
Shovels Ready
5/1/2026 | 26m 12sVideo has Closed Captions
Tunneling finally begins until Rhonda intervenes; Nat’s HR plea proves disastrous.
After years of meticulous planning nothing can prevent a major tunneling project getting started. Except Rhonda. Meanwhile Nat makes the fatal mistake of asking HR for help.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Utopia is a local public television program presented by WETA

Shovels Ready
5/1/2026 | 26m 12sVideo has Closed Captions
After years of meticulous planning nothing can prevent a major tunneling project getting started. Except Rhonda. Meanwhile Nat makes the fatal mistake of asking HR for help.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch Utopia
Utopia is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, LG TV, and Vizio.
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship-A transformational vision... -Eight and a half billion dollars for roads, rails, and ports... -New infrastructure for the 21st century... -It's going to benefit future generations... -There is no future plan for Australia under this government... -Major infrastructure projects right around the country... -We want to spend the money... -It's the biggest nation building project... -I want to be known as the infrastructure Prime Minister... -Nation building.
-Nation building.
-Nation building.
-Nation building.
-Nation building.
♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ -Tunnel.
You?
-Brisbane.
-What?
-I fly up this afternoon.
-I thought HR was onto that.
-Well, apparently they are.
-I'll give him another prod.
-The Spanish tunnel team will be calling in half an hour.
-Must be nearly midnight there.
-They wanted to do it before dinner.
-Dinner?
-Oh, and did Rhonda get on to you?
-No.
-She wants to have a quick catch up.
-I don't have the time.
-She'll be here at two.
-I swear, I'm still not getting any air in here.
-Would you like me to speak to the building manager again?
-Yeah.
-Okay, I'll give him a prod.
Can I bring you some breakfast?
-Thanks.
-Will you be having it up there?
-No, I'll come down.
-Sorry.
Still waiting for a taxi.
But it's good news because your flight's been delayed.
Oh, and with the hotel, are you a member of the Star Guest Club?
-No.
-Would you like to join?
-I'd like a taxi.
-Oh, and in Brisbane, it won't be the same driver meeting you at the airport, so you'll have to fill in a new booking reference.
Hello?
Okay.
Next available.
Would you like to join?
-Actually, can you just confirm that that clause is now part of the works agreement?
- Esta clausa es parte del el acuerdo de labores?
Si.
No es problema.
Si.
-"Problema"?
Is there a problema?
- No.
No problem.
Si, this is fine.
-"Si," I heard "Si."
That's good.
-Okay, well, how about we move on to accommodation arrangements?
- [ Speaking Spanish ] -We might have to leave that until tomorrow.
-Why is that?
-Ronda's here.
-I've been down there for 20 minutes.
-I'll give them a call.
Oh, and I couldn't get you an aisle seat.
But you can ask at the club.
You gold or silver?
-I'd have to check.
-Uh, Nat, just got a message from HR.
-They've found someone.
-To do Brisbane?
-No, to do the recruitment.
-Reference B227.
-Good news.
-Yep.
-Nat, they said the taxi driver already picked you up.
-Rhonda, I'm really pushed for time at the moment.
-Yeah I know, just need a quick heads up.
The tunnel.
Where are we at?
-Well, weeks away.
-So it's a good news story.
-Better once we actually start.
-Alright, let's talk about the launch.
-I thought we had a launch.
-No.
-[ Stuttering ] -That was the announcement.
-What about with the treasurer and the big checks?
Weren't we handling... -That was funding approval.
-But then we had all those pens lined up.
-Contract signing.
-I think we've had enough media events.
-Tony, this is a $10 billion project.
-11.1.
-All the more reason to celebrate this landmark piece of nation building.
We're linking... We're linking... -The Western suburbs of Melbourne.
-One part of the city, yes, with all the others.
-Can we get Rhonda a map?
-Why would we let that happen without a proper launch?
-Oh, pick a reason.
Cost, hassle, any one of six protest groups just waiting for the opportunity to chain themselves to something.
-Oh, please.
The police can deal with that.
-So contentious, I mean, sleeping-- You know what?
I don't want a launch.
-How else are we supposed to let people know we have started a project?
-By actually starting it!
Sorry.
I'm playing my joker.
-Well, I'm trumping your Joker.
-You can't trump a Joker.
-Just did.
Royal Flush.
Lay down misère.
-What?
-Snap!
Game over.
-Rhonda.
-Who won?
-I don't even know what game we're playing.
Yeah, no.
Uh -- Well, they know there's a curfew on the trucks, so they can't move the dirt before seven in the morning.
They're going to have to take that into, uh... Actually, can I give you a call back in five minutes?
Sorry about that.
Is everything okay?
-You're not getting air through here.
-I knew it.
-Take a look at that.
2.5.
-Is that not good?
-2.5.
-What's 2.5?
-Can you take that?
-Sure.
-Time to do some investigative work.
All right.
Pass me the torch.
-Sure.
-Is there a problem?
-I think I've just turned into an apprentice.
-Screwdriver!
-There you go.
-Hey.
-Hey.
-Did you come straight from the airport?
-Not sure I described that trip as straight.
Is that her?
-Yes.
-Name?
-Hugh.
- Her name.
-Oh, Beverley.
She's from HR.
-Yeah, I got that.
-How can I help?
-It's our Brisbane office.
We've really expanded over the last six months.
And I've tried to oversee things from here, but it's way more than I can achieve from a fly-in, fly-out basis.
So I really want to put a manager in place.
-Bris...bane.
Right.
You said that you've expanded and you're trying to manage-- What's the date today?
-It's the 12th.
-Already?
-So what I'd really like to do-- -The NBA officers... Natalie and... -Hugh.
-Of course.
-See, yeah, well, if you're fine with that, then everyone can stay at the same hotel.
- Si esta usted de acuerdo todos nos podemos quedar en mismo hotel.
-Just want to clear up something from yesterday.
The minute construction starts, oversight and responsibility shifts to the commercial entity, away from us.
- El momento que empieze la construccion toda de la responsabilidad y mando se pasara de nosotros y quedara con la entidad comercial.
Uh... Yes, si, this is understood.
-Good.
What else?
-Rhonda.
- Sorry.
What is Rhonda?
-Oh, Rhonda's a lady.
She's head of it.
Sorry.
What about her?
-She's here again.
-What in broad, general terms do you think you need?
-Well, it's quite specific.
We need an office manager.
-Office...manager.
Mm-hmm.
And that would be in Brisbane?
-Yes.
-Mm-hmm.
Now, what, uh, skill set are we talking?
-Uh, the ones that I just said.
-Let me hear them again, just for the wording when we advertise the position.
-Well, actually, this might save us all some time.
Hugh had a thought.
-Yep.
-Say it out loud.
-Oh, uh, do you know Pauline from our Project Delivery team?
-She's in this office?
-She's across the road.
Of course.
-She's originally from Brisbane.
-She's a good operator.
And according to Hugh... -We play mixed netball.
-Oh!
-She's goal attack.
-She's keen to move home.
So we were thinking... -Well, we can certainly put her in the mix.
And this would still be for the Brisbane office?
-Yep.
-Good.
Mm.
I think I've got enough to go on with.
Um, how about we agree to meet again?
-Again?
-How's next Monday?
-I'm in Brisbane.
-Oh, lucky you.
Uh, can't do Tuesday.
Wednesday's tricky.
Um, how about Thursday?
-Rhonda, I said I don't want a launch.
-I'm sorry, but I may have to go over your head.
-Right.
Well, I'm going to speak to Jim.
-Then I'll speak to the Minister.
-Then I'll speak to the Prime Minister.
-Then I'll speak to his Chief of Staff.
Tony, this fits in so well with the government's narrative.
-What does that mean?
-Jobs, moving forward, getting things done, less talk -- more action.
-By adding speeches.
-Here's our hero -- the giant drill.
-It's a tunnel boring machine.
-Where is it?
-On its way from Spain.
-Muchas gracias.
We could have an arrival ceremony.
-No.
-We welcome the machine at the docks.
-It's in big bits.
-We welcome the biggest bit.
-Rhonda, no.
-Tony.
What is it you think I do?
-Good question.
-I message.
-What is it you think I do?
-Oh.
Good question.
-I build!
-Tony, I'm not asking you for anything.
-That doesn't mean you can't ruin my life.
-You can stay out of it.
I will let everyone know you are not to be bothered.
Hmm?
-Fine.
-Fine.
Tony's not to be bothered.
-Who won this time?
-Feels like she did.
-Nat, the taxi will be here in ten minutes.
They said can you be out the front of the building this time?
-I was out the front of the building.
-Oh, and we've managed to get you upgraded to a junior suite with complimentary breakfast and late checkout.
-I'm leaving at 6:45 in the morning.
-Hey, I spoke to Pauline last night at netball.
-And?
-We lost.
-About the job.
-Oh.
She's keen.
And before starting here, she actually set up an Adelaide office for the department.
-She's perfect.
-Oh, and Beverley rang.
-Yeah?
-She wanted to know if you could provide a paragraph on the skill set required.
-We just had a meeting about this!
She was there, taking notes!
-I guess she's just being thorough.
She also wanted start date, salary band, your details... -What was her pen for?
-I saw her write "Brisbane."
-Why are we even advertising when we've got the perfect person?
-Should I get her back in?
-No!
-Okay.
-I'll do it on the plane.
-Nat, I've got the taxi.
He says he can't find you.
-Because I'm not there.
What happened to ten minutes?
-It's okay.
He's got someone else.
-Construction on the tunnel could start by... -There's a big investment in roads... -Now, the Federal Government's given the green light to a 2.4 billion... -We've always been after innovation... -Consortium of Spanish, Italian, and local companies... -It should be a very exciting time.
[ Drilling ] -Uh...I need to use my office.
-But there's a problem.
-Yeah, it's covered in plastic.
-George said it's been dropping below two.
-Well, this is not going to help.
-I wonder if that's why you've been irritable in the afternoon.
-No, that's Rhonda.
I'll be in the boardroom.
-Okay.
-...self-motivated, results-focused, team-driven... -Sorry I'm late.
-No, no, no.
-Did you get my email?
-Yes.
Hugh and I were just trying to understand your issue.
-Well, Beverley, Hugh, it's the wording.
Um, "You will be self-motivated, results-focused and team-driven..." -Mmm.
-"...with the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines in a client-services environment."
-Yes.
So... -It doesn't actually say Office Manager.
-I think that's implied.
-But if we're going to advertise for an office manager, don't we need to say that?
-I think you risk narrowing your field, attracting the wrong sort of person.
-Someone who's not self-motivated.
-Exactly.
-But on the plus side, I'd have an office manager.
-At the end of the day, Natalie, it's about finding the right fit.
-I think it is.
-Mm.
This is useful.
In your own words -- take your time -- what is it essentially that you are seeking?
-Someone to do the work that I'm currently doing in another state.
-Yes.
In terms of ability.
The ability to... -Start Monday.
-And keep going.
-That's it.
-Ah, I think we're being a bit narrow.
-It feels like.
-Nat?
Your taxi's here.
-I haven't ordered one.
-Oh.
Get him to wait?
Did you get any air then?
-Yes, I did.
-He did.
-What's going on?
-Launch meeting.
-Right, grab a seat everyone.
-You're kidding me.
How many of you are coming in?
-Oh, there's a lot to get on with.
-Ignore us.
Sit down this end please.
-What is all this?
-We're not in your way.
We're leaving you alone.
-You've dragged in half my office.
-Well, credit to everyone, we're making excellent progress already.
-What does that mean?
-We've come up with a name for the tunnel boring machine.
-Why would a machine need a name?
-For its Facebook page.
-Why would it need a Facebook page?
-Each day we're posting a fun fact.
-Building a sense of anticipation between now and the launch.
-Meet Armadrillo.
-What?
-Because of the Spanish connection.
-Do you know where armadillos come from?
-The ground?
-South America.
-It's all right.
That's all right.
We can go back to The Burrito.
-Mexican!
-What about then?!
-Felt it!
-Tony, Nat, you need to wear these.
-I go outside for 20 minutes.
-We're now officially a site under construction.
And no open-toed shoes, sandals or thongs.
-This was gonna take two days.
-That was before they discovered the mold.
-I've put your stuff in the kitchen.
-Thank you.
-Scott wanted you to see this.
-What is it?
-To do with the tunnel.
-Oh, is this the revised Heads of Agreement?
-I'm not sure.
-"The amount of soil excavated from each tunnel would fill the MCG four times over."
-I think it's a fun fact.
I like this one.
"The amount of soil removed would fill over 1,000 Olympic swimming pools."
-Where is he now?
-Um... -Where is everyone?
Is anyone here?
-I am.
-Me too.
-No, not the air con guys.
Where is everyone?
-Um, I'm not supposed to tell you.
She's staying out of your way, Tony.
[ Indistinct conversation ] -Ah, you can stay away, Tony.
-My whole office is in here.
Hello, Karnston.
-Karsten.
Yes, where was I?
-Uh, running order 11 a.m.
-Alright, yes, of course.
11, we have our representative from the Wurundjeri people.
-Why have we got representatives from the Wurun-- -Welcome to Country.
-We're digging a great big hole in the country.
-It's out of respect.
-Do it at the finish.
Exit from country.
-Sorry, Karsten.
Go on.
-Okay.
Now we'll need to allow at least two minutes for the musicians to set up the stage.
-Stage?
-And then on come the Spanish dancers.
-Oh.
Fun fact -- Flamenco began in the Andalusian region of southern Spain.
-Oh, that is fun.
Thank you.
Scott.
-Okay, I've heard enough.
-I've got a lot to get through.
-Wait, wait, wait, Tony.
Hang on.
Karsten needs to run an idea past you before you go.
-Ah, yes.
Of course.
Thank you, Rhonda.
I was thinking on the day we need to involve Churro.
-Who's Churro?
-The tunnel boring machine.
-Spanish for donut.
-Mm.
-Is there any chance our senior dignitaries could go for a ride on it?
-A ride?
Karsten, the machine moves at five centimeters an hour.
-Mm.
Can we speed it up?
-No.
-Could they start it up, get the PM to turn a key?
-There's no key.
-We'll pull a lever.
-Or lever.
-Smash a bottle of champagne over the controls.
-The electronics.
-We just need a bit of a climax.
-Cut a ribbon!
-You're not being very helpful.
-I'm the only one here who's trying to build a tunnel is what I am!
-Oh, okay.
Karsten, darling, can you give us a couple of minutes?
In fact, everybody, why doesn't everyone take a break?
-Sure.
Okay.
-You don't seem to have any idea the level of interest there is from Spring Street, Canberra.
This, all this, speaks straight to the narrative.
-But what's Baz Luhrmann and his churro dancers got to do with anything?
-Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Karsten's simply doing a job.
And frankly, I don't want him hearing this kind of negativity.
-Well, he's done his job, so he can take him and his stupid glasses and his weird tea and his vegan mood boards and get the hell out of here before he waste any more time.
Am I understood?
♪♪♪ [ Drilling ] What?
-One of the roof tiles fell in, so until George works out what's going on, you'll have to wear one of these.
Oh, you can take it off in the bathroom.
-Can you get a desk in there?
-And the Archbishop will be here at two, okay?
-You don't find that sentence strange?
-No.
You often meet people at two.
-Why is the Archbishop coming to see me?
-To discuss the blessing at the launch.
So I've moved the Assistant Police Commissioner to three.
Is that strange too?
-Sort of.
-It's about protesters and establishing an exclusion zone.
-Can it exclude Ronda?
-I don't think so.
-Stupid, idiotic, nutcase, nutcase launch.
-I can hear you, Tony.
-Can you hear me, Scotty?
-Yep.
Who else can hear me?
-I can.
-Me too.
-I got you.
-[ Laughs ] Mr.
Hernandez.
Hola.
-Hola.
-This is Scotty, my assistant.
Katie, who you've spoken to on the phone.
Sorry, you are?
-Terry.
I'm working with George on your ducts.
-Yeah.
Not Spanish.
You go through.
George, through there.
Yeah.
Sorry.
Different meeting.
Yeah, yeah.
All the best.
Anyway, welcome.
This is where all the planning has been going on for months and months.
-Bienvenidos aqui estamos planeando todo... [ Continues in Spanish ] -Sorry, we can't actually go into the office because we've had this issue with the air conditioning ducts.
And this is not our national costume.
-No podemos pasar han un problema con al aire condicionado.
Esta no es su vestido nacional.
-Finished?
-Yes, yes.
-Said the costume?
-Yes.
-Yeah.
Okay.
Uh, actually, we can't go through to see the site plans because of the thing.
All the work schedules that we-- -[ Translating ] -Oh, you don't need to translate that.
I'm just thinking out loud.
-[ Continues translating ] -Shall I tell them about Churro?
-Yeah, not just yet.
-Some fun facts?
-No, no.
Let's go to lunch.
-[ Speaks Spanish ] -Let's do that.
Actually, hats off.
Right.
Wonderful.
-Sorry about that.
-Oh, no worries.
We've been having a great chat.
-How was Brisbane?
-Busy.
-Ah, I bet.
-How are you guys doing?
-Good, I spent the morning with Beverley.
-We're down to 12 applicants.
-Right!
Great.
Um...uh-uh.
Beverley, uh, where's Pauline?
-Who's Pauline?
-The one that I think is perfect for this position.
She's not here.
-The one you felt lacked goal-attainment drive.
-Ah, yes.
Pauline.
We weren't convinced with the skill set.
-The ex-office manager?
-She made the final 20.
-It's the only skill set we're after.
-Are you being narrow again?
-I just question her competency potential.
-What does that mean?
-Her critical thinking skills.
-I want Pauline back in.
-Well, it goes against my better judgment, but I guess we could make her a wild card.
-I'm worried.
-Lucky 13.
-Swap it.
Swap it around.
I would have him way back here.
Okay.
-What the fuck?
-Stay away, Tony.
We are not going to bother you with it.
-What's with all the shovels?
-Karsten's climax.
-Because your Tunnel Borer is too slow, we are going old school.
-It's going to look amazing.
-Why are there 12?
-Oh, yeah.
We're still waiting on another three.
-State Minister for Roads Federal Transport Minister, Deputy-- They're all speaking?
-And shovelling, yes.
We're just trying to sort out the order.
-Why is there three mayors?
-Oh, this one's from Moreland.
-Where the tunnel starts.
-This one's from Wyndham.
-Where it comes up.
-And this one's Darebin.
-The tunnel goes under Darebin.
-Yeah.
But there's an exhaust pipe in the middle.
-It's a bit of a pay off.
-Tony, it's 2:00.
-Oh, Your Eminence.
♪♪♪ -Tony, I know you don't want to hear anything about the you know what?
-What?
-The launch.
Ella Hooper is about to leave, and Rhonda thought it would be nice if you said hello.
-Why is Ella Hooper here?
-She's singing the anthems.
-Anthems?
Plural?
-The Spanish ambassador's coming.
-Where are they?
-Pod.
You need your hard hat.
-Terrific.
Lovely to meet you.
Oh.
All good candidates.
I think they interviewed well.
-Yep.
They did.
-Now you have to get to Brisbane.
-Yes.
-So we have to decide... -Yes we do.
-...who we get back.
-What?
-For the second interview.
-Second?
-Shall we sit on it for a day?
-No, we decide now.
And to me, it was obvious.
It's Pauline.
-Ooh, she was a little unfocused.
-We see that in netball.
-Really?
My pick was Kevin.
-He lives in Singapore.
-Yes.
-You do know Pauline's been offered another job?
-I wouldn't say that.
-It's true.
-You know what I find useful in these situations?
-Making a decision?
-Psychometric testing.
-Wow.
-It is very good.
-Looking at me.
Okay, there you go.
That's two.
Okay.
Great.
Good on you.
No worries.
-Oh, wow.
-I reckon back to the vents, mate.
-Thank you.
See ya.
-Again, Ella, thank you so much.
You know, a big fan of your music, and it's-- -We are just so pleased you could join us for this event.
-I was really honored to be asked.
Thanks for having me.
I just want to check one thing.
You wanted me to sing the Spanish anthem as well?
-Yeah, it's a tie in because the construction companies from Spain and the Spanish Ambassador is coming down.
-It's just that I checked, and the Spanish national anthem doesn't actually have any words.
-Fun fact?
-Uh, who should I-- -Oh, I'll grab those.
-All right.
Okay.
Cool.
Thanks, guys.
-Thank you.
-Lovely to meet you.
-You, too.
Bye.
-Bye bye.
-She's gorg-- -What a stupid waste of time that is.
-How was I to know?
-Are we paying her for two anthems?
-Well, she can hum the second.
-That is the dumbest idea I've ever heard.
I mean, for-- Hello.
Hi.
-Hi.
It's -- It's not going down.
-Oh, I forgot to swipe you.
There you go again.
Again, great to see you.
See you in the-- -Thank you.
-Bye bye.
-Tony, I've got Steve from the tunnel site.
There's some sort of problem with the trucks.
-God, I thought we solved that.
Scotty, can you bring in the site access plans for the tunnel site?
-Coming.
-Steve.
Why's that?
But why can't you get the trucks in?
What?
Hang on.
I've got the-- Where?
E7.
Well, there's plenty of room there, mate.
What's in the way?
A seating bank?
-Yep.
-And a VIP marquee?
-That's right.
For the guests.
-The trucks can't get in because of your stage.
-What does it matter?
You don't start drilling for another two weeks.
-We start Monday.
-Monday?
-Monday.
-The drill rigs being assembled now ahead of time.
For once, some good news.
-How is this good news?
-Churro's ready to go.
-Well, I'm not.
It's the first week of July.
-So?
-Winter break.
Half my cabinets in Tuscany.
We've got a delay.
-Are you seriously suggesting we delay an $11 billion project so that 15 dignitaries... -16.
The Mufti said yes.
-Oh, wonderful.
-16 dignitaries can hold a silver shovel in the hope of a pathetic little grab on the evening news?
-I just need two weeks.
-In two weeks, the Tunnel Boring Machine's going to be 250 meters underground.
-Churro.
-Well, then back it out.
-It's not a hatchback.
-Tow it.
Don't care.
Get it out of there.
-My head's about to explode.
-Oh, could it be the vents?
-Rhonda, I'm dealing with one of the largest construction companies in the world.
-Fun fact?
-And you want them to sit on their arse for a fortnight?
-Well, you didn't want to come to the meetings.
-True.
-We're gonna have to compensate them for millions.
-Do you know what?
It doesn't matter.
You can't start.
Period.
-This is insane.
Do you have any idea of the meeting I'm about to have with the Spanish?
-In Spain, they don't have a tooth fairy.
They have a tooth mouse.
-They said they need it by tomorrow.
-I'll try to get back first thing.
-Oh, did you see the psychometric testing came back?
-And?
-Pauline didn't do so well.
-Give them to me.
-She's an introvert-deflector.
-You can't go in there without a face mask!
-I need real help.
-Me too.
-The Brisbane Office Manager.
-Is that still not sorted?
I thought you had someone.
-HR.
-Oh, right.
-Three CVs.
If I leave them with you-- -Wait, wait.
Hand them over.
-Her.
-Pauline.
Thank you.
Ring Beverley.
Tell Beverley.
Offer Pauline the job.
Hang up on Beverley.
-You don't want a pastry?
-[ Translating ] -No, no, no.
-Yeah.
I mean, obviously, we, um, you know, compensated.
I mean, this is, you know, it's --it's -- it's us.
It's, uh, with this contingencies, you know, when you're in the in the backend with the -- with the circumstances regrettable cir-- Are you not going to translate this?
-I don't understand what you are saying.
-[ Speaking in Spanish ] -Yeah.
Okay.
Uh, simply.
Uh, we have to delay tunneling for ten days.
You're not going to translate that?
-I don't want to say that.
-[ Speaking in Spanish ] -I reckon have a pastry first.
-[ Speaking in Spanish ] -No.
Gracias.
-We could take them to the penguins?
-Yeah.
-For a trip down Great Ocean Road?
-Sure.
-Observation wheel?
-You know what?
I reckon we let them cool down for a couple of days.
Might be the... -I'll keep researching.
-...best idea, yeah.
-Tony, the Parliamentary -- Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer is on line two.
-You know what this is about.
-Launch?
-I'm gonna get it kicking because of Rhonda's frigging cost blowout.
Alistair, how are you?
Yes.
The launch.
Sure.
Uh-huh.
I hear that loud and clear.
I'll get onto it right away.
That's it?
No problem.
Scotty, can you hear me?
-Yep.
-We need another shovel.
-Hey, did you get the message from Beverley?
-No.
-She spoke to Pauline, offered her the job.
-And?
-She was delighted.
Very flattered.
-Great.
-Unfortunately, she's already taken that other one at Queensland Tourism.
-To do what?
-Run their office.
-What?
-Yeah, apparently, we just took too long getting back to her.
Classic type-two introvert.
Should I get Beverley back in?
-Yeah.
-Okay.
-How am I going to tell Tony?
-I heard it.
♪♪♪ ♪♪ -Almost shovel time!
-Oh, is it?
Great.
Good on you.
-Uh, we're getting some good reports from the perimeter.
-Oh, great.
Good.
-They're all pretty well behaved.
-Come on, come on, come on.
Quick, quick.
Thank you.
-Going well.
-Going well?
-Really well.
-How did Ella go?
-Oh, wonderful.
-Great.
Great voice.
-Sure don't want to come out the front?
-No, no.
I'm fine.
Yeah.
-It's the Spanish horses.
-Yeah.
No.
How long to go?
-Three minutes.
-Three minutes.
What's that doing?
-It's a plane.
Oh, it's doing skywriting.
No.
"I."
No "I."
-It'll be a T.
-Yep.
It's doing it.
Cross T.
-Tonight, renewed fighting in Eastern Ukraine, a boost for job seekers, and the best laid plans -- tunnel launch derailed.
♪♪ -No, T-U-N-I... Nah, it's another N.
-Rhonda's worked it out.
-She's worked out already?
-Yep.
-T-U-N-N.
Ah, tunnel.
No tunnel.
It's not on here.
-Now, where are we?
-Brisbane Office Manager.
-Mm.
Brisbane... And what date is it?
-11th.
-It's crept up on us, hasn't it?
♪♪♪
Support for PBS provided by:
Utopia is a local public television program presented by WETA















