Come along to hear important new advice regarding:

• Builder Alert: Current CAV visitation program to registered Pool Builders &
  
• Pool Shop Alert: Your new Duty-of-care advice regarding pre-employment checks of contractors & staff

Light refreshments from 5.30pm. AGM commences 6pm sharp!

This is the last major association event for the year. Catch up with colleagues. Hear about the latest pool and spa industry developments.
Make Sure You're There!

Download the 2016 Annual Report HERE

SPASA AGM Agenda:

1. President John D’Arcy presents SPASA Victoria's 2016 Annual Report
2. Introduction of the 2016/17 Board & Executive - J D’Arcy
3. Treasurer’s Report - Brendan Watkins on behalf of Lindsay Hartshorne. Members wishing to ask questions related to the financials are requested to forward them in advance.
   Due to the retirement of our current auditor, a Motion will be moved to change the auditor appointment from John Wheller, TWB, to Loren Datt, LorenDattAudit.
4. Industry Update - Brendan Watkins, CEO. Important new advice regarding CAV visits to registered Pool Builders and duty of care advice regarding pre-employment checks of contractors and staff.
5. The Evolution of SPASA Consumer Events - Rob Kruber, SPASA Board & Marie Kinsella (IEC)
6. Special Presentation - Katherine Grace, Director of Elemental Solutions,
   will present 'Social Media Made Simple'.  Katherine will explore various social media channels, provide ideas for compelling content to raise brand awareness and show you how to prepare a social media strategy. 
7. Q & A Followed by finger food & refreshments

We look forward to seeing you there!

When: Wednesday 9 November @ 5.30pm
Where: SPASA Offices, Building 10, 270 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill

To allow for catering, please RSVP to rose@spasavic.com.au ASAP

For just $100 a Month Your 2017 Advertising Program is Done & Dusted!

SPASA's Advertising Offer Is Extended to 5pm Friday, 11 November 2016.

• A premium listing in the SPASA Member Directory & 2016 Awards of Excellence publication (handed to more than 20,000 purchase-ready consumers & downloaded 10,000 times each year)
• A Premium online listing at www.spasavic.com.au Our website now receives 100,000 unique visitors each year with the most popular section being 'Find a SPASA Member'
• A premium listing in the SPASA Web App – including image, logo & text!

We also have a limited number of Full Page Advertising opportunities from $2,500.  

Take the stress out of finding new business. Let SPASA Find Your Customers for You!

Any Questions? Contact Rose on 9501 2040 or rose@spasavic.com.au but you'll need to be quick!

VBA Alert – Look Out for Unregistered Practitioner Activity.

Following the successful prosecution of an unregistered building inspector in the East Gippsland area, the Victorian Building Authority has highlighted the need to only use registered practitioners.

“The VBA regularly meets with industry stakeholders and understands that building practitioners are professionals who don’t want the reputation of their industry undermined by people who are not qualified,” said VBA CEO Prue Digby.

 Read the VBA's Media Release HERE

This new Worksafe document provides information for duty holders (e.g. employers and persons who manage or control workplaces) about risks associated with on-site structural welding and how to control these risks.

WorkSafe has identified serious safety issues related to the performance and management of on-site structural welding which may result in catastrophic structural collapse and cause serious and/or fatal injuries to workers (and other persons) in the vicinity. For example:

• poor quality structural welds;
• an absence of documentation to verify the qualifications or competency of persons performing structural welding works;
• incomplete welding specifications in the structural engineering documentation;
• insufficient or lack of necessary welding procedures for welders; and
• failure to have welds inspected and signed-off by a suitably competent person (e.g. welding inspector) before a structural engineer approves the removal of the temporary structural supports, or the welds are grouted over

Download this important safety advice HERE

Knox Council inspectors have looked at 100 backyard pools in the past year and found the “vast majority” did not comply with State Government standards.

A random inspection of backyard pools in Knox has found most are unsafe. But despite owners facing fines of up $14,400 and a criminal conviction, Knox Council took an “educative approach” to make people get problems fixed.

Read the Knox Leader article HERE

You can listen to SPASA CEO Brendan Watkin's response to this article on ABC Radio 774am HERE

Research shows that healthy workers are more productive, take fewer sick days, and are less at risk of injuries and return to work quicker than their less healthy counterparts.

Research also shows that a well-planned wellbeing program can have a long-term return on investment of 1:5 or higher, and a reduction in workers’ compensation claims, reduced absenteeism, improved morale of workers and increased productivity.

Read the full article HERE

On 1 September 2016, a five year registration period was introduced for building practitioner registrations as part of changes to The Building Act 1993. All existing practitioners will need to transition to the new five year period on their renewal date post 1 July, 2017.

For existing practitioners, the transition will occur over a number of years, depending on the initial year of registration. The VBA will help registered builders understand their individual registration details and when they will need to transfer to the new five year arrangements. There will be contact directly with practitioners, well in advance of the registration expiry.

In the meantime, practitioners will need to keep their annual registration valid by paying the yearly fee and providing proof of the required insurance.

New practitioners registered after 1 September 2016 will be registered for a five year period. They will be required to keep their registration current on an annual basis – by paying an annual fee and providing proof of the required insurance. Additionally, they must re-apply for registration at the end of the five year registration period.

For more information about 5 year registration, read the fact sheet available on the VBA website.

For more information about the changes to The Building Act 1993, visit the reforms section of the VBA website.

On Friday 14 October 2016, the Victorian Minister for Planning, the Hon Richard Wynne, announced that he had appointed Dr Owen Donald as Chief Commissioner of the Victorian Building Authority. Minister for Planning Richard Wynne has appointed a new Chief Commissioner to the Victorian Building Authority, Dr Owen Donald.

With a doctorate in urban research, Dr Donald has held board and directorial positions across state and federal jurisdictions in housing, health, research and social services. Dr Donald’s 30-year work history in developing and delivering policy across the housing and health sectors have contributed to his significant experience in governance, change management and leadership.

Read the Media Release HERE

One of SPASA's main contacts at the VBA, Marlo Baragwanath, has been appointed the first woman Victorian Government Solicitor.

Baragwanath says it is "about time" a female is given the job. "The fact I'm a woman is going to be commented on and I hope that it does inspire people out there," she said. SPASA has had a strong working relationship with Baragwanath and congratulates her sincerely on this major career achievement.

Read the full article HERE

A glass 'sky pool' is planned to be suspended between apartment blocks in London's new Nine Elms quarter, close to Battersea Power Station. The 25-metre-long pool will link two blocks of apartments that form part of the 2,000-home Embassy Gardens development by London architects HAL, now in its second stage.

At five metres wide and three metres deep, the pool will allow residents to swim between the two buildings while enjoying views of London through the pool's completely transparent 20-centimetre glass casing. Intended to resemble an aquarium, the pool was designed by architecture firm Arup Associates with specialist advice from structural design engineers Eckersley O'Callaghan and aquarium designers Reynolds.

See article HERE

$54 off for SPASA Members - offer ends 31 December 2016

Everyone wants a safe workplace where no-one gets injured.  Unfortunately accidents happen and it's important that managers follow appropriate procedures in the aftermath.  This ensures the organisation can fulfil its lawful commitments and responsibilities to injury management and return to work.

The "Injury Management and Return to Work Guidelines" provide guidance on how to assist injured workers in order for them to remain at work or to return to work as soon as it is safe for them to do so. This publication ensures your organisation is ready to put into practice its commitment to Workplace Health & Safety and provides a safe and healthy working environment for all. Take advantage of this special offer for SPASA members now!  ($175 for Members, RRP $229 incl GST).

You can find the Injury Management and Return to Work Guidelines HERE

SPASA Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor Living

We've Just Grown to 6 Bays of MCEC!

When? Friday 4th to Sunday 6th February 2017
Where? Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (Jeff's Shed)

To book your spot at the SPASA Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor Living contact Sam Palermo at IEC Group on 9596 9205 or sam@iecgroup.com.au 

2017 SPASA Media Partner Announced 

We are delighted to advise our Media Partnership with Melbourne Pool + Outdoor Design magazine will continue for another year.

"2017 is shaping up to be a hugely exciting year in the market", said Dirk Fielding of Melbourne Pool + Outdoor Design, "and our ongoing partnership with SPASA Victoria provides the perfect platform for SPASA members to promote their wares to purchase ready consumers."

 Members interested in advertising in Melbourne Pool + Outdoor Design should click HERE

Davey Water Products Pty Ltd has announced a product recall in Australia for its range of EcoSalt™ Salt Water Chlorinators. These EcoSalt chlorinators are used as a pool sanitation system in small to medium-sized domestic pools and large swim spas. There have been reports of some cell components of the EcoSalt chlorinators fracturing/rupturing, causing damage to the cell and occasionally to connecting pipework.

If the cell was to fracture or rupture, plastic fragments could be ejected and cause injury to bystanders. No injuries have been reported at this time.

The product recall involves advising consumers to act in accordance with the supplementary product information - Important Safety Instructions for Use - which is available at Davey's website (www.davey.com.au/flowswitch) and to arrange the free installation of a mechanical flow switch by contacting Davey's EcoSalt Support hotline on 1300 889 387 or by visiting www.davey.com.au/flowswitch or by contacting their local Davey pool equipment dealer.

2016

2016 AGM – Wednesday 9 November

Board Meeting – Wednesday 9 November

Board Meeting – Wednesday 14 December

2017

NEW Consumer Guide & Member Directory published – Friday 3 February

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

Board Meeting – Wednesday 8 February

2017 Awards of Excellence Awards Entries Opening – Monday 20 February

Board Meeting – Wednesday 8 March

Contract Training – Wednesday 8 March

Awards of Excellence Information Evening – Thursday 16 March

Chris Dorrity Memorial Golf Day – Friday 31 March

Board Meeting – Wednesday 12 April

2017 Awards of Excellence Entries Close – Friday 14 April

Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner Bookings Open – Friday 28 April

Board Meeting – Wednesday 10 May

Awards of Excellence Entries Viewing – Tuesday 23 May

Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner Bookings Close – Friday 2 June

Board Meeting – Wednesday 14 June

Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner – Date TBC

Board Meeting – Wednesday 12 July

SPASA 2018 Advertising Offer Launch – Monday 7 August

Board Meeting – Wednesday 9 August

Contract Training – Wednesday 9 August

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

Board Meeting – Wednesday 13 September

SPASA Board Nominations – Wednesday 13 September - Friday 29 September

SPASA Board Ballot – Friday 6 October - Friday 3 November

Board Meeting – Wednesday 11 October

SPASA 2018 Advertising Offer Close – Friday 27 October

2017 AGM – Wednesday 8 November

Board Meeting – Wednesday 8 November

Board Meeting – Wednesday 13 December