Not technically my job. Still worth fixing.
I have trouble watching something not live up to its potential. At my part-time job, I kept seeing how much effort went into reading backroom delivery layouts and working out how to stack everything before unloading could run smoothly.
It was one of those small frustrations everyone works around because that’s how things have always been. I wondered whether we could stop working around it.
VAN 012 CHILLED DOLLY 01 SEQ 01 DOLLY 01 SEQ 01 DOLLY 02 SEQ 02 DOLLY 02 SEQ 04
A simplified example of the source information.
03MULTI
01 × 2DOLLIES
02
Illustrative example. No store operational data.
Less guesswork.
I built a simple browser-based tool. Copy the layout text, paste it once, and it turns the van information into large, readable, A4 printouts for the team.
It organises ambient and chilled deliveries, groups the sequence positions onto dollies, highlights repeats and flags missing numbers. It is designed for the way people actually unload stock, not for someone sitting at a desk.
The team put it into use. Management recognised the initiative and the effect it had on productivity. It is exactly the sort of problem I like: practical, solvable and immediately useful to other people.
“A simple solution has had such a strong impact on productivity.”COLES MYTHANKS RECOGNITION · OCTOBER 2026
A fair go should be easier to find.
The same instinct led me to become an SDA workplace delegate. I made clear sick-leave guides based on the enterprise agreement, set up an easier way to report workplace issues and started handing out information that people could actually keep and use.
Colleagues have since come to me for help understanding their entitlements and raising concerns. I look up the agreement, explain what it says and communicate with management when needed.
Information worth keeping.
I also designed custom receipt-style information for colleagues. In a retail environment, receipts are familiar, discreet and easy to keep. Mine explain workplace entitlements, union benefits and where to get support without requiring someone to ask for help in front of everyone.
It is a practical way to share useful information, reach people who may be uncomfortable asking questions and help members get the most from their union membership.
I don’t think every problem has a quick fix. I do think we should try to make things clearer and better for the people living with them.