So much has been happening in the world of HR recently, with our First Class Service Award ceremony in Melbourne just over a week ago, and our Global Chief Human Resources Officer Barbara Zesik visiting as well. We are still gearing up to share the Great Place to Work Survey results with you, and more importantly, to act on some of the great feedback and suggestions we received.

Every now and again the HR team has helpful tips for getting the most out of your working life, and this month we would like to share some handy hints on honing your communication skills (see below).

Over the next few editions of the Red Horse Express we will be talking a lot more about Employee Benefits as well, which include our great BUPA Health Insurance Plan and the wide range of services on offer through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). In the meantime, please contact HR or speak with your manager if you want to find out more about what we can offer you!

Tips to Sharpen Your Communication Skills

Be clear and concise 

Take time to organise your thoughts and make your deliverables as concise and clear as possible. Your manager and your coworkers do not want to sift through a bunch of words to uncover what it is you are really talking about, or what it is that you want them to do.

Don’t forget about digital etiquette 

Emails and text messages are notorious platforms for communication mishaps. When creating an email, read over it a few times to make sure the tone is professional, there are no grammatical or spelling errors, and don’t forget the first tip—that your message should be clear and concise. If your request is time-sensitive or there is an issue at hand, schedule a follow-up phone meeting to make sure your message is received as you intended. Never, respond to an email or text message if you are displeased or upset, it is very unprofessional and can come back to bite you, especially if it is in response to a message received. It is important to remember that not everyone has mastered or is aware of digital etiquette.

Be aware of your body language 

Be aware of the message you are giving with your body language. Body language includes facial expressions, posture, eye movement, and your position in relation to the person with whom you are speaking with.

Don’t Overreact 

Being put on the spot is always an uncomfortable situation, so take your time to carefully consider your response. It is okay to say “Let me think about that and I will get back to you.” Once you have thought out your response, you will be able to communicate more effectively.

Listen 

A vital part of effective communication is listening. Remember, hearing and listening are two very different things. Too many times, we get caught up in trying to get our point across that we hear what the other person is saying but we don’t listen to what they are saying. Make sure you listen to your manager and coworkers, not just hear them.

Be personal 

Communication doesn’t have to be cold and matter-of-fact. Get to know the people you work with and let them know that you care about them as individuals. Don’t alienate yourself in your office or keep your head down at your desk. Make communicating with other employees a part of your daily routine; then when you do have to discuss an important or touchy subject it won’t be as difficult or awkward.

The post News from the HR Team appeared first on Santa Fe Wridgways.

January, the month of healthy resolutions, is now behind us, and your resolve in keeping up your healthy habits and continuing to reach for your goals becomes that little bit more challenging as willpower begins to wane.

Our visiting Group Transformation and Engagement Manager, Sarah Horn, has launched an exciting new initiative in the Healthy Selfie Competition. It’s a great opportunity to get involved, get healthy and win some great prizes!

In an effort to encourage you all to be kinder to your bodies, minds and spirits and to stick to your amazing plans for the future, we are launching a world-wide Santa Fe wellbeing initiative!

What:  

Take a (politically correct!) photo or video selfie showing off your commitment to your 2016 resolutions.

If you are doing something at the team level, then by all means, organize a ‘Groupie’ shot.

Upload your photo, video, or whatever you had in mind, to the ‘Wellbeing at Santa Fe’ Yammer Group, with a brief description of the photo/video you are posting.

We’ll select three winners on March 10th, 2016, whose submissions demonstrate the most drive, creativity, and passion – values that are dear to us at Santa Fe.

In an effort to keep us all motivated, Sarah will regularly post tips and suggestions to help improve wellbeing to the ‘Wellbeing at Santa Fe’ Yammer Group and encourage others to share their tips as well.  Also, check out the wellbeing pocketbook on Pulse Learning for other strategies.

A big thank you to Martin Giles for suggesting the ‘Healthy Selfie’ concept.  We welcome more ideas for events, competitions and initiatives that help bring us together as a global team to support one another both personally and professionally.

There have already been some great photos, and we are looking forward to seeing even more ‘Healthy Selfies’!

When:

Starts:  Now!

Ends:  March 9th, 2016

The Prize

1 of 3 Fitbit Flexes!!

The post Healthy Selfie Competition appeared first on Santa Fe Wridgways.

In January our Melbourne crew helped AFL Coach Rodney Eade, and his lovely wife Wendy move out of their home in Malvern, Vic. Rodney made the move from Collingwood to the Gold Coast Suns in 2014, and Wendy will now be joining him as they build a new life in Queensland.

Pictured above are crew members Jeremy, Steven, Christopher and their supervisor Dale, along with AFL Coach Rodney Eade.

We are also, once again involved in Reno Rumble, which will be screening later in 2016. While we cannot disclose too much until the episodes air, we have had crews out to each of the homes involved in the show, and will continue to assist until filming is completed. Our involvement includes packing and removing all items from each of the homes so that the renovation can take place, storing these items during the competition, and moving belongings back into the newly renovated homes once the transformation has taken place. Our crew members have enjoyed meeting the team members and hosts, and being a part of the dynamic environment that surrounds a television set.

We can’t wait to share more great photos with you once the show begins screening a little after Easter but in the meantime we have a few photos featuring Liam, Daryll and Daniel (above) on set at one of the Reno Rumble homes, and Jeremy and Dan (below) at another of the homes. To find out more, read this week’s press release by clicking here.

The post Exciting Moves appeared first on Santa Fe Wridgways.

On behalf of Santa Fe we would like to recognise the heroic efforts of Karratha Branch Manager Glen Webster who recently saved an elderly man from a car wreck in the seconds before it was engulfed by flames.

Glen was out on surveys when he came across an accident on the exit ramp of the Mitchell Freeway in Joondalup. Earlier that day a camper had foolishly used a cigarette lighter to clear an area of bushland for his tent, despite temperatures in excess of 40 degrees. A bushfire quickly took hold of the area, causing mass evacuations and road diversions.

This road diversion would see an elderly man forced to take an unfamiliar route and subsequently travel the wrong way down the freeway’s exit ramp.  The car soon collided with the car of a young woman, and the impact caused the two cars to slide together down an embankment.

It was at this stage that Glen arrived at the scene, pulling over to check whether everyone was alright. He noticed smoke coming from the back of the man’s car, which soon turned to flames. Instinct took over, and Glen knew he needed to act quickly. “There was a lady there comforting him, and I said ‘Look, we have to get him out, the car has caught alight!’”

It became apparent that the trapped passenger had lost the ability to move his legs, but luckily another man appeared at the edge of the embankment, and together they were able to drag the driver up the hill.

Seconds after they were clear of the car, flames took hold and an explosion was felt at their distance of just 1.5 metres away. It is certain that without Glen’s quick thinking this incident would have ended in tragedy.

While Glen sustained an arm injury which has seen him unable to work as it heals, the only other injuries sustained were scratches to the old man’s legs and arms as he was dragged away from danger. Glen has been in contact with both parties in recent weeks and is pleased to hear that after the initial shock they are now doing well and are incredibly fortunate that he arrived when he did.

We commend Glen for this act of bravery, and wish him a speedy recovery in coming months.

The post Glen Webster’s Quick Thinking Saves Elderly Man’s Life appeared first on Santa Fe Wridgways.

As many of you will be aware, Group CEO Martin Thaysen spent three days in Melbourne earlier this month, reviewing our strategic initiatives with the ALT. While his visit was a short one, there were some incredibly worthwhile sessions held during this time, and it was a valuable experience for all involved.

Another highlight of Martin’s visit was a lunch held in our Melbourne Branch which allowed him to share some really exciting and thought provoking strategic direction updates and gave our team the opportunity to ask questions about our future both locally and globally.

Martin is a prolific Yammer user, which I would encourage you all to make the most of, as he provides constant updates about the great goings on in our organisation, including some really positive insights that he posted after his Melbourne visit. What stands out, in addition to his encouragement and appreciation for all of your hard work, is his reference to “our fighting spirit”, which is something we ought to be proud of.

Please visit Martin’s Yammer feed to read more, or refer to the screenshot below!

The post Global CEO Martin Thaysen Visits Melbourne appeared first on Santa Fe Wridgways.

The Immigration team has had a full calendar over the past month featuring a very successful seminar with Santa Fe South Africa in Johannesburg.

Back in Australian, Simon Delmo recently presented to members of the ACYA (Australia Chinese Youth Association) at Monash University in Melbourne on the pathways to permanent residence.

Another exciting event that we had the privilege of being a part of saw Andrew Simpson and Ivan Chait presenting to the ACBC in Melbourne on the Significant Investor visa program. The special Santa Fe cupcakes on offer during our session were a big hit!

The post Immigration News appeared first on Santa Fe Wridgways.

What’s been happening with our team members across the country (and beyond)…

Lee Mirco visited Geraldine Babbe in Auckland for a few days earlier in the month, to catch up on everything that has happened since Geraldine’s move to head up our New Zealand presence. Despite the short visit they managed to squeeze in visits to the Auckland Museum for a Maori cultural performance (pictured), Fo Guang Shan temple (pictured), One Tree monument, Mission Beach, Butterfly Creek and the amazing Sky Tower, as well as playing a round of mini golf (and yes Geraldine beat Lee!).

Carlie Scott has sent through an glorious picture of her Ipswich Thistle Pipe Band who competed at the Redlands Sporting Club Pipe Band Contest on the 16^th April.

They finished in the third place (which was excellent as they have starting playing new sets), and will be attending the Australian Championships in Sydney in October.

The Relocations Team got together for a very productive meeting on the 18th of April discussing how we can take our service delivery to the next level. Great work guys!

A very proud Robert Favretto took a day of leave earlier in the month to attend his daughter’s graduation, and see her receive a degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of South Australia. We really do love sharing in moments like this and seeing the special moments in the lives of our staff and their families.

Santa Fe Wridgways would like to congratulate and acknowledge John Meneguzzi in this month’s edition of Red Horse an achievement that is worth mentioning to our staff.

John arrived in Darwin August 2014 and subsequently joined Darwin Bowls Club to pursue his interest in lawn bowls.

John, in his usual easygoing manner has made a lot of friends at the club, and is highly respected, being appointed Chairman of the club which is a testament to his personality and ability to get things done.

John’s skills in lawn bowls have been rewarded this year by being selected to represent the Northern Territory in the Australian Sides Championships recently conducted in the ACT competing against all the other states and territories within Australia.  For those of you are not familiar with lawn bowls, he is considered to be one of the best 12 bowlers in the Northern Territory, which is no mean feat.  Santa Fe Wridgways would like to congratulate John on his selection.

Congratulations Meneguzzi, you’ve made us proud!

The post Team News appeared first on Santa Fe Wridgways.

Congratulations to Kym Illicevs from our Darwin Branch who was chosen as our March 2016 First Class Service Award winner in the same month that he celebrated a phenomenal forty years working for Santa Fe Wridgways.

Kym was nominated by Narelle Trimble & John Meneguzzi.

Narelle said:

Kymbo is true reflection of an honourable and outstanding employee.  He joined the company when he was a teenager and now in his fifties the changes that he has seen throughout his career with us would be mind blowing. In the last few years we would beg our Adelaide office in October to let us have Kymbo over the busy.  He would get excited about coming to help us out, when he was here we never wanted to let him go.  This happened for a couple of years until we finally convinced him to stay.  Kymbo is an integral part of our Darwin team.  He is articulate and passionate in everything that he does.  Kymbo’s priority is to ensure that the our customers receive their personal effects in the same condition as we collected them.  Even in circumstance where we have received containers into Darwin or even if we have collected and our crew have loaded the container he always checks everything before it goes out or comes in.  He will re arrange the configuration at the doors if he can see a better way.

I regularly have clients that have unusual artworks or collectables that need special packing etc. and I speak with Kymbo and he comes up with a solution for me on the best way to pack and transport. His knowledge and experience are invaluable to me and the customers we move.  He is also passionate about the new younger removal crews that join us and they always spend time with Kymbo in the warehouse before going out to experience the world as on offsider. He teaches them the ways to fold blankets, paperwork checking and basic loading skills.  These guys a really grateful for his teachings.  If Kymbo is on leave or we send him away bush for a couple of the days we are holding onto every hour until he comes back.  At times we have 300 containers in the yard and you ask him if he knows where it is, he knows exactly when he put there and exactly what row it’s in, truly amazing! This shows to be that he truly passionately cares about how important his job is the company.  Kymbo is a true credit to our team

John said:

Kym is our Warehouse Supervisor and is the life and blood of our team, Kym takes pride in what he does and ensures that our crews are fully equipped each day so there is no time wasting in the mornings and the team here in Darwin appreciate Kym’s efforts. Kym has been with Santa Fe Wridgways for almost 40 years and is well known throughout our company and is 100% committed to our cause.

Kym is a symbol of all that is great about working for Santa Fe, and we congratulate him on an amazing forty years of service to the company. Kym received a $200 prize, certificate and pin to recognise his First Class Service Award, and the team took him out for a celebration dinner to recognise his time at Santa Fe. While Kym was chosen as the winner for the month, we encourage you to read about all the other deserving nominees at the bottom of this page.

Congratulations also to Sue Douglas who celebrated twenty years with Santa Fe Wridgways in March, and is pictured below with her manager Michael Derimboglou at the special morning tea that we held for her in Melbourne recently. Sue’s knowledge of the company, and enthusiasm for our business after all these years is truly inspirational, and her worth will be further recognised as she helps with our 125 year anniversary preparations in coming months.

The post Staff Recognition appeared first on Santa Fe Wridgways.

The month of March saw a total of 10 incidents across the country.

Out of these 10 incidents we have 4 Lost Time Injuries and 2 Medically Treated Injuries.  Quite a few of these incidents involved strains, slips and falls.

We need to think about what we are doing before we just do it.

There are four steps involved in the risk management process, they are:
1.    Identify hazards – find out what could cause harm.
2.    Assess risks, if necessary – understand the nature of the harm that could be caused by the hazard, how serious the harm could be and the likelihood of it happening.
3.    Control risks – implement the most effective control measure that is reasonably practicable in the circumstances.
4.    Review control measures – to ensure they are working as planned.

We need to all take a minute to think about what we are doing, and if in doubt, then ask for some help.  It might take an extra minute to do something but this will save you much more if it prevents an injury.

On the positive side, we have been doing better in the reporting of incidents that occur.  I remind everyone that incidents need to be reported as soon as they occur, to your Manager/Supervisor or to myself in the Melbourne office – without delay.

Reporting of incidents, no matter how minor they appear, gives us the opportunity to make changes to our workplace that will enable us to minimise the risk of injury.

If you have any questions regarding any safety issue at your branch, please feel free to call or email me at rose.taylor@santafewridgways.com

Remember… always think Safety First.

The post Safety Corner appeared first on Santa Fe Wridgways.

As always, the HR team is here to help, and we want to provide you with all the resources you need to be happy and healthy in your workplace.

Check out the information below to find out a little about the great Employee Assistance Program and how it can help you. Also included this month is a list of current job vacancies which you may be interested in yourself, or know of someone who will be the perfect fit. Remember, we have a referral rewards program so please contact the HR team if you have someone in mind for any of these positions!

The post News from the HR Team appeared first on Santa Fe Wridgways.

What better way to acknowledge the great work that our staff do on a daily basis at Santa Fe, than to publish some of the most glowing reviews we have received in the past month. The cream of the crop feature in this section, but the entire collection is included in the March edition of Our Customers Say…

From Canberra, ACT to Hervey Bay, QLD

Dear Kirby,

We’ve written a note about our moving experience. Thanks for everything.

We recently moved to Hervey Bay from Canberra. Santa Fe Wridgways was recommended by some friends who did the same move 7 years ago.  A bloke named Kirby came to our house and walked around looking at what was to go and what was to stay.

He said we would need a single 20ft container. Kirby arranged for moving boxes and packing paper to be delivered to us (we packed ourselves) When the guys came to move us they handled things very professionally and carefully. Everything went into the container from dining tables and delicate china cabinets down to garden tools and statues, even living pot plants. I don’t think we could have fitted another thing into the container. Kirby estimated it perfectly.

When the container arrived at our house in Hervey Bay a couple of different guys unloaded everything in the same careful way. They couldn’t have been more obliging and helpful. They put stuff out in the back shed for us. They offered to put the boxes in different rooms for us. When it rained they didn’t complain. They just waited till it stopped then kept working.

Moving house is quite stressful but the people at Santa Fe Wridways made it simple for us. We recommend them without reservation. By the way, not one thing was broken or damaged in any way.

Thanks Kirby,

Lucy and Dan Brown

From Avoca, QLD to Forest Lake, QLD

Hi Matthew,

I wish to have on record, my experience with Santa Fe Wridgways:

Firstly, my first contact was with you Matthew. I was very pleasantly surprised with your efficiency, enthusiasm and innate knowledge of what a customer would need to know with screeds of printed material for my perusal.

At all times you made me feel welcome with assurances that I could contact you anytime. Though your quote was not the cheapest, it was the most comprehensive which engendered a feeling of confidence in me.

Clint arrived on time from the Sunshine Coast and immediately set to work with an abundance of quiet confidence. He continued throughout the morning tackling each area as it arose with a pleasant manner and humour. This continued throughout his programme. Darren arrived when expected and with a happy camaraderie between them, these boys set to with a genuine willingness. Once again their attitude engendered a happy feeling of confidence in me.

I am so glad that I requested a quote from Santa Fe Wridgways. I feel my belongings will be safe and secure in storage and ready to be delivered to Buderim when this unit is ready for me.

Thanks once again Santa Fe Wridgways. While you have such quality in your staff members, you will definitely prosper.

A grateful customer,

Dell Craig

Immigration Services

Dear Debby,

Thank you so, so, so much!!  Next to my engagement and my pregnancy, this is possibly the best news I have ever received. You have been absolutely amazing.  I really am so glad that we used Santa Fe for this process.  It was so awesome to have someone that I felt really knew the case and really cared (even if you didn’t). I am grateful for you always being on the other end of the phone with answers to my questions and to calm me down and reduce my constant panic.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I will definitely be suggesting your services to anybody interested in emigrating. You are a rock star!!

Kind regards,

Claire Spinelli

Glenys Kirkwood – 24 March – Koongal, QLD to Glenlee, QLD

I was extremely impressed with the staff who had my very large high-set home wrapped, packed and delivered locally all inside an 8 hour day. Their work ethic was something you don’t see much of anymore and the boys were all polite and considerate. As the price was very competitive, I am very happy to recommend the Rockhampton team to anyone looking for reassurance about their prospective move. Well done Santa Fe Wridgways.

Susanna Martin – 24 March – Darwin, NT to Brisbane, QLD

This is the second time I’ve used these guys and they’ve just delivered my things all safe and sound from Darwin to Brisbane in less than a week. Narelle was there to assist in a flash. I had my things packed both times and the packers packed everything safely with plenty of paper! Narelle listened to my feedback and made sure everything was right. The other guys were just great which I gave compliments on. Everything was wrapped efficiently too. Today I received my things as promised and they were really good. Careful with my stuff and very professional. I have unpackers arriving soon and have every confidence. Thanks Narelle and team! Happy Easter!

As an update, the ladies who unpacked were outstanding. I loved their dedication to the job. I’m pregnant and starting a new life on my own and I feel extremely overwhelmed and grateful to everyone who has made this possible and stress free.

Philip Winfield – Date 28/03/2016 – From Canberra, ACT to Elwood, VIC

 Santa Fe were very professional, helpful and provided a competitive price. They gave us excellent customer service and a high level of professional care. From the time of my initial call to the Canberra office, all communications were clear and helpful. I was kept informed and knew who to contact if I had any questions. Kirby was our main contact and he always answered my calls and aimed to meet our needs, or any concerns we had. The young delivery team in Melbourne were especially careful and helpful.

Jo Johnson – Date 25/03/2016 – From Victor Harbor, SA to Surfer’s Paradise, QLD

 Darren from Adelaide was really good with his communication and very friendly. The local delivery people (Luke and co) were amazingly friendly and helpful. Our furniture was well packed and documented. The local delivery people were fantastic!

Mike Gordon – Mar 31, 2016 – From Melbourne, VIC to Perth, WA

Great customer service – Moved a 3 bed, 2 bath, plus study from Melbourne to Perth. The whole experience was a delight, from the front of Customer Sales team through to the follow-up from the Perth team and the great job the guys did on the day of delivery. The job went to plan and on schedule. The team showed genuine understanding of our needs and particular challenges. The overall customer service was first class. Would recommend in a heartbeat.

Theresa Rainima – Mar 20, 2016 – From Karratha, WA to Wyong, NSW

Good old customer service – Don’t know where to start. By the time of quote in WA to the finish line in NSW. Can’t fault them, nothing was damaged (as packed the boxes myself).
They set a date for delivery which was on time but we won’t be ready to move into house so they helped by putting things on hold for a week.

The post Our Customers Say appeared first on Santa Fe Wridgways.

You will all most likely have read these words from Chris Brimble on Yammer or in email form, but we believe it is a fitting send off for the legendary Harry Windley who has given so much to our company over his many years of service. We farewelled him at a morning tea in Melbourne earlier in the month, and look forward to seeing his face from time to time as he continues to help the company during his retirement.

“It is with mixed emotions that I advise Harry Windley has decided that the time has finally come to make the transition from full time work into retirement. I’m actually overjoyed for Harry, however am also somewhat sad, as I know many of you will be, to have to say goodbye to a legend of SFW and our industry.

For those who don’t know, Harry (whom is more affectionately known as “H”) first started working as a casual with Wridgways in 1969. He was based at one of our original depots in the Melbourne suburb of Auburn collecting new trucks from manufacturers, building original steel framed Homepacks, loading/delivering framed pods of Homepacks (a set of 5 were the same dimensions as 20’ containers) to Melbourne rail (for Perth) and wharf ( for Tasmania), as well as assisting Contractors with removals.

He enjoyed working with the Wridgways “Family”, so inquired if any Management Training was available. There was no training available, so relocated to a permanent job in Canberra (in another industry) in 1970. He was contacted by Wridgways in early 1971 and advised there could be a permanent position (with training) available in Melbourne. He and his family returned to Melbourne where he began training as a Sales Estimator, also working with the Operations, Shipping, Insurance and Business Relocations departments. He also trained with Branch Managers in Canberra/Cooma and Brisbane, before taking over Townsville Branch late 1971.

Over the years Harry was instrumental in expanding our services in the North Queensland region, working with the Mining/Sugar Industries, Government (Department of Administrative services prior to it becoming Toll Transitions) and local business. He used to be away for days at a time covering regional quotations and was a master at generating his own enquiries as he went. Back then, we operated Contractor Owner semi-trailer pantec vans, they would arrive direct from Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, returning direct to another State with roof loads under tarpaulins. Very different times from now!

In 1992 Harry relocated to Brisbane as Branch Manager before taking on TNT’s New Furniture Distribution business in 1994. This business was operated out of a purpose built warehouse in the Brisbane suburb of Wacol. Large volumes of New Furniture were received into the warehouse, checked/sorted, reloaded then sent on to large retail stores in Central and North Queensland.  Working in conjunction with Vince Ford, Harry grew our services (expanding to Darwin). The significant increase in volumes actually assisted us in obtaining far better rail rates that could be utilised for “Household Goods”.

Harry diversified the business and began quoting on FF&E/refurbishments for Convention Centres and Hotels. It was around this time Harry and I first worked together on the first FF&E project in SA.

In 1999, we consolidated both Wridgways Removals and New Furniture Distribution into the same premises at Acacia Ridge. This was the start of “Wridgways Project Management”, which has grown into what we now known as “Santa Fe Commercial Services”. Over the past 15+ years Harry and the team have developed this division into a market leader within the industry. They have been instrumental with designing and innovating systems and work practices which have been copied by many of our competitors and are in use today. Harry and the team have also been the saviour of many ailing branches, landing massive projects in the quiet period just when you needed it most. I promised I wouldn’t mention the ones that have been landed smack in the middle of the peak but sorry Harry, couldn’t resist!

From a personal perspective and as previously mentioned, Harry and I have worked together for many years which has developed into a very close professional and personal relationship. God only knows how many late night conversations we have had ensuring massive projects were going to plan and have sat in countless high level meetings with incredibly demanding and high maintenance clients. He has mentored and helped me enormously throughout the years. I’m not sure if he remembers but my first real promotion back in 2000 involved a move from Adelaide to Brisbane. He picked my wife and I up from the airport, told us all about the city and helped us in finding a home. Sally remembers it well and is still thankful to this day.

So thank you Harry for everything over the years. It has been a pleasure and an honour to know and work with you, a true legend of SFW and our industry. I wish you all the best for the future.”

– Chris Brimble

The post Farewell to Harry Windley appeared first on Santa Fe Wridgways.

Thanks to the teams in Brisbane and Melbourne for providing Five Star Service to this very happy customer. Thanks also to Stephen Grant for visiting Cath to present her prize, and for taking such an adorable photo!

The post Facebook Promotion Success appeared first on Santa Fe Wridgways.

Posted: 10/05/2016              Author: Tara Ende

On 6 May 2016 the State of Israel has been added to Australia’s list of eligible Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa countries.

The requirements for the visa include that the prospective applicant must be under 31 years of age, must have secondary school qualifications and have completed military service or are legally exempt from military service.

The holder of a State of Israel passport does not need to provide evidence of government support for grant of this visa.

Applications must be lodged with the Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv.

For further information or assistance regarding this visa please contact Santa Fe Immigration Services.

Tara Ende
MARN 0742398
National Immigration Service Delivery Manager
Santa Fe Immigration Services
Email: tara.ende@santaferelo.com

The post Immigration Update | State of Israel added to Work & Holiday Visa list appeared first on Santa Fe Wridgways.

With Craig Heron…

Change is exciting in that it provides opportunities for everyone.  It provides the ability to hire and promote from within, allowing great people to fill the roles which are currently vacant. Mark Howe’s appointment as Branch Manager in Melbourne, Chelsea Smith’s promotion to Branch Manager in Perth, Jill Smit (Bedford) joining our corporate team, and Agnelo Lopes’ commencement in our Melbourne Moving Services team are just a few of the opportunities that have been created through our recent transformation and change.

Over the past year we have seen many changes occurring within our Australian business, driven by a transformation that makes us a leaner and more flexible business when working towards our 2020 Strategy. A transformation that will future proof our business from downturns like we are currently experiencing in the Australian economy.

Part of these changes has seen some branches close. While branch closures and loss of staff have placed pressure on many of us, and can at times be difficult to personally accept, I want to take this opportunity to assure you that these are largely changes for the better.  These changes, driven by changes in the market and our customer base, keep us viable and provide a foundation for building our future. When it has not been profitable for us to continue operations, we have explored every avenue, including franchising and agency, to allow us to cause as little disruption as possible to our staff and our customers.

Our Tasmanian venture with Andrew Mathers Removals is an example of recent change, and while it is still early days, this change has proven commercially to be successful so far. The partnership has allowed staff to keep their jobs, and for Santa Fe to maintain a Tasmanian presence. By reducing our exposure to loss making branches in Hobart and Launceston and developing reciprocity with Andrew Mathers we have boosted our Tasmanian outbound volumes.

Periods of change, such as the one we are in, are never easy but they allow us focus on making our existing branches, our core, the best it can be. You will also have observed changes in State Management, as I recently decided that capital city Branch Management required more performance focus, and along with the ALT, we wanted to be make direct support available to regional branches from Head Office. This change resulted in the loss of Peter Keys and Shaun Scanlon to the business, but in turn created promotion opportunities for our people and saved the company money in the process.

Our sales performance over the past two months has been below expectation and this cannot continue, but what is exciting is the great job you have all been doing in terms of customer service and satisfaction.

Our Net Promoter Scores (NPS) have gone from strength to strength over the last quarter, and we are pleased to see that we are well on track to see this number climb even further when the May results are announced on the 1^st of June. These scores are based on customers giving us a score of 1-10 in relation to how likely they are to recommend us to family and friends, so it really is the most accurate way that we have of measuring how satisfied our customers are.

In addition to the great NPS scores we have been seeing, we are also really excited to see some great feedback on our two main online review platforms, Facebook and Product Review. We have had 6 positive reviews on Facebook since the beginning of the month, which is a great result but even more astoundingly we have seen 12 Five Star reviews in a row on Product Review which we are incredibly proud of.

Our online reputation plays a very real role in influencing our customers when they are making decisions about which company to trust their move to, and we have a wealth of evidence that tells us just how persuasive a page of poor reviews can be. On the other hand, we now have an entire page of glowing testimonials on Product Review and can’t wait to see the customers we may have been losing in the past start to come back to us, reassured that we will live our vision of “We Make it Easy” and  provide them with Five Star Service, every time.

We want to thank each and every one of you for your contribution to these outcomes, and for your patience during some of the more challenging times we have faced in recent months. While not yet perfect, we are in the best shape we have been for some time now and can’t wait to see profits achieved through sales growth and lean, not wasteful, operational performance.

The post From the Management Team appeared first on Santa Fe Wridgways.

At the beginning of May, your Great Place to Work Leaders got together for a day of bonding at our Head Office in Melbourne, allowing us to work through all of the amazing ideas that you have given us in recent months.

In line with our first topic of “Communication”, there has been a lot of discussion about the ways that we can improve as a company and individuals in this area. While we are unfortunately unable to include all of the suggestions you made in our official Action Plan, what we are really excited about is the opportunity to feed these ideas back through to the people within our company who can make these changes happen at branch level and in the locations where they will be able to make a difference.

As for the bigger ideas and initiatives, we are not quite ready to launch our first Action Plan just yet, but when we do we hope we will have your full support in rolling these ideas out.

Our vision for this program is to be able to improve engagement and excitement about being at work. We will be undertaking another Great Place to Work survey towards the end of the year, and it would be really exciting to see our results build on those of last year. Beyond that though, we want each and every one of you to genuinely believe that Santa Fe is a Great Place to Work. We want you to feel a sense of pride about coming to work, and to go home at the end of the day feeling good about the direction our company is going in. We want you to feel like we, as your Great Place to Work Leaders are here for you, and are your conduit to making positive changes in the workplace.

Please make contact with any one of us, but more specifically with your area Leader if you have feedback or questions, but in the meantime we assure you that we will have an Action Plan to roll out very soon, and look forward to sharing this with you in coming weeks.

The post Great Place to Work appeared first on Santa Fe Wridgways.

This month we introduce a new section to the Red Horse Express with Staff Profiles to help you get to know the rest of the team a little better. We fill be featuring both new and old employees, from across our branches, and hope this helps you to put a face to some of the names you are dealing with on a regular basis. Our first edition features new starters Toni Jennings, Daniel Turner, Carli-Anne Gibson, Eli Camaya, and Agnelo Lopes, as well as seasoned Santa Fe pros Heather McAulay and Denise Jordan.

Toni Jennings – Brisbane

My name is Toni and I am the New Consumer Sales leader and the Corporate Development Manager in Brisbane.

I have been working with the Brisbane team since March 7^th this year, I have a solid team with great support in Brisbane. The opportunity to work with two teams is fantastic, Sales is and always has been my passion/career.

I spend my time recharging at the beach, I moved here 11 years ago from Sydney and love calling the Gold Coast home, even though I’m not a Queenslander.

Daniel Turner – Sydney Branch

Hi, I’m Daniel. I am new to Santa Fe and have been with the company for just over a month. I am the Interstate Co-ordinator for Sydney. I have been working in the transport and logistics industry for 18 years, previously have worked for K&S Freighters, Patricks and Woolworths all in similar roles. Outside of work I am a family man and like to spend time with them or riding motorbikes.

Carli-Anne Gibson – Sydney Branch

Hi I’m Carli. I am now in my 3rd week with Santa Fe in the Sydney office. I work in the Imports/Exports department. I previously worked for King and Wilson in a similar role and have been in the industry for around 9 years. I love animals and have numerous pets, dogs, birds etc they are all rescue animals. Outside of work I enjoy going to lunch with my husband and going away on holidays. I enjoy working here and it is very convenient as I now get to visit my parents who only live around the corner and get home made lunches from mum.

Eli Camaya – Melbourne Branch

My name is Eli, I have joined the Santa Fe Group in Melbourne in May 2016, currently one of the Assignment Managers in the DSP team.

Before joining Santa Fe, I was with Cartus Singapore as a Senior Expatriate Assignment Consultant handling international moves for a leading global consumer product brand.

As a main point of contact for corporate clients and assignees, I also manage various suppliers to provide a smooth relocation for both international and local customers. The goal is to help transferees and their families adjust and integrate into the local community at the soonest possible time. I like the fact that my role is crucial in the lives of the transferees. While it is challenging as all moves are unique, it keeps me growing and learning both personally and professionally.

I have great passion for music and the arts, culinary and sports. I am also a big fan of movies, TV series, gadgets/computer games and social media.

I look forward to partnering closely with all of you and contribute to the success of the Santa Fe family.

Agnelo Lopes – Melbourne Branch

Hi, My name is Agnelo and I started at Santa Fe Wridgways two weeks ago as a Senior Import/Export Coordinator. The role gives me an opportunity to be hands on with all our stakeholders and use all resources available to achieve the satisfaction to our customers. I have worked in Logistics and Supply Chain Management for “Carrier Air-conditioning”, Visy, Haifa Chemicals and previously in freight forwarding, and shipping lines. I have collectively been in the freight industry for over 25 years. Outside of the office I moonlight as a DJ under the name of DJNello on weekends. If given the opportunity I would love to have dinner with the most important person in my life – my Dad- who left me with this great advice – cut you suit according to your cloth.

Heather McAulay – Perth Branch

My name is Heather and I am an Admin Assistant in the Perth branch of Santa Fe Australia. I began working part time here exactly one year ago on the 19^th May, and I really enjoy the diversity of my role. From day to day, my role varies and can include credit control to Chevron Driver Services International to Reception or assisting the branch manager or anyone else in the office that needs a hand, which has now turned into a full time position. I love to learn and this has been a great fit for me and my colleagues have sent me some great mysteries to solve, along the way.

Before working here I became a mum to a now 5 year old, who is beginning her new journey in school this year, and this has been an adjustment for both of us. Prior to being a mum, I have worked in the hospitality industry and Campervan rental industry. Being a kiwi, of course my favourite pastime is following the mighty ALL BLACKS and taking my full chilly bin, while wearing my jandals, to the park to hang out with family and friends.

Denise Jordan – Perth Branch

Hello everyone, my name is Denise Jordan and I joined “Wridgways” in November 2009 as the Storage and Administrative Supervisor and I remain in this same position today.  I really love my job as it is a mixture of customer service and admin duties (payroll, debtors etc).  Every day meets me with different challenges which keeps me on my toes. Before coming to Wridgways I worked for Grace Removals for about 17 years doing  Storage/Reception and a stint in Operations.

I love watching AFL supporting my West Coast Eagles.  My time away from work sees me busy with a family of two boys aged 18 and 23. I love catching up with girlfriends for long lunches in the Swan Valley just outside Perth. I try to get to the gym a few morning per week before work which gets me off to a good start each day.

The post Staff Profiles appeared first on Santa Fe Wridgways.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… the Perth Santa Fe Wridgways operations department observed Star Wars day. May the fourth be with you! Featuring Daniel Gibbings as a Jedi, Rebecca Griffiths with the Princess Leia hair style, Mathew Waddell as Chewbacca and Zoey Wood with R2-D2.

We are so proud of our team members here in Melbourne who have taken the initiative to ask for Santa Fe Wridgways postcards to do a letter drop to homes for sale in their neighbourhoods. Sharon Rivett, Nikeeta Rama, Louise Purcell and Dhana Carroll exemplify everything that makes Santa Fe great, and we thank them for thinking outside the box, and going above and beyond to help our business. Great work girls!

Judy Wooltorton was recently proposed to by her now fiance during a visit to Fraser Island.

We wish her & Clive all the best for a long and happy, healthy life together.

A Very happy Judy.

Carli-Anne Gibson from our Sydney Branch did the RSPCA million paws walk earlier in the month to raise funds towards preventing animal cruelty.  The weather was perfect with an estimated 5000 people who attended the event at Olympic Park.

The dogs had a great time too and by all reports slept very well that night.  It was a great day out for a great cause and we thank Carli-Anne for sending through these great pictures.

Thanks to Denise and the Perth team for their hard work helping the Ronald McDonald house move furniture into their brand new purpose built Ronald McDonald house.

The move took 2 days with lots of help from our crews and also volunteers of the organisation, and was absolutely worth the effort. The charity sent a very grateful thank you letter to our team to let us know just how appreciated our efforts have been. Great work guys!

The Melbourne Branch and Head Office would like to say a big thank you to Chris Brimble, Lal Ratnayake, and Andrew Ruigrok for putting on some amazing BBQ breakfasts for us recently! Bacon and eggs are a perfect way to start the day, and really help us to get energised for a productive day’s work.

Our Sydney Sales Manager Petar Ralevski has been spending some quality time with our Fiji team and getting them primed to start quoting some moves and increase their insurance sales conversions. Petar acknowledged the warm welcome provided by Martha and her team, and praised their ability to listen, remain calm, absorb information and genuine interest in looking to improve their knowledge and contribution to our business. We are so privileged to have this incredible resource aiding us in our capabilities to communicate with customers, and we know that the wealth of information that Petar will have provided them with during his training will see this team even better equipped to deliver Five Star phone and Live Chat support to our customers.

Recently our Consumer Business Leader Tim Farren introduced bells into some of our branches to celebrate when members of our team make a sale. As you can see, in Brisbane this bell has been having all kinds of adventures!

And finally, happy birthday to Craig Heron who celebrated his birthday just over a week ago. As you can see, he was over the moon to discover Chris Brimble’s decorating efforts in the form of an office full of glitter.

The post Team News appeared first on Santa Fe Wridgways.

With Rose Taylor…

During the month of April we saw a slight reduction from the previous month with a total of 7 incidents across the country.  Out of these 7 we have 4 Lost Time Injuries and 2 Medically Treated Injuries.  A couple of the lost time injuries could have been prevented if a little more care and planning was taken.

On the positive side there is the fact that we are reporting incidents better now which is always a good opportunity for improvement in the safety of our workplace.

Always remember that it is better to report a hazard and prevent an injury rather than to have someone injured.

If you think you may have a good idea around a safety improvement in your branch, then please give me a call or email me your idea, I would love to hear it.

If you have any questions regarding any safety issue at your branch, please feel free to call or email me at rose.taylor@santafewridgways.com

Remember… always think Safety First.

The post Safety Corner appeared first on Santa Fe Wridgways.

As always, the HR team is here to help, and we want to provide you with all the resources you need to be happy and healthy in your workplace.

Check out the information below to find out a little about the great Employee Assistance Program and how it can help you. Also included this month is a list of current job vacancies which you may be interested in yourself, or know of someone who will be the perfect fit. Remember, we have a referral rewards program so please contact the HR team if you have someone in mind for any of these positions!

The post News from the HR Team appeared first on Santa Fe Wridgways.