The severe squeeze on Australia’s house construction sector has reached Shepparton, with eight people being made redundant by Dennis Family Homes.
Dennis says the staff have been let go due to the “ongoing downturn in the housing market and associated challenges affecting all builders”.
The jobs have been cut as Dennis moves to “centralise the production cell” that was in Shepparton to the Melbourne head office.
“The decisions to make these corrections have been very difficult to make, and are in no way a reflection on the performance of our staff, but rather the conditions we face across the current housing landscape,” the company said.
“Staff impacted are being supported with an individual plan and assistance from our Wellbeing Support Program and outplacement consultancy, and in accordance with the National Employment Standard.”
Dennis said the current conditions would not impact customers.
“Our customers will not be impacted by this production change and can still expect the same great service from Dennis Family Homes,” it said.
“Nor will this affect our relationship or how we deal with our supplier. There is no risk of any issues with the scheduled work, or payments to trades, suppliers or staff because of these changes.”
The company said it remained committed to the Goulburn Valley and was not in danger of collapse, like some other builders.
“We are not closing any offices, and are committed to continuing our operations and building homes for our customers in the area, and intend to reinvest in the regional Victoria business once the building cycle stabilises,” it said.
“Our breadth of securities and financial assets ensures we will continue to trade in a position of strength and longevity and operate with confidence in this difficult market.”
National award for local company
The local accountants and financial planners at Moggs Accounting and Advisory not only think they can match it for quality with metropolitan counterparts, they know they can.
The company has the evidence too, having won the national Firm of the Year at the recent Count National Conference on the Gold Coast.
The award recognises outstanding performance and dedication to clients, their people and community.
Moggs has offices in northern Victoria and southern NSW, and managing principal Rod McLeod said the award proved the firm could attain levels of service as good as city rivals.
“Just because we are a regional firm, doesn’t mean we can’t mix it with the bigger city firms,” he said.
“Our skill sets are just as good and often better.”
Chief executive Sharon Postlethwaite said the award reflected the efforts of the company’s staff.
“This award is in recognition of our hard-working and extremely talented staff in all our offices, including Cobram, Finley, Albury and Shepparton,” she said.
Waste not, want not
A fascinating decision awaits the Greater Shepparton City Council, its ratepayers and the region as a whole next week, with councillors considering possibly the biggest economic call they are likely to make.
On Tuesday, April 11 councillors will decide whether or not to choose major Australian company Cleanaway for a waste and recycling contract worth millions of dollars for up to 15 years, as recommended by council staff.
Combined with the green waste contract, the contracts are worth upwards of $75 million over 15 years and one of the best opportunities for the council to provide a boost to the regional economy.
Although much secrecy surrounds the tender process, it is widely believed the call for the kerbside collection and recycling comes down to two companies, Cleanaway and local firm Foott Waste.