SPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSOCIATION INC.
Vol 13 No 3 June • July 2013
Excellence abounds
Awards for Excellence
raises the bar
RICKY RICHARDS Notches up three
decades in business
TENSION STRUCTURES
Design challenges, material rewards
young leaders
Showcase their expertise
What a
SUPER EXPO! All the events in
words and pictures
the latest news from the sta office | new members | rtos & upcoming events
CONNECTIONS magazine is published on behalf of the Specialised Textiles Association Inc. by CommStrat Limited.
Contents
22
Publisher CommStrat Editor & WRITER Nicola Card nicola.card@commstrat.com.au Design & production Annette Epifanidis annette@commstrat.com.au National Sales MANAGER Yuri Mamistvalov Phone: 03 8534 5008 yuri@commstrat.com.au
12
21
PHOTOGRAPHS Nicola Card COMMSTRAT ABN 31 008 434 802
Level 8, 574 St Kilda Rd Melbourne Vic 3004 www.commstrat.com.au Specialised Textiles Association Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Road, St Kilda Vic 3182 Phone: 03 9521 2114 Local call: 1300 555 787 Fax: 03 9521 2116 www.specialisedtextiles.com.au Disclaimer: Except where specifically stated, the opinions and material published in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or the STA Council.
18
44 ASSOCIATION MATTERS
SPECIAL FEATURES
2 4 12 39
16 Tension Structures High level expertise 21 Innovation Metrics By Roger La Salle 44 Happy anniversary Ricky Richards A look at the US market
Report by STA President STA office update Young Leaders’ Challenge Brilliant design and execution STA welcomes new members
AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
ASSOCIATION
21 And the Category winners are … Showcasing the 11 designs that won the judges’ favor
SuperExpo
subscriptions To subscribe to Connections for just $75 inc GST annually contact Ruth Spiegel ruth.spiegel@commstrat.com.au
18 The power and splendor of the STA/BMAA show 34 Super Expo in words and pictures
SPOTLIGHT ON MEMBERS 38 All Seasons Vinyl and the enduring success of Kakadu 42 Members’ products and services – Shann and Innova
TRAINING AND EVENTS 48 Industry events and RTOs
Special feature in the next issue of Connections... Blinds and awnings; Agriculture; Equipment, machinery & components If you would like to be involved in any of these features by providing commentary or insights please contact the editor Nicola.card@commstrat.com.au
STA MATTERS
From the office of the President Tom Gastin It is a great honour and privilege to be
We all know that if jobs are designed,
work tirelessly in educating, improving and
representing the members of the Specialised
engineered, manufactured and installed
raising awareness within this industry sector.
Textiles Association (STA) as President over
correctly that our products are a great safe
The Committee is launching some exciting
the next 12 months.
option compared to alternative solutions.
initiatives later this year.
Fortunately, there is no lack of passion in
We all know this … the challenge we face
The STA office – I would like to thank Ana
this industry and that is evident with the great
is educating organisations such as schools,
and Mina for all the hard work they put in to
work of my predecessor, Lance St Hill and
councils, corporate and government
increase the value to our members. Those
departing committee members Gary Smith
departments who are cautious in their
who have seen, first hand, the effort they put
and Kent Williamson. I thank them all for their
decision making due to lack of knowledge,
in to make our events and initiatives work
commitment, hard work and value they have
research and understanding of our industry.
are flabbergasted at how they manage to get
brought to our industry and association. With the support of our members, the last
It is time we took control as an industry and regulate ourselves before we get regulated
everything done in the time they have. Thirteen years ago I attended my first STA
12 months have strengthened our existing
by others. It’s time to show that quality work is
expo in Sydney as a young man in my early
initiatives and helped some exciting new
produced from our industry.
20s. I must say I was excited to be rubbing
initiatives blossom.
Please remove any fear you may have of the
shoulders with the industry leaders. I
accreditation process. This is not a witch-hunt,
learnt many things at that expo, but the key
development of this program has been
it is about strengthening the industry and our
message I took away was that this association
exciting to watch. Those who attended the
businesses. If you need help, leverage off your
had created a magnificent culture over
young leaders presentations at SuperExpo
membership and ask for help through other
the years. A culture whereby members –
would have seen the passion they have for this
members who may have business procedures
suppliers and fabricators – got together once
industry and for what they do. The industry’s
in place that you may not.
a year to share war stories, share challenges,
Young Leader’s program – The
future is in good hands with our young
So I ask those who need help, to please
share victories, and share exciting new products with fellow members.
leaders. We must encourage them to continue
ask … and I challenge those who are asked
developing their skills while taking the time to
to please help, as this is only going to make
enjoy working in this industry.
our industry stronger and will return the
side by side on projects together, using each
millions of dollars leaving our industry from
other’s niche skills and collaborating to create
our country.
award winning projects.
NWDF Training – Last year we were granted funding through the National Workforce Development Fund for training,
The New Marine Fabricators
A culture whereby fabricators could work
And let’s not forget, a culture where friends
which is now underway. Enrolling in training
Committee – It is exciting to see the
and colleagues with common ground could
is an investment for our industry’s future
leading marine fabricators in this industry
catch up and have fun.
and an opportunity for employers to make a
becoming more involved in the STA. The
difference in their employees’ lives. Education
marine sector of this industry is strong and
over the years that I intend to protect over the
is a wonderful gift and more of it will only
warrants representation from our association.
next 12 months as president.
strengthen our industry as a whole.
This is a great opportunity for more marine
We have a big year ahead and I am
fabricators to get on board and get involved
very excited to be working with such an
in this sub- committee.
outstanding team of Councillors, while
Accreditation – Our association has been working on the accreditation program for some time now and it’s now ready to take off.
The Fabric Structures Committee – As
It is this culture that members have created
strengthening our association and providing
Accreditation gives us a voice for lobbying
has been the case since its creation, the
value to our membership in this wonderful
and will help us gain consumer confidence.
Fabric Structures Committee continues to
industry we are a part of.
2 · CONNECTIONS
High Performance Fabrics for any project
Australia’s Best Selection of Industrial and Commercial Textiles PVC Canvas Nylon
Combining 30 years of experience with Australia’s best selection of industrial and commercial textiles, Ricky Richards is the most trusted source for a variety of products. For fabrics for tarpaulins, caravan and camping, tents and marquees and agriculture and horticulture, to sports equipment and window furnishing, we have the expertise and inventory to get you what you need, when you need it.
Polyethylene
Take comfort in our experience and talk with our friendly team.
Mesh
Explore the Ricky way, today!
Ricky Richards (Sales) Pty Ltd 16 Park Road Homebush NSW 2140 Phone: 02 9735 3333 Fax: 02 9735 3311
www.rickyrichards.com.au
IndustrIal tEXtIlEs
WindoW Furnishing Fabrics
Wide Format Print media
ArchitecturAl Structure FAbricS
STA MATTERS
The STA Diary Office manager Ana Drougas presents a round-up of association activities SuperExpo 2013 Wrap SuperExpo 2013, a joint venture between Specialised Textiles Association (STA) and Blind Manufacturers Association of Australia (BMAA), proved to be the biggest event our industry has participated in to date. With attendance figures reported at 4500 and over 100 exhibitors, SuperExpo 2013 has been declared a success. The Young Leaders Challenge team presentations and judging generated a lot of excitement in the seminar room. STA’s young leaders have once again raised the bar taking their project to a level they did not even envisage. The experience gained by our young leaders is priceless.
SuperExpo 2013 gave STA the opportunity to explore whether changing our traditional two day Expo over a weekend to a three day Expo during the week would work for our members, exhibitors and attendees. Overall the feedback received so far has been very favourable. The question on everyone’s mind now is what next? All I can say at this stage is …. Stay tuned!
time for all Expo visitors to view the award entries and winners. The Expo closed with the ever popular gala dinner - traditionally a BMAA event. SuperExpo 2013 gave STA the opportunity to explore whether changing our traditional two day Expo over a weekend to a three day Expo during the week would work for our members, exhibitors and attendees. Overall the feedback received so far has been very favourable. The question on everyone’s mind now is what next? All I can say at this stage is …. Stay tuned!
Business sessions held throughout the three days of the Expo covered fourth year we have been running business sessions during the
2013 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE - winning projects live on STA’s website
Expo opening times. Although registration numbers were high, actual
A little about the judging process. Each year the judges face the
attendance was lower than anticipated. Those who did attend found the
difficult task of ranking each award entry based on appearance,
sessions worthwhile and beneficial. To ensure the business sessions
workmanship, complexity, level of design, innovation and overall
remain relevant, a review of the format will be conducted by the 2014
functionality of the project.
a wide and varied range of industry specific topics. This is now the
Expo organising committee. The trade Expo component of our SuperExpo occupied all four
In some categories there were many entries and the scoring was very close. In others there were only one or two entries, which does
halls at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Having this
not guarantee that an award will be given in that category. The judges
amount of space available, gave exhibitors the opportunity to create
still rank each project based on its merits and determine whether the
interesting and appealing spaces. The number and quality of exhibitor
quality of the project justifies an award or special commendation.
stands shows just how far our industry has progressed over the years. High attendance numbers at each of the networking events indicated
All entrants can be justifiably proud of the work that they have done on the projects entered in this year’s Awards for Excellence. Some
continued support from members of both STA and BMAA. The welcome
projects are outstanding and truly demonstrate that we have world class
reception, which took place the evening before the trade Expo
operators in many sectors of our industry. This is also demonstrated
opened to visitors, kicked off the three day program. STA’s Awards for
by the number of past ACASPA and now STA award winners whose
Excellence dinner took place on the first evening of the Expo allowing
projects have gone on to win international awards.
4 · CONNECTIONS
Looking for a supplier to solve your industrial fabrics requirements...
the answer is
• Blinds & Awnings • Covers & Tarpaulins • Marquee & Tenting • Banners & Billboards • Shade Sails & Structures
• Architectural Fabrics • Motor & Marine • Solar Protection • Sporting Equipment • Fasteners, Fittings & Accessories
We’ve always got you covered! Sydney – (02) 9669 3333 • newcaStle – (02) 4957 7766 • Melbourne – (03) 9545 5588 briSbane – (07) 3387 8500 • adelaide – (08) 8260 1055 • Perth – (08) 9376 2666 darwin – (08) 8981 1555 • www.NolanUDA.com.au
STA MATTERS Thank you to all who have made the effort to participate in this year’s awards. It takes some time and effort to compile an entry, however, I
Jamie Howard of RH2 will continue in the role of Councillor. We bid farewell to Lance St Hill of Fabric
am sure all will agree that the benefits make it a
Solutions Australia in Queensland who has
worthwhile exercise.
stepped down from COM following the
Congratulations to all our Category winners, see
completion of his fixed three-year term on COM,
pages 21-33 for more.
with his last year as President.
Young Leaders Challenge
also leaves COM having also completed three
Details on both team projects were presented at
years on Council of Management, and Kent
SuperExpo by each team.
Williamson of RMIT in Victoria has stepped down
Gary Smith of Campbell & Heeps in Victoria
A brief recap on the Young Leaders Challenge:
from the role of Councillor after completing his
Two teams made up of STA's young leaders
three years on COM however, will remain as the
were set the challenge of researching and
Association Treasurer for a further 12 months.
securing their own project. Ultimately, both engineer, market, secure sponsorship and
Farewell to outgoing President Lance St Hill
install a complete top to tail project. One of the
2012 incoming President, Lance St Hill had big
prerequisites for the chosen project was that it
shoes to fill. The role of President was a task
had to give something back to a community or
which was not taken lightly. Lance’s passion
group in need.
towards our young leaders was obvious in
teams were required to design, fabricate,
Both projects were unveiled and judged during
ensuring this incentive continued from strength
SuperExpo 2013 on the Gold Coast. The winning
to strength, a joint Expo with the BMAA and
team was announced at the Awards for Excellence
continuing to move forward with our accreditation
ceremonial dinner on Wednesday June 5.
program are just some of the highlights of Lance
In awarding a narrow victory to Green Textiles
St Hill’s year as president. Lance also wanted to
team over the Shade A Cause, the judges were
see the communication chain from STA members
impressed with the quality of both projects and
extend past the business owner. He wanted all
particularly delighted by the commitment of the
staff in the business to be aware of STA, to receive
young leaders to their team challenge.
email newsletters and participate in networking
Congratulations to all our 2013 young leaders for rising to the challenge and especially to both team
events. Thanks to Lance, this is now reality. Lance, thank you for a terrific year!
leaders – Ben Thorburn of Thorline Products and Brendan Allen of Ricky Richards. Read all about the Young Leaders and their projects on pages 12-14 of this issue. To be held later this year, the next Young Leaders challenge will be set at STA’s third Young Leaders Conference. Further details will be available on www.specialsiedtextiles.com.au and emailed to members by the end of July.
STA’s new president and Council of Management Tom Gastin of NSW based Pattons was appointed as the new President of Specialised Textiles Association. 2013/14 Council of Management (COM) also welcomes three new councillors: Connie Hellyar of OneLink Agencies; Daniel Gollan of HVG Fabrics and Glenn Barlow of Positive Resolutions. David Burton of Ricky Richards has stepped into the role of Vice President. 6 · CONNECTIONS
In awarding a narrow victory to Green Textiles team over the Shade A Cause, the judges were impressed with the quality of both projects and particularly delighted by the commitment of the young leaders to their team challenge. Congratulations to all our 2013 young leaders for rising to the challenge and especially to both team leaders – Ben Thorburn of Thorline Products and Brendan Allen of Ricky Richards.
STA Council of Management SPECIALISED TEXTILES Association Inc. Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Rd St Kilda, Vic 3182 Ph: (03) 9521 2114 Local Call: 1300 555 787 Facsimile: (03) 9521 2116 Email: ana@specialisedtextiles.com.au Web: www.specialisedtextiles.com.au ASSOCIATION MANAGER Ana Drougas Email: ana@specialisedtextiles.com.au President Tom Gastin Pattons—Textile Fabrication 80 McDougall St, Kirribilli, NSW 2061 Ph: 02 9955 2563 or 1300 799 980 Fax: 02 9959 3158 Mobile: 0414 952 007 Email: tom@pattons.com.au COUNCILLORS David Burton Ricky Richards 16 Park Road, Homebush NSW 2140 Ph: 02 9735 3333 Fax: 02 9735 3311 Mobile: 0419 277 711 Email: david.burton@rickyrichards.com.au Jamie Howard Total Shade Solutions 4 Aldinga St, Brendale QLD 4500 Ph: 07 3889 7200 Fax: 07 3889 8865 Mobile: 0402 274 636 Email: Jamie@totalshadesolutions.com.au Connie Hellyar OneLink Agencies 3 Toorak Close, Mollymook Beach NSW 2539 Ph: 02 4454 3101 Fax: 02 4454 3201 Mobile: 0404 086 158 connie@onelinkagencies.com.au www.onelinkagencies.com.au Glenn Barlow Positive Resolutions Pty Ltd 2/46 Governor Macquarie Drive, Chipping Norton NSW 2170 Ph: 02 9723 9141 Fax: 02 728 3337 Mobile: 0409 273 284 Email: glenn@positiveresolutions.com.au Daniel Gollan HVG 46 Wodonga Street, Beverley SA 5009 Ph: 08 8348 6800 Fax: 08 8445 8455 Mobile: 0402 274 636 Email: dgollan@hvg.net.au Connections Magazine Advertising submissions: yuri@commstrat.com.au Ph: 03 8534 5008 Editorial: Nicola Card nicola.card@commstrat.com.au
STA Expo wrap
Covering all bases Combining the knowledge and communities of two like associations, SuperExpo 2013 guaranteed to provide more content and variety than ever before – and by all accounts it sure delivered. Here we take a look at the flavour and colour of the SuperExpo that was. Seen through the eyes of Nicola Card Product launches, industry milestones, company celebrations, an expo hall with wall to wall exhibitors, vivid colours all around, exhibitor stands soaring to the ceiling … SuperExpo had it all. Adding more flavour to this year’s Expo was the range of speakers and their coverage of topics that matter, that have a real and everyday impact on the industry and those who participate in it.
Local expertise on show
His live demo nicely illustrated the ease and simplicity of Formfinder which was developed by hi tech professionals who are expert in design and tension. Sketching an 8 by 8 metre hypar sail Trevor started by clicking on the grid to enter dimensions, using Cartesian coordinates and added height and manipulated edges and radius and lean, and support columns.
Our coverage of those presentations kicks off with Trevor Scott of Light Weight Structures whose address From Solar Shading products to essential Dynamic Solar was titled: Innovator or Imitator and covered Designing Tensile Structures with Formfinder In a nutshell he demonstrated how with a few simple clicks of the mouse design tool Formfinder enhances creativity and innovation to assist in the design and planning of all types of structures.
The smart software also caters for the sun’s movements - and hey presto a shading diagram immediately pops into sight. Trevor also demonstrated the ease of presenting two overlapping sails and line contours can be drawn for water run-off. To facilitate the process, jpeg images can be imported into Formfinder. Another prominent local innovator is design engineer John Clark of Aeronaut who took to the stage to introduce Silicon Eye Machine Vision. Everyone loves the ‘Eureka’ concept and that is exactly how John described the moment that he comprehended the potential speed and simplicity of a process tapping into low-cost digital cameras mounted above a cutting table. Properly configured this presents a breakthrough by streamlining previously complex and time consuming fabrication processes. How fast is fast? “The Machine Vision System process takes just 20 seconds … about the same as that needed to locate a tape measure!” John remarked. Top: Trevor Scott of LWAS Above: The HVG team lined up for business Left: Hunter Douglas turns 60
8 · CONNECTIONS
our brands, your future
ArchitecturAl
Solar protection
marine / automotive
SPECIALITY FABRICATIonS
geomembranes & linings
Innova International Pty. Ltd. Distributors in all states. ph + 61 3 9551 8722 email innova@innova.com.au web innova.com.au
Superexpo wrap “You can move objects and nest stuff onto fabric without any need for measuring, it provides resolution and accuracy. Tracing paper or card templates, matching patterned fabric, positioning cut profiles on scrap or printed material, nesting around faults, all these processes can now take seconds instead of hours.” The system’s ability to factor in leather imperfections for off-cuts was neatly demonstrated. And as John pointed out, previously a top-of-the-range camera would lighten the wallet to the tune of $10,000, a projector $7000, and with other necessary gadgets the bill would tally a mighty $32,000. “A decade on it has changed, cost are down, performance is up and
Chris Arkell, Innova How do I minimise the Environmental Impact of my business? and Chris Boyle from Queensland Building Services Authority Licensing for Queensland Installers. The business sessions concluded with a lively Q&A forum on Shade Cloth Testing with an update on Australian Standards review of AS4174-
digital printing is everywhere,” he said.
Synthetic Shadecloth.
Read more on John Clark’s savvy system in an upcoming issue of
The international picture
Connections. Control solutions as essential future building technology was the title Raising Standards for Fabric Structures was the essence of Beatrice
of the presentation by Peter Winters, Director Shading & Building
Moonen’s address. As Chairperson of the Fabric Structures Committee
Solutions with Dickson Constant and current President of ESSO
she presented ‘Everything you ever wanted to know about fabric
(European Solar Shading Association).
structures but were afraid to ask’. The Fabric Structures Committee had pooled their extensive
The focus of ESSO lies in energy reduction and savings, and playing an integral role in essential building technology is solar shading.
resources to produce an invaluable tool, a USB stick containing advice
Properly installed it can significantly reduce energy demand while
in 10,000 words over 25 pages, including a ‘how to’ guide for installers,
boosting personal comfort and liveability, Peter said. Working under
a consumer checklist facilitating informed choices, a handy summary
daylight (as opposed to electric lighting) is believed to dynamise the
of all state licensing requirements, information on public safety and
brain. See www.es-so.eu for more.
vandalism and more . Having been a director of Abacus since 1984, Beatrice is well known
Peter outlined the EU Commission’s push for renewable energy (PV, wind and others) and trend in Europe during the recession for new
in the industry. And a quick reminder of the industrious members on
builds to feature larger lounge windows to tap into the sun’s warmth and
the Fabric Structures Committee: John Rebecci, Trevor Scott, George
saving (heating) energy.
Formosa and John Simmonds. The active group meets every six weeks. Other local presenters were: Dr John Scheirs, Principal Consultant to Excelplas, on Failures and Successes of Geomembranes: The Role of Testing and Compliance; DDT’s Max Brady chaired the Geosynthetics
The EU2 20-20-20 plans to deliver 20% less energy and 20% less CO2 with 20% more renewable energy … and in the process save Euro €370 billion in costs. Statistics tell the sinister story: transport consumes 33% of energy
Installers and Suppliers’ Forum; Glenn Barlow Thinking outside the
produced, industry 26%, while a whopping 41% of energy is consumed
textile square, Positive Resolutions; How to increase sales through
by buildings, two thirds of which is used to generate heating and cooling.
digital and mobile marketing
With this in mind, just 10% saving through intelligent solar shading – automated and motorised – will result in savings of €37 billion.
10 · CONNECTIONS
SuperExpo highlight: Awards dinner Left: The colourful display of Clare Corban’s Goodearl and Bailey stand Bottom left: Jules Duguay of Mermet and Frank Hammond of Horizon Sails Bottom right: Chris Nolan on Nolan.UDA
Not to be sneezed at! As someone said: “The best energy is the one you do not consume.” “Solar shading is a key element for improving the energy efficiency and daylight management of existing buildings … and must be taken into account in the very early design phase of the building or at renovation stage.” Peter also touched on the extent of power used in transmission: up to three times the energy is consumed en-route from the power supplier to the consumer socket. A constant and sufficient source of renewable energy could instead be provided by the sun’s rays. Other interesting facts: In a bid to combat serious energy shortages, the Pakistan government is banning the use of air conditioners in government offices; air conditioners in the US consume about 15% of all energy generated … the building envelope is the main source of heat loss or gain. Should internal and external solar shading become mandatory, EU standards will become necessary. The following day Jules Duguay who is General Manager, Mermet
A glittering night for STA members, businesses and families, with superb entertainment in the form of magician Brad Manuel, fresh in from popular performances in Las Vegas. Taking the podium for the last time, outgoing president Lance St Hill described himself as “Johnny on the spot” for STA initiatives that had come to fruition during the past year, including the association’s new name, training with National Workforce Committee, all the projects and progress delivered by Beatrice Moonen’s productive and informative Fabrics Committee. He mentioned that still in their infancy were the Training and Editorial committees, and the newly formed Marine Fabricators sector. Also stepping down from COM were Kent Williamson and Gary Smith. Presiding over the new committee is Tom Gastin, with David Burton stepping up to Vice President. Jamie Howard continues on COM and newcomers are Connie Hellyar, Daniel Gollan and Glenn Barlow (who is also a "past president" of the association) Taking the podium, incoming STA President Tom Gastin paid tribute to Lance St Hill, Kent Williamson and Gary Smith before warmly thanking his wife Tamme for all her support . Tom highlighted the importance of mentoring and training and described the STA Accreditation Program as “huge”, other than all the associated benefits to members business it is a valuable tool in the education sector. Concluding, Tom quoted an old Tibetan proverb: “To the man who helps another up the mountain – he scales it himself.”
Corp USA addressed Latest technological advancements & global trends in fabrics. Touching on energy efficiency and sustainable design and focus on the growth of ‘green buildings’, much of his US based picture/ material echoed that of Peter Winter’s European outline. “While energy is ubiquitous and in constant demand, future
“The impact of the 2010 ACCC Act could pose a “serious problem” for fabricators and textile suppliers in relation to consequential damages, with ramifications over financial impact on profitability/cash
supplies are cause for concern. Increased energy consumption is
flow/business in general,” Peter said, before introducing the concept of
not sustainable for the ecosystem or in the financial context. The US
developing an industry scheme to cover this contingency.
government wants to constrain energy use and there is a drive toward carbon neutral buildings by 2025,” he said. “The green economy is helping drive solar protection - solar shade for windows/doors/skylights,” given that 30% of warmth is lost through windows. Jules’s slideshow outlined the science of fenestration (window) data, openness factor and solar heat and gain co-efficient SHGC. 100% of UV is blocked by sun shade fabrics which do not reflect UV. The solar protection industry comes with a swag of acronyms, among them IEQ (Indoor enviro quality), VOC (Volatile organic compounds)
“Our advice is to consider your exposure to the ACCC Act and costs would be lower if all STA members joined a public and products liability policy with a competitive underwriter,” he said. The premium pull was a chicken and egg exercise, and acknowledged that Best Practice and QC and STA member accreditation would be taken into account. Chris Nolan who is mindful of matters surrounding legal liability has been heavily involved in briefings with JLT.
Completing the SuperExpo
and GEI (GreenGuard Enviro Institute and certification for safer products).
Covering your business
Flying in from Sweden for the event was Henrik Svensson International Product Manager - Awnings, Turnils who addressed the Latest trends in external applications, A European approach to awnings; and The Blind Energy Rating Committee presented a string of Blind
Product Guarantee Insurance was the serious topic of Jeff Williamson, Chief Executive of chartered brokers Mainprice King, and Stuart McKellar of insurance broker Jardine Lloyd Thompson. Bearing in mind that “the consumer is always right”, fabricators need to be aware of the extent of their liability under ACCC consumer
Energy Rating Scheme workshops. On the more physically active front, many members took to RACV Royal Pines Resort for the Radins Australia Golf Day to swing a club with varying degrees of success; and concluding the three-day SuperExpo marathon was the Gala Dinner & Hall of Fame at Jupiter’s Hotel.
legislation when it comes to remedy in the event of failure of their products to meet warranted performance. This liability, particularly significant consequential damages, cannot be legally transferred to a supplier, and they are particularly vulnerable
Editor’s note: The photos on these pages do not do justice to the size and vibrancy of the event, the enormous investment and creative endeavours by member businesses.
in the event of a significant claim yet insurance for this risk is virtually impossible to obtain.
Turn to pages 42-43 for more SuperExpo coverage and images. JUNE • JULY 2013 · 11
Young leaders
challenge
Young Leaders, new tricks The culmination of a lot of thought, planning and design was detailed by the two Young Leader teams at SuperExpo 2013. We can barely do justice over just two pages to the depth and breadth of these intricate designs and their execution, so what follows is a snapshot of each team’s creative endeavours that have benefitted the community in some way. By Nicola Card
Shade a Cause: a worthwhile pursuit
Representing the Shade a Cause Team at SuperExpo 2013 were Max
Project Manager: Brendan Allen of Ricky Richards. Team
Sydney’s west. In its present state the club house features an open area
members: Justin Esdaile of Triax, Max Hayman of Pattons,
which provides “good exposure” yet no shade, they said.
Michael Guinea of Shade Structures, Scott Bartlett of Bartletts, Chris Smith (in kind), Brad Clark and Linda Bester.
Hayman, Justin Esdaile and Brendan Allen who outlined their plans for inter-twining shade sails to be installed at the PCYC in Blacktown,
The team explained that to kick start processes they assessed the club site and surrounds, took measurements and then came up with concepts before sketching the ideas on the PC using sophisticated software, aided by Tom Gastin of Pattons. The merged sails symbolise interconnections which forms the fabric of any community, Max said. Using software to present their structure in 3D format enabled the team to spin it around and present a realistic view of the concept. The final design was agreed upon and then submitted to the PCYC for approval. “Their only request for change was the colour of the shade sail: from red and royal blue to navy and porcelain,” Max explained. Trevor Scott of Light Weight Structures took care of all design engineering processes and Max Hayman mastered the Gantt chart for all predictions. Steel fabrication was outsourced with Campbell and Heeps kindly picking up the bill. Scott Bartlett in Victoria took just two days to fabricate the sails which at the time of SuperExpo were en-route to Sydney. The Shade a Cause team approached the local Council to gain all necessary approvals and construction certificates, but unfortunately this part of the process caused unforseen delays.
12 · CONNECTIONS
Young leaders
challenge
Four team members have set aside time to install the shade sails and August 3 is earmarked for the launch. Reflecting on the processes, Max said in hindsight the team could have set more goals and carried out risk assessment and that contingency plans and more regular communication would have enabled them to spread the load more evenly. The Gen Y social media savvy team described Facebook as an
At SuperExpo 2013 Dwayne Rickard from Shann and Sam Duggan of MakMax took to the podium to present the Green Textiles team’s project which echoed the community based brief presented by Young Leaders Chief Jamie Howard. Describing the projects genesis Sam said “There was unanimous agreement that we needed to steer toward a greener future, and we wanted to promote the green house concept to kids, teach them the
invaluable communications tool for reaching sponsors and the public, and
benefits of growing fresh produce … so we designed a structure that
made good use of Evernote to circulate documents among the team.
is half greenhouse and half classroom.”
Max, Justin and Brendan thanked all Shade a Cause sponsors.
Green Textiles:Versatility and practicality Project Manager: Ben Thorburn of Thorline Products. Team members: Alberto Del Arco and Samantha Duggan of MakMax, Damien McDonald of DDT, Dwayne Rickard of Shann Australia, Brendan Saunders of Buz Software, David Splatt of HVG, and Michael Young of Nolan.UDA.
Wynnum West Primary School gave the thumbs up to the development of the green house, a 10 x 10 metre modular frame which allows classroom ‘walls’ to be open and closed. Each team member took on a different responsibility: Ben Thorburn was team leader for steel prefabrication and install; Alberto Del Arco and Sam Duggan took the helm for design and sponsorship; Damien McDonald of DDT was chief fabricator; Michael Young and David Splatt took care of marketing and sponsorship while Brendan Saunders of Buz managed marketing and social media. Shann provided channel blinds which enabled larger items to be installed in the structure, and provided the correct amount of shade. Polyfab provided Monofilament 70% shade cloth for the structure, a high density polyethylene weighing in at 210gsm. Selected for the waterproof component was Mehler Valmex TF400 Cristal. Other generous sponsors included Nolan.UDA, Steelman, Ozrig, Boral and the very industrious Focus Cover Systems. The MakMax team commenced fabrication before DDT’s Damien and Rob Miller took over.
Due credit Commending both teams, mastermind Jamie Howard said “Shade a Cause and Green Textiles team members have really stepped up to the plate to deliver what was specified.” The two structures were judged on their merits and Green Textiles was declared the winner during the evening’s Awards for Excellence ceremony. Photographs of the installed structures will feature in the next issue of Connections. 14 · CONNECTIONS