Bunnings Trade Magazine May 2024

Editor Erin McWhirter

Art director Katie Smith

Chief subeditor Leigh Livingstone

Digital editor Tara Ali

Editorial co-ordinator

Joe Visser

Account partner

Henry Kalaf-Tyrrell

Junior accountant Carina Law

National advertising manager

Alek Jovanoski

Trade business manager

Sasha Jones

Campaign manager

Deanna Kane

Advertising enquiries

bunningsadvertising@ mediumrarecontent.com (02) 8114 8900

General magazine enquiries

trademag@bunnings.com.au (03) 8831 9777

Managing director Nick Smith

Chief commercial officer

Fiorella di Santo

Head of sales Annii Hirst

Head of Content: Health, Home & Lifestyle

Gemma Sutherland

Published by Medium Rare Content Agency

Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 879 921, Level 1, 83 Bowman Street, Pyrmont, NSW, 2009, Australia for Bunnings Warehouse, ABN 26 008 672 179, Botannica 3 – Level 2 East Tower, 570 Swan St, Burnley, VIC, 3121, Australia. © 2024. All rights reserved. For any queries or feedback, please call the magazine team on (03) 8831 9777 or forward to the attention of Bunnings Magazine Team, Botannica 3 – Level 2 East Tower, 570 Swan St, Burnley, VIC, 3121, Australia.

When using power tools, always wear the recommended safety gear. Editorial content is general in nature and is not intended to be a substitute for legal or professional advice. Products featured in the magazine are on offer while stocks last. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Colours may vary slightly from images shown due to the printing process. Prices shown are Bunnings prices at the time of publication and some prices may vary in regional areas. Pricing is to be used as a guide only. Bunnings Trade magazine runs third-party advertisements. Bunnings does not endorse, evaluate or take responsibility for the products or claims in these advertisements. This publication is not for sale.

Product is available to buy online only at bunnings.com.au and is sold by Bunnings Marketplace. Not all items are available in all states and territories. Delivery charges may apply.

TRADIE TALK

Your need-to-know industry info and latest highlights.

Must-have site needs for when the weather cools.

TIACS co-founders Dan and Ed are sparking change for better mental health.

AFLW pro Jasmine Garner on balancing tradie life and footy.

All the handy hints you need to get organised at tax time – straight from the ATO.

Why Tool Kit Depot is your ultimate specialist shop.

Keep warm on and offsite with Hard Yakka and Tradie.

Which ladder best suits your site requirements?

Know the paint trends your clients will be looking for.

TRADE

Tim ‘The Lawnmower Man’ Parker on battery vs petrol.

50 TIPS OF THE TRADE

How to build a business from three tradies who are nailing it.

52 CHECK OUT MY RIG

A fully kitted-out mobile workshop that’s ready for anything – anywhere. 54

The work vehicles other tradies are raving about.

56 TRADIE PROFILE

NRL star Josh McCrone talks turning sparkie.

Save

with

Carpenter Luke Graf reveals his insights for success.

Carpenter Jake Alexander on the health benefits of taking an icy plunge. 62 THE CRACK UP

Headscratchers and funnies to keep you laughing.

66 YOU HAD ONE JOB! What could go wrong?

G’DAY, WELCOME!

Thanks for picking up our first issue of Bunnings Trade magazine. At Bunnings Trade, we pride ourselves on providing personalised, quality service through our dedicated teams in-store, on the road and on the phone. Now, we’re excited to extend our teams’ passion and knowledge throughout this magazine with practical content just for you. We’re bringing you the latest industry news, tool reviews and expert business advice, plus tips from fellow tradies who, like you, slog it out on worksites every day.

Running a business or simply juggling work and everyday life can be tough. In this issue, meet Ed Ross and Dan Allen; all-round top blokes and co-founders of funky workwear brand TradeMutt and mental health support service TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter), who are aiming to open up the conversation about mental health. More than 18,500 tradies, truckies and rural blue-collar workers and their families have used TIACS, with over $3 million in free services offered so far. Read their inspiring story from page 12.

We know tax time can be a lot of work, so we’ve created a seven-page special from page 18, packed with expert tips to help you stay ahead. Tim ‘The Lawnmower Man’ Parker takes the Makita 40V Max XGT power garden range for a spin from page 41. Plus, our Trade Expo has kicked off, so be sure to register for one in your area – find more information to the right and see page 9 for further details.

This magazine is for you and we want your honest feedback – what you like or don’t like, or anything you want more of. Drop us a line at trademag@bunnings.com.au.

Bunnings respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and Elders of this Country and recognises their values, beliefs and continuing connection to land, waters, cultures and communities. May the stories, knowledge and wisdom shared on this land unite us as one people in the true spirit of Reconciliation for today, tomorrow and for our future generations.

WHAT’S ON

Bunnings Trade events are happening nationally, read on from page 8 for more info

MAY

THURSDAY MAY 23

Bunnings Trade Expo (Melbourne, Vic) Melbourne Showgrounds (12pm-8pm)

JUNE

THURSDAY JUNE 13

Tax Time Brekkie* (7am-9am)

FRIDAY JUNE 28

End-of-Financial-Year Barbecue* (7am-9am)

JULY

THURSDAY JULY 11

Bunnings Trade Expo (Adelaide, SA) Adelaide Showgrounds (12pm-7pm)

SEPTEMBER

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 5

Bunnings Trade Expo (Hobart, Tas)

Princess Wharf 1 (12pm-7pm)

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25

Bunnings Trade Expo (Gold Coast, Qld)

Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre (12pm-7pm)

OCTOBER

THURSDAY OCTOBER 3

Bunnings Trade Expo (Newcastle, NSW)

Newcastle Entertainment Centre (12pm-7pm)

THURSDAY OCTOBER 24

Bunnings Trade Expo (Cairns, Qld)

Cairns Convention Centre (12pm-7pm)

Winter is here and it’s the ideal time to update your site basics, from protective coatings to clothing Find out more on page 11.

Builders Edge 70cm x 76m Window Protective Film, I/N: 0400891

HPM Electresafe 10 Amp Power Centre, I/N: 4420181

Arlec 2 x 20W 3200lm LED Worklight With Tripod, I/N: 0206011

HPM 10A 3 Core 20m Workshop Extension Lead, I/N: 4332572

Citeco A1P2 Half Face Respirator Kit, I/N: 0498495

HPM PlugBoss 6 Outlet Surge Protected Powerboard, I/N: 7032901

NEW S & UPDATES IT’S ON US!

What’s better than a catch-up with fellow tradies over a free hot brekkie?

With many of us feeling the strain of the work-life juggle and impending tax time, rocking up to your local Bunnings for a cracking free hot brekkie, including an egg and bacon roll, is a way for you and your crew to start the day right. Our Tax Time Trade BBQs, running throughout the country* on Thursday June 13 and Friday June 28 between 7am and 9am, are where you can fuel up before hitting the tools – you may even nab some branded merch, too.

SUPPORT AT 134 TRADE

How good would it be to have a dedicated number and team you can call directly to get end-to-end support with all things Trade? Available nationally to our PowerPass members, 134 TRADE (134 872)is your line to assistance in real time when it comes to quotes, pricing, inventory and stock queries, as well as order and delivery updates. There is also a specialised landscaping support service. Operating hours are weekdays from 7am to 6pm and Saturdays from 8am to 2pm.

LANDMARK BAN

When engineered stone is cut, it releases a fine silica dust that can harm the lungs when inhaled. This has prompted the Government to announce a complete national ban on the product. Bunnings has ceased selling engineered stone due to these safety concerns.

EPIC EXPO

Want to be ahead of the game? Better your business? Find out more on the biggest and best product releases? Bunnings Trade Expo is back!

Getting the chance to talk face-to-face and network with more than 100 suppliers and new and existing industry professionals doesn’t happen often. But, when it does, it can be invaluable for your business.

Bringing together the best in the industry to showcase the latest technical advancements, while giving you the opportunity to speak to experts in the field about business challenges you might be facing, is what Bunnings Trade Expo 2024 is all about.

“It was great to meet up with all the suppliers and see everything they offer or can do,” Marshall Collins, managing director of Collins Building & Management in Hobart, says of attending his local event last year.

“We were able to catch up with suppliers, look at new products, purchase items at good prices, as well as see interesting things we didn’t know Bunnings sold,” adds interior designer of South Australia’s JAC Homes, Karan Cazzolato.

There are also workshops, hands-on product demonstrations and lots of special offers to be picked up on your favourite brands. It’s a must-do opportunity to take your team for a dose of inspiration, too. “The whole Van Ryt Industries team was able to attend the Trade Expo in 2023,” says carpenter Ben Van Ryt, from Van Ryt Industries in WA. “It was great to see what products and tools are released each year, while also having the opportunity to snag a bargain.”

On the day of the expos, you’ll also find free food, drinks, parking and family-friendly activities for your youngest apprentices (the kids!). This year, the Hobart Expo is also holding CPD point seminars that count towards the CPD requirements for builders.

PROOF POINTS

SCAN HERE TO REGISTER AND FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOUR NEAREST EXPO. FOR DATES AND TIMES, SEE PAGE 5.

Peter Zagorski, director of Building Services, HIA Victoria and Tasmania, talks us through getting wet area waterproofing right every time.

Waterproofing wet areas is one of the most critical areas to get right to ensure compliant outcomes and avoid potentially costly repair work The effectiveness of waterproofing relies on the correct method of application of products, materials and systems to protect substrates from immediate and continued water damage

HOW TO GET IT RIGHT

Refer to the DTS solutions in the Australian Building Codes Board Housing Standard under Part 10 2 to determine the building elements that need to be waterproofed or water-resistant under DTS clauses 10 2 2 – 10 2 6 Pick the installation pathway you want to follow:

• The Housing Provisions or

• Australian Standard AS 3740 – 2021

Once you have determined this and selected the materials to be used in the waterproofing system, make sure they are all compatible.

COMPATIBILITY AND INSPECTION

Check with the manufacturer of either the substrate or the membrane for compatibility Use the right combination of membrane layers, fillets/bond breaker materials, sealants and adhesives as recommended by the manufacturer – if in doubt, check!

ONCE THE MEMBRANE IS INSTALLED, INSPECT, CHECK FOR AND RECTIFY:

• Obvious defects

• Pin holes

• Dry film thickness

• Location and adequacy of water stops

For more information and to download the HIA Guide to wet area waterproofing, visit: hia.com.au/products/hia-guide-to-wet-areawaterproofing/GWP

HIRING: A QUICK FIX

When a tool or your usually trusty equipment carks it, the scramble and headache can be real. You’re after a quick-fix, and that’s where Bunnings Hire Shop comes in. If you need an addition to your toolkit and don’t want to purchase it, you can grab it from the Hire Shop, which services all trades from building, landscaping, flooring and more. Organise a skip bin or even hire a ute, van or trailer to help you with your job.

The Trade team will take care of everything for you; you’ll just need a driver’s licence and/or a credit card, along with a deposit, to secure the hire. Contact your nearest store for more info.

DID YOU KNOW?

For bigger projects that require larger equipment – such as earthmoving, landscape, or concreting – you can save yourself a trip to Coates by hiring from them within the Bunnings Hire Shop. Here’s how:

1. Select which Coates products you need.

2. Make a booking at the Information Desk in-store. You’ll benefit from competitive pricing if you’re a PowerPass member.

3. Pick up from Coates, or the Hire Shop team can have it delivered to your home or site.

SCAN HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BUNNINGS HIRE SHOP AND SERVICES.

IN THE FRAME

Want great-value, high-quality and on-time delivery in your frames and trusses bulk buy? We can help!

Pivot. It was the word of 2020 when a then-unknown pandemic hit the world (it was also made famous in an episode of iconic sitcom Friends). But it’s a word that could also encapsulate how builder Logan Wang (pictured) found working with the Bunnings Trade Frame and Truss team of specialists during that tumultuous time. They were the ones who did the heavy lifting for him when others wouldn’t.

“Bunnings Trade has consistently provided solutions when others shied away from the challenge,” says Logan, managing director of Riser Bespoke Builders in South Yarra, Victoria. He found the team’s help supplying high-quality, custom-made frames and trusses for his builds invaluable.

“Their deep understanding of the market and ability to adapt to changing conditions has been a game-changer for us.”

Now that the world is moving to a new normal after Covid shook up the construction industry, how does

it work? Whether you need materials for a residential or commercial project, the team of estimators works with you to value engineer a compliant, cost-effective solution using state-of-the-art building practices, industry-leading design, and estimation software to ensure your frames and trusses are cut to precision. They’ll then deliver on-time, at competitive prices.

“Working with Bunnings Trade, [the] reliability and versatility has been fantastic,” Simon Giramondo, Construction Manager of Melbourne’s Maple Living says. “[I] would highly recommend [Bunnings Trade] as a reliable partner with regards to the Frame and Truss team and delivery solutions, in particular.”

With end-to-end support along the way, the specialist team (who can be reached on 134 TRADE or 134 872) will partner with you on the project to ensure you’re supported, being involved in everything from take-offs to estimates, detailed quotes, and advice on the right materials.

Peel off the backing and apply the sticky side to clean, dry glass surfaces

No more scraping plaster splatters or overspray!

WINTER ESSENTIALS

Update your site basics this winter and throw a heated jacket into your order to keep you toasty all season long.

HEATED CLOTHING (I/N: 0593783): Yep, we’ve muttered a few profanities rolling out of bed on a cold winter’s morning to get to work. But if you whack on Makita’s range of heated jackets and vests, you can keep the cold out and your body warm. With three different heat settings, a wind- and water-resistant outer shell and in a variety of sizes, everyone onsite will want them.

GLASS PROTECTION (I/N: 0400891): Builders Edge Protective Window Film is self-adhesive and easy to apply, protecting glass for up to 30 days against mortar stains and other residue

EXTENSION CORD (I/N: 4332572): Offering durability and a 20m reach, the HPM Workshop Extension Lead comes in hi-vis yellow and has a clear plug and socket for easy inspection

POWER CENTRE (I/N: 4420181): Safety should be number one onsite. The HPM Electresafe Power Centre’s built-in features include an RCD safety switch which cuts power within 30 milliseconds if the supply neutral is lost, and an within 30 milliseconds if the supply neutral is lost, and an MCB for localised overload protection. Lead is 1.8m long.

POWERBOARD (I/N: 7032901): With a generous 3 1m lead and sockets for two transformers, the HPM PlugBoss 6 Outlet Powerboard also has surge protection for connected devices

SITE LIGHTS (I/N: 0206011): Short days shouldn’t mean working in dim conditions. The Arlec 2 x 20W LED Worklight with Tripod provides 3200lm, 5000K daylight colour temperature and a 110° beam angle. Adjust to suit on the easy-to-assemble tripod. Also IP65 rated weather resistant

Ram Board Plus

29 4sqm Pre Taped Temporary Floor Protection, I/N: 1091384

FLOOR PROTECTION: Prevent water, paint, mud and more from damaging worksite floors with Ram Board Plus Temporary Floor Protection. It comes pre-taped for faster fitting, reducing your installation time by up to 40 per cent

HEAVY-DUTY MASK (I/N: 0498495): With a comfortable latex-free silicon mask, the Citeco A1P2 Half Face Respirator Kit is your go-to if you work with solvents, paints and thinners. It also provides 94 per cent filtration protection from dust generated by grinding, sanding, drilling and sawing, plus welding and fertiliser fumes, as well as fire smoke.

NO TRADE OFF

How tradies Dan Allen and Ed Ross went from making a crust on a building site to shining a positive spotlight on mental health.

DAN ALLEN AND ED ROSS (FROM LEFT) ARE THE CO-FOUNDERS OF TIACS, A FREE MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLING SERVICE

$3 million

The value of counselling TIACS – the service Dan and Ed co-founded – has provided to 18,500 Australian tradies, truckies, farmers and blue-collar workers – for free.

Polar opposites That’s best mates Dan Allen and Ed Ross Ten years ago, the pair were thrown together on a building site when Dan made the move from Western Sydney to Brisbane. Ed hails from Longreach in outback Queensland with a level of ‘country’, Dan teases, that is “far above other country people; he’s loud, and like nothing I’d ever experienced ”

Ask Ed about his first impressions of Dan and he gets animated: “A tall, lanky dude who after the first day of working together said, ‘I can’t wait to go home and crack a beer’” The fast friends were stuck with each other – Dan a carpenter and Ed starting out his apprenticeship in the trade

Sure, we say polar opposites, but when you meet the boys there is one thing that binds them together: a bloody good dose of humour and some good old-fashioned ribbing

“When you’re working together and you form a bond with one another, you also find other things you have in common For us, that was our sense of humour,” Dan says “It doesn’t really matter where you’re from, you can still find something funny That is the thing we built our friendship on, and it’s pretty much been the same ever since.”

Their banter is effortless, like two comedians playing off each other for the biggest laugh The tradie version of Hamish and Andy, minus the red carpets But while having a good time and sharing a cracking yarn over a brew or a laugh is in their DNA, sometimes life can throw you off-course

“We do have our moments,” Dan says “I am an agitator by nature, I like to poke and prod, so for a long time we knew how to piss each other off I would poke the bear [Ed] for a rise I don’t do that now ”

A GUT-WRENCHING LOSS

When Dan lost one of his closest mates – a diehard Liverpool FC football fan and soon-to-be apprentice tradie – to suicide in December 2015, it rocked him to his core Confused and counting on his then-apprentice Ed for support, the pair started leaning into the tradie mental health space Why was it so hard to start conversations, especially for men on worksites, about how they were feeling?

Together they masterminded TradeMutt – funky, eye-catching workwear with “This Is A Conversation Starter” embroidered across the back of their shirts Their aim was to demystify mental health, make it a little bit more light-hearted and start conversations From the moment they walked into a pub for a schooner wearing two of their first-ever shirt creations, the chatter began People asked about the shirts and the slogan – the guys were on to something At its heart, TradeMutt is about gelling the idea of social impact and profit for purpose, inspired by a lost mate

“His legacy lives on through what we do and that comes from an extremely traumatic place,” Dan says of his late friend “It’s quite a complex thing for me to process within myself I want to do the best for his

memory and the best for his family They’ve been through the most traumatic thing they will ever go through. I’ve stood toe-to-toe with his mother, and many other mothers, who have lost their child to suicide, and that look of emptiness in someone’s eyes, to experience that those families are never going to recover from that ”

THE MAKING OF TIACS

While it hasn’t come easy – “We’ve had our blues,” admits Dan – the mates and their teams have worked their butts off to deliver more than $3 million so far in free mental health support to tradies, truckies, and rural and blue-collar workers Plus, 50 per cent of profits from every TradeMutt shirt sold goes to mental health support service TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter)

The company was co-founded in 2018 by Dan and Ed, expanding their touchpoints of the TradeMutt brand to offer a text and call service that allows free access to mental health counsellors More than 18,500 tradespeople and their families have utilised the service since its launch

It’s a huge enterprise From a business of two to now being responsible for 35 staff across both

YOUR HELP LINES

Tradies and their families in need of free mental health counselling can reach out to TIACS 8am-10pm (AEST) Monday-Friday by texting or calling 0488 846 988. Don’t know what to say? Simply text ‘Hi’ and a counsellor will take it from there.

Beyond Blue also offers free online counselling 24/7 for those in Australia. Call 1300 224 636.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call Lifeline 24/7 on 13 11 14.

organisations, engaging various stakeholders and, of course, providing life-saving counselling services through TIACS to the community – you can see why poking the bear may not be the wisest move anymore

“In the early days, it was so new and fun,” Dan says “We’ve got to take this seriously now, and we do We don’t take risks like we did before The future of this whole thing is far bigger than us. It was once about the two of us, but now it’s about the entire company, the entire industry ”

LIVE AND LEARN

Launching the company in their 20s (Ed turns 31 in June, with Dan turning 35 in July) has seen them mature quickly when it comes to business acumen

“Setting up a counselling and telehealth support service is a training school,” Dan says “One of the funny things was updating our insurance for TIACS when it was in its infancy The insurance company asked, ‘What are your qualifications?’ and we said, ‘Certificate III carpentry and joinery’ and they were like, ‘Are you f***ing serious?’” he laughs “But, in trades, you learn great problem-solving skills and this whole journey has been a continuous problem-solving

exercise. As long as you’re happy to solve problems and figure it out, you just keep plodding away.”

PROTECTING THEIR MENTAL HEALTH

While Dan and Ed have made it their mission to provide mental health support to those in need, they are not immune to the challenges of a low headspace.

Being asked to present a TEDxTalk from Brisbane (a world-renowned online service that posts international talks with individuals sharing “ideas worth spreading”) last year was a huge deal for Dan. Behind the scenes, he was going through a break-up and other personal challenges. The TEDxTalk preparation took him weeks for a 15-minute stand-up in front of an audience (and for the record, he was only allowed to swear once and the profanity was met with raucous laughter). He was spent by the end of it. Here he was spreading the word about mental health, when he was crumbling.

“Just because we advocate for mental health, it doesn’t make us immune to the same challenges that everyone else has,” Dan shares. “We’re all dealing with things on a daily basis. There’s relationships, financial stress, illnesses in the family, work stress – all of it together can really affect your mental health. I’ve been in really low spots at times throughout this journey. I know what stuff fills my cup and gives me clarity, moments of happiness or relaxation. I love social sport, it gets those demons out.”

Dan and Ed both see professionals to unpack their burdens, and have trained themselves to better balance work and life – mostly.

“It’s always a battle,” Ed says. “I see my psych semi-regularly, I exercise a lot, I set a lot of goals outside of work so it’s not all about work. That was such a big thing for a long time – going home, then back to work, and it’s not sustainable.”

HAVING A SOCIAL IMPACT

There’s no doubt TIACS’s call or text (0488 846 988) service, operating Monday to Friday from 8am to 10pm, is creating change. Take third-year carpentry apprentice Maxi, who reached out to TIACS after losing his dad in August 2021.

“It was sudden and tragic, and there was a lot of drama that happened afterwards,” Maxi says. “I was really cut up, but I held it together for the first three or four months pretty well. After that, I just turned into a trainwreck. Mum reminded me of TIACS and… [reaching out has] been the best thing I ever did.”

Maxi’s story unfortunately isn’t unique. For Dan and Ed, TIACS is all about helping make an invisible issue impossible to ignore. “Everyone is putting the game face on as best they can, and you don’t know what someone is dealing with,” Dan says. Ed adds: “There are so many people struggling out there that don’t know where to go. We are just trying to help.”

FAQs

Everything you need to know about TIACS, TradeMutt and supporting mental health

Q. What does the initials YNWA mean on the corner pocket of TradeMutt shirts?

A. It’s the abbreviated Liverpool FC motto: ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.

“I am proud of the fact we have YNWA on all of our shirts,” Dan says. “It’s inspired by stuff that [my friend] loved and it’s a message to everyone else to fight the good fight, keep on going. It’s for the entire community to prevent that loss.”

Q. What’s the QR code inside the pocket of the shirts and where can I buy a TradeMutt shirt?

A. It’s a QR code that leads directly to information on free counselling service TIACS. The full range of shirts is available at trademutt.com.

Q. How much from the sale of TradeMutt shirts is donated to charity TIACS?

A. Fifty per cent of the profits from every TradeMutt shirt sold goes to TIACS.

Q. What are the common signs someone is struggling with their mental health?

A. According to Jason Banks, co-CEO of TIACS, becoming withdrawn, mood changes and changes in usual behaviour are all key signs. Not attending events or meetings, and not being as talkative or upbeat as normal could also be a signal someone is struggling. If someone you know well enough starts snapping or gets frustrated quickly, that can be a danger sign.

Q. How can I help someone that might be doing it tough?

A. Keep up-to-date with your workmate’s big life changes and be interested, TIACS counsellors advise. Having a conversation where you listen and let them talk can help. And recommending a professional service, such as TIACS.

KICKING GOALS

Thinking about an apprenticeship?

AFLW star Jasmine Garner shares her experience of balancing working in a trade with her football career.

After kicking AFLW’s first-ever goal in the inaugural match in 2017, Jasmine Garner has forged an impressive career and now ranks as one of the best players in the competition. The North Melbourne star also scores big off the football field in her career as a plumber.

Jasmine completed her plumbing apprenticeship last year and says a supportive employer and the opportunity to work on big new builds were highlights of her four years of training – not to mention getting paid to learn on the job.

Ahead of the AFLW season kicking off in August, Jasmine shares her advice for apprentices – and Peter Gilchrist, general manager at Apprenticeship Support Australia, adds his tips for employers.

RESEARCH THE RIGHT TRADE FOR YOU

“When people think of plumbing, they often think of fixing toilets – which doesn’t sound great. But there’s a lot more to it,” Jasmine says. “I did some research and, once I figured out plumbing involves working on new builds, renovations and in maintenance, I realised it would be a great career choice. During my apprenticeship I worked on projects, including a hospital and sports centre, which were interesting.”

FIND A SUPPORTIVE EMPLOYER

“The right employer will take the time to teach you to become a good tradie and invest in you. I worked with the same company all the way through my apprenticeship, and I’m still working for them now. Both my employer and the footy club were flexible throughout my apprenticeship – if I needed to work different hours, I could do that.”

Employer tip: Ask questions. “Take the time to be curious about your apprentices’ lives outside

of work and try to understand what they may be struggling with. Knowing that, you can better help and support them more holistically,” Peter says.

HAVE FAITH IN YOURSELF

“Not a lot of women do plumbing apprenticeships or play footy. I’ve learnt that you just have to back yourself and be confident in what you’re doing. It can be quite intimidating when you’re onsite with a bunch of guys, but they’re there to help you – they don’t really care if you’re male or female, as long as you’re ready to learn and do the right thing.”

Employer tip: Set up a buddy system.

“Whenever a new apprentice comes on board, connect them with a more senior mentor to help them navigate the workplace,” Peter offers. “It’s valuable to have someone else to talk to, aside from your manager.”

ALWAYS BE CURIOUS

“There are no stupid questions. If you ask questions, you’ll learn a lot – it’s as simple as that.”

Employer tip: Check in regularly. “If formal meetings don’t work, make them informal by grabbing a coffee and discussing how things are going,” Peter says. “Catching up regularly offers apprentices consistency, a long-term outlook on their job and a stronger sense of connection at work.”

SHARE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES

“Talk with your employer about your life outside work and how they can best support you. My employer understood footy was important to me during my apprenticeship. I can’t play footy forever, but they also wanted me to get my apprenticeship done. Now that I’ve done it, I’ve got it forever.”

Employer tip: Offer career advice. “For apprentices in their final years, it can be valuable to help them see the big picture and the possibilities upon completion,” Peter says.

YOUR TAX QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson shares some key points to help with compiling this year’s tax return.

Q. Rob, what do tradies need to know before filing for the 2024 tax year?

A. There’s a small business skills and training boost (available until 30 June 2024) for small businesses with an aggregated annual turnover of less than $50 million. It offers an additional 20 per cent tax deduction to train new and existing employees. If eligible, you can claim a deduction for the cost of external training courses delivered to employees online or in person in Australia from a registered training provider. It’s not open to non-employee business owners, like sole traders or partners in a partnership.

Q. What is myTax and who would benefit from using it?

A. MyTax is an online tax return product offered by the ATO, accessed through myGov or the ATO app. Individuals and sole traders can use it to prepare and lodge their own tax return. You can upload records you keep in the myDeductions tool in the ATO app to pre-fill your tax return, and we can pre-fill most information from your employers, banks, government agencies, health funds and third parties by late July.

Q. What’s the deal with side hustles when it comes to tax purposes?

A. A side hustle is any work you do outside of your primary job for extra income. If you’re earning income outside of employment you’ll need to pay tax yourself –how much depends on whichever tax bracket your total combined income puts you in.

If your side hustle is a business, all your tax, super and Australian business register obligations must be met – this includes things like keeping complete and accurate records and lodging and paying tax and super obligations when required. If you’re a sole trader with more than one business, you’ll use the same ABN.

If you’re carrying on a business and have a GST turnover of $75,000 or more in a 12-month period, you must register for GST within 21 days of becoming aware you’ll reach the threshold. However, if your side hustle is ride-sourcing you need to register for GST, regardless of how much you earn.

Q. What do self-employed tradies need to know about super?

A. If you’re self-employed as a sole trader or in a partnership, you don’t have to pay super guarantee for yourself, but you can choose to make personal super contributions to save for your retirement. Ensure your super fund has your Tax File Number (TFN). Otherwise, contributions are taxed an additional 32 per cent and your fund may not accept the personal contribution. You may also miss out on a super co-contribution, if eligible, and it will be harder to keep track of your

Don’t get tax advice from a mate or a random person on social media – only seek tax advice from a reliable source, whether that be directly from the ATO or a registered tax professional.

super. Most people can claim a tax deduction for personal super contributions until they turn 75.

Q. Where do most mistakes happen with doing our own tax returns?

A. Record keeping (or lack of)! You should claim what you’re entitled to – nothing more, nothing less. So it’s important to have a good system in place to help you keep track of your income and expenses. Remember the three golden rules: you must have spent the money yourself; the expense must directly relate to earning your income; and you must have a record (usually a receipt) to prove it.

Q. Any other tips to keep in mind?

A. Don’t get tax advice from a mate or a random person on social media – only seek tax advice from a reliable source, whether that be directly from the ATO or a registered tax professional.

Lodge on time

The accounting year runs from July 1 to June 30, and most returns – including a non-lodgement advice if you earn less than $18,200 – must be submitted by October 31, although if you are on the books of a registered tax agent, you may have access to a later lodgement date. If you get a tax bill, make sure you pay it in full and on time.

Don’t lodge too early

If you or your agent use the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) myTax online service, it can be pre-filled with things like information from an employer and super fund, but you’ll need to allow time for the information to become available. Most should be in place by July 31.

FOR THE RECORD

Preparing your tax return? Make the process smoother with these handy hints.

Remember to include all relevant income

Most income must be declared in your tax return, although not everything – like some government allowance payments – may be taxed. Always check what to declare with a tax professional to be absolutely sure

Don’t include private use as a business expense

If you also use things like your private vehicle, computer and mobile for work, make sure to log your work-related use so, if asked, you can show how you’ve calculated any deductions.

Claim everything you’re entitled to

Check the ATO website for what tradies can claim to ensure you’ve included all possible deductions. If your work expenses for the year total more than $300, you’ll need to show evidence, whether on paper or online. The expense must have been genuinely necessary for your work and wasn’t reimbursed.

Check your return and retain records

Whether your return has been pre-filled or compiled by a tax professional, always look it over carefully to ensure all your income and expenses are accounted for, to avoid potential penalties. Bear in mind that you must keep everything related to your tax return for a minimum of five years from the date you lodge your tax return.

THINGS TRADIES CAN CLAIM

Get clued up on work-related expenses you can account for (or not) in your annual tax return.

1. NEW TOOLS

You can claim a tax deduction for any tools –including laptops – that you have bought for work purposes; it’s how you do it that is a bit more complicated. “If the tool or item costs you $300 or less, you can claim a deduction for the full amount in the year you buy it,” explains Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson. But if the tool or item costs more than $300, or is part of a set that together costs more than $300, you’ll have to claim a deduction under depreciation rules. “To help you work out your deduction for decline in value, use the ‘Depreciation and Capital Allowances’ tool on the ATO website,” Rob suggests.

2. TOOL REPAIRS

The cost of replacement parts and/or repairs to your tools qualify for a deduction. Make sure you keep any receipts. “If you also use your tools for private purposes, you can only claim an amount for your work-related use,” Rob says.

3. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

You can claim for the cost of necessary protective kit you buy, such as a hard hat and clothing – but

only if that clothing has protective qualities which are designed to protect you from risk of illness or injury while working, or is a compulsory work uniform. “A compulsory work uniform is clothing your employer requires you to wear through a strictly enforced workplace agreement or policy, and identifies you as an employee of a particular organisation,” Rob explains.

4. COSTS OF CLEANING AND REPAIRING CLOTHING

Keep those dry cleaning and laundry receipts! “To claim a deduction, you must have records to show evidence of any dry cleaning or repair costs, or a record to show how you calculated your laundry costs,” Rob says.

5. SUN PROTECTION

Sunglasses and sunscreen are possible deductions if you are required to work outside for long periods of time. “You can also claim a deduction for clothing with a UPF sun protection rating,” Rob says.

6. MOBILE PHONE

If you also use your personal mobile for work, be sure to log your work use and keep those records handy. “For example, an itemised phone bill with all of your work-related calls highlighted,” suggests Rob. If your phone rings all day with work calls, you might consider buying a separate mobile to make tracking your phone spend easy.

7. SITE SECURITY

“If you’re a business owner, you can claim deductions for most items which ensure your building site is secure,” Rob says. “Structural items, such as fencing, can be claimed, generally over 40 years, as a capital works deduction.” The cost of security cameras and lighting can also attract a deduction, but the depreciation of those is handled differently; see ‘Uniform Capital Allowances (UCA)’ on the ATO website for more information.

8. INSURANCE PREMIUMS

Income protection insurance is a sensible thing to sign up for and your premiums can be tax deductible. However, Rob says, “You can’t claim a deduction for personal injury life insurance, trauma insurance or critical care insurance policy premiums, or if the policy is through your superannuation fund and the premiums are deducted from your contributions.”

9. PROFESSIONAL FEES

Other deductible expenses can include tax agent fees, training courses, and relevant professional publications. “You can also claim a deduction for union and professional association fees you pay,” Rob adds.

10. VEHICLE EXPENSES

There are different ways of claiming deductions depending on your vehicle. “To claim a work-related car expense, the vehicle must be a car,” Rob says. A car is defined as a vehicle that carries a load of less than one tonne and fewer than nine passengers (including the driver). “If the vehicle doesn’t meet this definition, for example, a truck, motorcycle or passenger vehicle, you claim your work-related vehicle expenses as a work-related travel expense,” Rob explains. For this, you’ll need to keep all relevant receipts and, ideally, a logbook of your work mileage.

For a car, you can claim under the cents per kilometre method; currently 85 cents per work-related kilometre, up to a maximum of 5,000km. “The rate can change each income year and is all-inclusive, meaning it covers all of your costs for operating the car, such as fuel, registration, insurance, repairs, maintenance and servicing,” Rob explains. Alternatively, you can use the logbook method, which means recording your work-related trips for a continuous period of at least 12 weeks, and using it to calculate the deductible portion of your car expenses.

You’re smashing it out of the park in your apprenticeship, now it’s time to learn the ins and outs of your annual tax return.

WHAT ALLOWANCES CAN I CLAIM?

If your employer pays you an allowance, such as for tools, or compensation for certain working conditions, like working on a multistorey building, Rob says: “You must include all allowances your employer reports on your income statement or payment summary as income in your tax return.” However, “Your employer may not include some allowances on your income statement –you will find these amounts on your pay slip,” he says, adding: “You don’t need to declare these allowances as income in your tax return unless you’re claiming a deduction.” Travel and overtime meal allowances may fall into this bracket.

CAN I CLAIM MY MOTORBIKE USE TO AND FROM WORK?

For a ute or motorbike, you can claim your actual costs for work-related use; keep all relevant receipts and maintain a record of work-related travel.

WHEN CAN I CLAIM EDUCATION EXPENSES?

Training costs you pay that directly relate to your job are also eligible for a tax deduction, including “course fees, student and amenities fees, textbooks, trade journals and stationery expenses,” Rob says. “You will also be able to claim a deduction for the decline in value of any depreciating assets which cost more than $300 that you use for your work-related study, such as a laptop.” Timing is important here. “You cannot claim self-education expenses that you incurred before you began earning income,” Rob says.

CAN I CLAIM DRIVING TO A COURSE IN MY OWN VEHICLE?

If you attend TAFE, for example, you can claim a deduction for the cost of travel from your home or workplace to your place of education and back. You usually can’t claim for trips between home and work unless you’re carrying tools essential for your job, they’re too bulky or heavy to be reasonably transported otherwise, like on the bus, and there’s no secure storage onsite

EOFY OVERHAUL

There’s no better time to update your toolkit and reap the rewards with these end-of-financial-year best buys.

AEG 18V FUSION/BRUSHLESS 10 PIECE

HEAVY DUTY LIMITED EDITION 5.0AH KIT, $1,999*, I/N: 0585315

WHY IT’S A GREAT BUY

“This is one of the best stand-up brands in this country, and personally I think its great that all the brands are competitive with each other,” electrician Jack Rea, owner of R.E.A Electrical Solutions, says, adding: “However, I do feel AEG is a great value-for-money product. The fact you get a 10-piece at a reasonable price, that’s value for money. I have used AEG and never had an issue with the tools, it does everything you need.”

WHAT DO I GET?

• 18V Fusion Hammer Drill

• 18V Fusion 4-Mode Impact Driver

• 18V Fusion 165mm Circular Saw

• 18V Fusion Reciprocating Saw

• 18V Fusion 26mm SDS+ Rotary Hammer

• 18V Fusion 125mm Angle Grinder

• 18V Fusion 4-Mode ½" Mid Torque Impact Wrench

• 18V Brushless Multi-Tool

• 18V Worksite Blower & Inflator/Deflator

• 18V Handheld Dust Extractor

• 3 x 18V 5.0Ah Force Batteries

• 18V Dual Port Simultaneous Rapid Charger

• Duffle bag

WHAT’S THE REDEMPTION OFFER?

If you purchase this kit before June 30, 2024 you can redeem two of 30 bonus options, including selected products from the batteries and chargers, power tool skins and outdoor power equipment skins via the AEG website: aegpowertools.com.au/ promotions. T&Cs apply. Visit the website for details.

DEWALT 18V XR 9 PIECE KIT 5AH, $1,999*, I/N: 0441394

WHY IT’S A GREAT BUY

“It’s a one-off spend and you get a variety of tools you can use for all types of work,” Jack says. “This is worth the investment for an apprentice... because you get nine pieces you can use to carry out all different types of work, from maintenance to new installs. There are so many options to make your job easier. The tools may take a bit of a beating, but if you look after them they will last.”

WHAT DO I GET?

• 18V XR Brushless Hammer Drill Driver

• 18V XR Brushless 3-Speed Impact Driver

• 18V Atomic SDS+ Brushless Rotary Hammer

• 18V Atomic XR Brushless Reciprocating Saw

• 18V XR 184mm Brushless Circular Saw

• 18V Brushless 3-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool

• 18V XR 125mm Brushless Angle Grinder

• 18V XR Jobsite Blower

• 18V XR LED Pivot Task Light

• 3 x 18V XR Li-ion 5.0Ah Battery Packs

• XR Multi-Voltage Charger

• Duffle Bag

WHAT’S THE REDEMPTION OFFER?

If you purchase this kit before June 30, 2024 you can redeem a bonus DeWALT Sliding Compound Saw 1675W DWS780-XE or a DeWALT 2.0 3-In-1 ToughSystem Tool Box Bundle via the DeWALT website: guaranteedtough.com.au. T&Cs apply. Visit the website for details.

WHY IT’S A GREAT BUY

“Makita is a range that can be used by beginners through to people that are heavy on the tools and using them daily,” Jack says. “This two-piece combo is good for apprentices who can’t afford to buy the bigger combo sets. It’s also great if you have a drill that’s on the way out and you need an upgrade, because you get the extras with it. On a daily basis I would use the hammer drill and impact driver to carry out my electrical work and I’ve used them throughout my career. This is a good all-rounder set and personally, I would always spend a little bit more money to go with the brushless set because you don’t have to muck around with brushes and you can tell the difference when you use it.”

WHAT DO I GET?

• 18V Brushless Hammer Driver Drill

• 18V Brushless Impact Driver

• 2 x 5.0Ah Batteries

• Single Port Rapid Charger

• Carry case

WHAT’S THE REDEMPTION OFFER?

If you purchase this kit before June 30, 2024 you can redeem a bonus Angle Grinder Skin via the Makita website: makita.com.au/promotions. T&Cs apply. Visit the website for details.

WHEN USING POWER TOOLS, ALWAYS WEAR THE RECOMMENDED SAFETY GEAR. *PRICING IS VALID FROM 16 MAY 2024-30 JUNE 2024 AND IS INCLUSIVE OF GST. THESE PRODUCTS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN ALL TRADE CENTRES AND STORES, BUT MAY BE ORDERED IN. SEE IN-STORE FOR PRODUCT AVAILABILITY.

IHOW T AKE TH ST OF YOUR

UNNINGS TRADE POWERPASS

PowerPass is your most useful tool, helping you save time, track jobs and get ahead on tax. ax.

f you’re only using Bunnings Trade PowerPass yo to secure exclusive pricing (and why wouldn’t you?), you’re miss missing a trick. Being a PowerPass member comes with a nu number of benefits to help you run and grow your business. business Try these tips T y

TIP 1

DEDICATED TRADE SUPPORT

As a PowerPass member, you have access to a range of support services in-store, on the road and on the phone. In-store trade specialists are ready to help with product enquiries, quotes, deliveries and more. There are also Account Managers on the road across major capital cities and regions of Australia who are available to provide support to builders and businesses. And all PowerPass members can access a dedicated Trade support team by calling 134 TRADE (134 872). This team can help with trade quotes, pricing, product and stock queries, delivery updates and much more.

TIP 2

FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS YMENT

There are a couple of ways to manage your uple PowerPass membership You can pay cash for membership. each purchase at the register, or you can apply for hase a line of credit or a 30-day account, which means you’ll receive just one bill at the end of every eceive month*. Streamlining your bills like this can help th*. you manage your cash flow against your outgoing supply costs and incoming payments.

TIP 3

MAKE TAX TIME EASIER

Using your account to keep track of your receipts not only makes tax time easier, it can also help make invoicing more straightforward. When you scan your card at the Trade Desk (or ‘Check Out’ in the app), the receipt will automatically be saved into your eReceipts in the PowerPass app. From there, you can send the

About Bunnings Trade POWERPASS

receipt directly to your bookkeeper, accountant or even to clients. To do this, just find the receipt in the app or the web portal, scroll to the bottom of the screen and hit share as a PDF or PNG file.

TIP 4

USE THE APP TO SPEED UP STORE VISITS

There are multiple ways to make your trip to Bunnings quicker when you use the app. Firstly, you can check everything is in stock before you even get in the ute. There are also interactive store maps in the app that plot a course from the front door of the store to the aisle you need and the exact product you’re looking for. Perhaps the real timesaver, though, is using the app to check out – just select the ‘Scan To Cart’ option to scan the product’s barcode, then click ‘View Cart’ and ‘Proceed To Checkout’. When you leave, simply show your eReceipt to a team member at the door.

TIP 5

USE YOUR POWERPASS AS A PLANNING TOOL

Everyone knows what it’s like at the start of a job: you’re considering what materials you’ll use and what tools you’ll need. You might want to show your client a few different material options or just compile a list for other trades on the job to see. You can do that through your PowerPass membership (either online or in the app). Create a Job List for each project, add the products you’re considering and share with your team and clients. It’s a great way of getting everyone on the same page and being transparent about the costs involved in getting to the end result.

A PowerPass membership is designed for eligible tradies with a valid ABN or ACN. You can also apply if you are an owner builder or an apprentice. Your membership gives you access to exclusive pricing, a team of trade specialists and delivery services. Want to know how to apply for Bunnings Trade PowerPass? Scan the QR code to get started. It’s easy and free to apply.

• ACTIVE* earmuff with external microphones for situational awareness

• Bluetooth® wireless technology

• SLC₈₀ 28dB, Class 5

ON THE OL IDE S SOLUTIO S

The latest information on new-release products, reviews and topical trend forecasts.

Celebrating 90 years in the tool game is no easy feat, but Paslode (an acronym for PAcking, Shipping, LOading DEvices) does just that next year The fact it is still going strong nearly a century later is just one of the reasons tradies find the brand so reliable.

“They have been around for so long and they have dominated, especially the carpentry industry, for a long time,” electrician Jack Rea, owner of R E A Electrical Solutions, says, adding if you’re looking for an addition or update to your toolkit, now is the time as the end of the financial year approaches “It’s a great time to upgrade – all my mates do the same thing around this time of year You can usually claim them as tax deductions ”

Turn over for more about the Paslode combo kit

HANDLE COMFORT

Additional rubber grips provide a secure hold over prolonged use and give added stability when placed on surfaces.

ADDED EXTRAS

The kit includes 3 x 2 2Ah Li-ion batteries, a Li-ion charger, one allen key, safety glasses and a carry case

If you’re familiar with Paslode nailers, you’ll appreciate the enhanced features of the updated Paslode FrameMaster and TrimMaster Nailer Combo Kit, combining lightweight design, extended battery life and enhanced user comfort to meet professional demands. At 3.3kg, the FrameMaster is one of the lightest framing nailers available, making it a breeze to use all day without fatigue.

The battery life is equally impressive. With the combination of battery and gas, you can expect extended usage, firing up to 10,000 to 12,000 nails per gas canister – more than enough to last through a full day’s work.

And there’s no need to spend time fiddling with the old nail loading mechanism of pulling down clips and sliding nails in. Simply insert a new rack of nails and the clip slides past, locking them in place seamlessly. This streamlined process saves a tonne of time and effort on the job.

While it doesn’t have a bump fire mode, it maintains a rapid firing capability, aided by the extended fan runtime that keeps the tool cool under pressure. After firing a nail, the fan runs longer during rapid use, ensuring optimal and uninterrupted performance.

BAILEY LADDERS 2.1M 150KG SLS 3 IN 1 LADDER, I/N: 0139725

Whatever your trade, a ladder’s stability is crucial. This 3-in-1 ladder is built for durability and safety, capable of supporting up to 150kg with trapezoidal treads that resist twist. It can be used as a single ladder for straightforward tasks, but also easily transforms into a leaning ladder, ideal for jobs requiring flexibility and reach, such as exterior painting or roofing work. If a more stable base is required, it can also be configured as a step-ladder with a sturdy platform for sustained balance.

A game-changing feature is its SmartLock hinge system (SLS), ensuring seamless transitions between configurations with maximum safety.

GSTEP UP FOR MORE LADDER INFO, TURN TO P36

FULL BOAR 1500W 10KG 32J SDS MAX DEMOLITION HAMMER KIT, I/N: 6290551

uts and plenty of grunt is behind the Full Boar Demolition Hammer. “These [demolition hammers] are awesome,” says electrician Jack Rea, owner of R.E.A Electrical Solutions in Melbourne, Victoria. “There’s nothing gentle about demo, so you want to hold on tight because [the tool is] very aggressive, but it does the job.”

Stacked with a 1500W motor, this demolition hammer is perfect for masonry while also smashing through tasks, including removing floor tiles, digging in hard ground or bursting up concrete slabs.

“It’s a really good demolition tool for ripping up bathrooms and kitchens,” Jack shares of the kit that also includes a flat and pointed chisel bit. Meanwhile, the SDS Max accessory fitment makes quick work of changing bits and accepts a wide variety of readily available accessories. “If you need to chisel concrete and go hard, this is a tool you can definitely use and performs quite well,” Jack adds.

Complete with an anti-vibration system to help reduce user fatigue, Jack says, “It’s straightforward to use, just let the drill do its thing.”

Your must-have onsite accessories.

TOUGHBUILT STACKTECH 3 PIECE COMBO, I/N: 0578549

Every day we’re working in the elements, so keeping our tools dry and protected is a no-brainer. Heavyduty and waterpoof ToughBuilt StackTech storage systems are in a league of their own in terms of tool organisation, and the best thing about them is you don’t have to fork out for the whole kit upfront (perfect for apprentices) – simply add on as you need.

“When you pull it out of your car onsite, especially when you’re doing these jobs where you’re moving around a lot, you just need everything sorted in one go – it does that,” Jack says. “It’s good for organisation and keeping me efficient. It’s also great for dividing your tools and your fixings, and you can strap it up in the back of the van to keep things organised.”

“If you have one of these, you can pack your tools away, go down the shop to get something to eat and you don’t have to worry about it getting wet,” Jack says of the ToughBuilt range.

GET $50 OFF BATTERIES

Trade in your old 18V battery and get $50 off one of the following twin packs before June 30, 2024* .

TOOL TIME

Have you heard about Tool Kit Depot? They have decades of experience delivering specialised tools to tradies. Pair that with the extensive range at Bunnings and you’re all set.

WHO IS TOOL KIT DEPOT?

Tool Kit Depot (TKD) has a long history in the tool business – it started life under the Adelaide Tools banner in South Australia in the 1940s before evolving into TKD in 2021. In that time, the business has built a reputation around supplying specialist trade tools for those trickier jobs. As well as power and hand tools, TKD’s range also includes safety and protective gear, workwear and outdoor power equipment. It has also extended beyond the South Australian border with stores now in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.

HOW CAN I USE POWERPASS AT TKD?

Because TKD is part of the Bunnings Group, you can use PowerPass in-store at TKD to access PowerPass pricing. All you need to do is show your PowerPass card at the checkout and hello, savings! Visit the TKD website (toolkitdepot.com.au) to see store locations.

WHAT BRANDS CAN I GET AT TKD?

The great thing about being able to use your PowerPass membership at both Bunnings and TKD is the access to the specialist range of tools. At TKD, you’ll find Makita, Milwaukee, DeWALT and Husqvarna, along with a suite of other brands. Combine that with the wide range of products already available at Bunnings and you’ll find everything you need to get those specialist jobs done.

FOR

WHAT’S THE PRICE BEAT PROMISE?

While others may match the price, TKD is the only specialist tool provider with a price beat promise*. It means if you find a competitor’s lower price – including GST and delivery charges – on an identical item, they will beat it. The item must be in-stock at both TKD and the competitor, and the competitor must be in Australia. The price beat request cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer (conditions apply).

SCAN HERE to find out more about TKD and see store locations.

*Price Beat Promise applies to identical products. This means it must be the same brand, model number/SKU, and must be from an Australian authorised genuine dealer (no grey imports). Products must be in-stock at both the competitor and Tool Kit Depot. Price Beat Promise excludes items sold by other Bunnings Group businesses (including Bunnings Marketplace). The price comparison must include any delivery costs and GST. Approved Price Beat requests cannot be used in conjunction with other discount, coupon code or cashback offerings. Visit: toolkitdepot.com.au/price-beat-promise for full terms and conditions.

QUICK-GRIP® HYBRID CLAMPS

EASILY APPLY FORCE.

UP TO 374 KG OF FORCE WITH SCREW HANDLE

WORK & PLAY

Keep warm this winter – on and offsite – with Hard Yakka’s new range of jackets and flannel shirts, paired with pants, boots and some Tradie extras.

Kurt, plumber and coal miner

MY GO-TO ONSITE WORKWEAR FOR WINTER IS… pants and a jacket. Something comfy that I can actually do my work in.

BEING A TRADIE BATTLING THE ELEMENTS CAN BE… tough!

WHEN I’M NOT WORKING YOU WILL FIND ME… with family.

THE BIGGEST LESSON I’VE LEARNED BEING A TRADIE IS… to listen and learn.

THE FIRST POWER TOOL I BOUGHT WAS… a Makita battery kit.

THE WORKWEAR WE WORE IN THIS SHOOT WAS… comfortable and durable.

Yakka Womens Long Sleeve Hi Vis Shirt w/Reflective Tape, I/N: 0290109*; Hard Yakka Womens Raptor Cuff Pant in Desert, (see previous*); Hard Yakka Womens 3056 Side Zip Boot in Wheat, (see previous)

MY GO-TO ONSITE WORKWEAR FOR WINTER IS… shorts with a quilted jacket.

BEING A TRADIE BATTLING THE ELEMENTS CAN BE… challenging.

WHEN I’M NOT WORKING YOU WILL FIND ME… at the gym or the beach.

THE BIGGEST LESSON I’VE LEARNED BEING A TRADIE IS… to always be prepared and have the right equipment required for the job.

THE FIRST POWER TOOL I BOUGHT WAS… a cordless drill.

THE WORKWEAR WE WORE IN THIS SHOOT WAS… good quality and comfortable.

CLIMBING

THE LADDER

Need a step up, but not sure what ladder suits your needs? Read on.

We all have one to carry out jobs that require extra elevation, but finding the right ladder so you and your team can work safely with your feet off the ground is paramount. “Falls from ladders regularly result in serious injuries and fatalities, even working at relatively low heights,” says Nathan Lee, director of high risk work and industries policy at Safe Work Australia.

THE RIGHT LADDER FOR THE RIGHT JOB

What material the ladder is made from plays a huge role in its job suitability. Aluminium ladders are lightweight and resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for outdoor use and environments prone to moisture. Fibreglass ladders offer excellent durability and are non-conductive, so are safer for electricians or those working near electrical sources.

SAFETY IS IMPORTANT

Evaluating the ladder’s stability, especially on uneven surfaces, is crucial to prevent accidents. Different jobs may demand varying heights, so selecting a ladder that extends appropriately without compromising on safety is essential. Take note of the industrial-rated weight capacity to guarantee it can support you and your equipment. Overloading a ladder can lead to some serious accidents.

WHAT IT DOES

Citeco 1.8-3.2m 150kg

Industrial Aluminium

Dual Purpose Ladder, I/N: 0369946

1.2m 150kg

0369906

WHAT IT DOES

Constructed from fibreglass, this ladder is non-conductive for added peace of mind.

BEST FOR? Electricians.

FEATURES

• 150kg maximum load

• Industrial rated

• Maximum reach 2730mm

• Non-conductive stiles

• Double-sided

• Non-slip feet

FINAL WORDS

Offers durability, stability and extra safety features. Heavier and longer-lasting than aluminium.

Industrial-grade aluminium provides strength while remaining lightweight for easy transport.

BEST FOR?

Landscapers and carpenters.

FEATURES

• 150kg maximum load

• Industrial rated

• Maximum reach 2600mm

• Double-sided

FINAL WORDS

A cost-effective choice with double-sided versatility for working at heights in various industrial settings, including construction and maintenance.

WHAT IT DOES

A step and extension ladder in one. Folds open to lie flat against surfaces for maximum reach.

BEST FOR?

Painters.

FEATURES

• Lightweight frame

• 150kg maximum load

• Industrial rated

• Maximum reach 4300mm

• Double-sided

• Non-slip feet

FINAL WORDS

Super versatile due to the dual-purpose design, high weight capacity and portability.

2025: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

COLOURS FINISHES

Finishing touches to include:

COLOUR FORECAST

• Accent colour on ceilings.

• Accent colour on doorframes and sills.

• Accent colour on furniture.

Know the colour trends for 2025 so you can keep your clients ahead of the game. Experts share what’s up-and-coming in the world of paint.

Staying ahead of trends can mean the difference between landing a project or not. Bold colours are the theme leading into 2025 when it comes to both interiors and exteriors, according to three trend forecasting experts.

WARM COLOURS ARE IN

Construction is steering away from dark roofs and black exteriors. “This influences the flow into interior colour trends,” shares Kim Chadwick, founder and director of Australian Trend Forecast and creator of the Designer Colour Wheel tool for creatives. “We will see lighter colours for roofs and walls – some being reintroduced from the 1990s (creams, bisque and eucalypt greens) – which will impact our interiors.”

Quieter, earthy tones inspired by nature will be where it’s at in the year ahead. “Colour will warm up in 2025, with people wanting more colour and texture,” Kim says.

COOL TONES ARE OUT

Given the steer away from dark exteriors, warmer shades of white will help bolder colours pop, agrees Dulux Colour and Communications Manager Andrea Lucena-Orr. “We’re saying goodbye to greys and cool beiges,” she says. “Mid-tone shades and warmer whites come to the fore, which will complement some of the brighter, trending colours we’re seeing, such as bold brown, rich tan and mustard yellow.”

BOLD BLUES

Global trend forecasters have already named the “It” colour of 2025 as Future Dusk, a deep blue-purple. Moody and mystical, it’s just the thing to bring cosy luxury to rooms where your clients want to relax. “Deep blues look fantastic in living rooms, dining areas, bedrooms and theatre rooms, where they

add mood and drama,” says Taubmans Colour Specialist Fiona Dawson.

ATTENTION-GRABBING GREENS

Botanical green is here to stay for 2025, with the spotlight on eco-friendly and nature-inspired themes. “Deep, earthy and organic greens are popular now, but next year we could be seeing brighter greens with a playful edge coming through,” Fiona says.

TRY TEXTURE

If your client is looking to bring depth and dimension to their home, experts say texture is the key. Whether it’s fluted wall panelling, a plush shag pile rug or a specialist paint finish, like Venetian plaster, texture is the go-to for bringing instant character to a space.

COLOUR IN UNEXPECTED PLACES

No matter what is going on in the outside world, people will continue to seek ways to bring joy to the everyday in 2025 – and colour is a great way to do it. They will be thinking beyond just walls, too. “Fun colour trends we’re seeing include colour on ceilings, bulkheads, interior doors, door frames, window sills and furniture – anywhere you can add an accent shade to make your main wall colour pop,” Andrea says.

PAINT FOR THE PROFESSIONALS

INTERIOR BROADWALL

Premium water based paint, specially designed for the professional painter to deliver excellent coverage, washability and a professional finish. Interior Broadwall is available in both a contemporary matt and the popular low sheen finish.

EXTERIOR

Premium water based self-priming paint, specially developed to provide a luxurious application feel that suits a variety of rollers, brushes and sprayers. It delivers excellent UV protection, coverage, washability and a professional finish. Professional Exterior is available in both Low Sheen and Semi Gloss.

CEILING

Can be used on both new and repaint work with a dead flat finish designed to minimise banding, particularly over new plasterboard. Ceiling comes in a pre-tinted Elusive White and a tintable white.

UNDERCOAT

Versatile all rounder; a high density water based primer and prepcoat Suitable for use on interior and exterior timber, masonry, wallboards and previously painted surfaces. This undercoat has excellent hiding, filling, and sanding properties. It is also quick drying, and can be over coated with both water and oil based finishes.

ENAMEL

Taubmans Professional's water based enamels were developed for high traffic areas. Suitable for all timber and metal applications, use it wherever a smooth, non-yellowing, gloss or semi gloss finish is desired.

Taubmans Professional's water based enamels were developed for traffic areas Suitable for all timber and

Makita 40V Max XGT

Brushless Self Propelled 480mm Lawn Mower

(Skin Only), I/N: 0498782

“Self-propelled with enough power to get through thick grass – suited to Australian conditions,” Tim says.

TRADE IPS

Expert knowledge and insights from industry specialists.

E PERTISE INSPIR TION

“Battery-powered equipment, even over the last couple of years, has become better and better for contractors –and will only get better,” Tim ‘The Lawnmower Man’ Parker says

POWER GARDEN BLITZ

Are battery-powered garden tools as good as their petrol counterparts?

Well-known mowing and landscaping sensation Tim ‘The Lawnmower Man’ Parker gives us his verdict.

Every Friday, lawn detailer Tim ‘The Lawnmower Man’ Parker approaches a home in Sydney’s west and offers to mow the overgrown lawn for free. His videos chronicling ‘Free Mow Fridays’ have generated a huge social media following for his random acts of kindness and impressively high standard of work.

“I wanted to show potential clients some before and after videos, so I filmed one of the longer lawns I was doing and people just started watching,” says Tim, who fits his lawn mowing gigs around his day job as a full-time firefighter.

“I have a focus on detail with the work that I do – it’s not a case of slash and dash. I finesse over the edges and do it as if I was doing my own lawn.”

The shift from petrol to battery-powered garden tools* has changed the way Tim works and the equipment he uses, making his days transforming overgrown lawns quieter and kinder on the body.

“Commercially, in the last couple of years there’s been more and more [battery-powered] equipment released. For some contractors, they can convert a lot of their equipment to battery,” Tim says. “I know of some people who have gone fully electric.”

We get his take on why battery is the power of the future for tradies in the garden.

LESS NOISE

Battery-powered garden tools – even famously noisy blowers and line trimmers – are much quieter than

STATUS UPDATE

NAME: Tim ‘The Lawnmower Man’ Parker

TRADE: Firefighter/lawn mower

LOCATION: Gables, North West Sydney

INSTAGRAM: @timthelawnmowerman

their petrol-powered equivalent. Tim says this makes a big difference to the user – and their neighbours.

“There’s less noise and it’s just a nicer experience,” he says, adding: “I’ve been genuinely surprised by how much I’ve enjoyed using some battery equipment in the right scenarios.”

LOWER VIBRATIONS

Choosing battery power over petrol means lower vibrations because there isn’t a combustion engine running the show. This is also beneficial to the health of landscapers, Tim explains.

“If you’re using petrol equipment it vibrates more and you can end up with issues of numbness in your hands over time, which can lead to other complications,” he says.

NO TOXIC FUMES

The same goes for potent petrol fumes – with battery-powered garden tools, they’re no longer a concern. “With batteries, I’m not breathing in petrol fumes,” Tim says.

EASIER TO START

Gone are the days of yanking the start cord to get your petrol-powered garden tools going. With battery-powered tools, you simply push a button and you’re away – mowing, blowing or trimming.

“You don’t have that fatigue of having to pull the starter cord repeatedly throughout the day or garden tools not starting,” Tim says. “It’s much easier.”

NO REGULAR SERVICING

Battery-powered garden tools eliminate the need for regular servicing, which Tim says means he can spend more time on the job.

“You no longer need to service an engine with lots of moving parts,” he says. “That’s not to say things can’t or won’t go wrong – you can have a motor fail or a battery fail, and with a lawn mower you have to change the blades. But there’s no need to go in for regular servicing.”

IMPROVED RUNNING TIMES

The battery running times of hedge trimmers, such as the Makita 40V Max XGT Brushless Line Trimmer, are so long that Tim says he’ll never go back to petrol.

“I would never use a petrol hedge trimmer these days because the battery-powered ones are that good now – the running times are really good when doing the hedges in particular,” he says, adding: “I like battery-powered blowers, too. Lawn mowers have got a little way to go, but they’re getting there.”

HIGH VOLTAGE

Did you know the Makita 40V Max XGT range is now available for PowerPass members through 134 TRADE?

The Makita 40V Max XGT range is not available in store, but you can follow these simple steps to get your hands on the groundbreaking heavy-duty battery technology.

1.

CALL 134 TRADE

Contact the Trade team on 134 TRADE (134 872) for any product enquiries or to book in a Makita onsite visit.

2.

SELECT YOUR PRODUCTS

The team will send you a product guide to view the XGT range. Then, simply provide model numbers to the team and they can provide you with a quote.

3.

ORDER, COLLECT OR DELIVERY

Bunnings Trade will process your order and can organise click and collect to your local Bunnings or delivery direct to site.

Remember, you can call 134 TRADE (134 872) and speak directly to the team for end-to-end support with stock enquiries, quotes and all things Trade.

THE LAWNMOWER MAN VERDICT

We had Tim test out a few gems from the Makita 40V Max XGT range around the yard.

Makita 40V Max XGT Brushless: Self Propelled 480mm Lawn

Mower (Skin Only), I/N: 0498782

“Most battery mowers have a single bar blade set-up, but this one is rather unique because it’s got a traditional four swing back blade set-up. It’s better suited to Australian conditions because if you hit something hard, it can swing back and can take some of the impact. There’s less chance of damaging the equipment.”

Makita 40V Max XGT 600mm

Hedge Trimmer (Skin Only), I/N: 0498762

“A high-quality machine with high blade speed. The blades operate very quickly and you get a nice clean cut. It’s low vibration and just feels very smooth to use. It’s also reasonably lightweight for what it is. This is one I’ve really enjoyed using; I wouldn't use a petrol hedge trimmer at all.”

Makita 40V Max XGT Blower (Skin Only), I/N: 0498761

“It has a variable speed trigger that I like. There’s a turbo function, but it’s built into the trigger, so you just have to pull the trigger down fully to engage the turbo button. With a lot of other machines you have to separately press a turbo button while pushing the trigger at the same time. The power level is good on it and the airflow is sufficient for maintenance tasks.”

Scan the QR code to find out more about the SpecRite range

HOW TO GET CLIENTS TO PAY YOUR INVOICES ON TIME

Follow these easy-to-implement invoicing tips from MYOB and you’ll save yourself a headache.

1

BUILD STRONG RELATIONSHIPS

Captain Obvious incoming… but having good relationships with the people you’re doing business with is important. “They’ll generally be more inclined to pay on time if they’ve had a good experience, and you’ll be able to have open and honest conversations if there are any issues,” says Head of Growth and Go-To Market at MYOB, Kim Owen-Jones.

2

START WITH A TIGHT CONTRACT

No one likes surprises – particularly when it comes to invoices. Once you and the client have agreed on the work, draw up a contract (this is a legal requirement in most states). Be specific on the scope of work and what’s included (plus what isn’t); include timeframes around how long the work will take; and set up payment terms – keeping them short will help you manage your cash flow. Include a section on additional work requests and how they’ll be managed and show up on the invoice. If you apply penalties for late payments, this information will need to be in the contract, too.

3

INVOICE QUICKLY FOR FAST PAYMENT

This part is on you – send your invoices out promptly. “Sending an invoice will prompt your customer to pay, and ultimately this ensures your business has a healthy cash flow,” Kim says.

4

OFFER MULTIPLE WAYS TO PAY

Make it easier for your client and give them different payment options. This might include a bank transfer, by credit or debit cards, or good old-fashioned cash (make sure you keep complete records of any money coming into your business so you don’t run foul of the ATO). MYOB makes it easy for your clients to pay you in seconds with options like PayPal, Apple Pay™, Google Pay™, BPAY and credit card.

5

HOW TO CHASE UP LATE PAYMENTS

“Here’s where things can get awkward… but they don’t need to,” Kim says. “This is a business relationship, so maintain a respectful but firm tone in your dealings about late payments.” There are a few steps in the process of chasing late payments.

They include:

• Keep a record. Track when invoices need to be paid. This is how you’ll know if they’re

overdue (if you use accounting software, like MYOB, this will be taken care of for you).

• Send reminders. Start with a friendly reminder and follow up with a late payment notice.

• Make direct contact. Pick up the phone. Talk to the customer about the payment issues and establish whether a payment plan may help.

Link your PowerPass account with MYOB to have invoices land directly in your MYOB inbox each time you make a PowerPass purchase. Sign up for MYOB today and you’ll only pay for the first month and get 12 months free. T&Cs apply*.

IT’S FULLY STICK I S FULLY STICK FULLY FLEXIBLE FULLY STRONG BOND FULLY UV & WEATHER RESISTANT FULLY PAINTABLE AVAILABLE IN:

LESSONS I’VE LEARNED…

From running a chiropractic business to a career on the tools as a carpenter, Luke Graf has gained valuable insight into what it takes to succeed.

The career journey for Clarence Valley carpenter Luke Graf has taken some detours along the way. After first learning his trade in the NSW Blue Mountains as an apprentice in the building game, he then opted for a sea change in Cairns. But shortly after arriving in Far North Queensland, the construction company he worked for went bust, putting Luke and 5000 other tradies out of work.

With not enough demand for so many unemployed carpenters in town, Luke and his chiropractor wife, Jenny, purchased a chiropractic clinic and the next decade was spent working 80-hour weeks running their business. While Luke kept up his tradie skills by renovating their property, he also spent his days behind a computer managing the office.

They eventually sold the business and spent six months travelling abroad, before the pair settled in the Clarence Valley on the NSW North Coast. It’s there Luke returned to his trade and started a business, Graf Build Carpentry, with plenty of lessons learned from his winding career arc. In his own words, Luke shares his must-dos for running a trade business.

FLEXIBILITY IS KEY

“You have to take what is thrown at you,” Luke says. “From one day to the next, our lives completely changed – from both my wife and I working for someone to then taking over a business.

“Being flexible is a big thing. I didn’t enjoy running the clinic because being on a computer all day is not for me, but you do what you have to. We worked from 6am to 8pm six days a week, and if I wasn’t there we would have had to employ two other

1

“Lean on the right professional services, such as a suitable accountant to help keep the financial side in order. They have helped me with so many things I wouldn’t know.”

people. Carpentry was so quiet at the time in Cairns, but once I got back on the tools, it was a relief.”

GIVE IT YOUR ALL

“You have to give 110 per cent, otherwise running your own business doesn’t work,” Luke says.

“Although I don’t like paperwork, it is essential to run a business. If only I could just do the manual labour! But quoting is what makes your business go round.”

HAVE MORE THAN ONE SKILL

“It is good going to work where I don’t do the same thing day-in and day-out,” says Luke, who also lends a hand with Gyprocking, landscaping and bathroom fitouts occasionally alongside his carpentry work.

“There is always something different compared to the week before, and I can get a lot more work out of it.

“I do a lot of bathrooms, so once we strip it out and reline it, instead of getting the Gyprocker in to plaster it before the waterproofing, I can set it all because I learned that skill when I was young. My clients like it because instead of getting three tradesmen in, we can do a lot more. I get the pros in to do jobs, such as waterproofing and tiling, but being able to do extras goes a long way.”

QUALITY LEADS TO REFERRALS

“I strongly believe in no cutting of corners,” Luke says. “You have to do a 10/10 job for every client, simple as that. I don’t believe in doing a 7/10 – it has to be 100 per cent at capacity. Quality is everything and you have to give it your all. Always be professional because quality helps you land your next job.”

TOP TIPS: STARTING A BUSINESS

Want to succeed? Luke shares the three things he doesn’t stray from in running his business.

2

“Always be on time. If you tell a client you’ll be there at 7am, be there at 7am. That is huge for me; there is nothing worse than when tradies turn up late or not at all.”

3

“Do what you say. Your word means everything – word of mouth is my biggest source of work. I get plenty through my website, but clients passing on my name is most important.”

MY BUNNINGS BUYS

When working on the road, Luke says these essential tools are a must-have.

Stanley Quick Square, I/N: 5660338

“I have two of these, one this size and one twice as big. The smaller one lives in the pouch of my

and I use it almost every day for correct cuts with my saw and marking edges.”

“It’s

Kincrome Tradesman Saw Horse, I/N: 5810657

“Kincrome is a quality, well-known brand and these fold up for maximum room in my tool trailer.”

RICKY GIMENEZ

TIPS OF THE TRADE

Three tradies share how they built their businesses.

After more than two decades running building companies, Ricky Gimenez came to a crossroads in his career He had just turned 40 and was presented with the opportunity to take over the business he was working for But he felt it was time to go it alone

That’s when he took a leap and launched Frank Jay, a building company that specialises in remedial and alternative solutions and designs for houses and commercial facilities.

Ricky reveals three keys to his success.

Q: Is working multiple trades important?

A: Knowing your trade alone is quite limiting in the construction world. The more trades you know, you can then understand the costs, timelines and processes better – this enables me to problem-solve intricate and difficult jobs. It also greatly helps with the client experience. In general, builders have this reputation for taking shortcuts, charging premiums and having bad communication skills. I’m a strong believer that the process should be fun and enjoyable.

Q: How do you cultivate team culture?

A: You as a boss are no one without your team.

There isn’t a team hierarchy [in my business], everyone is paid to carry responsibilities We have a fun and respectful environment onsite with each other and our clients. It’s a high learning environment for everyone, too Our apprentices are ahead of their game, in class and onsite We also spend time together offsite as a team, which strengthens the relationships At the end of the day, we spend more time at work than we do at home, so if someone isn’t happy in the workplace, it can bring disorder with their family.

Q: What’s your best advice for managing clients and their expectations?

A: There is no point in doing something wrong, taking shortcuts or misleading the client. Clients understand that you are running a business. A large part of the building game is based on a margin percentage, so if this is the case, why do you want to take shortcuts when the client pays at the end of the day? Why take that risk on? It’s also important to explain things clearly – the client values that as they are looking to you for your recommendations and expertise. This strengthens the relationship between tradesperson and client.

NAME // Stefan Calic

TRADE // Fixout carpenter BUSINESS // Stefan’s Interior Fixout

YEARS AS BUSINESS OWNER // 11 years

KEEP A CLEAR HEAD AND CONFIDENCE WILL COME, SAYS STEFAN CALIC

At the age of only 22, what fixout carpenter Stefan Calic lacked in experience, he made up for in hard work and determination to succeed. Plus, he ensured he was true to his word. Now, 11 years later and with a huge body of work behind him, he’s looking to the next decade of growth – and he’s ready for it. As Stefan says: “Do good and good will return.” Here, he shares some learnings from his time in business.

Q: Would you say going out on your own was a risky move for you?

A: I was just 22 when I decided to launch my own business. In the beginning, I was aware that my knowledge and experience had room for growth, but I was motivated to take the leap. Gaining knowledge before venturing out on your own is important, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. The key is to have the willingness to embrace risks and constantly learn. Having the courage to take the leap – even when you don’t know everything – is just as crucial. I’ve embraced that learning curve and I’ve never looked back.

Q: How important do you feel it is to keep your word as a tradie?

A: When I worked for other companies previously, I saw the industry was full of individuals who often didn’t keep their promises. I knew I wanted to build

my reputation on being consistently reliable and trustworthy. I knew if I did that I would stand out and thrive, and it has proven true, as many of my clients have been with me since day one.

COUSINS JOHN AND EDDY MOUAWAD (FROM LEFT) TREAT THEIR TEAM LIKE PART OF THE FAMILY

NAME // Eddy Mouawad

TRADE // Electrical contractor BUSINESS // Energex Group

YEARS AS BUSINESS OWNER // 11 years

Bringing two companies together as one was a family affair for Eddy Mouawad and his business partner – cousin John Mouawad – who co-founded Energex Group in 2018 and have worked tirelessly to grow their electrical contracting business. They now service a multitude of residential and commercial properties.

Eddy has experienced the ups and downs of running a business during that time and shares his tips for riding the highs and lows.

Q: How tough has it been to manage a business post-COVID pandemic?

A: There’s no getting away from the fact it’s been tough after the pandemic. People talk about how being a business owner is high-risk and high-reward, but the truth is it’s mostly high-risk, so there are a lot of ups and downs. It’s a 24/7 job and we are always thinking about work – the present and future

I wish I understood that stress isn’t a solution to problems. It’s important to take a moment to pause, assess situations... and understand that there’s no issue that can’t be resolved.

Q: How do you manage the mental load of running your own business?

A: Back when I started out, I wish I understood that stress isn’t a solution to problems. It’s important to take a moment to pause, assess situations (with a clear head) for what they truly are, and understand that there’s no issue that can’t be resolved (even if the resolution is not the most ideal one). This perspective would have saved me a lot of unnecessary worry and helped me approach challenges more calmly and effectively.

work. Work is often brought home and worked on after the kids are asleep, so you need balance.

Q: What type of boss are you?

A: I wanted to be a fair but hard boss, as I like to see my employees become hard and professional workers as well. But we’ve always tried to give a person a go. If they present themselves well, have composure and a willingness to learn, we provide opportunities for career growth and fulfilment.

Q: What’s your most important tip when it comes to managing cash flow of a business?

A: Naturally, as a business owner, you aim to be meticulous with your planning and preparation. But when I first started out nothing could prepare me for the amount of hidden and unforeseen company costs, such as taxes, workers compensation and downtime. Lots of lessons were learned early!

CHECK OUT MY RIG

Manuel Escobar’s dual-cab ute is a mobile workshop that serves him for every job.

Based in Camden, southwest of Sydney, Manuel Escobar’s business, Joyquip, fits out diesel refuelling stations for vehicles of all sizes.

Prior to starting his enterprise with business partner Andrew Joyce, Manuel worked for an Australian company that manufactured fuel transfer equipment, such as valves for tankers. He has been in the fuel industry for 15 years and his diesel work is niche, fitting out tanks with pumping and fuel management systems, and fuel authorisation systems.

In this specialised and often remote work, Manuel knows the importance of a reliable, multi-purpose set of wheels. He spent $15,000 modifying his SsangYong Musso dual cab ute to make it a practical all-in-one workstation for wherever his job takes him – it even has a coffee machine for that important caffeine hit.

“This is my floating workshop with everything I need to do a remote job,” he says. “From drills and welding, to pipework and electrical – I’ve got to take it all with me.”

“This side has long shelves which make it easier to create custom storage areas It’s got a Nespresso coffee machine, which is hooked up to a battery and inverter – perfect for when you’re in the middle of nowhere The drawers are a decent size for fitting my bigger power tools ”

“I’ve got a trundle tray, which I keep my stilsons in – the longest one is 1.2m. In some cases, where there’s pipework that’s been there for five or six years, it doesn’t shift too easily; I only weigh 78kg, so I need the leverage to get around some of those pipes. This tray also becomes my workbench.”

“These roof racks are great; they have cargo rollers at the end so I can slide the materials off the back easily ”

“This is a great caged area to throw things in quickly when I’m on the road. I don’t have to worry about tying things down.”

“This storage suits odd-shaped gear, like electrical extension cord reels, ropes, ratchets and safety helmets.”

“I bought the ute and then SsangYong and TC Boxes worked together to custom build the fitout to my specs. The tray is solid; the alloy is twice as thick as what they usually are, which I need for durability when I’m on rough country roads. I know I can rely on it to not rattle and split.”

“Extended ladders, pipework, conduit and anything that’s bulky goes on the roof racks They have a load rating of 100kg ”

“The toolbox doors open up and they’re great for a bit of shade and protection against the weather when I’m looking for tools.”

“These are all high-quality, lockable roller-bearing drawers. They are ideal for keeping my first aid and safety gear separate from my greasy tools.”

I’m on the road a lot, always driving from site to site, and for me the Ranger just makes it all so comfortable. Even with the tool trailer, the V6 is smooth and gives a great ride to get me where I need to go” – Ryan Graham, builder.

TOUGH STUFF

Want to know which vehicles other tradies are raving about? We get expert advice about which rides can survive a bit of rough and tumble on the worksite.

FORD RANGER (FROM $47,983*)

The Ford Ranger (and its twin under the skin, the new-generation Volkswagen Amarok) is the latest ute on the market (at the time of writing), and therefore has the most updated technology, safety inclusions and features.

The arrival of a new-generation utility vehicle is considered more rare than a solar eclipse. New models typically arrive once every 10 years (versus five to six years for hatchbacks and SUVs).

The mainstream Ford Ranger line-up has a choice of single turbo 2.0-litre diesel power (which is paired to a six-speed auto), twin turbo 2.0-litre diesel power (paired to a 10-speed auto), or single turbo V6 diesel power (paired to a 10-speed auto).

The flagship high performance Ford Ranger Raptor has twin turbo V6 petrol power and is the fastest ute in its segment (0 to 100km/h in about six seconds).

Builder Ryan Graham says even with its power, the Ranger offers a gentle ride. “I’m on the road a lot, always driving from site to site, and for me the Ranger just makes it all so comfortable,” he says.

“Even with the tool trailer, the V6 is smooth and gives a great ride to get me where I need to go.”

The most common question among Ranger buyers: Should they get the twin turbo four-cylinder diesel or the single turbo V6 diesel? More grunt means the engine is less stressed, so the V6 is the go if you’re towing a lot or hauling heavy loads daily.

But the twin turbo four-cylinder diesel has plenty of punch, is more economical than the V6, and suits the needs of most buyers, especially if not towing.

THE SPECS

(BASED ON THE XL MODEL)

Type: Dual-cab ute (4x2 and 4x4)

Power/torque: 125kW/405Nm

Towing^ : 3.5 tonnes

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

OUR ACCESSORY ADD

Skybar Roof Racks Ford Ranger 2013-2024 with Raised Rails, I/N: 0572174

Kiwi Master 3D TPE Car Floor Mats for Ford Ranger Wildtrak Raptor 2011-2022, I/N: 0457138

TOYOTA HILUX (FROM $32,936*)

The Toyota HiLux has been Australia’s top-selling car for seven of the past eight years (it was knocked off the top spot by the Ford Ranger in 2023).

It remains a favourite among ute buyers for its vast range, bulletproof reliability and resale value, and is best in class off-road (wheel articulation and well calibrated off-road traction control systems) as well as being comfortable to drive.

“I use mine for carrying stone, tools, whatever I need – the HiLux takes it all,” Atlas Tile and Stone company director Saeed Lotfaliani says.

There is a choice of 2.7-litre petrol power or 2.4-litre turbo diesel power for the basic Workmate model, and a 2.8-litre diesel engine is standard on SR, SR5 and flagship Rogue model grades.

MITSUBISHI TRITON (FROM $30,740*)

The Mitsubishi Triton has just switched to the first new generation in 10 years. So if you spot one of the old models in showrooms, you could get a sharp deal.

However, the new Mitsubishi Triton is a massive step up. Although it might look like a reskin of the old model, the chassis, body, cabin and safety systems are all revamped. Under the bonnet is a twin turbo 2.4-litre four-cylinder diesel (150kW/470Nm), which is only a modest power bump from its predecessor.

“It’s a one-stop shop,” sparkie Gary Murphy says. “And with the cabin, I can use it for camping and taking a big load to and from a worksite.”

The new Triton also carries Mitsubishi’s unique all-wheel-drive system. Unlike most double-cab utes, the Triton can be switched from two-wheel-drive to four-wheel-drive on sealed roads, if needed.

RAM 1500 BIG HORN (FROM $119,150*)

There are five models in the Ram 1500 range and the Big Horn is the new entry point to the recently

overhauled ‘DT Series’, as the previous ‘classic’ edition approaches the end of production.

Although the Ram 1500 Big Horn may seem basic (with cloth seats instead of leather and halogen headlights instead of LEDs), it does in fact have all the mod-cons covered and is surprisingly comfortable to drive.

“If you need a bigger work vehicle, you can’t do better,” excavator operator Christopher Spiteri says. “It’s luxurious, and great for towing and to drive.”

While US pick-ups have received backlash locally, many don’t realise these are family cars in North America, which is why they are so roomy and easy to drive.

But full-sized pick-ups, such as the Ram 1500, are actually not much bigger than a Toyota LandCruiser or the new Kia EV9 electric SUV – it’s just that their designs make a bold statement.

ISUZU D-MAX (FROM $31,990*)

The Isuzu D-Max is one of Australia’s top-selling utes (it rounded out the Top Three in 2023 behind the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux).

There is now the option of 1.9-litre turbo diesel power on lower models and 3.0-litre turbo diesel power across the line-up. Most buyers opt for the 3.0-litre diesel engine and, although the power and torque figures are quite modest compared to its rivals, this is a very under-stressed engine that gets the job done with ease.

The Isuzu D-Max has also had a facelift in the first quarter of 2024. The changes are quite subtle, but the interior has been given a minor makeover with new infotainment screen and larger digital instrument display.

The Isuzu D-Max is one of the unsung heroes of the ute segment and seems to have hit the sweet spot between the cut-price Chinese utes and the top-end Toyota HiLuxes and Ford Rangers. Worth a look.

*Prices vary according to availability and exchange rates – check with dealers for latest updates. ^Towing capacity subject to regulatory requirements, and vehicle and equipment design limitations. Ask your dealer for more information, including genuine tow bar capacity and availability (source: Ford Australia, visit ford.com.au).

TRADIE PROFILE

Former NRL star Josh McCrone retired from professional rugby league in 2020 and has settled into life as an electrician.

NAME // JOSH McCRONE

TRADE // ELECTRICIAN LOCATION // TEMORA, NSW

After a 15-year career as a professional athlete in the NRL and UK Super League, Josh McCrone has returned to where it all began in his hometown of Temora in the NSW Riverina region. Playing rugby league for Canberra Raiders, St George Illawarra Dragons and Toronto Wolfpack had him travelling the world, hitting the field in front of big crowds, but now that he’s hung up the boots – professionally, at least (McCrone is captain-coach of Temora Dragons) – he’s picked up the tools and a set of steel-caps.

TRANSITION FROM FOOTY TO TRADIE

Josh says the switch from professional rugby league to a career as an electrician has been seamless.

“It’s all been pretty good,” he says. “The biggest adjustment has been the lack of time spent at home when working full-time. I used to think I was busy when I was playing footy, but you get in the real world working full-time and realise you took things for granted as a professional athlete.

“But the discipline helps you. To be a successful athlete you have to be disciplined – and that carries over into normal life.”

STARTING

AS A SPARKIE

With two years of electrical training under his belt before his NRL career took flight, Josh was lucky

he could fall back to that experience once he decided to hang up his professional footy boots.

“When I left Temora and moved to Canberra to play, when I was 18, my parents wouldn’t let me go unless I was working,” he says. “I did two years of my training there when I wasn’t full-time [in the NRL]. I stopped my trade when I went full-time, which in hindsight was a bit stupid as I should have worked out a way to continue it. There are methods and means these days to finish your trade while playing. It would have put me a few steps ahead when I finished my [playing] career,” he says.

THE RETURN TO TEMORA

Josh was based in the UK playing for Canada’s Toronto Wolfpack when COVID-19 hit. He had options to continue his professional rugby league career, but lockdown with his wife and three kids – he now has four children – accelerated their decision to return to the open spaces of the Riverina.

“We came back in 2020 during COVID-19,” he says. “I still had a contract to keep playing, but six months locked up in the UK with three kids at the time meant we were pretty keen to get back to Temora, where my parents are farmers and there is plenty of space. The allure of not being locked in a house was strong.

“When I got back to Temora, I started working with a local bloke in town [at Total Mechanical and Electrical] who was looking for people. Then after three months I decided to go back and finish my trade. That was 12 to 18 months ago.”

EARNING A DAY OFF

In the past six months, Josh has been working long days, but the trade-off to that routine is it ends up being a four-day working week.

“We work from 6.30am to 4.30pm and then have a three-day weekend,” he says. “They are long days, so by Thursday you’re ready for a day off. I enjoy the three-day weekends; I’ve got a four-month-old baby, so it’s a bit of time at home with her.

“Everything is a trade-off – getting up early and missing school drop-offs and pick-ups is tough, but getting the extra day off is good.”

MIXING IT UP

Josh says his work in Temora is varied, which allows him to put a range of skills to the test.

“We do a bit of everything – which is an enjoyable part of the job. There is a diverse set of industries in Temora, such as farming and metal fabricating, so you’re not stuck doing the same thing all day, every day.”

FAST FIVE

Josh gives us his thoughts on...

...THE MOST VALUABLE ADVICE HE RECEIVED

“Work can get monotonous at times, but that is life. My original boss said,

‘If you can’t find a way to enjoy it, go and find something else’. Pretty good advice.”

...WORK MATES

“In electrical, there’s five of us, plus two ‘fridgies’ and a plumber. We have a good crew with the boys on the tools and we have some banter and a bit of fun while we work.”

...HOW HE SPENDS HIS WEEKENDS

“Playing rugby league. The weekends here are hectic. This is my fourth season coaching [and playing for Temora Dragons]. My three oldest kids are playing junior footy too, so it’s good to be around a big sporting community. I enjoy being around the boys and the banter, having a beer after training and talking footy.”

...LIVING IN TEMORA

“It’s a nice little community. I can appreciate why our parents made the decision to bring up kids in Temora. I can’t see us leaving.”

WHERE WE’LL FIND HIM AFTER KNOCK-OFF

“At home with the family or at footy training.”

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“Initially, some people think I’m crazy when I talk to them about ice baths. Once I explain the benefits, they become more interested – and are even keen to try it!” says carpenter Jake Alexander.

HACKS HUB

LAUGHS LIFESTYLE

Tips, tricks and some fun banter after a long day.

ICE, ICE, B BY

Could an ice bath be the key to keeping you healthy on the job? We put a chippie to the test!

For many a tradie, a well-deserved beer after work is almost as mandatory as sending the apprentice out for a left-handed screwdriver

However, for Jake Alexander, a carpenter from Mornington in Victoria with an interest in sports science, it’s not so much about sinking a cold one as it is sinking into a cold one – an ice bath, that is

When he’s not on the mitre or running his One For The Toolbox wellness program to prevent and heal injuries in tradespeople, Jake is mad for the dunk

Ice baths* have long been a part of recovery programs at elite levels of sport and have proven benefits from stress relief and a metabolism boost to better sleep, heart health and mood levels

We asked Jake for his top tips to get the most out of being frigid – for a few minutes anyway

HOW TO GET STARTED CHOOSE YOUR TUB

Fill an unplugged chest freezer, cleaned wheelie bin, inflatable spa or plunge pool (available online) halfway with cold water and ice for a temperature of 10-15 degrees – depending on tolerance level

PREP AHEAD

Arrange post-bath towels and clothing nearby for quick access Set a timer (optional)

CHANGE THE WATER

Without a filtration system to keep water clean, it’s recommended to change the water after every couple of uses to avoid nasty bacteria If you have a filtration system, every two to four weeks is optimal

TIP 1 THE DISCOMFORT IS WORTH IT

“After [an ice bath], I sleep really well and don’t feel sore from work and gym It’s also a mental cleanse You feel like you have accomplished something. Like you can take on any task It helps you realise that you can tackle hard things in life head on ”

TIP 2

START SLOW

“Cold showers are a good place to start before upgrading to the full ice bath experience because you can go in [under the cold running shower water] for 10 or 20 seconds and then you can warm up after turning the hot water up

48-year-old Katarzyna Jakubowska, from Poland, holds the world record for the longest ice bath (female) with an impressive three-hour effort If you manage to stay in for two minutes, we will be impressed

DON’T HESITATE WHEN GETTING IN

FOCUS ON YOUR BREATHING

Once you switch to ice baths, you can work up to around five minutes for maximum benefits ”

TIP 3

GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME

“You will probably have that little voice telling you how hard and uncomfortable this is going to be Focus on your breath and tell yourself, ‘This isn’t going to hurt me In fact, it’s going to be beneficial’”

TIP 4

FULL IMMERSION IS KEY

“Just get straight in as quick as you can If you put one leg in and the next leg, you’ll start to

SHIVERING? TIME TO GET OUT!

psyche yourself out and you’ll notice how cold it is. [That’s when] you’re probably more likely to jump out of it. One thing to note, though, is that cold showers can sometimes be even harder than ice baths because it’s constantly running cold water. Whereas in an ice bath, your body will naturally create something called a thermal layer which will help you adjust to the drop in temperature.”

TIP 5

STAY THE COURSE

“You will probably gasp a bit and your body might go into a bit of shock. Just focus on breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. If you start shivering, it’s time to get out. Record your time and aim to increase it on your next dip. You don’t want to get hypothermia and shivering is one of its indicators.”

TIP 6

EXTEND YOUR TIME VERY GRADUALLY

“The key is consistency. The more you do it, the longer you’ll be able to stay in the ice bath. The first time may only be for 30 seconds – and that’s fine. Maybe add 10 or 20 seconds the next time. There’s no point doing it for five minutes on your first try

GRADUALLY BUILD UP YOUR ENDURANCE

and hating it so much that you never want to do it again. There is a discipline involved if you want to get the rewards.”

TIP 7

WARMING UP AFTERWARDS

“The first thing you will want to do [when you get out of the ice bath] is have a hot shower. I’d advise against it because it can shock your body [which may affect blood pressure and cause you to feel faint]. Wrap yourself in a towel and let your body adjust to room temperature gradually. If you want to speed up the process, move your body a bit. Swing your arms gently, just to get the blood flowing again. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you will readjust.”

TIP 8

THINK OF IT AS A MOOD BOOSTER

“Every time I have an ice bath or a cold shower, I instantly feel a lot happier afterwards. And not just because I’m no longer in the ice bath. It’s almost like it washes away any sort of negative thoughts. It’s especially good if I’ve had a tough day at work or if I am particularly stressed because in that moment you can’t think of anything else but the cold, and the only way to combat that is through focusing on your breathing.”

THE UP

Life’s too short to take it seriously. Get these funnies into ya.

When the client says they “trust you”...

THINGS

TRADIES WOULD NEVER SAY

“How good are early starts?!”

“I’ll take a portaloo over a flushing toilet any day.”

“Ripper time working in this mud after the rain.”

“Hand-digging a hole? Nothing better!”

“You don’t have the cash now? Sweet as. Just pay when you have some money coming in.”

“Actually I’m more into low-vis clothing.”

// NAME Todd (Sydney, NSW)

// I GOT THIS TATTOO WHEN… I was in my early 20s and didn’t know any better!

// IF I COULD CHANGE THE WORDS THEY WOULD SAY… I wouldn’t get different words, I would get a completely different tattoo.

SITE

NICKNAMES (anyone you know?)

Mick, a diesel technician from NSW, shares the cheeky names that get thrown around jobsites.

SEAWEED Just floats or hangs around all day, doesn’t do a lot.

SHANIA They don’t impress you much!

TESLA Works for all of one day and then needs a long recharge.

TOLKIEN Writes really long emails.

DOLPHIN Highly intelligent, but can’t speak to humans.

WICKET-KEEPER Puts the gloves on and stands back while you do all the work.

WHEELBARROW Only works when pushed.

MUFFLER Someone who is always exhausted.

SENSOR LIGHT Only working if someone happens to be walking past.

you think it’s a good idea to let your mate cut your hair after a few beers...”

BORED ON SMOKO?

Did you know the world record for the most amount of nails hammered into a wooden block in one minute is 24? Austria’s Willi Maier set the record in 2010 using six-inch nails. Someone should have told old mate to pace himself. Talk about making the team look bad!

Safety first. Also handy when the boss is on a rant. Sorry… what?

Busted! I swear the boss said he was finished eating lunch

// NAME Billy, purebred border collie

// HUMAN SLAVE James (Leichhardt, NSW)

// YEARS ONSITE Five

// FAVOURITE RESPONSIBILITIES Naps on the company sofa and treat quality control (from delivery drivers). I’m the ‘CEO of Fun’.

// FUNNY THINGS I DO I am a stealth lunch stealer – no unattended sandwich (or burger) in the boss’ office survives! I’m also known for stealing the boss’ complimentary biscuit with his morning coffee from the front seat of the ute.

Safety first. Also handy when the boss is on a rant. Sorry…what?

Petite and cute. Even the hardest tradies turn to mush around me

// NAME Alfie, Yorkshire terrier

// YEARS ONSITE 14 months

// HUMAN SLAVE Luke (Wooli, NSW)

// FAVOURITE RESPONSIBILITIES Running on the beach, paddle boarding, going out on the boat, and who doesn’t like fetch?

// MOST IMPRESSIVE TRAITS If I feel like it, I will toss my food in the air and catch it, and I have a tendency to stamp my front feet when I want to play (usually when my tradie is resting). Also partial to a fake sneeze for attention.

MEET THE

REAL BOSSES

Sure, you might think you’re running the show, but we all know who the real CEOs of the home and jobsite are…

// NAME Zorro and Napoleon, dachshunds

// HUMAN SLAVE Anthony (Sydney, NSW)

// YEARS ONSITE Six

// FAVOURITE RESPONSIBILITIES

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure it out: eating food and lots of it!

// OUR RIDE RULES Our slave says we’re ‘cheeky rascals’, and when we are in the back of our tradie’s vehicle together we love to howl instead of honk to say hello and get attention as we drive.

Don’t look at me like that. I know that you’re secretly impressed

// NAME Osca, jackadoodle

// HUMAN SLAVE Mick (Picton, NSW)

// YEARS ONSITE Eight

// FAVOURITE RESPONSIBILITIES

Annoying the boss when he is trying to get some paperwork done. Quoting is boring, where’s my ball?

// PROUDEST MOMENT I stole and ate a whole birthday cake in about 20 seconds, including the candles.

first. Also when theCalling all tradies with a pet that rules the roost! Email your pictures, along with some funny details as per our ‘site bosses’ above, to trademag@bunnings.com.au

When you’re called to a site and what you find leaves you scratching your head...

“We were called to investigate a blocked drain. The ‘blockage’ was an electrical conduit drilled through the centre of it.”

// ATS PLUMBING AND DRAINING TEAM, ROCKHAMPTON, QLD

“We were asked to investigate leaking from the sky dome. Hmm, I wonder why?”

// JAMES M, J MORGAN ROOFING, SYDNEY, NSW

“The blind was too wide for the reveal, so the installer chipped away the render and brick to make it fit.”

// ANONYMOUS, CENTRAL COAST, NSW

“The property manager couldn’t work out why the inside spa wasn’t working... Talk about silicone!”

// TODD R, SYDNEY, NSW

Seen some headscratchers on a jobsite? Email pictures to us, along with a caption of what the problem is, via trademag@bunnings.com.au

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