It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the beginning of a new year. But here we are, welcome to 2016.

We hope you’ve taken the opportunity to enjoy an IT detox and invested some time in contemplation. Australians have never been wealthier or healthier. We are safer and more educated. Put simply, we've never had it so good.

Now is an ideal time to reflect on the past year, consolidate the lessons learnt and importantly, to resolve what is worthy of our exertions in 2016. Here are some of SPASAs highlights of the past year –

Board Invests $100,000 in Industry Promotion

In August the well-received announcement was made that the Board were to invest in a comprehensive advertising & PR campaign to promote the benefits of pool & spa ownership, as well as the many advantages of using a SPASA member.

One of the more commonly-held views among members is that the association should be on the front foot promoting the merits of pool and spa ownership. After consultation with members, it was decided to allocate the investment in the following way -

1. New Portable Spa TV Commercial - $15,000 (see following article).

2. Prime-time airing of our “Lifetime of Memories” TVCs $42,500 this month & $32,500 in June 2016

3. Launching a social responsibility campaign - the SPASA “Learn to Swim” Initiative - $10,000. The association aims to focus attention toward a highly positive learn to swim campaign, as opposed to the negative connotations of poorly maintained barriers and immersion incidents. Announcements will be made in coming weeks.

Additional 2015 Member Investment & Financial Results

As well as providing ongoing member benefits, we invested –

1. $30k+ on the first “Lifetime of Memories” TVC production & airing - this initiative has been utilised by most SPASAs throughout Australia.

2. $30k rebuilding & evolving the SPASA Website, SPASA Consumer Events website & Online Builder Contract System

3. $18k on legal advice / redesign around the Builder Contract redraft

4. $20k on Lobbying/Consultancy, mainly around Planning Minister / VBA representations

As described more fully at the AGM, we’ve enjoyed a successful year financially -
> Net Surplus FY15: $58,599 - Gross revenue FY15: $2,060,320
> Retained Earnings FY15: $1,030,822 (FY14 $972,223) (exceeding $1,000,000 for the first time).

Ongoing Programs

2015 kicked-off with the Pool & Spa + Outdoor Living Expo at the MCEC. Despite the cooler January weather, a large crowd passed through the doors, leaving exhibitors delighted in the number of sales and quality leads.

The association is pleased to be delivering Australia’s largest pool and spa consumer event. Plans are underway, via a tender process, to explore means to further evolve consumer experiences beyond the 2016 events. With $200,000+ invested in TV, print, radio & digital advertising, we utilised this occasion to launch the 2015 Pool & Spa Book and new SPASA App.

The Chris Dorrity Memorial Golf Day was held in early March and for the first time offered golfers the chance to win $25,000 for a hole-in-one. Although the prize wasn’t claimed this year, attendees took great pleasure in giving it a red hot go. And it’s $30,000 this year folks! – so get ready to tee-off big this April.  

The 2015 Industry Training Program saw 244 full-day student participants, plus additional attendees to our Contract Training & the SPASA Industry Intro Sessions. We also welcome a new course, the SPASA Portable Spa Technician Course. SPASA Victoria also delivered a training “roadshow” to SPASAs Western Australia & South Australia.    

We held several ongoing member benefits throughout the year, including the free OH&S training sessions, Country Chapter event, White Card Training and participated in industry stakeholder engagement with the Planning Minister, Victorian Building Authority, Backyard Pool & Spa Safety Committee, Aquatics & Recreation Victoria, Lifesaving Victoria & Kidsafe.

The 2015 Awards of Excellence program received a record number of entries after a revamp of categories, including improved entry forms, which allow for easier entry.

The resulting 2015 Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner was a huge success. Held for the second year at the prestigious Plaza Ballroom, the 350+ strong crowd celebrated the industry in fine style with the night receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback of “the greatest Gala Dinner yet”. One of the highlights being the induction of two Life Members - Mike Pettigrew & Des Berry.

The SPASA Spa & Pool Show was held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, August 8 & 9 with a large majority of exhibitors reported a high number of genuine leads and renewed optimism from consumers.

We also introduced a brand new SPASA Partnership arrangement, to formally acknowledge the ongoing nature of relationships between the association and key industry stakeholders. We were delighted to announce Melbourne Pool + Outdoor Design magazine as the association Media Partner for 2016. And for tenth year running we’re also elated to welcome Remco Australia as the Major Award Sponsor for the 2016 Awards of Excellence – Remco’s 2016 SPASA Pool of the Year – a much appreciated alliance.

The AGM wrapped up the year with a big crowd and special guest speakers Jarrod Edwards / VBA, Rigby Cooke Lawyers and the ever-dynamic Jason Cunningham from The Practice. The meeting gave members a concise insight into current areas of focus.

> SPASA membership continues to grow, with numbers consistently in the 300+ range.

> Most importantly, membership retention, the benchmark we measure ourselves on, continues to remain in the 95%+ range.

Building Regulations – Change at Last    

Late last year the Andrews Government media releases trumpeted “Reforms for Building Industry Bring New Powers for VBA” - long-awaited structural improvements have been launched to address significant framework failings in the building industry.

Commencing February 2016 various reforms will significantly improve the ability of the VBA to regulate industry. The key words proclaimed by the government and VBA CEO Prue Digby, are - register, discipline, monitor & enforce. SPASA is cautiously optimistic that the much needed reforms will be delivered.

Building Legislation Amendment (Consumer Protection) Bill 2015

In addition to the above, the Consumer Protection Bill was introduced to the Victorian Parliament late December, this wide-ranging reformation of the Victorian Building Industry will directly impact every single builder in Victoria. The changes within the Building Legislation Amendment (Consumer Protection) Bill 2015 include:

• Strengthened regulation of owner-builders, including a prohibition of owner-builders contracting unregistered builders;
• Owner-builders will be restricted to one construction every 5 years;
• Registered Building Practitioners will be required to re-register every 5 years - it is expected mandated training/CPD will be incorporated into this process;
• Registered Builders will be prevented from appointing their own surveyors. Additional increased transparency arrangements will be introduced in relation to the appointment of surveyors;
• The Building Practitioners Board (BPB) will be abolished;
• All registration and disciplinary functions will be managed by the VBA – they will also have increased authority to order rectification works.

SPASA is very supportive of government measures made to strengthen consumer protections and eradicate unregistered builders. In particular we’re pleased to see our lobbying around owner builders and CPD being heard by government.

However, as positive as this appears the devil is always in the detail. We look forward to working with government to ensure SPASA members are protected.

We acknowledge also that this is only the first round of changes, we will need to be ever-vigilant to ensure that creeping legislation does not harm members, or our bouyant industry.

SPASAs Outstanding Regulatory Issues

The association will have to continue to lobby hard for our outstanding industry-unique issues of concern –

1. Fibreglass Barriers: temporary / construction / permanent

2. Aligning house & pool permits (ie: making both 2 years from commencement) &

3. Mandatory Barrier Inspections

Submissions and direct engagement with both the VBA, the Planning Minister & Shadow Planning Minister commences this month.

2016 Projection

While the main focus of your association is to support the commercial endeavour of members, promote the benefits of pool and spa ownership and the use of an accredited SPASA member, pool safety will again be at the forefront.

This follows the 2015 Life Saving Victoria Drowning Report that sadly advises 26 infants died in the 2014/2015 financial year — a rise from 20 the year before, with 54 per cent of those dying in swimming pool accidents. In response, SPASA is looking at a joint campaign with the aim to provide swimming lessons to every Victorian child in the coming decade.

February 2016 will see the release of two new SPASA publications – “Consumer Guide – Everything You Need to Know When Choosing a New Pool or Spa” and the “SPASA Member Directory & 2015 Awards of Excellence Showcase”.

Pool Builders will finally be getting revised Construction Contracts, after enlisting the services of Jeremy Johnson & Associates - specialist construction lawyers - to review the full suite of association contracts. We look forward to releasing new versions of the contract early in the year.

The Board continues to focus on effective governance and to represent members via strategic and representative portfolios to ensure the needs of all Victorian members are met.

Heading into 2016, SPASA remains well positioned to effectively represent industry and be the first port of call for all stakeholders.

Get Involved - SPASA's 2016 Calendar

There’s something for everyone. Feast from the below list of activities currently posted for on the SPASA Calendar. We’ve never had a more packed schedule -

1. NEW Consumer Guide & Member Directory published – Friday 5 February

2. Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor Living at MCEC (Summer Show) – Friday 5 - Sunday 7 February

3. Board Meeting – Wednesday 10 February

4. 2016 Awards of Excellence Awards Entries Opening – Monday 22 February

5. Country Chapter Training Echuca – Tuesday 1 & Wednesday 2 March

6. Country Chapter Meeting – Wednesday 2 March

7. What Is The Pool & Spa Industry? A Vital Industry Overview – Thursday 3 March

8. Board Meeting – Wednesday 9 March

9. Contract Training – Wednesday 9 March

10. Portable Spa Technician – Wednesday 16 March

11. Retail Best Practice – Monday 4 April

12. Hydraulics – Thursday 7 & Friday 8 April  

13. Board Meeting – Wednesday 13 April

14. 2016 Awards of Excellence Entries Close – Friday 15 April

15. Chris Dorrity Memorial Golf Day – Friday 15 April

16. Pool Construction Essentials – Wednesday 20 April

17. Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner Bookings Open – Friday 29 April

18. Chemistry Basic – Tuesday 10 May

19. Board Meeting – Wednesday 11 May

20. Chemistry Advanced – Thursday 12 and Friday 13 May

21. Past Presidents & Life Member's Lunch – Friday 20 May

22. Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner Bookings Close – Friday 3 June

23. Board Meeting – Wednesday 8 June

24. FREE OH&S Session – Thursday 9 June

25. White Card Training (Construction Induction) – Friday 10 June

26. Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner – Saturday 25 June

27. Board Meeting – Wednesday 13 July

28. SPASA 2017 Advertising Offer Launch – Monday 1 August

29. Pool Construction Essentials – Tuesday 9 August

30. Board Meeting – Wednesday 10 August

31. Contract Training – Wednesday 10 August

32.  Hydraulics – Thursday 11 & Friday 12 August 

33. Spa & Pool Show at MCEC (Winter Show) – Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 August

34. Splash! Pool & Spa Show (QLD) – Wednesday 17th & Thursday 18th August

35. Chemistry Basic – Monday 22 August

36. Chemistry Advanced – Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 August

37. FREE OH&S Session – Thursday 8 September

38. White Card Training (Construction Induction) – Friday 9 September

39. Board Meeting – Wednesday 14 September

40. SPASA Board Nominations – Wednesday 14 September - Friday 30 September

41. SPASA Board Ballot – Friday 7 October - Friday 4 November

42. Board Meeting – Wednesday 12 October

43. SPASA 2016 Advertising Offer Close – Friday 28 October

44. 2016 AGM – Wednesday 9 November

45. Board Meeting – Wednesday 9 November

46. Board Meeting – Wednesday 14 December

2017

Pool & Spa Show at MCEC (Summer Show) – Friday 3 - Sunday 5 February

Spa & Pool Show at MCEC (Winter Show) – Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 August

We Wish All Members a Prosperous 2016!

We're proud to advise that we have recently filmed a new industry advertisement promoting the benefits and versatility of spa ownership.

The ad promotes spas as a luxury to be enjoyed all year round, and suitable for all weather situations. We want the consumer to feel that owning a spa is not just to use in some times of the year, but something to enjoy in all four seasons.

 The ad, part of the Association's recent commitment to an increased media spend, will be aired in conjunction with the 'Lifetime of Memories' ad in the lead up to the 2016 Pool & Spa Show.

SPASA gives thanks to Leisurescape Spas for sourcing and providing the location for filming.

Added to the current spend on the Summer Expo promotion you can see, the association leaves no stone unturned to promote both pools and spas in Victoria, and grow your consumer event audience.

With the Summer Pool and Spa Expo fast approaching we wish to remind you of the SPASA code of conduct.

We ask that all members consider the greater interest of the industry and ensure that they, and their staff are familiar with the standing code.

As a means of maintaining accountability and exhibitor integrity, we’ll again be employing a “mystery shopper” to randomly visit all stands. Your association is keen to ensure that members continue to maintain the highest standards of professionalism.

SPASA CODE OF ETHICS

The Board holds the values of our Code of Ethics very highly.

1. To hold inviolate the concepts of free enterprise and unselfish service to the public.

2. To operate at all times in a manner that will enhance the reputation of the swimming pool and spa industry in the local community and across the Nation.

3. To make the largest contribution possible to the health, safety and welfare of the public in the installation, maintenance and operation of swimming pools and to comply with all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations.

4. To support all efforts to improve swimming pool and spa products and service, and to encourage research and the development of new materials and methods.

5. To advertise and sell the merits of products and service and refrain from making unwarranted criticism of competitors or reflecting unfairly on their products, service or methods of doing business.

6. To advertise only bona fide prices and products and to refrain from using innuendos in advertising and selling that may cause our customers to be misled.

7. To ensure we reveal all material facts, to avoid accusations of concealment of information.

8. To co-operate and assist where possible all levels of Government in connection with their dealings with the swimming pool and spa industry.

9. To fulfil all contractual obligations.  To offer a reasonable warranty on products and service and to perform on such warranty, either written or implied, when and where justifiable claims are in order, and to do so promptly.

10. To take no action or make any statement that may be construed to prejudice a pre-existing contract for the construction or supply of goods or services pertaining to the swimming pool and spa industry.

SPASA's two stand-alone publications – the 'Consumer Guide – Everything You Need to Know When Choosing a New Pool or Spa' & the '2015 SPASA Awards of Excellence Feature & Member Directory' will be launched at the Summer Expo.

Everyone who steps through the door will be given free copies of both magazines with member copies posted shortly after the show.

If members would like to pre-order copies of either publication, email numbers to rose@spasavic.com.au.

SPASA advises members of a new initiative by the VBA where Building Inspectors are visiting construction sites in an attempt to identify high-risk building work. 

These visits are allowing inspectors to interact with building surveyors and builders at mandatory examination stages and address any issues early, permitting practitioners to implement solutions quickly and cost efficiently.

The VBA believe this new initiative will complement their existing compliance and enforcement activities and provide on the ground data to better educate practitioners throughout construction of building projects.

It's the VBA’s intention to better educate consumers and industry and minimise complaints and disputes in the future.

Reproduced Article

Attention: Pool Fencing members! 

Important clarification has been received from the VBA regarding the requirements for practitioners constructing swimming pool and spa safety barriers in Victoria.

Please carefully read the attached letter from Jarrod Edwards, Director - Technical & Regulation at VBA.

To be clear it should be noted that:

• Barrier installers (fencing contractors) must be registered with the VBA / BPB as either a DB-U, DB-L S or DB-L G and enter into a domestic building contract to carry out construction of a swimming pool or spa barrier when the cost of building work is in excess of $5,000 (incl. labour & materials).

In light of this irrefutable advice from the VBA, the Association will review the criteria for membership for our Pool Fencing members.

Therefore we strongly urge all members within this category to take immediate steps to ensure they comply with the regulations governing this important sector of the industry.

Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the VBA's technical information hotline on 1300 815 127 during business hours or email technicalenquiry@vba.vic.gov.au or Marita Callanan at SPASA on marita@spasavic.com.au.

Reproduced Article

All SPASA members are advised that legislation was introduced to the Victorian Parliament recently, addressing a raft of changes aimed to improve consumer protection relating to all building practice within Victoria.  

The changes within the Building Legislation Amendment (Consumer Protection) Bill 2015 include:

• Strengthened regulation of owner-builders, including a prohibition of owner-builders contracting unregistered builders;
• Owner-builders will be restricted to one construction every 5 years;
• Registered Building Practitioners will be required to re-register every 5 years - it is expected mandated training/CPD will be incorporated into this process;
• Registered Builders will be prevented from appointing their own surveyors & increased transparency arrangements will be introduced in relation to the appointment of surveyors;
• The Building Practitioners Board (BPB) will be abolished;
• All registration and disciplinary functions will be managed by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) & the VBA will have increased authority to order rectification works.

SPASA is very supportive of government measures made to further strengthen consumer protections and eradicate unregistered builders. 

If adequate enforcement of these regulations is applied, it is expected that dodgy owner builders and unregistered builder activity will greatly diminish in Victoria. Registered Builders are experienced, insured, professional and take full responsibility for their work – they deserve the full protection of the law. 

The Association goes to great lengths to ensure the best possible outcomes for those who deal with the swimming pool and spa industry by advocating for SPASA Builder members.

For general information on these changes, see media articles here, here and here.

Click for a copy of the Bill and Explanatory Memorandum.

Member queries should be directed to CEO Brendan Watkins or Membership & Sponsorship Manger Marita Callanan 03 9501 2040.
 

SPASA advises due to a conflict of schedule there is a change of dates for 3 of the Industry Training Courses.

Please note the following:

- Hydraulics is now confirmed for Thursday 7 & Friday 8 April (originally scheduled for 14/15 April)
- Hydraulics is now confirmed for Thursday 11 & Friday 12 August (originally scheduled for 16/17 August)
- Chemistry Basic is now confirmed for Monday 22 August (originally scheduled for 19 August)

Download the revised Industry Training flyer and book yourself in before it's too late!

They are a National Insurance and Risk Minimisation Firm specialising in Business Insurance, Workers Compensation and HR Advice.

SPASA Victoria together with AB Phillips have negotiated exclusive Member rates and policy conditions on a range of insurance products.  AB Phillips are experts in Contract Works, Builders Warranty, Public & Products Liability, Property Insurance, including stock, business interruption and theft coverage. 

Insurance packages are specifically tailored to the specialised needs of the pool and spa industry by consultants who are experts in the risks associated with the pool and spa industry.

Get really covered with expert advice and adequate insurance cover. Call on 1300 242 136 or email insurance@abphillips.com.au.  You can also visit the AB Phillips website for more information – go to abphillips.com.au.

SPASA members can now call for one hour of free legal advice from specialist construction lawyer, Jeremy Johnson.  Jeremy is a recognised expert with over 25 years in construction law who is very experienced with the challenges confronting those in the pool and spa industry in today’s marketplace. He recently revised the SPASA Construction / Installation / Renovation contracts.

Call Jeremy on 0418 132 917 to take advantage of this exclusive offer.

Jeremy Johnson & Associates Lawyers
Level 1, 122 Toorak Rd
SOUTH YARRA VIC 3141
Tel: 9938 1228

Do you know how your business is performing financially?

Good financial management is essential to ensure the success of your business.

One way to assess the finanical position of your business is to have a budget in place that is regularly updated.

If you're not sure what to include in your budget click here to find out.

Installation / Service Technician

A unique opportunity exists to join Remco Australia's Melbourne team in a full time role.

The successful applicant will be responsible for the installation and service of Remco's full range of pool cover and swim jet products in Victoria.

Applicants will possess the following qualities:
* Mechanical installation experience
* Experience with power tools
* Low voltage wiring experience
* High level of fitness / health
* Full drivers licence

An attractive remuneration package will be offered in line with the applicants experience and qualities including a vehicle and telephone.

Applications via email to jobs@remco.com.au

This is the swimming pool art installation in 21st Century Museum of Art, at Kanazawa Japan by artist Leandro Erlich.

The top surface is filled with 4 to 5 inches of water that looks like a realistic pool. The people underneath the swimming pool can actually look above with realistic water effect on top of it. A layer of water only some 10 centimeters deep is suspended over transparent glass. Below the glass is an empty space with aquamarine walls that viewers can enter.

The Swimming Pool has the size of 280x402x697cm (HxWxD), and the separating layers were made using two clear acrylic glasses about a foot apart and the space in between are filled with water.

To view the article in full click HERE

The Board of SPASA warmly welcomes the following new members to the Association.

New Members:

Better Exteriors / Stone Hub
Principals or Directors: Mark Navakas
Membership Category: Associate - Provisional
Website:  www.betterexteriors.com.au

James Hardie
Principals or Directors: Michael Hammes
Membership Category: Associate - Provisional
Website: www.hardiedeck.com.au