The Most Macho Construction Site In All Of Australia

Real blokes talk on a real blokes workplace

It's early in the morning and the Aussie sun is already sending burning heat down on another hot summer's day in Perth. A large construction site in the outer suburbs is just beginning to show the first signs of life as the various tradesmen appear and start setting up their jobs for the day. The concrete slab will be poured soon, before the heat complicates the process. The Milwaukee boom box blasts out Working Class Man by Jimmy Barnes. Another day, another dollar at the grind for these work hardened men.

Joe and Barry the concreters, are making the final touches to the framing before the concrete is poured.

“How'd ya go with that new bird that you've been seeing last night?” Barry enquires to Joe.

“Baz, to be honest mate, not great.” Says Joe as he hammers the frame. “She told me it feels like I don't 'complete her'. I broke down in tears and told her that I could be her Jerry Maguire. That she did indeed complete me. She walked away anyhow. It's over between us.”

“Joe, you are such a great guy. Know your worth. If she can't see how wonderful you are, then that's her loss.”

“I know, I know. It just hurts right here.” Joe stutters as he places his hand on his heart.

The concrete truck pulls up to site and reverses up to the frame expertly. The first pour of the day is almost ready. Big Jase the truck driver, bounds down out of the truck cab. He’s a monster of a man, with big muscles covered in bigger tattoos, plus an even bigger beer belly. His wild hair and beard flow like a Vikings as he marches towards the lads. Big Jase was once involved with an outlaw motorbike gang in his younger days.

“C'mon Min!” Jase calls back.

A fluffy, golden miniature pomeranian dog follows her master from the truck yapping happily.

“I don’t go anywhere without my little bundle of joy, Mini.” Gushes Jase to the two concreters. “She’s even got her own Instagram @minithepom. It’s really taken off!”

“She's just adorable big fella. You must be a proud fur papa.” Admires Joe.

Just then, Trevor the site supervisor exits the portable office building and comes over to the growing work crew.

“Lads, I need you all to gather around. We are going to have a quick Safety 5 meeting before the pour. Today is RUOK day. So I just want to kick off - Are you guys all okay?”

“Mini's Insta just hit 2000 followers!” Spits out Big Jase.

“Bit hungover and the haemorrhoids are giving me shit again, but in general I’m alright mate.” Chips in Baz

“Cheers fellas, thanks for your input. I needed to ask you guys if you’re okay, but the truth is… I’m not. The love of my life, Ting Ling, has been posting photos online doing tequila shots with other guys and looking a bit too cosy with them. It makes me feel sick. I mean, they are probably just her friends and she is staying loyal to me. I just… I just don’t know anymore.” Trevor’s voice trails off.

“Trev, I’m sure Ting loves you. I mean, she does a great job of running your bar in Thailand. Sure, she used to be a hooker, but she's a good woman now. A real keeper.” Says Joe

“Emotionally, I'm just exhausted from worrying and not knowing.” Stammers Trev as he throws his hands up in the air.

“Trev, before you say one more word, I need to say something and I won't take no for an answer. This Saturday. You and I. SPA DAY!!” Says Joe with a big grin. “I think I need it as much as you do.”

The tears of gratitude flow from Trev now. He couldn't have asked for a better work crew, a better squad of friends. He was a lucky guy.

“I'm in. I can't wait.” Beams Trev through now happy tears. “This old sun-peeled face needs a facial!”

There are back slaps and man hugs between all the men. The brotherhood is strong.

Late to the meeting, the electrical supervisor, Aaron, stumbles across the commotion. He's been unlucky in love - married and divorced three times before his 40th birthday. He's worked 90 hour weeks for two decades and all he has to show for it is a mountain of debt and some stomach ulcers from the meds he takes to balance his erratic moods out.

“Hey guys, I've got a few emotional issues that I'd just love to unload, you know, while we're all sharing.”

“Oh piss off Aaron! You complain more than a bloody woman and you're a flog. Keep your treasure trove of fucking issues to yourself.” Barks Baz “This ain't no fucking salon, it's a construction site.”

Mini the Pom urinates nearby and growls.

The brotherhood is strong on this site, but still operates under a no dickheads policy. Aaron, unfortunately, is a dickhead.

The men get back to work. The concrete starts flowing as the sun beats down. These lads are living the Aussie dream working with their brothers every day on the most macho construction site in the whole of the country.