The NSW Building Services Contractors Association of Australia’s (BSCAA) Excellence Awards had a different feel this year as the tables were filled with the humble, smiling faces of the cleaners who were nominated to receive an award. Ultimately this event is held in their honour so it was wonderful to see the frontline workers have a rare afternoon out of uniform to enjoy a two-course lunch and drinks at Dolton House, South Pier, Jones Bay Wharf overlooking the water. INCLEAN’s editor Kim Taranto reports.
The AustralianSuper Excellence Awards were held on 22 October with 200 cleaners, managers and BSCs in attendance. In his opening welcome, BSCAA NSW committee member Ravindra Naidoo of Quad Services, thanked AustralianSuper as the major sponsor for its continued support and acknowledged attending guests’ stakeholder relations consultant Amy Dry and NSW stakeholder relations manager Martin Schultz.
BSCAA NSW president Terry Corby reinforced the improved attendance of cleaners in his address, stating quite bluntly that, “today is all about the cleaners, not the ‘suits’ and if they’re good enough to be nominated then they are good enough to enjoy this day.” Terry stepped off the stage and wandered through the sea of tables to speak with a shy gentleman from Eternal Cleaning in Yagoona who has worked for the company for 17 years doing 60 to 70 hours a week.
“We appreciate what you do, every single day, and we love you for it,” Terry stated. “And that’s because we love this industry. There’s not a single person in the room who doesn’t otherwise they wouldn’t be in – it’s too much hard work!”
BSCAA national president George Stamas also shared a few words thanking the girls in the BSCAA office for all their hard work behind the scenes. “Barbara [Connolly] is the BSCAA national executive director and a lot of what we do as an Association would not happen without her continuous dedicated and commitment,” he shared. “And with the help of executive assistant Helen [Thurtell] we are lucky enough to celebrate events like today.”
The NSW BSCAA latest venture is to create interview videos with head cleaners (C1s) talking about their career in the cleaning industry. The first videos showcase the careers of Jube Lang from Assetlink and David Cimesa from Ezko Property Services in an exercise to encourage young, diligent workers to join the workforce. “Everybody needs cleaners,” remarked Jube. “We understand our clients’ business as well as they do, and we use our resources, our expertise and our people to enhance their business with and potentially beyond cleaning.”
The entertainment this year was comedian, director and theatre producer Glynn Nicholas, who selected three audience volunteers and had the room laughing at his flea comedy routine. On a more serious note, he reflected on his view of the industry having first-hand experience with his mother working as a cleaner for many years. Imparting some valuable advice, Glynn told the cleaners in the room to retain two things in life – a sense of inquisitiveness and a sense of humour. “These two things will get you through anything in life,” he promised.
An independent panel of judges was responsible for assessing nominations and determining the winners of the BSCAA NSW Excellence Awards:
Hako Young Manager of the Year award: Daniel Graoroski (VDG Services)
Agar Cleaning Systems Company of the Year award: SKG Cleaning Services
CRM Brokers Client Services Manager of the Year award: Steve Gorgievski (Ezko Property Services)
Highly commended: Heather Campbell (Supercare Property Services) and Ian Mutton (Guardian Property Services)
For the full list of winners see the November/December issue of INCLEAN
For all event photos visit INCLEAN photo albums