GippsPest Team Bonding Day - Axe Throwing!

Axe-citement Unleashed: Gippsland Pest Management Strikes Bullseye at Maniax!

At Gippsland Pest Management, we don't just handle pests; we conquer challenges together! On the 20th of September, our entire crew unleashed their inner warriors at Maniax in Melbourne CBD. It was not just an opportunity to sharpen our skills but also a chance to build stronger connections within our growing team. 🤝

Having previously engaged in activities like laser tag and go-karting, this axe-throwing adventure marked a special occasion for us. It was the first time in the last 12 months that our team, now expanded with three trainee technicians and additional office staff, came together for a unique bonding experience.

The big day unfolds…

Excitement and a hint of nervousness filled the air as we gathered in the dungeon-styled waiting area, which added to the anticipation of what was going to occur over the next couple of hours. Emotions were heighted even more when cans of soft drink were handed out to each member. This was greatly appreciated as the action began and the sugar high mixed with the adrenaline kick. 😃😬

Soon it was our turn and into the cages we went, armed with safety lessons and demonstrations from our axe-perts. We were shown the two methods of axe throwing: one handed and over the head. Also, the basics of being aware of surroundings and not to aim the axe at anything or anyone that isn’t the target.

The battle began with practice rounds, each side of the cage feeling the thunderous WHOOSH of flying axes. Then came the tournament – a clash of titans within our team! For those not in the cage taking aim at the target, we also required score takers. Once the axe-pert adjudicated the score, we had to input the score onto the tablet with the corresponding point system.

• 0 points for not on the target
• 1 point for inside the blue circle
• 3 points for inside the red circle
• 5 points for bullseye
• there was also a special reward, for the last turn of each round, where if you were to hit one of the green dots at the top of the target you would get 7 points.

🍕To refuel and recharge, we indulged in piping hot pizzas between rounds. We were on fire, nothing could get us down. Even when a glitch with the scoring tablet occurred during the final rounds, we adapted like pros, switching to the old-school paper method ensuring the competition remained fierce.

🥂Cheers to Success:

The last rounds, everyone truly showed their skill and determination, making it a nail-biting finish. The alliances of the office crew and pesty technicians came in to play when the final two competitors, senior technician Shannon and office manager Katie were battling it out. It was neck and neck until Katie took to the cage for her last throw and managed to get a bullseye, putting the pressure on Shannon to do the same. In the end Katie’s incredible ability to always achieve highly despite the challenge shown through, giving her the win.

The top three challengers received corresponding metals:
🥉3rd place: Trainee Technician Cody
🥈 2nd place: Senior Technician/CEO Shannon
🥇1st place: Office Manager Katie.

📸Celebratory photos captured the triumphant moments. With cold beverages in hand, we relaxed back in the dungeon room. A toast to a day well spent, filled with triumphs, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

🛻Soon enough it was time to stroll back to our cars with chatters of what was next for our newly bonded team. The excitement did not end there because we also successfully dodged peak-hour traffic, which was another big win, on an already smashing day.

The next morning, some team members woke up with shoulders as stiff as a stubborn pest infestation. But no rest for the wicked – we swiftly transitioned back to our noble cause of making Gippsland pest-free. 🕷️🐜