Category: Uncategorized

In recognition of NAIDOC Week 2024, we would like to thank Total Surveying Solutions (TSS), a proud First Nations Business, for their continued collaboration and support. We are grateful to Michael Hatton, TSS Founder/Director, and David Hines, TSS Indigenous Advisor, who kindly presented our CEO, George Bardas, with a beautifully painted Hard Hat inspired by our RAP Artwork designed by Jasmin Sarin.

Total Surveying Solutions (TSS) has been a valued partner, working across many Taylor projects, and we look forward to continuing our relationship. David Hines created the painted Hard Hat, a true work of art, using inspiration from our RAP Artwork. It also acts as a symbol for our commitment to reconciliation and cultural appreciation and serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in our daily work.

Taylor is proud to announce that all three of our outstanding applicants have been accepted into the PCA 500 Women in Property program for the 2024/25 cycle. This initiative, hosted by the Property Council of Australia, is designed to champion diversity and foster the growth of talented women within the property industry. 

The program offers participants a platform for professional development, networking, and mentorship, aligning with Taylor’s commitment to empowering our team members and promoting inclusivity in all sectors. 

We would like to congratulate Contract Administrators, Dorsa Faghireh and Kathy Chen, as well as Sylvia Lee, ESD Engineer, on this great achievement. Adam Towner, Head of New Business and Strategy and Member of the PCA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, is sponsoring Dorsa. This will be Adam’s third year as a sponsor for the program, after sponsoring Emily Carlton and Mary Haddad, in 2022 and 2023 respectively. Kathy is sponsored by Angelia Liew, Senior Estimator – Major Projects, a role model for women in the industry and a successful participant of the 2023 Program. Sylvia’s sponsor is Adam Wheat, General Manager – Property, who is an advocate for women in the industry and an active committee lead in our internal Women’s Engagement Program, TWIC.  

Our participants and their sponsors acceptance into the PCA 500 Women in Property program not only highlights their individual capabilities, but also represents Taylor’s ongoing investment in nurturing talent and building a more diverse and dynamic industry. 

We look forward to supporting Dorsa, Kathy and Sylvia throughout their journey in the program and are excited to see the contributions they will make to the property sector. Their success is an example of inspiration for all aspiring women within Taylor and beyond. Congratulations once again to our participants and their sponsors for this well-deserved recognition and opportunity.

As we mark Daniel Bacic’s 10-year milestone with Taylor, we take a moment to appreciate his journey and the invaluable contributions to the success of countless Taylor projects over the years.

Daniel’s tenure at Taylor has been marked by his extensive experience and ability to navigate the multifaceted roles of both a Project and Design Manager. His profound knowledge of intricate construction processes and stakeholder management has been pivotal within our pre-construction and Industrial division. Daniel’s patience, detail-oriented approach, and extensive knowledge of the industry have led him to become a well-respected member amongst the team.

As we celebrate this significant milestone, we thank Daniel for his continued dedication and invaluable contributions to Taylor over the last decade and look forward to his future years of continued excellence and achievements.

In the spirit of fostering educational opportunities and cultural connection, Taylor, in collaboration with the KARI Foundation and Bernadette Hardy, hosted an inspiring site tour for Indigenous students at the First Building, located on the ancestral lands of the Dharug people, and future home to the Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility.

The tour was a unique blend of education, culture, and construction, tailored for female Indigenous students from Cambridge Park High School who have shown a keen interest in the construction industry. The First Building, a project that embodies a connection to Country with its design inspired by the natural waterways and the Cumberland Plains, is an open and welcoming architectural expression that reflects the fluidity of the landscape and connects the building to the deep history of Country. The KARI Foundation’s role in supporting these students is pivotal, offering them educational experiences and pathways to employment opportunities.

The event began with a heartfelt welcome by Bernadette Hardy, a proud Gamilaraay and Dharug spatial designer and cultural researcher who was engaged as a sub-consultant in the design process of the First Building. Bernadette shared her personal journey and the opportunities available in design and construction. Taylor’s Senior Contract Administrator, Azin Danesh, and Cadet, Amanda Bruhn, followed by sharing fun facts about the project and their career stories, illustrating the diverse pathways into the construction sector. Amanda’s journey from high school to a cadetship, leading to her current studies in Construction Management, highlighted the transformative power of education and mentorship.

As part of our Learning Partnership Program with Roseville College, Taylor hosted a Women in Construction breakfast for students in Years 10-12, exploring various careers available in the construction industry.

Four Taylor representatives, Floriane Trazic, Project Manager, Sylvia Lee, ESD Engineer, Jade Biazzo, Cadet, and Olivia Losurdo, Marketing Coordinator, shared their career stories in an engaging panel discussion. Offering valuable insights into their respective roles, the Taylor women discussed how they began in the industry, their daily tasks and responsibilities, and what it is like to balance work and study.

The panellists also provided guidance and advice to students who may be uncertain about their career choices, emphasising the importance of continuous learning. Olivia highlighted her non-traditional entry into the industry, conveying the multitude of pathways students can explore to enter this field.

The Taylor team talked about the important contributions of women in the construction industry and discussed the supportive and encouraging environment that exists for women in a traditionally male-dominated field. They also outlined Taylor’s initiatives, including the Taylor Women in Construction program, aimed at enhancing female representation and engagement in the industry.

Following the panel discussion, students were able to engage directly with the Taylor women and ask questions while sharing in breakfast.

It is initiatives like this that highlight Taylor’s commitment to inspiring future generations. By encouraging the exploration of construction as a rewarding career path and advocating for increased female participation in our industry, we are laying the groundwork for a diverse and inclusive future.

This primary school, which plays a pivotal role in re-engaging disadvantaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with education, has received a much-needed facelift. The renovation of essential spaces such as the kitchen, art room, and school entrance will significantly enhance the teachers’ ability to provide hands-on educational support and prevent First Nations children from falling behind in basic literacy, numeracy, and general academics.

In collaboration with Architectus, Interspace, The Property Industry Foundation, and its partners, Team Taylor has worked diligently to revitalise the school. The new, safe, and naturally lit layout is designed to foster knowledge and self-confidence among the students. A special mention to Tim Christie, General Manager – New Build, and his involvement in this project.

The refurbishment included:

• Installation of safety mesh along the stairwell and balconies
• Renovation of the art room and supplies
• Security enhancements with a new double front door
• A new kitchen and dining room
• Sinks for children to wash and brush their teeth
• A renovated calm room
• Safe air conditioning

The completion of this project was recently celebrated with the incredible partners and subcontractors who made this transformation possible. The collective effort has improved the school’s infrastructure and strengthened the community’s spirit, ensuring that Jarjum College remains a beacon of hope and progress for its students.

Rammed earth walls are an integral part of First Building’s design to allow visitors to feel connected to the warmth, depth, and texture of the environment.

Using natural materials with strong sustainability credentials and low embodied carbon, First Building’s twenty-four rammed earth wall panels were constructed on site from raw materials.

Supported in a steel framework, the walls encase the office workspace core and provide an impressive entrance with four large wall panels in the central spine spanning almost the entire height of the building.

The walls are non-toxic, non-polluting, never needing to be painted or plastered.

With impressive insulation benefits, the walls help maintain a constant internal temperature, and at end of life, they can be broken back down and returned to the ground from which they came.

Source: Western Parkland City Authority

Mental health is a significant concern in the construction industry, often overshadowed by the physical demands of our work. This year, we want to highlight the ‘Good Health Heroes’ campaign, an excellent initiative by Healthy Male and the University of Western Sydney. This campaign encourages men to be proactive about their health, advocating for regular check-ups and open discussions about mental well-being.

The ‘Good Health Heroes’ campaign exemplifies the 6 key foundations of good health:

• Nutrition: Fueling our bodies with a balanced diet to support both physical and mental performance.
• Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity to strengthen our bodies and minds.
• Connection: Cultivating meaningful relationships and social support networks.
• Reducing Risk-Taking: Making informed decisions to minimise unnecessary risks to our health.
• Health Literacy: Understanding health information and services to make knowledgeable health decisions.
• Sleep: Ensuring adequate and quality rest to rejuvenate and maintain focus.

These six foundations are not just principles; they are actionable steps that each of us can take to improve our health outcomes in a self-manageable, achievable, and sustainable way. Our industry’s statistics on mental health are alarming, and we are dedicated to changing this narrative. By embracing the principles of the ‘Good Health Heroes’ campaign, we can start to make a difference, encouraging each other to prioritise health checks and mental well-being.

This MHW, let’s take inspiration from the ‘Good Health Heroes’ and become champions of our own health. We encourage you to ‘Take the Hero Test,’ a simple yet impactful way to assess your health and take the first step towards a healthier future.

Source: goodhealthheroes.org.au

Taylor is following the journey of our Chief Financial Officer, Clive Wickham, who has once again set off on the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Outback Car Trek. Alongside his brother Phil, Clive has been continuing a tradition that spans over 15 years. Clive will travel from Bendigo to the Gold Coast in a custom-built 1970 Ford Mustang, totalling 3,898.1 km.

The Outback Car Trek is an annual charity rally that traverses the rugged Australian outback. It raises funds for the RFDS, which provides essential medical services to rural and remote communities. Over the years, the event has raised over $30 million, with participants like Clive contributing significantly to this cause.

Clive’s involvement goes beyond participation. His fundraising efforts and rallying support have been instrumental in the trek’s success. This year, as he navigates the challenging outback terrain, he carries with him the spirit of community and the shared goal of making a difference. A special thank you to our long-time supporters, CBA and Coverforce, whose long-standing support has made this trek possible year after year.

Stay tuned for updates on Clive’s journey and the collective impact of the Outback Car Trek on the communities it supports.