Crew Of The Weeks
Kenzie
Ben Cox
Kenzie & Ben Cox showed exactly why they are as respected as they are to be the named the final COTW for 2025 with this excellent 5-star survey.
"I was contacted twice prior to pick-up. Firstly, to advise that pick-up was running late due to hold-ups at another job, which I had the option to agree to or not. The second call was to advise that another team had been allocated my job and would arrive at the original time. It seemed to me, MWAV has a large network that communicates well and that each operator cares about their customers. They were very efficient, communicated well, and had all tools required.
Moving is tough. I was nervous about my stuff, a little anxious about the access and timing. My team had the confidence of experience, and took care of my stuff. Access into my new home was a little awkward. I had a couple of large items. My team were able to think "outside the box" and come up with a solution. These guys were strong, capable, and confident. Based on my experience, I wouldn't hesitate to use Man With A Van for my next move."
What a perfect way to end the year, Kenzie & Ben. Jack Tandy is looking to bestow yet another accolade upon thee.
The Gold Liftie™ Goes To...
Thom Lidgerwood
As the sun set over The Fitzroy Bowls Club and the cooling air set in on Saturday night, Thom Lidgerwood gracefully accepted their Gold Liftie™ jacket and trophy then delivered an acceptance speech for the ages. A speech simultaneously devoid of discernible sentences whilst articulately showcasing Thom's humility and thoughtful approach through the microphone. The rapturous ovations which followed only proved what a popular and truly deserving winner Thom is.
The Man extends a massive thanks to everyone who came along and conducted themselves in an exemplary manner. The Fitzroy Bowls Club were thrilled with our behaviour and have invited us back again.
“Thom arrived at Man With A Van in Feb 2022 in a ferocious explosion of quiet perseverance, and has continued to pull himself serenely and carefully by his always-steel-toed bootstraps.
Former Quiet Achiever Winner (2024), Health & Safety Rep (2023). D&I and OHS Committee member who developed the aptly titled “Abb+Cran Truck Issue Checklist” (2025) which has made Richie’s life & truck maintenance immeasurably easier. Ever dependable XL, Large, Medium and Tinks driver whose cacophony of contributions continues to be above and beyond his peers as well as his own already ear splitting achievements, Thom does it all. Just, ya know, quietly.”
Lifties™ Wrap-Up
Here is the list of all nominees and winners from The Lifties™ Awards ceremony
Best Noob
Runners up - Alex Tautkus, Brock Woolley, Johnny De Silva, & Shana Cotter
Winners - James Cardwell & Ody Diacolabrianos
Most COTW this year
Winners - Alex Wong & Sam Haughton-Greene
Liam Williams Memorial Award for Best Recruiter
Runner up - Liam Williams
Winner - Liam Stewart
Cranbourne Identity
Runners up - James Cardwell & TJ Sagele
Winner - Maxx Gilbert
Biggest Tip
Winner - Pat Foley & Ethan - $1,000 each
Best Trainer
Runners up - Cade Harrison, Kenzie, Raf Okada, Sam Smart, & Sam Haughton-Greene
Winner - Alex Morris
Best Makin Mattresses Deliverer
Runners up - Henry Osborne & Rob Greenway
Winners - Oscar Paterson & Jake Joyce
Most Hours Worked in 2025
Runners up - Hur Rehmati, Jake Joyce, Maxx Gilbert, & Hayden Tapping
Winner - Sam Haughton-Greene
Longest Job
Runners up - 12.45h Kieran Ryan & Alex Mascarin, 12.62h Henry Osborne, Harrie Weatherall, & Sam HG
Winners - 12.67h for Raf Okada, Thom Lidgerwood, & Josh Åhman,
Office Pest - Most likely to “need” a favour
Runners up - Stu Daulman, Liam Stewart, Ronn Kurtz, & Hayden Tapping
Winner - Liam Stewart
Most Egregious Damage (vehicular)
Runners up - Jesse Burge & Josh Densley
Winner - Finlay Henery-Nougher (Absolutely minced a parked Mazda 2. Complete write off)
Most Egregious Damage (Furniture & Property)
Runners up - Pat Hotchin & Harrison Schulz & Ben Cox & Cain Liang
Winner - Ben Ford & Ryley Warrener ($8,778 repair invoice)
Longest Running Damage Saga
Runners up - Hur Rehmati / Jameson Martin & Thom Lidgerwood / Liam Stewart
Winners - Paul Deakin & Daniel Boulter
Quiet Achiever
Runners up - Alex Wong, George McWha, Oscar Paterson, & Raf Okada
Winner - Sam Rogers
Gold Headset
Runners up - TJ Sagele, & Lewis Macdonald
Winner - Pete Large
Gold Liftie
Runners up - Alex Morris, Hayden Tapping, Jake Joyce, & Kenzie
Winner - Thom Lidgerwood
Praise Liftos™
Moving a fridge?
They can't take the heat
Fridge facades, like the English cricket team, crumble under the slightest amount of pressure. Fridge door dings can happen easily but are difficult (and expensive) to repair. Sadly, this is happening far too frequently.
A simple way to avoid this is to double blanket the front of the fridge - especially if it is a tight pack.
Jake's Joy
When you take the bed apart, hand the screws to the customer.
Bed screws. House keys. Gate fobs.
There have been an unfortunate series of unintended thefts from customers this past fortnight. You pop them in your pocket, you get on with the job. You take payment. You come home. Hang on, what's that weight in your pocket? Oh no.
Gold Liftie nominee, Gold Headset winner, & deep thinker, Jake Joyce, has this helpful piece of advice: When you take the bed apart, hand the screws to the customer. The customer will put them somewhere safe and thank you for being so thoughtful.
If you put them in your pocket, you will take them home with you and the customer will sleep on the floor dreaming of spicy sledges for their upcoming google review.
When you take the bed apart, hand the screws to the customer.
When you take the bed apart, hand the screws to the customer.
When you take the bed apart, hand the screws to the customer.
The Vibe
Thursday, November 11th - Wednesday, December 24th
Not a bad fortnight overall. A lot of great reviews but a few absolute stinkers bringing the vibe down. Remember to update your customers if you're going to be running late as soon as you are able to . Always communicate to your customer that the job may run over estimate for any reason!
The Xmas Message
from Liftos™, God of Removals
"Hear me, mighty movers of MWAV,
From the heights of Mt. Stacked Blankets, I, Liftos™ - God of removals, send you festive greetings.
Throughout this year, I have watched with divine approval as you seamlessly guided couches through narrow hallways, beds up impossible staircases, and washing machines over those immaculately placed bathroom sinks. With strength, skill, and no small measure of patience, you have helped customers settle into fresh beginnings which is a task as noble as any sung by the poets of old.
I have also observed the way you welcome new crew members into your ranks. To feel included, supported, and part of the team is no small blessing, and it is this camaraderie that gives Man With A Van its true power. As the Gods often say: “The heaviest lift is the one done alone.”
But know this: January approaches swiftly, and the year 2026 looms large and busy upon the horizon. There will be many items to stack, many kilometres to drive, and many customer challenges to solve. Yet it pleases me greatly that, alongside your ambition and hard work, there stands a firm vow to keep every mover safe, steady, and unbroken. No job, however legendary, is worth a strained back or a careless moment, for a rushed lift is just a future injury.
So, as the season of rest and feasting arrives, lay down your straps and log a well-earned fatigue break. Share warmth, laughter, and those tips with those you hold dear. You deserve it.
Go forth into the coming year with strength in your legs, wisdom in your core, and unity in your team.
Lift well. Lift safely. And lift together,"