E-News November 2019
SPASA Victoria's 2019 AGM - Wednesday 13 November - Please Join Us!
All members are warmly encouraged to attend our 2019 AGM to be held at the association offices on Wednesday 13th November at 6pm.
This will be the last major association event for the year and will include a presentation of the 2019 Annual Report and an introduction of the 2019/20 Board.
Don't miss hearing our Treasurer's report as well as important industry updates. Take the opportunity to be part of our Q & A session.
Come along. Network! Catch up with industry colleagues. Hear about the latest pool and spa industry developments. Just make sure you're there!
Drinks and light refreshments from 5.30pm. AGM commences 6pm sharp.
We look forward to seeing you all!
Please RSVP HERE for catering purposes
Industry First Collaboration On Draft Pool and Spa Safety Barrier Standard AS1926.1
Last Monday evening, over 60 industry representatives came together at the Mulgrave Country Club to discuss a raft of proposed changes to Australian Standard 1926.1 - Swimming Pool Safety - Safety barriers for swimming pools.
The draft Standard proposes a number of new requirements that will impact the swimming pool and spa industry.
At the meeting, the following key areas were highlighted as concerns to the industry:
- Plants within a Non Climable Zone (NCZ)
- Non-Climbable Zone 5
- Setback from a barrier
- Impact on the external barrier
- Angled Extension (Crank)
- Barrier Openings
- Combined Structures Forming a Barrier
- Alternative external barrier height adjacent to public open space
- Alternative external barrier adjacent pool areas
- Child-resistant Openable Portion of Window
- Gate Latch – 1500mm above FGL
If you were unable to attend this meeting, please review the draft Standard and sumbit your feedback online via the Standards Australia website: https://connect.standards.org.au/#/login
It is vital that you have your say from an industry perspective!
Thank you to everyone for attending the meeting and providing input into this important discussion.
2019 Board Election Results
We are pleased to announce the results of the SPASA Victoria 2019 Board Elections that we recently conducted to fill vacancies on the SPASA Victoria Board.The following four nominees were duly elected to the SPASA Victoria board 2019:
Cliff Cooke – Cookes Pools & Spas, Cooke Industries
SPASA Victoria Member Category: Pool Builder & Supplier Manufacturer
Cliff is the Managing Director of Cookes Pools and Spas as well as Cooke Industries. Both companies are located in Mildura. Cliff’s overall service on the SPASA Victoria board totals more than 10 years. He is passionate about continuing to serve the members and contribute to the Association as it strives to grow the industry for the mutual benefit of all.Tim Parkinson – Sapphire Spas
SPASA Victoria Member Category: Spa Retailer
As General Manager of Sapphire Spas, Tim brings a variety of skills to the board that have shaped his career over many years. With a passion for keeping manufacturing strong in Australia, Tim leads the Sapphire Spas Team in the same way he holds himself in all areas of his life – work hard, lead by example and treat others with respect.Joel Kean – Aqua Dreamz Pools
SPASA Victoria Member Category: Pool Builder
Joel has been in our industry for over 15 years and brings a modern perspective to our board table. Joel is passionate about issues of compliance, regulation, training and ensuring members have a strong voice from a pool builder’s perspective. Joel sees his role as a board director as vitally important in the next growth phase of our industry.
Anna Kraulis - Sunbather
SPASA Victoria Member Category: Supplier/Manufacturer
Anna’s role as Victorian-based account manager for Sunbather Pool Heating requires her to look after a large network of trade clients. She has an excellent understanding of our industry and people and strives to ensure that future growth, health and sustainability within the industry are achieved.
All newly elected board members will serve two-year terms, effective as of the 13th of November 2019 running through to November 2021.
We extend our thanks to the members who participated in the election process. The leadership needs of our Association, and the ongoing contributions of all directors and members, continue to be greatly valued.
The Board sincerely thanks all nominees for their commitment to the Association and the broader industry.
Chris Samartzis, CEO
Stronger Powers For Building Regulator Under New Law
The Andrews Labor Government is delivering greater protections for building and apartment owners under sweeping new changes introduced to Parliament today.
The Building and Environment Protection Legislation Amendment Bill will give stronger powers to the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) to investigate illegal phoenix activity, where companies deliberately go into administration to avoid liability for building work before re-emerging as a new entity.
The Bill strengthens the fit and proper person tests required for practitioner registration by incorporating financial probity requirements. This will allow greater scrutiny of company directors, secretaries and influential persons as part of the registration process.
The VBA will be able to refuse applications for new registration, or renewal of registration, if the applicant is suspected to have engaged in illegal phoenix activity at any time over the previous two years.
The Bill also expands existing suspension powers for building practitioners responsible for unsafe works to ensure that plumbers and architects can also face immediate suspension. This power was introduced for building practitioners in 2018 and has already been used by the VBA.
You can read this article in full HERE
New Workplace Manslaughter Bill to be Introduced into Parliament
The Victorian Government has announced a new Workplace Manslaughter Bill to be introduced into Parliament.
This new legislation will create an offence of workplace manslaughter. Under the proposed new laws:
- Employers and contractors who negligently cause a workplace death will face fines of up to $16.5 million and individuals will face up to 20 years in jail
- Employees cannot be charged with the proposed workplace manslaughter offence
It is also expected that the proposed offence will have a significant impact on small businesses. As most small business owners have a ‘hands-on’ role in their business, this means that these businesses will be most at risk of prosecution.
More information will be provided once this Bill becomes available.
End of Year Funding For Women's Leadership Development is Now Available
End of year funding grants are currently available to women who work in the construction sector to support their participation in a professional development program.
This fee support opportunity provides a scholarship of up to $7,000 for women to take part in one of three programs that cover such things as:
- reinforcing resilience and well-being
- engaging with challenge and conflict
- creating future focus
- leading authentically and driving performance
For fifteen years, Women & Leadership Australia has been developing female leadership and supporting the presence of women in business and community leadership roles. Prioritising women who work in male-dominated environments - such as the construction sector - has been a key component of their strategic impetus to date.
Find out more and register your interest by completing the Expression of Interest form HERE before 22 November 2019
New Hazardous Chemicals Signs Now Available Exclusively to SPASA Victoria Members
Purchase your full colour corflute site safety signage for your building site today. We have plenty of stock available so place your orders now!
OH&S legislation requires that anyone entering or in close proximity to a construction site must be warned of all hazardous activities that could be related to the project.
Read SPASA Victoria's Essential Site Safety Signage and Sub-Contractor Information HERE
For more information visit the OH&S page in the Members' area of our website.
Please note that as of 1 November, there has been a slight price increase:
Full colour A2 corflute signs are now $32 each
Full colour A3 corflute signs are now $30 each
For 10 or more:
Full colour A2 corflute signs are now $28 each
Full colour A3 corflute signs are now $25 each
ORDER YOUR SITE SAFETY SIGNAGE HERE
Kidsafe Campaign Resources Now Available
In the lead up to Summer, SPASA Victoria is proud to again be collaborating with Kidsafe on their 'Safe Barriers Save Lives' campaign, which aims to ensure that all pool and spa owners have checked that their barriers are safe and in good working condition for the upcoming swimming season.Evidence suggests that a large number of drowning deaths in pools are as a result of fencing that is faulty or non-compliant with Australian Standards.
Common pool barrier non-compliance issues include:
- Gates that don’t self-latch or self-close
- Climbable objects in the ‘non climbable’ zone outlined in the Australian Standards (eg pot plants, chairs, pool pumps near the pool fencing which could allow a child to climb over the fence)
- Excess space under the fence or gate
- Misuse (eg propping the pool gate open)
Help educate and protect your customers. Display these posters in your shop and hand out the flyers to all. Pool and Spa safety helps to build the reputation for our industry, as well as being essential for the future viability and sustainability of our members' businesses!
For more information please visit www.kidsafevic.com.au
Proudly Announcing the First 100% FREE Safety Software Plan of its Kind!
SPASA Victoria's preferred OH&S partner Action OHS Consulting have just launched their GO FREE plan for Safety Champion Software - the first 100% free safety software plan on the market.
The team at Action OHS Consulting and Safety Champion are incredibly proud to have launched this product. This GO FREE plan allows you to report incidents and hazards, create corrective actions, do inspections and manage your safety planning. All online via your computer, tablet or phone.
Action OHS Consulting are very excited about this exclusive new product offering! They hope that it will mean more SPASA Victoria members can embed stronger health and safety practices into their ‘business as usual’.
Find out more about this fantastic FREE OHS offer HERE
Action OHS Consulting - Building Safer Workplaces Together.
www.actionohs.com.au
Off The Deep End - Featuring Our Newest SPASA Victoria Members - Precision Installs
Precision Installs began in 2014 by a very determined owner who set out to be 'hands on' in all aspects of the business.
Precision Installs can design, draw, advise, fabricate and install your pool fence. Whether it be glass, aluminum, stainless steel or mesh, if you have a vision, they can bring it to life!
This exciting company can work on both domestic and commercial projects. Their team can design and CAD draw your requirements, then fabricate and install the finished product.
Their unique point of difference is our flexibly to work with our clients to achieve their dream.
Exclusive Benefits to SPASA Victoria Members
Member Benefits - Available to all Members in 2019
- AB Phillips - SPASA’s Risk Management, Insurance & Financial Services Provider
- Jeremy Johnson & Associates - One Hour of Free Expert Legal Advice
- Action OHS Consulting – SPASA Victoria’s Occupational Health and Safety Consulting Partner
- Career Dressing – Preferred Workwear & Corporate Clothing Supplier
- Houzz – Free Profile-Building Website
- myhronline - HR Advice and resources, discounted for SPASA members
- FCA - Offering exceptional value and wide-ranging vehicle choice
See the full details of your Member Benefits here
SPASA Victoria Calendar of Events
2019
SPASA Victoria AGM - Wednesday 13 November at 6pm RSVP HERE
2020
Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor living - Friday 31 January - Sunday 2 February
Member Golf Day - Friday 17 April
Awards of Excellence Gala Night - Saturday 18 July
Spa & Pool Show at MCEC (Winter Show) - Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 August
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