An industry luncheon hosted by the recently re-constituted Building Service Contractors Association of Australia ACT branch proved to be a true contractor forum with valuable discussion pertaining to both local and national matters. It was obvious that the largely Canberra-based BSCs are seeking a strong and vigorous voice.
MC’d by ACT branch president Mark Rolfe and attended by some 30 executives; the 5 July meeting was joined by BSCAA national president Terry Corby and executive director Barbara Connolly.
The ACT committee comprises president Mark Rolfe (Rolfe Property Services), vice president Luke Aleksoski (Ultra Care Cleaning Services), Mike Todoroski (Broadlex Services), Mick Vidinovski (City Reflections Property Management), Rui Macarico (Glad Group), Simon Farrell (Rolfe Property Services), Grant Bracken (Spotless) and Christine Johnston (Ultra Care Cleaning Services).
“The new committee has set itself a number of immediate goals,” stated Rolfe. “We are determined to drive membership and that growing financial strength will in turn drive the Association.”
Membership is most cost-affordable and those present at the meeting were asked to ‘spread the word’ and play their part in building the ACT branch’s critical mass.
Rolfe pointed to the need for ACT contractors to have their own high profile identity in order to better lobby cleaning industry stakeholders including property owner/managers, government and the Union.
BSCAA ACT already has a number of initiatives in train including a website link to the BSCAA NSW’s site; consideration of BSCAA ACT excellence awards; and tapping established educational opportunities such as sustainability and diploma courses offered by the Lennox Institute.
“Dialogue with United Voice needs to be opened up and more communication implemented,” emphasised Rolfe.
National president Terry Corby addressed the forum, noting that, “in Mark Rolfe, the ACT division has a great advocate for Canberra contractors and the local industry.”
Corby brought executives up-to-date with BSCAA national developments and issues including the Association’s more robust financial state; the CleanStart agreement; and excellence awards. In general he outlined the various ways in which the national body can assist the ACT branch and its ambitions.
The open forum discussion that followed the formal presentations laid bare the concerns many ACT contractors have with illegal sub-contracting; the CleanStart agreement; and a lack of reporting information from various government bodies.
For the new ACT committee and the national executives it was an ideal opportunity to hear firsthand the immediate issues requiring attention and, looking ahead, the opportunities the Association has in delivering much-needed services to its ACT fraternity.
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