The Man's Message
Established 2003 | "Tetritus fortis sine gym"
Friday, March 07, 2025
Crew of the Weeks
This issue's COTW went the extra mile for a customer experiencing a very difficult and emotional time. Moving with skill, speed and empathy is no easy feat though these two managed to deliver an exemplary move leaving their customer very appreciative.
"Above and beyond could not have asked for more. I would like to thank the boys for being so kind to me. My son is in ICU at children's hospital and as a single mother having these guys help move, plus go above and beyond because they knew I was struggling...I was just left in tears at their kindness. My move is complete ahead of schedule and now I can focus on my son. Thank you so very much I would highly recommend your team to anyone."
Nice work you two, Jack Tandy has your GYG vouchers en route to you.
Golden Ticket - Redux
The timeless concept of the Golden Ticket is undergoing a renovation.
We're adding a Bonus Prize! The chance to win $100.
Those clutching a Golden Ticket™ have long been entitled to choose their own a day of work and who their fellow mover will be, as a reward for feeding MWAV's content-hungry social feeds with usable pics or videos.
That remains in place, with the top content that meets the below criteria each month now earning the creator(s) a $100 prize!
We're looking for content that highlights our "hu-man" approach -authentic, relational, and real:
- Happy customers. Quick testimonials or end-of-job selfies capturing their relief and gratitude
- Movers skills: handling tricky tasks and showing camaraderie. Respect, helpfulness and communication.
- Moving stories. De-identified anecdotes about problems solved. An example could be a self-filmed short video, in the truck on the way back to the depot, describing a move you've just completed.
To be eligible for the Golden Ticket Bonus Prize, the content must be short form video (less than two minutes) which hits one or more of the areas listed above..
The only still photos that will be in the running are happy customer shots (e.g. ones with a mover and a happy customer out the front of their house, or next to the truck).
Our whole idea is that we are "the hu-man crew doing a real job the right way". This means focus on demonstrating our expertise and the positive impact we have on our customers, more than the irreverent humour we've used in the past.
There will be one prize winner each month, judge's decision is final.
Submit your content to social@mwav.org
AFL Footy Tipping 2025
AFL Footy Tipping is back for the 2025 season.
Sign up now to the official tipping comp for Melbourne's premier lifestyle relocation specialists, Man With A Van.
It's free to join, there are cool prizes to be won, and much water cooler banter to be had.
Due to Cyclone Alfred, the first match is now tonight, 7 March, so click the link and sign up ASAP.
URL: https://tipping.afl.com.au/tipping/index.html#/comp/81661/about?code=46JPSHUL Comp Code: 46JPSHUL
Got Mates?
At the moment, MWAV is looking for movers but only in the Cranbourne depot.
If you have mates (especially long lost mates living in the South East) who are looking for work and would fit the lifting lifestyle, have them apply online and be sure to let them know to mention your name.
The MWAV buddy bounty remains in place, if your mate makes it through 3 months, we'll add $200 to your pay.
Mind the Fine
A reminder to keep your phone in your pocket, bag or otherwise away from your body while driving. Even having the phone off while on your lap - see above - will trigger the cameras and result in you copping a nasty fine.
How Much Was That Again?
Remember to let the customer know as soon as you think the job might take longer and cost more than the estimate. Moving is a stressful, busy time and your customer is likely not keeping track of how long you have been working for and/or when you started working. They may prefer to pay less and leave some items behind or for you to dump everything in the garage etc. It’s their call to make so be sure you give them the info they need.
Fatigue Breaks
When can I take a paid fatigue break?
If, during a move for a customer, you think it is necessary to take a break in order to remain safe and avoid injury, please inform the customer and take a break of appropriate length. You should log a break using the mobile website, so that this break time is deducted from the customer’s final bill. After the job is complete and paid for, please contact a manager to explain the situation. The manager will then delete that break time from your timesheet. A break of this type should be taken whenever it is necessary to preserve your, and your team mate’s, safety.
Paid fatigue break or unpaid lunch break?
You are expected to arrange, and take, a lunch break of 30-60 minutes each day. Logging a “fatigue break” is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for a lunch break.
Typical instances where this may occur
- Any instance where you feel an injury may be imminent if you were to continue
- During hot or extremely hot weather
- When moving a number of very heavy or items with difficult access (ie large tables, multiple 3 seater sofa beds up flights of stairs)
- Late in the day after having already done a number of long or difficult jobs
- Towards the end of a long and difficult job, where you haven’t had the opportunity to rest at any other stage (i.e. the job had minimal driving)
- As a driver on a long distance job, where you have no one else to take over the driving and you can feel fatigue setting in
Is The System Slow?
Wakey wakey! This scribe brings exciting news from the IT department! A new staff mobile app will be soft launched mid year.
Gone will be the days of waiting waiting waiting waiting. Gone will be the days of endless lag making general chit-chat with your customer as you wait for the invoice to load. Stay tuned.
Diversity & Inclusion Committee
You have the right to work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment so your respected and hardworking colleagues who make up the D & I committee are building a new framework for dealing with inappropriate customer behavior.
More will be announced once the final draft has been approved by the committee.
The Damage
Damage Reports Submitted - 21 🌶️
Claims Without Damage Reports - 1
An unfortunate uptick on damage numbers this fortnight which quite a few easily avoidable accidents. Remember to take things slow and steady with heavier items, especially if there's a tight squeeze involved.
The Vibe
On the flipside, vibes are through the roof this issue with barely a negative review in sight. Awesome work team!
Suggestion Box
Suggestion: Little DVD player in the front of the trucks so I can watch The Sister Act while driving, Richie given power of attorney over all movers, & Fake nails Fridays.
Response: Thank you for providing sensible suggestions. Yes to all of the above.
If you would like to make a suggestion to make MWAV a better place to work that you either do not have the confidence to speak with Management directly or would just like to make it public, please do so with complete anonymity right here:
Gig Guide
Stuart Daulman performs "This is Stuart Daulman" @ The Melbourne International Comedy Festival
New jokes, old gold. Stuart Daulman is back and he’s bringing the laughs like only he can.
In his latest show This is Stuart Daulman, you’ll experience a masterclass in character comedy, stand-up and pure Daulman energy.
Expect a treasure trove of new material mixed with some timeless classics as Stuart blends wit, charm and that unmistakeable touch of surreal hilarity he’s known for. This is the perfect later night comedy show. This is Stuart Daulman – not to be missed.
Tix - https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/this-is-stuart-daulman/
Gig Guide
Matt Jenner performs "I Feel Sick" @ the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Are you a manager striving for Newsletter content every fortnight? Is scouring the internet for local gigs and events taking up way too much time? Well great news! Have I got the gig for you!
Tix - https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/i-feel-sick/
Nominee Best Comedy 2023 Melbourne Fringe "Grown-up stomps about stage in stupid hats and wigs and calls it comedy. Embarrassing.★★★★★" - Theatre Matters
★★★★★ - Lilithia Reviews