The Sunbather Team - Winners are Grinners!What a day our annual Chris Dorrity Members Golf Day 2018 was this year! 

On Friday 20th April, a record number of 110 SPASA Members were on the green at the magnificent Southern Golf Club in beautiful sunshine.

With golf clubs gleaming and smiles of determination on every face, the game went off with a shotgun start. A refreshment in one hand and a pie in the other, who wouldn't love every moment on the course? Especially with a healthy touch of fierce competition driving each player to perform at their very best.

Visit our PHOTO GALLERY HERE for happy memories of what was a fabulous day enjoyed by all.

The champions on the day were the Sunbather team, made up of Vince Cafici, Chris Clarke, Gary Kilworth and Marcus Decker. Congratulations on your win guys!

Congratulations also go to Anthony Aloi of Kingston Pools who achieved the rare fete of a Hole-in-One. Well done Anthony!! We hope you enjoy your wine, courtesy of Southern Golf Club.

The overwhelming feedback from Members was that the course was again a dream to play on, the Southern Golf Club’s services were second-to-none and the prizes were fantastic. Please tell us what you thought of our Golf Day in this two minute survey HERE

Ladies - if there's something you'd rather do than play golf, let us know what it is! We love our Member days and would like to host a ladies-only event. Why should the men have all the fun? What about a ladies breakfast, lunch, dinner, high tea or cocktail party? The sky's the limit with what we can do. Just let us know your ideas. 

Thank to our Platinum Partner and Sponsor AB Phillips, Brad Robb from the Southern Golf Club, our SPASA Board Member Ted Martin and the Dorrity family for making the day happen.

Come along and join in the fun next year. It's a day you won't forget. We look forward to seeing you back on the green next year!

2018 Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner – Saturday 7 July

We've received an all-time record number of entries to our awards program thisyear plus more members  than ever before have entered our awards. This means that tickets WILL SELL OUT for our Gala Dinner!! 

It's 'first in, best dressed' so avoid disappointment and get your tickets - and a great seating position - NOW!

Come along to our Gala night to see who will win a prestigious SPASA Award of Excellence. Be entertained by the hilarious Steven Bradbury and enjoy culinary delights prepared by award-winning caterers Epicure. 

The 7th July 2018 will be a night to remember.

When: Saturday 7th July 2018
Where: Olympic Room - MCG, Brunton Ave, Richmond (Enter via Gate 3)
Time: 7pm   Dress: Formal   RSVP by 1st June  Book Your Tickets Now!

   

Got a question? Call Rose on 9501 2040 or email rose@spasavic.com.au

The key areas of regulatory change are:

• The Regulations clarify the prescribed mandatory notification stages for demolition work or the construction of a pool.
• The Regulations clarify the obligations of owners in relation to Essential Safety Measure (ESM) ie safety barrier maintenance, and encourage the uptake of maintenance schedules to simplify information for the owner. They also clarify the notification requirements in relation to pool barriers.
• New forms and further requirements to make sure that the permits, orders and notices include the information that is needed.
• The Regulations have been modernised for the electronic use of documents for permits.
• Updated requirements for the chief officer, RBSs and building practitioners in relation to documenting performance solutions.
• New building permit reporting requirements commencing on 1 July 2019.
• New obligations for the RBS to provide notice 30 days prior to a building permit lapsing to minimise lapsed permits.
• Clear obligations on the RBS and the owner to inform the adjoining owner about protection work.
• Introducing a new mandatory notification stage and inspections if the building work includes fire and smoke resistant building elements, which are lightweight construction in multi-storey residential buildings, and service penetrations in multi-storey residential and healthcare buildings.

Summary of Key Changes Pertinent to Members

New Building Permit Reporting Requirements

1. New Reg 28 will require applicants for a building permit which includes a swimming pool or spa to include drawings and specs of a safety barrier in the application.
2. From 1 July 2019, Reg 47(2) and 47(4) require the RBS to report on additional information in their building permit activity report to the VBA. This extra information relates to:
   
   • mandatory notification stages
   • any inspection at a mandatory notification stage
   • whether a pool barrier is included
3. Regs 168 and 169 introduce prescribed mandatory notification stages for the demolition or removal of building, and for the construction of a pool. The inspection stages respectively comprise the:
   
   • completion of any excavation, prior to the pouring of a footing, precautions for safety of the public, and final inspection on completion (including the safety barrier)
4. Clarifying the obligations of owners in relation to ESM maintenance, encouraging the use of maintenance schedules and clarifying the notification requirements in relation to pool barriers.
   Pool Barrier Maintenance
5. Reg 142 requires an occupier to take all reasonable steps to ensure that a pool barrier is operating effectively. This duty can be met by notifying the owner if the barrier is not operating effectively.
   On-the-Spot Fines
6. Fines apply to clear offences under the Building Regulations 2018. A summary of new and existing offences and the approximate fines are: 
   
   • Reg 137 The owner of the land that has the swimming pool or spa must ensure that a prescribed barrier is in place to restrict access - $320

The association has sought clarification from the VBA with regard the additional inspections of pools and spas while under construction. In particular, when the additional inspections are to occur relative to concrete and fibreglass pools. It is suggested in advance of 2 June that all Builder members confer with appointed Surveyors regarding their expectations on: barrier drawings on application, additional inspections and possible increased permit fees.

Members are urged to contact Brendan Watkins on 03 9501 2040 or Marita Callanan on 0419 588 085 with queries or issues arising as a result of the introduction of these new regulations.

Finally, the draft Legislation relating to the recently-announced Mandatory Barrier Inspection regime will be tabled in State Parliament in June.

For further information visit the Victorian State Government's Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP) website

The Landscaping Show - Moonee Valley Racecourse
Thursday 24 May 2018, 10am-6pm

The rap sheet against Matthew Rixon was damning. In April 2013, he was found guilty in the NSW Supreme Court of carrying out unlicensed building work on multiple occasions and hit with court orders to cease doing so. Then on May 9, 2014, he was found guilty of contempt of court for having breached these orders. He was given a suspended prison sentence of 18 months and made to perform 300 hours of community service.

Undeterred, by early 2015, he was advertising “labour and material under $1,000” in the Sutherland Shire Leader newspaper. From this, he secured a contract with Allawah home owner Simon Gilbara for the demolition of a brick wall on the left perimeter fence for less than $1,000. He then secured a further supervisory role from Gilbara involving the installation of a new concrete driveway and a new colorbond fence (total cost $21,000).

Read this article in full HERE

With an average of 35 workers being seriously injured every day, the building and construction sector in Australia has a high profile when it comes to occupational health and safety hazards.

Whether it is heavy lifting or carrying, working at height, working in and around vehicles, equipment and machinery or working near electricity, projects within the sector can involve many dangers.

When managing these, safe work method statement (SWMS) are important tools. These documents outline any high-risk activities within a workplace, hazards arising out of these and control measures which will be adopted to manage these risks. Under OHS legislation in place throughout various states and territories, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) within the building sector must prepare a SWMS before commencing any of 18 specific high-risk construction activities.

Read this article in full HERE

We've just made filling out your online contracts even easier!

Watch our new step-by-step guide of how to complete an online contract order HERE

You can find this new video in the Members' area of our website. Remember that there's no need to pick up the phone or send an email to order building contracts anymore. Simply visit our Hardcopy Contract Order Form page in the Members' area of our website to place your order.

Save time and effort! Order on-line now.

If building work is close - or adjacent - to adjoining property boundaries, protection works may be requested from another party in respect of the adjoining property.

This is to ensure protection is in place if it is affected or damaged by the building work. According to the Building Act 1993, ‘adjoining property’ means anything from a street or lane to a highway ‘situated in relation to the site of the proposed building work as to be a risk of significant damage from the building work’.

AB Phillips can have this included onto your contract works policy on a contract specific basis. This is a straight forward policy inclusion that can be actioned very quickly.

For more information call Sarah at AB Phillips today on 1300 242 136 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We'd like to encourage you to dial the relevant SPASA staff member directly to save time.

Here are the following new direct line numbers:

Rose Randell, Reception & Admin - 8526 7771
Kathryn Barres, Marketing & Communications - 8526 7799
Carolyn Burnett, Accounts - 8526 7826
Marita Callanan, Membership & Sponsorship - 8526 3228
Brendan Watkins, CEO - 8521 0919

We will save you time by making things more efficient and ensuring that your membership with SPASA Victoria is more valuable than ever!

Social media has become a useful tool to help businesses connect with customers and promote themselves, but there are also some potential traps you can fall into when promoting online. Here are some tips on how to manage your social media content and ensure you don’t fall foul of the law.

Don't make misleading claims

Consumer protection laws apply to social media in the same way as any other marketing or sales channel. So don't make claims about your product or service that may be false or misleading. You should offer a refund to any customer who purchased your product or service based on a false or misleading claim they saw on your social media page.

Don't allow others to make misleading claims in comments

You can also be held responsible for posts or public comments made by others on your social media pages. Make sure you regularly monitor your social media pages and remove any false or misleading comments, and it’s also a good idea to establish ‘house rules’ for users when they make posts or comments.

You can read more HERE

A Melbourne construction company has been convicted and fined $350,000 after a man died while using a piece of earthmoving machinery left at his family home.

The 37-year-old man died using the skid-steer loader – a small excavating machine – after it was left at his father’s Carrum Downs home in June 2015.

The County Court of Victoria found Phelpsys Construction Pty Ltd, of Carrum Downs, failed in its safety obligations by leaving the machine at the home with the keys in the ignition.

The court heard the condition of the machine wasn’t even safe for an experienced operator and hadn’t been serviced since it was purchased in 2014.

“Even though the incident occurred at the client’s home, it is still considered a workplace and Phelpsys had a duty to ensure it was safe and without risk,” WorkSafe’s Paul Fowler said on Monday.

Read this article in full HERE

The construction industry is experiencing an unprecedented level of approvals – which means an unprecedented level of opportunities for designers, architects and suppliers in 2018.

Over the past few months, Australia has logged near record-breaking increases in the number of building approvals – and, according to Australia’s leading economists, this boom is only set to grow more pronounced throughout 2018.

Last week, the Australian Bureau of Statistics released the latest figures that showed a near unprecedented increase in new dwelling approvals, with November logging the largest monthly increase in nearly a year.

Read this article in full HERE

9 Hurtle St, Ascot Vale sold for $2.3 millionAn Ascot Vale house with a hi-tech hideaway pool has sold for a multimillion-dollar sum.An Ascot Vale house with a hi-tech hideaway pool has sold for a multimillion-dollar sum.

The sleekly renovated California bungalow at 9 Hurtle St sold to an Ascot Vale family for $2.3 million, a few days after it passed in at auction.

Almost 200 people turned up to watch the four-bedroom house, with a motorised platform that covers the pool with turf, go under the hammer last weekend. But no one bid amid rainy and windy conditions, causing the property to be passed in on a $2.2 million vendor bid.

Read the full story HERE

We know that as a home design and renovation specialist you’ve got a lot to juggle, and that busy projects and schedules can get in the way of money management.

We know that as a home design and renovation specialist you’ve got a lot to juggle, and that busy projects and schedules can get in the way of money management.We’ve put together some simple tips to help you get your business finances in check, to keep cash flowing and your budget on track.

Manage cashflow

When it comes to running a business, cashflow is key. No matter how profitable you are, it’s the flow of cash that can make or break a business. Getting it right basically means making sure there’s more money coming in than there is going out, so it’s important to track cashflow regularly, either weekly, monthly or quarterly. 
The best way to keep on top of cashflow is to make sure you get paid on time, and to balance this with the schedule of payments you make. Most businesses have cashflow shortfalls at certain points, however, so it’s a good idea to have a plan in place beforehand – arrange a line of credit with your bank in case you need to dip into it, or negotiate extended terms with your suppliers.

Read this article in full HERE

Member Benefits - Available to all Members in 2018

• AB Phillips - SPASA’s Risk Management, Insurance & Financial Services Provider
• Jeremy Johnson & Associates - Free Expert Legal Advice
• Expert OHS Advice - Paul House, ISSC
• 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

2018

SPASA Industry Training - Basic Chemistry - Tuesday 8 May

Board Meeting – Wednesday 9 May

ProTrade United Breaking the Mould Breakfast Workshop - Wednesday 10 May

SPASA Industry Training - Advanced Chemistry - Thursday 10 & Friday 11 May

2018 Awards of Excellence Member Viewing - Tuesday 22 May

SPASA Industry Training – Pool Shop & Service – What Makes the Great Retailers Great – Wednesday 30 May

SPASA Industry Learning - OH&S Materials Made Easy - Thursday 7 June

Board Meeting – Wednesday 13 June

SPASA Industry Learning - ProTrade United Business Success Webinar - Tuesday 19 June

2018 Awards of Excellence Gala Night Dinner - Saturday 7 July

Board Meeting – Wednesday 11 July

SPASA Industry Learning - Houzz Webinar - Build Your Professional Profile With Houzz - Thursday 19 July

Country Chapter Visits (North and West Victoria)  - Monday 23 to Friday 27 July - Call Marita on 9501 2040 to book a visit

SPASA Industry Learning - Strategic Financial Planning for Your Business – Tuesday 31 July

SPASA Industry Training - Pool Construction Essentials - Thursday 2 August

SPASA Industry Training – Builder Contract Training – Wednesday 8 August

Board Meeting – Wednesday 8 August

Spa & Pool Show at MCEC (Winter Show) – Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 August

ProTrade United Breaking the Mould Breakfast Workshop - Wednesday 16 August

SPASA Industry Training - Hydraulics - Thursday 16 & Friday 17 August

SPASA Industry Learning - Ownership Thinking - Tuesday 4 September

SPASA Industry Learning - ProTrade United Business Success Webinar - Tuesday 4 September

SPASA Industry Learning - OH&S Materials Made Easy - Thursday 6 September

Board Meeting – Wednesday 12 September

Board Nominations Open – Friday 14 September

SPASA Industry Training - Basic Chemistry - Monday 17 September

SPASA Industry Training - Advanced Chemistry - Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20 September

Country Chapter Visits (North and East Victoria) - Monday 24 to Friday 28 September - Call Marita on 9501 2040 to book a visit

SPASA Industry Learning - Employee or Independent Contractor - Tuesday 25 September

Board Ballot Commences – Monday 8 October

Board Meeting – Wednesday 10 October

Board Meeting – Wednesday 14 November

2018 AGM – Wednesday 14 November

ProTrade United Breaking the Mould Breakfast Workshop - Wednesday 23 November

SPASA Industry Learning - ProTrade United Business Success Webinar - Tuesday 4 December

Board Meeting – Wednesday 12 December

2019

Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor living - Friday 1 - Sunday 3 February

Spa & Pool Show at MCEC (Winter Show) - Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 August