Celebrating excellence in the glass, window and security screen industries
ACCREDITATION
Priority audits for 2024: Onsite audits highlighted as a priority for this year
SAFETY
Sexual Harassment: A new postive duty from 12 December 2023 for all workplaces
TECHNICAL Statements of conformity: NCC evidence of suitability
Siddarth Kumaran
GRADUATE ENGINEER, AGWASiddharth is an engineer with over 6 years of experience in the Structural and Civil Engineering field. Before joining AGWA, he worked for 5 years as a structural engineer, specialising in the design of commercial, residential, and industrial buildings, civil structures and wind and seismic resistant façade systems.
Since joining AGWA, Siddharth has been providing technical guidance and support to members. He spends much of his time developing technical resources and industry tools for members, as well as participating in the revision of Standards via the AGWA Technical Committee. He is currently completing a Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER, BUILDING PRODUCTS INDUSTRY COUNCIL
Rodger Hills is currently the Executive Officer for the Building Products Industry Council (BPIC) and has held a number of senior roles in the building sector including as CEO of the Australian Building Sustainability Association. He has a wide background in building policy and regulation, industry advocacy, compliance and standards. Rodger is currently involved in liaising with jurisdictions on control mechanisms for nonconforming and non-complying building products, harmonised building product standards and embodied carbon methodologies.
Vivienne Munter
Vivienne began her employment with AGWA in mid-2017 assisting in the administrative duties in the Sydney office on a casual basis. Her role soon progressed to part time providing administrative assistance to the Training Manager including preparation of material for trainers and the annual AGWA Design Awards. Later she was offered a full-time position split between managing the administrative side of AGWA’s Accredited Companies Program (ACP) and Dispute Resolution Services.
Prior to AGWA, Vivienne worked as a high school teacher for twelve years teaching Business Studies, Commerce and Geography and marking HSC exams.
Angela Farrell
Angela is an advertising copywriter and business content writer with over 15 years, advertising agency experience. She loves the challenge of working across industries and genres; writing radio ads for snack brands, websites for SaaS, articles for AGWA, and everything in between!
Having represented Australia in the sport of sailing, Angela is passionate about the teamwork and hard work that goes into success — be it in sport or business.
Ingrid Pagura
Ingrid began her role with AGWA in May 2021 looking after the training needs of members. Her role soon progressed to include working on Safety, BuiltView, the AGWA Design Awards, the website and other marketingrelated activities.
Prior to AGWA, Ingrid worked for a legal publishing company as an editor, a publishing manager and then an editorial trainer. Her time at Butterworths saw her work on their building and local government and environment suite of products and with the CSIRO and ABCB on other BCA projects. She also previously worked for many years as a part time teacher at TAFE teaching law, business, communications and work health and safety across multiple faculties.
Maurice graduated with a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney in 2021, majoring in Financial Economics and Econometrics. He led two collaborative projects, one analysing of the effects of COVID on the stock prices of commercial property companies and the second, collaborating with ANZ Banking involving recommendations to improve their data analytics for the approval of home loans in disadvantaged postcodes. He joined the HIA in 2023, and his responsibilities involve contributing to HIA’s suite of publications and articles.
Deborah Deeth
MANAGING DIRECTOR,
GREATER GLASS
Deb has been in the glass industry for 20 years since the inception of Greater Glass, of which she is the proud founder and the driving force.
For the past decade, Deb has held prominent positions within the glass industry and currently serves as a Director on the AGWA Board, contributing to the advancement of the glass industry and glazing as a competitive and lucrative trade and profession. She actively campaigns to entice young apprentices into the field and to elevate safety, compliance, and quality standards.
A firm believer in the power of shared knowledge and learning, she is committed to advancing our industry through awareness programs around reduced energy consumption and emission targets.
EDITORS
Melissa Baker
Ingrid Pagura
SUB EDITOR
Helen Dawes
DESIGN
Webqem Pty Ltd
Ahmad Awick, AGWA
EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Helen Dawes
+61 2 9498 2768
marketing@agwa.com.au
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COVER IMAGE & CONTENTS PAGE IMAGE
Darebin St, Mile End, SA
Builder: Exterior Dimensions
Fabricator: AA Windows & Doors
Photographer: Art Department Styling + Creative
Alspec products:
Carinya Classic Awning and Fixed
Carinya Classic Sliding Door
Carinya Select 125 Hinged door
CONTRIBUTORS
Clinton Skeoch, Ingrid Pagura, Russell Harris, Maurice Tapang, Deborah Deeth, Rodger Hills, Carver Broomhall, Steven Poole, Scott Phillips, Siddharth Kumaran, Vivienne Munter, Angela Bevitt-Parr, Angela Farrell, Mari Lehtinen, Elizabeth Dimabuyu, Emma Savage, Joanne Tao, Samara Davis, Kim Desler, Lido Russo, Helen Dawes, Melissa Baker, Kerrie Henderson, Ahmad Awick, Homa Sheikholeslami, Dominique Macartney, Lucy Kendall and Kellie Moore.
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DISCLAIMER
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission from AWA-AGGA Limited is strictly prohibited. It is impossible for the publisher to ensure that the advertisements and other material herein comply with the Australian Consumer Law Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Readers should make their own inquiries in making decisions and where necessary seek professional advice.
Clinton Skeoch Executive Director and CEO, AGWA
Welcome to 2024. The year ahead promises to be filled with opportunities for growth, collaboration, and recognition within our community, and the whole AGWA Team is looking forward to continuing to serve our industry.
For those of you wanting to know what is new and likely to affect your business in the coming year, I look forward to seeing you at one of the upcoming state Member Forums, set to take place across the country. These gatherings serve as invaluable platforms for networking, knowledge sharing, and forging new connections within our industry.
In addition to our state Member Forums, I am thrilled to shine a spotlight on the prestigious 2024 AGWA Design and Industry Awards that are on the horizon, with Award Presentation Dinners booked for each state. These accolades celebrate the remarkable achievements of our members, showcasing groundbreaking projects and innovative solutions that push the boundaries of design excellence. I encourage all of you to submit your best work for consideration and join us in celebrating the remarkable talent within our community.
To highlight the ongoing additions to member value in 2024, I am delighted to announce a new agreement on member discounts with Australian Standards. Under the plan, active AGWA members will get a 10% discount off the Small Business Standard Set subscriptions. This initiative underscores a long journey of engagement with Standards Australia to ensure reliable and more cost-effective access to Standards for our members, helping to underpin capacity building and compliance within our industry. In delivering member value, I am also pleased to have locked in another year of free Creditor Watch medium plan access for our members. With more and more news stories around builder viability, now is the time to reach out to the AGWA team and understand how to take advantage of this opportunity.
I am looking forward to your support in 2024 as we have a lot to deliver and, indeed, to celebrate.
Stay safe.
COVER AND CONTENTS:
Darebin St, Mile End – Carinya Project
Located just west of the Adelaide CBD in the suburb of Mile End, the home features high wall-length windows on both levels, which ensure natural light filters into every room. Created by award-winning firm Exterior Dimensions, this large family home utilised window and door framing solutions from Carinya’s residential products. Created by Alspec, and based on their experience in the commercial environment, Carinya products come in two ranges: Classic and Select.
To provide light without compromising privacy, a series of high awning and fixed Carinya Classic windows were used on both the lower and upper levels of the home. Carinya Classic Sliding Doors were used on the ground level of the home to enable the easy integration of the living areas when required. Unlike the exposed tracks which are found on most residential sliding doors, Carinya sliding doors include threshold and jamb in-fills, end caps to conceal all cavities and internally concealed weather flaps.
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The typical value of an approval to build a detached home in Australia was a little over $333,000 just before the COVID pandemic. In the decade to 2019, this value would usually see an annual growth rate of 3%. This was reflective of the growth rate in the prices of materials, which grew in the same period at a rate between 2%-3%.
During the pandemic, supply shocks saw the overall price of home construction materials increase by as much as 17% in the span of a year. Some materials surged in price by more than double that rate, with certain timber and steel products reaching annual price growth rates of around 40%.
Prices, in general, tend to be downwardly sticky and rarely move backwards, especially in the long term. An example of this is the price of timber windows, which are over 60% more expensive than pre-pandemic levels. The result is a sharp and sustained rise in home building costs. In the most recent quarter, the cost to build a typical detached home was over 40% higher than it was prior to the pandemic.
The COVID’s disruptions on supply chains not only made it more expensive to acquire construction materials, but also more difficult to get them onshore on time. To keep up with demand, domestic suppliers had to build both warehousing and production capacities. Suppliers in the construction industry needed to shift from a ‘Just-In-Time’ to a ‘Just-in-Case’ model. This buffer-building gave greater certainty on the availability of materials but was also costly.
An example of this response to the supply shock was an increase to domestic storage in the supply chain. Approvals for building transport facilities, factories and warehouses went up by 13% in 2021. The value of building domestic supply chain facilities was 72% in 2021 than the decade average.
Timber supply is another example of an increase in building onshore capacity during the pandemic. Domestic timber production amped up in mid-2021 by over 7% compared to the previous year. Despite this, it was not enough to satiate domestic demand. A return to stable timber supply and prices relied on a normalisation of imports and transport facilities.
In 2023, pandemic restrictions were unwound across the world and shipping container prices sustained a return to prepandemic levels. There are concerns though that the conflict in the Middle East will again markedly disrupt supply chains. This has seen container prices more than double within weeks as a result of shipping network diversions.
The escalation in shipping prices has yet to materialise in the prices of house construction materials. It would be likely to be immaterial for two main reasons: (1) signs that the current shipping constraints would be short-lived, and (2) the capacity built by suppliers during the pandemic.
As a result, the growth rate in the value of a typical house approval has plummeted from the sharp increases in 2021-22. There are positive signs that construction costs are set to return to stable annual growth rates of around 3%-5% in the long term. This will be largely driven, not only by a return to normal supply chains, but also because of more resilient networks and practices developed during the pandemic.
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On 1 January 2024, some changes took place under the Fair Work Act. This article will focus on superannuation now being included in the National Employment Standards Employers have an obligation to pay superannuation (super) contributions for eligible employees under superannuation guarantee laws, which have been in place since 1992. As a result of this change, superannuation is now an entitlement under the National Employment Standards as well.
What are the National Employment Standards? These are a list of minimum entitlements for Australian workers who fall under the Commonwealth Fair Work Act, which is most Australian workers, except for state and local government public sector workers in most states. This varies in some states and territories so if you’d like to find out if you are included under this legislation, please go to: Fair Work Australia. While the National Employment Standards (NES) set out minimums any employer can provide their employees more if they wish.
The NES include minimum standards for working hours, parental leave, annual leave, redundancy and now superannuation as well. For more detail on the NES and what each standard sets out please see Fair work Australia.
Small business redundancy exemption changes
A non-small business employer can become a small business employer due
Fair Work has also updated the Fair Work Information Standard. This is a document that must be given to every new worker before or soon after they start work with you. There is now a second one for casual workers. It covers all the NES and other essential information for workers. Download a copy and make sure you are up to date with the latest.
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/sites/default/files/migration/724/FairWork-Information-Statement.pdf
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/sites/default/files/migration/724/ casual-employment-information-statement.pdf
It is also important to note there were other changes that came into effect with the passing of the Fair Work’s Closing Loopholes Law. Some of this commenced in December 2023 but much of it will come into effect this year. Fair Work Australia has produced a PDF of the major changes and a timeline for their introduction. Please look out for more information in the next issue of BuiltView
conferences changes in protected action ballot matters
Protected action ballot orders can be made by the Fair Work Commission (the national workplace relations tribunal) in relation to industrial action over a proposed enterprise agreement.
Where an order for industrial action is made, the bargaining representatives must attend a conciliation conference.
The new laws confirm that for this industrial action to be protected, the conciliation conference must be attended by:
' the employee bargaining representatives who applied for the ballot order (not necessarily all employee bargaining representatives for the agreement) ' the employer and their bargaining representatives
New discrimination protections
There are stronger protections against discrimination for employees experiencing family and domestic violence.
Other workplace health and safety and workers compensation changes
The changes include:
' expanding the functions of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency to include silica (15 December 2023)
' streamlining the Comcare workers compensation claims process for certain first responders who sustain post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (15 December 2023)
' amending the Commonwealth Work Health and Safety Act to introduce a new criminal offence for industrial manslaughter and significantly increasing penalties for other offences (1 July 2024).
Coming together from different industries, Railsafe Balustrades business owners Steven Poole and Andrew Walker found they had much more in common than just a desire to build a successful balustrading business.
‘We’re both committed to fostering a collaborative team culture, and that’s what we’re most proud of’, begins Steven, who co-founded the business in 2014. ‘Our team is from a diverse range of professional backgrounds and comes together at all stages throughout our projects to solve problems and deliver exceptional customer service. Not only does this make it a great place to work, but it’s also one of the key reasons our customers keep coming back to us.’
The Railsafe admin team (led by Operations Manager Wendy Fallow, Sales Manager Charles Barabas, and Head Technician Tony Casling) has been unchanged for some years now, which has helped steady the business while growing from 3 staff, to more than 15!
When we asked Steven what gives the company an edge in the competitive glass and aluminium market, he replied ‘Railsafe has always been at the cutting edge of balustrade product development. From designing, engineering and certifying high quality aluminium and glass balustrade systems for a range of
residential and commercial use, to automating and systemising the manufacturing process, every Railsafe product is proudly designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia. Railsafe procures aluminium from Queensland, and glass from Sydney, Melbourne or Perth, so it really is a true Aussie business. The challenges we faced during covid cemented the fact Aussie-made is a robust long term business strategy, because we can rely on our suppliers and are proud to support them.’
Railsafe has an impressive track record of delivering secure and successful projects, including the timely completion of a high-rise complex on Liverpool St, Sydney, just before Christmas last year. Steven explains ‘the client faced a challenge whereby a 50 mm handrail on an existing aluminium and glass balustrade obstructed the breathtaking views from level 29, which overlooked Hyde Park and a 250-degree panorama of Sydney’. In response, Railsafe presented three distinct options, collaborating with their engineering company to devise a balustrade design that eliminated the need for a handrail, ensuring an unobstructed view. The solution involved the installation of 21.52 mm and 25.52 mm toughened laminated glass balustrades. Railsafe actively participated in the project from the tender stage to completion, ensuring the client achieved the desired outcome. ‘The customer was thrilled we could deliver this high-quality result for them just in time for the holidays’, ends Steven.
Railsafe’s highly skilled team faced another challenging project at a large apartment block in Redfern, Sydney. The job site was nicknamed ‘Death Valley’ by the installation team due to the tight and maze-like scaffolding surrounding it, which made moving around the site precarious. The team collaborated to devise ways to make the site safe, and they were able to move nearly 500 panels of glass throughout an 8-level building. ‘Ultimately,
the finished balustrades showcased our team’s resilience, and elevated Railsafe Balustrades’ reputation with remedial builders, which highlights the value of having such an experienced team’, says Steven.
For more information visit www.railsafe.com.au
PINE AVENUE, ELWOOD: WELL-POSITIONED OPENABLE WINDOWS AND SLIDING DOORS MAKE THIS SERIES OF MODERN TOWNHOUSES LIGHT, WELL-VENTILATED AND COMFORTABLE PLACES TO CALL HOME.
Building on narrow urban sites can create challenges when it comes to ensuring good natural light and airflow reach key living spaces. However, for this series of townhouses in Elwood, near Melbourne, Victoria, the challenge was ably overcome, thanks to well-positioned windows and doors across every level.
Due to a series of windows and doors chosen, from the Alspec’s Carinya Classic range, positioned on opposing sides of the properties, ample light effectively reached all three levels of the townhouses. A mixture of window and door styles were selected, including awning, sliding and sashless, depending on the location, function required and wall space available.
For example, the combination of awning windows with fixed louvres was selected for the smaller rooms on the ground floor where windows were nearest to a site boundary. The slightly recessed windows allowed for enough space for the awning windows to open, while the louvres filtered light and provide privacy.
Where more wall space was available on upper levels, windows in the sliding configuration (horizontal or sashless) were chosen, allowing for wider openings and a larger contribution to cross-ventilation. With access required to the ground level courtyards and upper-level balconies,
Carinya Classic Sliding doors were selected. These high-performance sliding doors are cost effective for the residential environment, despite coming with commercial grade credentials. The ability to open up the home on both sides is an easy way to take advantage of cool afternoon breezes and minimise the need for artificial cooling. When the doors are closed, their robust design and integrated rollers ensure a secure and weather-tight environment.
Finished in Black Matt, the panels of vertical glazing on each façade contrast effectively with the white curved brickwork of the house, delivering a series of contemporary homes, while referencing the history and character of the local neighbourhood.
Licensed Carinya Dealer :
Cera Stribley Architects
Builder : Cohen Building
Licensed Carinya Dealer :
Absolute Dynamic Windows Pty Ltd
Photography : Emily Bartlett
Alspec Products:
Carinya Classic Sliding Door
Carinya Classic Awning Window
92 mm Frame
Carinya Classic Sliding Window
50 mm Frame
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Members can call or email for assistance with any technical issue they may have. We aim to respond to any member enquiry within 24 hours.
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Industry Specific training with member discount prices for on demand and instructor led courses.
AGWA offers a Dispute Resolution Service and non-compliance investigation service to assist and advise members when a complaint is made against them or a dispute with a customer occurs.
HR advice line, job board and classifieds web site to support your business and employees. CreditorWatch access is included in membership to help your business reduce exposure to the risk of credit default.
Biannual industry conference and trade exhibition. Conference sessions and key note speakers covering topics crucial to our industry.
Kellie Moore Corporate Marketing Communications Manager, Capral
Step into a sustainable future with Newcastle-based residential window manufacturer Fin Windows and Doors, a leading advocate for responsibly sourced lower-carbon aluminium windows and doors.
As the demand for eco-friendly building solutions increases, Fin Windows and Doors is at the forefront of providing innovative products that cater to both the environment and the demands for high-quality residential building projects. With a solid commitment to sustainability, Fin Windows and Doors has consciously shifted to sourcing lower-carbon aluminium from Capral and manufactures a comprehensive range of high-performance residential windows and doors, the ideal choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Established in 1968, Fin Windows and Doors, led by Jeff Picton, is a long-standing supplier of aluminium windows and doors in the NSW Newcastle and Hunter regions.
‘We specialise in providing high-quality residential windows and doors into the domestic construction market’, comments Jeff.
Recently, the business has also seen a growing demand for more efficient and more sustainable building products.
‘For a long time, customers have asked about efficient glazing options, double glazing and WERS ratings; now they are asking about sustainability, recyclability and where our products come from; it’s a definite shift in the conversation ― sustainability has become a genuine priority for our customers’, continues Jeff.
In 2022, Capral introduced LocAl ® lower-carbon aluminium, offering LocAl ® as standard on all Capral proprietary window and door systems it supplies, including the Urban and Urban Plus ranges typically used by Fin Windows.
‘It’s a game changer’, says Jeff. ‘Now we have a unique offer for our residential builders and homeowners; we can supply aluminium window and door systems that meet and exceed their expectations around compliance, energy efficiency and performance. At the same time, offering them a product with excellent sustainability credentials.’
One key aspect of sustainable construction is the choice of materials. Traditional aluminium production is energy-intensive and emits large amounts of greenhouse gases. By opting for lower-carbon aluminium, used in high-performance, thermally efficient window systems, such as those provided by Fin Windows and Doors, homeowners can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of their buildings. This helps combat climate change and saves on energy consumption and costs.
The carbon emissions in primary aluminium production range from under 4 kg CO2e/kg Al to over 20 kg CO2e/kg Al, largely dependent upon the energy sources used. The current global average carbon emission for primary aluminium is approximately 13.9 kg CO2e/kg Al.*
Capral’s LocAl ® offer includes two lower-carbon aluminium options: LocAl ® Green with carbon emissions of 8 kg CO2e/kg Al* and LocAl ® Super Green at 4 kg CO2e/kg Al*, among the lowest carbon aluminium available globally.
Using lower carbon aluminium in windows and doors is a crucial step towards reducing the carbon footprint of Australian homes.
‘We are proud to partner with an aluminium supplier leading the way in this area. Capral is prioritising sustainability and making it possible for small, independent businesses like ours to make a responsible choice around the aluminium products we supply’, adds Jeff.
In addition to making LocAl lower in carbon standard for its window systems, Capral has also been accredited under the Aluminium Stewardship Initiatives (ASI) performance and chain of custody standards and is currently the only aluminium extruder within Australia to hold these credentials.
Marketing Manager Kellie Moore comments, ‘ASI Accreditation is essential and will continue to become increasingly relevant in
our industry as businesses focus on the responsible sourcing and procurement of aluminium. Like everything, consumers are becoming more interested in understanding the origins of their products, be it coffee beans, leather shoes or building products. Being able to stand hand on heart and say I know where the aluminium I’m supplying comes from and that it has been sourced responsibly is essential for Australian window fabrication businesses’.
Capral was also recognised at the 2023 Sustainability Awards as the Green Building Product category winner for its marketleading lower-carbon Aluminium offer LocAl ® . By embracing innovative technologies and responsible sourcing practices, Fin Windows is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future, making a positive impact on the environment, one window at a time.
For more information, contact Kellie Moore at kellie.moore@capral.com.au
The 19th season of The Block showcased what is possible when using High Performance Glazing and ended with a record sell price and the highest profit in Block history.
The Block 2023 witnessed a fascinating transformation of five neighbouring 1950s brick homes located in the colder climate of Hampton East, Victoria One of the key glazing focuses was bringing these renovated homes into the world of high performance, energy efficiency, sustainability, and lower operating embodied carbon.
From a glass and window perspective, the show highlighted the importance of using innovative technologies such as Insulglass LowE Plus® clear double glazing, partnered with aluplast uPVC systems to enhance insulation, design aesthetics and energy efficiency. The contestants, with the help of the Nine in Six builders, faced numerous challenges and drama as they worked on these ambitious retrofits. The end results were nothing short of phenomenal. The houses underwent five dramatic transformations, each with its unique presentation features. These impressive renovations not only captured the viewers’ attention but also led to record sell prices and profits. The Block 2023 showcased how strategic thinking, cutting-edge glazing technology, and a commitment to sustainability can lead to remarkable outcomes in the world of home renovation.
“Winplex was proud to be part of the team for House 1, The Block 2023. We worked seamlessly with AGG, aluplast and the team at Nine in Six. The final results speak for themselves. Kyle and Leslie were awesome!”
Couple: Kyle & Leslie
Fabricator: Winplex Double Glazing
“Living Design Double Glazing were thrilled to be working alongside the contestants and be a part of The Block 2023, supplying advanced windows systems to compliment the contemporary design of House 2. It’s been a great experience, allowing us the opportunity to demonstrate the skills and experience of our team, and our capabilities.”
Couple: Leah & Ash
Fabricator: Living Design Double Glazing
Insulglass LowE Plus® was the ideal glass choice. A high performance Softcoat LowE coated glass, protected within a double glazed unit. An ideal LowE for colder climates with maximum Visible Light, Passive Heat Gain & excellent Insulation. Multiple make-ups were used ranging from 4mm to 8mm thick Toughened glass on both sides of the double glazed units. Argon gas is used in the air gap also to enhance Insulation properties further.
Partnered with German-engineered aluplast systems and fabricated by five different experienced window companies, the homes enjoy the form and function that the frame types offer – fixed and tilt-turn windows, vario-slide and smart-slide, single and French doors. The Total System U-Values enjoyed achieved as low as 1.6, while a range of SHGC was covered.
“EuroTech Windows has been a proud installer and manufacturer of aluplast uPVC, double glazed windows and doors, using AGG LowE Plus for House 4 at The Block 2023, and it’s been a fantastic experience from start to finish!”
Couple: Steph & Gian Fabricator: EuroTech Windows
“Glad to have been given the chance to work on the 2023 season of The Block and be part of the team at House 3. It was exceptionally rewarding for our team and certainly tested all of our skills.”
Couple: Kristy & Brett
Fabricator: Weatherall Windows
“Astellite take great pride in its contribution to ‘The Block’ House 5, creating more than just windows, but a dedicated commitment to revolutionizing Australian living. Our windows not only enhance your living experience but also seamlessly integrate with a sustainable and energy-efficient lifestyle, thanks to our cutting-edge aluplast profiles and glazing solutions.”
Couple: Eliza & Liberty
Fabricator: Astellite
Growing up building homes around Auckland New Zealand, Steve Parkes saw how people’s houses were at the very centre of family life, and a special place to come together. Familyfirst values and putting care into every single product became the foundations of what is now a thriving multinational door business for Steve, his sons, and now a third generation, Steve’s grandsons.
In 1992, Steve and his wife Rachel purchased an old joinery workshop in the town of Wanganui (NZ) with a desire to make custom stairs and doors, while supporting the local community with jobs. Business was tough at first, until the workload grew enough to employ staff. Steve reflects on Parkwood’s very first big job. ‘We secured the job of replacing the stairs and solid doors in the large Parliament buildings in the capital of Wellington, which thankfully led to much more work.’
In 1993 their eldest son Dean joined the business, and they continued expanding over the next few years, sending doors all over New Zealand. By the time their younger son Simon joined Parkwood in 2002, the company had built a solid reputation in the New Zealand door-making industry.
As the second generation of Parkwood Doors, Dean and Simon identified that the market was looking for door options that were more durable and less maintenance than timber. ‘In 2007 we developed our first thermally broken aluminium front door’, says Dean. ‘Window fabricators soon began approaching us to supply Parkwood front doors alongside their aluminium windows, which is a simpler process for homeowners and specifiers. Window fabricators now supply over 90% of Parkwood’s front doors in New Zealand today, and Parkwood is now one of the key businesses providing employment in the city of Wanganui’, he adds with great satisfaction.
In 2014, after researching the market in Australia, the same issue was apparent; timber doors twisted and warped over time, with no safe or stylish alternative. Starting out in Victoria, Parkwood expanded into Australia and now supplies aluminium powder coated architectural front doors nationwide through a network of window fabricators. ‘We have continued our tradition of supporting regional towns, with our facilities based in the Southern Highlands outside Sydney’ says Steve.
When we asked Steve what it means to run a family business, he explained that ‘it gives us an inner drive to succeed as we cannot rely on a large corporate presence to carry us. Everyone has to work together to keep innovating and improving to retain product leadership. Serving customers, staying focused on them, and making them completely satisfied is the blood that keeps Parkwood pumping – there is no other way to go’. Steve is proud to report that Parkwood’s ‘third generation has officially started on the factory floor and is working through the various departments (of which there are a lot!) which will give them an excellent overview of the company’.
Parkwood Doors has big plans for the Australian market. ‘Now that we have spent 10 years building our foundation and facilities in Australia, we are ready to take it to the next level. We are currently building partnerships with some statewide and nationwide window dye holders and fabricators. Our vision is that home builders anywhere in Australia can easily have an architectural aluminium front door on their home, seamlessly supplied along with their windows’, says Dean.
Providing a low maintenance solution for front doors is clearly Parkwood’s superpower niche, because there are a limited
number of high-end quality architectural aluminium doors on the market. They are constantly innovating to maintain their market-leading position, evident in their Thermtek patented technology, allowing for large architectural doors in dark colours, impossible in timber, with high BAL, thermal and sound ratings. ‘These doors are designed to fit into existing window fabricator’s frames, so they can be provided as a seamless part of the overall window package’, adds Dean.
‘Putting people first is always our priority. Whether that be our team, our customers, or our suppliers, we’re focused on fostering a culture that’s sensitive, not only to the needs of our community, but to their dreams and goals for the future’, ends Parkwood’s founder and family man Steve Parkes.
For more information on Parkwood Doors please visit www.parkwooddoors.com.au
Evidence of Suitability (EoS) claims are used by decision-makers in the construction supply chain to decide what products to specify and procure, and how to meet building regulatory requirements. However, EoS claims are only useful when they are true, accurate, in easy-to-understand language and appropriately verified. False, misleading or incomplete claims of product conformity also unfairly disadvantage businesses that are making genuine claims.
When making EoS claims, you can use the following five principles to help you comply with your building regulatory obligations and ensure that any claims you make create trust in your business and allow construction decision-makers to make informed decisions.
Principle 1: Make accurate and truthful claims
Any product conformity claims you make must be accurate, true and factually correct. If products are provided to you by a third party (eg, components for a more complex product, or where products manufactured by others are marketed by you as ‘own brand’), you should ensure that any product conformity claims you make about those products are accurate and truthful. This may involve undertaking reasonable steps to verify supporting information provided to you by your suppliers.
Product conformity statements are often incorrectly made as blanket claims of compliance with the NCC and/or a Standard but the performance level not quantified. For example, a statement of conformity for a window claiming compliance to AS 2047, without declaring the specific wind loads or water penetration resistance rating, would be incomplete and potentially misleading.
Where any claim is made the use of a product or system is fit for its intended purpose to achieve a Performance Requirement (be it a Deemed to Satisfy Provision, a Standard, or a Performance Solution), the relevant quantified performance level(s) or attribute(s) must be specified on all evidence. This includes test reports, Product Technical Statements and Certificates of Conformity.
Be clear about what is being certified
Products tested in isolation, as individual components and not as part of systems or assemblies constructed on site, should be clearly stated in any claims of conformity. While testing materials in isolation provides a logical and level comparison between products, it does not allow for dynamic effects, or build tolerances when different products are fixed together into systems.
When testing products to an Australian or International Standard, a clear distinction needs to be made and communicated to construction decision-makers, between the physical tests performed on a product, and results that are simply extrapolated mathematically from those or other physical tests.
Principle 2: Make sure your evidence backs up your claims You must be able to substantiate any product conformity claim you make ― whether the claim is made as EoS on your packaging, in your advertising, through your employees, or in other ways ― with clear evidence.
When choosing evidence to support your claims, keep the following in mind:
• Your evidence may come from third parties (such as suppliers). When making product conformity claims, however, do not rely solely on claims made by your suppliers or other third parties. Instead, take reasonable steps to verify any information you want to rely on.
• If you have conducted laboratory testing to support your claim, make sure the laboratory test regime reflects the conditions that would normally be experienced by building practitioners using your product as well as any limitations that might apply regarding the use of the product (refer to Principle 4).
• Compliance tests may not directly relate to a current batch of specified or supplied material, product or form of construction, so in such cases, there should be a verifiable means linking the relevance of a compliance test report to the product or system of interest. While typically this can be achieved through a process of formal product certification, in the absence of such certification, or in addition to it, other approaches might be appropriate, proportionate to the risk associated with the product or system. Where considered necessary, these might include ongoing surveillance testing (consistent with AS ISO/IEC 17020 or AS ISO/IEC 17065 requirements) of certain product attributes, production monitoring or other controls.
Always ensure that continuous and ongoing product compliance is backed up by evidence that is demonstrably reflective of the currently supplied product and not simply a one-off achievement.
Principle 3: Do not hide important information
In many cases, giving consumers incomplete information is also misleading. This can occur if you provide some information but leave out important details which might contradict or qualify the product conformity claim.
For example, highlighting the positive aspects of your product, service, or business while omitting information about the negative aspects, can give construction decision-makers the impression that your business, product, or service has better performance than it really does.
It is good practice to be transparent about your product conformity claims and policies, and the information you are relying on to support them. In doing so, it can be helpful to consider the information that construction decision-makers and, potentially consumers, need to form their own conclusions about the performance of your product.
Small print shouldn’t hide the truth
You cannot rely on disclaimers, disclosures or clarifications buried in small print, or otherwise not displayed prominently enough compared to your headline claim, as an excuse for making misleading product conformity claims. Any information that you provide in small print or qualifications should not conflict with the overall message of your claims. Courts and Regulators pay little attention to the font size used but more to the information conveyed.
When making product conformity claims, it is good practice to only use small print to provide supporting information. If you do need to make a disclaimer or qualification, you can reduce the risk of giving an overall impression that is misleading by prominently displaying this near the headline statement.
Principle 4: Explain any limitations or qualifications on your claims
Some product conformity claims may only be true under certain conditions. Other claims may only be realised if certain steps are carried out, such as installation/paring with some products but not others. For example, tests conducted on a balustrade fixed to a concrete structure may not be directly applicable to one that is intended to be fixed to a timber balcony requiring additional fixings or different supporting brackets.
These types of claims can be misleading if the conditions or required steps are not clearly stated or are unlikely to be realised during ordinary construction use.
Therefore, you should consider:
• How building practitioners normally use the product or system.
• The normal conditions where the product or system is usually sold.
• Any access to infrastructure, technology and resources that are required for the product conformity benefits to be realised.
• If certain actions, facilities or resources are required for the product to be conforming, you should clearly and prominently explain to construction decision-makers what needs to happen to achieve this. If possible, you should incorporate this as part of the claim.
Principle 5: Visual elements should not give the wrong impression
The visual elements of your marketing, products and packaging can also convey certain things to construction decision-makers. Images and visual elements should be used with care, as construction decision-makers may interpret them as making a broad claim of a product conformity benefit that does not actually exist or over-emphasise one that does.
Having your product conformity benefits verified or certified by an independent, robust third-party scheme can build construction decision-maker trust in your brand. However, construction decision-makers may also be unfamiliar with local or international product certification schemes. When using a logo from such a scheme, consider the overall impression created and whether any further information or explanation is required to ensure consumer construction decision-makers are not misled.
For example, you should not use a certification logo in a way that implies that:
• You have been certified for an aspect of your product, service, or business which you have not.
• Your product certification covers all aspects of a related Standards or NCC Performance Requirements, when in fact it only meets one or a limited number of aspects.
• Your product has been independently certified if this is not the case.
• The certification means certain product conformity benefits have been certified as having been achieved when it does not.
National Apprentice Competition: Thursday 12 September, Holmesglen TAFE (VIC)
National Awards (Melbourne): Friday 13 September, Crown Melbourne
Member Forum: ACT/NSW Wed 13 March, Royal Hotel Queanbeyan
Member Forum: Sydney Thursday 14 March, Parkroyal Hotel Parramatta
Golf Day: Friday 22 March, Bankstown Golf Club
State Awards Gala Dinner: Friday 23 August, Fullerton Hotel Sydney
Member Forum: Brisbane Wednesday 10 April, View Hotel Brisbane
Member Forum: Cairns Thursday 11 April, Pullman International, Cairns
Golf Day: Friday 17 May, Nudgee Golf Club
State Awards Gala Dinner: Friday 26 July, Rydges South Bank, Brisbane
Member Forum: Wednesday 3 April, Rydges South Park, Adelaide
State Awards Gala Dinner: Friday 9 August, National Wine Centre of Australia, Adelaide
Member Forum: Wednesday 27 March, The Grange Funtion Centre, Campbell Town
State Awards Gala Dinner: Friday 30 August, Wrest Point, Hobart
Member Forum: Tuesday 26 March, Parkroyal Monash
VIC & National Awards Gala Dinner: Friday 13 September, Crown Melbourne
Golf Day: Thursday 12 September, Holmesglen TAFE
Member Forum: Thursday 4 April, Royal Perth Yacht Club
State Awards Gala Dinner: Saturday 10 August, Novotel Perth Langley
Golf Day: Friday 11 October, Maylands Golf Club
Campbell Pudney, AGWA’s first Certified/ Master Glazier recently retired after nearly 50 years in the industry. BuiltView took the opportunity to talk to him about those 50 years.
Campbell started his glass apprenticeship in about 1972 with a company called Yencken Glass in Coburg, Victoria. It was called Flat Glass Working on his trade papers and they were members of the furniture trade union.
Campbell’s first job was cutting, by hand, wired louvre blades by the hundreds for the sides of factories, then digging through the offcut racks and taking them to the bevelling shop to give them a rough arris. This was done with a horizontal carborundum stone wheel (an abrasive composed of silicon carbide crystals), which was shovelled into the centre of a stone wheel and had a water drip feed. As the water rose it picked up the crystals and washed them onto the stone wheel where you ran the edge of the glass then soaking them in a wooden tub to rinse them.
In the bevelling shop everything was done by hand as well. A polished arris was done on a stone wheel then onto the pumice wheel for polishing and blind bevelling where a mirror was held face down onto a flat wheel without being able to see the edge of the bevel until afterwards. All very time consuming and physical.
After finishing his apprenticeship in 1977, Campbell moved to WA, and we fast forward a few years and where a negative in Campbell’s life turned into a positive.
In the later part of the 1980s Campbell was involved in a serious workplace accident. During the unloading process of getting an endcap of laminated glass off a semitrailer, the full end cap came off, pinning him just above the knees onto his chest.
In Campbell’s own words ‘I can only thank my workmates (MY SUPER HEROES) for lifting 30 sheets of glass in an endcap, one on each corner, by hand in one move, somehow, they lifted over a ton of glass and the fifth dragging me out from under it, without exaggeration saving my life’. This terrible accident put Campbell in the intensive care unit and hospital for months and he was unable to walk properly for about 2 years. Overtime he eventually eased back into work, but not glazing right
away, with the help of his employer which was bought and became Pilkington Glass.
In the late 1980s computer operators were in massive demand and with his glazing experience, Campbell retrained and started doing computer programming, while learning the administration side of the glass business, eventually becoming a branch manager.
When Campbell eventually started his own small business, Woodvale Glass, he also became interested in Glass Association and was elected to the committee of the GWAWA. During this time, GWAWA were receiving concerns nationally from members about non-tradespeople entering the industry. People were asking for something to be done, so the Master and Certified Glaziers and Accredited and Compliance Company programs were started through AGGA.
As he was a qualified glazier on the committee, he was asked to complete the requirements for the Certified Glazier before the system went live and was rolled out throughout Australia. About a month later, he was notified that he was the First Glazier in Australia to go through the certification process. About 2 years later, the Association asked him to upgrade to a Master Glazier and as he was a sole trader, to become an Accredited Company. The rationale for Campbell doing so was an incentive for others to do the same and it worked.
Campbell remembers laughing when it was mentioned that we would one day be able to cut and process a piece of glass without touching it. Now, it is just a normal day, and it makes him wonder what the industry will be like 50 years from now!
Another change he has seen since he started his apprenticeship is the focus on safety. In the 70s, people hardly spoke about safety and glaziers had to ‘improvise’ with things like cutting up an old inner tyre tube to make hand grips. Whenever an accident happened it was always the employees’ fault and if they got cut it was because they were not paying attention. The industry progressed to gauntlets and gloves and so on to where we are today, where we have training and find ways to eliminate accidents before they happen.
To finish off in Campbell’s own words, ‘for me I can see the trade only getting stronger and I hope that one day glaziers get the recognition they deserve’.
‘Finally, I would like to thank all the hundreds of wonderful people I have met along the way, and as we move into retirement, I must also pay tribute to my gorgeous wife Paula who has been on this crazy journey with me pushing (shoving) and guiding me through the, sometimes, difficult times as we celebrate being together this year for 45 years’.
Campbell, we wish you well for your retirement and all the adventures you have planned. Thank you for contributing so much to the industry over all the years and for taking the time
On New Year’s Eve, I found myself on a cattle station in outback Northern Territory. It was a completely new experience for our family. The invitation came from a friend I’d met in recent years via a business mentoring program. Like most Aussie BBQs the men and women were at opposite sides of the room. In this case, the men were out back in the incredibly large shed and the women were in the homestead with the air conditioning. I quickly realised that I was among the most interesting, down-to-earth, intelligent group of women, ranging from an Aboriginal doctor, a senior NT government official to a pastoral fire mapper! I was in awe of their connection considering the remoteness and vast distances they lived from one another. Collaborating was not only key to their successful lives but, quite literally, part of their survival. Collaboration was evident in every aspect of their lives.
I started thinking about the parallels between this remote lifestyle and mine. The similarities between life and business. Tapping into this feeling of connection and collaborating with like-minded people, I realised this is my jam.
Sharing ideas and involving oneself in deep conversations may not be everyone’s favourite past time, but when you take a close look at a thriving business and the people behind them, you will usually find a mentor, an advisory board; a collaboration of sorts. The key point being meaningful human connection.
My favourite recent example is the book called Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. This book, by Héctor
García and Francesc Miralles, explores the connection between human longevity and being connected. The authors delve into the concept of ikigai, a Japanese term that translates to ‘a reason for being’ or ‘a reason to wake up in the morning’. The book discusses how finding one’s purpose, cultivating meaningful relationships, and staying connected can contribute to a longer and more fulfilling life.
Another similar work exploring the link between longevity and social connections includes The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest by Dan Buettner. This book provides insights into the habits and lifestyles of communities with high life expectancies and emphasises the importance of social bonds in promoting longevity.
The glass industry for me is one of the best examples of great connection and collaboration . The perfect example of collaboration, business and social connection at its best was the recent AusFenEx23 Conference. Glass people do come together and collaborate well. Their walls come down and friendships are forged and strengthened. The sharing of information is key to the growth of our industry. The success of this last conference, no doubt, was in part to being the first post-COVID event, again proving human longing to connect and collaborate.
When I first joined the NSW Glass & Glazing Association, my eyes were opened to the possibility of support, with people just like me trying to make a living out of glass. What I found was exactly what I was looking for: A sense of belonging, these are my people, they are not just accountants
or business coaches, but glass people who have so much to offer.
It so common to hear people say, ‘this level of collaboration wouldn’t have happened in my last industry’. The reply is always the same ‘Yeah, that’s just the glass industry’. Are we unique? Are we just more niche than the Master Builders Association or others like the Concrete Institute of Australia?
The Australian Glass & Window Association (AGWA) by definition is an amalgamation of glass and window manufacturers, fabricators, glass processors, glaziers, merchants, suppliers, educators, regulators and professional stakeholders and bodies, focused on ensuring a professional and sustainable industry.
The word ‘stronger’ became overused during COVID. At the time it felt cringy but today ‘stronger together’ sounds valid, almost comforting to me.
Our industry is full of great collaborative examples. For me, personally, it’s the sharing of skills, such as a fair value exchange and the win-win that exists when lending a staff member to a local subcontractor for the day when they need a hand. It is the advice around the latest hardware used, or where to find some obscure product. There are so many examples of the way fellow glazing companies support each other. Within the glass world, we feel that these examples aren’t as commonplace in other industries.
Yes, we are still competitors but there is a sense that we are a rarer breed, a special kind, the forgotten trade. Maybe we should unite around this fact and start celebrating it. Can we do more? Are we doing enough collaborating? Where does collaboration start, and collusion begin?
Construction remains in the top 5 employers in the country. Glass can make up a third of a building’s envelope, yet the profile of glazing, as a trade, has a real identity issue, some might even say a crisis. Yet, our Association, AGWA, is larger by numbers than many others. Is it because we love a beer and a chat
or do, we truly love collaborating? The confidence, the kinship and the tangible results are evident. We have a connection, a strong and sustainable peak industry body. Yes, it’s not perfect but what is?
I’ve no doubt collaboration is not only good for business but good for our wellbeing. In 2024, being connected and collaborating will present itself in many forms. Regardless of your opinion of social media, good, bad, or indifferent, the Glaziers Australia Facebook page is just one example of collaboration. While not censored or fact checked, there are thousands of individuals on this platform seeking guidance, validation or just that sense of community via social media, though they may also benefit from
If you google collaboration, it says that it is ‘a partnership, union; the act of producing or making something together. Collaboration can take place between two people, many people, strangers or best friends. To collaborate is to commit to the possibility of producing an outcome greater than one that would be developed in a silo’.
For those of us looking to grow our business, personal profile or seeking a purpose bigger than ourselves, leaving a legacy for our families and or the industry, there is no doubt in my mind that collaboration is required to tackle the big issues facing our industry today and into the future. These are:
• Compliance
• Profitability of Australian-made products
• Energy
There are numerous successful case studies across all industries showing that by tapping into the power of collaboration, through good old-fashioned networking, businesses can unlock unprecedented growth opportunities without any breach of the Australian Consumer Law.
Collaboration is key to making anything more productive, positive and innovative!
So, let’s increase collaboration in our workplaces and in our industry for our own wellbeing and the greater good of the glass and window industry.
Training is in full swing for 2024. Our Instructor Led course are back for 2024, kicking off with AS 1288 Human Impact and Wind Loadings in late February.
Following on from our changes to several On Demand courses last year, I have a few more changes to announce for 2024.
First, our popular Intermediate Fenestration course is undergoing a face lift. Following on from a revamp to all the content over the course of 2023, including expanding the sections on framing materials, hardware, the Standards and WERS, it is getting a new name as well: Fenestration Essentials. This reflects the changes we have been making and better describes the course. It is still the same excellent course over 5 afternoons but with a fresh name. If you’d like any information about the course content, please email me at training@agwa.com.au
The next major change I’d like to announce is a refresh of the Fenestration Diploma Program. The name of the program will change to the AGWA Fabricator Program , and the program has been revised to include additional On Demand Courses that now include WHS.
The AGWA Fabricator Program is an industry-based certificate that has been developed by AGWA to provide recognition of individuals with a higher level of both knowledge and industry involvement. The program provides training in all aspects of the industry and covers a wide range of topics. Graduating from the AGWA Fabricator Program will enhance a person’s career prospects and provide a platform for deeper involvement in the industry.
For more information on the AGWA Fabricator Program, including upgrading your Diploma, please contact training@agwa.com.au.
The end of 2023 saw quite a few people complete AGWA’s Fenestration Diploma Program. All these graduates must be congratulated on this achievement as it requires a lot of hard work and commitment to complete 8 On Demand Courses, Intermediate Fenestration and then successfully pass a final exam.
Congratulations to the following people and well done from AGWA, their companies and colleagues:
Lee-Anne McLean, Bradnams, NSW
John Nguyen, Bradnams, NSW
Stuart Neilsen, Windoor Joinery, NSW
Katrina Swiatczak, Architectural Window Systems, SA
Keith Golding, Architectural Window Systems, SA
Our 2023 Western Australian Golf Day was held on Friday 13 October at the Wembley Golf Club. Over 100 golfers joined us for a great day on the greens. Thanks to our sponsors Glass Co Metro, Tough Glass, NFK, Glasspower, Breezway, Glasscorp, Cooling Bros, Zone Group, Jason Windows, Glass Australia, Pivotech, Westec, Walshs Glass, AWS, Alchin Long Group, and WA Glass for supporting the event. We look forward to seeing you on the next day on the greens.
The Wilyabrup Farmhouse, located in the scenic Margaret River region of Western Australia’s southwest, is an example of contemporary rural architecture. The region renowned for its contrasting seasons — warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters — demanded an energy-efficient, off-grid home capable of year-round comfort. The property owners commissioned Holst Design + Build for the project, wanting a modern farmhouse that would gracefully meld with its natural surroundings.
Constructed using local granite and Shou Sugi Ban jarrah, the residence elegantly integrates holistic design practices, sustainability and craftsmanship. The efforts did not go unnoticed as the home clinched six awards at the MBA’s 2023 Housing Excellence Awards, including Best Country Home in the Southwest Region and Best Contract Home in the $2.5 million$3.5 million bracket.
Builder Jarrod Holst, and his in-house architect, took advantage of the property’s generous footprint to optimise orientation, capturing views, sunlight and natural ventilation throughout the year. ‘Our clients sought to leverage the northern sun for heating and cooling, while also mitigating the harsh lateafternoon sun from the west’, explained Holst. The design thoughtfully navigates these environmental factors, offering oceanic vistas to the West and dam and bush views towards the Northeast and North. To offset the impact of the intense summer sun, a spotted gum batten system was integrated into the western gable.
The residence relies on 74 solar panels coupled with battery storage, highly efficient insulation and ventilation, and hydronic underfloor heating to meet the owners’ offgrid, year-round living requirements.
Of pivotal interest is the inclusion of Capral Aluminium window and door joinery, particularly the 425, 50 Series Awning, 225 Door, and 900 Series door systems, all finished in Monument Matt GL229A powder coat. This strategic selection has multiple advantages:
• The double-glazed windows and doors significantly contribute to the home’s 7-star energy rating. ‘Once heating is activated, it’s crucial to keep it within the structure. Double glazing was paramount’, affirmed Holst.
• Capral’s engineering expertise ensures ease of operation, aligning with the homeowners’ desires for daily comfort by harnessing natural environmental conditions.
• The Monument Matt finish complements the home’s metal cladding and roofing, creating a visually cohesive design. ‘Capral seamlessly integrates into our designs, delivering both aesthetic and functional value’, Holst noted.
Fabricated by Busselton Aluminium Windows & Doors, these specialised windows and glazing systems reflect Holst’s commitment to quality and sustainability. ‘Capral produces proven window sections’, Holst added, highlighting the long-standing, trust-based relationship between his firm and their fabricator.
The home’s 450 sqm footprint incorporates a material palette that deftly blends traditional and modern farmhouse elements. The living area showcases century-old, salvaged timber beams and a doublesided stone fireplace made from regional granite. In a first for the firm, Holst employed Shou Sugi Ban timber for the facade, praising its low-maintenance qualities. The charred jarrah was supplied by Mortlock Timber, a West Australian specialist and is something Holst intends to use in future projects.
The Wilyabrup Farmhouse is more than a residence; it is an integrated ecosystem where each component, from locally sourced stone to Capral Aluminium joinery, fulfills a unique yet interconnected role. This architectural home underscores Holst’s relentless commitment to design and sustainability, attributes that have garnered welldeserved industry recognition.
As the building industry endeavours to reconcile built environments with natural landscapes, the Wilyabrup Farmhouse serves as an archetype, championing sustainability without compromising aesthetic finesse or functional utility.
For more information, please contact Kellie Moore at kellie.moore@capral.com.au
In the ever-evolving landscape of the glass industry, ensuring the safety of the occupants interacting with glass is paramount. This is the key reason the Australian Standard AS 2208: 1996 has been superseded with AS 2208: 2023, which brings forth significant changes that redefine the regulatory parameters for safety glass in Australia. These changes came into operation on 15 December 2023.
Let’s delve into the key changes:
AS/NZS 2208 becomes AS 2208
The Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee BD-007, to supersede AS/NZS 2208: 1996. However, after consultation with stakeholders in both countries, Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand decided to develop this document as an Australian Standard rather than a joint Standard.
A noteworthy addition is the incorporation of a new normative Appendix J in the Standard which provides guidance on the impact test of curved glass.
One of the major changes is the removal of the category Grade B Safety glass from the Standard which had consisted of Wired Glass and Plastic Material Glass.
The revised Standard nominates the minimum particle count for additional glass thicknesses for fragmentation testing, which now extends to 15 mm, 19 mm, 22 mm, and 25 mm glass under AS 2208 Table 3.2 for Grade A Safety Glass.
Laminated glass sees an expansion with the inclusion of two new nominal thicknesses: 20.38 mm and 24.38 mm.
The thickness for patterned glass should be measured from the lowest indentation. Also, for 6 mm patterned glass, the upper thickness limit of acceptance has been lowered from 7 mm to 6.5 mm
Please note that the thickness of patterned glass advertised by the supplier might differ from its actual nominal thickness. Furthermore, some patterned glass in general may not be able to satisfy the tolerance limits provided in AS 1288 Table 2.1. In this case the minimum thickness of the glass must be used to determine the nominal thickness of the glass.
In late 2022, the Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Act 2022 (Cth) came into force. While most of us did not take much notice at the time, you will now need to pay close attention because parts of those amendments will impact your daily life in the workplace. From 12 December 2023 , major changes came into operation. The main impacts on workplaces will be the following:
• Introducing a positive duty on employers and PCBUs (Business owner/ Directors/Self Employed) to eliminate workplace sexual harassment.
• Introducing a positive duty on employers and PCBUs (Business owner/ Directors/Self Employed) to eliminate sex-based harassment and subjecting a person to a hostile work environment on the grounds of sex (both new).
• The positive duty relates to all workers but also anyone else visiting the worksite such as customers and contractors.
• The other important thing to be aware of is that Australian Human Rights Commission has been given new regulatory powers investigate and enforce compliance of this positive duty. This means that they will have the same powers as SafeWork to inspect workplaces to ensure compliance. This means that the focus on the PCBU and employer shifts from managing a situation when sexual harassment has occurred to actively preventing it. This now needs a proactive rather than a reactive response. The PCBU must eliminate risks and if that is not reasonably practicable then minimise these risks under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (and Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic)). Officers such as Company Directors, Board Members etc also have a duty under to exercise due diligence to ensure the business complies with theses duties. Failure to do so leads to penalties.
What is sexual harassment and sex-based harassment?
Sexual harassment is defined as ‘any unwelcome sexual advance, unwelcome request for sexual favours or other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature which make a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated, where a reasonable person would anticipate that reaction in the circumstances’. This means that it isn’t how the individual reacted to the behaviour but how a reasonable person would in those circumstances.
Sex-based harassment, another type, means unwelcome conduct based on a person’s gender, sex or sexuality.
Creating a hostile work environment is now also included as an offence. This means that the ‘work environment is offensive, intimidating or humiliating to a person because of their sex or characteristics linked to their sex’. This last category is about the workplace not the person. It may be that there are nude calendars on the wall, or a culture of banter and joking of a sexual nature. It doesn’t have to be directed at anyone and it may be behaviour that was previously thought of as okay. Be aware that this section also relates to anyone entering your workplace now, not just staff. It could be a client visiting your showroom or factory, the cleaner or a sales rep who feels that way and that is enough for this section.
What is the workplace?
A place where work is being carried out: worker’s usual workplace, their home, client’s home and where the worker is engaging in work-related activities eg, training, conferences, work trips and work social activities.
The harassment can be in person, by phone, by email and online including on social media platforms and can be done out of work hours.
Some examples of behaviour that could fit into these categories:
• Actual/attempted sexual assault
• Inappropriate physical contact including incidental brushing against the person, unwelcome touching, hugging, kissing or cornering
• Sexual gestures
• Sexualised comments about a person’s appearance or clothing
• Derogatory, offensive or demeaning comments about a person
• Comments, insults, jokes of a suggestive or explicit nature. Remember just because you find it funny doesn’t mean everyone else will.
• Inappropriate staring or leering that makes a person feel uncomfortable
• Intrusive questions or comments about a person’s private life, physical appearance or bodily functions
• Sharing/threatening to share intimate images or videos
• Spreading sexual rumours about a person
• Sexually explicit images, videos, cartoons, drawings, photos or jokes being circulated
• Repeated or inappropriate invitations to go out on a date or requests/ pressure for sex.
What do you need to do to ensure you are meeting your legal obligations in relation to this positive duty?
1. Knowledge and leadership
First you need to understand what constitutes sexual harassment, sex-based harassment and creating a hostile work environment. As a PCBU, you also need to understand your obligations under the law. Hopefully, reading this article will cover that off.
It is no longer enough for the leadership team so say, ‘we have an HR department for that’. The positive duty means that you must actively prevent this occurring in your workplace by speaking about it, having a plan to eliminate it and deal with complaints that arise.
All this needs to be demonstrated and recorded. For example, having records of everyone having undertaken training will help but that isn’t enough. The law now requires you to have this in front and centre, so if you have a regular Board meeting, sexual harassment prevention must be an agenda item. The same would apply for regular team meetings or holding regular toolbox talks.
Management must be seen to be role models by walking the walk as well as talking the talk.
2. Undertake a risk assessment
Identify the risks, assess their likelihood and then put control measures in place. This comes under psychosocial risks, and if you haven’t already identified these potential hazards and put controls in place, you need to start now. Start talking about it to your workers. Consultation is important as it will show that you are taking it seriously.
Workers under 18 years of age require additional attention when doing your risk assessment due to their vulnerability. Sexual behaviours directed at these
workers may constitute child-based sexual offences as they are viewed as minors, so there may be additional hazards to be aware of.
3. Policy
Look at your harassment policy (if you don’t have one you need to get one ASAP). Make sure it is updated with these new rules. It must specifically now also mention sex-based harassment and creating a hostile work environment.
Often workplaces have lumped harassment, bullying and discrimination together in one policy. This is no longer acceptable. You now need a standalone policy to cover this.Staff must know where they can find the policy and what it says. Ensure you are enforcing your Policy. As a management team you must be seen to enforce the rules and record what you have done.
4. Communication and training
A PCBU must clearly communicate expectations to staff. You must send an unequivocal message from the entire leadership team that sexual harassment
is unacceptable in the workplace. This communication can no longer be hidden in an induction pack, it must be clearly visible.
Training is also a part of this. All staff must undertake formal training that now includes sexual harassment, sex-based harassment and creating a hostile work environment. Ensure you keep records of this training. Informal training should also be done regularly to support this. This can be having conversations around the topic and posters around the workplace for example.
5. Complaint handling
An important way to meet your positive duty as a PCBU is set up a procedure for handling complaints. You must outline a clear investigation process and communicate this to all staff. Everyone needs to be aware of how they can report incidents and make sure you record how you managed the complaint. This could be also covered off by training or posters around the workplace. Be encouraging of staff asking questions and reporting incidents.
All PCBUs must have a Prevention Plan which outlines what the business is doing to prevent and respond to sexual harassment in the workplace.
Make sure your plan sets out all the steps you are taking in your workplace to eliminate sexual harassment from the workplace and how you communicated this with staff. This is where you should record what you have done and will be doing such as training, adding this as an agenda item for a Board meeting, updating the Policy or adding posters around the workplace, for example.
What happens if I don’t comply?
From 12 December 2023, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) will have the power to enforce compliance with the positive duty. This means that they can commence an inquiry when it ‘reasonably suspects’ that an organisation or business is not complying with the positive duty.
The AHRC can now also conduct workplace inspections to check on compliance, like SafeWork investigations. They can ask to see documents and records to show that you have complied with your positive duty.
Remember to meet your positive duty as a PCBU you must actively implement precautionary steps to eliminate the risk of sexual harassment, sex-based harassment and creating a hostile work environment in your workplace.
Please see Respect@Work at https://www.respectatwork.gov.au/ and SafeWork Australia’s Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment at Work at https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/ doc/model-code-practice-sexual-and-gender-based-harassment
Make sure you communicate this clearly to all staff and make sure that everyone is following these rules.
‘It was just a joke’ is not an excuse to ignore this behaviour and it is your responsibility to enforce it.
Michael Spencer and Trudi McGauley are the Victorian Auditing Team covering Victoria and parts of New South Wales and South Australia. Many of you may have already met Michael, as he has been an AGWA Auditor for many years, but Trudi is newer to the team. We thought this was a good opportunity to get to know them both a little better.
Michael Spencer joined AGWA as an auditor in 2020. To get to know him a little better BuiltView asked Michael to tell us more about himself.
I joined AGWA to cover the Victorian metropolitan and regional areas. More recently, prior to the appointment of James Whitehouse, I had deployed to conduct audits in South Australia and Western Australia. I also run an AS 2047 test lab, which is NATA certified, to test windows. Last year I was asked to be a special Adjudicator for VCAT in a court case between a customer and builder. Apart from audits, I am often called upon to provide inspections for members and provide written expert witness reports and evidence in court.
I have an extensive background in product development and testing, something I am passionate about. I was the National Product Innovation Manager at Dowell Windows for 13 years focussing on innovative energy design for local manufacture of windows and doors. I also have experience in energy efficiency and design performance.
The most satisfying part of auditing is the opportunity to teach members about the Regulation changes and assist them in answering their challenging questions.
Beyond work, I am actively involved in the Victorian CFA (Country Fire Authority) and hold the rank of Captain. Our main role is bushfire fighting and road accident assistance and I was recently deployed to northern NSW and Queensland to assist.
In the past I have been heavily involved in the Oxfam Trailwalker event, a 100 km cross country walk to raise funds for Oxfam Community Aid Abroad. I enjoy a wide range of outdoor pursuits and like a challenge. I was once selected to spend 4 months in the Canadian Arctic doing archaeology in an unexplored region.
Trudi McGauley joined the AGWA Accreditation Team as an Auditor in August 2023. To get to know her a little better, BuiltView asked her a few questions.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of being an auditor is being able to meet face to face the many companies and personnel that I have spoken to over the phone and to see the many varying ways that people approach our industry. The people so far have been most rewarding. There have been different personalities and their pride in their businesses and their genuine approach to compliance is refreshing.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Live music, definitely. This complements the wide range of genres of vinyl in my record collection which I started when I was a young teenager. I am also a history, genealogy and genetics DNA nerd.
Name your favourite travel destinations, and what do you like about it/them?
I love to travel except for the packing and unpacking side of things. My favourite chilled travel destination is Sanur in Bali, where I lived in 2016. It is my family and friends’ happy place and where we go just to unwind. It has 7 km of beachfront to walk or ride along, and it is the perfect location to get to many other places in Bali more easily than from the usual areas. I especially love their festivals and culture such as Nyepi and the Penjors in the streets. Sanur is also known for its kite festival, which is a fabulous experience. Huge teams with their kites above their heads, sing and dance through the streets towards to beach. The procession is equally as fun as the actual aerial kite battles. What is your favourite quote or life motto?
‘Everyone can sing, just not everyone can sing well, but who cares ― just sing’ is a quote from my Dad Henry McGauley.
Who do you want to play you when they make a movie about your life?
Lucy Lawless in Zena mode. Those that know me would agree ... chuckles.
As you will be aware, part of your AGWA membership is the agreement to participate in the regular face-to-face audit process through the Accredited Companies Program (ACP), which has been NATA endorsed. The frequency of an audit depends on your company’s tier status:
• Silver Tier members are audited annually for the first 5 years;
• Gold Tier members are audited every second year; and
• Platinum Tier members are audited every third year.
We are aware that due to Covid and a shortage of auditors, the schedule has been disrupted but we are committed to getting this back on track for all our members.
To be time and cost effective, our auditors group their audit visits by area or region. AGWA always gives members plenty of notice, usually 1-2 weeks or even more. We strongly encourage members to respond when the auditor calls or emails to arrange an audit. We ask that members accommodate the scheduled date and time wherever possible and make themselves available, though there may be some flexibility if necessary. Audit refusal may jeopardise your tier status or in the case of multiple refusals lead to escalation to the Board.
This year we have highlighted members as a ‘priority’ for their onsite audit. This includes new members who will be having a first-time audit and members who were unable to be reached and those who were unavailable, or did not respond to requests, in 2023. We would welcome your help in arranging this.
We appreciate you making every effort to accommodate the auditor when he/she makes contact in the coming weeks and months regarding your audit date and confirming. Completing this audit will allow your current tier status to be maintained. The audit contact will receive a preliminary email explaining the process in their inbox shortly, so keep an eye out for it.
At least 1-2 weeks prior to your audit, the auditor will contact you by phone and email to arrange a convenient date to visit. You will also receive an email with a checklist attached outlining the information and documentation you will need to have ready on the day. The checklist allows you to be fully prepared and to know what is required.
On the audit day itself, the auditor will select one product at random to audit for compliance, before assessing the other pillars. They will provide you with useful feedback and it is also an opportunity for you to seek clarification on issues. Any areas of non-compliance that are identified can be viewed as opportunities for potential improvement for your next audit. We look forward to navigating the ACP journey with you.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your audit or any aspect of the ACP, please feel free to contact Accreditation Manager James Whitehouse on 0448 610 203 or send an email to accred@agwa.com.au
The new AGWA Accredited Companies Program effectively merges the two previous accreditation schemes of AWA and AGGA into one single, comprehensive and robust program taking the best of both to create a new, improved blueprint for the future to raise the profile of our industry, promote industry competence and expertise, and provide greater value for AGWA Members.
The AGWA Accredited Company Program provides a comprehensive framework to develop and demonstrate the skills, experience, and integrity of your company's production systems by formally recognising and promoting competence and expertise in window production, glazing and related activities. It makes it easier for your company to stand out from others.
Compliance
Ensure Accredited Companies have the technical ‘know-how’ to achieve consistent and reliable performance and provide a continuing professional development program that allows Accredited Companies to maintain the currency of their skills and improve competency within their workforce.
Assist Accredited Companies in providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees and recognise best practice WHS management and employee engagement in promoting safety and well-being in the workplace.
products and provide services to members that support their efforts to operate successfully
DECO Australia, leading manufacturer of timber-look aluminium building products, announced on 20 December 2023 the acquisition of Sydney-based company Opening Roof Specialists. The acquisition came into effect on 1 February 2024.
Established in 1987 by Alex Pataky, as a family-owned and operated company based in Minto, NSW, Opening Roof Specialists specialise in the manufacture, fabrication, and installation of high-quality, aluminium, opening roof systems. The company offers a unique outdoor roofing
solution, with specific features such as dimmable downlights and a linear motor designed by Pataky himself.
The acquisition of Opening Roof Specialists by DECO Australia is a unique opportunity to expand DECO’s market presence said DECO Australia’s founder and director, Ross Doonan.
‘Outdoor living is central to our Australian lifestyle and climate. The acquisition of Opening Roof Specialists will allow DECO to expand into a market that complements our wide range of existing aluminium building products, like DecoDeck ® , DecoBatten ® and DecoClad®, that are already being used in this space.’
Scott Reed has been appointed General Manager of Opening Roof Specialists, replacing the retiring CEO and founder Alex Pataky. Reed brings over 30 years of industry experience, with previous positions at Steel-line, Stair Lock and Digga Australia.
‘Opening Roof Specialists is a fantastic business, with a fantastic product. I am
looking forward to joining the team and working alongside the DECO team to grow the business and get more opening roofs in Aussie backyards’ said Reed.
For more information on Opening Roof Specialists visit www.openingroofspecialists.com.au
For more information on DECO Australiavisit www.deco.net.au.
‘As an Australian-owned family business ourselves, we are pleased we have the capability to expand and grow our company, as well as bring more high-quality architectural solutions to our customer base.’
Smartech is proud to announce that our newly established business unit, Smartech Queensland Pty Ltd, is now officially licensed by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) for lowrise building projects.
This significant milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service in Queensland, ensuring that Smartech is fully authorised to undertake building work in the region.
At Smartech, we have always strived for engineering excellence and innovation, and this new license further solidifies our dedication to delivering top-tier solutions tailored to your unique needs.
As a licensed builder, we are excited to bring you an array of benefits that will elevate your construction projects:
1. Legal Compliance: Our QBCC license demonstrates our adherence to all legal and regulatory requirements in Queensland. Rest assured that your projects are in safe and capable hands.
2. Quality Assurance: We remain fully committed to exceeding industry norms in construction quality, safety, and durability. Our adherence to QBCC’s industry standards provides you with complete confidence in the quality of our work.
3. Consumer Protection: By choosing Smartech, you gain the assurance of QBCC’s robust consumer protection mechanisms. Your projects will be protected, and your peace of mind secured, even in the face of unexpected challenges.
4. Expertise and Experience: Our impressive portfolio speaks volumes about our dedication to excellence. We have successfully completed projects that not only meet industry standards and regulations but consistently go beyond, delighting our clients with exceptional results.
5. Accountability: We embrace accountability for our work and are committed to adhering to QBCC code compliance.
This ensures that your projects are delivered with precision and reliability. Whether you’re embarking on a new project or aiming to upgrade existing infrastructure in Queensland, Smartech is your dedicated partner throughout the journey.
For further information about Smartech products, please visit
www.smartechdoorsystems.com.au, call (03) 9747 9233, or email sales@smartechdoorsystems.com.au.
We recently unveiled our latest sealing robot for insulating glass units – Glaston ACTIVE’SEALER. This innovative addition expands our sealer product family, complementing the high-end Glaston SPEED’SEALER and bridging the gap for the mid-range market. Its excellent mixing and dosing quality is based on all our approved two-component sealants.
ACTIVE’SEALER is an efficient yet economical machine, designed for automated insulating glass (IG) sealing. With a sealing speed of up to 30 m per minute, it caters to glass processors who primarily produce double IG units, offering them a reasonable solution without compromising on quality. Processing triple units is even possible.
Convincing gear pump technology matters
ACTIVE’SEALER is based on our established gear pump dosing technology, which has been serving customers reliably and cost-effectively for decades. The highprecision system ensures excellent sealing quality and allows for immediate volume
adjustment when changing the sealing depth. The special nozzle-spatula system guarantees uniform sealing in corners. Operators can also easily fine-tune the material ratio electronically from the control panel to achieve optimal mixing quality. For varying spacer widths, the nozzle is centered automatically, and the quick-action lock system leads to a fast nozzle exchange.
Optionally, the machine offers the flexibility to seal shaped formats according to our shape catalogue. It comes with an optional 5-metre-long run-out conveyor equipped for the safe removal of heavy insulating glass units. Individual customisation of the transport sections is also an option.
ACTIVE’SEALER features a user-friendly and intuitive graphical interface for easy operation. It is available in three configurations: Light (max. 2.8 x 3.5 m), Standard (max. 2.8 x 4.0 m) and Extended (max. 2.8 x 5.0 m).
Our longstanding commitment to innovation and quality is evident in the new ACTIVE’SEALER machine, combining
Quattrolifts has re-released the Vector 400E Glazing Robot. With customer feedback, the new Vector 400E is better suited for handling glass weighing up to 400 kg. Customers regularly said they loved that the Vector was relatively small and nimble, yet its lifting capacity and versatility was a great feature that helped in their daily work.
One such comment was from Sal Macias, who runs a small factory, saying that he was able to have one person unload large glass plates from crates, move them to the window fabrication area, and fit them safely with little effort. Normally he needed three people to complete this work. On every window, he’s saving labour and reducing his OHS hazards.
The Vector 400E is a small and lightweight self-propelled glazing robot weighing less
cutting-edge features with proven technology. More importantly, the advanced solution perfectly completes the company’s sealing robot portfolio to cater to the diverse needs of the industry.
For more information visit: www.glaston.net/machine/automatic-sealing/
than 800 kg and can be transported inside the back of a van or a Ute. The Vector 400E with its electric-powered rotation allows for 360-degree rotation which is a first for this type of lightweight glazing robot. The precise movements required for delicate glazing are controlled by a speedadjustable hand-held wired remote control that allows the operator to stand near the glass face.
Harry Mousikidis, from Conery Glass, was amazed at the precise control when replacing a shopfront on a heritage building that needed to be reverse glazed.
The new Vector 400E has a genuine dual vacuum circuit for greater safety together with, two larger deep cycle batteries that will easily allow for 1-2 days of heavy work before recharging is required. It now also comes with a 1200W rear drive motor
allowing for steeper hill climbs and the central vacuum hub has a new precision bearing system that increases reliability with years of heavy work.
For more information call Martin Blackey on 0415 895 327.
Tim Johnston recently joined AGWA as Industry Sustainability and Transformation Manager. BuiltView asked him a few questions to introduce him to our members.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Working with smart and engaging colleagues.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
The mixed fortunes of the Richmond Football Club keep me well occupied.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Hidden? I’m not sure I’ve got any unhidden ones!
What movie is among your all-time favourites?
Too many to choose from. For starters how about Guns of Navarone, Highlander, Toy Story, The Hunt for Red October, High Fidelity, Into the Wild, Boyhood and Nomadland?
Name your favourite travel destinations, and what do you like about it/them?
New York – it’s the capital of the world; and northern Spain for, … well …, everything.
Who do you want to play you when they make a movie about your life?
Sadly, departed now, but Robbie Coltrane would have been a good fit!
What is your favourite quote or life motto?
‘I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.’ (2 Timothy 4:7) and ‘I gotta keep breathing. Because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?’ (from Cast Away)
Helen Moss recently joined AGWA as AISF and WFAANZ Administration and Membership Officer. BuiltView asked her a few questions to introduce her to our members.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The engagement and interaction I have with our members.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
All things sport, gardening and reading.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I’m pretty good in sports trivia when it counts!
What movie is among your all-time favourites?
The Godfather.
Name your favourite travel destinations, and what do you like about it/them?
New York ‘The city that never sleeps’.
Who do you want to play you when they make a movie about your life?
Action packed – Sandra Bullock!
What is your favourite quote or life motto?
‘If you believe it will work out, you will see opportunities. If you believe it won’t, you will see obstacles.’
With Thermo Plastic Spacer TPS® it is possible to achieve a winning combination of a high quality, tight edge seal, increased insulating glass energy efficiency and a differentiated aesthetic advantage – a fact that has been proven more than a million times over worldwide!
With more than 30 years of experience in the field of warm edge spacers you can trust the Original Inventor!
Get your IG manufacturing business on the road to success — Download THE IG MANUFACTURING LINE BUYER'S GUIDE here www.glastory.net
DECO Australia, leading manufacturer of timber-look aluminium building products, has proudly announced the successful completion of the company’s solar panel installation project at its manufacturing facility in Minto, Southwest Sydney. The addition of over 950 solar panels further solidifies DECO ‘s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
The newly installed solar panels will bring DECO’s total solar energy capability to over 500 kilowatts and will provide enough energy to power approximately 60% of the company’s operations. That’s equivalent to powering approximately 100 averagesize homes per year or planting over
‘DECO has always been committed to improving our carbon footprint and we are thrilled to further invest in our renewable energy program through the installation of these additional solar panels’, said Richard Hamber, General Manager of
The additional 400 kilowatts generated by the new solar panels will specifically contribute to powering two of DECO’s
largest production lines, resulting in a substantial reduction in the company’s overall carbon emissions. This initiative aligns with DECO’s dedication to providing cleaner, greener building materials, addressing the growing demand from specifiers, builders, and end-users for sustainable products.
‘Reducing environmental impact is a strategic focus for DECO and we understand that it aligns with our customers’ priorities too. Manufacturing lower carbon products is not merely a preference; it has become a necessity for those specifiers, builders and homeowners who are making conscious decisions to source greener building materials and products for their projects’, said Hamber.
This latest sustainability initiative from DECO represents a significant investment for the company and showcases their commitment to a cleaner industry. With ever changing building codes, like the introduction of the NSW Government’s ‘BASIX Material Index’ in October last year, DECO remains committed to reducing the embodied carbon of their building materials and supporting the industry’s transition to greener practices.
In recent years, and with good reason, much emphasis has been placed globally on reducing the reliance on coal-generated electricity to refine alumina and smelt
Architectural Window Systems (AWS) has long been known for amplifying environmental splendour through its innovative, window, door and framing solutions, and in more recent years has led the development of class-leading aluminium systems to reduce energy consumption and improve thermal efficiency.
AWS sources its aluminium extrusions exclusively from INEX. INEX operates three extrusion plants in Oceania, with two in Australia and one in New Zealand. In 2022, 55% of the primary aluminium billet used by INEX in Australia to produce aluminium extrusions was classified as ‘low carbon’.
AWS is pleased to be part of an industry that is championing positive climate action
but acknowledges the responsibility for carbon reduction cannot be placed wholly on the materials it uses.
AWS is taking a ‘whole of process approach’ to its commitment to carbon reduction. It is continually evaluating and improving its processes and material application to reduce its carbon footprint.
In their own words, ‘we are not just another aluminium supplier, but a reliable, full-service business partner that creates exceptional long-term value for our customers, employees, and business partners. Our distribution network covers the whole of Australia, and we track our fleet with satellite accuracy’.
AWS is pleased to announce its partnership with Greenfleet, an environmental not-forprofit organisation focused on protecting our climate by restoring our forests to 100% offset the carbon emissions of its distribution fleet’s freight movements. Every AWS truck, every time.
For more information about DECO Australia and their range of sustainable aluminium building products and aluminium finishes, please visit www.deco.net.au
DECO Australia’s solar energy system was proudly installed by Macarthur Solar.
In addition to this, AWS has established a one hectare company forest in Ledcourt, Victoria.
Angela Bevitt-Parr, National Marketing Manager, says ‘we are committed to making an impact towards protecting our environment, restoring biodiverse ecosystems, and re-connecting habitat for wildlife, including many endangered species. The AWS Forest is legally protected for 100 years, allowing it to grow into a self-sustaining ecosystem that will thrive beyond this century’.
The beauty of aluminium is that it ‘lives on’ through its ability to be recycled infinitely, and AWS is committed to making sure our climate stability and native forests have the same opportunity.
For more information, please see www.awsaustralia.com.au
With a shared commitment to making Standards more accessible, AGWA has collaborated with Standards Australia Store to secure better access to Standards for its members.
Standards Australia Store (SA Store) is a specialist provider of Australian Standard brand Standards and other publications, empowering organisations across the nation to easily access Standards content and other publications, helping to drive efficiency, build confidence and create safer working environments.
Through the Standards Australia Association Referral Program, AGWA members can save 10% on their selected eligible subscription services from SA Store (eligibility criteria and terms of use apply). This includes the Windows and Glazing Set, providing access to Standards for the selection and installation of glass windows and doors in buildings.
SA Store subscription services are designed to support organisations of any size to access Standards in the way that best meets their usage, needs and budget.
Curated Subscription Service
SA Store’s Curated Subscription service brings together commonly referenced publications from the Australian Standards catalogue, creating specialised content sets across different industries. These are available through Small Business Access (2-users) or Mobile Only Access (single user).
Mobile Only Access (single user)
This is perfect for people who want to view Standards in real-time via their mobile phones. Delivered via a new Mobile App, if you’re a single user that needs offline access to Standards on-site, this could be the solution for you. Please note that the Curated Subscription for Mobile Only Access is not eligible under the Association Referral Program.
Small Business Access (2-users)
This is designed for small businesses with <20 employees who need to reference Standards through a web browser via desktop, tablet or mobile devices.
AGWA and Standards Australia Store have curated the Windows & Glazing Set, available with 2 user licenses* for only $192.34 per year incl. GST.
AGWA members save 10% on access to the Windows & Glazing Set, as well as over 20 other unique content sets covering a wide range of trades. (Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply)
Use voucher code: tLrSxjNK
Scan the QR code or visit store.standards.org.au/curated-subscription/windows-glazing
AGWA members can save 10% on our Curated Subscription for Small Business Access by using this Voucher Code at the checkout: tLrSxjNK
Custom Subscription Service
Built for businesses who want to customise a subscription package based on the number of publications needed and the number of users, this subscription is accessible via desktop, tablet and mobile devices and enabled with PDF download and printing options.
Unlock all the benefits of a Custom Subscription by emailing your AGWA Point of Contact (POC) to express your interest and access 10% off for AGWA members.
To find out more information on SA Store offerings or to explore Standards relevant to your industry, visit store.standards.org.au
Designed for glaziers and building professionals involved in the installation of glass windows and doors in buildings. Included documents in the Windows and Glazing Set:
AS 1288 SUPP 1-2006, Glass in buildings — Selection and installation (Supplement to AS 1288-2006)
AS 3959:2018, Construction of buildings in bush-fire prone areas
AS 4666:2012, Insulating glass units
AS/NZS 4667:2000, Quality requirements for cut-to-size and processed glass
AS 2047-2014, Windows and external glazed doors in buildings
AS 1428.1:2021, Design for access and mobility, Part 1: General requirements for access — New building work
AS 4055:2021, Wind loads for housing
AS 1288:2021, Glass in buildings — Selection and installation
Last November, AGWA’s newly-appointed auditor Trudi McGauley met with Ryan Knight at Viewco in Wagga Wagga, NSW, to undertake their compliance audit. She was extremely impressed with what she saw.
Established in 1995 by father and son team, Ian and Ryan Knight, Viewco has been an AGWA member since 2003 and is no stranger to the audit process. In 2003, Ryan also started to buy into the business taking more management responsibility. Now Managing Director, Ryan, with the help of new Director Marc Sheppard, is responsible for the day to day running and strategic direction of the business. Ian is currently making the transition into full retirement after a huge 53 years in the industry.
The custom-designed site built in 2016 includes factory, hardstand and showroom areas located on a 4400 m 2 block. This allows for an efficient production line-based layout and full access to a 5-tonne overhead crane. Viewco has also successfully made the transition to a cloud-based production
management system and is now fully paperless on the factory floor.
Trudi noted that the factory set up and control systems are exceptional. Materials are barcoded from all stages of the production process from cutting through to assembly. Monitors are strategically located allowing for production staff to access and view files in multiple locations throughout the factory. All staff and contractors can access current live production documents either on-site or from home. Trudi was also interested to see that their WHS documents are kept in an online cloud-based system, something relatively new to her.
Trudi found the team at Viewco to be open and friendly, with Ryan extremely knowledgeable and proud of what had been achieved to date. She looks forward to another onsite visit in 3 years’ time to see what other improvements and initiatives have been implemented!
If you are interested in finding out more about AGWA’s Audit program, please contact: accreditation@agwa.com.au
The LiSEC TPA line is the result of consistent further development based on quality and flexibility. On the one hand, it combines gas-tightness of the units with simultaneous adherence to minimum manufacturing tolerances and so is suitable for the constantly increasing requirements placed on insulating glass manufacturers. On the other hand, a wide range of unit thicknesses can be achieved as well as reduced set-up times. This leads to optimised production, because several production steps (eg, frame production, logistics and frame storage, etc) are unnecessary.
Improved metering technology ensures highly precise and processreliable application
The TPA-A has a volumetric measuring system directly before the nozzle and can
therefore compensate for variations in the material batch and temperature.
Durable and aesthetic closure
The connection point at the start/stop point is defined by special pressing jaws and pressed gas-tight with a stamp.
Uninterrupted production with variable frame nozzle and alternating buffer Spacer can change without the loss of time due to an automatically adjustable frame nozzle. Drum change can be made during operation due to alternating material buffer.
For more information see www.lisec.com.
In accordance with AS/NZS 3000: 2018 clause 5.6.2.6.5, extraneous conductive elements within 1.25 m of a swimming pool or spa edge must have equipotential bonding (earthing/ grounding) or a deemed to satisfy alternative used. This will protect the swimmer from electric shock drowning because water and electricity don’t mix.
The SENTINELTM Electrical Insulation Socket is the safer, superior, economical, time saving and inclusive alternative to equipotential bonding of extraneous conductive elements, such as swimming pool fence spigots, fence posts, ladders, stair handrails, deck handrails, grab rails, sockets and bar stools.
If you already use clear or powder coated non-conductive spigots, please check the following:
1. Was the testing completed with the spigot grouted into a reinforced concrete slab? If not, the testing doesn’t prove the spigot is non-conductive in situ (see our independent test results).
2. Will the spigots be non-conductive if the grub screw caps are left out, fall out or degrade due to wear and tear, exposure to UV radiation, or other harsh weather conditions, chemical process, and/or mechanical damage? (see our independent test results).
3. Will the spigots be non-conductive if the coating is chipped or scratched due to wear and tear, or degraded from exposure to UV radiation, other harsh weather conditions and/or chemical process? (see our independent test results).
4. Have the above limitations been mentioned in the product literature?
5. Check the ABCB The Guide to Australian Building Product Conformity and ACIF Procurement of Construction Products ― A guide to achieving compliance.
For additional product information visit www.theSENTINEL.au
For test results, patent and design registration details please visit www.splee.au.
Capral’s LocAl ® Lower Carbon Aluminium has secured the top spot in the Green Building Product category at the 2023 Architecture and Design Sustainability Awards, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainable practices. In its 17th year, the Awards program is dedicated to recognising excellence in sustainable design and architecture.
Introduced in November 2022, LocAl ® aims to provide locally extruded, lower-carbon aluminium to Australian manufacturers, architects and designers. The offering includes two options:
LocAl ® Green, with carbon emissions of 8 kg CO2e/kg Al* and LocAl ® Super Green, at 4 kg CO2e/kg Al* — among the world’s lowest carbon aluminium options.
Capral stands out as the first supplier in the Australian window industry to standardise lower carbon aluminium in its window and door products without additional costs. LocAl ® is now a standard feature on all Capral proprietary window and door systems.
The adoption of LocAl ® extends beyond Capral’s windows and doors, with numerous Australian manufacturers switching to LocAl ® aluminium for various applications, from architectural items to solar rails, commercial ships and transport.
Capral, Australia’s only Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Certified extruder, ensures responsible aluminium production across its 26 facilities
nationwide. The company encourages buyers to seek lower carbon options and insist on ASI certification within the aluminium value chain.
LocAl ® is supplied as standard on all Capral proprietary window and door systems with no pricing premium. When a customer chooses from the Capral AGS™, Artisan™, Futureline™ Urban™ or UrbanPlus™ ranges, the primary aluminium for those systems will carry the LocAl ® Green badge, with a carbon intensity of 8 kg CO2e/Kg Al*.
For more information, see the Capral Aluminium member page and Kellie Moore at kellie.moore@capral.com.au
Alum Windows, Edinburgh, SA
Alumicore, Newcastle West, NSW
GI Procurement, Tingalpa, QLD
GR8 Glass Pool Fencing, Karrinyup, WA
JT Glass Enterprise, Epping, NSW
MC Window & Door Systems, Wingfield, SA
NQ Glass & Aluminium Fitouts Pty Ltd, Bohle, QLD
Pilcher Industries, Bowen, QLD
Platinum Glass and Security, North Toowoomba, QLD
Trident Glass Repairs, Seven Hills, NSW
Unique Innovations, Berry, NSW
UPVC Windows Expert, Wetherill Park, NSW
Windows Co, Campbellfield, VIC
XFERNO, Hornsby, NSW
In January 2024, Elegant IG proudly became the authorised Sparklike calibration centre for Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia.
The calibration of argon gas filling and testing devices is paramount for these key reasons:
1. Accuracy: Calibration ensures that argon gas testing devices provide accurate measurements of the argon gas content within insulating glass units (IGUs). This accuracy is crucial for ensuring the desired thermal performance and energy efficiency of the IGUs. Even minor deviations in concentration can significantly impact the effectiveness of insulation.
2. Compliance: Many regulatory Standards and Building Codes mandate specific levels of argon gas concentration within IGUs to meet energy-efficiency requirements. Regular calibration ensures that the testing devices comply with these
Standards, enabling manufacturers to meet regulatory requirements and pass quality assurance checks.
3. Quality Assurance: Calibration serves as a quality control measure to verify the reliability and consistency of argon gas testing devices. By calibrating annually, manufacturers can identify and rectify any deviations or inaccuracies in measurements promptly, thus maintaining the quality and performance of their products.
4. Cost Efficiency: Inaccurate measurements due to poorly calibrated testing devices can result in the production of substandard IGUs, leading to rework, product recalls, or even legal liabilities. Calibration helps prevent such costly errors by ensuring that the testing equipment operates within specified tolerances.
5. Customer Satisfaction: IGUs play a crucial role in enhancing the energy
efficiency and comfort of buildings. Calibrated testing devices ensure that IGUs meet performance expectations, providing customers with confidence in the durability and effectiveness of the products they purchase. This, in turn, contributes to positive brand reputation and customer satisfaction.
In summary, the calibration of argon gas testing devices is indispensable for maintaining the accuracy, compliance, quality, cost efficiency, and customer satisfaction within the insulating glass industry. By adhering to rigorous calibration protocols, manufacturers can uphold standards, optimise production processes, and deliver high-performance IGUs that meet the evolving demands of the market.
For more information or bookings for the calibration of your Sparklike or Inagas device please contact office@elegantig.com.au or call us on +61 2 94376500
This 250mm front glazed framing system is the ideal choice for commercial applications, including showrooms, commercial offices, shopping centres, and other applications where large spans are required.
It offers superior strength and has been tested to an overall height of 6000mm.
Designed and engineered in Australia, this commercial framing system is easy to fabricate & install and can enhance the aesthetic of any building.
Features & Benefits
. Ideal for large spans, this commercial framing system accepts a glass thickness of up to 44mm
. Superior strength and durability
. Tested to an overall unit height of 6000mm
. High water resistance with a water rating of 800Pa
. Compatible with Darley CityView commercial window and door systems
. Tested to AS2047 Windows & External Glazed Doors and AS4284 Testing of Building Facades
To find out more, scan the QR code or contact your local Darley branch on
. NSW (02) 8887 2888
. VIC (03) 9238 3888
. QLD (07) 3287 1888
. WA (08) 9437 2999
