Cleaning windows on towering high-rise buildings is certainly not a career for those with a fear of heights. However, for a group of Canberra-based cleaners, it offers unexpected perks, from accidental glimpses into private lives to forging connections with strangers. This unique profession has attracted individuals like Codie Kennedy, who left childcare behind to pursue her passion for climbing and working outdoors.
The 'Monkey Girl' Finds Her Calling
Codie Kennedy, aged 25, earned the nickname 'Monkey Girl' from her family due to her childhood love of climbing anything she could. After working in childcare, she sought a job that would allow her to be outside and use her hands. Her sister suggested window cleaning, and Codie hasn't looked back since. "I just would be climbing anything so when I found out about the job, I was like, 'That's so cool. That's what I wanna do'," she recalls. Despite initial anxiety about heights, she now feels secure thanks to harnesses and trust in her equipment.
Unexpected Encounters and Office Interactions
James Howe, owner of Rope Access Engineering based in Fyshwick, notes that cleaners on apartment blocks occasionally witness surprising scenes, such as people emerging from showers or intimate moments. However, he emphasises that such occurrences are rare, as residents usually have some warning. Office cleaners, on the other hand, experience more discreet environments but still enjoy interactions with workers. Luke Stringer describes an awkward yet heartwarming moment when an office worker waved and gave him a thumbs-up during his first job.
Overcoming Vertigo and Embracing the Thrill
For many cleaners, overcoming vertigo was a significant hurdle. Laurie Kefford, who started on wind turbines three years ago, admits he was initially scared but now compares the experience to riding a bike. Interestingly, he finds looking up more frightening than looking down. "The most dangerous part of my job is probably driving to work, especially with Canberra drivers," he jokes. Dymock Dibb, a former engineer, loves the outdoor aspect and uses his rock climbing skills, though he remains cautious about dropping items from great heights.
A Booming Market in Canberra
The demand for high-rise window cleaners has surged alongside the construction boom in office and apartment blocks across the ACT. Jobs are advertised regularly, but candidates must obtain an industrial abseiling ticket, which involves a course and costs nearly $2000. This certification ensures safety and professionalism in a field where trust in gear is paramount.
Dreams of Taller Structures
Codie Kennedy expresses a longing for taller buildings, dreaming of scaling iconic structures like Dubai's Burj Khalifa. "I think it'd be so cool to just be hanging so far up that the ground below you is just so tiny," she says. While Canberra lacks skyscrapers, the team finds satisfaction in their current projects, balancing fun with meticulous attention to safety protocols.
Ultimately, for these cleaners, the job offers more than just a paycheck—it provides a sense of adventure, camaraderie, and the joy of working high above the city streets. As Codie puts it, the transition from childcare to window cleaning was a natural fit for her climbing instincts, proving that sometimes, the best careers are found where you least expect them.
