cairns taxi driver who has been infectious in the community for at least 10 days.

If anyone has any symptoms, no matter how mild, get tested on day 1 — this helps prevent further restrictions.

Anyone who has been in these areas since the start of the lockdown must also observe these restrictions wherever they are now.

The construction industry is still considered an essential service. Sites will remain open throughout the lockdown period at this stage. 

Read on for further information.

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2 August 2021 / COVID-19

This morning the Queensland Government announced that the lockdown in the local government areas (LGAs) of South East Queensland (incorporating Brisbane, Gold Coast, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, Moreton Bay, Scenic Rim, Somerset and Lockyer Valley) will be extended until 4pm, Sunday 8 August.

The construction industry is still considered an essential service. Sites and offices remain open throughout the lockdown period.

Read on for further information.

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July 2021

31 July 2021 / COVID-19

Lockdown announced

On Saturday morning the Queensland Government announced a 3 day lockdown period for the local government areas (LGAs) of South East Queensland (incorporating Brisbane, Gold Coast, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, Moreton Bay, Scenic Rim, Somerset and Lockyer Valley).

The lockdown has now been extended to 4pm Sunday, 8 August at this stage. It has been announced in response to a growing cluster which started with a high school student at Indooroopilly State High School.

The lockdown is also mandatory for anyone who has been in any of the 11x LGAs since 1am this morning and is now elsewhere.

The construction industry is still considered an essential service. Sites will remain open throughout the lockdown period at this stage. Read on for further information.

Stricter lockdown measures

The Queensland Government announced the strictest lockdown measures that the state has experienced so far, due to concern of the rapidly spreading Delta variant.

There are only four reasons to leave home during the lockdown:

  • To buy essential goods / groceries, but only within 10km of your usual place of residence. Supermarkets will be open during the lockdown period. 
  • To go to essential work / school. Childcare is open but only for children of essential workers.
  • For exercise outside, but only within 10km of your usual place of residence. Only allowed to do so with one other person from a different household.
  • For health care. You can leave to get medical care and you can provide care to someone. You can also leave home to get a COVID test or vaccine.

Additional stricter measures have also been introduced to help stop the spread:

  • No visitors allowed at home. The only exception is to care for someone who needs help, but it is recommended to delay if possible.
  • Funerals and weddings limited to 10 people.
  • Mask wearing continues to be mandatory across the 11x LGAs. You must wear a face mask at all times when you leave home, including outdoors and for exercise, unless you have a lawful reason not to.
  • Mask wearing will now be mandatory for everyone at high schools, including students, teachers and visitors in the 11x LGAs.
  • Non-essential businesses must close (eg gyms / hairdressers etc).
  • Restaurants, cafes and other hospitality venues can open but only to provide takeaway.
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29 July 2021 / Warning

Edition 1

Recent company snapshots have identified some pinch points in HammerTech utilisation. To assist, additional resources are available so watch this space for regular updates on all things HammerTech.

In this update you'll find:

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29 Jul - 6 Aug 2021 / COVID-19

The Queensland Government provided the below update this morning.

Mask wearing will continue for another 7 days until at least 6am, Friday 6 August.

Masks will remain mandatory until 6am on Friday 6 August across the 11x LGAs of Brisbane, Gold Coast, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, Moreton, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley and Somerset.

Masks are required whenever you leave home including on public transport, in taxis and rideshare, in shopping centres and supermarkets, hospitals and aged care facilities, restaurants and cafes, churches and indoor workplaces (where social distancing isn’t possible).

To keep our people safe, Hutchies prefers everyone wears masks in our offices in South East Queensland when safe to do so.

If you are inside on a construction site and cannot socially distance, you need to wear a mask, if it is safe to do so. The construction industry in Queensland has remained open due to successful adoption of COVIDSafe practices and wearing a mask wherever possible is an essential part of this.

Face masks also need to be worn at all times in stadiums, except when eating and drinking.

The face mask wearing rule also applies to you if you have been in South East Queensland in the last 14 days and are now elsewhere.

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28 July 2021 / Training

Play the video below to see who has been crowned winner and runner up of Apprentice of the Year, Cadet of the Year and Future Leader of the Year.

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24 Jul - 7 Aug 2021 / COVID-19

Queensland closed its border to all of New South Wales as of 1am, Friday 23 July. It is also closed to Victoria and South Australia.

A border zone has been established to enable movement between the states of Queensland and New South Wales for residents who live near the border. Movement is limited to permitted purposes only.

Please be aware of the below if you reside or are intending to transit within the border zone.

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22 July 2021 / COVID-19

The Queensland Government provided the below update this morning. Current restrictions in place for South East Queensland will ease as of 6am, tomorrow (Friday) morning.

However, mask wearing will continue for another 7 days until at least 6am, Friday 30 July.

Queensland also announced that its border is closing to all of New South Wales as of 1am, tomorrow (Friday) morning.

Further details are provided below.

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22 July 2021 / COVID-19

Keeping people safe

We've made some updates to our COVIDSafe Plan to incorporate the latest requirements across Australia.

All of Hutchies' sites and offices must continue to implement the key COVIDSafe measures we've had in place over the last 12 months, in addition to the latest local state / territory requirements listed below.

Some of the critical aspects of our COVIDSafe plan being focsued on include:

  • Regular cleaning of all site / office areas and high touch points
  • Good hand hygiene
  • Maintaining 1.5m distance from others
  • Signing in to provide contact details if required for contact tracing

The updates we have incorporated into our latest plan (version 4) includes:

Mandatory Check In & Sign In 

It is a requirement for everyone entering a Hutchies site or office that they sign in using our own process (ie HammerTech or Visitor Register) and if mandatory in your local state, must also check in using the government issued QR code system to assist with contact tracing if required.

Mandatory Masks

Masks are mandated in several areas across Australia presently, including New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and parts of South East Queensland. Hutchies' preference is that everyone in these areas, or if you cannot socially distance, wear a mask at all times, when it is safe to do so. 

This plan must be available on your project and to your clients. You should familiarise yourself with the necessary measures and continue to implement all requirements, including completing our weekly COVIDSafe inspection checklists for sites and offices.

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17 - 28 July 2021 / COVID-19

The NSW Government introduced additional restrictions across Greater Sydney, including the closure of all construction sites from Monday at 12.01am (19 July) through until 30 July 2021.

Given the number of infectious cases in the community, the following changes will be made to further limit the spread of the COVID-19 Delta strain.

On the basis of updated health advice, the following additional changes (including others outlined in this email below) will come into effect until 11.59pm Friday, 30 July across the below areas:

  • Greater Sydney
  • Central Coast 
  • Blue Mountains
  • Wollongong
  • Shellharbour

From 12.01am on Monday, 19 July for Greater Sydney

  • All construction to be paused; and
  • Non-urgent maintenance, including cleaning services, and repair work on residential premises to be paused.

Today's announcement is evolving and we understand industry stakeholders are working with the NSW Government to detail plans for the shutdown period over the next two weeks.

As soon as we know more, we will communicate this to you.

Hutchies must continue to comply with all NSW Government requirements.

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15 July 2021 / COVID-19

At 4.45 pm today, the Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews announced that the whole of Victoria would be entering into a 5 day hard and fast lockdown in order to prevent and control the spread of the ‘Delta Variant’ of COVID-19 from 11.59pm tonight, 15th July to Tuesday 20th  July 11.59pm.

Under these lockdown restrictions that come into force at midnight tonight there will only be five reasons for Victorians to leave home:

  1. 1 person per household to complete shopping for essential items within a 5km radius
  2. authorised work or permitted education
  3. exercise for up to two hours a day with people from your household within a 5km radius
  4. caregiving, compassionate and medical reasons
  5. To get vaccinated

Circuit Breaker Breakdown

  • There are to be no visitors to your home other than an intimate partner.
  • Single bubbles will be permitted. If you live alone, you can make a bubble with another person.
  • And there’s to be no public gatherings.
  • In terms of what remains open, so restaurants, pubs, and cafes can provide takeaway only.
  • Essential retail, so supermarkets, food stores, petrol stations, banks, bottle shops and pharmacies, other retail stores can provide click and collect.
  • Childcare and kinder’s will be open as per the last circuit-breaker lockdown earlier this year.
  • Approved professional sporting events will proceed but proceed without crowds.
  • Authorised workers and workplaces – in terms of what will be closed or changed, schools will move to remote learning, except for vulnerable children, and children of authorised workers. Higher education will move to remote learning only.
  • Community support and recreation, accommodation, but there will be some exemptions that apply.
  • Hotels, clubs, TABs and the casino will be closed, indoor and outdoor entertainment venues, swimming pools, spas, saunas, indoor and outdoor springs, community venues, drive-in cinemas, amusements parks, creative studios, art galleries and museums, tourism, tours, and transport, and auctions can only happen online.
  • In terms of our health settings, aged care facilities: no visitors except for limited reasons.
  • In our hospitals, visitors only for end of life, to support a partner during birth, or a parent accompanying a child. In terms of ceremonies, funerals: a maximum of 10 people, plus those running the service.
  • Weddings cannot proceed unless end-of-life or deportation reasons apply.
  • And religious activities will not proceed other than through broadcast with a maximum of five people.

What does this mean for Building and Construction?

The difference with this Circuit Breaker is Construction has been added as an Authorised Provider and Authorised workers. 

All Hutchies’ Sites remain OPEN. NO WORKER PERMITS REQUIRED.

At this point there is no further information on extra measures that are required such as density quotients (however expect that they will increase to 1 person per 4SQM). I will provide you further information as it comes to light.

We have been here before and no doubt we will again, but the thing that goes unspoken about is the stress and the pressure that these lockdowns bring with them to our everyday work life and our home lives. Please remember that you are not alone, you can pick the phone up and call anyone, anywhere at any time. Hutchies also have a confidential EAP service that is available and the details are attached for your information.

I have also attached the Circuit Breaker Table of Restrictions and the Premier Statement.

If you have any questions or if I can be of assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.

Regards,

Candece Frazzica-Kara HSE Manager (VIC)
T 03 9282 9554 | F 03 9681 6977 | m 0411 022 839
E Candece.Frazzica-Kara@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au  

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15 - 18 July 2021 / COVID-19

Yesterday the NSW Government announced an extension of the Greater Sydney lockdown for an additional 2 weeks through until at least 11.59pm, Friday 30 July 2021.

Based on the additional new requirements announced regarding surveillance testing of workers who reside in specific areas of concern (currently Fairfield LGA but may be expanded to other areas), a number of stakeholders in the NSW construction industry have met in an attempt to develop a consistent approach to implementing these measures.

Strict compliance from the whole industry will help keep people safe on sites and the construction industry remaining as an essential service. 

Below is the approach Hutchies is adopting, which we understand will be aligned with other head contractors and industry stakeholders.

This information is subject to change as the situation evolves.

It is imperative that Hutchies' teams have fully implemented these new requirements on their job sites to ensure compliance with all NSW Government requirements.

Key topics in this update

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14 - 17 July 2021 / COVID-19

Construction is under intense scrutiny by the New South Wales Government following the detection of COVID-19 cases in the industry. The entire industry is working hard to ensure we continue to remain classified as an essential service. Everyone must do what is required to minimise risk of COVID-19 spreading on job sites. 

There are a number of key areas that we must follow across the industry, including on Hutchies' jobs:

  • Face masks must now be worn at all times on sites and in offices, unless it is not safe to do so
  • Maintaining stringent COVIDSafe measures including social distancing, good hand hygiene, and cleaning on all sites
  • Full compliance with all NSW Government directions at all times, including stay at home orders if you can work from home, and regular testing of specific local government areas in Greater Sydney as directed by the government
  • Checking in every time you enter a site using the Service NSW's QR code check in

Please ensure you follow the directions from the NSW Government as detailed below.

Once further details are confirmed over the coming days, we will provide further specific instructions with updated procedures to follow on site. This will include information tailored towards subcontractors.

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13 - 27 July 2021 / COVID-19

The NSW Government requires everyone in Greater Sydney to wear a face mask in the following circumstances:

  • in indoor areas of construction sites
  • in all indoor areas of non-residential premises
  • at certain outdoor gatherings
  • if you are on public transport
  • in a major recreation facility such as a stadium
  • if you are working in a hospitality venue

Overall, as a precaution to keep our people safe, Hutchies prefers that everyone wears a mask everywhere across our sites and in our offices during this time.

There are some exceptions to wearing face masks, including when clear visibility of your mouth is important for safety reasons on site or for particular medical conditions (which should be verified by a medical certificate). 

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9 July 2021 / COVID-19

This morning the Queensland Government announced a 3 day lockdown for the local government areas (LGAs) of Cairns Regional Council and Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council. 

The lockdown will be in place from 4pm today (Sunday) through to 4pm Wednesday, 11 August. It has been announced following a positive case detected in a Cairns taxi driver who has been infectious in the community for at least 10 days.

If anyone has any symptoms, no matter how mild, get tested on day 1 — this helps prevent further restrictions.

Anyone who has been in these areas since the start of the lockdown must also observe these restrictions wherever they are now. 

The construction industry is still considered an essential service. Sites will remain open throughout the lockdown period at this stage. Read on for further information

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9 October 2021 / Event

Join us at Oktoberfest!

After missing out last year due to COVID, Hutchies will happily be returning to Oktoberfest at Brisbane Showgrounds on Saturday 9 Oct 2021!

This year we have organised a number of VIP tables, that are open to all Hutchies' people (regardless of social club status or location), as well as clients, consultants, architects and other friends of Hutchies.

Scott's only condition to receiving a ticket to this event is that you must wear a costume!

If you’d like to come along, click the below button and head to the booking form on the Toolbox event page.

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2 - 16 July 2021 / COVID-19

The Queensland Premier has announced some changes to lockdowns across the state.

The council areas of Brisbane and Moreton Bay regions will remain in lockdown for at least another 24 hours (until 6pm Saturday, 3 July).

Lockdowns will end for the other remaining 11 local government areas (LGAs) from 6pm tonight. This includes Gold Coast, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Sunshine Coast, Townsville and Palm Island. Face mask wearing and gathering restrictions will continue to apply in these areas.

It is important to continue to implement and follow all of Hutchies’ COVID-19 measures across our sites and offices.

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1 July 2021 / Notice

The Scaffolding Code of Practice has been reviewed for implementation from 1 July 2021.

The following updates are relevant to projects across the state:

  • Additional design requirements and inspections for specific scaffold types
  • Additional advice on ground conditions and stability
  • Additional scaffold tying requirements to existing structures and information on fixings
  • Access and egress requirement updates
  • Maintenance of scaffold and housekeeping requirements
  • Additional subsection for fixed plan management
  • Dimensions of allowable gaps
  • Suspended / swing stage scaffold testing requirements
  • Step heigh requirements – 2 metre stair stringers (effective 1 July 2022)

The above is a summary of changes and not an exhaustive list. The links below have additional information and project teams should make themselves familiar with the changes that may impact their projects.

Any concern or questions regarding current scaffold installations contact Hutchies’ Scaffold Compliance Manager – Damian Boyce.

Additional information to be considered with this update

There has been concerns raised around the mixing and matching of scaffold components and system compliance, as a result of using different manufacturers components.

Item 3.4 Mixing Scaffold Components from COP lists several control measures to eliminate issues associated with mixing scaffold components.

Hutchies Scaffold Team has consulted CONSTRUC to provide an RPEQ certification for the mix and match testing for all scaffold components within our hire fleet.

This certification was developed through the physical testing of components to ensure they are geometrically compatible as per AS/NZS 4576.

Data collected through this testing process is then used for theoretical modelling of our scaffold system.

A copy of the mixed component certification certificate can be found in Hutchies' Scaffold Supply Guide (Page 31) on Hutchies’ Doc Library.

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June 2021

29 Jun - 2 Jul 2021 / COVID-19

This morning the Queensland Government announced another 3 day lockdown period for the local government areas (LGAs) of South East Queensland (incorporating Brisbane, Gold Coast, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, Moreton Bay, Scenic Rim, Somerset and Lockyer Valley) as well as Townsville, Magnetic Island and Palm Island.

The lockdown will be in place from 6pm today (Tuesday) through to 6pm Friday, 2 July 2021. This lockdown has been announced in response to 4 separate outbreak incidents in Queensland of varying concern.

We’re continuing to receive information about the requirements, but the below is the current information to follow at the time of this update. If we receive any further updated information regarding the construction industry, we will provide another update.

The construction industry is considered an essential service. Sites will remain open throughout the lockdown period.

However, it is vital that Hutchies’ people are fully implementing the necessary social distancing, hygiene and cleaning measures (detailed here).

In accordance with government directions, office-based people should work from home if their work can be done from home. Talk to your Team Leader to make appropriate arrangements.

You may leave your home to attend work (if it cannot be done from home) but you must limit movements and stay within your local area whenever possible until the lockdown period has ended. Masks must also continue to be carried outside of your home and worn indoors.

If you do leave home to go to an area outside of those subject to the lockdown restrictions for essential reasons, you must continue to abide by the lockdown rules wherever you go.

Please ensure you read and follow all directions from the Queensland Government (detailed below). Also continue to implement and follow all of Hutchies’ COVID-19 measures.

Hutchies will provide any other relevant updates to you via email or text message if necessary regarding the situation.

Get tested If you have any symptoms at all, get tested immediately and quarantine at home until you receive a negative result.

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28 June 2021 / COVID-19

We've embedded the 'COVID-19 Near Me' map on Hutchies' Coronavirus information page. 

This is a really easy and visual way to see all current venues of concern around Australia where a known positive case may have visited around you.

Given the heightened situation across the country with this latest Delta variant outbreak, please ensure you are monitoring exposure lists daily and following all authority directions if you have attended an exposure site at the same time as positive case.

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24 June 2021 / Warning

Hutchies’ company policies are reviewed every 2 years as part of the overall requirements of our systems.

Policies apply to anyone representing Hutchies at any level – including subcontractors and suppliers when they work on Hutchies’ projects.

The suite of policies has been significantly updated to accommodate additional aspects of Hutchies’ operations.

Please ensure you update any existing policies on sites or in offices with these latest versions.

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24 June 2021 / COVID-19

Updated Guidance for Hutchies’ People

As Australia continues to grapple with coronavirus outbreaks and the new highly contagious Delta strain, Hutchies has updated its travel advice for at least the rest of 2021.

This approach is to ensure Hutchies’ people, our families, homes, offices and sites are kept as safe and undisrupted as possible.

In the first instance, Hutchies’ people should always follow any State or Territory Directions in place at the time.

However, we are now requesting that everyone take greater precautions in relation to travel, particularly given recent outbreaks involving the Delta strain. 

The Delta variant was able to spread between strangers in Westfield Bondi Junction within seconds of them passing each other. As a result, it has become recognised as the most concerning strain of the pandemic so far. 

Unfortunately Australia is not yet in a position to go back to business as usual and changes must be made to the way we operate. It would be devastating for Hutchies and the community if any of our actions contributed to the unnecessary spread of the virus.

Work-related travel is to be minimised to the greatest extent possible for the foreseeable future. 

Simply think the situation through – could my actions unnecessarily introduce COVID into Hutchies! Or expose our family! If so, don’t risk it.

Please carefully consider the following prior to making any bookings:

>

Is the travel absolutely essential?

>

Can the reason for travel instead be facilitated via video conference?

>

Do I need to be physically present for works to progress?

>

Can the outcome be achieved in any other way?

>

Am I risking the health of others by being at an office or site after travelling from a hotspot or other COVID-affected area?

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21 June 2021 / Warning

Hutchies is very aware how our project program outcomes (good and bad) effect:  

  • our people
  • quality
  • safety
  • client satisfaction
  • reputation
  • bottom line

and we seek to improve.

Budget Reporting

  • Project teams should already be checking their contract program regularly (at least weekly to check time bars)
  • Plus teams are required to report on program in monthly reports
  • In future (at next budget meeting) we will be reporting on program status – recorded on the budget sheet

Who is responsible?

  • The Project Manager (after consulting with the project team SM / DM / CA) is to produce the monthly program status update
  • The PM is responsible for program status update – (and ultimately responsible to the Team leader)

Program

Status should be tracked against the Contract Program – amended only for approved EOTs

EOTs

If there are EOT approvals pending this will also be visible on the budget sheet.

Weather contingency

Weather contingency should be allocated across the contract duration according to the forecast lost days per month.

For example:

  • North Qld might spread most weather contingency over the wet season
  • Where-as Victoria would allocate a more even spread across the calendar

Status

  • The critical path status is derived after input of actual activity status into you contract program
  • Preferably via an electronic status update of the critical path.
  • But if you prefer – an old school ‘tits and bums’ mark up.
  • The status should be accurate.
  • PM should be able to verify against project progress (photos / records)

Design / Approvals / Procurement / Fabrication / Structure / Façade / Finishes

  • The critical path may be off-site  
  • Teams must assess activities off-site and on-site activities

Budget Sheet entry

  • Refer to the Viewpoint Guide here
  • Assuming you have already checked program status (as required in monthly reports) it will add only a few seconds to your monthly budget forecast notes entry
  • You can begin making this entry prior to next month’s (1st July) budget meeting

The entry on the budget sheet can be made:

  • Positive 12   = +12 calendar days in front of program
  • Negative -7 = -7 calendar days behind program

Separable Portions

  • It’s understood that some projects have multiple separable portions – and you should be checking status of each portion.
  • But for the purpose of this very simple report – use the last separable portion.

Financial

If your project is significantly ahead of behind program, the directors will no doubt be interested on that impact against your forecast financial result.

Please be prepared to comment on forecast final Prelims and / or damages.

When

Yes – program status is to be entered for the next budget meeting (July)

None of the above should add any further work to our day jobs. Merely confirmation that your teams are actively assessing program – at least monthly

Yes – it’s not perfect ….. baby steps

Yes this change is supported by our Chairman

Program training / assistance

We have added a training video re: status programs on Hutchies' Learning Management System (LMS).

Search 'KP-02-03-01 Updating Project Status'.

Site Team Communication

A project team that communicates poorly will typically have a poor program results.

We encourage our site teams to meet weekly to address all things program including: design / procurement / approvals / resources / delays / claims / acceleration measures.

A template weekly meeting agenda is on the Document Library.

Call Harry

If you (or anyone in your team) requires program training / assistance - contact Harry White in the Operations Team or 0419 762 429.

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15 June 2021 / Warning

All builders and subcontractors who undertake projects funded by the Australian Government (federal funding) must comply with Building Code 2016 (Code).

Compliance with the Code is monitored by the ABCC through site visits, inspections, audits, and investigations. If non-compliance is identified, it may lead to penalties or sanctions preventing the builder or subbie from undertaking government funded projects.

Government funded projects are a critical part of Hutchies’ workbook and therefore full compliance is essential.

The outcomes of recent audits and inspections have required Hutchies to modify some of our procedures to demonstrate more clearly compliance with the Code.

This update addresses these modifications and aims to remind everyone of a few Code obligations which appear to be a focus for the ABCC.

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10 June 2021 / COVID-19

Latest COVID-19 case locations in QLD

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

Updated: 10 June 2021

A new locally acquired case was confirmed on the Sunshine Coast yesterday. The case recently travelled from Victoria via NSW into QLD and has been out in the community while infectious.

Please take the time to review the list below and if you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to follow NSW Government directions immediately. 

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9 June 2021 / COVID-19

Latest COVID-19 case locations in QLD

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

Updated: 09 June 2021

A new locally acquired case has been confirmed on the Sunshine Coast this afternoon. The case recently travelled from Victoria via NSW into QLD and has been out in the QLD community while infectious since 5 June 2021.

Please take the time to review the list below and if you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to follow the Queensland Government directions immediately.

Check the QLD Government website daily for updated information. 

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3 June 2021 / Notice

Australia’s construction market is experiencing major price volatility not seen since the global financial crisis (GFC).

This is a result of the global economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with all governments around the world using different leavers to stimulate their own economies. Some economic reports suggest that these stimulus measures are 20 – 25 times the size of similar measures that were introduced post GFC.

As a result the world building product commodity prices are rising on a weekly and monthly basis.

Hutchies is preparing a set of tips and measures to help you protect your team’s current and future projects from escalation. This will be circulated in a separate email shortly.

We anticipate that we will not see a return to stable pricing for at least another 12 – 18 months. Furthermore there is significant pressure on world trade and off shore products and manufacturing, shipping and logistics is under extreme pressure.

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May 2021

26 May 2021

You can find training manuals for Aconex on Hutchies' Doc Library. These are linked below. You must be logged in with your normal Hutchies' username and password to access.

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26 May 2021 / Quality Alert

Overview

The construction industry has changed considerably in the past few years, and will continue to do so until the expected standards are achieved by designers and builders. This means increased regulator presence on our sites.

With the introduction of new legislation in NSW for Class 2 residential buildings (including mixed use buildings with a portion of Class 2), it’s important to be prepared to demonstrate and showcase Hutchies commitment to compliance and quality. 

The legislation and regulators are focused on creating certainty for consumers and insurers through ‘professionalism, honesty and integrity, transparency and accountability’ – all values that are embraced at Hutchies and represented by each of us every day.

These values deliver good quality buildings which are the foundations of Hutchies’ success and how we will become recognised as the best builder in the country.

Hutchies’ reputation, public record and licence are at risk if we get this wrong – if we ‘fail to act’.

Please read the alert below for more details – it provides more information on the expectations of the regulators and feedback from experiences to date. 

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24 May 2021 / COVID-19

Latest COVID-19 case locations in VIC

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

Updated: 25 May 2021

New venues have been added to the below list following the announcement of four new locally acquired cases in Melbourne yesterday.

Please take the time to review the latest location list below and if you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to follow all Government directions.

Check the VIC Government website daily for updated exposure sites. 

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13 May 2021 / Quality Alert

Achieving good quality wet areas is critical to any building and continues to be one of our most important areas of focus at Hutchies, and an increased area of focus by regulators as a result of poor industry performance.

In addition to Hutchies' Quality Handbook (Topic 8), Services Alerts, and the Hutch video on waterproofing, this alert provides a quick review of the most important areas of focus. It also includes a link to some step by step guides to wet area design and construction to assist project teams including at every level (including subbies).

Please review and ensure every effort is made in getting these areas right to avoid costly rectifications during the project, for statutory warranty periods and to ensure the highest quality compliant wet areas are constructed.

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6 - 29 May 2021 / General

Nominations are now open for the apprentice, cadet and future leader of the year awards!

Make your vote by COB Friday 28 May 2021

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6 May 2021 / COVID-19

Latest info & COVID-19 case locations in NSW

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

After the discovery of a local COVID-19 case in Greater Sydney yesterday, and the partner of that case today, the following measures will be enforceable from 5pm today, May 6 until 12:01am Monday, 10 May for the Greater Sydney region (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains):

> Visitors to households will be limited to 20 guests – including children

> Masks will be compulsory on in all public indoor venues & public transport, including retail, theatres, hospitals, aged care facilities and for front-of-house hospitality staff (except in a hospitality venue when eating or drinking)

> Drinking while standing up at indoor venues will not be allowed

> Singing by audiences at indoor shows or by congregants at indoor places of worship will not be allowed

> Dancing will not be allowed at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs however, dancing is allowed at weddings with a strong recommendation that no more than 20 people should be on the dancefloor at any one time

> Visitors to aged care facilities will be limited to two people.

Please review the latest contact tracing list below. Get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days if you've been to any of these locations.

If you have been to any of these locations during the time and date indicated you should:

  1. immediately self-isolate until 14 days after you were last there
  2. get tested even if you have no symptoms
  3. watch for COVID-19 symptoms and get retested should any symptoms recur
  4. even if you get a negative test, you must stay in isolation for 14 days as it can take 14 days before you may show symptoms or test positive.
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April 2021

29 April 2021 / Quality Alert

INCLUDING NEIGHBOURING PROPERTY (BUILDINGS AND INFRASTRUCTURE) & EXISTING STRUCTURES ON SITE (INCLUDING BASEMENTS)

Overview

It is important that all Hutchies’ project teams fully understand what is required for the protection of people, neighbouring property and existing structures whilst working on site. This is part of Hutchies’ legislative and contractual obligations. 

There is good reason for increased regulator and media attention directed at this issue. Without adequate protection in place, damage and incidents can occur with disastrous consequences.

It is critical that a proven construction method is used to prevent collapse and minimise or prevent damage/injury. Effective communication should be established and distributed to all interested parties for the life of the project.

Read the alert for more details. 

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12 April 2021 / New

Hutchies has two new early works contract templates available.

One is for design only (off-site works) and the other is for on-site construction activities.

They can be used on projects where there is no client supplied contract.

Remember to always have any third party head contracts checked by Hutchies’ Contract Review Team.

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4 April 2021 / Observation

Daylight Saving Time ends at 2am (which is 3am DST) on the first Sunday in April, when clocks are turned back one hour. Daylight saving is not observed in Queensland, the Northern Territory or Western Australia. Please remember this time change when arranging travel etc.

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1 April 2021 / COVID-19

The Queensland Premier has announced that the 3 day lockdown in the Greater Brisbane region will end at 12 noon today (Thursday).

Some restrictions will remain in place for another 14 days until Thursday, 15 April 2021 – please read the below carefully. It is important to continue to implement and follow all of Hutchies’ COVID-19 measures across our sites and offices.

Restrictions for Queensland

The below requirements have been taken directly from the Queensland Government directions.

From 12pm today, until 15 April 2021 for all of Queensland:

> you must carry a face mask at all times and wear indoors, unless you have a lawful reason not to

> gatherings in people’s homes are limited to 30 persons in total, including the people you live with

> you can leave your home for any purpose. You can travel anywhere in Australia. Please note other states and territories may have restrictions in place that prevent you from travelling to them

> visitors to aged care facilities, disability accommodation services, hospitals and correctional facilities are restricted across the state

> restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs can only open for seated eating and drinking, no standing allowed

> hospitality businesses must keep an electronic customer register > customers must check into venues and provide their contact details in case you need to be contacted – download the Check In Qld App to get setup before you visit venues

Masks for Queensland

The below requirements have been taken directly from the Queensland Government directions.

You must carry a face mask with you at all times when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to.

> you must wear a mask in indoor spaces

> it is strongly recommended you wear a mask when outdoors if you are unable to stay more than 1.5m distance from other people, such as busy walkways and thoroughfares

> masks do not need to be worn in some circumstances, including children under 12 years, if you have certain medical conditions, and in workplaces where it is not safe to do so > you can remove your mask to consume food or drink

Other Requirements

Anyone who has visited Brisbane since 20 March

> must still observe the above rules (including wearing a mask as required) regardless of where you are now in Australia

Anyone visiting Queensland in the next 14 days 

> must also observe the above rules (including wearing a mask as required) throughout the entire state

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March 2021

30 March 2021 / COVID-19

Latest COVID-19 case locations in QLD

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

Updated: 30 March 2021

A large amount of new venues have been added to contact tracing alerts since the list emailed this morning, including in Byron Bay, **UPDATED** Gold Coast & Toowoomba.

Please take the time to review the lists below and if you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to follow the Queensland Government directions below.

Check the QLD Government website daily for updated information. 

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29 March 2021 / COVID-19

Latest COVID-19 case locations in SE QLD, Gladstone & **UPDATED** Byron Bay

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

Updated: 29 March 2021


This morning the Queensland Government announced another 3 day lockdown period for the Greater Brisbane region. The lockdown will be in place from 5pm AEST today (Monday) through to 5pm AEST Thursday, 1 April 2021. This lockdown has been put in place as a result of a growing COVID-19 cluster of the UK variant in Brisbane.

If you have been in Brisbane at any time on or since Saturday 20 March, you should read the latest Hutchies’ Toolbox update and apply the lockdown provisions to yourself as though you were in Greater Brisbane region from 5pm today.

Hutchies has confirmed that the construction industry is still considered an essential service. Sites in Greater Brisbane will remain open throughout the lockdown period. In accordance with government directions, office based people should work from home where practicable during this period.

As these latest cases visited a number of locations including in South-East Queensland, Gladstone and Byron Bay, we are notifying all company members and urge anyone who has recently visited these regions to review the below list.

If you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to follow the Queensland Government directions below. Check the QLD Government website daily for updated information.

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29 March 2021 / COVID-19

Implementation & Maintenance Guide

Hutchies has developed the following practical guide to assist our sites to implement and maintain our COVIDSafe requirements. Communicating these important preventative measures will help to keep everyone safe, prevent the spread of coronavirus and keep construction sites open:

  1. Get your COVIDSafe resources
  2. Implement Plan & Checklist
  3. Keep stock of supplies
  4. Stay on top of the measures
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25 March 2021 / New

Hutchies has a new All Company Calendar available in Outlook. You’ll be able to see all of our regular events in one easy place.

You'll already have access to it — simply open Outlook Calendars and look for All Company Calendar.

Accept via Email Invitation

Please keep an eye out shortly for an email invitation from Hutchies’ Company Calendar to join the calendar in Outlook.

When you receive the email:

> On your computer, open the email

> Click the blue ‘Accept’ button in the top left corner of the email > It will then add the shared calendar to your regular Outlook calendars

Add via Shared Calendars

If you can’t wait to add it, or miss the email, you can add the new calendar via Shared Calendars in Outlook.

On your computer:

> Click the calendar icon in the bottom left corner

> Click the ‘Add Calendar’ button in the top ribbon

> Select ‘Open Shared Calendar’

> Type in ‘Hutchies Company Calendar’ > It will then open and save as an option under Shared Calendars

Updates

The new calendar enables real-time updating of events in a format everyone is familiar with (Outlook). We are specifically only including events in this calendar that are relevant to all of Hutchies nationally to avoid overloading it with irrelevant information.

Annual updates will be made for the year ahead roughly in October / November for:

> Company meetings (budgets, board meetings etc) by Matilda Fowke to assist the regions in their local calendar planning

> Payment cutoff dates for middle and end of month runs by AP

> Public holidays / social events / observations by the Comms Team If there is an event applicable to all of Hutchies that you think should be included in the company calendar, please let us know.

Other Formats

Previously we published some key dates on Toolbox and through the annual meetings document (published on the Doc Library).

These two formats will no longer be used for these dates – instead this new company calendar will be available via Outlook.

Hutchies’ Toolbox Activities will remain your central go to point for all key company announcements / alerts.


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22 March 2021 / Weather Alert

There are currently a number of weather warnings for New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria as a result of extensive rain and now risks of flooding. 

Please follow all directions of authorities, stay in the loop with ABC Emergency and ensure Hutchies' site preparation procedures are followed.

Summary of weather

You can also monitor the live radar below for a national summary on the latest weather forecasts.

General advice in storms

  • Move cars under cover or away from trees. 
  • Secure loose outdoor items. 
  • Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees. 
  • Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
  • Beware of fallen trees and powerlines. 
  • For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

This includes checking that the sediment and erosion controls are in place and effective for any projects where we have open ground and soil stockpiles that have the potential to cause negative environmental impact.

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11 March 2021 / Notice

Falls and falling objects are hazards which can occur on construction sites. Constant proactive attention is required to manage the risk of these hazards due to the dynamic nature of site.

Site management and all workers have a duty to provide and maintain a safe workplace for all everyone that puts ‘people before program’.

By working together on Hutchies’ sites with good communication and planning, we improve the safety of ourselves and everyone around us. This extends to visitors to site and members of the public who may interact with our projects. 

Actions

All Site Management Teams are to:

> Download and display the Big 10 poster on your site to raise awareness

> Deliver a toolbox talk (download template) at the next prestart to the site teams / workers to communicate the Big 10 as well as the below actions for workers

> Complete a Weekly Inspection – Big 10 in HammerTech every week to monitor and review the effectiveness of implemented control measures and identify areas that require attention or rectification

specifically review the falls and falling object control measures:

  • Housekeeping
  • Scaffold
  • Penetrations 
  • Edge protection

> Raise any issues or observations that are identified with the relevant trades to achieve an effective and timely close out

> View the short videos below as a refresher for the required risk controls

All workers should are to:

> Follow Hutchies’ site rules & obtain relevant permits to work 

> Follow approved Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS

> Consider changes to the work environment that may affect approved SWMS as work progresses

> Install required and approved exclusion zones correctly prior to starting work

> Do not enter an exclusion zone unless you have approval from the trade in control of the area

> Do not alter scaffold on site unless you are a licensed scaffolder and have been instructed to by Hutchies

> If required to use height safety equipment, be competent and suitably trained before and use it in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines

Remember, your Hutchies’ site management team is available if you need any help or you see something that is potentially unsafe.

By working together effectively, we can improve the safety for everyone on site and reduce the risk of incidents

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8 March 2021 / Observation

Each of us has a choice in everything we do to make a difference.

To change the way we see things, and the way things have been. To truly understand respect.

Together we can achieve better.

So let’s all choose to challenge — we already know we can change.

#ChooseToChallenge

Challenge the meaning of respect.

Challenge bias and inequality.

Challenge how we act and speak.

Challenge others for careless behaviour.

In so many ways we are industry trailblazers. We can harness diversity and difference in everything we do to be leaders of equal opportunity.

We are Hutchies. We choose to challenge.

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8 March 2020 / Public Holiday

Monday, 8 March 2020 (ACT, SA, TAS & VIC only)

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3 March 2021

Passive fire penetration stickers are required in line with Australian Standards to be adhered next to all penetrations. These may be on a concrete, block work, plaster, fibre cement, plastic, hebel or other substrate. 

Hutchies has developed a sticker format in various sizes with high adhesive sticking capabilities which are available from our supplier (details below). 

These stickers adhere well to most surfaces so there is less likelihood of them falling off. Note, on concrete surfaces it is sometimes prudent to clean any contaminants from the surface such as formwork release oil prior to application with xylene/solvent.

Teams/sites can purchase these as required, and subcontractors are welcome to purchase these direct as well. The stickers can be customised to include the addition of business' names and details.

Please note that stickers must only be installed when the penetration work is COMPLETE. Stickers on incomplete works are being targeted by regulators during construction as they imply that works are completed.  

It is critical trades certify COMPLETED WORKS with the correctly completed sticker.

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2 March 2021 / Warning

It is a legal requirement for Hutchies to pay for home warranty / building insurance on certain residential projects in Queensland (QBCC), Victoria (VMIA) and New South Wales (HBCF). 

Home warranty provides protection for homeowners if the contractor doesn’t complete building work, the work is defective, or subsidence occurs.  

Thresholds

Home warranty insurance applies to the following thresholds:

Queensland (Home Warranty Insurance)

Any home building work under 3 storeys worth more than $3,300

Victoria (Domestic Building Insurance)

Any home building work under 3 storeys worth more than $16,000

New South Wales (Domestic Building Insurance)

Any home building work under 3 storeys worth more than $20,000

Process

Hutchies has simple processes in place to ensure home warranty insurance is as easy as possible to put in place for your projects prior to starting on site. Please follow the below steps for your state:

Queensland ( Administered by QBCC)

> Calculate the premium fee for the applicable project type on the QBCC website

> Once you’ve calculated the fee, complete the QBCC form

> Prepare Hutchies’ Payment Authority form

> Once both the QBCC form and Hutchies’ Payment Authority is complete, send all documents to the Accounts Payable Team

> Hutchies’ AP Team will then arrange for the QBCC form to be executed by an authorised QBCC licence holder for J Hutchinson Pty Ltd and make payment (which will be job costed) and send to QBCC > QBCC will generate the insurance policy, which will be sent to the QBCC Notices mailbox and distributed directly to you

Note: Authorised QBCC representatives include: 

Directors

Other Representatives

Victoria (Administered by VMIA)

> Contact Hutchies’ Finance Team to request the application

> The Finance Team will then assist you with completing the application form through VMIA’s online portal

> Hutchies’ Finance Team will then organise for the insurance from VMIA through BRIC (the broker) – including payment for the policy (which will be job costed) > Once the insurance policy has been issued, it will be distributed directly to you from the Finance Team

New South Wales (Administered by icare)

> Contact Hutchies’ Finance Team to request the application

> The Finance Team will then assist you with completing the application form through icare’s online portal

> Hutchies’ Finance Team will then organise for the insurance from icare – including payment for the policy (which will be job costed) > Once the insurance policy has been issued, it will be distributed directly to you from the Finance Team

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1 March 2021 / Notice

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) has reviewed 21 Codes of Practice in line with regulator review period requirements.

WHSQ has communicated that the review was limited to technical accuracy, usability, and readability. The content has not been fully reviewed at this stage. Additional reviews of the updated codes will likely be undertaken soon, and notification will be communicated to all.

These updated Codes of Practice take effect 1 March 2021.

Action

All Queensland projects are required to update the following safety documentation to reflect the changes:

  • Project Risk Assessment (PRA)
  • Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

Key HSE documentation to be updated

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1 March 2021 / Event

After a short break, Hutchies reignited the Estimator of the Year Awards at the refreshed annual Estimating Conference last Friday.

We were joined by estimators from Hutchies’ offices (face-to-face and over Microsoft Teams for our interstate teams thanks to COVID-19). The event was a great success and brought together our extended estimating experts throughout Hutchies.

For the first time since the awards started back in 1996, two deserving recipients were crowned winners of the 2020 Estimator of the Year Award.

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February 2021

23 February 2021 / Notice

Compliance to development application (DA) conditions for buildings under construction as well as completed buildings as approved by the DA are under increasing scrutiny by government bodies and in particular, councils.

This is resulting in increased regulatory policing, complaints and fines occurring nationally.

Please read on to ensure you are across this moving forward.

DURING CONSTRUCTION

It is critical that you review the DA regularly against the progress of design development and the works to ensure compliance.

Management of sites is critical. You must meet all authority requirements such as working to prescribed hours, implementing noise and dust controls, and ensuring you protect council assets like drainage systems and our waterways using adequate planning.

Please read the DA conditions on your project and understand what is required to comply.

You should be asking yourself if you are across the following at a minimum:

  • What are the working hours of the site?
  • What are the additional approvals required under the DA like the sediment and erosion control plan?
  • If something changes on site from the approved DA conditions (such as a sediment & erosion plan), what is required to maintain approvals – do the plans need to be resubmitted?
  • Does the current design represent the approved DA plan?

FINAL BUILDING COMPLIANCE

In respect to the completed building, the DA approvals are not as detailed as the final ‘for construction’ drawings so the council must determine that the completed building is ‘generally in accordance with‘ the DA approved design.

This may include comparison to 3D renderings of the building and other aesthetic representations, allowable building areas and setbacks, high limits, reflectivity requirements and building colours.

This is why it is important that you continually review the DA against what is being built, so the end product represents what was approved in the DA.

CONTRACT COMPLIANCE

This applies contractually as well where the head contract may place risk of compliance onto Hutchies, as well as further compound this with marketing and sales contract documents.

To manage this correctly, ensure a full DA and contract review is completed by the project team against design to identify and action all compliance requirements.

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16 February 2021 / COVID-19

Dear All,

Today the updated COVID-19 Guidelines for the Building and Construction Industry Revision 10 was released.

I have made the appropriate changes to the Victorian COVID-19 Management Plans and have attached it to this email along with the following:

  • Updated Appendix 01 – Self Assessment Flow Chart
  • COVID-19 Guidelines for the Building and Construction Industry Revision 10
  • Explanatory note of changes

*Changes have also been made to the sign in devices to include the updated daily COVID Declaration.

Please ensure that you print our updated COVID-19 Management Plan and have all team members on site sign and acknowledge as we have done with all previous 8 versions. I also ask that you add the amendments as a subject in pre-starts and or toolboxes on your next working day.

Do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or if I can be of assistance to you.

Regards,

Candece Frazzica-Kara
HSE Manager (VIC)

Mobile 0411 022 839
Email Candece.Frazzica-Kara@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au 

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10 February 2021 / COVID-19

Latest info & COVID-19 case locations in VIC

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

Updated: 10 February 2021

Please take the time to review the latest location list below and if you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to be tested.

Check the VIC Government website daily for updated exposure sites.

Anyone who has visited these Tier 1 exposure
sites during these times must immediately isolate, get a coronavirus (COVID-19)
test, and remain isolated for 14 days.

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10 February 2021 / COVID-19

Updated Guidance for Hutchies’ People

With interstate border restrictions continuing to vary as coronavirus outbreaks occur in various part of the country, Hutchies has updated its advice for anyone intending to travel during 2021. This approach is to ensure Hutchies’ people and workplaces are kept as safe as possible.

In the first instance, Hutchies’ people should always follow any State or Territory Directions in place at the time. A summary of current status and useful links can be found on Hutchies’ Toolbox. 

When borders are open and travel is unrestricted, please carefully consider the following prior to making any bookings:

  • Is the travel absolutely essential?  
  • Can the reason for travel instead be facilitated via video conference?
  • Do I need to be physically present for works to progress?
  • Can the outcome be achieved in any other way? 

Work-related travel must be minimised to the greatest extent possible for the foreseeable future. This is especially important given ongoing changes to border restrictions and the risk of further outbreaks – particularly with the highly-contagious new strains of COVID-19.

All travel bookings continue to be monitored. There may be instances where more information is requested about reasons for travel. You may also be asked to get tested after travelling depending on the status of outbreaks.

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8 February 2021 / Public Holiday

Monday 8 February 2021 (TAS only)

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4 February 2021 / COVID-19

Late last night Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews held a press conference as a result of a new potential community transmission case.

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies. 

New restrictions from 11.59pm Wednesday (last night):

  • Reinstate the New Years Eve / Black Rock settings
  • Private gatherings have been limited to 15 people
  • Masks are mandatory in indoor settings
  • The plan to bring back 75% of workers to offices is now paused

Other notes about the case:

  • Worker working in the Australian Open Quarantine Program
  • Now in health hotel and household contacts have been isolated
  • Lasted worked 29 January at the Grand Hyatt, was tested recently with negative results, but developed symptoms
  • 500 Australian Open players and staff have been classed as casual contacts of the worker
  • Still investigating the source of infection, but due to the new strain, being extra precautious
  • New list of exposure sites below – anyone who has been at an exposure site during the time frame, must get tested and isolate for 14 days

Exposure Sites

Anyone who has been at an exposure site listed during the time frame, must get tested and isolate for 14 days:

  • Club Noble in Noble Park from 2:36pm — 3:30pm on January 30
  • Aces Sporting Club (Driving Range) in Keysborough from 10:00pm — 11:15pm on January 30
  • Northpoint Café in Brighton from 8:10am — 9:30am on January 31
  • Kmart in Keysborough from 4:00pm — 5:00pm on January 31
  • Kmart in Brandon Park from 4:35pm — 5:10pm on January 31
  • Coles in Springvale from 5:00pm — 6:00pm on January 31
  • Bunnings in Springvale from 11:30am — 12:15pm on February 1
  • Golf Academy in Heatherton from 5:19pm — 6:30pm on February 1
  • Lululemon, DFO in Moorabbin from 5:00pm — 5:45pm on January 29
  • Woolworths in Springvale from 6.30pm — 7.30pm on January 29
  • Nakama Workshop in Clayton South from 11:15am — 12:00pm on February 1
  • Sharetea in Springvale from 6:45pm — 7:30pm on February 1
  • Kebab Kingz in West Melbourne from 11:24pm — 00:15am on February 1
  • Exford Hotel in Melbourne from 11:00pm — 11:35pm on February 1
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January 2021

29 January 2021 / Quality Alert

A new alert has been published detailing incorrect construction falls and expansion joints in wet areas. Please ensure your review the alert and implement all necessary measures to maintain compliance.

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29 March 2021 / COVID-19

This morning the Queensland Government announced another 3 day lockdown period for the Greater Brisbane region. The lockdown will be in place from 5pm today (Monday) through to 5pm Thursday, 1 April 2021. At this stage, it is similar to the lockdown in January.

We’re continuing to receive information about the requirements, but below is the best information we have at the moment. As the Government releases more direction, we will provide you further updates.

There are also new restrictions in place for other parts of Queensland along with directions for anyone who has travelled from the Greater Brisbane region since 20 March 2021. Please read carefully below.

Hutchies has confirmed that the construction industry is still considered an essential service. Sites will remain open throughout the lockdown period.

However, it is vital that Hutchies’ people are fully implementing the necessary social distancing, hygiene and cleaning measures (detailed here).

In accordance with government directions, office based people should work from home where practicable during this period. Talk to your Team Leader to make appropriate arrangements.

If you live in Greater Brisbane and travel to a site or office outside of the region, the travel must be direct (no stops), and you must observe the same measures in place across Brisbane (summarised below).

When travelling into Greater Brisbane to a site or office (regardless of where you live), if returning home you must follow the same lockdown rules when you are home. Only leave for the four essential reasons and wear a mask when outside your home.

Everyone in Queensland must carry a mask at all times when you leave home and wear them in indoor spaces (including workplaces, except where not practicable on construction sites). It is also strongly recommended masks are worn outside when you cannot maintain 1.5 metres from other people.

Please ensure you read and follow all directions from the Queensland Government. Also continue to implement and follow all of Hutchies’ COVID-19 measures.

Hutchies will provide any other relevant updates to you via email or text message if necessary regarding the situation.

Get tested If you have any symptoms at all, get tested immediately and quarantine at home until you receive a negative result.

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27 January 2021 / Warning

Hutchies has a range of templates and resources on the Document Library to assist with high quality building outcomes. They provide guidance on critical areas of focus that can be used in all states to ensure compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standards (AS).

This includes government fact sheets on specific areas regulators are focused on currently during inspections - they are useful on all works nationally.

Please familiarise yourself with these tools and apply them to our projects.

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21 January 2021 / COVID-19

Restrictions easing from 1am Friday 22 January

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies. 

As there has been no community transmission for a continuous period of 14 days, restrictions for those in Greater Brisbane will be eased as of 1am tomorrow (Friday) morning. 

Restrictions will revert to those in place in December. In summary:

> Masks will no longer be mandatory anywhere, except in airports and on flights. Masks are still encouraged in any situations where physical distancing is not possible

> Gatherings increased to 50 in homes and 100 in public spaces

> Weddings and funerals will be allowed up to 200 people

> Standing up as well as dancing will be allowed across all venues and events so long as they follow the one person per 2m2 rule

> 100% capacity will be allowed at allocated seating venues (such as stadiums)

Please continue to remain vigilant and get tested when symptoms occur.

For more information, check out the updated Queensland Roadmap:

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26 January 2021 / Public Holiday

National public holiday for Australia Day (Tuesday 26 January)

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15 January 2021 / New Toolbox Tile

Hutchies has added a new Toolbox tile for the National Dictionary of Building and Plumbing Terms.

This online resource is powered by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) and Standards Australia.

You'll find this new tool on Hutchies' Toolbox home page under 'Information & Resources'.

The New Tile

What it is

The National Dictionary of Building and Plumbing Terms combines terms and definitions from:

  • NCC

    The National Construction Code (NCC) 2019 Amendment 1
    © The Commonwealth of Australia and the States and Territories

  • Standards

    Australian Standards (AS) referenced in the NCC
    © Standards Australia Limited

  • Standards

    Australian / New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS) referenced in the NCC
    © Standards Australia Limited/the Crown in right of New Zealand, administered by the New Zealand Standards Executive

  • HB50

    Handbook 50:2004 Glossary of Building Terms (HB50)
    © Property Council of Australia Limited

These sources are not exhaustive in the building and construction industry in Australia.

In all cases, please refer to the original sources of the relevant definitions. The National Dictionary is in no way a substitute for the NCC, AS Standards, AS/NZS Standards or State and Territory legislation.

The definitions for terms in these publications are often different. This website aims to:

  • help industry find the right definition
  • highlight consistency and conflicts
  • provide a general hierarchy of results to assist interpretation

To know more about the NCC please visit Australian Building Codes Board. To know more about the related standards please visit Standards Australia.

Hierarchy of definitions

In general, the following order of precedence applies when viewing terms and definitions:

NCC Standards HB50

However, users should make their own decision as to which term or definition is relevant or applicable to their specific circumstances. This website is for general information only and is not intended to provide or substitute professional advice on the subject matter.

How you can access it

This resource is:

  • Free
  • Available via your web browser on any device
  • Accessible via Hutchies' Toolbox 24x7
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13 January 2021 / COVID-19

Hutchies has created a new national poster demonstrating the benefits of face masks with COVID-19.

Please print this sign at A3, laminate if possible and display across all sites and offices.

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12 January 2021 / COVID-19

Latest COVID-19 case locations in QLD

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

Updated: 12 January 2021 

Please take the time to review the lists below and if you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to follow the Queensland Government directions below.

Check the QLD Government website daily for updated information.

If you have visited any of the locations listed in the table below during the date and time indicated you are considered a close contact. You must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days.

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12 January 2021 / COVID-19

Latest COVID-19 case locations in NSW

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

Updated: 12 January 2021

Please take the time to review the contact tracing lists below. If you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to follow the steps required by the NSW Government below.

Get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days if you've been to any of these locations.

If you have been to any of these locations during the time and date indicated you should:

  1. immediately self-isolate until 14 days after you were last there
  2. get tested even if you have no symptoms
  3. watch for COVID-19 symptoms and get retested should any symptoms recur
  4. even if you get a negative test, you must stay in isolation for 14 days as it can take 14 days before you may show symptoms or test positive.
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11 January 2021 / COVID-19

The QLD Premier has just announced that the 3 day lockdown in the Greater Brisbane region will end tonight (Monday) at 6pm as planned.

Some restrictions will remain in place from 6pm tonight until 1am, January 22 (which marks 14 days since the case was detected in the community).

From 6pm tonight, until 1am on January 22:

> Masks will be mandatory in indoor public places including shopping centres, retail outlets and supermarkets, gyms, churches / places of worship, libraries, indoor recreation venues like cinemas and art galleries, public transport, and taxis / rideshare vehicles.

> Masks must be worn in indoor workplaces if social distancing isn’t possible and it is safe to do so.

> Masks will not need to be worn in your own private vehicle, while outdoors at a safe distance from other people or if you’re doing strenuous exercise outside.

> Businesses and venues can have one person per 4m² indoors and one person per 2m² outdoors. Smaller venues up to 200m² can have one person per 2m² up to a maximum of 50. You must be seated to eat and drink, and no dancing is allowed except at weddings.

> Gatherings are restricted to 20 people in homes and public spaces. Weddings and funerals can have up to 100 people, and dancing is allowed at weddings without restrictions.

> Indoor concert venues and theatres can operate at 50% capacity or one person per four square metres, whichever is greater. Outdoor stadiums can operate at 50% capacity with COVID-safe plans.

> Restrictions on visits to hospitals, aged care, disability accommodation and prisons will remain.

> Anyone who has been in Greater Brisbane since January 2 must carry a mask with them, and wear them at all required indoor venues (even if they are no longer within the Greater Brisbane region)

> The Fourth Test at the Gabba is going ahead, at 50% capacity with COVID restrictions in place such as wearing masks on entry/exit and whilst moving around the stadium.

Please ensure you read and follow all directions from the Queensland Government. You can also check the website for more information regarding restrictions post lockdown. It is important to continue to implement and follow all of Hutchies’ COVID-19 measures across our sites and offices.

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9 January 2021 / COVID-19

Latest COVID-19 case locations in NSW

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

Updated: 9 January 2021

Please take the time to review the contact tracing lists below. If you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to follow the steps required by the NSW Government below.

Get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days if you've been to any of these locations.

If you have been to any of these locations during the time and date indicated you should:

  1. immediately self-isolate until 14 days after you were last there
  2. get tested even if you have no symptoms
  3. watch for COVID-19 symptoms and get retested should any symptoms recur
  4. even if you get a negative test, you must stay in isolation for 14 days as it can take 14 days before you may show symptoms or test positive.
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8 January 2021 / COVID-19

The Queensland Government has announced a 3 day lockdown period for the Greater Brisbane region. The lockdown will be in place from 6pm tonight through to 6pm Monday, 11 January 2021.

The restrictions imposed by the lockdown are similar to those that were in place in March 2020, except now with the addition of mandatory masks.

Hutchies has confirmed that the construction industry is still considered an essential service. Sites and offices will remain open throughout the lockdown period.

However, it is vital that sites and offices are fully implementing the necessary social distancing, hygiene and cleaning measures (detailed below).

Team Leaders will work with their people to ensure they are home in time for the commencement of the lockdown and encouraging working from home arrangements where practical on Monday, 11 January 2021. Take your laptop home with you to be safe.

If you live in Greater Brisbane and travel to a site or office outside of the region, you must still wear a mask and observe the same measures when at that location.

When travelling into Greater Brisbane to a site or office (regardless of where you live), if returning home you must follow the same lockdown rules when you are home. Only leave for the essential reasons and wear a mask when outside.

Face masks are mandatory outside of your home (including at work) as of 6pm tonight (Friday) when leaving home (unless a medical condition prevents you from wearing it). Children under 12 are exempt.

Please ensure you read and follow all directions from the Queensland Government. Also continue to implement and follow all of Hutchies’ COVID-19 measures across our sites and offices.

Hutchies will provide any other relevant updates to you via email or text message if necessary regarding the situation.

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7 January 2021 / COVID-19

Latest COVID-19 case locations in NSW

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

Updated: 7 January 2021

Please take the time to review the contact tracing lists below. If you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to follow the steps required by the NSW Government below.

Get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days if you've been to any of these locations.

If you have been to any of these locations during the time and date indicated you should:

  1. immediately self-isolate until 14 days after you were last there
  2. get tested even if you have no symptoms
  3. watch for COVID-19 symptoms and get retested should any symptoms recur
  4. even if you get a negative test, you must stay in isolation for 14 days as it can take 14 days before you may show symptoms or test positive.
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7 January 2021 / COVID-19

Breaking news

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

The QLD Government has just made the following announcements at a press conference:

> 1 new local case detected over the last day from 15,000 tests conducted 

> The case is a female in her 20s. She is a casual cleaner for the QLD hotel quarantine program who worked at Hotel Grand Chancellor and lives in Algester

> She was out in the community from January 2 to January 6 whilst infectious (see below for more info)

> No new restrictions for Brisbane / QLD are being imposed at this stage

> Urgent call out for Brisbane people to get tested, particularly in relation to the below venues and suburbs

> QLD will remain closed to Greater Sydney until at least the end of January

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7 January 2021 / COVID-19

Latest info & COVID-19 case locations in VIC

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

Updated: 7 January 2021

Please take the time to review the lists below and if you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to be tested.

Check the VIC Government website daily for updated exposure sites.

If you have visited any of the locations listed in the table below during the date and time indicated you must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.

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8 January 2021 / COVID-19

Breaking news

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

The QLD Government has just made the below announcements at a press conference.

We are currently seeking further details regarding the construction industry. We will provide another update shortly.

For now please read the following announcements from the QLD Premier and follow all QLD Government directions:

> 3 day lockdown for the Greater Brisbane region starting from 6pm tonight (Friday) through to 6pm on Monday

> Greater Brisbane extends to Metro North, Metro South, Moreton, Logan, Ipswich, and Redlands

> 9 new cases reported overnight from 13,000 tests conducted yesterday

> Hotel quarantine worker who was detected yesterday has the new more contagious UK strain of COVID-19

> If this isn’t done now, it could end up being a 30-day lockdown

> Last night aged care facilities, hospitals and some disability services have restricted access to visitors

> Greater Brisbane residents can leave home for four reasons:

>> Essential work – if you can work from home, do so

>> Healthcare or support of a vulnerable person

>> Essential shopping

>> Exercise in your local neighbourhood

> Masks are also being mandated across Greater Brisbane when leaving home (6pm tonight through to 6pm Monday in those council areas) – you must wear a mask – children under 12 do not need to. 

Masks, sanitiser and other supplies are available from Company Services and Reception.

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5 January 2021 / COVID-19

Keeping COVIDSafe

The new year brings a renewed focus of staying vigilant in our fight against COVID-19. The measures Hutchies adopted last year remain the best ways to keep everyone safe and continue to be implemented across our sites and offices.

Different states and territories have also introduced new restrictions as a result of clusters that formed in New South Wales and Victoria. An overhaul of the Hutchies’ Toolbox coronavirus page has been completed, including summaries of each state and territory for your convenience. Please monitor and comply with any local requirements that may be applicable to you, including potential impacts to interstate travel.

Your individual effort contributes to keeping case numbers low. Part of our collective responsibility is ensuring that we each recognise coronavirus symptoms and get tested if we experience any of these (regardless of how mild they may be). 

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December 2020

18 December 2020 / COVID-19

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

Please take the time to review the Public Health Alert as well as the lists below. If you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to follow the steps required by the NSW Government below.

Public Health Alert: Northern Beaches Local Government Area

To assist contact tracing and to contain any potential spread of COVID-19, NSW Health asks that from Friday 18 December to Sunday 20 December 2020, people living in the Northern Beaches Local Government Area take the following steps.

  • Work from home and remain at home as much as possible.
  • Do not visit friends or relatives in aged care facilities or hospitals unless essential.
  • Avoid unnecessary gatherings.
  • Keep to your household group.
  • Avoid visiting high-risk venues including clubs, restaurants, places of worship and gyms.
  • Avoid unnecessary travel outside the Northern Beaches area.

People from outside the area should avoid unnecessary travel to the Northern Beaches during this time.

See the public health alert for more details.

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18 Dec - 4 Jan 2020 / Observation

Christmas Day 25 December 2020
Boxing Day 26 December 2020
New Years Day 1 January 2021

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18 December 2020 / General

Congratulations to the winner of Constructor of the Year 2020!

Watch the video below to find out the winner and see all of our service awards for the year. 

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11 December 2020 / Weather Alert

La Niña Event Forecast

2020-2021 Summer Strong Potential for Severe Weather Events

11 December 2020

A La Niña event has been officially declared by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for the Australian summer of 2020-2021.  

La Niña typically brings with it heavy rainfall, intense storms and the possibility of strong wind events such as cyclones. The last time Australia saw a fully-fledged La Niña was from 2010 through 2012.

This alert is issued as a reminder to begin preparations for the likelihood of these severe weather events in the coming months.

Of immediate concern is the weather event forecast from tomorrow, Saturday 12 December through Monday 14 December. Those in Northern NSW, the Gold Coast and SE QLD should be prepared for:

> strong winds of ~75 km/hr

> storms and heavy rain

> seas in excess of 6.0 metres Check the Toolbox Weather page or local BOM warnings in your location for more information.

WHAT IS LA NIÑA?

La Niña is a complex weather pattern that occurs every few years, as a result of variations in ocean temperatures in the equatorial band of the Pacific Ocean. It occurs as strong winds blow warm water at the ocean's surface away from South America, across the Pacific Ocean towards Indonesia.

RESOURCES FOR SITE

The below resources are available to assist in the preparation for and in the aftermath of severe weather events. These are also available on the Doc Library and via HammerTech.

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10 December 2020 / General

ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, AS/NZS 4801

New Certificates Now Available

10 December 2020

Hutchies has successfully completed the re-certification process for the standards required to operate within the construction industry.

The certificates for Standards ISO 9001 Quality, ISO 14001 Environmental & ISO 45001 Safety are current through to 23 November 2023.

AS/NZS 4801 Safety is being retired from service as of 13 July 2023 so the expiry date reflects its retirement. Upon expiry AS/NZS 4801 will be succeeded by ISO 45001.

Please arrange to remove existing electronic and hard copy certificates from all locations and notice boards at Hutchies’ offices and project sites and replace with current certificates as soon as possible.

The new certificates are available on the Document Library, or click the tiles below:


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November 2020

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28 Nov - 2 Dec 2020 / Safety Alert

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued warnings for extreme heatwave conditions in areas of southern QLD and northeastern NSW from this Sunday through Tuesday. 

Sydney and areas of NSW, NT and QLD are also currently experiencing low-intensity to severe heatwave conditions today, which are expected to continue over the coming days. 

The below linked BOM maps illustrate the areas expected to reach high temperatures today through Wednesday.

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3 December 2020 / Meetings

Hutchies' monthly budgets are held on the first Thursday of every month in Brisbane and via Skype sessions to the regions.

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24 November 2020 / Quality Alert

All projects without exception require a well prepared cladding submission for checking by the Quality Team as previously advised.

See below email from our Managing Director, Greg Quinn.

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20 November 2020 / Legislation Alert

Changes to Queensland’s Biosecurity Regulation 2016 for fire ants came into effect on Wednesday, 27 May 2020.

These changes provide extra protection to areas that have undergone the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program's eradication activities, and reduce the chance of the pest spreading by the movement of infested material such as soil, gravel, mulch and hay.

The key changes are:

1.   2 fire ant biosecurity zones instead of 3 (zones include new suburb areas where fire ants have been found previously)

2.   new soil movement guideline clarifies how you can meet your general biosecurity obligation (GBO) when working with soil updated risk mitigation strategies to guide you when working with material that may carry fire ants (may reduce the need to apply for a biosecurity instrument permit).

Soil & Transport in Biosecurity Zones

Soil from fire ant biosecurity zones is considered high risk for the spread of fire ants.

Under the Biosecurity Act 2014 everyone has a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to take all reasonable steps to ensure they do not spread fire ants.

The Biosecurity Regulation 2016 prescribes procedures that you must follow when moving soil from a fire ant biosecurity zone. There are 2 fire ant biosecurity zones in Queensland. Refer to the fire ant biosecurity zone maps to see the boundaries of these zones or the Queensland Government’s interactive map to check if you're in a fire ant biosecurity zone.

Moving soil

To move soil from either of the fire ant biosecurity zones to a place outside the zones, you must request a biosecurity instrument permit (BIP) online or phone 13 25 23.

Refer to the table below for restrictions on the movement of soil between and outside of the fire ant biosecurity zones.

Biosecurity zone 1

Biosecurity zone 2

Soil originating from a place in zone 1 can be moved to a place in zone 1 or zone 2 without a biosecurity instrument permit (BIP).

Soil can be moved from its original place in zone 1 directly to a waste facility within either zone 1 or zone 2 without a BIP.

Soil originating from a place in zone 2 can be moved within zone 2 without a biosecurity instrument permit (BIP).

You need to obtain a BIP before moving the soil to a place within zone 1.

Soil can be moved from its original place in zone 2 directly to a waste facility in zone 2. You'll need a BIP to move the soil to a waste facility within zone 1.

Download Permit

Managing soil

The Biosecurity Regulation 2016 and the Soil movement guideline outlines how soil should be managed in fire ant biosecurity zones.

If you are moving soil within the fire ant biosecurity zones, you should do 1 or more of the following:

  1. treat soil before excavation
  2. take soil from depth
  3. disturb soil during or after excavation
  4. store soil appropriately.

Treating soil before excavation

Business operators should engage a licensed pest manager 2 weeks before the anticipated excavation date to:

  1. inspect the area to be excavated. If fire ants are found, report them
  2. undertake direct nest injection (DNI) of any fire ant nests
  3. treat the site with an appropriate bait in order to prevent fire ants becoming established in the area to be excavated.

At a residential property, you can pre-treat an area that is to be excavated using a household pesticide that is available in a retail store. The products used should be recognised by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) as an appropriate product for treating fire ants.

Use insecticides in accordance with the conditions of the APVMA permit, the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and in conjunction with the product's label. You can search for permits on the APVMA website.

Taking soil from depth

A newly established, or young, fire ant colony is often located in the first metre of soil. You could reduce ant activity and the risk of ant movement to another location by taking the following steps.

  1. Remove the top metre of soil.
  2. Do the necessary excavation.
  3. Replace the original top metre of soil.

Do not mix the top metre of soil with the soil being moved from the site. Keep the top metre on site, or take it to a waste facility within the fire ant biosecurity zones (restrictions apply, see table above).

This method is not recommended for areas where the soil type is soft, loamy or sandy, as fire ant nests can extend further than 1 metre below the surface in areas in these soil types.

Disturbing the soil during or after excavation

Soil that is to be taken off-site should be disturbed before it is moved to another location. Disturbing soil means undertaking 1 or a combination of the following activities:

  1. vigorously turning
  2. crushing
  3. washing
  4. screening a soil stockpile.

Storage of soil

If the soil will be stored on the property for more than 24 hours, you should use 1 of the following storage options:

  1. off-ground and covered (e.g. in a shed, under a shade cloth or tarpaulin); or
  2. on-ground, and covered, on 1 of the following surfaces:
    1. concrete or bitumen (no cracks)
    2. a barrier that cannot be penetrated by fire ants (e.g. 200 micron unperforated plastic sheeting)
    3. compacted ground (other than sand) that has been treated with an appropriate chemical product before storage.

Apply a 30cm-wide strip of insecticide containing 80g/L bifenthrin, around the perimeter of the on-ground storage area. If soil is stored on compacted ground, you should also treat the whole surface area.

Keep the treated area free of material that could form an untreated bridge to the soil.

For an insecticide registered as a horizontal or perimeter barrier for fire ants, refer to Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) permit PER14317 (expires 31 December 2021).

Stockpiles of soil should be disturbed:

  1. every 21 days; and
  2. 24 hours prior to moving the material to another location


Applying for a permit

You can request a biosecurity instrument permit (BIP) online or by phoning the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program on 13 25 23.

Each BIP application is assessed on its own merits and can be refused if the movement poses an unacceptable risk of spreading fire ants.

Apply now

Keeping a record

You should keep a written record of the steps you take to ensure the soil is inspected, stored and moved correctly, including chemical treatments and / or disturbance activities. This may include:

1.   dated, written records of the measures you've taken to reduce risk and the details of where the soil has been taken from or to

2.   photographs, site plans and surveyor's records

3.   receipts and records of treatment applied by a licensed pest manager.

Keep these records for a minimum of 2 years.

Program inspectors, who conduct random compliance checks to ensure businesses and individuals are complying with fire ant movement controls, will request these records.

Penalties for not complying with movement controls apply under the Act and other relevant legislation.

More information

If you need additional support, please contact: 

Tivian Trinh
Phone 0427 246 134
Email tivian.trinh@hutchies.com.au

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19 November 2020 / COVID-19

Reminder to be vigilant

In light of the latest coronavirus cluster that has developed in South Australia, this update is a reminder to everyone to remain vigilant and not become complacent in the fight against COVID-19.

We must continue to listen to the health advice in each State and maintain the various measures we have put in place to help keep everyone safe and prevent the spread of the virus.

From midnight last night, South Australia starts a 6-day lockdown period. This includes the closure of the local construction industry. These new restrictions are the result of an outbreak in the state where they hadn’t seen any cases of community transmission for seven months.

Each person’s individual effort contributes to keeping case numbers low, particularly given that outbreaks are likely to continue in Australia until a vaccine is available.

Part of our collective responsibility is ensuring that we each recognise coronavirus symptoms and get tested if we experience any of these (listed below). 

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22 November 2020 / Observation

22 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day.

White Ribbon Australia is a part of a global movement of men and boys working to end men’s violence against women. The aim is to create an Australian society where all women can live in safety, free from violence and abuse. #WhiteRibbonDay

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10 November 2020 / COVID-19

QLD Border Pass System Changes

Information from the Queensland Government

From Tuesday 10 October:

The Queensland Government has announced imminent changes to the online QLD border pass declaration system.

These changes are due to be implemented from today, however they have not yet been put in place at the time of sending this update. Keep an eye on the official website for more information.  

If you don’t already have one and require a border pass for travel into Queensland within the next few days, you should apply as soon as possible using the current system. These passes will continue to be accepted even after the new system is live, provided they have not expired.

Please feel free to send this update on to anyone it may be relevant to. It will also be published on the Toolbox for reference.

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6 November 2020 / COVID-19

Travel Restrictions

Guide for Hutchies’ People Intending to Travel

Hutchies’ company-wide restriction on all interstate travel in place since July has now been revised. This update is intended to detail Hutchies’ expectations around travel moving forward. As indicated by Greg Quinn in his email to all company members on October 30, Hutchies will continue to review the situation and send a further update after our Christmas shutdown period. 

State and Territory governments have now either opened borders to other states, or are intending to do so shortly. An overview of current border status is provided below. 

Hutchies’ general position has not changed. We must remain cautious, and continue to employ the measures Hutchies and other Constructors have put in place since the start of the pandemic.

We are also introducing some additional measures relating to travel to ensure that Hutchies’ people and workplaces are kept as safe as possible as border arrangements change. Read on for more information. 

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11 November 2020 / Observation

On 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of continuous warfare. With their armies retreating and close to collapse, German leaders signed an Armistice, bringing to an end the First World War. From the summer of 1918, the five divisions of the Australian Corps had been at the forefront of the allied advance to victory. Beginning with their stunning success at the battle of Hamel in July, they helped to turn the tide of the war at Amiens in August, followed by the capture of Mont St Quentin and Pèronne, and the breaching of German defences at the Hindenburg Line in September. By early October the exhausted Australians were withdrawn from battle. They had achieved a fighting reputation out of proportion to their numbers, but victory had come at a heavy cost. They suffered almost 48,000 casualties during 1918, including more than 12,000 dead.

In the four years of the war more than 330,000 Australians had served overseas, and more than 60,000 of them had died. The social effects of these losses cast a long shadow over the postwar decades.

Each year on this day Australians observe one minute’s silence at 11am, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.

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2 - 16 November 2020 / Observation

National Recycling Week runs from 9 November 2020 through to 16 November 2020.

In November 1996, Planet Ark founded National Recycling Week to bring a national focus to the environmental benefits of recycling. This established and highly regarded annual campaign continues to educate and stimulate behaviour change, by promoting kerbside, industrial and community recycling initiatives.

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October 2020

30 October 2020 / COVID-19

Latest COVID-19 case locations in VIC

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

Updated: 30 October 2020

Please take the time to review the lists below and if you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to be tested.

Outbreaks

There are currently a number of cases linked to the Chadstone, Shepparton and Kilmore outbreaks and Northern metro region community outbreak. If you have visited any of the sites, or are a close contact please get tested.

Case alerts – public exposure sites

If you have visited any of the locations listed in the table below during the date indicated for the next 14 days you should:

  1. Watch for coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms.
  2. If symptoms occur, immediately get tested and stay at home while you wait for your results.
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30 October 2020 / COVID-19

Latest COVID-19 case locations in NSW

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

Updated: 30 October 2020

Please take the time to review the lists below and if you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to be tested and work from home until you receive a negative result.

Areas with increased testing

If you live in or have visited these local government areas (LGAs) or suburbs in the past 2 weeks, get tested if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, even if mild, and self-isolate until you get your test result.

  1. Camden LGA
  2. Lakemba (suburb)
  3. Liverpool LGA

Find your local government area (LGA)

Self-isolate and get tested immediately if you've been to these locations

If you have been to any of these locations during the time and date indicated you should:

  1. immediately self-isolate until 14 days after you were last there
  2. get tested even if you have no symptoms
  3. watch for COVID-19 symptoms and get retested should any symptoms recur
  4. even if you get a negative test, you must stay in isolation for 14 days as it can take 14 days before you may show symptoms or test positive.
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5 November 2020 / Meetings

Hutchies' monthly budgets are held on the first Thursday of every month in Brisbane and via Skype sessions to the regions.

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3 November 2020 / Public Holiday

Tuesday, 3 November 2020 (VIC only)

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2 November 2020 / Public Holiday

Monday, 2 November 2020 (TAS only)

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26 October 2020 / COVID-19

Victorian Premier Media Announcements

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies

The following announcements have just been made:

In metropolitan Melbourne, from 11:59pm on Tuesday October 27:

> Construction industry: 100% workforce capacity. Site visit limit on specialist contractors removed. Other additional obligations remain in place. 

> All retail will reopen. 

> Restaurants, hotels, cafes and bars will reopen as well.

> In indoor venues, there will be a maximum of 20 people, seated, with 10 people per space subject to density requirements (1 per 4m2).

> In outdoor venues, a maximum of 50 people with one person per two square metres.

> Beauty, personal services and tattooing, provided you can wear a mask, will reopen.

> Outdoor community sport for under 18 and outdoor noncontact sport for adults will recommence as well. 

> The four reasons to leave home will be removed.

> The 25 kilometre travel limit remains in place and the regional metropolitan border remains in place.

> Gatherings will no longer be limited to just two households to can be more than two households but the group cannot exceed 10.

> Weddings will increase to a maximum of 10 people. Funerals will increase to a maximum of 20 mourners.

> For religious gatherings, indoor there will be a maximum of 10 people plus a faith leader. Outdoor there will be a maximum of 20 people plus one faith leader.

In metropolitan Melbourne, from 11:59pm on Sunday November 8:

> 25 kilometre travel limit will lift.

> The metropolitan Melbourne regional border will lift.

> Gyms and fitness studios will open, with a maximum of 20 people per space, one person per 8 square metres.

> Restaurants, hotels, cafes and bars will move to an indoor maximum of 40 with 10 people per space, an outdoor maximum of 70 people with one person every 2 square metres.

> Religious gatherings will allow a maximum of 50 people, plus one faith leader, outdoors; indoors will be 20 people maximum plus one faith leader.

> Funerals: 20 mourners indoors; 50 mourners outdoors.

> Indoor community sport, non-contact sport for under-18 and sports capable of 1.5-metre social distancing can operate.

> Indoor pools will open for up to 20 people.

> Accommodation will reopen.

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2 November 2020 / Meetings

Monday 2 November 2020

Please participate in Monday’s meetings if possible. Times below are Queensland time (AEST).

8.00am / Site Managers / Foremen / Leading Hands / Apprentices

Held in Toowong training room and video conference from offices via Surface Hubs and Polycoms.

3.00pm / All Project Managers and Contract Administrators

Regions to join via video conference in each office, individuals out of the various offices to join by the usual teleconference facilities (details can be downloaded below). All Hutchies’ project related people from office or site are encouraged to participate.

5.00pm Dumplings and a beer / Brisbane only

It would be great if all could participate.

Remember to mute your line by entering *6 - to unmute, enter #6

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22 October 2020 / COVID-19

Please take the time to review the lists below and if you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to be tested and work from home until you receive a negative result.

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22 October 2020 / COVID-19

Latest COVID-19 case locations in VIC

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

Updated: 22 October 2020

Please take the time to review the lists below and if you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to be tested.

Outbreaks

There are currently a number of cases linked to the Chadstone, Shepparton and Kilmore outbreaks. If you have visited any of the sites, or are a close contact please get tested.

Case alerts – public exposure sites

If you have visited any of the locations listed in the table below during the date indicated for the next 14 days you should:

  1. Watch for coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms.
  2. If symptoms occur, immediately get tested and stay at home while you wait for your results.
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20 October 2020 / COVID-19

Dear All,

On the 16th October Version 08 of the COVID-19 Industry Guideline was released (Guideline attached including the note on changes made).

I have attached our updated Management plan and attached copies of the following appendices that have changed which will need to be reviewed and completed as required:

  • Appendix 02 – Site Compliance Checklist also known as the High Risk COVID Management Plan
  • Daily Prestart template with updated declaration. (For those using a sign in device, I have also amended this)
  • COVID Management plan – Section 6 item 10. You must include the name of the cleaning business and contact number you have nominated should there be a positive case on your project.

One change that is Industry specific that is worth highlighting can be found under section 5.1 Fit For Screening please see below:

  • Initial declaration is to be conducted by all workers (this includes any person who attends site), including current and new starters. Each worker must provide a declaration that they to the best of their knowledge:
  • have not been diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19) in the last 14 days, or
  • are not in a period of 14-day quarantine as directed by a health professional, or
  • have not been overseas in the last 14 days, or
  • have not been in contact with anyone who has coronavirus (COVID-19), or
  • have not been in contact with anyone who is currently being tested for coronavirus (COVID-19), or
  • do not have anyone in their household who has symptoms consistent with COVID-19
  • If a worker declares any of the above, they will not be granted access to site and will be required to produce evidence of a negative COVID-19 test within the last 5 days, prior to commencing work.

  • Once the initial declaration has been made by the worker, ongoing screening (phase 2) should be conducted for every worker prior to the start of their shift, asking to the best of their knowledge:
    • have they been overseas in the last 14 days,
    • have they been in contact with anyone who has coronavirus (COVID-19),
    • have they been in contact with anyone who is currently being tested for coronavirus (COVID-19),
    • do they have anyone in their household who has symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or works in a high-risk industry
    • have they been directed to self-isolate for a 14-day period? (in which case, they must not be permitted to work)
  • If a worker declares any of the above, they will not be granted access to site and will be required to produce evidence of a negative COVID-19 test within the last 5 days, prior to commencing work.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or if I can be of assistance to you.

Regards,

Candece Frazzica-Kara
HSE Manager (VIC)

Mobile 0411 022 839
Email Candece.Frazzica-Kara@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au 

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22 October 2020 / Public Holiday

Thursday, 22 October 2020

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21 October 2020 / Observation

Ride2Work encourages everyday people to jump on the bike and get active on their way to work.

Currently two thirds of Australians don’t get enough exercise to maintain their health. At the same time, our cities are being choked by traffic. Health and congestion costs are draining billions out of our economy each year. We must do more to get people out of cars and on to bikes. 

Riding to work is one of the easiest and most time-efficient ways to fit exercise into a daily routine. By swapping the car, train or bus for a bike, you can get your recommended daily exercise without having to spend extra time or money at the gym. We promise you’ll be happier and healthier for it! 

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13 October 2020 / COVID-19

Latest COVID-19 case locations in VIC

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

Please take the time to review the lists below and if you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to be tested.

If you have visited any of the locations listed in the table below during the date indicated for the next 14 days you should:

  1. Watch for coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms.
  2. If symptoms occur, immediately get tested and stay at home while you wait for your results.
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9 October 2020 / Industrial Relations Alert

As a builder that undertakes projects funded by the Federal Government, Hutchies must comply with Building Code 2016 on all of our projects nationally.

Compliance with the Building Code is monitored by the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) through site visits, inspections and audits.

If they identify non-compliance on Hutchies’ projects it can lead to sanctions which prevent Hutchies from tendering for projects funded by the federal government.

For much of this year the ABCC inspectors have been restricted from many of their onsite compliance activities due to COVID-19. However in the last month, as restrictions have eased in some states, the number of visits, inspections and audits have ramped up considerably.

Specifically, over the last month there have been over 35 interactions on Hutchies’ projects in all states and territories where we operate. This has included two full audits with another one scheduled over the next fortnight. We fully expect this level of activity to continue through to Christmas.

This email is intended to provide you with some understanding of the compliance activities and to remind you of what you need to do to ensure Hutchies maintains its compliant status and ability to tender for government projects.

Questions

If you are unsure of Hutchies’ Code Compliance requirements or there is any aspect which requires clarification, please call Ben Young on 0400 577 953.

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9 October 2020 / COVID-19

Please take the time to review the lists below and if you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to be tested and work from home until you receive a negative result.

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8 October 2020 / COVID-19

Staying Alert

As case numbers continue to fall around the country, it is important to keep up all of the practical step that have been employed since the start of this pandemic. Each person’s individual effort contributes to keeping case numbers low, particularly given that outbreaks are likely to continue in Australia until a vaccine is available.

Part of our collective responsibility is ensuring that we each recognise coronavirus symptoms and get tested if we experience any of these (listed below). 

This is especially important if we have visited a venue or location of concern at the same time as a confirmed case. Each state / territory publishes a list that is updated as outbreaks occur.

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7 October 2020 / Services Alert

Services alerts are currently located on the Hutchies' Doc Library

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6 October 2020 / Quality Alert

REMINDER / Project Health Check

Hutchies’ Project Health Check, a new electronic form tool, has been developed to assist project teams in identifying their project’s processes as part of Hutchies’ Quality Management System (QMS).

This form has been designed to understand each team and project in detail, so that relevant communication, training and resources can be provided to improve the system moving forward.

It takes around 15 minutes to complete. This is best completed at your weekly project team catch up so that the entire team is engaged. All Project Managers (or in the absence of a PM, the CA) need to facilitate this process.

If you/your project team has not already done so, please complete a Project Health Check as soon as possible. 

Once complete Hutchies’ Support Teams will work with each Project Team to identify any other items that need to be completed before the audits. 

This is an essential task for each project to complete ahead of the accreditation audits that start on 19 October 2020.

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10 October 2020 / Observation

World Mental Health Day – October 10 — is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy. An initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health to raise public awareness of mental health issues worldwide.

Mental Health Australia is delighted to be leading the World Mental Health Day campaign in Australia. As the peak not-for-profit organisation representing the mental health sector in Australia, Mental Health Australia has a focus on ensuring the whole community recognises the part we all play in creating a mentally healthy society.

Do You See What I See? challenges perceptions about mental illness in Australia and encourages everyone to look at mental health in a more positive light, in an effort to reduce stigma and make way for more people to seek the help and support they deserve. Help reduce stigma and make a #MentalHealthPromise today.

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2 October 2020 / Quality Alert

Working on Main Roads in QLD requires special approval from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).

Road access works approval

Under Section 33 of the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994, written approvals is required from the Department of Transport and Main Roads to carry out access works and road works on a state-controlled road. Please contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads to make an application for road works approval via email Metropolitan.IDAS@tmr.qld.gov.au. This approval must be obtained prior to commencing any works on the state-controlled road reserve. The approval process may require the approval of engineering designs of the proposed works, certified by a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ).

The road access works approval process takes time – please contact Transport and Main Roads as soon as possible to ensure that gaining approval does not delay construction.

Main Roads are state-controlled roads, e.g. the M1 or Stafford Road. 

It’s important you plan your project with this in mind as non-compliance may impact your project. Under no circumstances should any project progress works on these roads without TMR approval. This negatively affects Hutchies’ reputation which ultimately impacts on our TMR accreditations.

Matt Dawson, Hutchies Civil Team Leader, is more than happy to assist with guiding you through the approval process if required. His email is matthew.dawson@hutchies.com.au and mobile is 0439 716 846.

Please get in touch with Matt if your DA requires a Section 33 approval

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2 October 2020 / COVID-19

Queensland Media Announcements

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

From Thursday 1 October at 1am:

> Stage 4 of the QLD Roadmap is now in effect

> the New South Wales border zone (PDF) was extended

> the Queensland border zone no longer exists

> Queensland residents are able to travel anywhere in the New South Wales border zone for any purpose, provided they have a border pass on re-entry

> New South Wales border zone residents are able to travel anywhere in Queensland for any purpose, provided they have a border pass on entry

> more people can go to outdoor events or businesses (venues with COVID Safe Plans can now have one person per 2 m2) 

> up to 1000 people per day permitted at outdoor events with a COVID Safe Events Checklist

> 75% seating capacity in outdoor stadiums and amphitheatres

From today at 4pm (Friday 2 October):

> Standing eating and drinking: Standing whilst eating and drinking permitted at indoor and outdoor venues with a COVID Safe Plan or Checklist 

From 1am, Sunday 1 November (if COVID Safe Check Point met):

> Borders reopening to all of NSW: Visitors and returned travellers from New South Wales can enter Queensland with a valid Queensland Border Declaration Pass without having to compete mandatory quarantine, provided community transmission is under control (including whether there have been any unlinked cases in the previous 28 days).  

> Gatherings: Gatherings of up to 40 in homes and public spaces across Queensland.

> Weddings: Up to 40 people can dance at a wedding with a COVID Safe Plan.

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2 October 2020 / Safety Alert

HILTI DGH 130 Multi Speed Concrete Grinder

### To be removed from service until further notice ###

A recent event occurred where the cup stone disc separated from a HITLI DGH 130 during operation. This event is currently under investigation. Picture provided below.

ACTION REQUIRED

This model tool is to be withdrawn from operations and tagged out of service until the investigation establishes the cause of the tool failure which resulted in the cup stone disc becoming dislodged from the tool.

This tool cannot be put into active service until formal notice from Hutchies’ National Health & Safety Manager. 

FOLLOW UP

This out of service advice does not apply to any other HILTI tool or product. 

Formal advice as to further action will be distributed when known.

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8 October 2020 / Meetings

Hutchies' monthly budgets are held on the first Thursday of every month in Brisbane and via Skype sessions to the regions.

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September 2020

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30 September 2020 / COVID-19

We Clean Here

Staying on top of regular cleaning on your site or in your office will help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Below are some practical tips:

  • You should have in place regular, scheduled cleaning of your site or office
  • Frequently touched areas should also be cleaned regularly with detergent and water, or spray and wipe products – use all products as directed by the instructions provided on the product’s label
  • Cleaners should also undertake daily disinfecting after cleaning
  • Immediately clean and then disinfect areas that may be exposed to respiratory droplets (ie after someone has coughed) (see below to understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting)
  • When undertaking cleaning and disinfecting, you should:
    • Wear PPE including disposable gloves, surgical mask and eye protection – securely dispose of gloves and mask after each use
    • Avoid touching your face, especially nose, eyes and mouth
    • Wash hands or use alcohol based hand sanitiser before and after wearing gloves and other PPE
  • Install touch free appliances (including hand sanitiser stations) where possible
  • Discourage sharing of equipment and tools where possible
  • Have bins available for disposing of used cleaning products and tissues, and ensure they are being emptied regularly
  • When disinfecting surfaces, make sure you use an appropriate antiviral disinfectant solution (such as bleach / chlorine-based disinfectant) as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions
  • Ensure that the disinfectant is appropriate for the targeted surface
  • Always make up a fresh batch of disinfectant each time
  • Wipe down areas and surfaces with disinfectant solution using disposable paper towels / disposable cloth and throw in a bin after use
  • Have a contact handy that can provide deep cleaning / decontamination services for your site or office, if required

Regular reminders and communication of these important preventative measures will help to keep everyone safe, prevent the spread of coronavirus and keep construction sites open.

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28 September 2020 / Quality Alert

Project Health Check

Hutchies’ Project Health Check, a new electronic form tool, has been developed to assist project teams in identifying their project’s processes as part of Hutchies’ Quality Management System (QMS).

This form has been designed to understand each team and project in detail, so that relevant communication, training and resources can be provided to improve the system moving forward. 

It takes around 15 minutes to complete. This is best completed at your weekly project team catch up so that the entire team is engaged. All Project Managers (or in the absence of a PM, the CA) need to facilitate this process.

Please complete a Project Health Check on your project by 2 October 2020. 

Once complete Hutchies’ Support Teams will work with each Project Team to identify any other items that need to be completed before the audits. 

This is an essential task for each project to complete ahead of the accreditation audits that start on 19 October 2020.


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5 October 2020 / Public Holiday

Monday, 5 October 2020 (QLD, NSW & SA only)

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4 October 2020 / Observation

Daylight Saving Time begins at 2am on the first Sunday in October, when clocks are put forward one hour. It ends at 2am (which is 3am Daylight Saving Time) on the first Sunday in April, when clocks are put back one hour. Daylight saving is not observed in Queensland, the Northern Territory or Western Australia. Please remember this time change when arranging travel etc.

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24 September 2020 / COVID-19

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

QLD-NSW Border Zone Update

From 1am Thursday 1 October, Queensland will relax its requirements around the previously declared QLD-NSW border zone. The QLD Government has recognised the reduced risk of COVID-19 transmission in northern New South Wales and made the following changes:

> The New South Wales border zone (PDF) will be extended. 

It will incorporate the following postcodes: 2360, 2361, 2372, 2398, 2399, 2400, 2401, 2402, 2403, 2404, 2405, 2406, 2408, 2409, 2410, 2411, 2470, 2471, 2473, 2474, 2475, 2476, 2477, 2478, 2479, 2480, 2481, 2482, 2483, 2484, 2485, 2486, 2487, 2488, 2489, 2490, 2832, 2833, 2834, 2838, 2839, 2840, 2880, 4373, 4383, 4385.

It will also partially incorporate these postcodes. Refer to the border zone map or Direction No. 15 for specific areas: 2371, 2463, 2347, 2359, 2365, 2369, 2370, 2386, 2387, 2388, 2390, 2397, 2460, 2469, 2472, 2648, 2829, 2831, 2836, 2879.

> The Queensland border zone will no longer exist

> Queensland residents will be able to travel anywhere in the New South Wales border zone for any purpose

> New South Wales border zone residents will be able to travel anywhere in Queensland for any purpose

Please be aware that the following requirements will remain in place for both Queensland residents and New South Wales border zone residents:

> You will require a border declaration pass for all travel into Queensland. Passes are valid for 7 days from the date it is completed online. Please note, the border declaration pass website has not yet been updated to incorporate the coming changes from 1 Oct 2020. 

> You must provide evidence that you are either a QLD resident or NSW border zone resident by providing your residence details on the border declaration pass. 

> You must commit to getting tested for COVID-19 if you develop symptoms within 14 days of entering Queensland (as part of the border declaration pass). 

> You must not leave the NSW border zone if you wish to re-enter Queensland within 14 days. Leaving the border zone will be considered by QLD Government as “entering a COVID-19 hotspot” as all locations in NSW besides the border zone are still currently considered a hotspot.

> If you leave the NSW border zone and enter other parts of NSW at any time within 14 days prior to entering Queensland, you are only allowed to re-enter QLD by air and you will be subject to mandatory hotel quarantine at your own cost. 

> There have been unconfirmed reports that QLD Police are verifying traveller whereabouts by checking phone data (such as online banking transaction details). The official Border Restrictions Direction No. 15 states evidence that the person resides in QLD or the border zone will need to be provided and, if requested, evidence the person has only travelled within the border zone.

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23 September 2020 / Quality Alert

Rewrite of Quality Management Plan

The rewrite of the Quality Management Plan (QMP) (V5) has now been completed. It is tied closely to the Project Quality Schedule (HB-HSEQ-F-006).

Please review both documents and as per the Quality Systems Manual process, complete the Project Quality Schedule (PQS) for each project. The PQS has been designed to help identify critical aspects of your project, and help plan the management of design, communication and inspections.

With the PQS complete, you should then prepare a QMP for your project by 2 October 2020. This is essential ahead of the accreditation audits that start on 19 October 2020.

Any new forms that are referenced in these documents will be released progressively, if they are not already available on the Doc Lib.

Additionally, a new electronic ‘Project Health Check’ form tool will be released early next week. It takes around 15 minutes to complete and will help each Project Team and Hutchies’ Support Teams identify any other items that need to be completed before the audits.

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22 September 2020 / Notice

These recent revisions represent best practice (but are not yet called up in the National Construction Code (NCC) as they were released after the NCC 2019 Amendment 1 earlier this year).

Both of these documents include many changes, notably the introduction of a construction category (CC) rating. This is required to be nominated in the project specification.

Please ensure you check your contract / specification / structural drawings to clarify the need to use these standards and ensure your fabrication subcontractors are made aware of these recent changes so they are appropriately certified for the works and to ensure appropriate allowances are made. This is especially important for the most stringent CC rating (CC3 & 4) which includes third party testing.

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21 September 2020 / COVID-19

We Wash Here

Cases of influenza (the flu) and other similar illnesses are much lower than average across Australia this year. This is believed to be as a result of the COVID-19 preventative measures we’ve all made part of our daily habits. Central to this is social distancing, which we covered last week, and practising good personal hygiene.

The below practical measures are central to maintaining good hygiene and continuing to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – including before and after eating or using the bathroom
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitiser when you can’t use soap and water – especially after touching a shared surface (ie door handle)
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth – or other people
  • Cover a cough or sneeze – use your elbow or a tissue
  • Dispose of tissues safely in the bin and wash your hands after
  • Wash body, hair (including facial hair), clothes and reusable masks daily
  • Don’t use alcohol-free sanitiser – there is no medical evidence it works against viruses like COVID-19
  • Avoid close contact with people who are unwell
  • Try to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from others and avoid crowded places, or wear a mask if in a crowded space such as public transport
  • If you are unwell, stay home and get tested
  • Ensure Hutchies’ hygiene posters are displayed around sites and offices to encourage regular hand washing
  • Place Hutchies’ stickers on the backs of cubicle doors, on walls in bathrooms or around kitchens as visual reminders
  • Provide facilities around sites and offices to enable good personal hygiene – such as access to sinks with soap or hand sanitiser stations (ie in meeting / crib rooms, work areas etc)

Regular reminders and communication of these important preventative measures will help to keep everyone safe, prevent the spread of coronavirus and keep construction sites open.

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16 September 2020 / COVID-19

Media Announcements

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

The following announcements have been made by QLD Government:

  • There have been 4 consecutive days of zero new cases connected to the Wacol cluster in QLD. 
  • Restrictions will be eased as of 8.00am this Thursday, 17 September for the Darling Downs and Gold Coast LGAs. Under the changes, gatherings of up to 30 people, instead of 10, indoors and outdoors will now be allowed within the two areas.
  • The current contact tracing list now only contains 15 venues of concern and can be found listed here or in the table below. There have only been two recent additions. 
  • However, there is an active Public Health Alert for the suburbs of Goodna, Redbank and Redbank Plains:

    Anyone who has been to these suburbs in the last 14 days should monitor their health and if they develop any COVID-19 symptoms, even mild, get tested and isolate until they receive their test result.
  • The same applies to the following if you have visited any of these venues of concern at the time and date listed:
DatePlaceSuburbArrival timeDeparture time
2 September 2020Russell Island PharmacyRussell IslandMorningMorning
2 September 2020Orion Springfield Central Shopping CentreSpringfield Central 12.25pm 1.19pm
2 September 2020Orion Springfield Central shopping centre - Big WSpringfield Central 12.33pm 12.42pm
2 September 2020Orion Springfield Central shopping centre - City BeachSpringfield Central 12.42pm 12.59pm
2 September 2020Orion Springfield Central shopping centre - WoolworthsSpringfield Central 1.02pm 1.13pm
2 September 2020Orion Springfield Central shopping centre - Stacks Discount VarietySpringfield Central1.14pm 1.19pm
2 September 2020Orion Springfield Central shopping centre – Peter McMahon’s Swim FactorySpringfield Central4pm4.30pm
3 September 2020Super IGA SupermarketRussell Island12.00pm 2.00pm
4 September 2020Super IGA SupermarketRussell Island8.00am 8.30am
4 September 2020ColesKaralee9.30am 10.15am
4 September 2020Westfield Garden City - PandoraMount Gravatt11.20am 11.31am
4 September 2020Westfield Garden City - Taylormade MemorabiliaMount Gravatt11.45am11.59am
4 September 2020Ipswich Garden CentreRaceview12.30pm1.30pm
7 September 2020St Edmund's College IpswichMorningAfternoon
8 September 2020Hungry Jack's Town Square Redbank Plains Shopping CentreRedbank Plains8.00pm1.00am
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14 September 2020 / COVID-19

We Social Distance Here

Until there is a vaccine for coronavirus, the medical advice is that social distancing is the best weapon we have in preventing the spread against COVID-19.

The below practical steps are the best ways to maintain social distancing:

  • Keep 1.5 metres distance from others where practicable
  • Don’t shake hands to greet others (elbow tap instead)
  • Avoid non-essential face-to-face meetings (hold meetings via video conferencing or phone calls instead)
  • Hold meetings outdoors (ie pre-starts / inductions / toolboxes etc)
  • Reduce the number of people in shared areas (lunch rooms, amenities etc) – remove chairs and mark out positions to keep people 1.5 metres apart
  • Reduce the number of people in hoists
  • Promote good hygiene for hands, sneezes and coughs
  • Eat lunch in your work space or outside rather than in the lunch room
  • Don’t congregate in shared areas unless 1.5 metres of space between each other can be achieved (or wear face masks instead)
  • Increase ventilation through open doors / windows or adjust air conditioning (with more regular maintenance of filters etc)
  • Don’t share food, lighters or pens etc with each other
  • Regularly disinfect surfaces that people touch (including handrails, bathrooms, shared tools etc)
  • Implement one way travel around sites where possible (ie up / down stairs, one way signage in tight corridors etc)
  • Clearly mark out queuing areas (such as entries, hoists etc) with lines or ‘X’ to spread people out
  • Mark out lunch room tables and remove excess chairs to avoid too many people in the crib room
  • Avoid crowds – if you see a crowded space, don’t enter (or wear a mask if you need to be there)
  • Stay at home if you are unwell with any cold or flu symptoms (and get tested) – notify your Team Leader 

Regular reminders and communication of these important preventative measures will help to keep everyone safe, prevent the spread of coronavirus and keep construction sites open.

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10 September 2020 / Quality Alert

Rewrite of System & Upcoming Audits

The Quality System Manual (V9) (QSM) has now been improved and simplified to represent what we do as a company. It is essential everyone reads and understands this document. 

Other system documents are being updated including the Quality Management Plan, Design Management Plan and a number of forms which will be progressively added to the Doc Lib over the next 2 weeks. 

Hutchies’ Support Teams will begin working with each project team to determine what requires implementation before the audits.

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10 September 2020 / COVID-19

Please take the time to review the lists below and if you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to be tested and work from home until you receive a negative result.

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7 - 14 September 2020 / COVID-19

Implementation & Maintenance Guide

Hutchies has developed the following practical guide to assist our sites to implement and maintain our COVIDSafe requirements. Communicating these important preventative measures will help to keep everyone safe, prevent the spread of coronavirus and keep construction sites open:

  1. Get your COVIDSafe resources
  2. Implement Plan & Checklist
  3. Keep stock of supplies
  4. Stay on top of the measures

Note

Due to the Stage 4 Restrictions currently in place in Victoria, there are additional and specific requirements for our Victorian sites – including a state specific COVIDSafe plan. Hutchies’ people in victoria should continue to use those resources and contact Candece Frazzica-Kara with any questions.

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7 - 14 September 2020 / COVID-19

Implementation & Maintenance Guide

Hutchies has developed the following practical guide to assist our offices to implement and maintain our COVIDSafe requirements. Communicating these important preventative measures will help to keep everyone safe, prevent the spread of coronavirus and keep the construction industry open:

  1. Get your COVIDSafe resources
  2. Implement Plan & Checklist
  3. Keep stock of supplies
  4. Stay on top of the measures

Note

Due to the Stage 4 Restrictions currently in place in Victoria, there are additional and specific requirements for our Victorian sites – including a state specific COVIDSafe plan. Hutchies’ people in victoria should continue to use those resources and contact Candece Frazzica-Kara with any questions.

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6 September 2020 / COVID-19

The following announcements have just been made at a press conference:

Current VIC case data

19,538 confirmed aggregate total cases, 63 new cases overnight

666 deaths so far, increase of 5 since yesterday (2 of these occurred prior to yesterday)

283 in hospital, 19 in ICU, 16 on ventilators

2.9 million+ total tests in Victoria so far, 18,338 tests yesterday

Regional Victoria only has 98 active cases under Stage 3 restrictions

Victoria’s Road to Recovery

Difficult decisions to be made in the job of Premier. It is not a 50/50 choice, the modelling indicates if Victoria opens up too quickly, it will be in and out of lockdown many times before the end of the year. 

We can’t run out of lockdown, we have to take steady and safe steps to find the COVID normal. Make sure in opening up that we can stay open.

There is no choice but to ease out of restrictions safely.

More than 1000 scenarios have been put into a super computer which has been very helpful and is a significant piece of work [modelling document is available below]. 

Health and scientific advice is what is being followed to guide any changes. 

Metro Melbourne Roadmap (all easing of restrictions will be subject to health advice and numbers at each proposed date)

STEP ONE, FROM 11.59PM 13 SEPTEMBER:

The current Stage 4 restrictions will be extended for 2 more weeks.

Curfew will be eased by one hour to 9pm – 5am.

Exercise will be increased to two hours per day.

People who live alone will be able to partner up with someone else and visit each other. The five kilometre rule will not apply, but the curfew will. This will work similar to intimate partner arrangements now.

Playgrounds will reopen.

Public outdoor gatherings of two people will be allowed or a household for up to two hours, and/or for exercise.

STEP TWO, FROM 28 SEPTEMBER:

Average cases from the previous two weeks need to be between 30-50 cases.

Public gatherings will be increased to five people from two households.

Staged returns to school for Prep-Year 2. VCE and VCAL and specialist schools will be open for term four (Some Year 10 and Year 11 & 12)

Childcare will re-open.

Outdoor pools will open.

Outdoor training for two people with a personal trainer will be allowed.

Outdoor religious gatherings of 5 people plus one faith leader will be allowed.

Public gatherings increased to 5 people, from 2 households.

Some industries will reopen (some 101,000 workers will be able to return to work):

[A list was referred to by the Premier – link & publication below]

Construction – but will have some limits still

Warehousing and distribution, postal services

Childcare

Manufacturing

Outside garden maintenance, working alone outside, landscaping etc

STEP THREE, FROM 26 OCTOBER:

If the daily average of cases over the previous 14 days is less than five new daily cases at this time, then the curfew will no longer apply.

There will be changes to restrictions on leaving home reasons or distances travelled.

Public gatherings will increase to 10 people outdoors. 

Five visitors at home in a household bubble (your home and another home). 

More information will be shared on schools for those in Years 3 to 10. 

Retail and hairdressing will reopen.

Hospitality will recommence, predominantly outdoor seated service.

There will be a staged return of outdoor noncontact adult sport

STEP FOUR, FROM 23 NOVEMBER:

Gatherings of 50 people outdoors. 

Up to 20 people at home.

All retail will be open.

Real estate will open with safety measures.

In hospitality, indoor groups with a limit of 20 people with seated service, and a limit of 50 can be served more broadly per venue.

Weddings and funerals will be back to normal.

After that, a return to a COVID Normal will be the priority by Christmas. Most restrictions will drop, phased return for people working from home back to their workplaces.

An example of why it is important to do this in such a controlled, safe manner was given: 1 person in Colac (regional VIC town) infected 24 people in less than a week. It spreads like fire and until it is contained, Victoria can’t fully open.

Modelling shows we can’t open fully now otherwise all that will happen is a third wave with further restrictions. 

[Modelling was shown and talked through by Dr Allen Cheng at this point. Modelling document is available below]

REGIONAL VICTORIA ROADMAP, FROM 11.59PM 13 SEPTEMBER:

Regional Victoria will essentially jump straight to metropolitan Melbourne’s step two.

This will be reassessed after 2 weeks, and then will likely be able to move faster to reopening and be living in relatively normal circumstances compared to Melbourne. 

Geelong corridor is some concern and will be watched closely. If cases jump in Geelong corridor, they will join metropolitan Melbourne in terms of restrictions (rather than all of regional Victoria). 

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4 September 2020 / COVID-19

The following announcements have just been made at a press conference with the Prime Minister and Acting Chief Medical Officer:

Australia can’t be taken for granted, its federation is a happy work in progress with National Cabinet being part of that.

This year with the COVID pandemic and the COVID recession, has been one of the hardest in many generations.

If each National Cabinet state & territory just went their own way at the beginning of the pandemic, Australia would have fallen short in getting on top of the virus.

National Cabinet was set up to find a way to work through issues, challenges & disagreements.

All states and territories now have different priorities based on where they are in the pandemic so 100% consensus is not achievable and should no longer be the aim. Agreement should be the goal but “not everyone has to get on the bus”, but it is important that “anyone not getting on the bus knows it has to leave”.

7 out of 8 states & territories agreed to getting back to a cohesive plan by December (WA was the exception).

Currently fashioning a new plan to determine both health and economic outcomes that will work moving forward, e.g. how testing should work & surveillance testing arrangements (like sewage testing). 

As Australia opens up, it means making sure people can move around. National Cabinet agreed that central to this is the hotspot plan – which is a big part of the overall plan. Hotspots need to be more specifically defined and this is what is now being worked on.

Australia needs to move beyond a situation of hard borders, but instead look to creating a national hotspot definition and use that instead. States & territories will have some bilateral movement and multi-lateral movement plans that will form part of this plan.

VIC-NSW-SA borders – each of these states is keen to get them open to each other as soon as possible. 

TAS wants its border down by December. 

WA has said they won’t join in the journey of plan but will continue to work with the group. However, they have their own priorities and are quite different – there is virtually no large border towns along WA border and WA economy very different to states like SA/TAS.

More sustainable system is required as the world may not have a vaccine for years. No one is asking border closures to come down right now, but all need to be looking ahead to further stages in months and years to come. Need to get to an agreement on this.

Agricultural Code – five out of the eight states are on board. QLD, WA, TAS didn’t join onto this but will continue to listen in on discussions. VIC, SA, NSW will put immediately in place.

NSW has been doing all the heavy lifting on international arrivals with Australians coming home. Trying to now get flights to go into other states as well to spread the load.

Spoke to PM Ardern – Australia will be looking at applying national hotspot approach to NZ as well. NZers will be able to come to Australia at right time. If no COVID in QLD and no COVID in Christchurch, they should be able to come to Sydney, for example. 

Update from BOM – upcoming weather season, emergency processes should be seamless with prospect of bushfires, cyclones and floods – need for quick movement of firefighters and defence personnel across states/borders without imposing quarantine. 

Benchmark report on mental health was received – mental health supports and DV supports are being put in place as best as possible recognising the stresses people are facing right now.

Current case data: ~26,000 cases total in Australia and 737 deaths. This is in comparison to the total cases worldwide which is 26 million. That means Australia has 1 / 1000th of world cases.

Halved the number of cases in VIC in recent times which is great to see.

Less than 100 cases nationally declared today with no cases in 6 states. Particularly – no cases in QLD which is good to see whilst the state remains on high alert. 

~67,000 tests were conducted nationally yesterday.

In a separate news conference, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced he will detail the Victoria Roadmap to Recovery this Sunday including details specific to industry (which we will provide an update of immediately after announcement). 

The Premier stated that the primary objective of the roadmap is to ease out of the current restrictions in a safe and controlled manner, so that case numbers do not immediately jump up again (meaning everything done so far would have been for nothing). 

The Premier reiterated that keeping Coronavirus numbers down is to preserve health care not only for Coronavirus patients but for any and all emergency health care required (heart attacks, motor accidents, strokes etc). 

The Victorian Treasurer also gave details about extensions and relaxation of criteria to rental residents and landlord circumstances in light of the strict lockdown measures. 

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10 September 2020 / Observation

Seeing who’s struggling isn’t always obvious. Chances are one of your three mates needs to talk. One simple question could change their life. 

Just ask R U OK?

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11 September 2020 / Public Holiday

Friday, 11 September 2020

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August 2020

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7 September 2020 / Meetings

Monday 7 September 2020

Please participate in Monday’s meetings if possible. 

8.00am / Site Managers / Foremen / Leading Hands / Apprentices

Held in Toowong training room and video conference from offices via Surface Hubs and Polycoms.

4.00pm / All Project Managers and Contract Administrators

Regions to join via teleconference in each office (details can be downloaded below). All Hutchies’ project related people from office or site are encouraged to participate.

5.15pm Pizza and a beer / Brisbane only

It would be great if all could participate.

Remember to mute your line by entering *6 - to unmute, enter #6

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4 September 2020 / Observation

People who walk before or during work are generally healthier, more productive and less likely to be sick or absent. It's in the best interests of all individuals and organisations to build walking into their daily routine and support the Walk to Work program.

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28 August 2020 / COVID-19

Update on Hutchies’ Approach

When the coronavirus pandemic hit Australia in March this year it was imperative for all industries to introduce social distancing and hygiene measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Some of these measures may have been challenging to implement however they were essential in order to keep people safe, and in the case of construction, to keep sites open.

It is now very clear that many of these measures are not going to be temporary and we must operate with the expectation that they will be in place for some time. This means that they need to become custom and practice on sites and in offices, and ingrained into our everyday actions and behaviour.

This alert is intended to remind all Hutchies’ people of the resources available and also to bring specific focus to the fundamental and practical measures that must be in place on our sites and in our offices.

Naturally as states move through different stages of restrictions there will be state, city and region specific requirements, such as the recent stage 4 restrictions in Melbourne where Hutchies’ people have done a remarkable job implementing all of the necessary requirements.

Regardless of any state specific requirements, there is a need for everyone to take personal responsibility to do their part in limiting the spread of the virus.

This includes washing hands regularly, maintaining social distancing, no shaking hands or hugging, avoiding unnecessary work related travel, utilising video conferencing to limit face to face meetings, and getting tested if you have any coronavirus symptoms.

Moving forward we will be sending weekly updates which will include reminders, case studies showcasing best practice measures, and relevant news alerts.

Particular items to note from this alert are:

1. Hutchies’ updated COVIDSafe Plan, site and office checklists, template induction slides and examples of good social distancing and hygiene practices

2. New COVIDSafe Declaration signage that must be displayed at every entry on job sites and offices

Note DUE TO THE STAGE 4 RESTRICTIONS CURRENTLY IN PLACE IN VICTORIA, THERE ARE ADDITIONAL AND SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR OUR VICTORIAN SITES – INCLUDING A STATE SPECIFIC COVIDSAFE PLAN. HUTCHIES’ PEOPLE IN VICTORIA SHOULD CONTINUE TO USE THOSE RESOURCES AND CONTACT CANDECE FRAZZICA-KARA WITH ANY QUESTIONS.

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3 September 2020 / Meetings

Hutchies' monthly budgets are held on the first Thursday of every month in Brisbane and via Skype sessions to the regions.

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25 August 2020 / COVID-19

Dear All,

Please see attached updated COVID-19 Management Plan and Appendices. You will note that we now have a further 5 documents for reference within this management plan.

These further changes are in line with the Industry Guideline released on Friday 21st August. A list of the changes are as follows:

  • Induction and Acknowledgement Section – You MUST sign into this document on site to acknowledge that you have been inducted, read and understood it.
  • The term ‘Casual Contact’ has changed to ‘Contact’. (Appendix 01 – Self Assessment Flow Cart)
  • Updated Declaration. (Appendix 03 – Daily Prestart)
  • Temperature Testing threshold reduced to 37.5 degrees from 38 degrees. (Appendix 04 - Temperature Screening Procedure)
  • Further information on the wearing of masks (Appendix 05 - How to Wear a Face Mask)
  • DHHS Risk Assessment ( Appendix 07 – Risk Assessment Part 1 & 2)

I have also attached an Infographic poster ‘ How to put on a mask’ to be displayed on site (for those who have not already).

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or if I can be of assistance to you.

Candece Frazzica-Kara
HSE Manager (VIC)

Mobile 0411 022 839
Email Candece.Frazzica-Kara@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au 

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19 August 2020 / Quality Alert

Metal fire door frames are a tested system so it’s critical each frame is manufactured to meet the requirements of the fire test to remain compliant.

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24 August 2020 / COVID-19

All,

Over the last four days there have been 12 confirmed cases of COVID19 in Queensland which has prompted the Government to reintroduce some restrictions on social gatherings.

The cases have included those linked to the Youth Detention Centre at Wacol where the Rohan Barry Team has an active construction project completely separate from but adjacent to the facility. While none of the Hutchies’ people working on the Wacol project have been identified as a ‘close contact’ the team made the responsible decision to get tested over the weekend and will not be attending site until they receive a negative test result – most of which were returned last night and confirmed as negative for COVID19.

Queensland Health has been completing contact tracing of all of the positive cases and has been releasing details of venues that people who have been diagnosed with COVID19 attended while infectious. I have included the current list below and the link here: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/contact-tracing

There are a couple of people from the Brisbane office who were at one of the venues at the relevant date and time and they made the appropriate and responsible decision to be tested last night. They will be working from home until they receive a negative result.

Please take the time to review the list below and if you have been at one of the venues at the time identified make arrangements to be tested and work from home until you receive a negative result.

These cases in South East Queensland over the last few days have highlighted the need to remain vigilant with all of those social distancing and hygiene practices that will reduce the chance of spreading the virus.

Consistent with this approach and out of an abundance of caution we have made arrangements to further increase the cleaning regime in the Toowong office, which you will notice from today.

Additionally, while this cluster of cases is bought under control, from this morning we are again reducing numbers at the Toowong office and are promoting working from home for those that are practically able to so.

During this critical period, please reinforce social distancing and hygiene measures on all sites and in all offices so we are able to do our part in preventing the spread of the virus and in turn keeping people safe and sites operating.

Thanks,

Ben

Venue Alert Locations

These are also available on our hotspot map below

Date

Place

Suburb

Arrival time

Departure time

9 August 2020

IGA Express

Forest Lake

~6.30am

~6.40am

9 August 2020

Anytime Fitness, Village Square

Browns Plains

11am

12:10pm

9 August 2020

Woolworths, Browns Plains Grand Plaza

Browns Plains

11am

12pm

10 August 2020

Spotlight

Browns Plains

~9:30am

~9:45am

10 August 2020

Coles, Forest Lake Shopping Centre

Forest Lake

~10.00am

~10.15am

10 August 2020

Anytime Fitness, Village Square

Browns Plains

10:15am

11:25am

10 August 2020

Woolworths, Browns Plains Grand Plaza

Browns Plains

~11am

~12:30pm

10 August 2020

Greenbank Takeaway

Greenbank

5:30pm

5:40pm

10 August 2020

Woolworths, Forest Lake Shopping centre

Forest Lake

unknown

unknown

11 August 2020

BP Wacol (Cnr Boundary & Progress Rds)

Wacol

~6am

~6:15am

11 August 2020

Mt Gravatt Swimming Pool, Wecker Rd (updated)

Mt Gravatt

11.25am

12.05pm

11 August 2020

Dami Japanese Restaurant

Mt Gravatt

~12pm

unknown

12 August 2020

Lakeside Fruit Barn, Forest Lake Shopping Centre

Forest Lake

4pm

~4.30pm

12 August 2020

Woolworths, Forest Lake Shopping centre

Forest Lake

~4:30pm

~5pm

12 August 2020

Thai Antique

Carina Heights

6pm

6:15pm

12 August 2020

Coles, Browns Plains Grand Plaza

Browns Plains

~7:15pm

unknown

13 August 2020

Australian Nails, Forest lake Shopping Centre

Forest Lake

11am

~12am

13 August 2020

Forest lake Shopping Centre

Forest Lake

11am

3pm

13 August 2020

Fig Tree Bakehouse, Forest Lake Shopping Centre

Forest Lake

12pm

unknown

13 August 2020

Nandos, Forest Lake Shopping Centre

Forest Lake

after 12pm

unknown

14 August 2020

OfficeWorks

Browns Plains

~10am

~10:10am

14 August 2020

Coles, Browns Plains Grand Plaza

Browns Plains

After 10am

before 11am

14 August 2020

Ikea

Slacks Creek

11am

2pm

14 August 2020

Woolworths, Marsden on Fifth shopping centre

Marsden

~11:15am

~11:30am

14 August 2020

Anytime Fitness, Village Square

Browns Plains

2:20pm

3:30pm

14 August 2020

Bunnings

Browns Plains

~2:30pm

~3pm

14 August 2020

Aldi, Forest Lake Village Shopping Centre

Forest Lake

~4pm

~4.30pm

14 August 2020

Coles, Forest Lake Shopping Centre

Forest Lake

~4pm

~4:30pm

15 August 2020

K-Mart, Browns Plains Grand Plaza

Browns Plains

~9:30am

~9:45am

15 August 2020

Anytime Fitness, Village Square

Browns Plains

10:25am

11:35am

16 August 2020

Woolworths, Marsden on Fifth shopping centre

Marsden

~10am

~10:15am

16 August 2020

Coles, Browns Plains Grand Plaza

Browns Plains

~10:30am

~11am

16 August 2020

Anytime Fitness, Village Square

Browns Plains

1:20pm

2:30pm

16 August 2020

Riverlink Shopping Centre

Ipswich

Morning

Morning

16 August 2020

The Reject Shop

Ipswich

Morning

Morning

16 August 2020

Jamaica Blue coffee shop

Ipswich

Morning

Morning

17 August 2020

Indooroopilly Shopping Centre

Indooroopilly

11:00am

1pm

17 August 2020

BUPA

Indooroopilly

11:00am

1pm

17 August 2020

Origin Kebabs

Indooroopilly

11:00am

1pm

17 August 2020

Greenbank Takeaway

Greenbank

~6:30pm

~6:40pm

17 August 2020

Costco Bundamba self-service fuel station

Bundamba

Afternoon

Afternoon

18 August 2020

BCF

Greenslopes

~12:30pm

~1pm

18 August 2020

Rock and Roll Butcher (Formerly Brisbane Bulk Meats), Logan Rd, Greenslopes

Greenslopes

1pm

Unknown

18 August 2020

Chemist Warehouse (Waratah Dr)

Crestmead

Afternoon

Afternoon

18 August 2020

Uncle Bill's Takeaway

Brassall

5:45pm

6:15pm

18 August 2020

BP Wacol (Cnr Boundary & Progress Rds)

Wacol

Evening

Evening

19 August 2020

12 RND Fitness

Birkdale

8am

9:30am

19 August 2020

Woolworths, Browns Plains Grand Plaza

Browns Plains

~9:30am

unknown

19 August 2020

The Jam Pantry

Greenslopes

10:30am

11:45am

19 August 2020

Red Cross Op Shop, Sherwood Rd

Sherwood

12.30pm

~1pm

19 August 2020

Westfield Carindale Shopping Centre

Carindale

~1pm

~3pm

19 August 2020

Indooroopilly shopping Centre

Indooroopilly

1pm

4pm

19 August 2020

Myer

Indooroopilly

1pm

4pm

19 August 2020

David Jones

Indooroopilly

1pm

4pm

19 August 2020

Touch of Indian

Indooroopilly

1pm

4pm

19 August 2020

Sweets from Heaven

Indooroopilly

1pm

4pm

19 August 2020

Bras 'n' Things, Westfield Carindale

Carindale

~1pm

~3pm

19 August 2020

Ghanda clothing, Westfield Carindale

Carindale

~1pm

~3pm

19 August 2020

Myer, Westfield Carindale

Carindale

~1pm

~3pm

19 August 2020

Newsagent in Sherwood, ? Sherwood Rd

Sherwood

1.10pm

~1.20pm

19 August 2020

Baskin Robbins, Camp Hill Market Place

Camp Hill

~5:30pm

~5:40pm

19 August 2020

Pho Inn, Camp Hill Market Place

Camp Hill

~5:30pm

~5:40pm

19 August 2020 - 20 August 2020

Ipswich Hospital ED

Ipswich

11:00pm

6:19am

20 August 2020

Woolworths, Marsden on Fifth shopping centre

Marden

~10am

~10:15am

21 August 2020

Woolworths, Forest Lake Shopping centre

Forest Lake

~10:30am

~10:45am

21 August 2020

The Chop Shop (Butcher), Forest Lake Shopping Centre

Forest Lake

~10.45am

~11.15am

21 August 2020

Best & Less, Forest Lake Shopping Centre

Forest Lake

~10.45am

~11.15am

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21 August 2020 / COVID-19

Dear All,

This afternoon MBAV have released Industry Guideline 07.

Please find attached updated COVD-19 Management Plan, Risk Assessment Template, Industry Guideline 7 and the update from our Industry Liaison, Michael Paynter, that provides on overview on the changes. I have highlighted the changes in yellow in the index and

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or if I can be of assistance to you.

Regards,

Candece Frazzica-Kara
HSE Manager (VIC)

Mobile 0411 022 839
Email Candece.Frazzica-Kara@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au 

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17 August 2020 / COVID-19

Update from Queensland's Premier, Deputy Premier & Chief Health Officer

  • No new cases in QLD
  • 8 active and in hotel quarantine / hospital
  • 16 days since known community transmission case in QLD
  • No intention of full reopening of borders while there are community transmission cases in NSW and Victoria

Update from Victoria's Premier

  • 282 new cases
  • 25 deaths
  • 657 cases currently in hospital
  • 15,728 tests conducted since yesterday’s update

Update from New South Wales' Premier & Chief Health Officer

  • 7 new cases (6 locally acquired, 1 in hotel quarantine, 3 local cases are close contacts linked to the Chops Stix restaurant in western Sydney, 2 are close contacts of the Lady of Mercy College cluster – close contacts are being contacted now)
  • 10,806 tests conducted yesterday up to 8pm
  • Case numbers are declining, but accumulation of cases (clusters) is still spreading it in areas of western Sydney (which is how Victoria’s big outbreaks occurred)
  • Gladys apologised for the findings of the Ruby Princess Commission that found deficiencies in the NSW Department of Health in handling the situation
  • This morning NSW Health provided new guidelines on school requirements in dealing with COVID-19 (including further restrictions to prevent the spread)
  • CHO said some people are thinking their symptoms are influenza and brushing off potential test for COVID, NSW are saying they have very low cases of the flu so if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it is a higher chance that is COVID
  • Anyone in the western Sydney areas in particular with potential symptoms must come forward for testing so that community transmission can be managed as quickly as possible
  • The latest NSW Venue Alerts have been updated on Hutchies' COVID-19 Hotspot Map below
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11 August 2020 / COVID-19

The New South Wales Government has issued a new list of venues that have had confirmed COVID-19 cases across the state. 

These venues have been added to Hutchies' Hotspot Map below to make it easier to see these locations in proximity to our offices and current projects.

Please follow all directions of authorities if you have been to any of the flagged venues.


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10 - 23 August 2020 / Observation

Keep Australia Beautiful Week runs from 17 August 2020 through to 22 August 2020 and is all about cutting litter requires everybody to be involved; your local authority, waste contractors, shops, pubs, businesses and people all have a role to play.

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10 August 2020 / Training

Hutchies Training is currently taking expressions of interest for enrolments in the next Hutchies Diploma of Building & Construction Course, starting October 2020. The course has been Hutchified to incorporate Hutchies construction methodologies, quality processes, systems and our people. Hutchies men and women from Cairns to Hobart were part of last year’s course so location or distance is no barrier. Hutchies was stoked that for the second year in a row, over one third of the group that completed the course were women. Let's hope we can keep on advancing this number for years to come! Team Leader approval may be required. Contact Warren Belford for more information.

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30 September 2020 / Training

Hutchies Training is currently taking applications for its Trade Start (Pre-Employment) Program commencing Monday 12 October 2020. The program will be delivered across sites in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Toowoomba and is open to school leavers who haven’t previously completed a Certificate I in Construction.

Trade Start is ideal for school leavers looking at a career in the construction industry and offers potential pathways into a wide range of trades. Trade Start is fully funded by Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) for eligible participants.

If anyone has family, friends, neighbours etc. who may be interested in learning more about the construction industry please visit https://training.hutchies.com.au or contact Darren McGrath, Hutchies' Pre-Employment Coordinator for more information.

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7 August 2020 / COVID-19

Dear All,

Someone said to me earlier this week ‘what a time to be alive’, and I completely agree, you would have never thought it would be a requirement to carry a permit to have to go to work.

This pandemic is something that none of us could ever have planned for and we believe that as a team and united front everyone has done an exceptional job in dealing with the continuous change’s to daily operations.

We understand that there are many stressors involved with this pandemic whether they be work related or personal, please know that you are not alone. You can pick up the phone and talk to anyone, anywhere at any time. Hutchies’ also offers a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program that offers confidential, support. 

At 11.59pm tonight the construction industry moves into further restrictions, to ensure that we are meet these requirements I have attached the following documents that are vital as we move into this new phase:

Note: It is critical that have the following documents in either hard copy or digital on your person at all times:

  • Permitted Worker Permit
  • Essential Employee letter
  • COVID Management plan
  • Licence or photo ID

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or require any support. The Team Leaders and I thank you for your continual support and efforts to date.

Candece Frazzica-Kara
HSE Manager (VIC)

Mobile 0411 022 839
Email Candece.Frazzica-Kara@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au 

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7 August 2020 / COVID-19

The following announcements were made today (in order of appearance) by various governments regarding coronavirus.

Queensland Health Minister Steven Miles and Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young conference

  • Case update QLD: 0 New Cases, 11 active cases, 17,000 tests, 5 cases related to the returning women from Melbourne
  • Active Cases in AUS: 1 SA, 270 NSW, 7449 VIC (averaging 519 daily)
  • QLD Borders shut Saturday 1am 8 / 8 /2020, expecting great delays over the weekend as people rush back
  • Border pass exemptions comes in three forms X Pass, F Pass and S Pass which are required to be on the person at all times
  • X Pass – People living in the surrounding suburbs of the borders will be allowed to cross freely in a travel bubble. Queenslanders are allowed to still travel within QLD as long as they don’t leave the travel zones in NSW. NSW residents who live in the NSW travel zone will be allowed to travel freely within the designated QLD travel zones but no further.
  • F Pass – For freights, trucks and goods to cross the border
  • S Pass – Essential workers that meet the criteria to cross the border
  • The border pass website will come on this afternoon, however it could be glitchy and slow due to demand on the site. Regardless of this no exemptions will be made on the border without these passes.
  • Anyone wishing to return to Queensland after Saturday 1am without a border pass will be required to fly in through Sydney Airport and will be forced into hotel quarantine at their own expense. There are minimal exemptions to this.
  • Protests have been planned for the Story Bridge in QLD this Saturday, this is labelled unlawful and immediate Police action will be taken on anyone tempting to protest
  • If Queensland maintains no community transmission into the next week more restrictions may be lifted including visiting nursing homes

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews

  • 450 new cases 181 passed away (11 extra in the past 24 hours).
  • 2,500 unknown transmission, 66 new unknown cases
  • Health care workers account for around 1,500 active cases
  • Year 12 VIC Students: VCE students will be individually assessed and any adverse impacts from COVID-19 will be reflected in their ATAR ranking. This includes Mental Health, days off, additional responsibility. ATAR will be a fair reflection of their past year.
  • A further $28.5 million in funding for mental health and wellbeing support in schools, saying they had seen higher absence rates for vulnerable kids and a sharp increase in mental health reports in government schools. This comes in the form of additional mental support and mental health training for 1500 school staff. Health practitioners will also be rolled out to additional schools and the Navigator program will increase 33% to help support students who have disengaged from school.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison

  • Familiarity of Premiers in Nat Cab working together is really helping working relationships and productivity
  • The following federal measures have been implemented on the back of the Victoria situation:
    • Pandemic leave disaster payment for Victorians
    • Childcare keeping places arrangement for Victorians
    • Easing restrictions and extending JobKeeper to make sure that Victorians and any other parts of the country doing it tough can access:
      • Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has announced businesses will only need to show that their GST turnover had fallen over one quarter, instead of multiple, to be eligible for the scheme's extension.
      • Workers will also qualify if they were employed on July 1, rather than March 1.
  • Very dark times – the governments are working together, very clear and strong plan for the road out. Continue to work together to provide support businesses and jobs. National effort to support Victoria.
  • Stress testing national preparedness - in quarantine arrangements and aged care
  • Quarantine review being undertaken to track lessons and experience as well as the need to ensure we conduct QA processes in each state. Welcome to hear that people are being treated like hotel guests in hotel quarantine, making the process as positive as possible. Little things make a big difference.
  • Ongoing auditing of aged care preparedness around the country, and also helping to stabilise the aged care situation in Victoria
  • International travel restrictions on arrivals to stay. This inbound ban will continue for months to come indefinitely.
  • Freight protocol is now a Code, as of today and will be enforced around country from today
  • 340,000 training places via JobTrainer program will be made available this year
  • Vaccine progress – never been a global effort like this, positive signs
  • Whoever finds the vaccine needs to share it without restraint, otherwise they’d be looked upon terribly in history. Australia pledges to share vaccine if it develops it, all other countries should too.
  • Can’t count on a vaccine, but we need an economic plan in place that accommodates life without a vaccine
  • National Preparedness Plan coming in next two weeks – keenness from all Premiers to engage in this plan

Acting Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly

  • ACT/TAS have no active COVID-19 cases
  • Particularly older people who have higher rates of death
  • Younger age groups are the most infected and are spreading the virus
  • Very good engagement across the board helping Victoria
  • Acute response phase is about preparing for the worst so it can be handled the best
  • Vaccine – strong optimism, can’t promise when it will occur. Many in clinical trials at the moment, it needs to be safe and of a high quality
  • National stockpiles have been increased including lifesaving medication
  • The virus can be a severe long-term illness in some, including young people
  • Person in their 30s who died had co-morbidities, but confirms it is not just an old person’s virus
  • QR codes are being used in venues. We are in a pandemic so the quicker that people can do contact tracing the better. Put down real addresses/names because that will help you.
  • Suppression strategy is working well in other states

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7 August 2020 / COVID-19

20/08/20: Queensland Health has expanded the list of exempt border communities. Check out the map for details. You can also check your address via the Border Pass portal.

Original Notice

Queensland Health has provided the following additional information regarding Queensland’s border restrictions.

What are the changes from 1.00am Saturday 8 August?

Hotspots

All of Victoria and Greater Sydney are currently listed as COVID-19 hotspots. All of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory will be considered COVID-19 hotspots from 1am Saturday, 8 August 2020.

COVID-19 hotspots are updated regularly here.

Residents of hotspots cannot enter Queensland, except in very limited circumstances. Queensland residents may enter, but must undertake mandatory hotel quarantine if not exempt.

An exemption applies to residents of border communities, as below. However, there are still restrictions and a number of different scenarios will apply to Hutchies’ people living or working in these locations.

These scenarios are detailed below.

Border residents

A border zone resident is someone who lives in a community on the Queensland New South Wales border. See the map here (PDF). This includes both sides of the border – people who live in Queensland but work or go to school in their neighbouring border town, or people who live in New South Wales but come to work or school in their neighbouring border town in Queensland. Border zone residents can cross the border for any purpose.

Queensland border zone residents cannot travel outside the border zone in New South Wales and New South Wales border zone residents cannot travel outside the border zone in either Queensland or New South Wales.

Travel by air

You can only enter Queensland from a hotspot if you travel by air. You cannot travel by road through a hotspot.

The only people allowed to enter Queensland by road are:

  1. truck drivers
  2. workers related to the transport of freight and logistics
  3. people performing essential activities
  4. border zone residents.

Children and mandatory quarantine

Everyone, including children, must quarantine in government arranged accommodation. You will need to quarantine with your child in the accommodation, at your expense. If you have other children that you are caring for, they will need to quarantine with you unless you can make other arrangements for them to be cared for.

You will have to apply for an exemption from the Chief Health Officer in order to send your child to Queensland from a hotspot by themselves. This is to ensure that no one under the age of 18 is unaccompanied in government arranged quarantine.

Further updates regarding construction as an essential activity

We have heard reports that construction may be considered an essential activity again, but this is unconfirmed, so we will continue to update you as more information becomes available.

Applying for a Queensland Border Declaration Pass

Anyone who requires a border pass (including as described in the scenarios below) must apply for a new pass from 1am, Saturday 8 August.

Previous passes will no longer be accepted.

No exceptions will be made for anyone who is not carrying a new border pass. 

The new pass system is accessible here: https://www.qld.gov.au/border-pass

Scenarios that may apply to Hutchies’ people

Hutchies is seeking urgent clarification from the QLD Government around essential worker exemptions and we will provide an update as soon as possible.

I am a NSW resident. I live in an exempt NSW border community, but my project is outside the border communities in NSW (e.g. Byron Bay)

You can work in NSW, but you cannot enter QLD with the border zone resident declaration pass as your project is outside of the permitted border community zone. This means you cannot go to any Hutchies offices or yards that are within QLD (e.g. Coolangatta) whilst the QLD border restriction is in place.

I am a NSW resident. I live in an exempt NSW border community and I work in QLD at a Hutchies’ office/yard/project within the border community zone (e.g. Southport)

You must apply for a border zone resident declaration pass (Pass X). With the pass, you are permitted to cross the border by road and can continue to work in QLD. However, you must not travel outside the exempt NSW border community, and you must not travel outside the QLD border community. You are only permitted to travel within the border community zone.

I am a NSW resident. I don’t live in an exempt NSW border community and I work in QLD at a Hutchies’ office/yard/project within the border community zone (e.g. Yatala)

You cannot enter QLD as you do not live in an exempt NSW border community and do not currently qualify for an exemption.

I am a NSW resident. I live in an exempt NSW border community and I work on a project outside of the QLD border community zone (e.g. Loganholme)

You must apply for a border zone resident declaration pass (Pass X). With the pass, you are permitted to cross the border by road and travel to a construction site by vehicle. You are permitted to drive anywhere in QLD for the purposes of working on a construction site. On return to NSW, you must not travel outside the exempt NSW border community. You are only permitted to travel within the border community zone except for the purposes of going directly to and working on your project.

I am a NSW resident and I want to go to Hutchies’ Toowong office

You cannot enter QLD for this purpose. Exempt NSW border community residents can only go as far as the permitted QLD border communities, unless driving to perform work on a construction site. Other NSW residents (who live outside of the border zone) are banned from entering QLD entirely and will be turned back at the border. Use Hutchies’ teleconferencing / video meeting facilities instead.

I am a NSW resident and I want to move/work to somewhere in QLD permanently

You can enter QLD with a ‘moving to QLD’ border declaration pass but you will still be subject to mandatory hotel quarantine, even if you are permanently moving to QLD for work.

I am a QLD resident and I live in a QLD border community. My project is in NSW inside the exempt border community zone (e.g. Casuarina)

You must apply for a border zone resident declaration pass (Pass X). With the pass, you are permitted to cross the border by road and can continue to work in NSW. However, you must not travel outside the exempt NSW border community, otherwise you will be subject to mandatory hotel quarantine on your return to QLD.

I am a QLD resident and I live in a QLD border community. My project is in NSW outside the border community zone (e.g. Lennox Head)

You can enter NSW but you will not be permitted back in QLD without undertaking mandatory hotel quarantine as you do not currently qualify for an exemption.

I am a QLD resident. I don’t live within the QLD border community zone (e.g. Toowoomba) but my project is in NSW (either inside the exempt border community zone or anywhere else in NSW)

You can enter NSW but you will not be permitted back in QLD without undertaking mandatory hotel quarantine as you do not currently qualify for an exemption.

I am a QLD resident. I live in a QLD border community zone and I work in QLD at a Hutchies’ office within the border community zone (e.g. Southport)

You can continue to travel normally around QLD. If you wish to enter the exempt NSW border community zone for any purpose, you must apply for a border zone resident declaration pass (Pass X). With the pass, you are permitted to cross the border by road and can go into NSW. However, if you do enter NSW, you must not travel outside the exempt NSW border community, and you must not travel outside the QLD border community. You are only permitted to travel within the exempt border community zones.

I am a QLD resident. I don’t live in the QLD border community zone but I work in QLD at a Hutchies’ office within the border community zone (e.g. Coolangatta). I would like go to NSW for a meeting

You can enter NSW but you will not be permitted back in QLD without undertaking mandatory hotel quarantine as you do not currently qualify for an exemption. Use Hutchies’ teleconferencing / video meeting facilities instead. Hutchies is seeking urgent clarification from the QLD Government around essential worker exemptions and we will provide an update as soon as possible. 

For Further Clarification

Please contact the Online Team / Harleigh Venables & Tabi Ward 

Phone 0427 059 569 / 0400 046 090 

Email online@hutchies.com.au

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14 August 2020 / Observation

Annually, 3,200 Australian families experience the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or child. This has to stop. Through world-class research, advocacy and education we passionately believe we can put an end to this.

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6 August 2020 / COVID-19

Prime Minister & Minister for Home Affairs

The following announcements have just been made:

  • Mental health of Victorians is an great area of concern, additional mental health support is being provided
  • Another $5M to Headspace, $2M to Kids Helpline, $2.5M to Lifeline, $2.5M to Beyond Blue – these boosts to funding will add resources, deliver training and more availability
  • Additional Medicare subsidised mental health sessions will be available via GPs for people across Victoria
  • GPs and other mental health practitioners are available to Victorians via Telehealth
  • Resources available immediately include Beyond Blue, Head to Health, Headspace, Black Dog Institute and Suicide Call Back Service
  • Important to have difficult conversations openly about mental health during the pandemic
  • Additional restrictions in Victoria in August and September is estimated to reduce the size of GDP in the September quarter by between $7 billion and $9 billion
  • National unemployment rate is now expected to peak closer to 10 per cent, with effective unemployment rate expected to be in high 13 per cent range.
  • Announcing today a new Cybersecurity Strategy to keep the people, government and businesses of Australia safe
  • $1.67bn strategy over next decade primarily targets the dark web, paedophiles and terrorists and includes another 100 more cyber detectives
  • $2M has been provided to Lebanon by way of initial support for the terrible accident that occurred yesterday

Victorian Premier

The following announcements have just been made:

  • 471 new cases, 8 more deaths since last update
  • It’s an imperfect process closing/restricting businesses because it’s never been done before, and changes may need to be made based on further discussions with industries/businesses
  • Primary aim is to drive down movement across Victorian communities
  • Regarding the second category of businesses/industries which are required to reduce workforce, further documentation coming in the next few hours [we will provide when available]
  • The restrictions for the construction industry – the settings already outlined will be delivered:
    • Large govt jobs – down to 50% already but will be further reduced down to 25% if possible
    • Projects above 3 storeys (private sector jobs) – down to 25% staff on site
    • Domestic building – as arranged, no more than 5 staff on site, limited movement is allowed to other sites but permitted in some cases
    • Building supervisors are allowed to move between sites too
    • Strict COVIDSafe plans in place for the industry
    • Only 25% of workforce on site allowed, not 25% per shift. There cannot be 25% per shift because that does not reduce the aggregate daily movement and pushes it to 50% or even 100% if delivered in shifts.
  • These restrictions have to be made to limit movement
  • These specific plans are about striking a balance between reducing movement and cases, but not compromising stock being on shelves
  • You may not be able to get exactly what you want, but you will still be able to get what you need. No need to buy bulk qtys of anything
  • Further mental health supports will be announced in coming days

New South Wales 

NSW residents returning from Victoria must go into mandatory hotel quarantine for 14 days at their own expense from 12.01am Friday, 6 August

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6 August 2020 / COVID-19

The Queensland Police Chiefs just made the following announcements regarding the border closure processes (note – still more to come – but a brief overview):

  • The existing passes are being expanded to include new passes:
    • F for freight
    • S for specialist (as directed by CHO)
    • X for border communities which will be allocated to those persons who live in declared cross-border communities along the NSW / QLD border
    • G pass remains as “general” and they are expecting this to drop off over time as people get the message they shouldn’t be trying to enter Queensland
  • The new passes will not have photos on them as had been reported
  • You do need to provide identification however to apply for them
  • When the new pass website is ready users will be told what identification is required for these new passes (we will advise when this is available)
  • The Queensland Police are still working through the geographical locations on the border and will be “generous enough for genuine cross border travel”
  • Returning Queenslanders from a hotspot and not considered travelling for an essential activity will be required to quarantine for 14 days at your own expense in a hotel
  • Queenslanders should return asap before 1am Saturday otherwise they will be returning to quarantine requirements

There was also discussion around a protest planned on Saturday for the Story Bridge. Police are saying people should not attend this protest and they will be doing everything possible to stop it from proceeding.

We are expecting some more information later today from the Premier and CMO but if not it will be tomorrow.

Will keep you informed.

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14 August 2020 / Public Holiday

EKKA (Brisbane only) has been moved to Friday, 14 August 2020 this year due to COVID.

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5 August 2020 / COVID-19

Queensland borders will close to New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory from 1am this Saturday, August 8.

All visitors will be denied entry except for rare exemptions and returning Queenslanders will have to pay for 14 days mandatory hotel quarantine.

Queensland’s Chief Health Officer has declared all of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory as hotspots.

Only residents of border communities and essential workers, such as truck drivers, will be able to cross the border.

Exemptions – including for compassionate reasons – will be limited.

Passes for border communities will be for those with proof of address and photo ID.

The border closure will be reviewed at the end of the month.


Annastacia Palaszczuk held a press conference this morning regarding the border re-closure:

  • Current situation in NSW, ACT and VIC is of great concern to Queensland
  • Queensland Disaster Management Group met extensively yesterday and today to look at tough border measure
  • CMO Declaring NSW and ACT a hotspot and borders closing to these locations
  • Immediate effect from 1am Saturday
  • Right thing to do – tough for Queenslanders – but your health comes first – we also need to protect families and the economy and avoid what’s happening in Victoria
  • Very important Queenslanders stay in Queensland – now is not the time to travel to NSW or VIC – not risking QLD’s people and economy
  • Victoria not getting better and not waiting for NSW to get worse
  • ACT closed because of examples of people from NSW hotspots traveling via ACT to QLD

Deputy Premier’s comments:

  • 1 new case today in West Moreton (total active cases – 11)
  • Queensland went 63 days without any community transmission
  • Only takes 1 case to see a wide spread outbreak
  • The current cases are putting pressure on our health system
  • 85,000 tests in the last week
  • Cannot afford to risk our progress

Currently no detail on the exact details around border communities – actively monitoring the news / QLD official channels of announcements and will let you all know as soon as we know.

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5 August 2020 / COVID-19

The Victorian Premier has just announced at a press conference:

  • 725 new cases and 15 more deaths (including the death of someone in their 30s)
  • Further permit system for childcare being introduced – many families won’t be allowed to access childcare right now
  • Permitted workers – regardless of working from home or at a workplace, will be able to access childcare if there is no other person able to look after the children in the household – this is also applicable to kinder and primary school children who will be able to go to school with this permit.
  • This is an additional permit to the permitted worker permit which will be available on the DHHS website soon. This will apply from 11.59pm tonight and there will be no grace period for this change.  
  • All non-urgent surgery beyond category 1 or emergency surgery will be put on hold (across Victoria and public/private) to preserve sufficient capacity for future Coronavirus cases
  • If you are at your partner’s house, curfew and rules apply to you when you are at their house. So, if you are there after 8pm, you must remain there. If you are there at 4pm, only 1 of you can go to the shops and only within 5km of that residence.
  • These rules need to work to drive down case numbers

Note The Permitted Worker Permit can be found below (completed with Hutchies' details). The template is also available on the DHHS website here with other information. We will provide the new Childcare Permit once it is available.

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2 August 2020 / COVID-19

The VIC Premier just announced the following at a press conference:

  • 671 new cases and 7 more deaths overnight
  • From 6pm tonight, a State of Disaster will apply in VIC, and Stage 4 restrictions will come into place for Melbourne:
    • People will only be able to shop and exercise within a 5km radius from home
    • Only 1 person per household will be able to shop once per day
    • No recreational activities allowed, like golf or tennis
    • 1 hour of exercise only per day, no further than 5km from home
    • No group bigger than 2, regardless of whether in family or home
    • Intimate partner visits allowed outside of 5km
    • A curfew will be in place from 8pm tonight, curfew will run 8pm to 5am every day in metropolitan Melbourne
    • Only reason to be out outside these curfew hours is to get care / give care / go to or from work / be at work
  • From midnight this coming Wednesday, the rest of Victoria (all regional areas) will move to Stage 3 restrictions. These will be the same restrictions in place for Melbourne currently, and not the additional Stage 4 restrictions above.
  • Tomorrow the VIC Premier will announce more changes regarding industries and workplaces:
    • 3 categories of businesses will apply
    • Category that will remain open – supermarkets, bakeries, butchers, takeway food etc
    • Category that will remain open with restrictions and less output
    • Category that will move to work from home only, or if work from home isn’t possible, will have to shut
  • In regard to schools, from midnight this coming Wednesday, flexible and remote learning for all students in all schools across Victoria
  • Children will be able to go to school if their parents are ‘defined industry’ workers or vulnerable children
  • These measures will last for 6 weeks (from today for the Stage 4 restrictions and from Wed midnight for other restrictions)
  • More about fines/enforcements tomorrow

These are the local government areas under stage four restrictions from 6:00pm tonight

The new directions begin at 6:00pm today and continue for six weeks until 11:59pm on Sunday, September 13.

The areas moving to stage four restrictions include 31 metropolitan Melbourne LGAs.

They are:

  • Banyule
  • Hume
  • Moreland
  • Bayside
  • Kingston
  • Mornington
  • Peninsula
  • Boroondara
  • Knox
  • Nillumbik
  • Brimbank
  • Manningham
  • Port Phillip
  • Cardinia
  • Maribyrnong
  • Stonnington
  • Casey
  • Maroondah
  • Whitehorse
  • Darebin
  • Melbourne
  • Whittlesea
  • Frankston
  • Melton
  • Wyndham
  • Glen Eira
  • Monash
  • Yarra
  • Greater Dandenong
  • Moonee Valley
  • Yarra Ranges
  • Hobsons Bay
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1 August 2020 / COVID-19

The QLD contact tracing list has been updated: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/contact-tracing

If you have been to any of these locations in the date and time periods mentioned, please contact 13 HEALTH.

Location

Suburb

Date

Time

Parklands Christian College*

Park Ridge

22-23 July 2020

9.30am-6pm

Madtongsan IV Restaurant*

Sunnybank

23-Jul-20

7-9pm

Heeretea - Bubble Tea Shop

Sunnybank

23-Jul-20

evening

YMCA Chatswood Hills Outside School Hours Care*

Springwood

23-24 July 2020

All

Primary Medical and Dental Practice

Browns Plains

24-Jul-20

3.30-4.30pm

Thai Peak Restaurant*

Springfield

26-Jul-20

6.30-9pm

Caltex Goodna

Goodna

26-Jul-20

11.30am-11.35am

Sleeman Sports Complex*

Chandler

26-Jul-20

12.30-2.10pm

Garden City Shopping Centre

Mount Gravatt

26-Jul-20

4-7pm

K Mart at Garden City Shopping Centre

Mount Gravatt

26-Jul-20

4-5pm

JB HiFi at Garden City Shopping Centre

Mount Gravatt

26-Jul-20

4.30-5pm

MOS Burger at Garden City Shopping Centre

Mount Gravatt

26-Jul-20

Around 5pm

Chatime Garden City

Mount Gravatt

26-Jul-20

Around 6pm

Café 63

Redbank Plains

27-Jul-20

10-10.30am

Bunnings Springfield

Springfield

27-Jul-20

11am-1pm

Bunnings Oxley

Oxley

27-Jul-20

3.15-4pm

Cowch Dessert Cocktail Bar

Southbank

27-Jul-20

3.15- 4.15pm

P’Nut Street Noodles

Southbank

27-Jul-20

4.00-6.00pm

Basketball Court Springfield Lakes*

Springfield Lakes

27-Jul-20

6-8.30pm

Nando’s Kenmore

Kenmore

27-Jul-20

8.45-8.55pm

African Grocery Shop

Woodridge (Station Rd)

28-Jul-20

All

Primary Medical and Dental Practice

Browns Plains

28-Jul-20

12.25-12.30pm 13.00-13.15pm

Chatime Grand Plaza

Browns Plains

28-Jul-20

12.30-1.00pm

Origin Kebabs Grand Plaza

Browns Plains

28-Jul-20

12.30-1.00pm

Caltex Wacol

Wacol

28-Jul-20

8.40-8.45am

Richlands Medical Centre Richlands Plaza

Richlands

29 July 2020

Around 10.45am

SNP Collection Centre Forrest Lake

Forrest Lake

29 July 2020

Around 11.35am

Flight Number

Airline

Origin

Destination

Date of arrival

Arrival time

VA863*

Virgin Australia

Melbourne

Sydney

21 July 2020

Arrived 5.55pm

VA977*

Virgin Australia

Sydney

Brisbane

21 July 2020

Arrived 8.00pm

The venues with * have been contact traced by QLD Health.

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July 2020

31 July 2020 / Safety Alert

## UPDATED ##

This alert supersedes the order that came into effect 22 July 2020.

The Victorian Government has expanded their order for mandatory face coverings / masks across the entire state of.

Everyone over the age of 12 will now be required to wear a face covering when leaving home for one of the four permitted reasons.

This order will be enforced from 11.59pm on Sunday 2 August 2020. People who do not comply will face a $200 fine. 

The Victorian Government has acknowledged that in some circumstances, wearing a mask may be impractical, however everyone is expected to carry a mask or face covering for use whenever practical. More info here.

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6 August 2020 / Meetings

Hutchies' monthly budgets are held on the first Thursday of every month in Brisbane and via Skype sessions to the regions.

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27 July 2020 / Safety Alert

Cantilever Loading Bays

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3 August 2020 / Public Holiday

Monday, 3 August 2020 (NT only)

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22 July 2020 / Safety Alert

The Victorian Government has issued the following order to people living in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire.

Everyone over the age of 12 will now be required to wear a face covering when leaving home for one of the four permitted reasons.

This order will be enforced from 11.59pm on Wednesday 22 July 2020. People who do not comply will face a $200 fine. The Victorian Government has acknowledged that in some circumstances, wearing a mask may be impractical, however everyone is expected to carry a mask or face covering for use whenever practical. More info here.

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21 July 2020 / COVID-19

The PM and Treasurer just spoke to the media regarding upcoming changes to the JobSeeker and JobKeeper Programs:

  • Original system was simple and quick, and level of income support was provided to everyone that needed it desperately as quick as possible
  • JobKeeper – is being put in place for another 6 months, to March 2021, but reducing in value. $1200 per f/n but with two tier payment system to account for people earning less than the program or part time or casual workers.
  • JobSeeker – is being reduced to $250 per f/n with an increase to income free threshold to $300, meaning that people can earn $300 and still get the $250 JobSeeker payment. This will take effect at end of Sept, and run until end of Dec. JobSeeker mutual obligations will start again from 4 Aug.
  • Penalties to JobSeeker payments will kick in if jobs aren’t taken when they are offer to people receiving JobSeeker
  • More changes to JobSeeker flagged, and possible need to keep support ongoing past December or even announced in Oct Budget
  • Plan for people on JobSeeker - get them in a job or train them in a job
  • Current JobKeeper and JobSeeker arrangements will run until end of September as proposed
  • Coronavirus has hit Australian economy hardest ever in the last 100 years
  • 2 million Australians either lost their jobs or had hours reduced. 11.3% effective unemployment rate (lost their job or hours reduced to 0).
  • These payments are single largest economic measure ever – helped 960,000 businesses, 3.5 million workers so far. JobKeeper has stabilised losses.
  • To retain JobKeeper past September, employers will need to demonstrate reduction of turnover, of 30% or 50% depending on size, and show reduction for each previous quarter
  • The JobKeeper wage subsidy will continue until March next year, but payments will fall from $1,500 to $1,200 a fortnight after September. People working fewer than 20 hours a week will receive $750.
  • The payments will fall again to $1,000 a fortnight, and $650 a fortnight for people working fewer than 20 hours, for the first three months of 2021.
  • The JobSeeker coronavirus supplement will continue for another three months but fall from $550 to $250 a fortnight, meaning people on the program will receive $800 a fortnight after September (as opposed to $1,100 at the moment).
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20 July 2020 / COVID-19

The Deputy CMO, Dr Nick Coatsworth, has just announced at a press conference that mask use is advised in the Melbourne and Mitchell local government areas that are currently locked down, when people are in a situation where they cannot maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from other people.  

He said this is only applicable to those areas due to the current community transmission occurring in those areas.

The VIC Premier has just announced that mask use when outside of one’s house will now be mandatory for all people over the age of 12 living in all Melbourne and Mitchell LGAs as of this Wednesday 22 July, at 11.59pm.

Fines of $200 will be given out to people not wearing one outside of their house. However, it was noted that in some circumstances it will be impractical to wear one so “common sense will guide the rules”.

Masks do not have to be hospital grade – any facial covering including scarves will do.

The VIC Premier also noted that 80% of new cases in recent weeks have been due to transmission at workplaces. It is hoped that this new rule of mandatory mask wearing will drive down workplace transmission.


NSW Health has echoed the below sentiment regarding mask use.

That is – for anyone outside of their home and won’t be able to adequately socially distance, it is advised to wear a mask.

At this point in time it is advice only but may change to a direction if community transmission increases.

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24 July 2020 / Public Holiday

Friday, 24 July 2020

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14 July 2020 / COVID-19

QLD has put out a new Direction that will take effect as of this Friday (tomorrow) noon, 10 July 2020.

In brief:

  • It allows people from other states and territories to enter the state without having to undertake mandatory quarantine, provided they:
    • Have a valid Queensland Border Declaration Pass (must be applied for within 7 days of the travel to QLD), which will include:
      • A declaration that they have not been overseas / a COVID-19 hotspot / had contact with a confirmed case / had symptoms consistent with COVID-19 / been diagnosed with COVID-19
      • Providing personal details including name, date of birth, phone number, address and email address, and where the person intends to stay while in Queensland
    • Provide an undertaking that the person will present for a COVID-19 test if the person develops symptoms consistent with COVID-19 within 14 days of entering Queensland

Regarding any travel from any part of Victoria (or other COVID-19 hotspots as they are identified by the QLD Govt):

  • The QLD Govt has hardened their approach with this new border declaration, stating that anyone who has been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the 14 days prior to entering Queensland must not enter Queensland unless they are exempt. Exemptions are specified in the Direction and include QLD residents.
  • QLD residents who have been to VIC may enter the state, provided they undertake mandatory quarantine at a quarantine hotel at their own cost
  • The new Direction appears to have removed construction from what QLD considers ‘essential activity’, meaning that QLD residents who return to QLD after performing construction-related work in VIC would also have to enter mandatory quarantine.
  • This is a significant change to all previous QLD Directions throughout the pandemic in which construction has been considered essential and exempt from mandatory quarantine. I will confirm this once the Border Pass Declaration has been updated with the new particulars as of noon tomorrow.

Queensland Health will declare coronavirus hotspots in several areas of New South Wales, namely Liverpool and Campbelltown, from midday today.

The below strict quarantine rules that QLD has applied to VIC at present will apply to people travelling from these NSW hotspots.

It is expected that QLD will continue to clamp down on any areas like this where community transmission starts to occur.

Just to confirm below, there is now no provision for ‘construction’ or ‘FIFO’ under the exemptions list for people travelling from VIC into QLD. The wording of ‘time critical specialist’ has also been updated which no longer broadly covers people in the construction industry.

People from other states and territories may enter QLD without needing to quarantine now, provided they have a valid border pass and have not been in VIC in the last 14 days (or any of the reasons listed below).

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10 July 2020 / COVID-19

The PM and CMO just spoke to the media following today’s National Cabinet Meeting, followed by the VIC Premier at a separate press conference.

PM

  • News from VIC remains very concerning, but key here is all states and territories fully supporting VIC with resourcing
  • We all have to be very careful to protect against complacency everywhere in Australia, particularly behind closed doors, not just out in the open
  • When at home - still practice social distancing, no hugs and handshakes still
  • Social distancing is the norm now, not the exception, will be with us for a very long time – no change until vaccine found
  • Social distancing needs to be a habit, and just because everything is ok in other states, doesn’t mean you go back to the way things were before social distancing
  • Community has a role to play in terms of social distancing, and particularly the younger population
  • QLD border reopened today, except to VIC
  • Nat Cab has agreed in a reduction in number of inbound arrivals into Australia, will be cut by just over half across all ports that residents are returning to Australia – will drop to 4000 people per week allowed back in, no one to Victoria at the moment
  • Hotel quarantine is going to move towards charging people returning, some states already
  • A nationwide review of hotel quarantine is going to be undertaken - working with states and territories, important step to look into how each state is managing this, to have confidence around all arrangements in all states
  • PM / Nat Cab endorsed the advice on all Melbourne/Mitchell local government area residents to wear masks when they leave the house when they know they will be potentially entering a situation when 1.5 metre distancing can’t be maintained

CMO

  • Very clear that there is community transmission issue in Melbourne
  • Confined to Melbourne at the moment, but we are all at risk – modelling shows this
  • Physical distancing, cough hygiene, hand hygiene, everyone needs to continue to do these to stop the transmission across Australia
  • We’re all in this together

Victoria Premier

  • 288 cases recorded overnight (but record amount of daily testing, over 37,000 tests done in one day)
  • 2 million reusable masks are being made to distribute to residents, along with 1 million additional disposable masks
  • If you are out, and you don’t think you are going to be able to maintain 1.5 metres from others – wear a mask
  • Masks can be any face covering including scarfs – no type of mask protects from the virus 100% but are better than nothing when in close distance to others
  • Not compulsory but recommended now, and is backed by AHPPC
  • Anybody who is sick – only one reason to leave home, to get a test, otherwise stay home
  • If behaviour like gathering in numbers at houses continues, Melbourne is going to have to be locked down for longer than 6 weeks
  • Stay at home. The four acceptable reasons for leaving home are not an indication to leave, they are only to allow people to leave for reasonable circumstances – don’t go shopping for things you don’t need
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17 July 2020 / Public Holiday

Friday, 17 July 2020

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8 July 2020 / COVID-19

The Prime Minister just spoke to the media at a Press Conference, alongside the Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck.

  • This is a global pandemic and there are no guarantees in a global pandemic. Dealing with virus is a national coordinated effort, and this time is particularly hard on Melbourne
  • Our success depends on the success of each state, and Victoria is getting support it needs from Govt / states
  • Aged care – one of the most significant areas of concern. Additional 6100 in-home aged care places have been added, bringing it up to an additional 50,000 and will be tabled further in Budget in Oct.
  • Advice regarding travel – if in VIC / NSW, don’t travel around the state, particularly those in border communities
  • There will be further phase of financial support after September based on need and will include VIC, but support will continue nationally based on need – it won’t be location based. PM and Treasurer have been preparing next phase with this in mind.
  • International arrivals load will be reduced across Australia to reduce burdens on states given VIC. More on this in Nat Cab on Friday.
  • All other states in very strong position re handling the virus. Reopening to go ahead as planned.
  • Consideration around people paying for quarantine as opposed to state-paid. This is on each state and territory and this would be supported by Commonwealth, people have had a lot of opportunities to return.
  • Masks – there is constant medical advice provided, and the Govt will continue to follow the advice.
  • PM hopes that the lockdown in Greater Melbourne doesn’t go on for 6 weeks, but he supports Victoria – not his job to second guess Premiers, it’s to support them as PM
  • The measures we have taken as a country need to continue no matter what age/job/income you have, it’s about supporting other Australians which we all have a responsibility to do. How we respond is what we have control over, we don’t have control over the virus. We thank Melbournians for their response to this despite how heartbreaking and frustrating it is, especially as things just started reopening.
  • National Cabinet will meet again this Friday.
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7 July 2020 / COVID-19

The Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, has just announced a lockdown of all of metropolitan Melbourne as the state recorded its largest daily increase in COVID cases (191) today since the start of the pandemic.

Stay-at-home orders have been reintroduced for 6 weeks, placing Melbourne local government areas and the shire of Mitchell back into Stage 3 restrictions from midnight tomorrow.

Stage 3 restrictions mean only 4 reasons to leave home:

  • Shopping for food and supplies
  • Care and caregiving
  • Exercise
  • Study and work – if you can’t do it from home
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6 July 2020 / COVID-19

The Victorian border with New South Wales will be closed from Wednesday following talks between Premiers Daniel Andrews and Gladys Berejiklian and Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

This decision comes as Victoria recorded 127 new coronavirus cases overnight.

The closure will take effect from 11:59pm on Tuesday.

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June 2020

30 June 2020 / Safety Alert

Click into this alert for more information

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30 June 2020 / Warning

The Weekly Inspection Big 10 Checklist revised version 11 content has been uploaded to HammerTech and is available on Hutchies’ Doc Lib.

Superseded versionHB-HSEQ-F-048Version 10
Current versionHB-HSEQ-F-048Version 11
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30 June 2020 / COVID-19

The QLD Premier and Deputy QLD Premier just spoke to the media regarding QLD restrictions & border closures:

  • Moving toward some aspects of Stage 3 as of this Friday, 3 July (brought forward by one week)
  • Weddings, funerals, gyms and private gatherings will be allowed 100 people
  • Ordering at bars, pubs, clubs, cafes etc allowed - no limit on numbers for venues provided they have space for 4m2 per person
  • Contact sports and spectators, no limits with social distancing if outdoors
  • Stadiums – 50% of capacity or 25,000 max, whichever is lower
  • 1 person per 2m2 for smaller businesses (cap of 50)
  • 1 person per 4m2 for casinos / concert venues / theatres
  • Need to ensure social distancing is maintained everywhere – 1.5m between groups of people
  • Borders – QLD is concerned about Victoria, 250 cases in the last 7 days, there is community transmission
  • QLD border will remain closed to Victoria with tougher measures in place from this Friday, 3 July
  • Anyone travelling from VIC (even Queenslanders) from this Friday, 3 July will have to quarantine on arrival for 2 weeks in a hotel at own expense or be turned back
  • QLD is helping VIC get the virus under control but doesn’t want the risk coming here - overall message: Queenslanders do not go to Victoria, Victorians do not come here
  • From Friday July 10, people from TAS, WA, SA, NT, ACT, NSW will be able to travel into QLD again
  • Everyone travelling to QLD will have to fill in a border declaration and obtain a border pass to ensure they haven’t been in VIC in the past 14 days
  • People lying or falsifying info will face significant fines
  • If the Chief Health Officer identifies hotspots with community transmission, they will take similar actions towards those states/areas

The VIC Premier has just announced the following:

  • Lockdowns back in place for 10 postcodes as of Wednesday 11.59pm – 3012, 3021, 3032, 3038, 3042, 3046, 3047, 3055, 3060, 3064 – for 4 weeks
  • People in those postcodes will only have four reasons to leave their homes: for work or school, for care or caregiving, for daily exercise, or to get food and other essentials
  • People outside these postcodes should not enter them unless it is work and only work that needs to be done in person
  • Door-to-door testing will continue throughout suburbs
  • Police will be actively enforcing lockdown in these suburbs in boozebus style set ups and randomly/frequently asking people who are out what they are doing
  • People not following orders will be fined on the spot
  • Businesses and people will be supported by the government in these postcodes
  • VIC Premier has asked to divert all international flights away from Melbourne for 2 weeks, for the purpose of not having any more people entering hotel quarantine in Victoria for the next 2 weeks
  • The outbreak is predominantly linked to staff in hotel quarantine breaching well-known and well-understood infection control protocols. A judicial inquiry will take place to investigate
  • This needs to be done to ensure other areas do not have to be locked down (eg. Melbourne CBD)

Full list of suburbs:

  • Postcode 3012: Brooklyn, Kingville, Maidstone, Tottenham, West Footscray.
  • Postcode 3021: Alban Vale, Kealba, Kings Park, St Albans.
  • Postcode 3032: Ascot Vale, High Point City, Maribyrnong, Travancore.
  • Postcode 3038: Keilor Downs, Keilor Lodge, Taylors Lakes, Watergardens.
  • Postcode 3042: Airport West, Keilor Park, Niddrie.
  • Postcode 3046: Glenroy, Hadfield, Oak Park.
  • Postcode 3047: Broadmeadows, Dallas, Jacana.
  • Postcode 3055: Brunswick South, Brunswick West, Moonee Vale, Moreland West.
  • Postcode 3060: Fawkner.
  • Postcode 3064: Craigieburn, Donnybrook, Mickleham, Roxburgh Park and Kalkallo.

The Border Restrictions Direction No. 5 (effective 01 May 2020) remains in place as is for QLD.

Currently, under this Direction, QLD residents flying to VIC for work and then returning to QLD are exempt from border restrictions and forced quarantine.

However, the QLD Government may update this and provide a new Direction in the coming days, to reflect the QLD-VIC border closure. This could change the exemption rules but there is no further information available at this time.


QLD has put out a new Direction that will take effect as of this Friday (tomorrow) noon, 10 July 2020.

In brief:

  • It allows people from other states and territories to enter the state without having to undertake mandatory quarantine, provided they:
    • Have a valid Queensland Border Declaration Pass (must be applied for within 7 days of the travel to QLD), which will include:
      • A declaration that they have not been overseas / a COVID-19 hotspot / had contact with a confirmed case / had symptoms consistent with COVID-19 / been diagnosed with COVID-19
      • Providing personal details including name, date of birth, phone number, address and email address, and where the person intends to stay while in Queensland
    • Provide an undertaking that the person will present for a COVID-19 test if the person develops symptoms consistent with COVID-19 within 14 days of entering Queensland

Regarding any travel from any part of Victoria (or other COVID-19 hotspots as they are identified by the QLD Govt):

  • The QLD Govt has hardened their approach with this new border declaration, stating that anyone who has been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the 14 days prior to entering Queensland must not enter Queensland unless they are exempt. Exemptions are specified in the Direction and include QLD residents.
  • QLD residents who have been to VIC may enter the state, provided they undertake mandatory quarantine at a quarantine hotel at their own cost
  • The new Direction appears to have removed construction from what QLD considers ‘essential activity’, meaning that QLD residents who return to QLD after performing construction-related work in VIC would also have to enter mandatory quarantine.
  • This is a significant change to all previous QLD Directions throughout the pandemic in which construction has been considered essential and exempt from mandatory quarantine. I will confirm this once the Border Pass Declaration has been updated with the new particulars as of noon tomorrow.

Just to confirm below, there is now no provision for ‘construction’ or ‘FIFO’ under the exemptions list for people travelling from VIC into QLD. The wording of ‘time critical specialist’ has also been updated which no longer broadly covers people in the construction industry.

People from other states and territories may enter QLD without needing to quarantine now, provided they have a valid border pass and have not been in VIC in the last 14 days (or any of the reasons listed below).

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6 July 2020 / Public Holiday

Monday 6 July (Townsville only)

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6 July 2020 / Meetings

Monday 6 July 2020

Please dial in using the Macquarie Teleconference details

8.00am AEST / Combined Dial-in Meeting for All Staff

Project Managers / Contract Administrators / Site Managers / Foremen / Leading Hands / Apprentices

It would be great if all could participate.

Remember to mute your line by entering *6 - to unmute, enter #6

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28 - 4 June 2020 / Observation

NAIDOC Week runs from 5 July 2020 through to 12 July 2020.

The NAIDOC 2020 theme - Always Was, Always Will Be. - recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years.

NAIDOC Week 2020 will be held from Sunday 5 July to Sunday 12 July and is an opportunity for all Australians to come together to celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.

Always Was, Always Will Be. acknowledges this nation’s story began at the dawn of time and didn’t begin with documented European contact.

NAIDOC 2020 invites all Australians to embrace and acknowledge the true history of this country – a history which dates back thousands of generations.

The very first footprints on this continent were those belonging to First Nations peoples and we have maintained ongoing spiritual and cultural connections to the land and sea.

All Australians should celebrate has that we have the world’s oldest oral stories and that our First Peoples engraved the world’s first maps, made the earliest paintings of ceremonies, invented unique technologies and built and engineered structures that predate well-known ancient sites such as the Egyptian pyramids or Stonehenge.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were Australia’s first explorers, our first navigators, first engineers, first farmers, first botanists, first scientists, first diplomats, astronomers and artists.

It’s about seeing, hearing and learning the 65,000+ year history of this country – a country that was criss-crossed by generations of brilliant Nations.

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2 July 2020 / Meetings

Hutchies' monthly budgets are held on the first Thursday of every month in Brisbane and via Skype sessions to the regions.

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26 June 2020 / COVID-19

The Prime Minister just spoke to the media following today’s National Cabinet Meeting:

  • Nat Cab met again today after a fortnight.
  • 1 million cases a week around the world.
  • Australia remains on track with flat curve despite localised outbreaks in Victoria. Nat Cab staying firm on the 3 Step Plan.
  • Outbreaks will happen, and Victoria is a reminder of that - what matters is the response. Australian public should be reassured by such a strong response which is brought to the homes of the affected areas.
  • Smaller venues which are under 100m2 are now able to have 1 person per 2m2. Previously it was 4m2.
  • A roadmap is being developed for the entertainment industry to allow for better planning – 3, 6,9 and 12 month intervals.
  • A public health workforce resource is being organised to move around the country as outbreaks occur to help with testing and tracing.
  • 14 day quarantine will stay at 14 days.
  • PM and Treasurer meeting with CEOs of all major banks to discuss broadly where everything is at, including talking about loan deferrals and approvals for HomeBuilder
  • Cybersecurity also a main agenda right now
  • Today is CMO’s last day as CMO, will move into Secretary of Department of Health role. Deputy is taking over.

CMO

  • Virus accelerating around the world, fortunate being an island but we will remain at risk from virus via people returning home from overseas
  • Hotel quarantine is not going to be perfect and can’t be absolutely sure every case is detected
  • What is happening in Victoria is exactly what was modelled and planned for and it is being handled by the public health response – go to area, test, isolate and quarantine
  • Likelihood of outbreaks remains high, and we will likely see this in other parts of the country too
  • Testing of those in hotel quarantine will take place during quarantine and before they leave quarantine. It is a burden but it is helping keep it contained / Australians from risk.
  • Collective achievement by group, great result for Australia, everyone has worked very well together with best experts and govt has taken advice which has made our response successful

Responses to questions from media

  • Panic buying is not necessary, outbreaks will happen and it does not mean there is a problem, Australians should have confidence in the public health response
  • All states to reopen in July (except WA). Possibility of states being opened fully but quarantining people from hotspots which PM is in full support of. PM said this was a much better, tailored way of handling the situation than broad state border closures.
  • Music events are being brought considered in stadiums so social distancing can be observed but music festivals are likely to remain off the cards for a little while longer.
  • Unlikely for international travel return for some time – could be late next year, but it is very uncertain as to when so no point speculating.
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19 June 2020 / Public Holiday

Friday, 19 June 2020

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9 June 2020 / Quality Alert

In advance of the complete systems review and reaccreditation process commencing mid-October 2020, the Quality Management System Manual (QMSM) has been substantially revised to better reflect current company procedures.

This revision incorporates widespread amendments to content, but generally retains the previous structure. A complete list of changes has not been produced for this reason. 

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12 June 2020 / Public Holiday

Friday, 12 June 2020

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12 June 2020 / Public Holiday

Friday, 12 June 2020

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1 June 2020 / COVID-19

QLD has updated its roadmap out of COVID with a considerable amount of changes as of 12 noon today. No news on QLD state borders opening yet though. All other states are following a similar path with many restrictions being eased as of today (if not already). More info per each state.

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8 June 2020 / Public Holiday

Monday, 8 June 2020 (NSW, NT, SA, TAS & VIC only)

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May 2020

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5 June 2020 / Observation

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) annually organises events for World Environment Day, which encourages worldwide awareness and action for the protection of the environment. It is celebrated on 5 June in over 100 countries.

The 2020 edition of World Environment Day is expected to provide an opportunity for driving the momentum and public awareness of nature as a key aspect in the lead up to the 15th meeting of the Parties (COP 15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Kunming, China, in 2020.

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4 June 2020 / Meetings

Hutchies' monthly budgets are held on the first Thursday of every month in Brisbane and via Skype sessions to the regions.

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27 May 2020 / Quality Alert

Installed sarking which is exposed for too long has the potential to succumb to damage from the elements and could void the product warranty.

Exposure to UV and/or wind / storm events can damage sarking, dependent on geographical site location and the location it is installed on the structure.

The vast majority of sarking products Hutchies use have no UV resistance. This is due to UV resistance not being a specified requirement of sarking as its intended use is to be covered in a façade / wall system.

The following points should be understood and adhered to by all project teams.

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26 May 2020 / COVID-19

Scott Morrison has just spoken at National Press Club and announced the following (in particular around skills / training and industrial relations):

  • Treasury forecasting 850,000 jobs restored once 3 step plan completed by states / territories
  • Budget later this year is part of the “reset” for the economy and it will be one of the most challenging ones seen
  • Consumer confidence climbed back to 80% in past 8 weeks since the dramatic fall
  • Introducing ‘JobMaker’ plan to restore jobs – based on liberal principles
  • Guided by principles to secure Australia’s future and put people first in our economy

Main areas of ‘JobMaker’:

  • We will remain an outward looking, open and sovereign trading economy
    • We will be part of global supply chains that deliver prosperity for jobs, income and business building
    • We will ensure out industries are highly competitive, resilient and able to succeed in a global market
    • Caring for country
  • Responsible management and stewardship to sustainably manage inheritance for future generations (not borrow from the future)
  • Governments must live within their means so debt isn’t piled on future generations
  • Must leverage and build on our skills – modern competitive advanced manufacturing / agriculture / financial / research / technology sectors
  • Opportunity in Australia for those who have a go to get a go
  • Doing “what makes the boat go faster” – skilled labour

PM’s focus today on skills and industrial relations:

  • Complexity of a vocational training system that is clunky and unresponsive to skills demand
    • Lack of clear information on what the skills needs are now and into the future
    • Funding system with inconsistencies and little accountability on results
    • 1400 qualifications / 17,000 units of competencies and wide range of student fees / subsidies across the country
    • The Gov’t has embarked on a range of skills organisation pilots designed for industry to take responsibility for (3 trials so far for human services, digital technology and mining)
    • National Skills Commission has been established – will provide real time data, trends, reporting, analysis and helping students with their career and training via National Careers Institute (based on skills gaps in industries etc)
    • Current funding from the Commonwealth flawed ($1.5 billion untied) on existing programs with no end date, no requirements etc
    • Simplifying system, achieving greater consistency, increasing funding and transparency and performance monitoring, better coordination of loans, subsidies and funding – must go where it needs to go – national pricing and activity based funding models (as used by the National Hospitals System)
  • Genuinely heartened of constructive approach from employers, employees, unions and ACTU to find practical solutions to keep Australians in jobs
    • Current system is not fit for purpose – scale of jobs challenge we face
    • IR system settled in to complacency – unions seeking …
    • System lost sight of its purpose – need to get it right so businesses can succeed
    • System retreated to tribalism, conflict and ideology posturing
    • Must change or more Australians will lose their jobs – or kept out of jobs
  • This process is expected to run through to September – make use of time we have and get through it quickly
  • Participation of the groups is being invited without prejudice for good honest cooperation
  • Explore and hopefully find a pathway to sensible reform – one goal – make jobs and maximise genuine opportunity and cooperation that is vital to create jobs and return to economic prosperity
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20 May - 4 Jun 2020 / Observation

NRW runs from 27 May 2020 through to 3 June 2020.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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26 May 2020 / Observation

On the 26th of May 1997 the landmark Bringing them Home report was tabled in federal parliament. Bringing them Home is the final report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families and was conducted by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (now called the Australian Human Rights Commission) between 1995 and 1997.

On 26 May 1998, the first National Sorry Day was held to commemorate the anniversary of the report and remember the grief, suffering and injustice experienced by the stolen generations.

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15 May 2020 / COVID-19

The PM just addressed the media following today's National Cabinet Meeting:

  • Today marks 2 months since National Cabinet first met
  • Leaders have met more often in 2 months than in the last 10 years dealing with the pandemic and a lot has been accomplished
  • 600,000 Australians have lost jobs as per results yesterday
  • Supports in place for health and economic to help Australians through this difficult time
  • Framework announced last week - 3 steps to reopen Australia, now need to get Australians back in jobs and re-build confidence and get momentum going
  • Today NC briefed by Treasury, RBA and APRA on yesterday's unemployment figures, impacts across the country and opportunity for how Feds and NC can work together to get people back into jobs
  • Stability had returned to financial markets - still fragile but very functional
  • Banking system has stood up well, but we all must be concious that there are limits
  • Its essential as we move forward that we enable that credit to flow from our banking systems to reopen to rehire and move ahead
  • Insolvencies are running below average - a direct result from temporary measures in place protecting businesses from collapse
  • Super system responding well - $11.7 billion in claims - consistent with treasurey estimates - no liquidity issues according to APRA
  • $90.1 billion Aus Gov securities raised since March 20 - markets are investing in Australia and is reliable in an uncertain time
  • This finanicial rasing is essential to provide economic support and lifelines to the Australian economy
  • Positive boost to tourism this morning with net tourism imports at $20 billion per year up for grabs by operators internally for Australians unable to travel internationally right now
  • Focus and advice from economic advisors is to opening the economy safely
  • 1 week down, States & Territories are overwemingly moving through step 1 of the roadmap
  • Welcome sign from yesterday's unemployment numbers shows Australia is back
  • Our economy will look very different on the other side
  • NC has reaffirmed its commitment to work together to make the necessary changes required to make the economy again
  • Today NC has made agreed to start reopening all elective surgery at the paces states / territories set
  • NC also adopted the National Health & Wellbeing and Pandemic Plan - $48.1 million of additional support for impelementation of the plan from feds and others from states / territories at local level
  • Telehealth now getting mental health consultations back to levels seen prior to the pandemic
  • Biosecurity Act extended for emergency response powers for regional communities in partnership with States, Territories & Indigenous Leaders to continue keeping communities safe

Update from the CMO:

  • Happy about the release of the important new Mental Health & Wellbeing Plan
  • Reinforced the requirements for new ways of life with social distancing, hygiene etc
  • Mentioned extremely rare cases of children infected with COVID-19 and X condition
  • No tests will relieve people out of quarantine
  • 50 current COVID related patients in hospitals around Australia - only 12 on ventilators
  • Hospital capacity around 50-60%
  • Room for further expansion in elective surgery back to full service depending on states and territories
  • Important that Australians don't neglect their general health and mental health requirements

Minister Hunt:

  • Stress of health, loneliness of isolation, stress of finances have all created specific mental health challenges
  • Everyone would have seen the pressures in place right across Australia
  • One of the most important things is to provide more mental health support
  • A range of financial supports already in place
  • Wanted to work with NC on a mental health and wellbeing plan to support the pandemic requirements
  • Supports whats happening with data in real time
  • [Sorry missed the end of Minister Hunt's speech with a call]

Deputy CMO for Mental Health and Wellbeing:

  • Mental health is an integral part to everyone
  • Engaged with people to respond to the needs of mental health and wellbeing which resulted in some key things:
    • Diversity of mental illness, health and wellbeing
    • Particular vulnerable groups and need to meet the needs
    • We need to look at things we engage in that are risky (substance abuse, gambling, violence)
  • Committed to being there for anyone that needs help - call it out, reach out
  • Always on the look out for those at risk to suicide
  • Stay connected - gives people hope - which everyone needs
  • 957,000 mental health services delivered over the last 4 weeks (up on next week)
  • Need more engagement from people on mental health
  • This plan is to address gaps in the existing support - data will drive this and collection is so important to better understand what to expect and moving to services where they are needed
  • The plan must reach into community to allow people to access these services - where they live, learn, work and the jurisdictions have all signed up to this
  • The plan also ensures that if you come into a service you can access exactly what you need
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8 May 2020 / COVID-19

The Prime Minister just spoke to the media following today’s National Cabinet Meeting:

  • Every job matters no matter what you do – every job is essential
  • We’ve been fighting the virus and we’re winning
  • The Gov’t has put place and delivering the economic lifeline to get us through this and buy time
  • Thirdly, particularly today, moving ahead with reopening our economy with a clear plan, a clear framework
  • The next step beyond this is the plan to grow momentum to get the economy back up and running with confidence and plan for growth in the years ahead
  • Today National Cabinet agreed to a 3 step plan to be adopted as part of a national framework to achieve a COVID safe economy and society
  • Plan to move through all of these steps in July
  • We must walk before we run
  • We need be careful to preserve our gains
  • There will be risks, more cases and setbacks – not everything will go to plan
  • There will be inconsistencies – states / territories must move at their own pace and will cut and paste out of this plan to suit their circumstances
  • No one is perfect – everyone is doing their best and we cannot expect otherwise
  • We cannot allow our fear of going backwards stop us going forward
  • plan will get us back where we need to be as quickly as we can
  • Treasury is forecasting 850,000 jobs will be restored in months ahead
  • The Roadmap to a COVIDSafe Australia:
  1. Step 1
    1. greater connections with friends and family
    2. gatherings of 10 people in businesses and public places
    3. 5 people at home
    4. working from home if it works for you and your employer
    5. kids back at schools
    6. local playgrounds and outdoor boot camps (with social distancing and in max group of 10)
    7. retail and small cafes / restaurants reopening (with social distancing)
    8. interstate recreational travel
    9. 30 people allowed at outdoor funerals
    10. 10 people at weddings
  2. Step 2
    1. Gatherings of up to 20 people
    2. Reopening of cinemas, galleries, more retail, organised community support, beauty parlours
    3. Subject to change as things evolve from Step 1 / expert medical advice
  3. Step 3
    1. gatherings of up to 100 people
    2. clearer after first 2 steps
    3. more work to do on this step after 1 and 2 better known
    4. hoping most workers will be back in the workplace
    5. interstate travel likely to resume
    6. pubs clubs and possible gaming venues will reopen
  • National Cabinet has agreed that in July we would have moved through these 3 steps across the country
  • Reinforced that this plan is completely up to states / territories to implement on their own timetable and they are responsible for communicating it to their local people
  • The other 3 criteria to enable the early announcement of easing of restrictions remain the same:
  1. Further medical evidence that the plan would not produce undue risk
  2. Tracing capability
  3. Ability to control any outbreaks
  • Downloading CODVIDSafe app is the most important tool moving forward for people as they start coming into more contact with others from the easing of restrictions (total downloads now at 5.3 million users)
  • For industry and businesses – its all about getting COVIDSafe plans in place for your workplaces and your premises, Safe Work Australia doing excellent work in this area
  • National Cabinet will be reviewing progress of the 3 Step Plan every 3 weeks and implement changes as needed

The CMO’s comments:

  • Updated slideshow shown demonstrating Australia’s flattening of the curve – a small increase in last few days, related to clusters at Meat Works in VIC and Newmarch House aged care in NSW
  • Very low case numbers despite these two clusters
  • Still need to be cautious and wary on our next steps
  • Good news on testing – 730,000 tests to far, just shy of 6900 cumulative cases at the moment, 6 of our 8 states have had several days of no new cases
  • Slide shown with a chart of various measures introduced vs the case numbers to show the impact
  • Roadmap to COVIDSafe Australia Step 1 – Cautious, gentle, not doing too much at once – we are in unchartered territories – not many countries like Australia in the position to start relaxing measures with such low case numbers – we don’t want to lose control – need to make sure cases are managed – everyone must keep practicing social distancing, hygiene, staying home when unwell no matter how mild your cough or sore throat is and every single person with potential symptoms is to have a COVID test
  • Roadmap to COVIDSafe Australia Step 2 – looking at larger gatherings, may be bigger in some states with good COVIDSafe plans, gyms, indoor fitness, cinemas, beauty therapy etc – still a bit of work to be done
  • Roadmap to COVIDSafe Australia Step 3 – much more relaxed, still lots of work to be done – we have more certainty on step 1, but each state / territory will define and how they implement that – hoping for more travel around the country
  • The Gov’t asking the community to keep those personal responsibilities up – distancing and good health – every Australian must do these things
  • If we do the right thing, we can get through the next few months to gradually get us into a COVIDSafe Australia

Answers to media questions:

  • There will be outbreaks moving forward – but we must keep going ahead – that’s why we need to have the plans in place (testing, tracing and controlling) and to ensure Australian’s are doing the right thing (COVIDSafe app, social distancing, hygiene, workplaces with plans)
  • Border restrictions – interstate travel – they are not part of the national baseline – decisions of States / Territories – each will decide when it is prudent to
  • International travel – intl students – there is a possibility in step 3 to look at how students can come back into Australia under strict conditions (still to be worked through, but open to anything to help the economy back and firing again)
  • The Gov’t is acting on bringing projects plans forward to help the economy – they wanted to get through the issues around reopening the economy and now there is a clear plan in place for businesses to prepare – it is now important for states / territories to communicate and implement local plans build confidence
  • Moving forward there is likely going to be a permanent change in the cavalier attitude going of work with a cold or flu – probably two permanent changes – 1) regular good quality hand hygiene and 2) staying at home if you’re unwell mentality – it will help keep others protected
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6 May 2020 / COVID-19

The PM just addressed the media:

  • Joined by IR Minister, Christian Porter & Chair of the COVID19 Commission, Nev Power
  • No matters to report from a health point of view today. That will come on Friday at next Nat Cab meeting. CMO will hold normal press briefing though (not sure if this meant today)
  • Today’s focus if briefing – getting Australia back to work.
  • Hundreds of thousands of Australians have been protected in terms of health and lives have been saved.
  • Decisions made that have managed to curb the health and economic impacts – costs would be greater if they weren’t made, but still these decisions have come at a cost
  • To get Australians back to work, their workplaces have to be COVID safe, National Cab is working on what a COVID safe economy will look like.
  • More than 1 million JobSeeker applications processed, 5 million on JobKeeper, 1 million accessing super, 384,000 businesses receiving $1B cash flow assistance
  • [ScoMo then showed slides regarding impacts on economy (jobs/activity) – will circulate when available online]
  • Economic activity and job availability falls in all states (particularly VIC/NSW/QLD)
  • Not seeking to delay getting economy back on track but must be taken carefully, with COVID safe workplaces.
  • Numbers/outbreaks will occur when restrictions are eased.
  • Businesses, employers and employees need the tools to operate a COVID safe workplace.
  • Downloads of COVID app – 5 million today, 16 million targeted, Govt is about 1/3 of the way there.
  • App’s job is to keep people safe. If you come into contact with someone, you will be able to be contacted and you can make decisions around this. First job of the app is to keep ‘YOU’ safe – best reason to download. Reiterated people needing to keep downloading.
  • Restrictions costing $4B a week.

Christian Porter

  • Health and safety strict legal requirements, all employers have to comply to manage risks, and will need to do so with COVID
  • Monitoring and enforcement occurs in each state/territory
  • Nat Cab has adopted safe workplace principles – consistency in approach across Australia
  • COVID Safe App – very important to get back to normal
  • COVID19 Planning Toolkit – being worked on
  • SafeWork Australia COVID19 website - 1 million visits, a lot higher than normal hits to SafeWork website
  • SafeWork website will provide consistent detailed granular level information as a head start to every business in Australia, so as to the best way to cope with the new COVID safe environment
  • It will describe what measures will mean for a particular jurisdiction, type of business – how you will engage social distancing/hygiene/cleaning/PPE – how this will apply to different types of business
  • It will help to safely reanimate businesses

Nev Power

  • Working with everyone across industries, working with businesses to help with issues, on how to operate and how to get businesses ready
  • 4 key issues
    • Reconfiguring and restructuring work sites, business by business
    • How to respond if there is an incident
    • How do we return that workplace to a safe place to work
    • Communication process, ensuring everyone knows what to do
  • With SafeWork, we will have a complete COVID19 toolkit available.
  • Some businesses already operating in reconfigured workplace, some not yet there, some need help.
  • Want to get people back at work, but while keeping work safe.
  • Configure workplace to introduce social distancing / hygiene measures as a higher level of activity is introduced and as the economy gets back on track again.
  • We don’t want to introduce restrictions again, we want to be able to deal with outbreaks as they occur instead.
  • Looking forward to a more relaxed restriction world but we still need to do the right thing.

Q&A

  • ScoMo wants students back to school and is based on health advice as it consistently has been.
  • Friday will be a roadmap session which shows Australia the path back to normality.
  • PM Ardern joined today, first time NZ PM has joined for a very long time. PM invited her. They discussed a safe travel zone but still some time away – but wanted to flag so it can be done in future.
  • ScoMo doesn’t want open/shut, open/shut of businesses.
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1 May 2020 / COVID-19

The PM just addressed the media:

  • There is more than one curve Australia needs to flatten – they don’t want Australia kept “under the doona” in economic terms
  • Australia has 1,000 active cases around the country today
  • Treasury is estimating unemployment rate to rise to 10% - its important that Australians can take confidence that there has been a clear plan to get those supports in place early to ensure that Australia can be cushioned from an even more significant blow that has occurred in many other parts of the world, not just on the health front, but on the economic front as well
  • 1.5 million people have applied for JobSeeker payments with Centrelink
  • 650,000 businesses have applied for JobKeeper with ATO
  • 150,000 applications for early access to super totalling $7.9 billion
  • Net overseas migration expected to fall by a third this year
  • National Cabinet today considered from the expert medical panel advice to bring forward the decision making around easing restrictions to next Friday’s National Cabinet Meeting (with 2 extra meetings between now and then to work through requirements) – there are 15 conditions of precedent required to be satisfied to start easing them, 11 items have already been met, 1 remaining condition in particular that needs to be satisfied – Australians need to download the COVIDSafe app to help (currently 3.5 million downloaded, but need millions more – its like not putting on sunscreen to not go out into the blazing sun – coronavirus is still out there, numbers might be low, if Australians are allowed back out to a more open economy / environment without the COVIDSafe app, we need that tool to open up the economy)
  • If you know someone who hasn’t downloaded the app, encourage them to do so, it will help National Cabinet make decisions around easing restrictions
  • When the move is made to start reducing restrictions, National Cabinet is adamant to keep moving forward – they don’t want start / stop / reverse to happen (because the virus potentially gets another run – it is important that all required protections are in place to prevent this from happening)
  • Other National Cabinet decisions and issues discussed today:
    • The new National Mental Health Plan coming together and hopefully reviewed next Friday
    • National Principles for sport and recreation agreed, it will be released today
    • Also adopted the Aged Care Code – strongly welcomed by the National Cabinet – the Commonwealth will also provide a one off $205M payment to facilities over the country to support them and costs they are incurring as a result of COVID (now totalling $850M put into aged care during COVID)

The Chief Medical Officer’s comments:

  • Total of 6,675 cumulative cases so far in Australia
  • Less than 20 new cases on average per day in Australia
  • 93 deaths so far
  • Extensive testing – 570,000 so far
  • The medical panel has presented the Pandemic Health Intelligence Plan to National Cabinet (which contains a table of conditions precedent) – some areas of criteria that has / still needs to be satisfied is:
    • Surveillance – have a plan, sufficient mechanisms (tracking and identification of outbreaks)
    • Community adherence to public health measures (people are doing what they have said, reducing their mobility and interactions as required)
    • Modelling – prerequisite and important – regularly changing
    • Testing capacity – expansion of testing is important and we have a framework for testing
    • Public health workforce has to be mature and large enough to meet any response (all States / Territories have done well to respond to the situation so much so that they’ve now been able to stand down some expanded workforce for if / when they are needed)
    • Contact tracing capacity had to be really good and is proving to be working with the new methodology – but the COVIDSafe app uptake must continue (it needs to be higher to satisfy the final piece in the jigsaw puzzle)
    • Good health workforce training to prepare the health system and they’re confident this has been done
  • New presentation of data and plans shown (will circulate when released)
  • Pretty convincedly the curve has been flattened
  • Australia is doing better with new case numbers than predicted by the forecast model
  • Effective reproduction rate number is now only really visible in NSW and TAS – falling just below 1 (all other states and territories are so small, the modellers cannot use the data realistically to produce a forecast)
  • New measure for adherence to social distancing measures based on data from Apple and Google using maps / transit info (dramatically dropped – showing good compliance of people following rules)
  • The panel has now introduced the ‘Pandemic Health Intelligence Plan’ to analyse each case (instead of trying to work with the effective reproduction rate which is now too small to use) – thanks to the significant reduction in cases – this new plan now enables each cluster to get a detailed epidemiology assessment on what is happening more closely to see what we need to do control
  • Done a lot of work on the testing strategy – they need to test more people to stay on top of the small outbreaks – cannot afford to have an outbreak that takes off and creates a second wave after restrictions potentially eased
  • Most important thing in testing is anyone who has any respiratory symptoms, runny nose, sore throat, cough cold etc – get tested – it’s easy – can be done by GP etc – don’t go to work and don’t go near vulnerable people
  • Any contact with someone with COVID is now going to be tested and chased down to ensure no potential community transmission
  • Active surveillance – which was the testing of asymptomatic people in the community – given the current, very low positivity in testing, AHPPC doesn’t this this is effective
  • Instead, they are going to introduce “cohort tests” to sample smaller areas of the community to ensure there isn’t asymptomatic transmission (ie testing elective surgery patients etc to ensure no people going into hospitals etc spread it, aged care workers to reassure everyone they aren’t carrying the virus, healthcare workers, teachers if it gives them reassurance etc)
  • Still confident most transmission of the virus is from people with symptoms, so it is imperative anyone with symptoms gets tested
  • Download the app and stick to what the health authorities and government are asking everyone to do

Further PM comments during questions:

  • The Gov’t is not canvassing any particular easing of areas yet – National Cabinet will review all restrictions to ensure health mitigations are in place if reopened and economic opportunities that extent to particular activities – that’s the basis on which the assessment will be made
  • Regardless of the potential easing of restrictions, several other measures will remain for longer – there will continue to be limits on gatherings, social distancing must still be practiced (this is a long-term adjustment everyone has to make) and good hand hygiene will remain something everyone will do for the rest of their lives after this crisis
  • The government knows we need growth related policies to stimulate the economy and boost confidence for businesses and individuals
  • The Gov’t isn’t considering new restrictions – its about getting more people using the COVIDSafe app so there is confidence to relieve existing restrictions
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18 May 2020 / Meetings

Monday 18 May 2020

Please dial in using the Macquarie Teleconference details

8.00am AEST / Combined Dial-in Meeting for All Staff

Project Managers / Contract Administrators / Site Managers / Foremen / Leading Hands / Apprentices

It would be great if all could participate.

Remember to mute your line by entering *6 - to unmute, enter #6

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April 2020