Opening Doors to Opportunity: Our First Grounds Maintenance Demonstration Day
We recently marked a milestone for Hunter Commercial Services as we hosted our very first Grounds Maintenance Demonstration Day, held in partnership with Kurri Kurri High School — and what a day it was.
From the moment the five attending students (plus one unable to be photographed) stepped onto site alongside their two teachers, their enthusiasm was unmistakable. What began with quiet curiosity quickly grew into confident questions, hands-on learning, and genuine excitement about the world of grounds maintenance.
Learning the “How” — and the “Why”
The day kicked off with expert guidance from Mick Crawford, whose patient and thorough demonstrations set the tone. Mick didn’t just show the students how each piece of equipment worked — he helped them understand why safety, technique, and care matter in every task we do. No question was too small, and Mick made sure every student walked away with newfound confidence.
Supporting him were Tom Jones and James Macpherson, who brought the equipment to life. They demonstrated machinery in action, explained real-world techniques, and shared insights from the field. Their professionalism, encouragement, and willingness to answer question after question helped the students feel comfortable, capable, and inspired by what they were learning.
A Real Job Site in Action
Mid-morning, the students witnessed grounds maintenance in its truest form when Shane Fennell and Tom Parkhouse arrived to complete scheduled work at the Hunter Water site next door. Watching a live job site unfold — from arrival to task completion — immediately sparked interest and appreciation for the pace, skill, and teamwork involved.
During lunch, students eagerly gathered around Shane, Tom P, Tom J, James, and Mick, continuing their conversations and asking thoughtful questions about daily work, equipment, training, and careers in the industry. It was clear the hands-on experience had opened doors to genuine interest.
Inspiring Future Pathways
One student who recently finished school showed strong interest in joining our team — taking a contact number on the spot. His résumé arrived the next day. Two more students expressed enthusiasm about work experience opportunities once they become eligible next year.
This early interest has already sparked internal discussions about developing a formal work experience program with Kurri Kurri High School, offering young people regular, structured opportunities to explore the industry.
Looking Ahead
We’re now working with the school to develop a feedback process through Microsoft 365, with the help of Sandy, so we can continue improving future Demonstration Days. The teachers shared how valuable the experience was for their students and expressed strong interest in returning — and expanding — the initiative. We couldn’t agree more.
A Day That Showcased Our Best
This Demonstration Day reflected everything we’re proud of at Hunter Commercial Services:
our people, our expertise, our teamwork, and our commitment to creating inclusive employment opportunities.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved. Your professionalism, passion, and willingness to share your skills helped shape an inspiring, memorable experience for the next generation.
Here’s to many more Demonstration Days to come — and to opening new pathways for young people in our community.
