Pickwick had a very successful night at the annual Building Service Contractors Association of Australia (BSCAA) – Queensland Division Excellence Awards held in Brisbane on Friday 16th November. BSCAA is Australia’s peak industry representative body for the building services industry. The Company gathered some major accolades. Amanda Blandford (formerly Kratzke) was the winner of Best Individual Manager – Cleaning Industry and Matthew Hodak won Most Outstanding Individual Employee – Security Industry. Pickwick was also highly commended for Outstanding Company in the Cleaning Industry and Tanya Smith was highly commended for Leading Hand/ Supervisor – Cleaning Industry. Pickwick was also a finalist in the Most Valuable Cleaning Team Award. CEO Ken Holder commented he was very proud, not only of the individual winners but the entire Pickwick team, both those out front providing service excellence to customers, and equally important, those behind the scenes that support them.

In order to support its clients Pickwick is acutely conscious of the need to keep up-to-date with the latest innovations and technologies in the cleaning industry.  INTERCLEAN is recognised as one of the premier events worldwide for this purpose. This years’ event was held in May in Amsterdam with over 900 companies exhibiting the very latest products and equipment, INTERCLEAN 2018.

This year Pickwick sent a small delegation to report back on the event to management.  CEO Ken Holder commented that he found it extremely worthwhile and was committed to having senior line and operations management attending such international trade shows annually given the increasing pace of change.  “Innovative technology is impacting the cleaning industry as much as any other sector and it’s important we remain at the forefront to better service our client’s many needs” he says.  Whilst there was considerable focus on automation and robotics Ken said there are many other areas where innovative products were leading to improvements in cleaning effectiveness along with enhancing OHS and the welfare of cleaning staff.  Chemical free and biodegradable / compostable technologies along with and ergonomically designed cleaning equipment are just a few.

At Pickwick we value communication. We are fortunate to have a large group of dedicated employees who come to us with excellent ideas that take our services to the next level. A good example is that of Shaminda Don who currently works for us at Deakin University’s Burwood campus. With an education background and working experiences in HR, ICT, and Business Information Technology in Sri Lanka, Shaminda came to Australia to pursue higher education in accounting and finance to enhance his knowledge and skills.

Under the guidance of Pickwick’s Contract Manager Manuel Neto, Shaminda has successfully led the design and implementation of a workflow management system, which has significantly increased the operational efficiency and communication effectiveness at the site level. The system operates on a free online platform that allows cleaners, supervisors and clients easy access via their mobile phone. During the first few months of trial there have been significant improvements in site operating processes, such as performance reporting, tracking and managing faults, requests and working progress.

Further to the workflow system Shaminda worked to create an online training module. Cleaners were required to complete knowledge tests on their mobile phones periodically. The tests include knowledge on waste management, proper use of vacuum cleaners, colour coding and emergency situations. Their results help identify staff who need further training. Feedback from our cleaners was good too. They found the applications fun to use and helpful in refreshing and updating their cleaning knowledge.

Currently Shaminda is working on two further projects. One is to optimise site stock management by using the workflow system and the other is to implement a security application that enables our cleaners to use mobile phones to report their locations in emergency situations.

Deakin University have spoken highly of Shaminda’s work. Pickwick is very proud of its in-house talent and we appreciate the dedication and innovation from employees like Shaminda. Tim Broatch, Pickwick’s Victorian State Manager said “Communication is the key. We receive many clever ideas from our staff and are more than happy to implement them. It’s amazing how much talent we have within our workforce from diverse cultures and educational backgrounds who are representing Pickwick every day.” Pickwick believes that to provide excellent services and develop long term customer partnerships we must constantly encourage our employees who possess both the technical skills and the passion to confront the challenges and make a difference.

Rick Campbell has been an important part of the Pickwick team in Far North Queensland for over 7 years.  However, we have found that he has an alias that only presents themselves over the festive season.  Many years ago, Rick was caring for an elderly gentleman that he became quite close with and has honoured that gentleman by continuing that legacy.  From November, he starts to transform himself by put the jolly in his cheeks and a twinkle in his eye to become Santa Claus.  You must admit, he does look the part.

Rick takes immense pride in his work, and his “get-to-it” attitude has our clients thinking he’s special, and you know Rick, so do we at Pickwick.  We look forward too many more years’ service with you, oh and please pass onto Santa that we hope he has a Merry Christmas and that we have all been well behaved this year.

Over the past 6 months Pickwick has devoted considerable resources to developing its own Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) recognising the need to take affirmative action in working with Indigenous Australians and Indigenous businesses.  Pickwick’s RAP has now been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia (https://www.reconciliation.org.au/). The Company has taken numerous steps in this key area, from the symbolic and ongoing recognition of Traditional Owners, Custodians and Elders past and present, to engaging and working with Indigenous suppliers, to the establishment of a majority Indigenous-owned Joint Venture Company servicing key clients and employing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

On 3^rd November, Pickwick hosted staff, suppliers and clients along with local elders and Indigenous representatives in government and industry at the official launch of its RAP held at the Jagera Community Hall in Brisbane.  Pickwick CEO Ken Holder and Pickwick National HR Manager Rachael Murdoch used the occasion to thank all those that had worked tirelessly on the creation of its RAP pointing out ‘actions speak louder than words’ and the onus was now on all within Pickwick to do their part in making the RAP a reality.  Importantly 2017 marks the 50^th Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum where 91% of Australian’s voted to change the Constitution to include Indigenous people in the census and allow the Commonwealth government to make laws for Indigenous people.  It also marks 25 years since the 1992 Mabo decision which recognised the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples as the traditional owners of their land and that the previously held policy of terra nullius (empty land – or land that belongs to nobody) should not have applied to Australia.

As part of its RAP celebrations 6 individual paintings created by Indigenous artist Charo Angeles were unveiled.  Each painting represents the states where Pickwick has an office and collectively form a mural as shown in one photo accompanying this article though will be hung separately in each state office.  Those present also had the chance to learn the history and hear the didgeridoo from John Briggs (http://www.johnbriggs.net.au/) as well as enjoy delicious Indigenous food prepared by Bryant Wells (http://www.tukkarestaurant.com.au).

Thank Your Cleaner Day is a special day held annually and dedicated to cleaners to show they are valued and appreciated for helping keep our work environments clean and hygienic.  This year it was Wednesday 18^th October.

Cleaners are the unsung heroes of almost every workplace. Their efforts often taken for granted and unnoticed allow us to get on with our own work.  You may not even see your cleaner.  Just like the elves in The Elves and the Shoemaker classic fairy tale they appear in the quiet of night, just do their work and then vanish without praise or acclaim.  Pickwick’s cleaners come from all walks of life and a multitude of backgrounds. All work hard and deserve a hearty ‘well-done’ for their efforts.

As part of celebrations held around Australia a fantastic lunch was had by the Pickwick team at the Optus campus in Sydney.  The team enjoyed a catered lunch served by both Optus and Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions (BGIS) management.  Pickwick wishes to thank Sam Buric (Optus National Facilities Manager), Andrew Belgum (Optus Corporate & Retail Facilities Manager), Glynn Clayton (BGIS Corporate & Retail Operations Manager) and Donna Ferguson (BGIS Campus Facilities Manager Optus Centre Sydney) for making the day so memorable to our staff.

Along with his full time role with Pickwick Mark has been busy working on a series of children’s books. “When Mark approached me about his children books I jumped at the opportunity to be the illustrator of his indigenous book series, mainly because when I reflect back to my time at school, there was very little taught about the indigenous culture in any of the public schools that I attended” Beau said. He added “I believe it is important for all young children to learn about the aboriginal culture in Australia.” Pickwick is so pleased and proud to be associated with such talent.

At the recent 2016 Building Service Contractors Association of Australia (BSCAA) Queensland Excellence Awards sponsored by AustralianSuper, Pickwick took out the winning prize for best Security Manager. Ray Freeman, Pickwick’s General Manager – Security had nominated Fa Toafa for his work at Forest Lake Shopping Centre. Barely a week goes by without Fa gaining a compliment of some sort from a customer or visitor to the centre for his consistent high level of customer service and willingness to go the extra mile for people.

“The award is well-deserved recognition of the tremendous effort Fa demonstrates daily” said Pickwick’s Operations Manager – Security Ben Reti. On behalf of the entire Pickwick team, Congratulations and Thank-you Fa!

Located in Kensington in Sydney and established in 1949 The University of New South Wales (UNSW Australia) is regarded as one of country’s leading universities. Pickwick has the privilege of helping to keep the 38-hectare main campus site clean for students, staff and visitors alike, a responsibility we take very seriously.

On 3rd September UNSW held its annual Open Day providing future students with the opportunity to chat face-to-face with academics and current students to help choose their ideal course as well as learn more about student life at UNSW. Whilst the weather presented its challenges the Pickwick team ensured the upper campus and facilities looked their very best throughout for the more than 5,000 prospective students that visited.

In recognition of the hard work our team put in every day staff were presented with a certificate and gift voucher. Pickwick is proud to have these staff as part of our team and believes it is essential to recognise their efforts.

Sovereign Hill is one of Pickwick’s many long standing clients and an iconic site in Victoria. For the past 3 years Sovereign Hill and their dedicated staff have delighted local, national and international visitors alike with their spectacular Christmas in July event.

Traditionally it has taken place over 2 weeks during the Victorian school holidays, however this year due to its popularity was extended to 4 weeks.

During the day Sovereign Hill offers a range of activities for all the family, they have hands-on Christmas decoration activities for the children, circus performances (very popular entertainment in the 1850’s), story tellers (revealing some intriguing 1850’s stories), theatre shows (Snow White, Jack and the Beanstalk, A Visit from St Nicholas), and make-believe snow falling at various times throughout the day.

After the sun sets Sovereign Hill is transformed. Visitors are treated to a spectacular ‘Winter Wonderlight’ show as the Main Street comes to life. Grand-scale images and footage are projected onto the Main Street facades as Christmas tunes play and the snow falls.

“Whilst Pickwick’s cleaning staff always keep this site clean and tidy because of its reputation we endeavour to make an even extra special effort at this time of year” Rebecca Pegg, Pickwick’s Client Services Manager says.

This is a must see event at this time of year sovereignhill.com.au It well organised by a team of dedicated people who strive to make Christmas in July more delightful each year.

Pickwick’s cleaning and security workers are the backbone of the Company. Whilst we all come to work do a good job it’s important to recognise those staff that do a little extra or go that little bit further. Whether it be always working cheerfully, providing excellence of service, having a great work ethic or simply showing initiative and helping out others, such attributes should be acknowledged as it makes our workplace safer, happier and more rewarding.

At recent celebrations at several Deakin University campuses we clean Pickwick management got the opportunity to thank some of our staff that ‘go the extra mile.’ Manuel Neto, Pickwick’s Contract Manager for Deakin University along with Operations Manager Damien Smith and State Manager for Victoria Tim Broatch presented selected staff with Recognition Certificates and a small gift to show their appreciation. “It’s important to show our hard working employees that their individual efforts are really appreciated by both us and our clients” Manuel said. Damien added “It’s our staff that make the Pickwick motto Count on us.”

Our professional and dedicated cleaning team received great feedback from the recently held Deakin University 2015 Open Day.

Over 16,000 people attended the event at the Burwood campus on Sunday 23 August. Despite the heavy workload in preparation our team managed to complete all scheduled cleaning tasks to a high standard. All Pickwick crew wore distinguished hi-vis vests so that they wouldn’t be lost in the crowd. Manuel Neto, Pickwick Contract Manager for Deakin University also had a chance to show his musical talent. Positive feedbacks and small ‘thank-you’ gifts were received from several university faculties commenting on the great job our cleaners achieved. “The rooms look fantastic”, “The library presented really well the whole day” and “The cleaners deserve extra credit” were just a few.

Pickwick’s cleaning team showed their wiliness to go the extra mile and provide outstanding service to our highly valued client. We cannot thank them enough. Not only did they help with crowd directions they also noted areas requiring extra attention for improvement. Manuel and Burwood Site Supervisor Eleanor Thompson provided a summary of potential improvements to Deakin with the aim of providing even more effective time management and staff allocation for the next Open Day.

Deakin University Services Manager Spiro Fatouros was very satisfied and passed on his gratitude to Pickwick commenting to Manuel that “This was the best Open Day in years!” Victorian State Manager Tim Broatch also expressed his congratulations to all staff that had shown the Pickwick spirit ‘Count on Us’ to the maximum extent.