Interview: Bill Sciarretta
Property Manager, Scotch College
What was your work background before coming to Scotch?
My working career commenced in a small chartered civil engineering firm in Queen Street, Melbourne, from where I moved to local government, working for a number of municipalities. During this time I eventually moved away from civil engineering to become more involved in special projects, increasingly in building design and construction. This gave me the opportunity to join Ansett Airlines as a Project Officer and to travel. I managed projects such as refurbishing small buildings, leased offices, retail outlets, airport security check-in areas and gate lounges, and implementing club lounges.
During‘ the recession that we had to have’ I found myself looking for new opportunities, and headed to RMIT to complete a Diploma of Building and Construction. This led me to the University of Melbourne where I was engaged as a Project Manager, eventually becoming Senior Project Manager in the Property and Buildings Department, which was responsible for all infrastructure, asset maintenance and implementing minor capital works. The Ian Potter Gallery on Swanston Street was one project I was responsible for.
In February 2000 I began at Scotch as Property Manager, and I thought I’ d only be here for five years! As Property Manager I wear a number of hats: facility manager, project manager, contracts manager, assets manager and compliance manager. I also oversee grounds, maintenance, security, cleaning, minor works and capital works.
You have been closely involved in a wide range of Scotch projects, all of which require project management skills to ensure they are completed on time and within budget. Can you take us through the project management process?
Project management involves a structured approach. It focuses on developing a detailed brief, establishing the project requirements and desired outcomes( involving user groups), and understanding timelines, so that delivery can be carefully planned and achieved within an agreed period and fitting in with school operations.
Quality and fit-out, building services, infrastructure upgrades and the extent of the work all need to be defined to facilitate the engagement of consultants and the involvement of authorities. This all needs to be captured prior to establishing a project budget. Outcomes are then planned to be delivered to the client’ s satisfaction – on time and on budget, hopefully.
Accurately prepared documentation, plans and specifications are crucial, as are the numerous stakeholder meetings which are required in any project. Clear communication between the project teams is essential, as is keeping abreast of the level of correspondence which a project generates: each action requires a reaction. This can be overwhelming at times, and being organised helps.
What has been your favourite project since coming to Scotch in 2000, in terms of challenges posed and overcome?
In my 18 years I have been involved in many and varied projects, all of which have presented a challenge and have delivered a high degree of satisfaction on completion. The variety of my work is what keeps me here and motivates me. In terms of favourite projects, there have been many, some more significant than others in terms of benefit to the school.
In 2008 we set out to drought-proof the school’ s many sporting fields. To achieve this we embarked on a stormwater harvesting project, requiring the redirection of roof water and ground water to two tanks, each of three megalitres capacity, under the McKendrick and Melville Ovals. Purified water taken from Gardiners Creek under our extraction rights is also pumped to our underground reservoirs, and then reticulated to our sporting fields. Later the playing surfaces were replaced with drought-tolerant Santa Ana couch grass.
Over the years I have been involved in numerous challenging Memorial Hall projects, including the installation of a restored organ, constructing a new organ loft, upgrading the lighting, installing fire detection devices, restoring
the exterior facade, installing a new sound system, and, recently, replacing the 97-year-old parquetry floor. Memorial Hall is definitely my favourite building in the school.
I must mention the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science; not for its size or price tag, but because I had been engaged in this project since its inception back in 2002. Three master plans later the project has become a reality, proving that good things come to those who wait.
What is your favourite corner of the school, and why?
Definitely the Hill area. Some wonderful work has been achieved here over the years to create that village environment, surrounded by some of Scotch’ s oldest and best presented buildings, and in my opinion our best gardens. Credit to the grounds staff engaged in this area, as they do an amazing job: this area is Scotch’ s botanical gardens.
What do you do to relax, away from Scotch?
I have always loved playing basketball and I have been fortunate in recent years to have stepped out onto the wood with my sons by my side. I am an avid Hawthorn supporter, as many visitors to my office would know while they gaze with envy at the wall of premiership posters. I do enjoy a night at the cinema, with frequent visits to the Rivoli – such a beautiful old building. Eating out and a good pinot noir also helps with relaxation.
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