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Works are progressing well at the heritage rich industrial icon, Rosebery Engine Yards. Numerous milestones have recently been achieved, including the commencement of internal linings and shopfront glazing finishes. This marks a significant milestone because the project team has invested several months in upgrading the old timber building to meet current standards. Due to the heritage nature of the site, all elements of the existing building have been assessed for strength, density, and compliance to ensure alignment with the new design. While this process has required patience, it has been extremely rewarding with new learnings and discoveries every day. 

Additional milestones include installation of the main roof, which is nearing completion, removal of paint on external brickwork, and glass installation that meets stringent Section J requirements. Cladding, windows, and masonry works to the façade are gaining momentum, revealing Goodman’s vision of blending old and new.  

Significant progress has been made over the past month at The First Building of Bradfield City Centre, home to the Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility. September saw multiple milestones as we successfully poured the office slab, the manufacturing halls’ columns, and the south wall, further reinforcing the project’s structural integrity. The team is currently preparing the plinths for the structural steel column pour. Concurrently, the excavation of the site’s entrance roads is underway, with ongoing compaction of the fill material. 

The arrival of structural steel on-site this week is a pivotal moment on our project timeline, which will be closely followed by the pouring of the manufacturing hall ground floor slab, leaving only the central spine slab on the horizon.

In a powerful show of support for mental health awareness, Taylor’s Eastern Creek Site participated in MATES in Construction Fly the Flag Day, raising an impressive $1,355. This day held special significance as it coincided with R U OK? Day, emphasising the importance of conversations with friends and colleagues. R U OK? and MIC advocate for the power of simple conversations, highlighting that checking in and having a chat can make a significant difference, even saving lives.  

Taylor’s Eastern Creek Site embraced this message by actively participating in Fly the Flag Day, which aims to raise awareness and funds for mental health initiatives. While the site couldn’t physically “fly” the flag, the team came together to showcase their support creatively. The enthusiasm of the Taylor team was evident as they engaged in fundraising activities throughout the day.

By participating in events like MATES in Construction Fly the Flag Day, Taylor prioritises the mental well-being of its team members, reinforcing the idea that meaningful conversations can make a difference in supporting mental health. 

Over the past seven years, the Taylor Awards program has evolved into a prestigious occasion that recognises excellence within the company and provides the team an opportunity to get together. 

This year’s awards program featured four Major Awards, aligning with the company’s core principles: Listen, Include, Create, and Excel. This strategic shift allowed for a more focused and meaningful recognition of outstanding contributions. 

The judging process saw the introduction of a newly appointed annual Awards Committee. This committee was formed to ensure objectivity, diversity, and inclusivity. It comprised representatives from diverse roles across the business to provide a well-rounded perspective when evaluating nominations. 

In a testament to the company’s team culture, Taylor received an impressive 208 nominations across the four categories, highlighting the talent and dedication within our people. These nominations led to the choice of 16 finalists, who were all acknowledged in the lead up to the event. With an engagement rate exceeding 80%, the active participation of employees was highly successful. 

Congratulations to all our finalists and award winners. This event celebrated Taylor’s evolution, commitment to excellence, and the remarkable individuals who continue to drive the company’s success.

In recognition of R U OK? Day on 14 September 2023, the Taylor team came together for a reminiscent morning tea. R U OK? Day is an opportunity to come together and raise awareness of the importance of mental health.

Connecting over our favourite childhood snacks, we checked-in with each other and reminded ourselves to look out for our colleagues. Staff at Head Office and project sites shared food and memories while asking R U OK?, with an aim to foster a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable to ask for help. By starting a dialogue about mental health, we can reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.

R U OK? Day is reminder that any day is the day to ask “are you okay?”. At Taylor, we believe mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health and safety. Everyday, our team is encouraged to reach out and offer a helping hand to others. This can be done by following the simple actions below.

 

– Say hello. Check in: ask “how is your day going?”

– Listen: Pay attention to what they say. Eye contact is important for respectful communication.

– If they are dealing with a challenge or going through a difficult time, ask how you can support them.

– If you can, offer your time to help. If not, offering moral support is sometimes enough. Otherwise, encourage them to see a professional.

– Be honest and kind. Honesty helps ensure that the advice you give is helpful.

– Collaborate. Try to find a solution together.

– Stay in touch and check-in regularly with the person.

In honour of Colour Blind Awareness Day on 6 September 2023, the team came together to support those in the business living with colour blindness to understand and recognise their unique experiences. 

 As a kind gesture, team members baked treats, including a cake and brownies with black icing, to share amongst the team. Beyond the goodies, we embarked on a journey to explore the world of colour blindness. 

 Colour blindness affects over 350 million people globally, roughly 4.5% of the population, with men being significantly more impacted than women. Notably, 1 in 12 men carry the gene, compared to just 1 in 200 women.

While colour blindness presents challenges, it also offers distinctive advantages that set individuals apart: 

• Sharper with Shades of Khaki: Colour blind individuals often excel at discerning various shades of khaki, showcasing their heightened ability to perceive subtle colour variations. 
• Camouflage Detection: In contexts like nature observation and military operations, colour blindness can be advantageous, enabling the effortless identification of camouflage patterns often overlooked by others. 
• Military Eligibility: Specific military roles require colour blind individuals due to their unique capacity to spot camouflage and make crucial decisions based on this skill. 

 It was a great opportunity to celebrate the diversity that enhances our world.

On Wednesday, 6 September, 2023, the Taylor team at Roseville College hosted an exclusive site tour for eight students from the UTS Built Environment Association (BEA). Dean Fondas (Project Director) led the students through a brief project overview before taking them on an immersive tour of the site.

For many students, it was their first time on a live construction site. Students were provided valuable insights into the construction methodology of the project, learning about different challenges such as logistics and crane operations, and also got a detailed explanation of processes like post-tensioning. During the visit, they saw the piling work around the project, observed the Level 1 concrete slab being formed, and witnessed the construction of the working deck for the 30-meter horizontal beams. Dean also talked to them about the practical aspects of daily operations and emphasised the importance of safety and sustainability in construction practices.

On Friday 25 August, Taylor sites fired up the BBQ for Hard Hat Day – collectively raising $20,000 for the Property Industry Foundation. A key event on our annual events calendar, Hard Hat Day raises funds to support the building of safe, secure, and welcoming homes for marginalised and at-risk young people.

Five of our sites hosted BBQ lunches generously sponsored by our subcontractors. In addition to fundraising for this important cause, each event served as a special opportunity to connect and enjoy a hearty lunch with our clients, partners, and valued subcontractors.

At Taylor, safety has and always will be the highest priority. A safe work environment not only protects the well-being of employees and contractors but also enhances overall project efficiency and success. Recognising the need for a more engaging and rewarding approach to safety, Taylor has introduced ‘Scratchie’ – an innovative app designed to incentivise and celebrate safe behaviour on construction sites.

Co-founded by industry veterans James Kell and Garry Mansfield, Scratchie emerged as a result of their commitment to improving safety standards in construction. A decade ago, Kell and Mansfield embarked on a pioneering journey, piloting ‘Scratchie’ a printed scratch-cards solution that rewarded safe practices and behaviours. This concept has now evolved into a digital solution set to change safety practices on construction sites.

Scratchie’s contribution extends beyond safety compliance, transcending into areas of enhanced productivity and site cleanliness. The app’s ability to engage workers in the safety process not only reduces accidents but also fosters a culture of responsibility and accountability. The result is a workplace that thrives on collaboration, communication, and collective well-being.

96% of workers have shown a preference for working on Scratchie-enabled sites. This response to the app showcases a positive influence on the overall work environment and as the industry continues to evolve, Scratchie stands as a positive example of how technology and innovation can unite to make safety not only a priority but a rewarding experience for all involved.