Around the Nation

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AUSSIE EXCELLENCE RECOGNISED

The HVAC Centre of Excellence at Holmesglen’s Chadstone campus has won a prestigious CIBSE Building Performance Awards in the Learning and Development category.

The awards, open to any organisation internationally, recognise the people, products and projects that demonstrate engineering excellence in the built environment. The 2020 awards were presented at a gala dinner attended by 700 guests in London, on February 11.

The HVAC Centre of Excellence is a joint initiative between the Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors’ Association (AMCA) and Holmesglen. It was developed to support specialist training in HVAC, with input and support from businesses and the Victorian government. It is unique in that it simulates and replicates entire systems found in today’s buildings.

“Through exposure to a simulated ‘live’ system, the Centre builds students’ skills quickly in what would take years in the workplace,” says AMCA Executive Director, Sumit Oberoi.

“It is the only applied balancing and commissioning learning centre in the world to our knowledge, and will make an important contribution to our industry. Balancing and commissioning is critical to the performance, energy efficiency and safety of buildings.”

Go to holmesglen.edu.au/Industry/Holmesglen-HVACCentre-of-Excellence/ ■

IN LINE FOR A PRIZE

The finalists for the ARBS 2020 Industry Awards have been announced. This year marks a decade for the awards, which are aimed at honouring and rewarding the talent in Australia’s HVAC&R industry.

“Not only do the ARBS Industry Awards culminate in a fantastic celebration, the award recipients will join a small but influential group of industry high achievers with their accomplishments in their respective fields publicly acknowledged,” says ARBS exhibition manager Sue Falcke. “We are proud to be applauding their hard work and commitment via the ARBS Industry Awards.”

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner on Wednesday, May 20, hosted by actor Shane Jacobson.

ARBS Young Achiever Award: Chris Stamatis, Affil.AIRAH – CopperTree Analytics; Grace Foo, M.AIRAH – DeltaQ; Abraham Corona, M.AIRAH – TechIN

ARBS Product Excellence Award: Temperzone Australia – OPA2100 Eco ULTRA; Shepherd Filters – Shepherd Filters; Actrol – DC-3 Smart Refrigeration System

ARBS Software/Digital Excellence Award: Kaizen – CopperTree Analytics; Smart Access Cylinder Management and Gas2Go App – Kirby; Bueno Platform – Bueno

ARBS Project Excellence Award: NewTon Plant Installation – Tri Tech Refrigeration Australia and Mayekawa; The Woolworths Energy Management Centre – Bueno and Woolworths; 177 Pacific Hwy – Fredon

ARBS Outstanding Industry Education/Training Award: CO2 Systems Training Course – Kirby and SCM Frigo; Professional Diploma of Building Services, HVAC&R – AIRAH; HVAC Centre of Excellence – AMCA

Go to www.arbs.com.au ■

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THE BIG EVENT

Excitement is (ahem) building ahead of the Sydney Build 2020 Expo, to be held at ICC Sydney from March 19–20.

Now in its fifth year, the Expo focuses on construction, architecture and infrastructure.

The event is free and will offer attendees 21 summits across eight conference stages – including the HVAC & Facilities Management Summit, which will cover maintenance, operation, inspection, security and planning of commercial and residential buildings for building and facilities managers, contractors, sub-contractors and HVAC installation professionals. Presentations will explore how we can better design, control and innovate

| HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | March 2020 to transform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration of residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

There are also more than 300 speaker presentations, and over 350 exhibitors in three exhibition halls. Live music, celebrity guests and entertainment, and interactive demonstrations and workshops are also on offer.

The Expo is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors – including contractors, architects, specifiers, developers, government, designers, councils, associations, house builders, engineers, suppliers and construction professionals.

Go to www.sydneybuildexpo.com ■

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TOP TIDINGS AT TEMPERZONE

Another Antipodean team at the CIBSE Building Performance Awards was Temperzone. The Australian HVAC manufacturer and distributor was chosen as a finalist in the Product or Innovation – Thermal Comfort category.

Meanwhile, back at the company’s Sydney HQ, Robert Beggs has been settling into his new role as managing director. He moves up from the position of general manager, which he held for the past three years.

Throughout a long career in the both the consumer electronics and HVAC&R industries, Beggs has been involved in standards development as well as many industry associations. He has over 25 years of management experience in the fields of quality, operations, IT, corporate governance, design and manufacturing. Beggs also chairs several Standards Australia committees as well as representing Australia at international standards meetings.

Beggs takes over from Alan Channels, who retired on January 31.

Channels is continuing his work with Temperzone as a non-executive director. During his many years in the HVAC industry, he has been heavily involved with associations such as AREMA supporting air conditioning and refrigeration manufacturing in Australia.

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NEW OWNER FOR ACD TRADE

Global refrigeration wholesaler Beijer Ref AB has signed an agreement to acquire all shares in the Australian HVAC company ACD Trade.

ACD Trade is a leading HVAC distribution company in Australia with around 60 employees and a distribution network of nine branches. Annual sales amount to approximately Au$80 million. Beijer Ref acquires ACD Holding Company Pty Ltd. from Cliplight US Holdings, Inc.

The Group is already present in Australia through Beijer Ref Australia and Kirby HVAC&R – formerly Heatcraft, which Beijer Ref acquired in 2018. The acquisition of ACD Trade further strengthens the group’s presence in the Asia Pacific region and especially in Australia. Total sales in APAC are estimated to top Au$460 million after the acquisition, corresponding to 20 per cent of Beijer Ref´s total sales.

“Australia is an important market for us, and it is pleasing that we found an opportunity to grow further,” says Beijer Ref CEO Per Bertland.

“ACD Trade is a well-managed and fast-growing company that will add value to our group in the form of an expanded customer base and a broader product range within HVAC.” ■

ACTROL BRANCH IN BALLARAT

HVAC and refrigerant technicians in Ballarat and surrounds in regional Victoria will be pleased to learn that a new Actrol and relocated Metalflex branch has just opened in Delacombe.

“The dual-branded site provides the best-quality products and service for all refrigeration and air conditioning installers,” says Actrol. “The branch prides itself on a well-stocked product range and an expert technical team to support customers.”

The branch, located at 24 Wiltshire Lane, is open six days a week.

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CLASS DISMISSED

Trades College Australia in Punchbowl, Sydney, has lost its RTO status for issues related to the delivery of recognition of prior learning (RPL) for refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) courses.

The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) worked with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), the training industry regulator, on the case. ASQA took action against Trades College Australia and, after numerous appeals, has cancelled the RTO.

“A significant element of ASQA’s review revolved around the use of recognition of prior learning,” says ARC CEO Glenn Evans, Affil.AIRAH.

“RPL needs to be conducted with the same rigour as any other form of assessment, including a comprehensive quality process that covers the content (skills and knowledge) of the qualification being assessed.”

For a qualification that usually takes several years to complete, such as a Certificate III in refrigeration and air conditioning, the documentary evidence for an adequately assessed RPL qualification could be hundreds of pages. This must be detailed and mapped across each unit of competency.

“With the help of industry, the ARC and the ASQA, sub-standard RAC training courses have been all but eliminated,” says Evans.

If you believe an RTO is offering refrigeration and air conditioning qualifications inappropriately, you can report the issue via email: enquire@arctick.org ■

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KNOW A GOOD PLUMBER?

Rheem Australia has announced the launch of its Apprentice Plumber Grants for 2020.

Australian apprentice plumbers and gas fitters, both current and those who are this year starting their TAFE/RTO course, can apply for a share of the $30,000 in grants available from the scheme.

Ten successful candidates will receive a $3,000 grant to support the progression of their study and help kickstart their career: $2,000 to assist with their TAFE/RTO fees and textbooks, and $1,000 to help newcomers build their all‑important trade toolbox.

“Following feedback from apprentices, plumbing teachers and employers, we’ve determined that the greatest financial hardships are associated with tuition and tools,” says Rheem CEO Chris Taylor. “The grant provides recipients with the opportunity to commit to further study, such as continuing the optional fourth year where apprentices can earn their tradesman license and dream of one day operating their own business.”

Applications close at 5pm on March 30. Successful recipients will be announced on May 8.

Go to www.rheem.com.au/apprentice ■

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CHOICE EFFORT!

Capping off its 20th anniversary last year, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia (MHIAA) was recognised as the Best Brand of Air Conditioners by leading consumer advocacy group Choice.

The award is based on test reviews of over 140 split system air conditioners and the results of the annual reliability and satisfaction survey completed by more than 7,500 Choice members.

According to Choice, the Best Brand recommendation is earned by companies with a clear lead over their competitors during the test period. Factors include performance over the past 12 months, customer satisfaction and reliability information submitted by Choice members on their experience with the brand. This is then combined with the bi-annual review of split systems conducted independently by Choice.

“Receiving this honour for the second year in a row highlights the quality product we are bringing to the Australian market,” said MHIAA managing director Yuji Ito.

“We believe in keeping consumers at the forefront of our heating and cooling solutions and going above their expectations to help them find the perfect AC solution for their needs.”