E-News November 2020

MPB Logo Long Gold

SPASAVIC is delighted to announce that our preferred training partner, Masters in Building Training (MIBT), has been endorsed by the VBA to deliver the new Victorian Swimming Pool and Spa Barrier Inspection training course Building Inspector (Pool Safety) VBAISP2020.

The total cost of this course is $2,990 to complete and is GST-free. You can enrol for an initial deposit of $500, which includes one year's membership with SPASAVIC as a Pool Barrier Inspector Member (membership is optional) at the completion of the course, and also registration with the VBA as a pool safety inspector. Find out everything you need to know about enroling in this course HERE

This course will be a combination of online and practical learning, including a combination of 15 supervised on-site inspections which are to be completed via simulated circumstances, subject to COVID-19 restrictions (to be arranged by the student or through SPASAVIC training sessions - dates TBA).

SPASAVIC will announce regular on-line classes (via Zoom) for students to engage with their trainer and course cohort. The first on-line class will commence 9th November and remain available as a recorded resource for future reference. Detailed information regarding on-site inspections and other course specifics will be provided in this class.

The advantage of MIBT's rolling enrolment in-take allows students to study at their own pace and in their own time, wherever they are. MIBT and SPASAVIC will set more training days as required. However, this blended delivery model will allow students to progress without the restriction of a set class or set dates and times.

Students will have access to an on-line inspection workbook to complete and submit, along with all other mandatory documentation. Once these inspections have been completed, the student will submit the contents of their workbook as workplace activities (WPA) on the MIBT Learner Management System (LMS).

The following Australian Standards will also be contained within the course material: AS 1926.1-1986, AS 1926.1-1993, AS 1926.1-2007, AS 1926.1-2012 & AS 1926.2-2007.

A Certificate of Completion in VBAISP2020 will be provided on successful completion of this course.

As a SPASAVIC Pool Barrier Inspector Member, you will be at the forefront of the swimming pool and spa industry with existing SPASAVIC members able to refer work to you throughout Victoria.

spasavic sparkle As SPASAVIC's new Event Manager, it was an amazing journey putting together my first event on behalf of SPASA Victoria!

Whilst the awards did not take place in the way that I’m used to, the circumstances that we all found ourselves in this year created the opportunity of a very real challenge!

Showcasing the best of the best in the swimming pool and spa industry was an absolute delight, due to the amazingly high standard of every SPASAVIC award entry photo. I hope you enjoyed the presentation and had some fun along the way. I certainly did!

For all who participated in this virtual event, we'd love to know what you thought. Please complete our Virtual Awards Member Survey HERE.

You can watch a recording of our 2020 Awards of Excellence presentation HERE

SPASAVIC Media Release - 2020 Awards of Excellence Winners Announced - 30 October 2020

The announced easing of restrictions from midnight on 27th October was a very welcome relief for our industry!

Construction is now open with a COVIDSafe Plan instead of High Risk COVIDSafe plan, however every Victorian business must follow the six COVIDSafe principles to help prevent future outbreaks of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Please note the following new changes:

There are no restrictions on the number of workers per site
Office-based activities can resume with density quotient applied
Construction activities external to a residential premise can now proceed at owner-occupied sites where it is possible to create a physical barrier between workers and occupants and/or the occupier can temporarily vacate the premises for the duration of the works

Density limits, record keeping and COVIDSafe Plans continue to apply to all businesses. The Workplace Directions still require:

Face coverings
A COVIDSafe Plan
Keeping records of all workers and visitors who attend a work site
Compliance with the density quotient
Signage about the density quotient for areas accessible to the public
On-going cleaning requirements

The new Workplace (Additional Obligations) Directions no longer apply to the building and construction industry meaning that concepts such as small-scale and large-scale construction no longer apply.

Worker permits will no longer be required for workers who reside and work in the Melbourne metropolitan area. A permitted worker permit will be needed to allow workers to cross the ring of steel between regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne in either direction. If you don’t already have a permitted worker permit and need to travel across the ring of steel, you need to obtain a Metro-Regional Work Travel Permit.

The new Stay Safe (Melbourne) Directions retain the concept of a worker not being allowed to leave home to attend work unless it is not reasonably practicable to work from home. The Workplace Directions also continue to prohibit an employer (which includes a person engaging a contractor) from having a worker attend a work site when it is reasonably practicable to work from home.

The Construction Sector Guidance FAQs have been updated to include the requirements for cleaning an indoor pool. Quotations can take place when the people living in the household vacate the premises and construction contracts can be signed.

Businesses can also access a collection of signage, posters and questionnaires to assist in communicating key messages to workers and customers. Printing of these materials can be purchased through Officeworks.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) translated information for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds is also available online for businesses and industry. Businesses can also call 13 22 15 and request a free translator.

To learn more about these changes and how to make your workplace COVIDSafe, please visit the coronavirus website

All SPASAVIC members are warmly invited to attend our 2020 AGM to be held virtually via Teams link on Wednesday 11th November at 6pm.

The 2020 Annual Report will be presented, along with an introduction of the 2020/21 Board.

Please join us to hear from our CEO, Board President and Treasurer. You are welcome to submit any questions prior to the AGM to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We look forward to you joining us online for our AGM!

SPASAVIC's 2020 AGM Agenda can be viewed HERE

SPASAVIC's Appointment of Proxy Form can be downloaded HERE

SPASAVIC's 2020 Annual Report can be downloaded HERE

SPASAVIC are hugely excited to announce that we are moving to fully digital and completely contactless domestic building contracts!

We are currently working with Docusign to develop contracts that will allow a more efficient contract signing process, saving our pool builder members precious time.

This fantastic new contracts management program includes:

A totally digital process from end-to-end
All contracts are date stamped
System-generated emails verifying signage
No downloading of documents for signature required
Authenticated signature that can be tracked (if necessary)
Removes the need for a certificate of authentication
Simple and easy to use
Sign from anywhere
Supports IOS, Android and Windows
Instant status visibility so you'll always know where an agreement is in the signing process
Highly secure and meets US, EU and global security standards
Uses the strongest data encryption technologies available

Watch this space as we roll out new and fully electronic contracts for SPASAVIC members only!

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.SPASAVIC membership renewal invoices will be emailed to all members later this month.

Just a reminder that all members are required to be fully financial in order to exhibit at our Expos.

If you have any questions or changes to your business details please contact our Membership Services Officer, Heather Webb, on 0404 377 069 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Would you like to advertise in our new trade magazine AQUA?

Since the launch of this inaugural trade magazine in July this year, it is now our pleasure to offer advertising space to all SPASAVIC members.

Advertising artworks will need to be received by 12 November 2020
AQUA edition is scheduled to be published online 1 December 2020

With your contribution, we again look forward to reflecting the best of what our fantastic industry has to offer via this exciting new trade publication.

For bookings and further information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please see HERE for advertising prices and artwork specs

WorkSafe is issuing a safety alert to raise awareness that employees must wear a fitted face mask on construction sites. Loose fitting face coverings and face shields without a face mask are not to be worn.

The Chief Health Officer directions are that an employer must take reasonable steps to ensure employees wear a face mask at all times when working at a work premises. Wearing a fitted face mask provides a physical barrier to coronavirus (COVID-19), by preventing the spread of droplets generated when talking, coughing or sneezing, which helps to protect others in the community.

Loose fitting face coverings such as bandanas or scarves, along with face shields without a face mask, are no longer acceptable.
Serious and even fatal injuries (such as lacerations, scalping and suffocation) can also occur if loose fitting face coverings become entangled in rotating parts of power tools and equipment such as drills, saws, angle grinders and augers.

Read more HERE

The Victorian Government’s $10 million Business Recovery and Resilience Mentoring Program matches businesses from across the state with experienced mentors to provide independent advice on business goals, strategies and operations.

The Benefits of participation include receiving advice on preparing and implementing business plans, improving time management, identifying new opportunities and rethinking marketing strategies.

More than 90 mentors have been signed to provide guidance in five key areas - business recovery, market transformation, digital literacy and engagement, market and supply chain diversification, and reskilling and training.

The Government is also backing small businesses and sole traders through a $26 million mental health support program, the 'Upskill My Business' initiative, which delivers free short courses for small business operators, and also the $20 million Small Business Digital Adaptation Program which provides vouchers of up to $1,500.

SPASAVIC supports these programs and urges members to take advantage where they see value.

An exposure draft of a GEMS Determination on swimming pool pumps (draft Determination) has been published on the Energy Rating website.

The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, on behalf of the Committee overseeing the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Program, is seeking comments and submissions on the draft Determination by 5pm AEDT, Tuesday 8 December 2020.

All comments and submissions on the draft Determination are welcome. The Department is particularly interested to receive views and comments on:

Commencement date - The proposed commencement date when the Determination would become mandatory is 1 October 2021. If you foresee any issues with meeting this commencement date, please let us know the reasoning and suggest an alternate timeframe that might be more appropriate. Note, applications can be submitted on a voluntary basis from the day after the Determination is signed and published (currently expected in early 2021).
Sound Testing - The registration process introduces a sound testing component. Swimming pool pumps will need to be tested in accordance with the requirements as outlined in the Determination in order to register. Please let us know if you foresee any issues with this testing requirement and how these issues could be resolved.
Minimum units to be tested - The draft Determination does not mandate a minimum number of pool pump units that need to be tested. The Voluntary Energy Rating Label Program (VERLP) for pool pumps specified that a minimum of three units be tested to meet the requirements of that program. Please let us know your views on whether testing only one pump would be sufficient or whether mandating a minimum of three units to be tested might provide a more representative result of the performance of a pool pump.
Any other concerns with the proposed requirements or timeframes in the draft Determination.

Please email any submissions to PoolPumps@industry.gov.au and include “Pool Pump Determination” in the subject line.

Read the Exposure Draft Background Information HERE

For a professional football team to succeed, a rhythm of communication is essential to ensure all players are focused, aligned, and are working towards a common goal.

Your business should be no different.

Read this article from our partner PROTRADE United HERE

Loren Datt logo Regulations that extend the time frame of the special condition of release to access $10,000 from superannuation for individuals experiencing financial difficulties due to COVID-19 have been formally registered.

The ability to withdraw up to $10,000 from superannuation (if certain conditions are met) was initially set to expire on 24 September 2020.

The Regulations will now enable an eligible individual to withdraw up to $10,000 from superannuation (which is not assessable to the individual) until 31 December 2020.

To be eligible, a citizen or permanent resident of Australia (and New Zealand) must require the COVID-19 early release of super to assist them to deal with the adverse economic effects of COVID-19.

Read this Practice Update from Loren Datt Audit in full HERE

Do you know the difference between public liability and professional indemnity insurance?

Your business might need both. Here's what you need to know.

Read this article by AB Phillips HERE

Alan Watson established Pool Safe Compliance in anticipation of the new pool and spa safety regulations being introduced into Victoria.

With the combined experience of almost 60 years in the industry, Alan Watson (Chief Building Inspector) and Simon Duffie (General Manager) teamed up to provide a seamless and professional service to Victorian pool and spa owners and associated industry businesses, to ensure they receive a 'best practice' approach to pool and spa compliance safety regulations.

Alan Watson and his Pool Safe Compliance team offer no-nonsense, best practice pool safety inspections to ensure you are compliant with Australian Standards.

Pool Safe Compliance offer compliance inspections, certification and preliminary on-site consultations to avoid non-compliance fees and mandatory timelines for corrective action. In addition, they can assist in the preparation of safety barrier design plans and building permit approval processes:

Preliminary onsite Consultations for existing safety barriers to achieve compliance with applicable version of Australian Standards (AS1926 - all versions)
Pre-construction consultation for proposed barriers for compliance with current Australian Standard (AS1926.1-2012)
Ongoing advice and assistance in achieving compliance throughout the construction of new projects and or modification or rectification of existing safety barriers.

Prompt, reliable, courteous and punctual, Pool Safe Compliance offer fast turn-arounds with comprehensive reporting, including preliminary onsite consultation to save you time and money. Our Company Director and Chief Inspector, Alan Watson, was awarded Building Inspector of the year in 2018 and we maintain the highest standards of best practice.

When you appoint Pool Safe Compliance, their automated 'Set & Forget' system ensures you receive a reminder 6 months prior to your next certificate lodgement date, taking the hassle and fuss out of this process. They also offer additional consultancy services and compliance advice.

Pool Safe Compliance booking process:

Click on the 'Book Now' HERE
Complete our simple online form
Select 'Proceed'
Complete contact details

You will receive a confirmation email and be contacted within 48 hours to arrange a suitable time. Additionally, Pool safe Compliance offer checklists and general information regarding pool and spa compliance on their website.

Office locations in Elsternwick, Geelong and Mornington.

www.poolsafecompliance.com.au
Phone: 03 9086 3973

NAUGHTONS LOGO high resoln2 Dive into the pool industry!

Naughtons Pools & Spas Echuca are a family owned business that builds high quality fibreglass and concrete swimming pools. They are seeking a full-time swimming pool Field Technician to join their team.

In order to apply, you will need to be a presentable and professional individual who works well as part of a team and is also able to work unsupervised.

Job Details:

Pool Maintenance
Water testing
Pool cleaning
Liasing with clients
Trouble shooting and problem solving

Applicants must have the following skills and abilities:

Attention to detail
Be physically fit
Reliable
Have good communication skills
Have a current drivers licence
Have experience in the swimming pool industry, preferred but not a must

Able to start ASAP!

For more information or to apply for this position, please contact Belinda on (03) 5482 5186 or info@naughtons.com.au

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Spa Electrics are seeking a sales and service professional who is passionate about assisting customers, driving sales and providing an exceptional level of service. Immediate start available! 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Your responsibilities will include:

Inbound sales and customer enquiries via phone, walk-in and email
Build and maintaining great relationships with our customers
Maintaining correct sales procedures, processes and record keeping
Provide advice on product suitability, availability, pricing and freight/dispatch
Process orders accurately, generate quotations & invoices and assist with freight/dispatch enquiries
Attend to sales related walk-in customer enquiries
Liaising with Sales Representatives for customer documentation, reporting and new-customer on-boarding
Maintain and upskill your product knowledge of new products and upcoming events
Opportunity to represent us at Trade Shows & events

You will have:

Proven success in a customer service & sales role
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
Confidence and ability to deal with customers in person, by phone and via email
Excellent administrative skills and attention to detail
Exceptional communication skills
Ability to problem solve and identify solutions
Great rapport building skills and ability to nurture and grow
Experience working with technical product preferred, but not essential

Please email a copy of your resume and cover letter to christina@spaelectrics.com.au

Member Benefits - Available to all Members in 2020

AB Phillips - SPASA’s Risk Management, Insurance & Financial Services Provider
Houzz – Free Profile-Building Website
Action OHS Consulting – SPASA Victoria’s Occupational Health and Safety Consulting Partner
myhronline - HR Advice and resources, discounted for SPASA members
FCA - Offering exceptional value and wide-ranging vehicle choice
Jeremy Johnson & Associates - One Hour of Free Expert Legal Advice

See the full details of your Member Benefits here