Let's Talk Facilities

Most buildings are designed with an exit strategy. At the University of Melbourne, there isn't one.Aaron and Ben take the podcast on the road for their first ever site tour, walking the University of Melbourne campus with Andrew Moore, Workspace Strategy and Operations Manager for the Faculty of Engineering and IT. In this episode, they walk through what it actually looks like to manage a portfolio you can never walk away from — retrofitting buildings never designed for modern expectations, keeping 1950s spaces alive, and making decisions that have to last a generation.--------------------------#LetsTalkFacilities is a podcast from the team at Premrest, Australia's go-to for commercial floor care. Cleaning and Installing commercial flooring.https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities

In this episode, Aaron and Tim sit down with Davina Rooney, CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia, to talk about why existing buildings are now the most important frontier in sustainability, what's coming legislatively for FM teams, and why facility managers are the most powerful (and most underrecognised) force in the built environment.----------------------------------#LetsTalkFacilities is a podcast from the team at Premrest, Australia's go-to for commercial floor care. Cleaning and Installing commercial flooring.https://letstalkfacilities.com/

In this episode of #LetsTalkFacilities, Aaron and Tim sit down with Daniel Lazarus, CEO of Industrias Services Group to talk about solar maintainance.Daniel shared that there's $1.5 billion worth of underperformance sitting in unmaintained solar systems across Australia right now and the majority of facility managers have no idea. They also break down why commercial solar is the most overlooked asset in FM, what the real risks are when it goes unchecked. --------------------------#LetsTalkFacilities is a podcast from the team at Premrest, Australia's go-to for commercial floor care. Cleaning and Installing commercial flooring.https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities

In this episode Aaron and Ben sit down with Kristy Megaw, Senior Director of Client Partnerships at Cushman & Wakefield. Kristy has spent her career leading large-scale FM accounts across APAC — and she's got a lot to say about leadership, women in facilities, and why FM is a far more exciting career than the industry gives it credit for.------------------#LetsTalkFacilities is a podcast from the team at Premrest, Australia's go-to for commercial floor care. Cleaning and Installing commercial flooring.https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities

We’re kicking things off by looking back at a milestone we didn’t expect.In this premiere episode, we reflect on winning FMA Industry Advocate of the Year and how a flooring company ended up building a platform that supports facility managers across the industry. What started as a way to share knowledge internally quickly grew into something bigger. A space to learn, connect, and solve real problems faced on the ground.If you’ve been part of the journey, this is a look back at how it all started. If you’re new here, this is the perfect place to jump in.-----------------#LetsTalkFacilities is a podcast from the team at Premrest, Australia's go-to for commercial floor care. Cleaning and Installing commercial flooring.⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities

Facility managers and asset managers often get placed in the same bucket, but the work they do, the pressures they face, and the goals they chase are very different. In this episode of Let’s Talk Facilities, Aaron Kelly and Nick Grace sit down with Ujwal Lakra to clear the confusion and talk through what each role is really built for.Ujwal explains how daily operational demands pull FMs into fast problem solving while asset managers focus on long term value, risk, and lifecycle planning.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Facilities, Aaron Kelly and Nick Grace sit down with Arbab Shah for an honest look at what it really takes to grow in the FM industry. Arbab shares the early challenges that shaped him, the pressures new facility managers often face, and the turning points that helped him build confidence on the job. Whether you’re starting out or guiding a team, this episode offers relatable insights on becoming a stronger facility manager.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Facilities, Aaron Kelly and Sammy Gilham sit down with Paul Sor, Head of Property and Asset Management at RSL LifeCare, for a conversation on empathy, ethics, and people-first leadership in facility management.Paul shares how his journey from accounting to FM shaped his unique approach to creating functional, dignified, and sustainable spaces. From managing donor-funded assets to building fair supplier relationships, he reveals how every decision can honor both people and purpose.Tune in for a reminder that great facility management isn’t just about maintaining buildings—it’s about caring for the people who use them.

Sustainability is more than a corporate goal, it’s personal. In this Let’s Talk Facilities sustainability special, Tim Bradbury sit down with Dave Moolman from Shaw Contract to explore how the drive for a better future often begins with personal experiences that shape our values.Dave shares how Shaw Contract’s approach to manufacturing looks beyond production efficiency to focus on long-term environmental responsibility, circular design, and products that stand the test of time.-------------Let's Talk Facilities is a podcast from the team at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Premrest⁠⁠⁠⁠, Australia's go-to for floor care. Cleaning and installing commercial flooring. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities⁠

In this episode of Let’s Talk Facilities, Aaron Kelly and Nicholas Grace talk with Lauren Hamilton from Smart Commercial Solar about the growing need for clean energy and carbon accountability. Lauren explains how expanding emissions reporting and rising energy costs are driving organisations to rethink their approach to sustainability. She shares why solar energy could be a smart strategy for cutting costs, building resilience, and staying competitive in a low-carbon economy. If you’re looking to future-proof your facilities and manage energy more efficiently, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Facilities, Aaron Kelly and Sammy Gilham are joined by Agustin Chevez, architect and workplace strategist, for a deep dive into the evolving role of facility managers in workplace design and how workplaces can adapt to the changing rhythms of work. If you’re passionate about creating spaces that balance performance, purpose, and people, this episode offers insights you won’t want to miss! -------------Let's Talk Facilities is a podcast from the team at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Premrest⁠⁠⁠⁠, Australia's go-to for floor care. Cleaning and installing commercial flooring. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities⁠

In this special episode of Let’s Talk Facilities, Ben Young and Tim Bradbury sit down with Paul Rosenberg Vella from Revert Group to explore the role of the circular economy in construction and fit-outs. Paul shares how facility managers can support circular solutions and what it takes to reduce waste while improving project outcomes.Whether you manage assets or are simply passionate about sustainability in the built environment, this conversation offers practical insights on building a more resource-conscious future.-------------Let's Talk Facilities is a podcast from the team at ⁠⁠⁠Premrest⁠⁠⁠, Australia's go-to for floor care. Cleaning and installing commercial flooring. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities⁠

Emergencies unfold in seconds—and the first five minutes are the most critical. In this episode of Let’s Talk Facilities, Aaron Kelly and Nicholas Grace sit down with Gaurav Bhalla, CEO of First Five Minutes, to unpack the realities of emergency management for facility managers. They discuss the unique challenges of evacuating shopping centres compared to commercial towers, as well as best practices for training, drills, and tenant engagement during emergencies. Whether you manage an office, shopping centre, or healthcare facility, this conversation delivers practical insights to help you prepare, plan, and protect people when it matters most.-------------Let's Talk Facilities is a podcast from the team at ⁠⁠⁠Premrest⁠⁠⁠, Australia's go-to for floor care. Cleaning and installing commercial flooring. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities⁠

In this episode of Let’s Talk Facilities, we sit down with Mark O’Connell, Head of Property at St Vincent de Paul, to explore how facilities management goes beyond buildings to truly change lives. Mark shares how a values-driven approach creates lasting impact across the spaces his team manages—and why facilities management is mission-critical in every sector.-------------Let's Talk Facilities is a podcast from the team at ⁠⁠Premrest⁠⁠, Australia's go-to for floor care. Cleaning and installing commercial flooring. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities⁠

In this special episode of Let’s Talk Facilities, ⁠Ben Young⁠ and ⁠Tim Bradbury⁠ sit down with Aidan Mullan from Interface to explore what real sustainability looks like in the built environment.Aidan shares about moving beyond offsets to focus on emissions reduction, circular economy models, and material innovation. -------------Let's Talk Facilities is a podcast from the team at ⁠⁠Premrest⁠⁠, Australia's go-to for floor care. Cleaning and installing commercial flooring. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities⁠

In this episode of Let’s Talk Facilities, Aaron Kelly and Nick Grace sit down with Leah Ong to explore mentorship, diversity, ESG, and the evolving role of technology in facilities management.Leah shares her perspective on how relationships help managers build influence, why inclusivity strengthens FM teams, and the growing importance of leadership in shaping the future of the profession. She also offers practical ways for FMs to move beyond operations and step into strategic leadership.If you want to take your FM career forward, this conversation is packed with lessons you can apply right away.-------------Let's Talk Facilities is a podcast from the team at ⁠Premrest⁠, Australia's go-to for floor care. Cleaning and installing commercial flooring. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities⁠

In this episode of Let’s Talk Facilities, Aaron Kelly and Ben Young sit down with Duncan Waddell, an esteemed global leader in facility management, to unpack the evolving world of facility management.They explore the real role of FMs today: part concierge, part strategist, part problem-solver. From hidden heroes to frontline professionals, Duncan breaks down how the profession is gaining recognition and where it's heading.The conversation also dives deep into ISO 41001, the global facilities management standard:✔ What it means for FM teams✔ How it drives operational excellence✔ How to start implementing it without blowing your budgetWhether you're new to FM or leading a large portfolio, this episode is packed with insight into how the best facilities run and where the industry is headed next.-------------Let's Talk Facilities is a podcast from the team at Premrest, Australia's go-to for floor care. Cleaning and installing commercial flooring. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities⁠

In this enlightening episode, Zac Gilder from Steril-Aire joins hosts Ben Young and Aaron Kelly for an in-depth discussion on indoor air quality (IAQ). The trio explores the transformative role of UVC lights in Air Handling Units (AHUs), sharing best practices for ensuring healthy, clean air in the built environment. From split systems to large-scale HVAC AHUs, they uncover practical solutions to enhance air quality and protect occupant health. This must-listen episode is packed with insights for anyone passionate about creating safer, healthier indoor spaces.-------------Let's Talk Facilities is a podcast from the team at Premrest, Australia's go-to for floor care. Cleaning and installing commercial flooring. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities⁠

Join hosts Aaron Kelly and Sammy Gilham as they chat with Jennifer Longstaff, a dynamic leader in facility management. In this episode, they explore the intricacies of running a successful facilities business, and discuss Jenny's experience as a woman-owned business. From managing diverse teams to meeting high customer expectations, Jenny shares her strategies for fostering a thriving workplace culture and driving operational excellence.-------------Let's Talk Facilities is a podcast from the team at Premrest, Australia's go-to for floor care. Cleaning and installing commercial flooring. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities⁠

Join Aaron Kelly as he has a conversation with Charles Hammersla, a seasoned facility management leader, for an inspiring episode. They explore practical advice for aspiring facility managers, the importance of following through on commitments, and how the role has evolved to meet rising customer expectations. Charles also shares his passion for giving back through not-for-profit work and community involvement, offering listeners valuable insights on leadership and impact.-------------Let's Talk Facilities is a podcast from the team at Premrest, Australia's go-to for commercial floor care. Cleaning and installing commercial flooring. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities⁠

Join hosts Aaron Kelly and Sammy Gilham as they sit down with Leanne Cluley, Founder & CEO of Reduxo, to dive into the world of physical asset auditing. Leanne shares her expertise on why accurate data is the backbone of effective decision-making and lifecycle management across industries. From creating reliable asset registers to enabling predictive maintenance and lifecycle costing, this episode explores how Reduxo’s tailored audit solutions help organizations save time, reduce risks, and plan for the future. Listen for practical insights and inspiring stories from Leanne’s decades of experience in asset management!-------------Let's Talk Facilities is a podcast from the team at Premrest, Australia's go-to for commercial floor care. Cleaning and installing commercial flooring. ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities⁠

In this episode, hosts Ben Young and Aaron Kelly sit down with Jade Germantis, Program Director of Digital Estate at The University of Melbourne, to explore the world of digital estates. Discover what digital estates are, how to begin capturing data, and the journey from simple Excel spreadsheets to sophisticated data lake platforms. Jade shares valuable insights and practical advice for facility professionals looking to harness data for smarter decision-making.-------------Let's Talk Facilities is a podcast from the team at Premrest, Australia's go-to for commercial floor care.⁠⁠⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities⁠

In this episode, hosts Aaron Kelly and Sammy Gilham sit down with Sue Bottrell from ContractorSAFE to tackle the critical topic of workplace safety. They explore who’s responsible for what when it comes to keeping workers safe, diving into the complexities of Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) documentation. Sue highlights how these documents are often overly complicated, leaving workers confused and disconnected from their core purpose: clearly communicating risks and ensuring safety. Listen for a candid discussion on streamlining safety processes to better protect workers and facilities alike.-------------Let's Talk Facilities is a podcast from the team at Premrest, Australia's go-to for commercial floor care.⁠⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities⁠

In this episode of Let's Talk Facilities, hosts Aaron Kelly and Ben Young from Premrest sit down with Louise Rowe from Pinpoint Property Recruitment. Louise dives into the world of recruitment for facility managers, sharing strategies for upskilling, advancing your career, and standing out in the competitive FM space. Whether you’re looking to climb the ladder or sharpen your expertise, this episode is has actionable insights to help you thrive in facility management. -------------Let's Talk Facilities is a podcast from the team at Premrest, Australia's go-to for commercial floor care.⁠⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities⁠

The episode kicks off with a powerful idea: facility managers don’t need to be experts in every field, but they must master the art of connection—knowing who to call and where to find the right advice to keep operations running smoothly.In Episode 6 of Let's Talk Facilities, hosts Aaron Kelly and Sammy Gilham sit down with Nicholas Burt, CEO of the Facilities Management Association (FMA). Nicholas shares insights into his role, the FMA’s mission to empower facility managers, and how they provide critical support through networks and expertise. From sustainability to the evolving landscape of facility management, discover where the industry is headed and why a great facility manager doesn’t need to know everything—just who to call. A conversation packed with practical advice and forward-thinking ideas!-------------Let's Talk Facilities is a podcast from the team at Premrest, Australia's go-to for commercial floor care.⁠⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities⁠

Aaron Kelly, Ben Young, and Sammy Gilham from Premrest discuss what it looks like being proactive vs. reactive in facility management. They unpack what these approaches look like for facility managers—planning ahead to avoid chaos or dealing with it as it hits. It’s practical, real-world stuff to help you level up, whether you’re strategising or troubleshooting.#FacilityManagement-------------Let's Talk Facilities is a podcast from the team at Premrest, Australia's go-to for commercial floor care.⁠⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities⁠

Aaron Kelly and Colin Saddington sit down with Mark Elliott to discuss the use of natural stone in commercial facilities, particularly in lobbies and shopping centres. The conversation covers the importance of maintaining these features, the process of stone honing, and the distinction between honing and sealing. Mark shares his expertise on keeping stone surfaces in top condition.Facility managers play a key role in preserving the longevity and appearance of stone flooring, a common feature in high-traffic urban buildings. Mark emphasizes that understanding proper care techniques—like regular maintenance, choosing the right cleaning methods, and knowing when to hone or seal—is essential to prevent damage and costly repairs. This episode highlights why awareness and expertise in stone care are critical for effective facility management. -------------Let's Talk Facilities is a podcast from the team at Premrest, Australia's go-to for commercial floor care.⁠⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities⁠

In this episode, Ben Young sits down with Tim Bradbury to explore his unique career journey—from architecture to build-to-rent project management, and now into the world of commercial flooring. Tim’s experience across these industries gives him a well-rounded perspective on how sustainable design, construction, and flooring choices impact commercial spaces.-----------A podcast from the team at Premrest, Australia's go-to for commercial floor care.⁠⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities⁠

Welcome to Episode 2 of Let's Talk FacilitiesJoin Colin Saddington and Aaron Kelly from the Premrest team as they chat with Bob Foletta from Interface Australia - a seasoned expert who's about to retire after a remarkable career as Technical Field Services Manager for Asia Pacific at Interface. Interface Australia is a subsidiary of the global company "Interface", a leading manufacturer of modular flooring products like carpet tiles and resilient flooring, with a significant presence in Australia where they manufacture and sell their products locally, including a focus on sustainable practices and carbon-negative flooring options; they are known for their commitment to environmental responsibilityIn this episode, Bob shares thoughtful insights from his journey in commercial floor care, along with some lighthearted reflections on the industry he’s helped shape.-----------A podcast from the team at Premrest, Australia's go-to for commercial floor care.⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities

Welcome to Episode 1 of Let's Talk Facilities!In our very first episode, hosts Colin Saddington, Aaron Kelly, and Sammy Gilham from the Premrest team pull back the curtain on what this podcast is all about. We're not just about commercial floor care—we're here to dive into a whole range of topics that matter to facility managers. From innovative cleaning solutions and commercial installations to broader challenges in facility operations, we blend smart insights with a touch of humour to make even the most complex topics engaging.-------------Let's Talk Facilities is a podcast from the team at Premrest, Australia's go-to for commercial floor care.⁠https://www.premrest.com.au/lets-talk-facilities