With Awards of Excellence judging behind us, it's time to get ready for the industry night of nights, the Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner!  Over the next 8 weeks we'll be preparing for an exciting evening to recognise members' outstanding pool & spa designs and innovative products.

Shortly, SPASA Australia will host a meeting regarding pending changes to the AS4755 3.2 DRED Standard.  This standard is of particular relevance to members who sell or manufacture pool pump controllers, pool chlorinators and any devices that control the operation of a pool pump.  Later this month, SPASA will host Industry Training on Pool Construction Essentials and Hydraulics, Basic & Advanced.  Places are limited so we recommend members act quickly or risk missing out!

If you aren't yet familiar with our new Bulletin format, just a reminder about how it works... simply click on the 'read more' button at the bottom of any article and you'll be taken to the member section of our website where you can then navigate through all Bulletin articles for the current month.  Happy reading.

With an all-time record number of submissions in the 2013 Awards, this year's Gala will be more spectacular than ever.

We will be heading back, by popular demand, to the National Gallery Victoria, under the magnificent stained-glass ceiling of the Great Hall. Members will be entertained by a world reknowned 'Unusualist' and our MC for the evening, will be SPASA Ambassador, Nicole Livingstone.

Bookings close 26 July and tables are filling fast!  If you've not yet received your invitation, please call SPASA now on 9501 2040.  The Gala Dinner booking form can be found in the member area of the website.

We'd like to thank our team of generous sponsors.



Category Sponsors

Next week SPASA Australia will host a meeting giving members the opportunity to learn more about the pending AS4755 3.2 DRED Standard and how this may impact the industry.

The discussion at this meeting will focus on relevant member issues and the potential impact of the standard on members' businesses.  In attendance will be the Consultant to Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Committee, George Wilkenfeld.

It is vital that members who sell or manufacture Pool Pump Controllers, Pool Chlorinators and any devices that control the operation of a Pool Pump are present at this significant meeting. 

The meeting will be held at SPASA Victoria's Notting Hill office on Monday 8 July from 10.30am to 2.30pm.  Please contact Rose on 9501 2040 if you would like to attend.
 
If anyone has any questions, please contact;

Greg Op de Coul
EL-054 AS Standards Committee Member for SPASA Australia
Ph: (03) 9212 8925
Email: greg.opdecoul@rheem.com.au

The next Spa & Pool Show will be held on 10 & 11 August and will be creating a splash with a new TV advertising campaign that has been created by Hub+, a division of the world renowned Clemenger Group.

The campaign takes a fresh new approach with an animation style advertisment that builds on the theme of creating your dream backyard with the pool or spa as the centrepiece.  Noel Gray, show manager from AEE said “we are very excited to be working with the creative team at Hub+ which are at the cutting edge of animation design. The new ad is designed to inspire and motivate consumers to attend the show to buy a new pool or spa and be ready for summer.”

An extensive advertising campaign on television, press, radio and online has been booked to support this new campaign along with increased television advertising to regional Victoria to attract more country visitors.

To coincide with the advertising campaign, SPASA has developed the Spa & Pool Show Facebook page to support the event and encourage members to actively connect with show visitors.

The Spa & Pool Show is the perfect opportunity for prospective purchasers to come along and get free advice from industry experts as well as take advantage of the fantastic show specials that are being offered by many of the companies that are exhibiting. The show is perfectly timed for consumers who are ready to make a purchase and want to be swimming by summer.

Currently the exhibition space is at 90% capacity and members wishing to take part should act fast and book now by contacting Vee at Australasian Exhibitions & Events on 9676 2133.

The Attorney-General has launched a campaign to prevent terrorists from accessing chemicals that can be used to manufacture explosives.  This campaign will have a significant impact on both retailers and chemical providers.  Federally, members' interests are respresented by Rob Anderson who can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The campaign includes a chemical security website and a range of information materials for consumers and retailers on chemicals that are of concern to authorities.  The Attorney-General believes industry is in the best position to report information about chemical theft, suspicious use of chemicals and large or unusual chemical orders or requests.

Valuable information from calls to the National Security Hotline made by retailers, transporters, wholesalers and manufacturers has contributed to major counter-terrorism investigations in Australia.  State and Territory governments are collaborating with industry, and taking steps to assist counter-terrorism efforts. These steps include:

• Developing a National Code of Practice
• Promoting security awareness
• Undertaking risk assessments

The costs of terrorist attacks are far reaching. Apart from immediate losses which could include injuries, fatalities, destruction of buildings and damaged infrastructure, there are countless indirect costs of a successful terrorist attack using a homemade explosive or toxic chemical. In particular, these knock-on effects could impact the economy through a decline in retail spending and business investment.

To help minimise the risk of chemicals of security concern and products containing them falling into the wrong hands, the government is developing a National Code of Practice. The Code will promote effective chemical security management of 11 chemicals that can be used to make homemade bombs by encouraging businesses to holistically assess the risks specific to their situation.  It will also include steps that businesses can take to reduce the risk of terrorists gaining access to chemicals. Businesses will be encouraged to apply the Code broadly to include all chemicals of security concern.

The Australian Government in partnership with jurisdictional governments and industry has developed the first of a proposed series of chemical security awareness training videos. The aim is to assist retailers and their staff to identify and report 'suspicious behaviours'.  You can access information materials at the chemical security website and businesses are encouraged to report anything that seems unusual to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.

Brendan Watkins to lead SPASA Australia.

Brendan Watkins, CEO of SPASA Victoria, has had national responsibilities for several years, both formally and informally, and believes his appointment to CEO of SPASA Australia "won’t affect my CEO of SPASA Victoria role.  In fact in many ways it will complement the needs of national members as well as regulations and issues affecting our Victoria-only members.  This official appointment is merely an extension of my current position."

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MEDIA RELEASE - 24 June 2013

Brendan Watkins, CEO of SPASA Victoria, will take the helm as CEO of SPASA Australia. He will also continue in his role as CEO of the Victorian association. “I am very happy to act as CEO of the national body and pleased to announce that David Syme has been appointed to the new National Manager role - and that he’s already up and running”.

“David has a long and successful background in accreditation and Standards. In recent times he has been running his own consultancy in this field. Previously he was the Regional Manager – India for Joint Accreditation System of Australia & New Zealand, the international body that accredits the various certification bodies in this region against national and international standards.

David is also one of only two ABSDO auditors that assess standards writing bodies - including Standards Australia. This eye for detail will assist SPASA Australia in preparing submissions of the highest quality.” said Watkins.

“His unique combination of skills and experience were critical in the selection process. In recruiting someone from outside the industry, the Board were looking for an impartial approach to this key role, which focuses on National Members.

“Having attained a Master of Engineering degree, David will also enhance the technical support provided to our National Members by SPASA Australia. This independent representation has been needed for some time. David is based in Melbourne and while he will operate out of the SPASA Victoria office he will work closely with all four SPASA associations.” added Watkins.

David Syme said, “It is my pleasure to be entrusted with this new key role of SPASA Australia National Manager. I believe that it is a particularly exciting time for the industry as SPASA QLD, SPASA SA, SPASA VIC & SPASA WA are collectively exploring how they can further benefit their members.

“Our industry faces many challenges including; OHS harmonisation, proposed changes to the National Construction Code 2014, ongoing global financial pressures, DRED (Demand Response Enabling Devices), chemicals of security concern and energy efficiency to name a few. As we work more closely together we can realise better outcomes for all our members.

“My aim is to build on the great work already achieved. To do that effectively I will be complementing the work of the states by better understanding the specific needs of our National Members. Therefore, I look forward to spending time with each of the organisations and members over the coming year” said Syme.

Members are very welcome to contact either David or Brendan care of the SPASA Victoria office.

The SPASA online contract system is gaining momentum – a third of eligible members have now signed up to the new program.

Over the coming weeks SPASA will be undertaking an audit of the online contract system as part of a broader review of all versions of the SPASA contract.

To ensure SPASA gains an accurate snapshot of industry activity, members who are currently using the online system are asked to ensure that downloads of the Certificates of Authenticity are up to date by Friday 12 July.

Members are also reminded that incomplete Certificates of Authenticity will affect eligibility of 2013 Awards of Excellence entries.

Any member with queries about the functionality of the online contracts, or with any feedback pertinent to the SPASA contract review, are asked to send written comments to asher@spasavic.com.au

The next round of SPASA Industry Training courses will be held this month and focus on Pool Construction Essentials and Hydraulics Training - Basic and Advanced.

This will be the last opportunity to attend Hydraulics training in 2013.  SPASA Industry Training for the remainder of the year will cover Chemistry, Basic and Advanced plus Industry Regulations - A Vital Industry Overview. 

SPASA Industry Training is designed in consultation with leading industry experts and will ensure you and your staff remain up to date with current industry best practice.

Book fast or risk missing out!  Registrations can be made via the booking form found in the members area and sent to carolyn@spasavic.com.au to confirm your attendance.

Upcoming training dates for July

Wednesday 17 - Pool Construction Essentials
Wednesday 24 - Hydraulics - Basic
Thursday 25 - Hydraulics - Advanced

The Premier’s Sustainability Awards are now open and ready to recognise innovative sustainable design developed and delivered by Victorian businesses.  Now in their eleventh year, the awards celebrate efficient use of water, resources and energy, better waste management and recycling practices, the enhancement of the environment and effective, practical community action.

The award categories are:

• Infrastructure and Buildings
• Tourism
• Education
• Environmental Protection
• Innovative Products or Services
• Small and Medium enterprises (SME)
• Large Business
• Community

Further details can be found at Sustainability Victoria's website.

WorkSafe has released a new guidance note, Prevention of falls in construction – Selection and safe use of portable ladders in response to a Coroner’s recommendation following the fatality of a plumber who fell while working from a ladder.

Falls from ladders in the construction industry have resulted in a significant number of serious and fatal injuries, even when working at relatively low heights.  For many of our builder and solar installation members this is of particular concern.  We encourage all members to eliminate or significantly reduce the risk of these incidents by focusing on creating safe work practices.

View the full Guidance Note from Worksafe Victoria online.  Further information can be obtained by contacting the WorkSafe Victoria Advisory Service on 1800 136 089 or by visiting their website.

Featuring profiles on new members to the association. 
After spending a number of years as a landscaper, John Hardy was offered an opportunity too good to pass up.  He jumped at the chance to work with associate Steve Adams at Yarrabee & Castlemaine Stone Solutions' glorious new showroom.  It seemed like a natural transition considering, early in John's career, he had stuch a strong affinity with exquisite stone. 

This month we catch up with John Hardy from Yarrabee & Castlemaine Stone Solutions where he manages the national sales for their stunning and robust range of natural stone products.

What does your business offer?
We supply stone products for pool coping, adjoining paving, feature walls, internal flooring, dry stone walling and even garden/landscape works.  We offer a wide range of options, all of which create their own unique picture.  We also have our natural stone showroom which displays stone products in large enough quantities to demonstrate how a stone will look in a finished project.

What are the most exciting & challenging parts of your business?
Stone products are complex creatures which are available in a wide variety of colours and textures.  Assessing the stone's suitability for the myriad applications is a fair challenge, fortunately our knowledgeable staff do this very well.  Guiding customers through the selection process, taking all the factors into account and achieving a stunning result is by far, the most exciting part of the business.

What’s a typical day in your world?
Early start to meet the needs of the tradies, sorting urgent deliveries of stone which should have been ordered and delivered a week before!! Then the day is spent at the desk keeping up with special orders and tracking the flow of stock coming in from our overseas and local suppliers.  Fortunately I do still manage a few site visits and meetings with our specifier clients which is definitely the most enjoyable part of the day.

What’s something you’ve always wanted to do?
Play guitar like Mark Knopfler!

Who’s been your greatest inspiration?
My father who taught me the basics of life... respect and consideration of those around me.

Bonus question... Boardies or Budgies??
Once it was budgies, then boardies took over about 30 years back. Now it’s a two man tent!

View Yarrabee & Castelmaine Stone Solutions website to view their outstanding project gallery.

DRED Meeting - Monday 8 July, SPASA Training Centre, Notting Hill

Pool Construction Essentials - Wednesday 17 July, SPASA Training Centre, Notting Hill

Hydraulics (Basic) - Wednesday 24 July, SPASA Training Centre, Notting Hill

Hydraulics (Advanced) - Thursday 25 July, SPASA Training Centre, Notting Hill

Gala Dinner Bookings Close - Friday 26 July, RSVP to rose@spasavic.com.au

Spa & Pool Show at MCEC (Winter Show) - Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 August - For bookings contact Vee at AEE on 9676 2133

Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner - Saturday 24 August, National Gallery of Victoria

Chemistry (Basic) - Monday 2 September, SPASA Training Centre, Notting Hill

Chemistry (Advanced) - Wednesday 4 September & Thursday 5 September, SPASA Training Centre, Notting Hill

White Card Training - Wednesday 18 September, SPASA Training Centre, Notting Hill

SPASA Industry Regulations: A Vital Industry Overview - Wednesday 23 October, SPASA Training Centre, Notting Hill 

Chemistry (Basic) - Thursday 24 October, SPASA Training Centre, Notting Hill

Annual General Meeting - Wednesday 13 November, SPASA, Building 10, 270 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill

Pool & Spa Expo 2014 - Friday 31 Jan – Sunday 2 February, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

Annual Golf Day - Friday 14 March 2014, Kingston Links Golf Course

Partner Association Events

South Australia– Pool & Spa Show ~ 6 & 7 July

Queensland – Awards Night ~ 13 July

Western Australia – Awards Night ~ 20 July, Pool Expo ~ 7-8 September