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December Newsletter

CGCs newsletters usually start with some industry news. Instead, in this edition we review the goings on at CGC over the calendar year and also finish off the newsletter with Dave Thompson’s social round up for December.

As another year draws to an end it’s a good time to reflect on the changes at CGC Recruitment over the last 12 months.

A milestone was achieved in 2016 when CGC opened its doors in Queensland.

It was in January’s edition we reported that CGC had opened its first interstate office in Brisbane. After spending 4 years at CGC Sydney, David Hope relocated to Brisbane with his family to embark on a new adventure.

He was joined in July by another departing Sydney ‘CGC-ite’, Evan Morgans. Two become three in November 2016 when Dave and Evan were joined by a new CGC employee Lee Hayward. Shortly after Lee’s arrival, and as reported in Septembers newsletter, CGC Brisbane moved into its own office space in Queen Street. We look forward to an exciting year for CGC Brisbane in 2017.     

As a reflection of the successful year CGC enjoyed, we had a number of promotions in the business. Whilst these were recorded in the newsletters its worth remembering the individuals who were promoted.

Billy Versey (Associate Director), James Loomes (Associate Director), Matt Weighill (Principal Consultant), Trev Brown (Principal Consultant), Azri Azlan (Senior Consultant), Dave Hope (Director), Steve Morris (Team Leader) and David Thompson (Principal Consultant).

In 2016 we had a number of new employees start with the business. We welcomed the following people who continue to make CGC a pleasant place to work; Jaymie Barry (January), Carmel Jones (April), Jamie Ryde (June), Karina Bjordal (June), Hollie Burt (July), Hayley Lane (September), Will Gardner (September), Lee Hayward (September) and George Hvid (October).

Similar to the previous year, there were consistent themes in CGC during 2016. Whilst we continue to grow and evolve at CGC some things never change!

Fitness again was always high on people’s agenda. Whilst we continued our weekly boot camp and ‘B Team’ running club we did experience a number of ad hoc fitness events. In March, John Murray former undefeated British & European Boxing Champion came to visit his friend Rory Todd and put CGC through their paces. In September Dave Thompson, Trev Brown and James Loomes participated in the Blackmore running festival. Loomes, George, Will, Dan, Matt, Trev, Jim and Jim’s dad participated in the JP Morgan run in November.

Similar to 2015, CGC were encouraged to go and visit their interstate clients. Trev went off to Brisbane (Feb), Loomes and Dave Thompson went off to Brisbane (May), Evan and James G went to Brisbane (June) and Trev and Loomes went down to Melbourne (October).

Each year we embark on team building exercises and incentive fun days at CGC. In April the whole CGC team experienced JetPacking and Wake Boarding. This was followed with a nice lunch at Black by Ezard.  In August CGC had their end of financial year conference on the Gold Coast. In September ‘Team Building  & Civil’ went Bowling, whilst in October High Achievers 2016/16 enjoyed lunch at Gowings Bar and Grill. To celebrate a record quarter, in October we were seen having lunch at Ripples and drinks afterwards in Double Bay. Not breaking from tradition, in November CGC stopped working for the race that stops the nation, celebrating ‘Melbourne Cup’ in style. All Christmas festivities are expanded upon below in Dave Thompson’s festive wrap up.

In 2016 there were some life changing events at CGC HQ. Nick Curtis welcomed to the world, Ralph Mason Curtis (March). Rory Todd welcomed into his life his “best pal in the world”, Wilson the boxer dog (May). James Grantham welcomed into the world Lily Marion Grantham (September). And  Lisa Knapp became Lisa Ryde when she married CGCs very own Jamie Ryde (November).

Thanks to everyone who continues to follow and support CGC.

CGC Recruitment would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and successful 2017.

CGC Social

As expected it has been a busy month at CGC HQ with all the Christmas festivities. It kicked off late November with the Christmas SYDBIM special.  These events are normally geared towards the latest technology or latest projects, however, it being Christmas this event erred more on the social side…. A quality event, which rolled into the wee hours.

The Swindon branch (QLD office) attended the Property Council in Brisbane, a charity event where stand-up comedian Arj Barker performed. A quality event for a worthy cause and enjoyed by all.

The annual Contractor Drinks took place in the Basement Bar in Circular Quay, a great night where we had an excellent turnout. This was hosted by Steve Morris and DT and was made up of mostly Consulting Engineers and Drafters. A great time was had by all, thanks to all our contractors who always represent us so well.

A couple of congratulations are in order; Matt Weighill and Trevor Brown were both promoted to Principal Consultants. They celebrated with a meal with their respective team leaders in The Bouche on Bridge, a delicious lunch which they all highly recommend. Azri Azlan was also promoted from Consultant to Senior Consultant, very well deserved Az. Lunch at the Chophouse was the destination, keep an eye out for @hungry_likeawolf on Instagram, I’m sure you’ll see some updates.

Thursday the 15th was the annual partner’s meal where we welcomed all the husbands, wives, girlfriends/boyfriends to Via Napoli on Crown Street for dinner. We welcomed back the Brisbane crew who had a point to prove after the last few dismal performances. A really enjoyable evening, thanks to all the partners for putting up with the slave like hours we put in. 

Lastly the CGC Christmas party took place last Friday on what could only be described as a grim, wet and cold day. With all our plans being outdoors, there were some last minute changes to the itinerary. As usual the party planner Glynis Maconald came good. The morning kicked off with the annual ‘Secret Santa’ where some quality gifts were exchanged. Unfortunately for some there were some harsh truths told. ‘Team Building’ was the big winner at the annual raffle, Rory and Dan took the $500 Westfield vouchers, George scooped the Café Sydney voucher and Billy and Matt the Gold Class tickets.

First stop for the day out was Elizabeth Bay where we were hosted by the very generous Macdonald family in a beautiful setting. The caterers put on a quality spread which was enjoyed by all.  The more adventurous of us went for a swim with some impressive diving on display, some not so much. You have a year to practice Will.

A quick water taxi back to CGC HQ where we had time to freshen up and get the glad rags on. Next stop was The Marble Bar in the Hilton. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many Espresso Martinis lined up on the bar, unfortunately they got the better of a few.

We then moved on to a more CGC appropriate bar, the Lord Roberts. We all enjoyed a good pub dinner there as well as a few more well-earned beers. A quality day and night, thanks again to Jim and Nick, and to Glynis for organising.