The Man's Message
Established 2003 | "Tetritus fortis sine gym"
Friday, November 14, 2025
Crew of the Weeks
They say triples is best, Jesse Burge & Gold Liftie alumnus, Sam Haughton-Greene, are this issue's COTW after performing a move so good, their customer can barely believe it.
"Hugely efficient. Very professional. Couldn't be happier. The guys were friendly and so careful not to damage walls, doors, furniture. At the same time moving really quickly - speedy and efficient. Would recommend without hesitation. The third time we have used Man With A Van in the last 6 months. Each time we think surely they can't be as good as the last guys, but the consistent excellence is mind snapping."
Awesome work JB & H-G, catch Jack Tandy around the depot to snap up your reward.
EBA goes to a Vote
You have been sent an email from the managers this week asking you to read and most importantly - VOTE - on the proposed EBA.
The vote will be conducted via an ‘online ballot’ and is scheduled to open on Monday, 17 November and end on Friday, 21 November 2025 @ 5pm. All the relevant details are within the email. If you need help or have questions, please speak with a manager or the Transport Workers Union delegates - Alex Morris and Paul Deakin. Happy voting!
Elect A Health & Safety Rep
With the void in the HSR ranks left by Lance Gannon, MWAV needs to elect a new Representative.
Maciej Radny, Skyler Newton, and James Walshe have all bravely put their names forward to be considered for the role.
Voting will run from Monday, 24th - Friday, 28th November. Details will be emailed to you next week.
See the next section to read each candidate's pitch on what makes them the best candidate.
Your HSR Candidates
Three thoughtful members of staff have thrown their hat into the ring in the hope of being elected the new Health & Safety Representative. Below, the candidates stated their case as to why they should get your vote.
James Walshe:
"As HSR, I will be proactive, dedicate time, and put workers first to ensure everyone feels safe, comfortable, and heard. My experience on the OHS Committee, D&I Committee, and emergency first-aid roles have given me the tools to advocate for the physical and mental wellbeing of everyone at our workplace.
Healthy and safe regards,"
Skyler Newton:
"I’m committed to health and wellbeing, drawing on early experience with dance-based injury recovery and 15 years of gym and nutrition practice. With public-sector experience interpreting regulations and advocating holistic performance management, I aim to support reducing injury and stress through proactive, preventive safety approaches, including peer-led learning and resources. Cheers,"
Maciej Radny:
"As HSR I'd like to think that as an honest and empathetic communicator, I could serve as a dependable voice that MWAV workers could rely on to effectively understand and represent their health and safety concerns in the workplace.
It's my 5th year now at Man With A Van and with that abundance of experience comes a thorough understanding of the idiosyncrasies of this kind of work as well as the physical, environmental and mental hazards that underlie it.
There's a lot that can be done in order to ensure our workplace is actively prioritising the health and safety of its employees and I'd be happy to mediate and act in those interests on behalf of my MWAV peers.
Thanks for your time!"
Voting will run from Monday, 24th - Friday, 28th November. Staff will be e-mailed details next week.
Casual Employee Roster Policy
In the previous edition of The Man's Message, a new policy on returning to work after a period of absence was announced. Now we need your feedback.
Click >>here<< to read the policy.
If you would like to submit feedback, please e-mail managers@mwav.org
5 Week Roster
Summer is almost here and the phone is running off the hook. This coming Wednesday at 9am, the roster will be set for all of December so the rostering manager can see how short staffed we are for our busiest month of the year. Busy days are Fridays, Saturdays, & Mondays. Let's make hay while the sun shines.
Crush cans = crush vibes
Bill Cleveland - the guy in the posters above the can collection bags - has been very busy recycling your cans left intact in order to fundraise for Environment Victoria. He has raised a few dollars so far but he is keen to grow the total exponentially with two helpful tips:
1. DO NOT CRUSH YOUR CANS. Keep them cylindrical.
2. Deposit all cans in the plastic bags. They are next to the bins.
Happy recycling!
RSVP to the Xmas Party
In case you missed how MWAV will celebrate Christmas this year, we will be slipping off the steel caps and stepping onto the green for a sophisticated evening of lawn bowls @ Fitzroy Bowls Club on Saturday, 20 December 5pm - 10pm.
As is tradition, the party will also incorporate the Lifties™ Awards Ceremony, which honours the best and not so best elements of the year at MWAV.
It's always a real hoot so please RSVP and roll the evening away.
Click >>here<< to RSVP to the Xmas Party
Read the Notes
Not sure where to park at this weird industrial estate?
Person at the pickup doesn't seem to know what's going on?
Customer seems oddly upset by you parking in the driveway?
Have you checked for hold spots and read the job notes?
When important info about the move is provided by the customer, the office team will jot it down to ensure you have all the information you'll need on the day. Please remember to read any and all of them thoroughly as there may be something essential to understand before you arrive. Failing to follow these instructions can not only leave a poor first impression but also create significant delays if you needed to give someone a heads-up prior to your arrival.
W Tipping
The competition for MWAV's AFLW tipping has come to an end for 2025. Despite an extremely tight race with a healthy amount of jostling, Jake Joyce came to the fore with his ear to the ground as he proved himself to be The Man's premier footy whisperer. He takes home a $100 voucher for Ultra Culture - Melbourne's premier hot sauce producer run by MWAV alumnus, Alex "Old Mate" Lashlie.
2nd place Henry Osborne takes home a slab whilst 3rd place Thom Lidgerwood is complemented with an eight pack of some Extra Special beer.
The Man extends a big thank you to everyone who took part in the men's and women's tipping comps this season. We hope to see you all and new faces for season '26 of MWAV's free tipping comps.
Abbotsford Toolbox
Wanna see and hear everything that happened at the Abbotsford Toolbox on Tuesday morning? Click >>here<< to catch up on all the hot goss.
The Vibe
A truly mind-blowing result on the survey front with a staggering 4.92 survey average. Melbourne has no notes, you're simply the best in the biz so keep up the incredible work!
Tommy's Tales
A real doozy this issue in what's shaping up to likely be the biggest damage bust-up of 2025. Damaging the timber facia, several roof tiles and internal frame, this poor neighbour's roof didn't exactly come out on top after it's encounter with our vehicle.
With plenty of photos and info received from both movers and customer, the fixy-time team have had their hands full chipping away at repairs over the last few weeks. Due to the recent onset of rainy weather, repairs have been temporary put on-hold to avoid further exposing the roof to potential water damage so watch this space for the final verdict.
Please remember to take things slow & steady when navigating these types of narrow driveways and always have your offsider outside the vehicle to help you avoid these types of awkward, low hanging obstacles.
Suggestion Box
Suggestion: "Can we please get a depot pet. Like a turtle or a mini pig something to increase vibe. I promise we will serve and protect that sweet creature."
Response: Like a snake? Like a pet snake that lives in the office? In all seriousness, this can't be an anonymous suggestion. There needs to be a name to it. The Man is open to getting one, but an office pet isn't just for the Lifties™ season, it needs to be looked after year round. As chief custodian of said depot pet, you must swear an oath and be accountable for their welfare. Please make yourself known to the director, Tim "Nugget" Bishop, for a free exchange of ideas.
If you would like to submit a suggestion with complete anonymity, please enter it respectfully >>RIGHT HERE<<