Bulletin July 2016
Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner - What a Pearler!
The prestigious Plaza Ballroom in Collins Street was the setting for the 2016 Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner, held to recognise the outstanding achievements of SPASA Victoria members.
A crowd in excess of 430 people, braved the cool Melbourne weather to attend the biggest industry event on the calendar, and it was once again, a night to remember.
With former Olympian and SPASA ambassador Nicole Livingstone shortly heading to Rio for the Olympic Games, we were lucky to have her in attendance to emcee the evening, and announce a total of 59 Gold and Highly Commended awards to deserving SPASA members.
The 2016 Remco Pool of the Year was awarded to Aquarius Pools (pictured below), with Product of the Year awarded to Spa Electrics for their Retro GK Tri-Colour LED Light.
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President John D'Arcy congratulated all winners and commented, “This year’s entrants demonstrate excellence across the board, and prove that SPASA members truly are leaders within the Australian industry. The calibre of entries just gets better year after year".
Guests were entertained by breathtaking acrobatics by Papillon, to coincide with the Great Gatsby theme, and enjoyed a sumptuous three course meal to warm the winter bellies. DJ James kept the dance floor full and most guests stayed to catch up with industry peers until the event concluded at midnight.
All in all it was a wonderful night. We now start planning next year’s Gala Dinner...... it will be bigger and better! Congratulations to all winners, and a big thank you to the SPASA members celebrating excellence in our industry.
To view a full list of Award winners click HERE. All Award winners will soon receive details regarding the use of the Award logos. A link to images and video footage of the evening will be sent in the coming days.
Those interested in 2017 Awards Sponsorship opportunities should contact Marita on 03 9501 2040 or email marita@spasavic.com.au.
Member Survey: Attendee feedback is important for us to know what you think of the night. For your chance to win a SPASA $200 credit voucher, we are asking attendees to complete a short survey. Click HERE to start the survey, using the member username and password.
SPASA is proud to have Nicole Livingstone as a long-term ambassador and are pleased to see her featured in the following articles last weekend: Herald Sun & The Age - Two Of Us - Nicole & Karen Livingstone
Attention: SPASA Pool Builder and Restricted Members
Learn about changes to the SPASA Contracts and broad reaching Victorian Regulation and Registration amendments. Make sure you attend on 31 August at 5.30pm at SPASA for our Pool Builder Member Meeting.
• Jeremy Johnson - SPASA’s specialist construction lawyer and recognised building expert - will run through all changes to recently revised SPASA construction contracts;
• Jarrod Edwards – VBA’s Director Technical and Regulation – will underline how changes introduced on 4 July 2016 to regulations & registration will affect pool builders. More changes due July 2017; and
• John D’Arcy – SPASA President and Contracts Portfolio head – will outline changes to our new look contracts.
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When? Wednesday, 31 August at 5.30 p.m
Where? SPASA Office, Building 10, 270 Ferntree Gully Rd, Notting Hill
Contact Rose to reserve your place on 9501 2040 or email rose@spasavic.com.au now!
Building Act Changes: New Rules Come Into Effect Today
As communicated to members over recent months, the Victorian Government has made changes to the VBA’s powers and functions under the Building Act 1993. Some of these changes are likely to affect your obligations under the law.
You can find all the information about how these changes relate to your work as a building practitioner generally by visiting the dedicated pages of the VBA website.
The first set of changes comes into effect today. They include:
• new offences for undertaking work without a building permit
• changes to powers to issue Directions, Notices and Orders
• a requirement on private building surveyors not to act where there is a conflict of interest
• the extension of the VBA’s inspection powers to owner-built sites
More changes will come into effect throughout this year and up to July 2017. These will include:
• renewable registrations
• abolition of the Building Practitioners Board
• transfer of the Board's powers and functions to the VBA
• a new disciplinary process
SPASA Builder Members are urged to read the full detail of the VBA advice:
There are also an additional raft of changes that affect Building Surveyors & Owner Builder. In particular, Owner Builders will be subject to a raft of new regulation and scrutiny by the regulators - the association is pleased to see action finally taken to support our registered building practitioners.
As with all significant introduction of new Regulation, there will be inevitable teething problems and unanticipated impacts to members. Please communicate concerns or issues back to Brendan Watkins or Marita Callanan on 03 9501 2040 or the SPASA Board Builder Representative, Gary Kilworth on 0417 349 724.
Biggest Ever Winter Show Advertising Spend!
With the SPASA Spa and Pool Show coming up in early August, show manager AEE has reported an excellent response as companies take advantage of the sales that will be generated in the lead up to Christmas. 
The August show attracts buyers that are committed to have their pool or spa installed for summer and previous exhibitors have reported excellent results from the show. At last year’s event 78% of visitors were planning to purchase a pool or spa immediately, or within 6 months.
An extensive visitor promotion campaign including prime time TV, radio, press and online will inform and motivate buyers to attend.
To make the most of the Rio Olympics our media spend is over $150K - Our Biggest Ever. SPASA has secured Olympics Swimming spots on Channel 7 games coverage - it’ll be HUGE.
If you are wanting to top up your order books before summer, contact Vee at AEE on 03 9676 2133 or email vee@auexhibitions.com.au for more information.
Collaroy Pool Was Designed To Withstand Impact Of One-In-100-Year Storm
Source: Domain
The pool that collapsed into the ocean on Sydney’s northern beaches was considered a risk, with a council officer two years ago warning “it is likely to be damaged during a coastal storm”.
Yet the owners of the property looked to have met those concerns, having satisfied authorities the pool would be built to survive the impact of coastal erosion and wave impact from a one in 100-year storm.
The pool torn from the front yard of a Collaroy residence shows the destructive power of the Sydney storm. The image of the large pool lying on its side among debris was one of the most dramatic during the coverage of the disaster that looks to have claimed four lives and damaged thousands of homes.
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A response to a development application for the pool at 1142 Pittwater Road, Collaroy lodged in 2014 with Warringah Council advised: “This property is on land located in an area at risk of coastal erosion and wave impact during severe storms.”
The council officer also noted that a modification to the development application had not addressed the impact of such a storm on the proposed pool.
“As the pool is to be located within the area of wave impact it is likely to be damaged during a coastal storm,” he advised.
“This would create a hazard for the property at 1142 Pittwater Road, adjoining properties and the beach. To address this, the proposal will be conditioned to ensure it is suitably designed.”
The document recommended approval, subject to conditions, which included the pool “be designed and constructed to withstand the impacts of coastal erosion and wave impact resulting from a 1 in 100 year [Average Recurrence Interval] event.”
A construction certificate wouldn’t be issued until “details demonstrating compliance with the above requirement” were prepared by an engineer and submitted to the certifying authority for approval.
A spokesperson for the newly named Northern Beaches Council advised on Tuesday that a private certifier had issued a construction certificate for the pool, which indicated the pool had been built to the engineer’s specifications.
The council spokesperson also advised that reports that homeowners who sandbagged their homes faced $250,000 fines were false. “I can say categorically that that is absolutely not the case,” the spokesperson said. “I don’t know where that came from or why.”
Expanding The Evidence On Drowning
New research by Life Saving Victoria (LSV) and Ambulance Victoria (AV) has found that the rate of non-fatal drowning is double the number of fatal drownings in Victoria.
Aiming to expand the evidence in fatal and non-fatal drowning, the study was conducted to investigate fatal and non--fatal drowning incidents attended by ambulance paramedics in the state from 2007 to 2012.
A total of 509 drowning incidents were identified with 339 being non-fatal, and 170 resulting in death. On average, 85 unintentional drowning incidents were attended by paramedics each year, children aged 0-4 years with the highest drowning rate.
The study, titled 'The Epidemiology of fatal and non-fatal drowning patients attended by paramedics in Victoria, Australia', also found that non-fatal incidents were 23.7% more likely to be witnessed by a bystander when compared with fatal incidents.
This study is the first to use spatial analysis to find the relative risk ratios for fatal and non.-fatal drowning, which will enable geographic and age-specific targeting.
LSV said that the study has provided detailed evidence of the characteristics of victims of both fatal and non-fatal drowning. Children aged 0-4 years are at greatest risk of both fatal and non-fatal drowning while children 5-19 years are more likely to experience a non-fatal incident and older adults aged 65 years and over are more likely to have a fatal outcome.
The findings suggested that prevention measures should continue to be focused on supervision messages for parents and carers of children, the importance of not recreating alone around water and early bystander Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Expired Air Resuscitation (EAR) which is relevant for all.
Older adults need to increase water safety skills and knowledge.
The full report can be found HERE.
Aquatics & Recreation Victoria - Awards of Excellence Winners Announced
SPASA continues to partner with Aquatics & Recreation Victoria in sponsoring their Awards of Excellence program.
Congratulations to all winners and nominees at the ARV Industry Awards, held on Friday 17th June at Docklands.
THE ARV INDUSTRY AWARD WINNERS ARE:
Sustainability Award
The YMCA @ Ashburton Pool & Recreation Centre
Group Exercise Instructor Award
Rebecca Parris - Aquamoves - Shepparton
Personal Trainer Award
Marcin Piotrowski - Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre
Most Valuable Employee Award
Alistair Thom - Aquanation
Marketing and Communications Award
Active Moreland
Innovative Program Award
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Swimming Lessons - The YMCA @ Northcote Aquatic and Recreation centre
For a complete list of winners click HERE.
AS 1926.1 - 2012: Safety Barriers for Swimming Pools
SPASA Australia established a Technical Committee in March 2016 to seek advice regarding certain aspects of the Australian Standard AS 1926.1 - 2012.
The key function of the Technical Committee was to be a resource and advise on key elements of the standard, consult with other industry members and provide the SPASA A Board with recommendations.
Committee Members are:
• Spiros Dassakis – Chair
• Stefan Ossenberg - Protector Aluminium
• Cal Stanley - Neptune Pools Consulting
• Gary Kilworth - Out From the Blue (OFTB)
• David Vogelzang - PoolCert
• Garth Jackson - Triton Pool & Spa Inspections
• Simon Boadle - Sunbather Pty Ltd
• Adrian Swain - Eco Design
• David Klinck - Aquatic Leisure Technologies Pty Ltd
• John Flanagan - WA Pool Fencing
The interpretation, application and consistency of AS 1926.1 across Australia is important to builders, surveyors and Councils as well as other stakeholders - not to mention pool-owners who are obliged to maintain barriers to Standard. Accordingly, the importance of having Committee Members participate, with exposure from different states was also important. We thank the committee for their contribution.
Members with queries or comments on AS Safety Barriers can contact Gary Kilworth on 0417 349 724.
Young Lifeguards Reunited With Woman They Revived At Pool
Two lifeguards from the Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre have been presented with Everyday Lifesaver Awards.
Sarah Roberts and Justin Matheson, both aged 21, were on duty at GESAC on March 8 this year, when 66-year-old Helen Gardiner fell ill following an aqua class and collapsed. Sarah and Justin placed Helen into the recovery position and when she stopped breathing, they commenced CPR.
Following instructions from a medical professional on the phone, the lifeguards performed compressions and when Helen regained consciousness, they monitored her until emergency responders arrived.
Helen was transported to hospital for further treatment and has since recovered. Sarah said she was thankful she was able to help Helen. "We were just doing our job and performed to the best of our ability on the day" Sarah said.
Justin said they worked well as a team. "I’m just glad Helen is ok and it’s good to think we helped her and prolonged her life,"Justin said.
Life Saving Victoria Coordinator of Public Training and Pool Safety Prue Saunders commended Sarah and Justin’s actions. "Providing first aid quickly, before emergency responders arrive, can make the difference between life and death, "Ms Saunders said.
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"Resuscitation is all about early access, early CPR and early defibrillation. Being able to provide this treatment before paramedics arrive can increase chances of survival significantly. Our pool lifeguards know this, are trained for this and as a result, save lives."
Life Saving Victoria encourages all Victorians to become Everyday Lifesavers by doing training in first aid and CPR.
A Director's Personal Liability
Source: Damien Smith, Managing Director at Enterprise Care Pty. Ltd.
A director may personally become liable for breaches of the law by the company. Being a director of the company at the time the company breached the law in question may mean that director is vicariously liable for what happens.
It is important as a director to be reminded of the various instances where as a director you may be personally liable if the company breaches certain laws.
Some of the laws may include:-
1. Competition and Consumer
2. Superannuation
3. Occupational Health and Safety
4. Taxation
5. Environmental protection
Competition and Consumer
The Competition and Consumer Act 2010 affects the day to day running of an organisation and requires attention on how the operation may impact such areas as the organisation’s products or services as well as competition. Non-profits are not immune from actions under this law and it is not only the regulator who may initiate that action either.
In some circumstances it is possible for the directors to be found personally liable where there has been a contravention of a provision of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Directors need to remember that penalties for breaches of the law may be millions of dollars and/or jail.
To read more of the article, click HERE.
Your Next Email Campaign Needs These Six Copywriting Tips
Source: Mahlab Media
In the flurry to get an email campaign out the door, it can be all too easy to forget the one thing that ultimately determines your prospects’ decision to click: your copy. Not only is it a direct conversation with your subscribers, it is also a fast track towards convincing them to willingly open their wallets, Ellen Martin explains.
Think back to the last email campaign you sent. What part of the process was given the most energy and attention? The images and hyperlinks? Deciding on the best send time? Or perhaps most of your focus went to identifying which elements to A/B test.
Answer me this: how much energy and attention did you devote to the copy? Not as much as you would have liked, huh?
To craft captivating copy capable of transforming passive subscribers into click-happy customers, integrate the following copywriting tips into your next email campaign – we guarantee you’ll see a positive change in your click-throughs.
Follow these six copywriting tips and watch your clicks go through the roof.
Read more of the article HERE.
Association Classifieds - Endless Pools
Fibreglass Pool Installer Wanted - Endless Pools
Work with the Endless Pools Team
Endless Pools is looking for an experienced Pool Installer to install Quality Endless branded Fibreglass Pools across Melbourne under the Registered Endless Pools VBA licence.
Candidates must have extensive experience and hold their own ABN.
For more information, please contact Joel (03) 8769 7300 or joel@endless.com.au.
Two Electrically Shocked In Swimming Pools Over Memorial Day Weekend in USA
Source: USA TODAY
Two people were recently hospitalized in two separate incidents after suffering electrical shock in swimming pools, according to local officials.
A New Jersey man is in critical condition after he suffered electrical shock in a motel pool on Saturday, ABC reported. A day after the incident in N.J., a Pennsylvania girl was also hospitalized after she was shocked in a backyard swimming pool in Pennsylvania, WHTM-TV reported.
The 34-year-old man was found at the bottom of the Aztec Motel pool in Wildwood Crest, N.J., on Saturday evening, Wildwood Crest Police Department Detective Sergeant Edward Gorski told ABC News.
After the man was pulled from the pool, a staff member administered CPR, NJ.com reported. The man was taken to a local hospital and later transferred to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia, where he remained in critical condition on Monday, according to NJ.com. The cause of the shock is still under investigation.
Officials believe the 8-year-old Pennsylvania girl was shocked after another child at the pool party turned on an underwater pool light, Silver Spring Township Police Sergeant Jared Huff told ABC.
As people prepare to spend more time in pools and hot hubs this summer, they should be aware of the dangers of electrical shock, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). While electrical shock is rare, faulty underwater lighting and aging electrical wiring can increase the risk, according to CPSC.
CPSC encourages parents and pool owners to have an emergency plan in place in case of electrical shock.
Welcome New SPASA Members - July 2016
The Board of SPASA warmly welcomes the following new member to the Association.
New Members:
Pool Pro Products
Principal or Director: Sean Ralph
Membership Category: Supplier/Manufacturer
Website: www.poolpro.com.au
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Jeremy Johnson & Associates - Free Expert Legal Advice
Jeremy recently revised the SPASA Construction / Installation / Renovation contracts. Call Jeremy on 0418 132 917 to take advantage of this exclusive offer. |
AB Phillips - SPASA’s Risk Management, Insurance & Financial Services Provider
If you’re uncertain whether your current insurance is adequate, want to compare rates or package all policies into a common anniversary, contact Sarah Gardiner-Smith or Mark Van Der Haar on 1300 242 136 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also visit abphillips.com.au. |
Expert OHS Advice - Jim Pashalidis, Australian OHS With over 18 years’ experience, a Masters Degree in OHS and a Graduate Diploma in Industrial Education and Training, Jim is your one-stop Occupational Health & Safety Shop. For all of your OHS queries – call Jim for ONE HOUR’S FREE ADVICE on 0410 603 609. Australian OHS, see: www.australianohs.com.au. |
Career Dressing – Preferred Workwear & Corporate Clothing Supplier
Please contact Ian White on 9499 1301, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Career Dressing www.careerdressing.com.au |
Houzz and SPASA – Free Profile-Building Website SPASA have partnered with Houzz, the world’s largest online community of home design. Houzz is a free tool, where professionals can showcase their work to a large and targeted audience looking for inspiration, or providers who can help them with their projects. SPASA Member Benefits include priority access to the Houzz support team - if you would like any help setting up a profile, or you have a profile and would like some extra tips, schedule in a time for a phone consultation here. For further information, please contact Olivia at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.houzz.com.au |
HR Central – Your People Management Professionals
Contact HR Central on 1300 717 721 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or visit www.hrcentral.com.au |
Online White Card Training with Aveling SPASA members can now complete their White Card Construction training at a SPASA Victoria Group Booking discounted rate of $50 (instead of $65) via www.aveling.com.au.
Do the course at your leisure anytime and anywhere - 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. Check out the White Card Vic Construction Course details and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for Group Booking discount instructions |
Pool Operator Courses with Aquatics Information
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Need To Hold A Meeting? SPASA Can Help
SPASA offers a training room and a large boardroom ideal for business focused presentations, seminars and events. If you are interested in using the facility for your own training, product launches, meetings, etc. call Rowena on 9501 2040 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
SPASA members can call for ONE HOUR OF FREE LEGAL ADVICE from specialist construction lawyer, Jeremy Johnson. Jeremy is a recognised building industry 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. 
SPASA Victoria together with AB Phillips have negotiated exclusive SPASA Member rates and policy conditions on a range of industry insurance products - packages specifically tailored to the specialised needs of the pool and spa industry.
Career Dressing & Hip Pocket Workwear provide a huge range of work gear and boots with the option of co-branding with your company, supplier and SPASA Member logos. SPASA Members receive a MINIMUM 10% DISCOUNT from Career Dressing & Hip Pocket Workwear.
When it comes to the management of your people, don’t try to fumble through on your own. HR Central provide on-site and remote HR support to small and medium businesses and offer discounted rates to SPASA members.
Our newest member Aquatics Information offer NSPF accredited Certified Pool Operator courses at discounted rates for SPASA members. This course is predominately for those that operate & are responsible for: Council, Public, Commercial, Caravan Park, etc pools and spas.
Did you know that the SPASA training space is available for use by members?SPASA Calendar of Events
Board Meeting – Wednesday 13 July
SPASA 2017 Advertising Offer Launch – Monday 1 August
Pool Construction Essentials – Tuesday 9 August
Board Meeting – Wednesday 10 August
Contract Training – Wednesday 10 August
Spa & Pool Show at MCEC (Winter Show) – Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 August
Hydraulics – Thursday 11 & Friday 12 August
Chemistry Basic – Monday 22 August
Chemistry Advanced – Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 August
FREE OH&S Session – Thursday 8 September
Board Meeting – Wednesday 14 September
SPASA Board Nominations – Wednesday 14 September - Friday 30 September
SPASA Board Ballot – Friday 7 October - Friday 4 November
Board Meeting – Wednesday 12 October
SPASA 2016 Advertising Offer Close – Friday 28 October
2016 AGM – Wednesday 9 November
Board Meeting – Wednesday 9 November
Board Meeting – Wednesday 14 December
Interstate SPASA Events
SPASA NSW/ACT Gala Awards Night - Saturday 16 July
Splash! Pool & Spa Trade Show + SPASA Australia Education & Awards Program (QLD) - Wednesday 17th & Thursday 18th August
SPASA NSW/ACT Bob Stanley Memorial Golf Day - Thursday September 8
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
Chris Dorrity Memorial Golf Day - Friday 31 March
2018
Pool & Spa Show at MCEC (Summer Show) – Friday 9 - Sunday 11 February
Spa & Pool Show at MCEC (Winter Show) – Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 August