MBV President's Podcast

In this episode, MBV President Steven Peluso sits down with 2026 MBV State Apprentice of the Year, Hannah Dillimore.

What began with an unlikely advertisement for welders in Antarctica sparked a journey that would take Hannah down a very different path, one built on persistence, resilience and a determination to prove herself in a highly skilled trade.

From overcoming early setbacks to earning statewide recognition, Hannah's story is one of grit, opportunity and backing yourself when others won't.

Hear more about Hannah's unexpected path into the industry, the challenges that shaped her, and the mindset that's helping inspire the next generation of apprentices.

Let's get into it.

MBV President Steven Peluso sits down with Don Peteranna Senior Project Manager at Total Construction to talk about the Stacked Farm build at Melbourne Airport. A look into designing and constructing a fully automated vertical farm at Melbourne Airport with it's air restrictions and all of the complexities attached to it.

Let's get into it!

The Building Master Builders Podcast you know and love is now the MBV President's Podcast! 

Hosted by MBV President, Steven Peluso, the podcast now brings broader perspectives and bigger conversations on leadership, culture and innovation, featuring honest conversations, real stories and practical insights from people who inspire, influence and challenge the way we think.

In this debut episode, MBV President Steve Peluso sits down with Emma King, an AFLW pioneer who made history by winning the very first hit-out in the inaugural AFLW match in 2017. Since then, she has become renowned for her leadership and ability to build high-performing teams and strong cultures where people thrive.

In this candid conversation, Emma shares the lessons she's learned about leadership, teamwork, resilience and bringing people together to achieve a common goal.

Let's get into it!

In this episode, you’ll hear from Monique Burns Senior Legal Counsel/Legal Manager at Master Builders Victoria, and Taurus Legal Management Director and Commercial Litigation Specialist Alex Martin. They will guide you through the key considerations and strategies for effective succession planning and talk about the long-term future of your business in building and construction. 
 
These highlights are from a FREE member-exclusive legal webinar. In this you will learn how to: 

• Protect your business assets and minimise risk 
• Ensure a smooth transition to the next generation or new leadership 
• Strengthen the long-term value and stability of your business 
• Avoid common legal pitfalls in succession planning
  
  Business Lawyers Melbourne - Contract & Commercial Law Firms
  
  Legal | MBV 

In this episode, you’ll hear from Adrian Ziccone Workplace Relations & Safety Manager at Master Builders Victoria, and Dominic Fleeton, Partner at K&L Gates. These highlights are taken from the member exclusive webinar Understanding WorkCover from an employer perspective. The full webinar is available on the MBAV website to members, and will explore: 

• Key employer obligations under the WorkCover Scheme 
• Strategies for managing complex or challenging claims 
• Best practices to support compliance
  
  Dominic Fleeton | People | K&L Gates
  
  Employment and Industrial Relations | MBV 

In this episode, you’ll hear from Dr Caroline Speed, Director Policy & Industry Collaboration at Master Builders Victoria, host the panel session at the Building Plumbing Commission Industry Conference. 

Panel members from government and industry are talking to how building methods are evolving and regulatory barriers to adopting modern methods of construction.  

Panellists: 

• Steven Baxas (State Building Surveyor, Building and Plumbing Commission) 
• Megan Peacock (Executive Director, Building Policy and Reform, Department of Transport and Planning)  
• Brenton Russo (Chief Executive Officer, Multipanel) 
• Phil Miller (Business Development Manager, Drouin West Timber & Truss) 
• Lester Raikes (Managing Director, Anchor Homes)
  
  The full audio is available on the MBAV website and an edited video on the BPC YouTube channel.
  
  2025 BPC Industry Conference - Modern Methods of Construction 

In this episode, you’ll hear from Monique Burns Senior Legal Counsel/Legal Manager at Master Builders Victoria, and Presented by Principal, Oldham Construction Lawyers – Daniel Oldham.

These highlights are from a FREE member-exclusive legal webinar. The webinar will suit domestic builders and focussed on all things defect management, including how to minimise claims and maximise payment. It covers the most common issues that are front of mind for builders and developers when it comes to defect management, payment mechanisms, managing the handover process and building defect liability.

The full webinar is available on the MBAV website to members.

Daniel Oldham — Oldham Construction Lawyers

Legal | MBV 

In this episode, you’ll hear from the Master Builders Victoria Outreach & Future Skills team, and Jayde Thomas, Victorian State Manager, Busy at Work, as they talk to employers and those involved with placing apprentices.  

Everyone can access the full version of this recording on our website, and covers: 

• How apprenticeships work and why they benefit your business 
• School-Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships 
• Key updates for the new financial year 
• Employer trial periods before committing 
• Ongoing mentoring and support services
  
  Apprenticeship, Employment and Community Services | BUSY At Work
  
  Apprentice advice | MBV 

Katie Rees, Your Project Partner and author of the Preferred Builder Guide, joins host Sam Smith to share practical strategies for builders who want to earn client trust and stand out in the residential market. From understanding homeowner fears to previewing her upcoming book Building Trust, this episode is a must-listen for builders who believe homes are about people—and know that trusted builders are building a better future.

Https://www.katierees.com/ 

Preferred builder guide can be found here:

https://www.mbav.com.au/service-advice/supply-chain-and-material-shortages-resources/ 

Https://www.mbav.com.au/ 

You can contact us at [email protected] 

Join MBV Director of Advisory, Sam Smith, and 2025 State Apprentice of the Year Winner, Sebastian Blacket, as they discuss his journey in the industry and what winning these awards meant to him. Also hear insights from Bianca Florent, MBV Outreach & Future Skills Manager, who talks through what the Apprentice Awards are and how you can nominate your apprentice.

The Nature Scaper - Sebastian Blacket:

https://www.thenaturescaper.com.au

Apprentice of the Year Nominations:

https://mbvapprentice.awardsplatform.com