You Won't Believe This Year's Gala Night Venue!
Roll out the red carpet! Our 2017 Gala Night venue has just been locked in.
This venue is one of Melbourne's most iconic and will be a first of it's kind for SPASA Victoria.
You won't want to miss the biggest night in our industry at one of the very best venues in Melbourne.
Network. Be Seen. Be Recognised. Enjoy the party!
Enter our Awards of Excellence Now!
And save the date! 29th July 2017
Stay tuned. All will be revealed over the coming weeks...
Awards of Excellence Major Sponsors Awards of Excellence Category Sponsors
Chris Dorrity Golf Day 2017 - The Power and the Glory
A record attendance of more than 100 SPASA members enjoyed a magnificent day of golf at the Southern Golf Club in Keysborough on Friday 31st March.
Congratulations to all participants - particular our winners - and a special thanks to our Event Sponsor and Platinum Partner AB Phillips who made the day possible.
Next year, we'd like all players to bring their wives, partners and lady friends to make the day even better - and more competitive!
Enjoy this photo gallery as a memory of what was a fabulous SPASA day on the course!
Builders Beware – Minimise Your Exposure
It has come to the attention of the association that some members have had issues with steel suppliers passing off product as being complaint to Australian Standards, when in fact, the steel grade advertised is not the product supplied.
We suggest it is essential, in order to protect yourself from liability, that you secure copies of certification of the steel, and have your engineer confirm suitability for the task at hand – in writing.
There has been some media coverage in recent years about imported steel not meeting Australian Standards, so please ensure you have written verification that the materials and products constructed under your name cannot be bought into question if a claim arises.
ACCC Is Now Targeting Unfair Contract Terms
Ensuring small businesses receive protection under the new unfair contract terms law is a priority for the ACCC in 2017.
Deputy Chair, Dr Michael Schaper, has warned that the ACCC will be taking enforcement action against a number of companies across a range of industries, over business-to-business unfair contract terms this year.
As a small business, you may be required to enter into standard form contracts with other businesses for goods and services. The Australian Consumer Law now prohibits unfair contract terms in most of these contracts.
The ACCC has seen providers (typically larger businesses) continue to put potentially unfair clauses in their agreements, including those that give them:
• an unreasonable ability to cancel or end an agreement
• potentially broad and unreasonable powers to protect themselves against loss or damage
• the ability to unilaterally change the terms of the contract
• an unreasonable ability to limit or prevent small businesses from exiting their contracts
The ACCC are also investigating complaints about payment terms in small business standard form contracts and unfair commercial practices that have the effect of delaying payment times for suppliers.
If you come across an unfair term in a standard form contract that you have been offered or entered into you can report it to our Infocentre
For more information please see the media release and our website
Take a Stand for the Ultimate Sales Experience!
The SPASA Spa & Pool Show will be returning to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre in August.
After the success of the February expo, which saw a 22% increase in visitors from 2016, the Spa & Pool Show will be THE destination for visitors looking to install a Spa, Pool or Outdoor Living area.
The SPASA Spa & Pool Show is your opportunity to generate new sales and leads, meet potential clients and for the first time ever the - Seminar Series will be introduced to the Winter Show, providing both exhibitors and visitors the opportunity to hear from leading industry experts.
Be a part of this exciting industry event that brings together thousands of visitors interested in renovating their backyard and Australia’s best pool and spa suppliers all under one roof.
We are already 60% sold after a successful Melbourne Summer Show. Book today to avoid missing out.
Date: Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 August 2017
Venue: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Website: www.spasashow.com.au
To secure your stand, contact the IEC Group sales team on 03 9596 9205 or email sam@iecgroup.com.au
General Member Meeting - 4pm, 12 April 2017 at SPASA
Heading to VCAT? Not Without Compulsory DBDRV Process First You’re Not! Learn More on 12 April 2017
On Wednesday 26 April 2017, a new process for the resolution of domestic building disputes between owners and builders will commence.
This SPASA member forum will provide members with information about this new process and will allow the opportunity to hear from the government officials responsible for this new dispute resolution scheme, to ask them questions about how it may help them resolve disputes with owners and get paid.
This new government body, Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV), will administer this new process of compulsory conciliation and adjudication.
To be clear, most cases proceeding to VCAT will not be available without having taken part in the DBDRV’s services.
Please join our hosts John D’Arcy & Gary Kilworth, as we listen to Simon Cohen, the Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria, and Gina Ralston, the Chief Dispute Resolution Officer, as they outline the services of the DBDRV and the new compulsory conciliation processes.
Brendan Watkins will also update members on various activities occurring within industry, including:
- New regulations about to be announced in Victoria, specifically around pool safety, corporate registration & dispute resolution
- Awards of Excellence - a new venue, new MC & new talent
- An update on the need for ensuring builders minimise risk via having compliance certificates - particularly relevant around reinforcing steel products
- DBI update
- Industry Training
- Introducing a criminal offence as an alternative to existing offences in the Building Act
- Q & A
This meeting will be held on 12 April 2017, 4pm at SPASA.
Please RSVP to SPASA's Membership Manager Marita Callanan - marita@spasavic.com.au
Buyers Advocate 'Secret Agent' Says Pools Add At Least $140,000 In Value To A House
'On average, a swimming pool added between 10% and 16% to the value of a house, with the lowest expected value created being approximately $140,000' - Secret Agent.
Secret Agent looked at ten suburbs in Melbourne’s inner East and South East: Kew, Hawthorn, Hawthorn East, Toorak, Kooyong, Armadale, Malvern, Glen Iris, Camberwell and Brighton. The study was limited to only include three to five bedroom houses for a more realistic representation of a pool’s value.
On average, a swimming pool added between 10% and 16% to the value of a house, with the lowest expected value created being approximately $140,000.
However, this varied between suburbs, from as low as 6% in Camberwell, up to 35% in Hawthorn East. In Kew, houses that featured a pool were expected to sell for $450,000 more, which is a premium of about 30%. In Hawthorn, a pool is expected to only add $180,000 (11%) to the value of a property.
There are a few explanations for the differences in added value. For example, a big house may have other extensive renovations aside from a pool; such as a cellar, theatre room, tennis courts and sculptured gardens. Additionally, the number of car spaces and the school zoning would have an impact on sale price.
A swimming pool can be a wonderful addition and a good investment, despite its seemingly high upfront costs, since the lowest expected value it can create is around $140,000. Much more than just dollars and cents, a pool satisfies our natural, instinctive need to be close to water.
Why Swimming Is So Good For You
Every type of exercise has its selling points. But swimming is unlike any other aerobic workout in a few important ways.
First, the fact that you’re submerged in water means your bones and muscles are somewhat unshackled from the constraints of gravity, says Hirofumi Tanaka, a professor of kinesiology and director of the Cardiovascular Aging Research Lab at the University of Texas.
This makes swimming the ideal exercise for people with osteoarthritis, for whom weight-bearing exercise can be excruciatingly painful. According to Tanaka's research of people with the condition, swimming decreases arterial stiffness, a risk factor for heart trouble. More of his research has linked swim training with lower blood pressure among people with hypertension. The coolness and buoyancy of water are also appealing to people who are overweight or obese, for whom load-bearing aerobic exercises like running may be too hot or uncomfortable, Tanaka says.
Ethics are Integral to the Pool & Spa Industry
The ethics of a business and the ethics of an industry should be inextricably linked. If not, there is a strong reputational impact.Taking short cuts and sacrificing reputation damages the entire industry. We all need to cooperate together. This helps us all!
Our Code of Ethics is the reason consumers will choose a SPASA Member.
The Association urges each and every SPASA Victoria Member to re-visit the Code of Ethics to which you have subscribed as a vital part of your SPASA Victoria Membership:
- To hold inviolate the concepts of free enterprise and unselfish service to the public.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- To ensure we reveal all material facts, to avoid accusations of concealment of information.
- To co-operate and assist where possible all levels of Government in connection with their dealings with the swimming pool and spa industry.
- 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.
- 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.
- To act fairly and properly at all times towards fellow members of the Association and, when a member is called upon to advise, consult, rectify or otherwise take any action in relation to products, services or works provided, to carry out such works or action or advice on behalf of the consumer in a professional and unbiased manner.
Health Benefits of Swimming Go Mainstream
The aquatics industry has known the many benefits of water exercise and immersion for quite some time. But existing medical studies and information have been sparse over the years.
One reason for this gap is the lack of waterproof monitoring equipment needed to study the body's vital signs during water exercise. However new technology and more funding for research have allowed scientists to gather new information on the physiological benefits of being in the water.
As a result, more mainstream media outlets are picking up on water exercise - it's even become a popular health trend no longer limited to only arthritis patients.
Read the full article from Aquatics International HERE.
The Catch in the Cache: Why Cleaning Your Browser Makes it Safer
Keeping a tidy browser can save you a heap of trouble down the line. Here's a heads-up as to why.
Browsers obsess over making your life easier. They store copies of the websites you visit to load them up faster the next time you open them. They save you time by auto-filling your online forms. And they store little packets of data around so they can remember how you like things. They even leave you cookies!
It’s nice to be loved. We all appreciate the extra convenience. But all that personal information your browser stores is leaving you exposed to tracking and hacking – and it doesn’t take much for the wrong people to get their hands on it.
Read this article in full HERE.
SPASA Member Discounted On-Line Courses Through Aveling
Aveling's e-Learning programs provide a flexible way for SPASA Members to learn.
As an exclusive SPASA Member benefit, you will receive a 20% discount on all AVELING online courses.
Contact Marita Callanan This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to obtain the SPASA Member discount code, then login to your discounted course.
Aveling Online Course Brochure
For further information visit our Industry Training Program Page HERE
Download our Industry Training Program with Booking Form HERE
If you have any questions about SPASA training or learning, contact Kathryn This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 9501 2040
Architects Face Potential Liability Over Building Permits
Architects practising in Victoria may no longer be able to stand apart in 'splendid isolation' from the ramifications of tightened public protection changes in that state.
New indictable offence provisions for works without the proper building approval could draw architects into the web of those practitioners who can be whacked with stiff penalties.
Building legislation in Victoria including the Building Act 1993 is currently undergoing reform in many areas, including provisions for dispute resolution orders and alternative dispute mechanisms for builder and owners.
Given high profile events such as the demolition of the Corkman Hotel without the requisite approvals and consequent dumping of asbestos material in breach of regulations, there has been a political imperative to be seen to be clamping down on 'dodgy developers'.
Tony Sharpe & Cliff Cooke Hit the Kokoda Trail to Support "Soldier On"
Our very own SPASA Vice President and Managing Director of Cooke Industries, Cliff Cooke, along with Hayward Pool Products Australia MD Tony Sharpe, will together be completing the Kokoda Trek back-to-back to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Kokoda Trail Campaign.
Tony and Cliff completed the hike one way in 2014 (they're now going across & back!) and have come to understand that only when you complete the trek do you gain a glimmer of an understanding of what the Australian Soldiers endured in defending Australia and the way of life we enjoy.
Recently hearing reports of what our modern day heroes often suffer during their tours of duty, as well as the recovery from psychological and physical injuries, Tony and Cliff decided that they would like to do something to raise awareness and funds to support our defence force personnel. From April 11 to April 24 2017 they will complete the 192km return journey to raise money for Australia's ex-service men and women.
Please show your support for Cliff & Tony by making a tax deductible donation at: Soldier On HERE.
World Day for Safety and Health at Work and Workers’ Memorial Day
Safe Work Australia will recognise World Day for Safety and Health at Work and Workers’ Memorial Day on Friday 28 April 2017.
This is a day when we honour those who have died at work and think about how our actions can prevent future work-related deaths, injuries and illnesses.
Australia’s work-related fatality rates have been steadily trending downwards, but 178[1] workers still lost their lives in 2016. By raising awareness and taking the lead in work health and safety, we can help prevent further injuries and death.
How to get involved
On 28 April, you can take the lead in workplace health and safety by:
- Practicing good work health and safety
- Honouring the memory of those who have died at work and stopping for a moment of silence
- Promoting World Day for Safety and Health at Work and Workers’ Memorial Day in your workplace:
- Organise a morning or afternoon tea to talk about work health and safety
- Display promotional posters in your workplace
- Screen a seminar from the Virtual Seminar Series at your workplace
- Arrange for a safety expert to speak at your workplace
- Attend a local workers’ memorial event with your colleagues or family
You can also use #worldWHSday2017 when participating in World Day discussions on social media
For more information about Safe Work Australia's World Day for Safety see HERE
Exclusive Benefits to SPASA Members
Member Benefits - Available to all Members in 2017
- AB Phillips - SPASA’s Risk Management, Insurance & Financial Services Provider
- Jeremy Johnson & Associates - Free Expert Legal Advice
- Expert OHS Advice - Jim Pashalidis, Australian OHS
- Career Dressing – Preferred Workwear & Corporate Clothing Supplier
- HR Central – Your People Management Professionals
- Online White Card Training with Aveling
- Houzz and SPASA – Free Profile-Building Website
See the full details of your Member Benefits here
SPASA Calendar of Events 2017
April 2017
SPASA Industry Training - Hydraulics - Thursday 6 & Friday 7 April
Board Meeting – Wednesday 12 April
Member Meeting - VCAT Restructure : DBDRV Workshop - 12 April 2017
2017 Awards of Excellence Entries Close – Friday 14 April
SPASA Industry Training - Pool Construction Essentials - Thursday 20 April
Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner Bookings Open – Friday 28 April