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Professional activity statement

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Selection criteria statement prepared and submitted for role with the  NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change

as follows:

1. Knowledge of NSW government policy as it relates to contemporary environmental issues including ecologically sustainable development, climate change and energy

Knowledge of NSW government policy as it relates to contemporary environmental issues is demonstrated by actively participating in activities contributing towards targets set in the NSW State Plan specifically Environment for Living and Priority (P4), More people participating in education and training throughout their life.

These activities are:

• Delivering nationally accredited training in the GreenPlumbers® courses providing plumbers and sustainability professionals with technical assistance to adopt renewable water heaters for commercial and domestic applications aligned to the NSW State Plan’s target by 2010 that 10 per cent electricity consumed in NSW will be from renewable sources, rising to 15 per cent by 2020

• Low Emissions National Framework Strategy workshops funded by the Australian Government Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) managed by the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia

• Tendering and winning the contract for waste water treatment and reuse at the Suncorp Building. Scope of works included: preparing development application submitted to Sydney City Council, extract obsolete plant from building, and recycled water for supply install and commission plant and modular 140,000 Lt tank – 2007

• Negotiating with the University of Sydney to supply and install a wastewater disinfection plant using heat recovery disinfection technology, 2009

• Consulting to architects on complying development through product specification to meet the requirements of the Building Assessment & Sustainability Index (BASIX) and certification for single dwellings and multi unit dwellings, 2006 –current

• Assisting NABERS Accredited Assessors in measuring energy, water and air quality building performance, at Suncorp Place, to the National Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) reporting standards to meet the assessment criteria for NABERS Accredited Assessor training, 2008

• Preparing tenders on behalf of Aerocycle Environmental Solutions Pty Ltd for contract site works integral to water sensitive urban design ensuring greenfields development in western Sydney meet ‘world best practice’ as mandated by the NSW Department of Planning, 2007-current

Since 2006 I have been contracted as NSW trainer with the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA). I deliver and contribute to quality improvements in GreenPlumbers® program managed by the MPMSAA. This also includes customising content to reflect current NSW and Australian government policy and legislation assisting plumbers in understanding their role in relation to environmental & public health, and to provide their customers with up to date information and advice on:

• Current technology and energy saving appliances,

• Practical appliances & installation knowledge, environmental impacts of plumbing services, appliances and household practices,

• Consumer information,

• Energy/water/cost savings (short term and long term cost comparisons and environmental benefits)

Previous professional development activities demonstrating I keep current with NSW government policy relating to contemporary environmental issues are:

• BASIX Multi Dwelling Assessment Tool managed by the NSW Department of Planning (DIP), 2006

• GreenPlumbers® Environmental Solutions course managed by the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA), 2006

• Drip Irrigation Training Course managed by Netafim, 2006

• The Recycled Water Guidelines and Risk Assessment Process Workshop managed by the NSW Department of Water and Energy (DWE), 2008

• Groundwater Education Workshop managed by the Sydney Coastal Councils Group Inc., 2008

• Waste and Backflow Prevention Seminar managed by the Sydney Water Corporation, 2006 2007 2008

Current professional development activities relating to contemporary environmental issues are:

• NABERS training to become a NABERS Accredited Assessor, managed by the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), Water and Energy Programs, 2008 – current

• Home Sustainability Assessment training to become a Home Sustainability Assessment Certified Assessor to conduct assessments under the Australian Government Green Loans Program, 2009 – current

• Personal research into linkages between: the Energy Efficiency Training for Trades and Professionals Program, the Strategic Skills Program integral to NSW Skills Development Priorities 2009-2010, and the Federal Government’s Skills for the Carbon Challenge Plan which will commit $25.7 million to drive green skills and training development.

2. Knowledge of vocational education and training (VET) and higher education systems and practices

Continually improving my skills and qualifications in training and assessment has led to extensive experience in the design and maintenance of training systems to meet standards of the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF), development of training products and leadership and co-ordination of training and assessment services with the following registered training organisations:

• Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA)

• Building Institute of Training and Development (BITAD)

• Prime Learning Ltd (Australian College of Training and Employment)

• Strategic Corporate Training Pty Ltd

Knowledge and skills in vocational education and training (VET) are reinforced through qualification in the Diploma of Training and Assessment, and RABQSA Certificate(s) of Attainment in: Auditing Quality Management Systems and Leading Management System Audit Teams. This has been applied:

• To design, develop, deliver and assess nationally accredited training contextualised to workplaces aligned to relevant: State, Territory and Commonwealth legislation and Australian Standards

• To assist registered training organisations seeking registration and/or extension to delivery scope with the New South Wales Vocational Education and Training and Administration Board (VETAB)

• To funding applications with the objective of receiving Australian Government funding for VET and higher education initiatives

• To develop and customise courses for industry and meet competency standards through interpreting the national training packages; TAA04 Training and Assessment; BCP03 Plumbing and Services, CPC08 Construction, Plumbing and Services Integrated Framework; BCG03 General Construction; MNM05 Metalliferous Mining; TDT02 Transport & Logistics; BSB07 Business Services and assistance in NWP07 Water.

In a previous role as NSW training manager of environmental solutions with the national plumbing retailer, Tradelink, I was responsible for design, development and delivery of technical training in environmental plumbing product and renewable hot water systems to staff and customers (plumbing tradespersons). Adding value to this training I benchmarked training and assessment to the competency standard, DWM007 Plan Environmentally Sustainable Plumbing Systems. This ensured training met plumbing industry standards. Interestingly, the only registered training organisation with this competency standard on scope of registration was Yeronga TAFE, Queensland Department of Education and Training (QLDDET). Negotiating on behalf of Tradelink I established a partnering agreement with Yeronga TAFE enabling the issuance of a statement of attainment to participants assessed as competent.

Post employment with Tradelink, I leveraged on existing vocational education and training (VET) networks to develop a training business, Sydney Training, and negotiated partnering agreements with the registered training organisation’s Prime Learning Ltd and Strategic Mining & Training Pty Ltd to provide clients with face-to-face and distance learning in the qualifications: Certificate IV in Training & Assessment and Occupational Health & Safety.

Additionally, referral business from clients attending these courses led to training contracts with Patricks (Rail), Dubai World (Ports) Ltd; Pybar Mining Services Ltd; Thales Australia (Naval) Ltd, the Building Institute of Training and Development Pty Ltd, Strategic Mining Pty Ltd and the Master Builders Association (NSW) and Endless Solar Ltd. Work performed to complete these contracts included the following:

• Skills development of trainers and assessors

• Customisation of training and learning resources for asynchronous and synchronous delivery

• Modifying training systems to comply with the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF)

• Negotiating partnering agreements with registered training organisations

To further elaborate on my scope of service provided to the Building Institute of Training and Development (BITAD), I was contracted to lead development of the course Certificate III in Carpentry for registration with NSW Vocational Education and Training Administration Board (VETAB) and subsequent tender for placement on the New South Wales Department of Education and Training Approved Providers List (APL) for the delivery of training through the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Training Program (ATTP).

Current with national training policy and the removal of fixed durations for apprentices from legislation, regulations and awards covering apprenticeships I initiated collaborative development of a Fast-Track Apprenticeship (FTA) project under the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). As lead stakeholder to the Carpentry and Joinery Fast-Track Apprenticeship Program I was instrumental in the design of an innovative and accelerated learning model, which met the needs of learners, employers, the Construction Industry Training Advisory Board (CITAB), BITAD (principal RTO) and industrial arrangements to qualify for funding from the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

Last year I assisted the Building Institute of Training and Development (BITAD) in opening dialogue and negotiations with faculties from higher education providers on credit transfer arrangements from diploma to degree programs for the qualification, CPC50208: Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) delivered by BITAD. As a result of satisfying the requirements of higher education providers a memorandum of understanding is in place between the University of Newcastle and BITAD. Students enrolling in the diploma qualification with BITAD now qualify for financial assistance under the Alternative Pathways Program of the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

3. Understanding of business practices, economic drivers and sustainability issues

Acutely aware of current business practices, economic drivers and sustainability issues I maintain a sensible approach to the triple bottom line ensuring affordability. I understand the importance planning a project with S.M.A.R.T outcomes to determine the correct price-point and long-term sustainability is viable.

This has been core to tendering and negotiating for water-recycling initiatives in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia and Queensland whilst working for Aerocycle Environmental Solutions Pty Ltd. This is demonstrated by negotiating project scope and price with the property owners of Suncorp Place, 253 George St Sydney, The outcome of negotiations was project scope more aligned with the owner’s aims, meet the current and future needs of its investors, tenants and stakeholders through the sound integration of environmental responsibility, social accountability and economic performance.

My experience with a development site in Queensland (QLD), Trade Coast Central (TCC), demonstrates a consistent approach to energy/water/cost savings and commercial realities for project initiation by preparing a comprehensive financial model for TCC to identify, assess and select an appropriate tertiary water treatment solution (operating capacity 250 kL/day) to deliver Class A+ recycled water. Knowledge of QLD environmental and public health regulations, financing principles and costing models validated my model to include the mechanism for on-selling Class A+ recycled water, facilitated through my negotiations with the QLD state government. This was not apparent to the client prior. Identifying this opportunity and potential income derived allowed the TCC board to confidently approve budget for project initiation based on my research and professional work.

4. Experience in developing and delivering resources and programs for a range of stakeholder groups aimed at achieving behavioural change

My experience in developing and delivering resources and programs for a range stakeholder groups aimed at achieving behavioural change for industry led initiatives are detailed below.

Currently these are:

• Delivering nationally accredited training for the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) GreenPlumbers® courses in NSW funded by the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC)

• Low Emissions National Framework Strategy funded by the Australian Government Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) implemented by the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia

Previously:

• Professional Development in Competency Based Assessment project to teaching staff of Angurugu Area Schools (NT Schools) and staff members of Groote Eylandt and Milyakburra Youth Development Team in the Northern Territory, 2008

• The Tapping into Experience project on behalf of Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia Steering in partnership with the Department Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) for mature age learning pathways within the plumbing industry, 2007 to 2008

• Facilitation of WorkChoices Workshops for the Department, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), 2006-2007

My experience developing and delivering resources and programs for corporate based initiatives aimed at achieving behavioural change have been to reshape training strategy and improve organisational and individual learning. These programs were for: Patricks (Rail), Dubai World (Ports) Pty; Pybar Mining Services Pty; and Thales Australia (Naval) Ltd. Engaged by these organisations my responsibilities to deliver on training contracts extended to: managing costs, time, quality, change and risk across multiple sites, The programs required me:

• To develop skills and competency in workplace trainers and assessors, by synchronous learning, mentoring and communities of practice

• To develop, plan and implement compliance and competency based training and assessment systems to comply with the Australian Qualifications Training Framework (AQTF) and national training packages.

• To adapt learning resources for the deployment of learning management systems (LMS) and web-based e-learning tools for flexible learning

• To negotiate and manage partnering agreements and service contracts with private and public registered training organisations.

• To meet the requirements in procedures contained within quality management systems certified to ISO9001, 22000, 14000 and AS//NZS4801.

An ability to influence and achieve behavioral change is demonstrated by my experience with Patricks (Rail) in 2007. Engaged by senior management to develop the skills and competency in workplace trainers and assessors. I consulted various stakeholders to define the objective of the learning program: to shift trainers and assessors differing perceptions of competency in alignment with the competency standards provided by their industry to promote completion rates in traineeships leading to suitably qualified train drivers for expansion of rail operations in NSW. Aware of my target audience learning styles and needs I designed a learning program using the action learning model, Appreciative Inquiry, to facilitate assessors’ recognition and adaptation of competency standards to Patricks’ procedures and processes in their quality management system. The program delivered to Patricks’ the benefits of talent development through: increased completion rates in traineeships and skills development of train drivers to expand rail operations in NSW by 6% with capacity up to 15% in the 12 months post the program.

5. Experience in establishing networks across a range of stakeholder groups and working with multi disciplinary teams

An ability to create employment and business opportunities in vocational education and training (VET), construction and water industries throughout my career reinforce personal qualities to effectively establish and maintain networks across a range of stakeholder groups and working with multi disciplinary teams in a range of industries.

Stakeholder groups comprised of multi-disciplinary teams I have been primarily responsible for establishing and maintaining are evident through:

• Initiating and managing collaborative development between the following stakeholders: five employers in the construction industry, the Construction Industry Training Advisory Board (CITAB), the Building Institute of Training and Development (BITAD) and the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) for the Carpentry and Joinery Fast-Track Apprenticeship Program

• Leading development and implementation of the Sirius Recycled Water Management Plan which required managing stakeholders from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aging, Mirvac (developers), Doma (principal contractor), THCS Building Hydraulic Services (consulting hydraulic engineers), the ACT government (regulators), ACTEW (water utility) and Viridis (GBCA green star consultants)

Stakeholder groups I have established connections for ongoing business and maintain in vocational education and training (VET) are evident through:

• Ongoing professional contribution to quality improvements in learning programs provided by the industry groups: Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia, Master Builders Association (NSW)

• Ongoing professional contribution to quality improvements in learning programs and training systems provided by the registered training organisations: The Building Institute of Training and Development Pty Ltd (BITAD), Prime Learning Ltd, Strategic Mining and Training Pty Ltd

• Ongoing mentorship offered to individuals with career advancement in learning and development roles from attending my public and private courses in Certificate IV in Training & Assessment and Occupational Health & Safety

• Achieving $176,000 in revenue, 2007/2008 financial year, from sales of public courses in Certificate IV in Training & Assessment and Occupational Health & Safety to businesses and individuals through marketing and referral business

Stakeholder groups I have established connections for business and maintain in sustainable development and water management are evident through:

• Winning to date $730,000 in contract work for Aerocycle Environmental Solutions Pty Ltd

• Achieving listing in the NSW Department of State and Regional Development publication Profiling Innovative NSW Technologies for Aerocycle Environmental Solutions Pty Ltd as a specialist company and technical service provider working in the area of environmental improvement

• Stakeholder groups I have established connections for professional development in vocational education and training (VET) with and maintain are evident through:

• Membership and active participation in Hunter Trainers and Assessors Network for continuing professional development in VET

• Membership and active participation in the E-Learning Innovations Group established for staff and recipients of the Australian Flexible Learning Framework’s E-learning Innovations Grant

• Active participation in the consultation process on new national qualifications for home sustainability assessors process managed by The Association of Building Sustainability Assessors (ABSA) and Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council (CPSISC)

6. Demonstrated well developed project management, analysis, evaluation and organisational skills

From identifying needs and objectives, selecting specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely (SMART) outcomes and monitoring through to closure, I recognise the project life cycle applies to any business endeavour to produce a set of deliverables within clearly specified time, cost and quality constraints. I am highly aware that unsuccessful projects experienced in the construction industry are similar to those of other industries, regardless public or private, As party to these unpleasant experiences I have learned from them and foresee to minimise commercial and HSE risk as barriers to achieving project outcomes.

Past experiences and skills gained completing the RABQSA Certificate(s) of Attainment in: Auditing Quality Management Systems and Leading Management System Audit Teams have developed my qualities to lead projects and make decisions I can confidently stand behind. Applying a factual approach to decision making provides me a consistent model to: select appropriate adjustments to continually meet milestones and achieve project outcomes, resolve issues and manage conflict. A consistent approach positively reflects well with individuals and ensures I communicate clearly with a range of stakeholders.

To assist communicating with stakeholders on project: planning, monitoring and reporting I use the software ConceptDraw PROJECT and in the past Microsoft Project. I enhance transparency in projects using web-based wikis as a platform to: promote collaboration and knowledge sharing between stakeholders, control documentation and records, and provide real-time views to cashflow budgeting and programming. My preferred choice of wiki is Basecamp.

Projects I have been responsible to lead and manage: cost, time, quality, change and risk in coordinating resources and personnel have been for the following organisations and projects:

Aerocycle Environmental Solutions Pty Ltd:

• Waste water treatment system for Department of Health Building, ACT – Doma Group (2008 – current)
• Waste water disinfection system for the Brain and Mind Institute – University of Sydney (2009 – current)
• Sirius Waste Water Recycling Scheme – Recycled Water Quality Management Plan benchmarked to ISO9001:2008, ACT – Scheme owners (2008)
• Modifications to base building services and grey water treatment system for the Suncorp Building – Colonial First State Property Fund / Jones Lang LaSalle – George St, Sydney (2008)

The Building Institute of Training and Development

• The Carpentry and Joinery Fast-Track Apprenticeship Program (2007)

Sydney Training – Richcon Pty Ltd

• Professional Development Project in Competency Based Assessment to teaching staff of Angurugu Area Schools (NT Schools), staff members of Groote Eylandt and Milyakburra Youth Development Team (2008)
• Competency Development of Patricks (NSW) Rail Assessors to promote completion rates in traineeships to train qualified train drivers to expand rail operations (2007)

My analysis, evaluation and coordination skills have been extensively tasked in recent work developing quality systems to meet the standards of HACCP, ISO9001, 2200 and AS/NZS4801. To achieve these outcomes I coordinated stakeholders to; analyse key processes and interaction for developing procedures and quality manual. Conducting internal audits of the systems provided evidence I then evaluated to implement measures improving performance and usability of the system. This work led to all quality systems meeting the requirements of the relevant standard and the client progressing to certification in HACCP. I was project leader for developing and implementing the following quality systems:

• Certification of HACCP Management System in line with the principles of the Codex Alimentarius Alinorm: 97/13A in the design technology of Aerocycle Aquatherm waste treatment systems

• Benchmarking the Sirius Recycled Water Quality Management Plan to meet the requirements of ISO9001:2008 to comply with regulatory reporting and auditing standards of the ACT government

• Benchmarking Aerocycle Environmental Solutions’ occupational health & safety management system to meet the requirements of AS/NZS4801 to qualify tendering on government contracts in the ACT and NSW

Previous roles performed in the construction industry, holding a current NSW building license, qualification in the Associate Diploma in Building and completing a trade apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery attesting to my ability to manage cost, time, quality, change and risk in building contracts are listed below:

• Principal contractor – Architect designed renovation and extension to terrace house, Walter St Bondi Junction February 2004 – July 2004

• Principal contractor – Interior designed internal fit-out to apartment. Underwood St The Rocks. December 2003 – February 2004

• Speculative development – 3000 sqm land subdivision and construction of residential townhouses, Saddleback Rd Kiama, February 2002 – November 2003

• Principal contractor – Complete refurbishment of residential apartment block including the stripping out the old internal fit outs, Cook St Glebe, February 2002 – August 2002

• Building foreman – Gordon Nicholas Pty Ltd – Renovation and extension to waterfront property, Wonga Rd Cremorne, 2001

• Building foreman – Crown International Holdings Pty Ltd – Multi-storey residential apartment development, Penkivil St Bondi, 1998 -1999

7. Excellent written, oral communication and presentation skills with experience in liaison, negotiation and problem resolution

Gaining from opportunities presented in self-employment, training and performing the role as a project manager on construction sites, I have developed advanced communication and liaison skills in negotiation and problem resolution in a range of complex commercial, health, safety & environment (HSE) and industrial arrangement issues. Additionally, I have negotiation skills as a result of my business dealings which require negotiation on a daily basis on a practical and contractual level i.e. negotiating special condition in contracts.

As a learning practitioner I integrate and extend delivery and facilitation practices to support learning of a diverse client base. To achieve this I also rely upon well developed written, oral communication and presentation skills. This is demonstrated by constantly adjusting my approach to the individual and target audience in all of my work practices ranging from developing training products for effective delivery to implementing quality management systems. In a training context I have successfully modelled these skills implementing the following learning programs to suit the needs of participants:

• The qualifications: Certificate IV in Training & Assessment and Occupational Health & Safety, partnership with Prime Learning Ltd and Strategic Mining Pty Ltd, 2006 – current

• Master Builders Association (NSW) Building Consultancy Program, 2007 – current

• Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia nationally accredited GreenPlumbers® training courses, 2006 – current

• Low Emissions National Framework Strategy workshops funded by the Australian Government Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) managed by the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia, 2009 – current

• Professional Development in Competency Based Assessment project to teaching staff of Angurugu Area Schools (NT Schools) and staff members of Groote Eylandt and Milyakburra Youth Development Team in the Northern Territory, 2008

• The Tapping into Experience project on behalf of Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia Steering in partnership with the Department Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) for mature age learning pathways within the plumbing industry, 2007 to 2008

• Facilitation of Department, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) WorkChoices Workshops in NSW, 2006

In negotiation I understand the approach and maintaining it is essential for parties to reach agreement. Leading negotiations to minimise commercial and HSE risk associated with waste water treatment and reuse for the Suncorp Building can demonstrate this. By negotiating special conditions of contract I ensured AES’s exposure to ongoing commercial risk managing recycled water quality was accounted for in price resulting in agreement and contract sign off.

A key aspect of working effectively with others is the ability to manage unexpected situations calmly. In a learning context conflict will inevitably surface on courses with participants experiencing cognitive dissonance. Highly aware of my role to empower learners and not provide answers, I regularly apply learning methodologies to eliminate these gaps and encourage learners to adopt this approach in the future.

I adapted this approach in managing stakeholder conflict in the Sirius Waste Water Recycling Scheme. It emerged during a series of health, safety & environmental (HSE) risk management workshops that compliance testing required by environmental regulations was not specific to the disinfection technology being used. Advances in disinfection technology were not apparent to stakeholders understanding a significant control specific to the disinfection system. Refusing to accept an alternative monitoring and trigger-testing regime, to verify water quality would still meet the criteria in the regulations, exposed the scheme to a 400% increase in testing costs over 10 years and being dropped altogether. I identified professional reputations at stake and individuals resistant to opposing viewpoints as the drivers. To resolve the problem I called a break and prepared a mini action research session. Facilitating this session enabled the group to listen, to reform as a cohesive team, and to generate creative, out-of-the-box thinking. The outcome was equity being applied through suggested changes to development approval and a recycling agreement drawn up between regulators and scheme owners to achieve regulatory approval and meet the requirements for five green-star rating on design with the Green Building Council of Australia. All stakeholders were satisfied with the outcome.