Around the Nation 1
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Image: Tony Phillips, courtesy of Queensland Training Awards
1 GUIDE TO GOOD HOMES
in Queensland and went on to become their first female apprentice,” says Farmer. “As a fully qualified tradesperson with the company, Lauren is recognised as a future industry leader, who has already promoted careers in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to other young women.”
The federal government has published the sixth edition of Your Home, an independent guide to environmentally sustainable homes. Your Home provides advice on designs, materials and appliances that can make homes more comfortable and sustainable when building, buying or renovating. Written by more than 50 experts in building design and construction, it contains the latest details on emerging energy efficiency technologies, sustainable design practices, and construction systems for the residential building sector. The information is relevant across all states and territories, and includes references to Australian Standards and the National Construction Code.
As the state’s top apprentice, Campbell is among the team of Queensland individuals and organisations that will now progress to the Australian Training Awards in November. Campbell features in our “Smoko with” section this month, on page 28. For more information about the Queensland Training Awards, go to www.qta.qld.gov.au ■
The latest edition includes new and updated content on technological advances in building and design including batteries, solar PV, roof and wall insulation, cladding systems, lighting and appliances.
3 NEW PURCHASE FOR BEIJER REF
Other new information covers building in bushfireprone areas, how to achieve Passive House standards, building using hemp masonry, and the latest information on renewable materials and energy systems. There is also updated guidance on condensation and airtightness, energy efficiency in apartments and common-area upgrades, as well as building homes that are resilient to a changing climate. Go to yourhome.gov.au ■
2 TOP HONOURS FOR RAC APPRENTICE
Campbell, from Manly West in Brisbane, was named as the winner of the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year at a virtual awards ceremony. She was congratulated by Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer. “Lauren’s interest in refrigeration started in Year 12 when she secured work experience with A. G. Coombs |
HVAC&R Nation
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Airstream is a manufacturer and distributor of air conditioning ducting and associated fittings. The company was established in 2011 and boasts personnel of 14 employees. The majority of Airstream’s sales are made locally in Perth. Airstream has been operating as part of the iZone business, forming a part of the company’s home solutions offering. Annual sales amount to about AUD$6 million. Beijer Ref says the acquisition will strengthen its overall presence in Western Australia. Airstream will be integrated into Beijer Ref’s subsidiary, ACD Trade, and the acquisition will have a minor impact on the Beijer Ref Group’s result and position.
Refrigeration and air conditioning tradesperson Lauren Campbell has taken out the top state award for Apprentice of the Year at the 2021 Queensland Training Awards, which this year celebrated 60 years of excellence in training.
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Global refrigeration wholesaler Beijer Ref has signed an agreement to acquire all the shares in the Australian distribution company Airstream.
“Australia is an important market for Beijer Ref, and it is pleasing that we have found an opportunity to grow even further in this region,” says Beijer Ref CEO Christopher Norbye. “Airstream, which is a well-managed and fastgrowing company with a good profitability, will add value to our group. They offer several new products, such as patented zoning and connection systems.” Go to www.beijerref.com.au ■
Summer 2021
4 PIRATES IN THE PLANT ROOM! In November, AIRAH’s South Australian division, in conjunction with CIBSE, organised a site visit to Pirate Life Brewery in Port Adelaide. Pirate Life was founded by Jack Cameron, Jared “Red” Proudfoot and Michael “MC” Cameron in late 2014. Drawing on their international brewing experience, the duo turned a 1,000m2 plot in Hindmarsh, Adelaide, into a fully functioning brewery in just 12 weeks. The site visit was hosted by Pirate Life and Cold Logic, and included a detailed look at Pirate Life’s production facility. It included a tour of the site, as well as a run through a selection of beers. The tours were conducted by Sam Graydon (brand ambassador), Matty O’Callaghan (brand ambassador), Lewis Maschmedt (head brewer), Jared Proudfoot (co-founder), and Michael Riese, M.AIRAH (Cold Logic, refrigeration system provider). ■
5 TECH-DRIVEN PLAN FOR NET ZERO The federal government has released Australia’s Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan, which it says will achieve net zero by 2050. A joint media release from Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor says that Australia will act in a “practical, responsible way” to deliver net zero emissions by 2050 while preserving jobs and generating new opportunities for industries and regional areas. In line with previous policy statements, the government has centred the plan on investment in technology, with an emphasis on clean hydrogen, carbon capture, and energy storage. The media release also highlighted the potential of ultra-low-cost solar. But despite residential and commercial buildings accounting for more than 50 per cent of electricity use in Australia and almost a quarter of our emissions, there is little focus on improving energy efficiency in these areas, which could be
