Coronavirus Customer Update

28 September 2021, 5:00pm

Support available for you & your trade business in Victoria

Lockdown and construction industry restrictions can be tough on business, personal finance and mental health. That’s why we’ve pulled together some of the support that might be available to you in Victoria.

COVID-19 Disaster Payment

A $450 payment for people who have lost 8-20 hours or a full day’s work over seven days, and $750 for 20 hours or more.

Eligible workers, micro-businesses and sole traders across the state who lose work or income due to the lockdown may be eligible for the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Disaster Payment.

How to apply

Applications for the Commonwealth COVID-19 Disaster Payment are made through the Services Australia website. Victorian micro-businesses and sole traders can receive assistance in making their application via the Business Victoria Concierge Service and by calling 13 22 15.

Apprentice wage subsidies

The Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy supports businesses to take on new apprentices and trainees to build a pipeline of skilled workers to support sustained economic recovery.

Any business that engages an apprentice or trainee on or after 5 October 2020 may be eligible for a subsidy of 50 per cent of wages paid to an apprentice between 5 October 2020 and 31 March 2022, to a maximum of $7,000 per quarter. This program is available for existing workers under specific circumstances.

To register for this program contact the Victorian Chamber’s Apprenticeship Support Australia team. Visit the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website for more information.

ATO Support

The ATO will tailor solutions for owners or directors of businesses that are currently struggling due to COVID-19.

This includes

  • Deferring payments
  • Varying pay-as-you-go instalment amounts
  • Refunding past instalments
  • Withholding enforcement actions including Director Penalty Notices and wind-ups

Contact the ATO on 1800 806 218 or visit the ATO website at ato.gov.au for more information.

Counselling Support

Mental Health support

Our employee assistance program is open for our customers too. For free counselling support on a variety of issues including general counselling and wellbeing support by qualified psychologists, simply phone 1800 808 374, or visit https://www.assureprograms.com.au/

For immediate support: Beyond Blue and Lifeline offer assistance 24 hours a day.

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4436

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Note: Reece is not a financial advisor, you should consider seeking independent legal, financial taxation or other advice to see how business and personal finance support available relates to your unique circumstances.

 


 

20 October 2021, 12:00pm

What the new COVID-19 restrictions mean for you

Business Costs Assistance Program for Victoria

One-off payments you may be eligible for

We wanted you to know straight away that the VIC government has opened up the assistance program for the construction industry, for businesses that were impacted by the recent construction lockdown.

The Victorian Government’s Business Costs Assistance Program provides one-off payments to eligible employing and non-employing businesses in the construction
sector in the following LGA’s:

  • Metropolitan Melbourne

  • The City of Greater Geelong

  • Mitchell Shire

  • Surf Coast Shire

What is the eligibility criteria?

Businesses who have incurred direct costs because of the health restrictions in place between 21 Sept – 4 Oct that have not been and will not be particularly or fully recovered or otherwise reimbursed.

To find out if you are eligible for the one-off payment check the criteria here

What payment is available?

One-off grants of $2000 for eligible non-employing construction industry businesses, and one-off grants of $2800, $5600 or $8400 for eligible employing construction industry businesses, based on payroll size.

How do I apply?

Applications will be available soon via the Business Costs Assistance Program website here

We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small.  

Let’s work together to get the job done. 

 


 

21 August 2021, 3:30pm

What the new COVID-19 restrictions mean for you

Restrictions extend to Regional Victoria

Earlier today, Premier Daniel Andrews announced tightening of restrictions across regional Victoria, beginning at 1pm until 11:59pm on Thursday, 2 September.

Increased restrictions for the building and construction industries will also come into effect.

What you need to know right now

  • Construction projects can continue with limits to the number of workers on site at any one time

    Large-scale construction projects can continue with a maximum of 25% of the usual working team, or 5 workers on site, whichever is higher.

  • Only essential maintenance work can be carried out at homes and businesses

    Only essential maintenance work that keeps the community safe and healthy can be carried out at homes and businesses.

    This includes working to keep food cold in supermarkets, providing running water and heating, and ensuring sanitation.

  • Permits will be required when leaving the house for authorised work

    Authorised workers will be required to carry permits when working, and when traveling for work from 11.59pm, Monday 23 August. The permit will need to be certified by an employer.

    Permits will be available on the coronavirus website before these directions come into effect.

  • State critical and civil construction projects will go ahead without crew reductions

    Critical construction projects including state and state civil construction will go ahead with no additional restrictions.

  • Financial support packages are available

    The Victorian Governments has announced a number of grants and support packages for businesses who have been affected by these restrictions. Head to the website below to find out more: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/business-grants-and-support

  • Our trade stores will remain open and supply will not be impacted

    Our trade stores will remain open to support the essential work that you do. Our online platform maX is open too, and we're providing contactless delivery, and click and collect.

— 

We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small.

Let’s work together to get the job done.

 


 

5 August 2021, 5:30pm

We are working for you during VIC’s 7-day lockdown

 

You may have heard the VIC Government has announced a lockdown for 7 days from 8pm tonight, Thursday the 5th of August. 

 

Construction can continue, here’s the key info you need to know: 

 

Our trade branches will remain open to support the work that you do. 

Good news: Supply will not be impacted. Our online platform maX is open too, and we’re providing contactless delivery and click and collect. 

 

Bathroom Life and Reece Plumbing showrooms are open to tradespeople only. 

As always, you can book a video or phone consultation here: https://www.reece.com.au/bathrooms/book-a-consultation

 

Masks must be worn at all times when outside of your own home. 

This is to protect our people, our customers and our community from the spread of COVID-19. 

 

Deliveries will continue. 

Deliveries will continue, but we will have protocols in place to ensure these are contactless. This will mean either dropping items to a specific location, or drivers remaining in the ute or truck while goods are unloaded. 

 

Healthy habits remain—including contract tracing. 

We'll have hand sanitiser and masks available, social distancing in place and will follow strict COVID check-in protocols. Please help us keep each other safe by supporting these safety measures. 

 

— 

Our EAP Assure assistance program is also available to our customers for counselling support. Simply phone 1800 808 374, or visit https://www.assureprograms.com.au/

We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small.  

Let’s work together to get the job done. 

 

 


 

5 August 2021, 2:30pm

COVID-19 Update NSW. We are working for you during Hunter Region 7-day lockdown.

What you need to know in NSW

You may have heard The NSW Premier announced a one-week lockdown for the Hunter and Upper Hunter region starting at 5pm today in light of recently detected cases. 

The lockdown will impact the local government areas of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Cessnock, Dungog, Singleton and Muswellbrook and involve the same restrictions in place in Greater Sydney.

 

What you need to know right now:

  • Emergency works can continue in the home
  • Construction in non-occupied settings is allowed i.e. if no one is living at the residence
  • These sites must comply with a density limit of one person per four square meters and must have a COVID safe plan in place with strict compliance
  • Tradespeople who can perform their work with zero contact with residents can continue to do so
  • They can perform work in a maximum group size of two people working indoors and five outside

 

Our trade branches will remain open to support the work that you do. 

Good news: Supply will not be impacted. Our online platform maX is open too, and we’re providing contactless delivery and click and collect. 

 

Bathroom Life and Reece Plumbing showrooms in affected Sydney regions are closed. 

As always, you can book a video or phone consultation here: https://www.reece.com.au/bathrooms/book-a-consultation

 

Masks must be worn at all times when outside of your own home. 

This is to protect our people, our customers and our community from the spread of COVID-19. 

 

Deliveries will continue. 

Deliveries will continue, but we will have protocols in place to ensure these are contactless. This will mean either dropping items to a specific location, or drivers remaining in the ute or truck while goods are unloaded. 

 

Healthy habits remain—including contract tracing. 

We'll have hand sanitiser and masks available, social distancing in place and will follow strict COVID check-in protocols. Please help us keep each other safe by supporting these safety measures. 

 

You must isolate if you have visited an exposure site.

If you have visited an exposure site listed on the NSW Health website, the New South Wales Government has mandated health advice for each location. 

https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates 

 

Support is available

Government grants are available – applications open tomorrow where businesses can apply for up to $15,000 financial support through Services NSW. https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/2021-covid-19-business-grant

 

Our EAP Assure assistance program is also available to our customers for counselling support. Simply phone 1800 808 374, or visit https://www.assureprograms.com.au/

 

— 

We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small.  

 

Let’s work together to get the job done.

 


 

20 July 2021, 6:30pm

Restrictions tighten further for South Australia

What you need to know in SA  

 

As you will have heard, the SA government has further tightened COVID restrictions across the state.

Our branches will remain open to support trades completing essential or life critical maintenance and repair work of sanitation, water supply and heating and cooling products.

Deliveries will continue, but must be contactless on site. 

 

What you need to know right now 

From 6pm, Tuesday, 20 July 2021, all construction will be paused and all non-urgent maintenance halted until 6pm, Tuesday 27 July 2021.

 

What can continue

Works that can’t be delayed for two weeks can continue, including:

  • Essential services can continue including those required to protect human health, safety and wellbeing.
  • This covers gas, water, sewage, drainage, electricity and the construction, maintenance and repair of essential infrastructure.
  • Additionally, critical repairs can be made to any premises required for emergency or safety.

 

Our trade stores will remain open to support the work that you do.

Supply will not be impacted. Our online platform maX is open too, and we’re providing contactless delivery and click and collect.

 

Masks must be worn at all times when outside of your own home.

This is to protect our people, our customers and our community from the spread of COVID-19.

 

Deliveries will continue. 

Deliveries will continue, but we will have protocols in place to ensure these are contactless. This will mean either dropping items to a specific location, or drivers remaining in the ute or truck while goods are unloaded.

 

Healthy habits remain—including contract tracing.

We'll have hand sanitiser and masks available, social distancing in place and will follow strict COVID check-in protocols. Please help us keep each other safe by supporting these safety measures.

 

You must get tested and isolate if you have visited an exposure site.

If you have visited an exposure site listed on the SA Health website, the South Australian Government has mandated health advice for each location.

 

Our EAP Assure assistance program is also available to our customers for counselling support. Simply phone 1800 808 374, or visit https://www.assureprograms.com.au/

 

— 

We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small.  

Let’s work together to get the job done.


 

18 July 2021, 12:30pm

Restrictions tighten further for Greater Sydney

What you need to know in NSW  

 

As you will have heard, the NSW government has further tightened COVID restrictions across Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour.   

Our branches will remain open to support trades completing essential or life critical maintenance and repair work of sanitation, water supply and heating and cooling products. 

Deliveries will continue, but must be contactless on site. 

 

What you need to know right now 

 

From 12.01am, Monday, 19 July 2021, all construction will be paused and all non-urgent maintenance halted until 30 July 2021. 

 

What can continue

Works that can’t be delayed for two weeks can continue, including:

  • Ensuring the safety or security of the site
  • Dealing with environmental risks
  • Maintaining critical plant or equipment that would otherwise deteriorate
  • Receiving deliveries of supplies that would otherwise deteriorate
  • Maintaining public utilities
  • Ensuring the safe operation of existing transport infrastructure
  • By or on behalf of NSW Health in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Because of an emergency

 

Masks must be worn at all times when outside of your own home. 

This is to protect our people, our customers and our community from the spread of COVID-19. 

 

Our trade stores will remain open to support the work that you do. 

Supply will not be impacted. Our online platform maX is open too, and we’re providing contactless delivery and click and collect. 

 

Deliveries will continue. 

Deliveries will continue, but we will have protocols in place to ensure these are contactless. This will mean either dropping items to a specific location, or drivers remaining in the ute or truck while goods are unloaded. 

 

Healthy habits remain—including contract tracing. 

We'll have hand sanitiser and masks available, social distancing in place and will follow strict COVID check-in protocols. Please help us keep each other safe by supporting these safety measures. 

 

You must isolate if you have visited an exposure site. 

If you have visited an exposure site listed on the NSW Health website, the New South Wales Government has mandated health advice for each location. 

https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates 

 

Support is available

Government grants are available – applications open tomorrow where businesses can apply for up to $15,000 financial support through Services NSW. https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/2021-covid-19-business-grant

 

Our EAP Assure assistance program is also available to our customers for counselling support. Simply phone 1800 808 374, or visit https://www.assureprograms.com.au/

 

— 

We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small.  

Let’s work together to get the job done.


15 July 2021, 6:30pm

Victoria to Enter 5 Day Lockdown

 

Today the Victorian Government introduced a 5-day statewide lockdown, starting at 11.59pm tonight, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

 

What you need to know right now

Essential works can continue.

This means carrying out emergency repair works, ongoing critical infrastructure construction and any works required to support businesses can take place. Work permits won’t be required.

Masks must be worn at all times when outside of your own home.

As directed by the Victorian Premier Dan Andrews, masks must be worn whenever you leave your home. This is to protect all of us from the spread of COVID-19.

Our trade stores will remain open and supply will not be impacted.

Our trade stores will remain open to support the work that you do. Our online platform maX is open too, and we’re providing contactless delivery and click and collect.

Healthy habits are encouraged—including hand sanitising.

We'll have hand sanitiser and masks available and will have social distancing in place. Please help us keep each other safe by supporting these safety measures.

You must isolate if you have visited an exposure site.

If you have visited an exposure site listed on the Department of Health Website, the Victorian Government has mandated that you must isolate, get a COVID-19 test, and remain isolated for 14 days—even if your test result is negative.

We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small. 

 

For updates on how COVID-19 restrictions will impact your business, bookmark this page and look out for emails from our team notifying you of the latest changes. 

 

Our people will keep you informed of any changes that may impact your work during these restrictions.

 


25 June 2021, 2:30pm

We are working for you during NSW's 7-day state-wide lockdown

 

You may have heard the NSW Government has announced a lockdown for the City of Sydney, Woollahra, Waverly and Randwick from midnight tonight until midnight Friday, 2 July. 

 

What you need to know right  now 

Essential works can continue. 

Construction projects, emergency repairs and any work required to support safety and wellbeing can take place.  

 

Masks must be worn in Greater Sydney branches. 

 

Our trade branches will remain open to support the work that you do. 

Good news: Supply will not be impacted. Our online platform maX is open too, and we’re providing contactless delivery and click and collect. 

 

Healthy habits are encouraged – including hand sanitising. 

All branches will be offering hand sanitiser and encouraging social distancing. We ask that everyone adopts these healthy habits so that we can do business safely. 

 

Let’s work together to get the job done. 

 


02 June 2021, 7:30pm

Important updates for metro and regional Victoria

 

Metro - What you need to know

Government restrictions across metro-Melbourne will remain in place for a further seven days – during this time our stores will continue to stay open to support the essential work you do. Our online platform maX is available, and we’re providing contactless delivery and click and collect.

 

Government QR Code Check-in App

In line with Government guidelines, you are required to register your visit to Reece using the Governments QR code tracer app. We will have QR codes printed out and accessible throughout our stores for you to use, hands-free.

To make it easier for your next visit, don’t forget to save your details in the app when checking in.

 

Essential work can continue

Like last week, construction work can continue, this includes construction projects, emergency repairs and any work required to support the safety and wellbeing of our communities.

 

Mask remain mandatory

Masks remain mandatory both indoors and outdoors when you leave the home, this includes when visiting any of our stores across Victoria.

 

Regional - What you need to know

From 4th June, Government restrictions across regional Victoria will ease – our stores will remain open as per usual, supporting the essential work you do. Our online platform maX is available, and we’re providing contactless delivery and click and collect.

 

Government QR Code Check-in App.

In line with Government guidelines, you are required to register your visit to Reece using the Governments QR code tracer app. We will have QR codes printed out and accessible throughout our stores for you to use, hands-free.

 

To make it easier for your next visit, don’t forget to save your details in the app when checking in.

 

Outdoor Trades Can Return to work

In line with government guidelines announced today, those working in outdoor trades, including Gardeners and Landscapers can return to work from Friday, 4th June.

 

Masks remain mandatory

Masks remain mandatory both indoors and outdoors where physical distancing cannot be maintained. This includes when visiting any of our stores across Victoria.

 

We are here to support your business so that you can continue supporting our communities.

Let’s work together to get the job done.


27 May 2021, 12:45pm

We are open to support essential business during Victoria’s 7-day statewide lockdown

The Victorian Government has introduced a 7-day statewide lockdown, starting at midnight tonight, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

What you need to know

Essential work can continue.

Construction projects, emergency repairs and any work required to support safety and wellbeing can take place. Work permits won’t be required, however masks must be worn at all times.

Masks must be carried at all times, and worn indoors and outdoors when outside your home.

This is to protect our people, our customers and our community from the spread of COVID-19.

Our trade branches will remain open to support the work that you do.

Good news: Supply will not be impacted. Our online platform maX is open too, and we’re providing contactless delivery and click and collect.

Healthy habits are encouraged - including hand sanitising.

All of our branches will be offering hand sanitiser and encouraging social distancing. We ask that everyone adopts these healthy habits so that we can do business safely.

You must get tested and isolate if you have visited an exposure site.

If you have visited an exposure site listed on the Department of Health website, the Victorian Government has mandated that you must isolate, get a COVID-19 test and follow health advice

We are here to support your business so that you can continue supporting our communities.

Let’s work together to get the job done.


25 May 2021, 12:00pm

Masks mandatory indoors across Greater Melbourne

This morning, the Victorian Government announced that masks would again become mandatory indoors effective from 6pm tonight, until 11.59pm on Thursday 3 June. This includes our branches.

We are committed to keeping our people and our customers safe, and supporting the essential work of Australia’s trades.

Everything you need to know is below.

What you need to know

Masks must be worn in Greater Melbourne branches.

Masks must be worn at all times indoors across Greater Melbourne. Keep a mask with you when leaving home.

Be sure to check-in using the Victorian Government's QR-code each time you visit us in branch.

Healthy habits are encouraged—including hand sanitising.

All of our stores will be practicing healthy habits, including hand sanitising and social distancing.

We ask that everyone adopts these healthy habits—in our stores and when working—so that we can all continue doing business safely.

Our stores remain open, and supply will not be impacted.

If you can’t make it into a branch, or would prefer not visit us to in-store at this time, you can use maX to organise contactless delivery, or click and collect.

There are no changes to the number of workers allowed on job sites.

While masks must be worn, there are no changes to the number of people allowed at a job site.

We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small.

Let’s work together to get the job done.


29 March 2021, 3:30pm

Restrictions for the Greater Brisbane Area

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, the Greater Brisbane area will enter lockdown from 5pm tonight until 5pm, Thursday 1 April. Our stores will remain open and supply will not be impacted.

What you need to know right now

The Queensland Government requires that masks must be worn at all times when at branches.

If you don’t wish to come into the branch, please phone your branch or order via maX to organise contactless delivery or click and collect.

Healthy habits are encouraged in branch—including hand sanitising.

All of our stores will be practicing healthy habits, including hand sanitising and social distancing. We ask that everyone adopts these healthy habits, so that we can keep each other safe and well.


We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small.

For updates on how COVID-19 restrictions will impact your business, bookmark this page and look out for emails from our team notifying you of the latest changes.

Our people will keep you informed of any changes that may impact your work during these restrictions.


17 February 2021, 1:15pm

Statewide restrictions eased

Following the announcement by Premier Daniel Andrews, restrictions in Victoria will be eased from 11.59pm tonight.

What you need to know right now

Our trade stores and showrooms are open.

Construction can operate from tomorrow, and our trade stores and showrooms are open to support you to get back on the tools and doing your essential work as quickly as possible.

You’ve got to carry a mask at all times.

As announced, masks are mandatory indoors, as well as in outdoor environments where you can’t socially distance.

If you can’t pop into the branch, please call us or order via maX to organise contactless delivery or click and collect.

Find your local branch here.

Healthy habits are encouraged—including hand sanitising.

All of our stores will be practicing healthy habits, including asking everyone to wear masks, hand sanitising and social distancing. We ask that everyone follows these practices, so that we can do business safely.


We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small.

For updates on how COVID-19 restrictions will impact your business, bookmark this page and look out for emails from our team notifying you of the latest changes.

Our people will keep you informed of any changes that may impact your work during these restrictions.


12 February 2021, 4:00pm

Victoria to Enter 5 Day Lockdown

Today the Victorian Government introduced a 5-day statewide lockdown, starting at 11.59pm tonight, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

What you need to know right now

Essential works can continue.

This means carrying out emergency repair works, ongoing critical infrastructure construction and any works required to support businesses can take place. Work permits won’t be required.

Masks must be worn at all times when outside of your own home.

As directed by the Victorian Premier Dan Andrews, masks must be worn whenever you leave your home. This is to protect all of us from the spread of COVID-19.

Our trade stores will remain open and supply will not be impacted.

Our trade stores will remain open to support the work that you do. Our online platform maX, is open too, and we’re providing contactless delivery and click and collect.

Healthy habits are encouraged—including hand sanitising.

All of our stores will be offering hand sanitiser and encouraging social distancing. We ask that everyone adopts these healthy habits, so that we can do business safely.

You must isolate if you have visited an exposure site.

If you have visited an exposure site listed on the Department of Health website, the Victorian Government have mandated that you must isolate, get a COVID-19 test, and remain isolated for 14 days—even if your test result is negative.


We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small. As we begin 2021, this year is no different.

For updates on how COVID-19 restrictions will impact your business, bookmark this page and look out for emails from our team notifying you of the latest changes.

Our people will keep you informed of any changes that may impact your work during these restrictions.


5 February 2020, 2:00pm

Masks Mandatory in Perth & Peel

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, the WA premier announced new transitional restrictions including mandatory use of masks, in place for Perth and Peel regions from 6pm 5 February until 12.01am Sunday 14 February.

What you need to know right now

Masks must be worn when in public and while at work.

Masks must be worn at all times unless exempt or for outdoor vigorous exercise. This includes wearing masks in our branches and bathroom stores, and on site..

Individuals must check-in to branches.

All businesses are required to keep a contact register. All our branches are using the SafeWA app.

Check-in is not required at building sites or people's homes.

Businesses must obey the 4 square meter capacity rule.

This rule will apply to all businesses and venues, up to a maximum of 150 people. It is encouraged that you practice this to keep safe on site.

Practice healthy habits on site and in store.

All of our stores will be practicing healthy habits, including hand sanitising and social distancing. We ask that everyone adopts these healthy habits in store and on site, so that we can do business safely.


We are committed to supporting trades businesses through challenges, big and small, across Australia and New Zealand.

Our people will keep you informed of any changes that may impact your work during these restrictions. For updates on how COVID-19 restrictions will impact your business, bookmark this page and look out for emails notifying you of the latest changes.

Let’s work together to get the job done.

Keep safe.


4 February 2021, 10:00am

Masks Mandatory In All Victorian Branches

From today, Thursday 4 February, masks must be worn in indoor spaces across Victoria to help stop the spread of COVID-19, including in our branches.

What you need to know right now

Masks must be worn at all times when indoors, outside of your own home.

As directed by the Victorian Premier Dan Andrews, masks must be worn in all indoor spaces, when you leave your home. This is to protect our people, our customers and our community from the spread of COVID-19.

Our trade stores will remain open and supply will not be impacted.

Our trade stores will remain open to support the work that you do. Our online platform maX is open too, and we’re providing contactless delivery and click and collect.

Healthy habits are encouraged—including hand sanitising.

All of our stores will be offering hand sanitiser and encouraging social distancing. We ask that everyone adopts these healthy habits, so that we can do business safely.

You must isolate if you have visited an exposure site.

If you have visited an exposure site listed on the Department of Health website, the Victorian Government have mandated that you must isolate, get a COVID-19 test, and remain isolated for 14 days—even if your test result is negative.


We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small. As we begin 2021, this year is no different.

For updates on how COVID-19 restrictions will impact your business, bookmark this page and look out for emails from our team notifying you of the latest changes.

Our people will keep you informed of any changes that may impact your work during these restrictions.


31 January 2020, 9:00pm

Masks Mandatory In Selected WA Branches

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, those who are able to in Perth, Peel and South-west WA must wear masks when leaving the home. They’ll be required from 6pm Sunday 31 January until 6pm Friday 5 February.

Our branches and stores will remain open so that our customers can carry out essential work.

Visitors to all our branches and bathroom stores must wear masks.

What you need to know right now

Our stores will remain open and supply will not be impacted.

Our stores will remain open to support the work that you do. Our online platform maX is open too. We’re also providing contactless delivery and click and collect.

Masks must be worn at all times when in specific branches.

So we can let you into our branches and continue to support you, we ask that you wear a mask when visiting stores in the Perth, Peel and South-west WA areas. For a full list of areas, see below.

Healthy habits are encouraged—including hand sanitising.

To keep our people and customers safe, we’ll be:

  • Providing hand sanitiser
  • Staying 1.5m distance from each other
  • Setting up safety barriers
  • Conducting regular cleaning and safety checks 

We ask that everyone adopts these healthy habits, to keep each other safe and well. 

Affected Areas

Perth Metro region: 

  • Armadale
  • Bassendean
  • Bayswater
  • Belmont
  • Cambridge
  • Canning
  • Claremont
  • Cockburn
  • Cottesloe
  • East Fremantle
  • Fremantle
  • Gosnells
  • Joondalup
  • Kalamunda
  • Kwinana
  • Melville
  • Mosman Park
  • Mundaring
  • Nedlands
  • Peppermint Grove
  • Perth
  • Rockingham
  • South Perth
  • Victoria Park
  • Vincent
  • Wanneroo 

Peel region: 

  • Boddington
  • Manudrah
  • Murray
  • Serpentine-Jarrahdale
  • Waroona 

South-West WA region:

  • Augusta-Margaret River
  • Boyup Brook
  • Bridgetown-Greenbushes
  • Bunbury
  • Busselton
  • Capel
  • Collie
  • Dardanup
  • Donny-Brook-Balingup
  • Harvey
  • Manjimu
  • Nannup

We are committed to supporting trades businesses through challenges, big and small, across Australia and New Zealand.

Our people will keep you informed of any changes that may impact your work during these restrictions. For updates on how COVID-19 restrictions will impact your business, bookmark this page and look out for emails notifying you of the latest changes. 


8 Jan 2021, 2:30pm

Restrictions for the Greater Brisbane Area

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, masks must be worn in the Greater Brisbane area—including our branches—from 6pm Friday 8 January until 6pm, Monday 11 January.

What you need to know right now

Our trade stores will remain open and supply will not be impacted.

Our trade stores will remain open to support the essential work that you do. Our online platform maX is open too, and we’re providing contactless delivery and click and collect. 

Masks must be worn at all times when in the branches listed below.

So we can let you into our branches and continue to support you, we ask that you wear a mask when visiting the stores in the following areas:

  • Brisbane City
  • Redland City
  • Logan City
  • Ipswich City
  • Moreton Bay Regional

For a full list of affected stores, click here.

If you don’t wish to come into the branch, please phone your branch or order via maX to organise contactless delivery or click and collect.

Healthy habits are encouraged in branch—including hand sanitising.

All of our stores will be practicing healthy habits, including hand sanitising and social distancing. We ask that everyone adopts these healthy habits, so that we can keep each other safe and well.


We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small. As we begin 2021, this year is no different.

For updates on how COVID-19 restrictions will impact your business, bookmark this page and look out for emails from our team notifying you of the latest changes.

Our people will keep you informed of any changes that may impact your work during these restrictions.

 


3 Jan 2021, 1:00pm

Masks Mandatory In Greater Sydney Branches

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, masks must be worn in specified indoor spaces in NSW—including our branches—from Monday 4 January.

What you need to know right now

Our trade stores will remain open and supply will not be impacted.

Our trade stores will remain open to support the work that you do. Our online platform maX is open too, and we’re providing contactless delivery and click and collect. 

Masks must be worn at all times when in the branches listed below.

So we can let you into our branches and continue to support you, we ask that you wear a mask when visiting the stores in the mandatory mask wearing areas.

For a full list of affected stores, click here.

We strongly encourage all of our customers in NSW to wear masks when possible, to help reduce the impact of the virus. If this doesn’t suit you, please phone your branch to order click and collect, or order via maX.

Healthy habits are encouraged in branch—including hand sanitising.

All of our stores will be practicing healthy habits, including hand sanitising and social distancing. We ask that everyone adopts these healthy habits, so that we can keep each other safe and well.


We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small. As we begin 2021, this year is no different.

For updates on how COVID-19 restrictions will impact your business, bookmark this page and look out for emails from our team notifying you of the latest changes.

Our people will keep you informed of any changes that may impact your work during these restrictions.

 


21 Dec 2020, 3:30pm

Greater Sydney and Northern Beaches - Update

Today, Premier Gladys Berejiklian provided an update for Greater Sydney and the Northern Beaches in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak.

We will continue to stay open for business, supporting our customers, our people and the community. Our teams are committed to working hard so that essential service industries can keep our communities safe and well over the festive period.

Our trade branches will remain open to all customers with restrictions on the number of people allowed in the branch.

All NSW branches will have COVIDSafe practices in place. These include:

  • Extensive social distancing practices
  • Continued healthy habits and hygiene practices, including use of hand sanitiser
  • Encouraging wearing a mask in the branch
  • Contact tracing – every visitor to a branch must provide contact details
  • Click and collect and contactless delivery is available, as well as access to online orders via maX

For those situated on the Northern Beaches, you are permitted to leave your house for work that can't be done from home, meaning that you can continue to support your customers. Further info is available here.

The Government will announce additional changes in the coming days – you can find the latest updates here.

We will be keeping you informed, so that you can understand how your business needs to operate.

In the meantime, please speak with your Branch Manager if you have any further questions. Let’s work together to get the job done.

 


20 November 2020, 5:00pm

South Australia - Back to full strength from Monday

Earlier today, Premier Steven Marshall announced that South Australia’s lockdown is lifting as of Sunday.

From Monday, all customers will be welcomed back to our stores.

So we can help keep you safe and well while you get on with your important work looking the community, all branches will continue to have COVIDSafe practices in place. These include:

  • Extensive social distancing practices.
  • Continued healthy habits and hygiene practices, including use of hand sanitiser.
  • Contact tracing – all visitors to our branches will be asked to provide contact details.
  • Masks encouraged.
  • Click and collect and contactless delivery is available, as well as access to online orders via maX.

You can find the latest Government updates here.

Please reach out to your Branch Manager if you have any further questions.

See you next week!

Keep safe.


18 November 2020, 6:00pm

South Australia COVID-19 Restrictions 

Today, Premier Steven Marshall announced what ‘circuit breaker’ restrictions will look like for South Australia – effective from 12:01am Thursday 19 November for six days, until midnight Tuesday 24 November. 

All non-essential construction and maintenance work must be halted, however essential maintenance jobs that need immediate action can be carried out. 

We are committed to supporting our customers, our people and the community. Our teams will continue to work hard, so that essential service industries can work to keep our communities safe and well.

In line with Government advice, Our trade branches will remain open to account customers only, to service those carrying out essential jobs.

All branches will have COVIDSafe practices in place. These include:

  • Extensive social distancing practices
  • Continued healthy habits and hygiene practices, including use of hand sanitiser
  • Compulsory mask wearing – Everyone must wear a mask when visiting us in a branch. 
  • Contact tracing – Every visitor to a branch must provide contact details. 
  • Click and collect and contactless delivery is available, as well as access to online orders via maX.

We understand that the Government may announce additional changes in the coming days. You can find the latest Government updates here. We will keep you informed, so that you can understand how your business needs to operate. 

In the meantime, please speak with your Branch Manager if you have any further questions. 

South Australia, let’s work together to get the job done.

Keep safe.


9 November 2020, 5:30pm

Regional and Metro Melbourne - Updates

From Monday, 9 November, the 25km bubble has been lifted and travel between Regional and Metro Melbourne is permitted.

All permitted workplaces and work sites must have a COVIDSafe plan. Workers should follow the six principles of COVIDSafe:

  1. Ensure physical distancing
    Stay 1.5m apart and apply the 4m2 rule in publicly accessible spaces. The more space between workers and visitors, the better.
  2. Wear a face mask
    All workers and visitors must wear a face mask as per health advice.
  3. Practice good hygiene
    Clean and disinfect shared spaces as frequently as you can, to make sure any virus particles don’t spread.
  4. Keep records and act quickly
    Keep a record of every worker and visitor to your site, in case you need them for contact tracing. Support workers to immediately get tested and stay home, even if they only have mild symptoms.
  5. Avoid interactions in enclosed spaces
    Move as much activity outside as possible, including meetings, tearooms, lunch breaks, locker rooms, and serving customers.
  6. Create workplace bubbles
    Keep groups of workers rostered on the same shifts at a single worksite and ensure that there is no overlap of workers during shift changes.

 

For more on the six COVIDSafe principles: click here

We are committed to a Covid normal that keeps our people and our customers doing business safely.

Our trade counters are open and operating with COVIDSafe principles in place.

You can order products via maX app, or arrange to Click and Collect from your local store.

Victoria, let’s work together to get the job done.


27 October 2020, 4:00pm

Updates for Metro Melbourne

Victoria, we're back to full strength.

From Wednesday 28 October, there will no longer be limits to the number of workers that can work on site, in line with Business Victoria requirements for COVIDSafe site plans, detailed here.

As usual, our stores are open and operating as COVID normal so that you can continue to do business.

You can continue to order products via maX app, or to arrange to Click and Collect from your local store.

To visit any Metalflex store, we ask you to:

  • Wear your face mask.
  • Keep up the social distancing.
  • Use hand sanitiser.

Thank you for working together with us through these challenging times

We're here to work for you, so let's finish 2020 off strong.

Keep safe.


6 August 2020, 5.30pm

Construction guidelines for tradies under Melbourne’s Stage 4 Restrictions

The government has released guidelines for businesses impacted by Melbourne’s Stage 4 restrictions. These include specific guidelines for construction businesses—including tradies, site managers and business owners.

The latest updates can be found via Business Victoria here.

The guidelines detail everything from rules around carpooling to specific guidelines for small-scale and large-scale construction projects, across residential and commercial sectors.

If you are working onsite or managing a project, it’s vital that you read through these guidelines carefully. As a reminder, every site needs the appropriate COVID Safe Plan in place by 11:59pm Friday 7th August.

While we’re working to keep you informed, you should reach out to your relevant Industry Association to find out what today’s announcement means for you.

You can find additional links to regularly updated information below:

During times like these, supporting each other and checking in on our mates is really important.

At Metalflex, we offer counselling services, mental health and wellbeing support via our Employee Assistance Program. Our customers can call 1800 808 374 to chat to qualified experts who are here to listen and help us all navigate this challenging time.

In the meantime, all Metalflex trade branches are currently open to support you, with click and collect options available so you can keep essential jobs moving.

Stay safe.


5 August 2020, 9.00am

Permitted Worker Scheme has been introduced

The Victorian Government has outlined the process for the ‘permitted worker scheme’. You’ll need to carry a permit with you all the time in Metropolitan Melbourne area, from midnight tonight, so you can continue your essential work.

Employers need to complete the permit process on behalf of people who work for them, and the government have put in significant fines for any false information and working without a permit.

So, it’s important you get on to this today.

Here’s the what you need to do:

  • Download the template and complete it.
    • You can download the permit from the Department of Justice here
    • Employers must use this template for all worker permits issued under this scheme.

  

  • Sign the worker permit. You can print and sign or sign it electronically.
    • Businesses must get an authorised person to sign the worker permit. This person might be the CEO, a HR manager, an operations manager or anyone else that is suitable.
    • They must be accountable for the details they provide.
    • They may be contacted by Victoria Police or other enforcement agencies to confirm the details.

  

  • Ask the employee to sign the worker permit. They can print and sign or sign electronically.
    • You can email or text the worker permit to your employee.
    • An employee may travel to work without a worker permit just one time, to get their first permit.

 

We’ll continue to keep you up to date over the next 6 weeks of Stage 4 restrictions.

Don’t forget, our stores continue to remain open for trade customers, our product supply is unaffected, and you can place orders on maX and organise contactless delivery.


 

4th August 2020

 

Victoria Update: What Stage 4 Restrictions Mean For You And Your Business

Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews yesterday announced that masks must be worn, from midnight this Sunday, across the entire state of Victoria.

Yesterday, Premier Daniel Andrews announced what Stage 4 restrictions will look like for industries across Metro Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, effective 11:59pm Wednesday 5th August, for six weeks.

While providing essential services during this period is challenging, tradies remain a vital cog to the health and safety of our community and are the lifeblood of the economy.

We’re here to support you and your business. We will be remaining open to support the essential work you do, and will keep you updated so that you can operate safely and remain on the tools.

What you need to know right now

  • Our trade stores will remain open and supply will not be impacted.
    Our trade stores will remain open to support the essential work that you do. So is our online platform maX, and we’re providing contactless delivery and click and collect.

 

  • Only essential maintenance work can be carried out at homes and businesses.
    From 11.59pm Wednesday 5th August, only essential maintenance work that keeps communities safe and healthy can be carried out at homes and businesses.
    This includes working to keep food cold in supermarkets, providing running water and heating, and ensuring sanitation. Non-essentials include cosmetic repairs or property updates.

 

  • All construction sites must have a COVID Safe Plan. 
    A COVID safe plan includes regular cleaning, one worker per four square metres of enclosed workspace or in shared areas and records of all personnel on site for more than 15 minutes. Sites must also prove that there is no blending or crossover of shifts. There are two types of COVID Safe Plans; High Risk COVID Safe Plans for large-scale construction, state and civil projects, and Universal COVID Safe Plans for small-scale construction. To make sure that your business is operating lawfully, with the correct plan, visit Business Victoria.

 

  • Small-scale construction projects can only have 5 crew onsite at any one time.
    Construction projects under three storeys can continue with a maximum of 5 people onsite. Sites must have a Universal COVID Safe Plan to keep all workers safe.

 

  • Large-scale construction projects can continue with 25% of the usual working team.
    For large scale construction (projects over three storeys excluding basements), a maximum of 25% of the normal working crew, including supervisors, are allowed onsite. Each site must have a High Risk COVID Safe plan.

 

  • State and state civil construction projects will go ahead without crew reductions. 
    Critical construction projects including state and state civil construction will go ahead, however sites will need to have a High Risk COVID safe Plan.

 

  • If you are currently working on a construction project, you cannot start a job at any new sites over the next six weeks. 
    Where you are working on Thursday is the only site you can work on during this restriction period. However, we know that industry bodies have voiced concerns about this restriction — watch this space for updates.

 

  • Financial support packages are coming.
    The Victorian and Federal Governments have announced financial support for businesses impacted by these new restrictions. We will keep you informed of updates as they happen.

 

We’ll be in touch with more information to support you and your business during these restrictions.

Stay well.


 

9th April 2020

Australian Government Support

The times might be uncertain, but what is clear is that the work tradespeople do to create healthy environments through clean water, sanitation, and home comfort, has never been more important. To help you to continue to provide these essential services, here’s a round up of the support available to small businesses during this time.

National Support

A multi-billion-dollar package is being implemented by the Australian Government to keep the economy moving during the COVID-19 outbreak. It includes:

Business management advice

The Government is introducing a subsidy program to support employees and businesses. The JobKeeper Payment is designed to help businesses affected by the Coronavirus to cover the costs of their employees’ wages, so that more employees can retain their job and continue to earn an income.

Keeping Australians in work, and businesses in business, will lay the foundations for a stronger economic recovery once the Coronavirus crisis is behind us.

In short, the JobKeeper Payment provides impacted employees with a $1500 payment, per fortnight, to keep them connected to the business.

Employers will be eligible for the subsidy if their business has a turnover of less than $1 billion and their turnover has fallen by more than 30%, read more.

If you are a business and would like to declare your interest in the initiative, click here

Support for apprentices

You can apply for a wage subsidy for 50 per cent of apprentices’ wages for the nine months from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020. Read more

Increasing instant asset write-off

The instant asset write-off has been increased from $30K to $150K. This will apply to both new and second-hand assets, used or installed, before 30 June 2020. Read more

Boosting your cash flow

Through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the Government will provide tax-free cash flow boosts of between $20,000 and $100,000 to eligible businesses, delivered through credits in the activity statement system, when eligible businesses lodge their activity statements. Read more

Casual employee income support

Casual employees who can’t work because they are sick or need to self-isolate will have waiting periods waived to access income support payments. Read more

State Based Support

Every state across Australia has its own initiatives in place to support small and medium businesses and their employees through the coronavirus crisis. We have provided quick links to each of the relevant websites below:

VIC - NSW - QLD - NT - SA - WA - ACT TAS


3rd April 2020

Keeping you and our people safe

 

New Social Distancing protocol

In continuing to help keep you and our people safe we’ve introduced some new protocols in our stores and with our onsite deliveries.

 

In store:

To allow for the required social distancing of 1.5m, we’ve calculated how many customers we can accommodate in each store at any one time.

In the event the store you’re visiting is at capacity, you’ll be asked to stand in the marked waiting area until there’s space to serve you.

 

Delivery:

As a result of the 1.5m social distancing, we are no longer able to have 2 people in our delivery vehicles. In response, we’ve updated where and what we deliver.

 Delivery car icon

Pipe & products longer than 1.5m

We’ll continue to deliver pipe and other products longer than 1.5m as we can maintain social distance.

 

Forklift icon

Machinery required for unload

When items in Reece vehicles are to be unloaded by machinery onsite, e.g. crane, forklift, we will require our driver to exit the vehicle and find a safe standing zone with 1.5m social distancing in practice.

 

 Contactless Delivery Zone

All other orders: contactless delivery zone

We’ll be asking you to provide a contactless delivery zone for drivers to drop-off product. If a contactless delivery zone isn't made available, the driver may elect to unload off the back of the vehicle - it will then be a requirement for the customer to move the goods into their required area.

e.g. large products such as HWU or baths where 1.5m social distancing can take place our driver will be able to unload products with the assistance of another person onsite required.

For products where 1.5m social distancing can’t be maintained, e.g. vanity units less than 1500mm, air conditioning units, condensing units etc, 2 people from the site will be required to unload the product other than our driver.

 

Thanks for your cooperation.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact your Branch Manager.


24th March 2020

Are you taking advantage of Government stimulus to protect your business?
 
We understand the Coronavirus continues to impact on some of our customers, so we’ve created some hints and tips tailored to what’s available in your state.
 
Click below to read more about the state and federal government assistance being offered.

VIC  |  TAS  |  NSW  |  ACT  |  NT  |  QLD  |  SA  |  WA


23rd March 2020

We’re open for business

Last night the Government made a series of announcements to further slow the spread of the Coronavirus, our business services are considered “essential services” so we’re open and operating.

While we have social distancing in place, you can expect the same friendly faces serving behind the counter.

We will continue to support you and the community in providing essential services, so you can:

  • Continue to visit us in store - please respect the measures in place for your safety
  • Order on maX
  • Use click and collect to grab your items

We’re encouraging you to:

  • Be conscious of personal space, maintain 1.5 metres distance where possible, and avoid handshaking
  • Ensure all your team members who are on the road are practising healthy habits, e.g. washing hands once in branch, access to sanitisers, tissues, etc.
  • Be respectful of the measures we’ve put in place in our branches, they are in the best interests of everyone
  • Let your Home Branch Manager know if you are presenting symptoms, and please refrain from ‘visiting’ if you feel sick

We’re here to support you in keeping up the important work you do for the community.

If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your Branch Manager.


19th March 2020

Are you taking advantage of Government stimulus to protect your business?

We understand the coronavirus is having an impact on some of our customers, so we’ve created some hints and tips on how you may benefit from the Government’s offer of support.

This includes wage subsidies for apprentices, credit on your BAS statement to help with cash flow and increasing the instant asset write-off to $150K.

For detailed information and to check on your eligibility, visit: www.business.gov.au

Government stimulus package


18th March 2020

We’re taking our responsibility to keep our doors open throughout the Coronavirus outbreak seriously and putting the health of our customers, our people and community first.

Earlier today our Prime Minister shared that 'social distancing' is one of the best ways we can all protect ourselves, and the community, from the spread of Coronavirus.

You’ll notice when you come to visit that we’ve implemented 'social distancing' measures, including:

  • Bollards – these are in place to make sure we maintain a distance of 1.5m at all times
  • We’re moving to contactless product handover so designated pick up zones have been created. We’ll place your order in the zones so you can collect it without coming into contact
  • We’ve upped our cleaning in our branches to make sure we’re disinfecting shared areas like the café bar, counters and bathrooms

Thank you for working with us to keep our branches clean and safe, so that you can get on with the important work you do, to keep the community healthy and well.


17th March 2020

 

The health, safety and well-being of our customers, our people and the community are our top priority, and we’re continuing to monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic very closely.

Our supply chain is functioning well and, to date, has not been impacted. We‘ll continue to share updates at relevant times. We have business continuity plans in place to ensure we can maintain supply and operations.

We’re keeping our teams up to date on how we can do our bit to slow the spread of the virus and have taken additional precautions which include:
 

Restrictions and containment – we’ve stopped all non-essential work travel and minimised the broader movement of our people to focus on business critical travel
Self-reporting – anyone who has travelled outside of Australia, and/or is presenting with symptoms is required to self-quarantine
Healthy Habits – we‘ve been running a ‘Healthy Habits’ campaign encouraging our people, customers and our suppliers to practice appropriate hygiene practices
Formal reporting – In the event a team member does test positive for COVID-19 we have measures in place to support our people to seek treatment and self-isolate and to communicate with people they have been in contact with recently


What we’re encouraging you to do:

  • When you come to visit us be conscious of personal space, maintain 1.5 metres distance where possible, and avoid handshaking
  • Ensure all your team members who are on the road are practising healthy habits, e.g. washing hands once in branch, access to sanitisers, tissues, etc.
  • Please be respectful of the measures we’ve put in place in our branches, they are in the best interests of everyone
  • If you are presenting with symptoms, and have visited us in the last fortnight, please let your Home Branch Manager know, and please refrain from ‘visiting’ if you feel sick. maX is a great way to place an online order.

If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your Branch Manager.