Connections Nov-Dec 2011

AUSTRALIAN CANVAS AND SYNTHETIC PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION INC.

Vol 11 No 5 Nov/Dec 2011—Jan 2012

Superb structures

Creative, colourful, eye-catching installations

Camping capers

Max Brady and company on the road to ACASPA Expo

Young guns

Luke and Chris of Lukris have a big vision of the industry

Marine trimmers

Partake in specialist workshop at Sydney TAFE

For more information on Austech Welders, please see pages 13 & 44

www.austechwelders.com.au

ACASPA Member News • Training and Events • Member Spotlight • Developments

ACASPA MATTERS From the ACASPA office PRESIDENT GLENN BARLOW SAYS… One of ACASPAs greatest strengths yet biggest challenges is the diversity that we cover within our membership; sharing information and learning from people among a vast variety of businesses is probably one of the most exciting things about being involved in the association.

The more confident and qualified people we have in our great industry, the more professional our future will be.

This challenge and excitement intensifies on Council of Management where there is a real chance to enhance and improve the sharing of information while building great working relationships.

Since our July AGM we have been working hard to deliver results on a raft of exciting projects while making great inroads on what promises to be a sensational EXPO 2012 in the heart Melbourne.

Two great ACASPA initiatives are about to unfold, one being the revamped Shade Sail Committee that attracted an unbelievably high quality of applicants. Personally I can’t wait to see the dividends that this new committee comes up with for all involved in shade products.

Imminent is the Young Leaders Group conference where again the quality of people nominated by their respective companies is nothing short of excellent. This conference should prove an amazing learning experience for all attendees. Congratulations to all nominated to come along.

The flame is well and truly still alight on two of our most important topics: Accreditation and the search for our new name, with constant work being done by both COM and Ana and Mina in getting these two issues 110% right.

We are not leaving any stone unturned.

Plenty of work is also underway in training and licensing; two areas of increasing importance in this litigious world we live in. ACASPA is working hard with our great training institutes to make qualifications more accessible for all of our members. It’s an area that I am personally passionate about as I believe that training and development is great for companies and also helps grow the person. The more confident and qualified people we have in our great industry, the more professional our future will be.

Finally if there’s one thing that makes an organisation tick it’s ideas and involvement from its great members , sharing information with people with common interests as yourself and your business can only benefit the industry as a whole and make us all stronger.

Always feel free as an ACASPA member to get involved and have your say.

OFFICE MANAGER ANA DROUGAS YLG An upcoming highlight for ACASPA is the Young Leaders Group (YLG) conference taking place during the last weekend of November. At the time of writing, that was five weeks away but had already generated tremendous interest and that is all positive, given we so need to encourage eager, young newcomers. And the futuristic theme of the YLG ties in nicely with the Lukris — Luke and Chris — story on pages 14 and 15. We would love to welcome more along the likes of Luke and Chris to our industry!

Laying down the law Now to the changes in the regulatory environment which will impact on members. January 1 2012 hails the transition from state based OHS laws to one consistent WHS regime, something we all need to get to grips with.

The landscape will also take on a different shape under a carbon paying scheme, yet as many as 66 percent of small businesses do not support changes and instead express uncertainty mixed with anxiety over the financial impact on everyday business operations. Many of our members, especially those in the manufacturing sector with high power usage, are understandably very concerned.

An unlikely ally is Greens leader Bob Brown who says “small businesses are not finding it so easy” and suggests a 5 per cent tax cut for small business in lieu of the proposed banks’ $4 billion tax break under the mining tax package.

And finally … your magazine In recent weeks we have consulted a marketing specialist on a range of matters. I am pleased to report that from next year we will be publishing six, rather than five, issues of Connections which is acknowledged as one of ACASPA’s primary communication tools for member activities, association events and related business matters.

Each issue will be themed which will enable our association to promote itself more widely to the industry at large, and generally raise awareness of the scope of our activities. This ties in very neatly with all our other initiatives — name change, YLG, accreditation and revised Shade Sail Committee. Onward and upward we go.

The landscape will take on a different shape under a carbon paying scheme … Many of our members … are understandably very concerned.

NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 1

Contents

30

18

8

20

ACASPA MATTERS

TRAINING

02 ACASPA officers’ report 04 Office report 06 ACASPA matters

10 Sydney TAFE and Serge Ferrari deliver …

Members’ activities and achievements

16 32 34 36

State Reports ACASPA your voice ACASPA Membership form Membership Directory

SPECIAL EXPO FEATURE

Marine trimming techniques

PRODUCTS 48 Industry related products and services

GADGETS

A budding new business

CONNECTIONS magazine is published on behalf of the Australian Canvas and Synthetic Products Association Inc.

by CommStrat Limited.

PUBLISHER CommStrat EDITOR Nicola Card CREATIVE Timothy Hartridge

2 · CONNECTIONS

44 Trade events across the globe

20 Creative talents in recreational areas 28 Simon Sharwood checks out new gadgets

14 Young guns Luke and Chris of Lukris

SPOTLIGHT ON ACASPA MEMBERS

SUPERB STRUCTURES

08 Camping capers Max Brady and colleagues take to the road

10

Shiny gimmicks or beneficial to business?

Taking a wider look at the world

TRAINING AND EVENTS 52 Industry events and a list of RTOs

BUSINESS 18 Vox pop on carbon tax 30 Ushering in new regulations

DESIGNER Odette Boulton CONTRIBUTORS Lawrence De Paoli, Meleah Maynard.

SALES Yuri Mamistvalov yuri@commstrat.com.au CONTACT EDITORIAL nicola.card@commstrat.com.au office@acaspa.com.au

COMMSTRAT ABN 31 008 434 802 Level 8, 574 St Kilda Rd Melbourne Vic 3004 www.commstrat.com.au ACASPA Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Road, St Kilda 3182 VIC Phone: 03 9521 2114 Local call: 1300 555 787 Fax: 03 9521 2116 www.acaspa.com.au

Disclaimer: Except where specifically stated, the opinions and material published in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or the ACASPA Council.

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ACASPA ACASPA MATTERS MATTERS ACASPA UPDATE

by Ana Drougas

The ACASPA agenda is as full as ever, with the COM and other volunteers progressing initiatives that will benefit members.

Young Leaders Group

Awards for Excellence 2012

National Conference Sat November 26 and Sun November 27, 2012 Novotel at Brighton Beach, Sydney

We are reviewing and refreshing the Awards for Excellence categories and will soon broadcast details so that members can start considering

Massive white building right on the beach ­— you cannot miss it.

With the future of our great industry lying in the hands of the young, the Young Leaders Group is set to play a pivotal role. Our special event in late November helps foster their talents and pave the way forward.

Several more experienced industry players ­— those we call ‘ACASPA Legends’ ­— will also be present during this two-day event. ACASPA would like to acknowledge the foresight of past Presidents Jane Lynch and Brendan Hall in developing this important enterprise.

their entry.

We welcome all entries. Please look upon this as a means of promoting not just your good work but also your business.

As some wise person said “As an industry … in such a litigious society, we need communication and solidarity.”

New Shade Sail Committee

Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach

ACASPA Expo 2012 We are back to our traditional timing for the ACASPA Expo in late May, and Victoria’s premier and massive conference venue the Melbourne Exhibition Centre certainly ticks all the boxes in terms of location and facilities: easily accessible and situated on the riverside tourist strip which comes with city views and a variety of cafes.

We are running several business sessions with a difference: staged on the exhibition floor itself.

To achieve this we are attempting a ‘cone of silence’ arrangement.

In other highlights, a special project constructed during the Young Leaders Group conference will be showcased.

4 · CONNECTIONS

Following on from the excellent work of ACASPA’s Shade Sail Committee which launched the Shade Sail Guidelines, the COM is establishing a longterm national committee representing all areas of structures and sails.

The sub-committee will comprise a chairperson, two engineers/designers and one fabricator/installer/ supplier from each of NSW, Victoria, Queensland, WA and SA. The committee will provide a resource for information and support for those in the manufacture, supply, design, engineering, fabrication and installation of shade fabric or PVC tension structures.

Industry analysis and review of changes with a focus on regulation, licensing, training and insurance will also be collected and collated with regular reports in Connections.

Importantly, the committee’s work will enable us to establish closer ties with training organisations on matters related to accredited training and develop professional guidelines and advice. As some wise person said “As an industry … in such a litigious society, we need communication and solidarity.”

ACASPA COUNCIL OF MANAGEMENT AUSTRALIAN CANVAS AND SYNTHETIC PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION INC. Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Rd St Kilda, Vic 3182 Telephone: (03) 9521 2114 Local Call: 1300 555 787 Facsimile: (03) 9521 2116 Email: office@acaspa.com.au Web: www.acaspa.com.au ASSOCIATION MANAGER Ana Drougas Email: office@acaspa.com.au PRESIDENT Glenn Barlow Nan’s Tarps 25 Vaughan Street Lidcombe NSW 2141 Mobile: 0409 273 284 Tel: (02) 9649 2334 Fax: (02) 9646 1361 Email: glenn@nanstarps.com.au VICE PRESIDENT Lance St Hill Fabric Solutions Australia Pty Ltd PO Box 6283 Yatala DC Qld 4207 Mobile: 0400 103 534 Tel: (07) 3807 0200 Fax: (07) 3807 8217 Email: lances@fabricsolutions.com.au COUNCILLORS Brendan Hall Bradmill Outdoor Fabrics Unit 3, 100 Fulton Dve, Derrimut Vic 3030 Mobile: 0416 280 757 Tel: (03) 9368 2222 Fax: (03) 9368 2211 Email: bhall@bradmilloutdoor.com.au Kent Williamson Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) 25 Dawson Street Brunswick, Vic 3056 Ph (03) 9925 9182 Fax: (03) 9925 9129 Email: kent.williamson@rmit.edu.au www.rmit.edu.au Gary Smith Campbell & Heeps 5/125 Highbury Rd, Burwood, Vic 3125 Mobile: 0419 311 899 Telephone: (03) 98086911 Fax: (03) 9808 3148 Email: gsmith@campbellheeps.com.au Tom Gastin Pattons — Textile Fabrication 80 McDougall St, Kirribilli, NSW, 2061 Mobile: 0414 952 007 Telephone: (02) 9955 2563 or 1300 799 980 Fax: (02) 9959 3158 Email: tom@pattons.com.au

CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE Advertising submissions: yuri@commstrat.com.au Editorial: Nicola Card nicola.card@commstrat.com.au

Australian Canvas and Synthetic Products Association Inc

NEWS Movers and shakers…

1a 1 Justifiably proud dad …

Eric Moonen from Abacus Shade Structures is proud of his two daughters who share an academic streak. The pictures tell the stories: daughter Zsa Zsa (pictured above) is just completing a fiveyear double degree in Business Management and Nutrition at Wollongong University.

The course included six months’ study in France.

Meantime, Eric’s daughter Avalon has been asked to do honours in Medicine at Sydney University; she is currently doing her internship in a hospital in Melbourne.

What Connections would like to know is: given the friendly rivalry between the two great cities, what is Avalon’s view?

1a Eric Moonen and his daughter Zsa Zsa at the rocks on Fathers Day. 1b Avalon ponders the relative merits of two cities.

6 · CONNECTIONS

1b

2 Welcome shade for Cabramatta Bowls club ollowing enormous success F at Pine Rivers Memorial Bowls Club in Queensland the bowls community appears to recognise the value in covering greens and providing a sun-safe playing environment. To that end, MakMax Australia recently completed another major project: a long span bowling greens cover.

Cabramatta Bowls Club is reputedly the first lawn bowls facility in the world to cover a bowling green with state of the art PTFE (polytetraflouroethylene) fabric roofing. The inner fibres of PTFE are in essence fibreglass with a Teflon outer coating, which helps keep the surface a clean, crisp white colour for decades to come.

Other facilities that use PTFE for roofing include Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast, The Gabba in Brisbane, Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre and many more stadiums worldwide.

The application for bowls is brand new, but tension membrane specialist MakMax is confident the product is perfectly suited to Cabramatta’s needs now and into the future. Construction was due to be complete by mid October 2011. Cabramatta will boast a state of the art covered green leaving

2a Cabramatta Bowling Club.

2b Karen Murphy, Australian Women’s Indoor Champion 2011. Photo from Bowls Australia

2a

The new covered green means a big change for our club

2b

two greens as a natural surface.

The variety in playing surfaces means the pro’s at Cabramatta will be even more skilled on any surface.

Barry Watkins, General Manager of Cabramatta Bowls Club says “The new covered green means a big change for our club; we’re looking forward to the opportunity to host major events, even international competitions.”

With one green out of three covered the club is able to plan events and programmes that weren’t possible previously.

Watkins adds, “The fact that play won’t be interrupted by weather also helps, we can rely on a schedule and there is definitely comfort in that.”

Cabramatta currently boasts eight world champions past and present calling the club home, the space and flexibility created under the roof allows the club to expand its operations considerably. Watkins said, “In the future we hope to set up a training centre, and develop programmes that will benefit our community.”

With Cabramatta bowler Karen Murphy holding the Australian Indoor Championships title, it appears the club is determined to keep its winning edge.

3 3 Old timer golfers Each and every year, without fail, The Victorian Canvas Goods Manufacturers stages an annual golf day.

This year the event took place on Friday September 23 at the golf course in Cheltenham.

Keith Bartlett took the photo at the Canvas Goods Association Golf dinner.

3 ACASPA Life members Left to Right: Bill Menahem, Cliff Bartlett and Arthur Evans 5 Max Brady of DDT Liners

4 Odour elimination Is it for real? Can it be true? Just some of the questions fielded by Bob Cahill of Tex Connex when he mentions Hiraoka’s new product, a shade cloth that successfully eliminates nasty odours.

Bob discussed the special properties of the fabric during his popular presentation at this year’s ACASPA Expo, and we hope to bring you a fuller feature in a later issue.

5

Is it for real? Can it be true? … a shade 5 Max Brady appointed to cloth that successfully IAGI Board of Directors eliminates nasty In early June ACASPA statesman since its inception ­— in fact ‘big picture’ Max played a role in its odours. Max Brady of DDT Liners

HAVE WE MISSED YOUR NEWS? Email us at Nicola.card@commstrat.com.au and we’ll run your news in the next issue.

accepted an invitation to fill a casual vacancy on the Board of Directors of US based IAGI, the peak body representing geomembrane Installers worldwide.DDT Liners has been a member of IAGI (www.iagi.org)

development ­— and has since been a keen supporter of the association’s aims and objectives.

(This is but one of Max’s many achievements. See his story on the epic annual trek to ACASPA Expo on the following pages.)

NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 7

SPECIAL FEATURE

MINING CAMPERS AND CAPERS As regular as clockwork it is. If there’s an ACASPA Expo taking place somewhere in Australia, there’s a posse of campers on the way. Max Brady tells us that this year’s group took to the off-beaten track of old mining towns where they took in the local sights and enjoyed home-cooked tucker.

If there is a better way to prepare for an Expo — an

blooming here and there … oh, and the persistent

interlude between work and exhibiting — we’d like to know, because Max Brady and company seem to have the formula down to a fine art. That is, take a week-long road trip to unwind and share valuable time with a bunch of like-minded colleagues.

Seven days is what it takes to arrive refreshed and ready to take on the 14-hour days demanded by an Expo.

Max tells us that this year’s pre-Expo camping tour loosely followed a ‘Mining Town History’ theme. Along for the ride were Jim and Helen Kelman, Roger and Margaret Bishop, and Ernie and Sue Nagy. Max’s travel diary read thus:

light rain!

[Serenity 1 — Stress diminishing.]

Day One Found us establishing our camp in the Torrington State Conservation Area, off the beaten track near the old mining town of Torrington.

Day Two Was spent at the same place, enjoying the serenity, the animal and bird-life, and the odd wildflower­— wattles

8 · CONNECTIONS

Day Three Taking the road less travelled we set out in search of the Split Rock Dam between Barraba and Manilla. En-route we called at the Emmaville Mining Museum, and stopped briefly to photograph the Asbestos mine at Woodsreef.

(Barraba is also referred to as Taengarrahwarrawarildi; the place of the yellowjacket trees. And it is one of the longest aboriginal place names we have ever encountered.

The more easily pronounced Manilla or Muneela means winding river; round about. ) We located our campsite just as the sun was setting.

The huge grassy and largely unoccupied campsite at the northern end of Split Rock Dam turned out to be a ripper … and the ideal place to erect our new ‘Community’ flysheet- come-shelter (WCT Coolabah canvas ­— about the size of one of Julia’s BER shelters but nowhere near the price!)

[Serenity 1 — Stress 0.]

Below left: Coolabah community shelter Below: Jim tending the Furphy

Day Four The huge grassy and largely unoccupied campsite at the northern end of Split Rock Dam turned out to be a ripper

Because Roger forgot to bring along his guitar, as promised (or should we say threatened?) the year before, we bypassed country music capital Tamworth, favouring smaller towns such as Somerton, Breeza and Caroona etc. Tyre trouble delayed us somewhat, so we detoured to Quirindi for repairs and with a deft touch of flexibility we chose to camp alongside the busy New England Highway at Wallabadah.

TRAVELLER’S LOG: Wallabadah: a delightful creek bank setting near a park commemorating the First fleet and naming all who sailed therein.

(Quirindi: aboriginal for ‘waters fall together’, ‘dead tree on a mountain top’.) Wallabadah: ‘stone’, although on its own wallah means ‘rain’).

Both 14-inch Furphy camp ovens were deployed to produce a perfectly cooked lamb leg and roast vegetable dinner complemented by the now traditional drop of Penfolds Bin 389. For a while we couldn’t even hear the highway noise!

[Serenity 0.5 — Stress 0.]

Day Five Brought more flexibility. We travelled through some more lovely country in the Liverpool Ranges, visiting towns such as Meriwa, Cassilis, Ulan (with its coal mines) and gold mining towns of old Gulgong (‘a deep water hole’) and Hargraves until we reached our destination, the historic gold town of Hill End. With premature darkness upon us, and precipitation that looked suspiciously like snowflakes hitting our windscreens, we rejected the idea of camping and instead checked into the Royal Hotel that was established back in 1872.

Above: Helen Kelman dishes up dinner Above right: Royal Hotel, Hill End

TRAVELLER’S LOG: If you haven’t yet visited Hill End, it’s worth the trip. National Parks owns the town, and steeped in gold-mining history as it is, there’s plenty to see and learn. Exquisite bird-life abounds, Crimson Rosellas and King Parrots being my favourites, and kangaroos run ­— or should that be bounce — rampant.

Jim was pleased to find a commemorative pine tree that in 2008 one of his friends had helped plant in the park opposite the pub. The sapling successfully took root from a seed harvested from the Canberra LONE PINE daughter tree of World War 1 fame. With plenty to see, and a steep 4WD-only drive down the ‘Bridle Track’ to fit in, we opted to stay a second night — ­ at the Pub of course — ­ where we were invited to join in the ‘send-off ’ party for the interesting young man who holds the Pub’s lease/licence.

[Serenity 0.5 — Enjoyment 1+.]

TRAVELLER’S LOG: The pub’s lease is for sale; google ‘Royal Hotel Hill End’ if you are interested!

Final Day By now the weather had cleared, making way for a sunny day as we left Hill End, bound for the Hunter Valley and Newcastle. The mining theme got a further workout: gold at Sally’s Flat and Sofala, lime for cement at Kandos, and coal all through the Hunter Valley.

Our route took us through the picturesque Bylong Valley, skirting the Wollemi National Park which is home of the back-from-the-brink WOLLEMI PINE TRAVELLER’S LOG: Wollemi Pine — another fascinating story to search on google.

Wax Converters’ Textiles kindly allowed us to park our camper trailers at their new warehouse for collection after ACASPA Conference/Expo. We then had a day to mentally prepare ourselves for the comforts of the Darling Harbour Conference. One point that we reflected upon was that all the people who flocked to these mining towns of yesteryear all relied on CANVAS TENTS for their shelter!

Next year’s Victorian tour is likely to begin at Mildura, although the Northern contingent may well first rendezvous somewhere up the Darling, perhaps at Bourke. Anyone interested in participating you know who to contact: max@ddt.com.au NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 9

TRAINING

SERGE FERRARI TRADE DAY: a surge in interest The first and second days of Spring in Sydney brought some decent and warmer weather, but a group of folk at Sydney Institute TAFE were too engrossed in matters indoors to take much notice of the elements. They were benefitting from a special two-day hands-on Vehicle Trimming workshop.

As reported by Lawrence de Paoli Serge Ferrari, in conjunction with Innova and Bainbridge International, presented a fantastic two-day event for Marine and Motor trimmers at Ultimo college — Sydney Institute.

The event brought together employers and employees from a wide variety of businesses throughout Sydney and regional areas, including some from Melbourne.

Trimmer specialist Steve Szenay flew in from the USA to present the workshop and throughout the two days introduced many styles and processes that businesses in the US adopt when carrying out marine trimming.

The sessions were very informative, with Steve generating a lot of discussion with the locals on the various techniques he uses. The event also presented an opportunity for

10 · CONNECTIONS

Serge Ferrari and Innova to showcase the range of Stamoid fabrics to the employers present.

All participants had the opportunity to manufacture a small round bag with the Stamoid, which helped to illustrate the advantages of using the new product.

From a training point of view, the two day event was a terrific success, with everyone contributing to the demonstrations using their own experiences to highlight various points.

The sharing of ideas and networking among the group really made the event worthwhile. For my part, I was extremely proud that Sydney Institute could partner significant companies — Serge Ferrari and Innova — in presenting such a worthwhile experience to the industry.

Below: Steve Szenay demonstrates finer points of trimming techniques.

The two day event was a terrific success, with everyone contributing to the demonstrations using their own experiences

And finally I would like to acknowledge in particular all the work put in by Yann Simon from Serge Ferrari and Nick Mall from Innova. Both went to a lot of effort in organising the event and together with our TAFE contribution it really was a huge success.

(Editor’s note. We at Connections were lucky enough to receive many high-resolution pictures taken throughout the event at Sydney TAFE. As we have said many times, a picture really does help tell the story. Our gratitude to the photographer and in particular to Lawrence de Paoli for supplying all the material for these pages immediately prior to his wedding and in good time for this publication.)

Lawrence De Paoli is Head Teacher — Autobody Repair, Refinish & Trimming at Sydney Institute TAFE.

Above left: Event attendees discussing various techniques with Steve Szenay.

Above right: An appreciative group of Marine Trimmers NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 11

Young Leaders N At i o N A L C o N f e r e N C e

We would like to share some exciting news with you...

The launch of our very first ACASPA Young Leaders National Conference!

Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 November 2011 Novotel, Brighton Beach, NSW We are looking for our industry’s younger leaders - amongst our member companies - from all areas of the industry.

This is a learning experience, never attempted before in our industry that will go a long way in enhancing the careers of our young talent.

This will be the platform that will bring our industry’s young talent together, in one room, alongside industry leaders. These leaders will provide their younger peers with encouragement to participate in and help progress this fantastic industry we are all proud to be a part of.

We would like you to nominate who, in your company, would fit the bill – someone who is under 35 years of age, has been in the industry more than 2 years and is showing initiative and passion for the work they are involved in.

Register Now!

Sponsorship Opportunities Available Now 12 · CONNECTIONS

AuSTRALiAN CANvAS ANd SYNTheTiC PROduCTS ASSOCiATiON iNC

MAM8

Phone 03 9521 2114, local call 1300 555 787 or email office@acaspa.com.au

805

Please contact Ana or Mina and nominate your employee to participate in the very first Young Leaders National Conference.

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Austech Welders Pty Ltd Managing Director Greg Schmidt 2/10 Hendon way, Kelmscott, Western Australia Ph – 0418771600 Fax – (08) 94980315 Email – info@austechwelders.com Austech Welders Pty. Ltd. representative for New South Wales Robin Pethybridge Ph – 0413744315 Email – gosew@optusnet.com.au

www.austechwelders.com.au NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 13

SPECIAL FEATURE

The winds of change If the industry can attract and retain the likes of Chris Smith and Luke Painter, it is in safe hands. The dynamic duo has a vision for the future of their new business Lukris and the industry as a whole. Connections caught up with Chris and Luke on the eve of their factory move.

Our warranty is one to five years but we want our products to last as long as possible, ten years at least and for customers to remember us and our blinds down the track.

14 · CONNECTIONS

They say that when a business is managed by two people with similar or identical skills then one could be redundant. So for fledgling business Lukris the mix is ideal: two people with diverse and complementary skills and better still, both are young and eager. Of Luke Painter and Chris Smith, one is a better illustrator and problem solver and more creative. One more punctual and organised, better at creating lists, the other more skilled at “looking outside the square”, the other succumbing faster to frustration.

Having worked alongside each other for ten years, Luke and Chris know each other’s strengths and foibles well enough to realise they make a good team, and four years ago they started planning their own venture.

In their words “We realised we wanted to do our own thing. We both worked for Campbell and Heeps which is a manufacturer retailer and decided we wanted to become a wholesale manufacturer and try and improve on what is in the industry.”

Lukris wholesale products include two types of folding arms: awnings. Cassettes straight drop blind on cables or tracks; G screens, umbrellas, and a side pole cantilever. They are also considering a new product, a pergola featuring a louvred roof.

Durable products “Most of our parts are Australian made and we have made a conscious decision to use as little plastic as possible. People declare products are UV stabilised but who is to say in five ten years.

“Our warranty is one to five years but we want our products to last as long as possible, ten years at least and for customers to remember us and our blinds down the track.

“We’ll be supplying products in kit form to Campbell and Heeps and they will do the skin and assembly. We will not be involved in any retail at all so there will be no client contact as you can upset other businesses doing that.

We want to be good at what we do and focus on the clients we have.

“Lucky for us Campbell and Heeps was a ready-made customer as they were previously buying in the products that we are now wholesaling to them. But Lukris is a separate venture, the two businesses are not related at all.”

Facts about the factory Mid September marked the move into their factory in Melbourne’s outer east. It’s one in a group of eight that originally housed an archery business. Chris and Luke have since fitted racks and benches at minimal cost, giving

it the appearance of a warehousecome-factory.

Just the two of them manage all operations along with Chris’s wife Zoe who is bookkeeper.

Depending on growth they will consider taking on more staff within two or three years.

“A skilled factory position is what will be advertised, but our industry is unique as we do not fit into any specific category.

If there was a specific training course it would help us find and recruit installers, and the problem could get worse in future,” Chris said.

Industry issues Staffing and the ageing industry “On leaving school people want to become a chippie or a plumber so they do their trade and get a certificate but there is no such pathway for our industry. Career progression usually means going from blind installations into sales or the factory which is what we did. This is an industry you fall into, sometimes through family and there are a lot of family businesses in the industry which is great but to me it shows there is a limited pathway.” And the industry is getting older, they observe. “One third of people in the industry are aged 65 or more and are looking at retiring so there will there be a tipping point that creates a vacuum. It will be interesting to see where it goes from there, how

Right: Bright sparks Luke and Chris are confident about their future Opposite page: Just a few of the boxes to unpack in Lukris’s new factory

many young people are involved at that point. We need more young, vibrant and energetic people to keep the industry alive. “That is why we welcome ACASPA’s upcoming Young Leaders conference; it is impressive as it recognises the need to attract younger generations.”

Quality workmanship Product installation is another concern and poorly installed structures damage the industry’s reputation. “ACASPA has a broad role and more specific TAFE training and regulations in shade sails would help the industry,” they say. “Many businesses train installers internally as there is no ready supply, it is hard to get good quality installers.”

Cheap imports Luke and Chris identified another challenge. “People think they can start up a business and they import everything from overseas, even if it is cheap and nasty.

We need to make people aware of differences in quality, to educate the public.

ROAD-TRIP DRIVES IDEAS During the lengthy drive to and from Sydney for the ACASPA Expo Luke and Chris spent hours contemplating a new name for the association … and singing.

“The reason we drove up was we wanted to control everything including timing and freight so we hired a van and only stopped once during the 9.5 hours each way,” they said.

“We were well organised, we packed our own snacks for the trip and organised a good song playlist … we sing a lot when travelling. All up it was a good bonding exercise!”

Want to know more? Their favorite song was the early ‘80s hit Winds of change by the Scorpions.

“Awareness is another area that ACASPA could tackle, and the association has many good ideas in the pipeline, including accreditation and marketing. It is heading in the right direction, with plans for greater promotion and awareness.”

The road ahead for the Lukris partnership As to Lukris, both Luke and Chris are confident about their future but will exercise control over growth. “That is not too quick, not too fast.

We want to deliver fast and efficient services to clients rather than have lots of clients we cannot service in good time. And we do not want to be so busy that we run out of stock.”

Back to those complementary skills. When it comes to other important stuff like footy, the young men have no differences: both barrack for the Bombers. To us, it’s definitely a case of kicking goals for the same team.

For more information visit: www.lukris.com.au

NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 15

STATE REPORTS

State of affairs A round up of what is happening in the industry in NSW, Victoria and Queensland as seen through the eyes of the Council of Management.

NSW — Tom Gastin With the current negative press and fear that is circulating about the state of the global economy, it is a great to relief to me hearing many people I speak to being positive about their business, and about our industry as a whole.

Several challenges — and constant changes — in the financial markets are certainly making it important for businesses to look to the future, and adjust if necessary. Those who are doing so seem to

has been struggling to push past the low 20s.

So it is quite positive that, despite this, the blinds and awnings market has been stable. More good weather will certainly strengthen the desire for more shade solutions.

have experienced good results through this winter.

Shade cloth and PVC suppliers have noticed a drop in commercial sales over the winter this year with school funding drying up and construction slowing down. So it is encouraging that some suppliers have mentioned great volumes of sales in September. This brings a lot of confidence leading into the summer months.

There does seem to be a general consensus that end users are taking longer to make their decisions, being more protective of their investments and less willing to part with their money. But there is money out there — and we have to get out there to convince buyers to stay positive and spend it.

Following two hot weeks in early September, when meteorologists started predicting one of the hottest summers on record, the thermometer in NSW

of the licensing laws and this has contributed to fewer unsightly and unsafe jobs that can damage the reputation of our industry.

There is also plenty of positive talk in industry circles about the implementation of the ACASPA accreditation system. This will further increase the quality of work out there, it will build buyer confidence, and that will lead to more shade products being drawn in to architects’ plans.

I have also noticed more and more companies are working together in alliances to complete jobs.

People are working to their strengths and finding positives in working with others’ strengths. This teamwork brings versatility, not to mention quality results with a quick turnaround.

The summer is looking positive, so let’s hook in and make it happen that way.

Great work!

I have noticed the quality of shade sail work around NSW is improving rapidly. Installers are more aware

Queensland — Lance St Hill Speaking to a number of the material distributors and from firsthand experience, many of the local fabricators are finding it tough at the present.

Several fabricators who work in the housing, recreational and shade industries are also finding it a bit tough. The Gold Coast in particular is experiencing a very flat housing industry with low levels of consumer confidence. This tends to flow on to those areas of discretionary spending. Some of the regional centres of Queensland are also finding it pretty difficult.

Those fabricators fortunate enough to be supplying the mining industry are busy but that is isolated to a few fabricator and a few areas.

Some of the fabricators in north Queensland have had a good run with replacement/insurance work generated by the damage wreaked by cyclones earlier this year. The agricultural sector 16 · CONNECTIONS

has been good for those in that market with bumper grain and cotton crops this year but lots of summer rain could play havoc with that and other markets.

Weather forecasters are predicting a very wet “wet season” again, albeit not as devastating as the floods we experienced earlier this year. The predictions are for a number of cyclones and lots of summer storms and rain. If this is the case the pool liner market and other more seasonal markets such as shade sails, agricultural etcetera could find it tougher than they would like.

As Ken Brown of Brownies Coast Watch says, it is harder to pick than a broken nose.

Mining is the only real boom area. For those fortunate to be in that field, the short to medium term is very buoyant, other than that, in many areas it is a case of lean pickings.

“It is encouraging that some suppliers have mentioned great volumes of sales in September.

This brings a lot of confidence leading into the summer months.”

Victoria — Brendan Hall As I sit down to write this report the sun is shining and the mercury is nudging 30 degrees.

For the Victorian awning and sun shade business this weather hopefully will trigger the start, albeit somewhat late, of the awning season. In discussion with quite a few members they are all expressing the same message. Business is around but harder to find and very competitive. Volume is down.

Stock levels are higher than most of the wholesalers would prefer and there seems to be a lack of confidence among consumers to open their purses. A large domestic awning manufacturer said “Business has dropped back to the volumes of three years ago after a couple of years of boom conditions.

It tends to be a cycle. It will come back.”

That’s a great thought to hold on to.

Country Victoria is steady with good crops and

better than externals but convertors are drowning in a sea of internal window fabrics and components that are being offered from local and imported suppliers at a wide range of prices and quality.

That just about rounds up the state of affairs in Victoria from my perspective.

Here’s wishing all members a safe and happy Christmas and a busy 2012.

“Business has dropped back to the volumes of three years ago after a couple of years of boom conditions. It tends to be a cycle.

It will come back.”

strong farm conditions helping to put some money back into the local economy. Demand for industrial products such as canvas and tarps has been quite constant as has the wheat cover business.

Internal window products have been performing

NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 17

VOX POP

What price carbon tax?

We called several ACASPA members to seek their views on what seems the inevitability of a carbon pricing scheme in Australia. Many were unwilling to comment, others wanted a say but to remain anonymous. Below is an indication of the moods of the industry.

Jim Kelman of WCT is very wary, saying:

Max Brady says…

“Based on what power we use and anticipating a ten percent rise in costs, a carbon tax will add significantly to our already high $500,000 energy bill. I have issues with that. Opposition leader Tony Abbott visited our factory five months ago to discuss this with us. We are also very concerned about Workers Comp and also the rise in super from 9 percent to 12 percent and talks about a Free Trade Agreement with China which nullifies import duties to zero. Australian manufacturers are in trouble in general.

Recommended reading is Charles Fishman’s The Wal-Mart Effect.

Page 97 in particular which compares or more accurately contrasts the cost of employing one US worker to 70 in Indonesia.

“Having a degree in Earth Sciences, I am both interested in, and claim to have some understanding of, Climate Change. Of course I believe in Climate Change — but I’m sceptical about ANTHROPOGENIC Climate Change. Reading Prof Ian Plimer’s book only reinforced these views.

However I accept the reality that many people are convinced that Man has contributed significantly to Climate change, and some even think that we can do some things that will remedy the situation.

I’m not sure that Australia’s ‘carbon tax’ will make any difference to the alleged problem. If we are serious about it, a starting price of approx $25 per tonne looks a bit light on. (But then, if we ARE serious about it, why aren’t we considering nuclear power generation … after all that’s largely how Japan met its Kyoto obligations). And almost nobody is talking about the fact that water vapour is a much more effective ‘greenhouse gas’ than CO2.

But I suppose even sceptics can be expected to try and make a dollar out of a carbon-priced scenario. Our electricity and freight bills will continue to rise significantly, so none of us will escape the pain. Perhaps, however, some niche opportunities might arise for our industry: Maybe we could convince people to cool their houses by clever use of more shade sails; Scarcer water resources will justify investing in more liners and evaporation control covers; Methane harvesting will require more liners and covers; and if things get really crook, we might have to live in apartments/cities completely ‘indoors’ in gigantic urban-scale tension membrane/inflatable domes.

On the other hand, what if our major overseas competitors don’t put a price on their carbon dioxide?! Their goods will be even cheaper than they are now.

One prominent ACASPA member —

who wished to remain anonymous — told us: “We are manufacturers so a carbon tax will cost us dearly. We have not yet done our sums — maybe in our next budget we’ll do that — but we know for sure our costs will rise and it is hard to pass these on to the public, especially when we are competing with the likes of Chinese imports. We could lose many of our customers to overseas suppliers. Yes, it is that serious.

From the ACASPA Manager’s viewpoint…

“Having spoken to several members about the increasing likelihood of a carbon pricing scheme, I have to express my concern for the manufacturing sector and that of course includes numerous ACASPA entities. Local manufacturing continues to be eroded and we cannot help but worry about our long term future and GDP. As Jim Kelman observes, businesses face a raft of regulation-induced cost increases. I wonder when the ever-rising costs of doing business will reach breaking point … and small business itself, unable to pass on costs in the increasingly competitive environment, becomes threatened. I realise this sounds melodramatic but there is real anxiety out there in the field.

18 · CONNECTIONS

Another anon contributor (and a non-manufacturer)

“Something has to be done about carbon dioxide; we have to make a start now. We cannot wait for the rest of the world. You could argue the timing is wrong but what will be the right time? The rest of the world will have passed us by.

NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 19

SUPERB STRUCTURES

Eye-catching creations for recreation The superb work of ACASPA members can be seen in suburbs and cities all around Australia. But here on these pages we bring you some of the very best of those structures. To kick-start the best-of the-best series we showcase several recreational themed installations that members submitted to ACASPA’s 2011 Awards for Excellence. In future issues of Connections we will feature more awe-inspiring structures.

Sail-shaped shade sails Advanced Shade Systems undertook a colourful project at Bulimba Riverside Park on the scenic Brisbane River. The fabric of choice?

Monotec 370 supplied by Pro-Knit Industries.

Following is their description of the work undertaken: The Riverside Park is large and separated into two areas. Our design had to cover the two areas, and take into consideration the need to construct shade sails in two different stages.

The council wanted sails that provided shade over the playground equipment. They wanted sails that would stand the test of time in a very open and windy setting; would look attractive and would have a contemporary feel in keeping with the new development in the Bulimba area. They also wanted sails that looked like boat sails to echo the feeling of the river.

We designed sails that harmonised with the river setting and were sufficiently sturdy to withstand high winds. A large open site added to the complexity of this design brief. Our project enhances a popular local area. Other developments were underway at the same time in

20 · CONNECTIONS

We designed sails that harmonised with the river setting and were sufficiently sturdy to withstand high winds.

Sail-shaped shade sails by Advanced Shade Systems created using Monotec 370 fabric supplied by Pro-Knit Industries.

NO SHADE On the opening of Bulimba Riverside Park back in November 2009, not all was rosy.

As reported in the Southeast Advertiser $500,000 had been spent on its development but there was a mixed reaction from parents who remarked on the lack of shaded areas.

Their calls to Brisbane City Council to install shade sails were backed by Cancer Council Queensland’s acting SunSmart coordinator, Rachel Adams who remarked that unsafe sun exposure in childhood and adolescence can lead to skin cancer in later life.

“We need to make sure that our parks and public spaces provide appropriate shade, to reduce the risks of future skin cancer, and we encourage local councils to make greater investments in sun protection,” she said.

Evidently her pleas were not only heard but also acted upon, and Advanced Shade Systems was charged with the task of providing structures for sun protection.

the park and we had to take account of other users’ needs.

We were asked to complete the project in two stages over a three month period because of this.

The site plan showed existing landmarks such as playground equipment and the location of trees and paths, but did not identify new works and that meant some changes had to be made to our original planning The posts for the sails have a 700mm taper that gives an excellent aesthetic value. Our low posts are 4.00 metres high and the high posts 7.500 metres which creates a dynamic look for the sails. Our design withstands winds and takes account of the special requirements of the site.

The verdict: Excellent. The council felt Advanced Shade Systems met their practical and aesthetic needs excellently.

The success of the playground’s new feature is also acknowledged by families who have commented on the high quality of the whole project. That’s one big thumbs up.

Above: the colourful look of Kangaroo Point Park adorned by Abgal shade sails

… these shades are interesting in form, and at the same time are discreet enough to blend in with the landscaping design of the park.

Jumping joy Abgal Liners and Covers was commissioned to develop Kangaroo Point Park in Queensland. Fabric: Architec 400 supplied by: Australian Shade Wholesale The folk at Abgal (overall ACASPA Award Winner 2010 ­— remember that super pool?) describe the nuts and bolts of the project thus: Our client requested four shade sails to be manufactured for a series of specially designed structures to enhance the beauty and usability of the prestigious Kangaroo Point Park which overlooks Brisbane’s CBD. The park is adjacent to the river, and the play areas and gardens have been designed to complementthe natural shape of the river which winds its way around a large part of Brisbane city.

Originally the park was designed without shade which meant children found the play areas too hot, especially in mid summer. They needed shade, but the shade structures themselves had to look like sculptures and blend in with the theme of the park. You can see by the photos that these shades are interesting in form, and at the same time are discreet enough to blend in with the landscaping design of the park.

Part of the steel structure is supported by a ‘Lightning Bolt’, which formed part of the design brief of the art inspired shade sculptures.

This site is unique in that the cliffs were a major source of stone for many early Brisbane buildings, road works, wharfage and marine walls.

But they presented a challenge when installing the footings.

The shades are mostly attached to the steelwork with a kedar edge, following the bends in the steelwork perfectly and there are only two tensioning points for each shade sail. This meant that the shape of the shades and the tension allowance had to be exactly right.

Verdict: What a great look — fun and functional. No wonder the client was delighted with the result.

NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 21

SUPERB STRUCTURES

Lofty success Architectural Fabric Solutions secured Monotec 370 via Prorange Wholesale to construct Aqua Loop in Oxenford, Queensland.

As Architectural Fabric Solutions noted, from the distance this looks like a simple pyramid structure with fabric over the top. However the detail when you get close up is of a very high standard.

The monofilament shade cloth tensioned perfectly creating a flat looking fabric without any sag.

The client provided details from the overseas manufacturers’ designing the water slide. From this we were able to mock up designs for approval showing different colour arrangements ending with the one fabricated.

The steel design and fabrication had to be spot-on as the steel we were attaching to could not be modified — and it is located 20 metres up in the air.

All fabrication was completed accurately to design. Assembly of all steelwork was completed at ground level near the structure.

Fabric was also installed on the ground. The whole unit was lifted fully assembled by a 100t crane and took all of one hour to fasten atop the existing slide. All bolt locations aligned perfectly making for an effortless installation.

The installation of the structure was completed by our install team.

22 · CONNECTIONS

The hardest part of installation was tensioning the fabric as this was panelled as eight pieces in total, all of which are joined by double sail track extrusion.

There was no tolerance for tensioning, the compensations had to be right or the corresponding panels would not align properly. This would also mean that the fabric would either be under-tensioned or over-tensioned.

The key complexities of the structure are as follows: a. C ustomised steelwork that could handle safe lifting by a crane in one piece. b. F abric compensations had to be correct to ensure panels aligned properly. c. Multiple

panels of fabric, eight in the main structure alone and each requiring a systematic approach to installation to ensure the best possible outcome. d. L ifting the completely assembled structure 20 metres into the air without damaging the fabric.

The end result for this project is a very colourful shaded area visible from the nearby motorway the M1.

Happy client: The client was very happy with the result and commented that the neat look of the structure and the colour arrangements really complement the water slides.

Above: Aqua Loop takes on a new dimension thanks to AFS. Below: Port Douglas Sailmakers’ special treatment of the All Abilities Park

... from the distance this looks like a simple pyramid structure with fabric over the top.

However the detail … is of a very high standard

Colourful creation All Abilities Playground in Edmonton, Queensland, recently enjoyed a makeover courtesy of Port Douglas Sailmakers whose fabric of choice was Rainbow Z16 from Rainbow Shade.

The ‘All Abilities Playground’ shade sails were designed in conjunction with a new playground development that specially caters for the needs of children with disabilities. There, different types of outdoor play are encouraged, aimed at breaking down the barriers often faced by children with special needs.

The client had pre-selected several types of play equipment and the sails had to be designed in a way to fit within the proposed set out and offer full shade to specific areas of the equipment, as well

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NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 23

SUPERB STRUCTURES

as several seating areas located within and around the play area.

We were required to ensure our post set-out catered for the need for parents, carers and supervisers to have full and unobstructed views of the play areas at all times from the seating positions.

Before commencing sail design we met our client on-site and marked out the position of the proposed play equipment. By creating a grid of the site based on this layout we were able to develop a concept design that divided the area into three individual sections — junior, senior and parent seating.

Using this plan we then set out our post positions compliant with fall zone regulations, shade coverage in relation to the equipment and seats as well as overall height of sails above equipment. Due to the height of some play equipment combined with the need to use minimal posts we selected a design that made use of a number of higher central posts that had several sails radiating out from them at various heights.

This allowed larger sails without the use of mutable support posts.

We then selected a variety of bright colours in a premium quality high UV block shade fabric to complement the facility.

Selected colours were similar to those of the play equipment.

24 · CONNECTIONS

Before construction could commence the design was checked by a number of Government Departments and disability consultants in relation to OHS compliance for the intended use. The design was approved without any changes.

Posts were installed in coordination with several other trades on site and sails were then manufactured to site specific building codes that included cable edges, heavy duty patches and 10mm chain attachments that can be tensioned or released with a removable quick release system by trained staff.

Once completed the project was assessed by a team of consultants on behalf of the client and was approved for immediate use.

Success! The facility is an exceptional success for both the special needs children and their parents who enjoy peace of mind knowing it is a purpose built facility.

Apart from meeting all the technical requirements of the client the shade sail layout as designed has resulted in an area that protects users from the sun and has a bright and open feel which complements the rest of the playground and gives these special children a facility like no other in the region.

Right: Cool cover for the Ithaca Pool Complex Below: Shade structures by Port Douglas Sailmakers

Pooling talent When constructing a cover at the Ithaca Pool Complex in Paddington, Queensland, Advanced Shade Systems used Ferrari 8023 that was supplied

by Innova.

… the sails had to be designed in a way to fit within the proposed set out and offer full shade to specific areas of the equipment…

Advanced Shade constructed a cover at the Ithaca Pool Complex in Paddington, Queensland.

The project brief was to develop a waterproof cover over the ‘Learn to Swim’ area, and the structure was also to provide an undercover area for the ‘Learn to Swim’ teachers.

The client required a cantilevered waterproof structure to cover the entire pool in order to

provide shade for swimmers and an undercover area for teachers.

The team at Advanced Shade Systems designed the structure with rolled hoop rafters in order to be able to get more shape into the fabric. The finish of the steel and the vivid white of the membrane makes the quality of the structure stand out.

But the project presented some unique challenges as the excavation of the pool had undermined the sub structure.

Assisted by engineers, the team completely redesigned the footings to take account of this.

Tensioning the fabric on the swimming pool side was also an issue.

Thumbs up: The client reported that the structure fulfils the purpose excellently.

an element of environmental consideration. For this reason we developed a custom design that worked to these constraints.

The purpose according to builders was to create an inviting public recreation area. The architects specified a tensile membrane roof in order to cover the area while allowing natural light to enter the space.

The tensile membrane portion of this project was manufactured in order to satisfy the needs and wants of our client above all, however the reasons for using tensile membrane are clear.

The most unique detail of this project is the fabric used.

This particular fabric is something we’ve come up with through our research and development department. This is the first time this fabric has been used by ourselves in the region, with great success.

Although this fabric is the most unique aspect of the project it also turned out to be the most challenging. Through trial and error we developed a slightly altered manufacturing technique in order to yield the best result.

This was a big learning curve for

us however we are all pleased with the result.

More than satisfactory outcome: As per the client’s needs the membrane roof delivers on all fronts. Natural light can pass through the fabric to the area below. We have been able to offer a green alternative in our own fabric, and the overall construction is lightweight and on budget.

Although this project is not the most exciting in design or appearance, the learning process involved in bringing the structure to fruition is something of great value to us.

Light, bright and lightweight MakMax Australia selected fabric known as FGT 600 Ti02 from Chukoh. The project: Blacktown Village Green in NSW. In MakMax’s words: This project was essentially a weather cover over a public space. During discussions with our sales team at the tendering stage it was clear that the project also had

Above right: A unique covering created by MakMax Right: Night light enhances the structure’s sweeping curves NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 25

26 路 CONNECTIONS

NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 27

BUSINESS TECH Glorious gadgets Technical guru Simon Sharwood reviews the latest and greatest gadgets to hit the market.

MAXI-MAILER Starting one’s career in a mail room has a lovely ring about it, but these days, you’ll probably find some pretty clever folk in there thanks to devices like Pitney Bowes’ new Connect+ range. This device does the usual trick of applying a stamp to an envelope, but also lets you program personalised marketing messages and flashy graphics onto envelopes.

These machines aren’t small — the Connect+ 1000 is the tiddler of the range and is over a metre long. But Pitney Bowes insists any business with enough space to set the thing down will get value from it.

Expect to pay $900-$1200 per quarter to lease a Connect+ 1000, as leasing is the most common way to acquire these machines.

www.pitneybowes.com.au/connect-series

AIRY DISK

ROBO-VACUUM

Mobile phones and tablet computers

No matter how stylish vacuum cleaners become as vendors chase

are fun and useful, but they are let

Dyson’s wonderful designs, the problem remains that you need the

down a bit by their limited memory

will to actually get around to plugging the thing in and pushing

capacity. This makes it very hard for

it around your home or office.

users to carry a big movie or music collection around.

Samsung’s NaviBot is a robotic vacuum cleaner that can apparently clean 100 square

Enter Seagate’s GoFlex Satellite,

metres of floor in under 40 minutes. We’re

a battery-powered external hard drive

pretty sure that’s a fair bit more time than

with built-in Wi-Fi. Install a special

a human would require, which means

app on your mobile device, and your

more noise, too. Perhaps the robot

Android or Apple machine can access

needs more than its 38 built-in sensors,

content from the GoFlex, which has

which Samsung says allow

a capacity of 500 gigabytes and runs

it to “negotiate obstacles, such as tables

for five hours between battery charges.

and sofas.”

$219 gets you a GoFlex. www.seagate.com/www/en-us/ products/external/externalhard-drive/goflex-satellite

28 · CONNECTIONS

If they make a robot iron, we may be more interested.

The NaviBot costs $999. www.samsung.com.au

SLIM SCREEN Once your business grows to the point where it runs a few servers, your IT folks will want to store them in a special rack. And after a while, they may also ask you to buy a device like Belkin’s new 19-inch Widescreen Rack Console, a keyboard and monitor combo that folds down very flat and slides in and out of

WE REVIEW ... the ASUS Transformer

a server rack so they can work right there in your server room.

We want you to know about this device, which starts at $1,199, for two reasons. One is that they are kind of cool in a weird way — we like the engineering that goes into this kind of thing. The other is to let you know what you’re getting yourself in for if your server fleet starts to grow — you’ll need all sorts of stuff you cannot imagine today!

www.belkin.com.au

TOUGH BUT SLEEK Rugged notebook computers have been around for a while now and offer you the chance to take a PC almost anywhere without worrying that dust, vibration or moisture will do it in before you can emit so much as a single email. But this class of computer has been — how shall we put it? — awfully daggy because the rubber buffers and chunky styling that toughen them up haven’t left them easy on the eye.

Panasonic, which is the most recognisable brand in the field, seems to have realised that ‘tough’ doesn’t have to mean ‘ugly’, as its new Toughbook CF-31 Mk2 doesn’t look a million miles from a smart executive laptop, while still being rated to military standards of hardiness.

At $6099 it’s not cheap. www.toughbook.com.au

ASUS’s Transformer is an Android tablet computer with a removable keyboard. That may sound a kooky combination, but we tried it and we like it!

The keyboard and tablet connect with a satisfyingly large and robust pair of spring-loaded clips. Once mated, they feel as solid as any laptop.

The Android experience on the tablet differed only slightly from other comparable devices we have used, although we must say the more we use Android tablets, the more sense they make — there’s a learning curve before you feel comfortable with the way Android does things.

Impressively, the gadget doesn’t change its user interface with or without keyboard, and this immediately sets it apart from the rival Motorola Atrix smartphone, which becomes a confusing mess when docked with its keyboard and reverts to Android when used alone.

The keyboard and touchpad are both very usable, and the overall package is pleasingly slim and light. It looks pretty good, too — a dimpled bronze finish is easy on the eye.

We’re not sure the Transformer can replace a laptop, thanks largely to immature applications. But if you want a tablet and want to do more than consume content, this is a good bet.

The 16GB tablet-only model costs $599 and the 32GB Wi-Fi model with keyboard costs $799. The latter price compares well to some keyboardless tablets! www.asus.com.au/ Eee/Eee_Pad/Eee_Pad_ Transformer_TF101/

NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 29

Business news FROM OHS TO WHS From January I, 2012 New National WHS Laws, will replace existing state and territory OHS laws. The focus a bit sharper: to secure the health and safety of workers and workplaces by eliminating or minimising risks, fair and effective representation, cooperation and issue resolution.

To ensure that workers and others are given “the highest level of protection from hazards and risks…”

After assessing these matters the cost of ways of eliminating or minimising the risk, including whether the cost is grossly disproportionate to the risk, may also be taken into account Officers or those conducting a business or undertaking with a duty or obligation under the WHS Act must exercise ‘due diligence’ to ensure that they comply with that duty or obligation.

For their part, workers must take reasonable care that their acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons, and comply, so far as the worker is reasonably able with any reasonable instruction given by a person conducting a business or undertaking to allow the person conducting the business or undertaking to comply with the WHS Act. They must cooperate with any reasonable policy or procedure of the person conducting the business or undertaking which relates to work health or safety and that has been notified to workers.

One of the key provisions is the offence to give false or misleading information.

For more information please refer to www.safeworkaustralia. gov.au or www.aigroup.org.au.

30 · CONNECTIONS

CAUTIOUS CONSUMERS Dun & Bradstreet say Australian consumers are putting their credit cards away in the lead up to Christmas in favor of dipping into their own savings to pay for additional expenses — presents, turkeys, holidays and more — in the December quarter.

CEO Christine Christian attributes this year’s shift from the annual Christmas credit splurge to economic uncertainty and financial instability.

D+B also found that only 20 per cent planned to apply for new credit, down from a peak of 33 per cent in mid-2009. And the number of consumers applying for a credit limit increase has halved since the beginning of last year.

The trend among consumers is conservative: more are paying down debt or increasing savings. Sensible strategies but not so healthy for key sectors like retail and tourism that have declared this adismal year.

CARBON CHRONICLES Looking back a decade or so, milestones on the political agenda include introduction of GST (July 2000); Saying sorry to the Stolen Generations (February 2008); and replacement of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (June 2010).

Now November 2011 could well mark Australia’s next significant political event: a carbon pricing scheme.

Wednesday October 12 was the day the nation advanced a step closer to D day for clean energy, albeit by the narrowest of margins (the vote 74 to 72). By the time this magazine is in circulation, it is expected the Senate will have passed the legislation.

Climate Change Minister Greg Combet describes this as one of the most important environmental and economic reforms in the nation’s history, and anticipates this will encourage further investment in clean energy and low emissions technologies.

Set to cover about 60% of Australia’s emissions, the scheme will be the most broad-based in the

world, with about 500 of the biggest carbonemitting companies paying a price per tonne of carbon.

But small business still has a lot of questions — and doubts — about the new regime. As many as two in three small businesses, 66% say insufficient thought has been given to the impact of the carbon tax on the small business sector.

Hence our vox pop — voice of the people — on the page 18 of this magazine. Still on numbers, we dug around a bit and found the following: • Days left to end of oil supplies: 15,385 • Days left to end gas: 60,812 • Days left to end coal: 151,982 • Co2 emissions produced this year (tonnes): 26,889,000,000 • Bikes produced this year (to late October): 109,265,000; cars: 48,835,000 (that’s more than two bikes for every car).

One more item of note: the global population was forecast to hit 7 billion on October 31 2011.

ONE CLEVER CLOTH TO EASE YOUR PAINS...

IFAI publications have featured some interesting developments in the field of smart textiles, describing the market segment as one “with amazing performance qualities and perhaps equally amazing potential”.

According to Global Industry Analysts, the global market for smart fabric and interactive textile technologies is expected to hit $1.8 billion by 2015.

One smart textile that has been brought to our attention is Celliant. Billed as a revolutionary fibre, Celliant is a responsive textile incorporated in apparel, bedding, veterinary, and many other products. It is designed to improve circulation and overall wellness by boosting the body’s tissue oxygen levels and balancing body temperature.

CEO Seth Casden of US based Hologenix, makers of Celliant states “people suffering from low blood circulation are likely to benefit and see an improvement [relief from] in minor aches or pains.”

A powerful panacea indeed.

How does it work? Celliant redirects energy created by the body to stimulate blood flow and circulation. More specifically, the polymer fibre woven into clothing and bedding materials contains optically active micro-particles that scatter and reflect visible and near infrared light. These in turn are reflected as light and energy onto the underlying tissue and skin.

A case of light relief, you could say.

NUMBER CRUNCHING

TOWARD 2050

A few more facts and figures to set the scene: • Number of computers sold so far this year: 282,070,000. Internet users: 2,256,995,000 And in Australia: • 63% of workers are happy to work two years past retirement age • 58% of workers have chucked a sickie to help manage stress • 52% of the workforce is seriously considering leaving their job.

• In 2010, 69,003 businesses applied for trademarks.

According to the www.nowandnext.com Innovation Timeline 1900-2050, within two decades we can expect to see spray on surgical gloves, but the invisibility cloak may not kick in till 2040.

Also forecast are smart baths, virtual holidays, self-driving cars, gravity tubes and reputation trading. Hmmm …

That is just after 3D faxes and before scramble suits come on the market. Not that we are quite sure what a scramble suit does …

For more information about Celiant, please visit www.celliant.com or contact Perform-Tex Australasia info@performtex-australasia.com NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 31

Call: 1800 222 774 Call : 1800 222 774

Single heavy duty sail track (Overall dimensions 51.5mm x 25mm) 1-9 Unitsheavy Single 10-19 Units 1-9 Units 20-49 10-19 Units Units 20-49 Units 50+ Units 50+ Units

$105.00+GST* 6000mm length 51.5mm x 25mm) duty sail track per (Overall dimensions $94.00+GST* per 6000mm 6000mmlength length $105.00+GST* $81.00+GST*per per6000mm 6000mm length $94.00+GST* length $81.00+GST* length $76.00+GST*per per6000mm 6000mm length $76.00+GST* per 6000mm length

Double heavy duty sail track (Overall dimensions 61mm x 25mm) Double duty sail trackper (Overall dimensions 1-9 Units heavy$120.00+GST* 6000mm length 61mm x 25mm) 1-9 Units $120.00+GST* per 6000mm length 10-19 Units $105.00+GST* per 6000mm length 10-19 Units $105.00+GST* per 6000mm length 20-49 Units $94.00+GST* per 6000mm length 20-49 Units $94.00+GST* per 6000mm length 50+ Units $88.00+GST* per 6000mm length 50+ Units

$88.00+GST* per 6000mm length

*Mill only.Prices Pricesdo donot notinclude include freight *Mill finish finish only. freight

Roll Roll size size

Colours Colours

Price Price PerPer RollRoll

5.8m 45m long long 5.8m wide wide x 45m

Sandstone Sandstone Royal RoyalBlue Blue Rust Rust Midnight MidnightGreen Green White White Navy NavyBlue Blue Midnight MidnightGreen Green Porcelain Porcelain Sandstone Sandstone Rust Rust White White White

$664.00+GST $664.00+GST Price does not not include Price does include freight freight

4.7m wide wide xx 50m 4.7m 50m long long

3.8m wide x 50m long

3.8m wide x 50m long

$500.00+GST $500.00+GST Price does not not include Price does include freight freight

White

Cut lengths are also available in some sizes & colours.

$400.00+GST Price $400.00+GST Price does not include freight

Cut lengths are also available in some sizes & colours.

Shape

Shape

Triangle Triangle Triangle

Triangle

Right angle triangle RightSquare angle

triangle Square

Size

Size

does not include freight

Colour 12' (3.6m long sides) 17' (5.18mlong longsides) sides) 12' (3.6m

Colour

Sandstone / White / Aquamarine / Rust Sandstone/ White / Aquamarine SandstonePorcelain / White / /Aquamarine / Rust / Midnight Green / Rust 17' (5.18m long sides) Sandstone/ Porcelain / White / Aquamarine / 15' (two sides 4.57m long, Sandstone / Porcelain / White / Aquamarine / Midnight Green / Rust hypotenuse (third side) 6.47m long) Navy Blue / Rust 15' (two sides 4.57m long, Sandstone / Porcelain / White / Aquamarine / 12' (3.6m long sides) Midnight Green hypotenuse (third side) 6.47m long) Navy Blue / Rust Note: Prices do not include freight or installation hardware.

12' (3.6m long sides) Midnight Green Note: Prices do not include freight or installation hardware.

Unit Price (ex.Unit GST)Price $87.50 (ex.

GST) $130.00 $87.50

$130.00

$125.00

$125.00 $132.50 $132.50

BSA Licence No: 725645

www.advancedshade.com.au

www.advancedshade.com.au

projectadmin@advancedshade.com.au BSA Licence No: 725645

projectadmin@advancedshade.com.au

acaspa Australian Canvas and

Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Road, St Kilda VIC 3182 Phone 03 9521 2114 Local Call 1300 555 787 Fax 03 9521 2116 Email office@acaspa.com.au Web www.acaspa.com.au ABN 83 594 171 330

Synthetic Products Association Inc

Membership Application Form Current from 1st April 2011 to 31st March 2012 Company / Business Name ABN or ACN #

Please supply proof of business registration with this application

Does your business trade under any other name?

Yes

No

If yes, what is the other trading name

Address State

Postcode

Telephone (

)

Fax (

)

Mobile

E-mail

Web

Name of Business Owner

Position held in business

Name of second business contact/representative

Position held in business

Has this business or any other business owned by you (either now or previously) ever been reported to the ACCC? (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) If yes, please provide details to accompany this application What area of the industry are you involved in?

Blinds and Awnings Marine Motor Trimmer Flags and /Banners Sailmaker GeoSynthetics

Shade Sails installer Shade Sail Fabricator

Yes

No

Supplier to the industry (specify) Other

What Products do you manufacture, design or supply?

Full Membership Category

n n

n n

FABRICATOR Construction/Manufacture from prepared components SuPPlIER Material/Component/Equipment /Services

Do you belong to any other Industry Association?

n Yes n No

ASSOCIATE Individuals interested in ACASPA objectives AFFIlIATE Organisations affiliated with ACASPA

If Yes, please list

Applicants are required to be proposed and seconded by an ACASPA Member – If you do not know of any Members, please contact our Office for further assistance Proposed by

Company Name

Telephone

Seconded by

Company Name

Telephone

I, (name of business owner) agree to abide by the Statement of Purposes and Rules of the Association and its Code of Ethics. I understand that should at any time any of the information supplied by me is found to be false/incorrect, my membership will be immediately withdrawn from the Association.

Signature (of business owner)

Date

Payment Details

Tiered fee structure based on average number of employees (Prices are inclusive of GST) 1 to 5 Employees 6 to 15 Employees 16 or more employees Associate Affiliate

$510 $855 $1155 $160 $190

(pro-rata Rate applies July through to March plus $100 processing fee. This will be calculated by ACASPA office)

Amount $

EFT - Payments to NAB Account # 50 757 1523 BSB # 083 166 Cheque

Mastercard

Credit Card Number Expiry Date

Visa /

AMEX /

/

/

Name as it appears on card Signature Date

MAM8720

Annual Membership Fees

Unit 12, 7-17 Geddes St. Mulgrave, VIC 3170 Tel: 03 9561 8779 | Fax: 03 9562 0017 Email: hiraoka@bigpond.net.au ABN 74 108 919 615

Member Directory

SUPPLIERS AND FABRICATORS On the following pages all current ACASPA members are listed in alphabetical order under their relevant state.

Phone numbers and websites are provided, along with details of services or products.

36 路 CONNECTIONS

FABRICATORS — NEW SOUTH WALES A B C Products

02 9525 6933

www.abc–products.com

Abacus Shade Structures

02 4735 4800

www.shadesails.net

Betta Canvas Products

02 6299 1786

www.bettacanvas.com.au

Contender Sailcloth Pty Ltd

02 9947 4099

www.contendersailcloth.com

Coulin Marine Trim

02 4945 3322

Creative Canvas

02 9979 6477

Eagle Canvas Pty Ltd

02 9533 4011

East Coast Canvas & Helitrim

02 4323 7222

Eh Brett & Sons Pty Limited

02 9601 1800

www.brettproducts.com.au

Elite Shade And Sails

02 4390 4772

www.eliteshadeandsails.

Fabric Structures — Installer & Fabricator; Tarpaulins & Screens — Manufacturer & Installer

www.creativecavas.com.au

Fabric Structures / Shade Sails — Installer & Fabricator, Blinds & Awnings

Blinds & Awnings, Fabric Structures — Installer & Fabricator, Industrial & Umbrellas

Fabric Structures — Installer & Fabricator

com.au Fabritecture

02 6674 4466

www.fabricstructures.com.au

Design, manufacture and installation of pre–engineered tensile membrane

Hns Canvas

02 6332 1140

Illawarra Blinds & Awnings

02 9553 8999

www.illawarrablinds.com.au

Fabric Structures — Installer & Fabricator, Blinds & Awnings

Jon Wilson Canvas & Shade

02 6658 0888

www.bmnc.com.au/

Fabric Structures — Installer & Fabricator, Blinds & Awnings, Caravan &

canvasnshade

Camping, Flags & Banners, Tarpaulins, Marine Trimming

www.kotzurkanvas.com.au

Tarpaulins, Fabric Structures, Truck side curtains, Blinds & Awnings, Caravan

structures

Knight’s Upholstery/Austarps

02 6792 1883

Kotzur Kanvas

02 6925 7805

& Camping, Marine & Motor Trimming, Flags, Banners Naggs Canvas

02 4930 7394

www.naggscanvas.hl.com.au

Fabric Structures — Installer & Fabricator, Caravan & Camping, Tarpaulins,

Nan’s Tarps

02 9649 2334

Orion Blinds Pty Ltd

02 6628 8537

www.orionblinds.com.au

Manufacturers of contemporary, high quality window furnishings

Pattons Awnings & Boat

02 9955 2563

www.pattons.com.au

Design, Manufacture and Installation of Shade Structures, Awnings, Boat

Blinds & Awnings, Motor Trimming, Marine Trimming

Trimmers Pet Trading Pty Ltd (Aka Bell

Covers, Theatrical Cloths, Stadium Ground Cloths 02 9832 2200

Awnings, shade structures, importer & distributor of horse products

Canvas) Poolsavers

02 9756 1977

www.poolsavers.com.au

Manufacturer of pool liners and suppliers of pool covers and accessories

S.O.S. Marine

02 9700 0233

www.sosmarine.com.au

Design and manufacture of specialized marine safety and protective equipment

Sydney Blinds & Screens

02 9636 1555

The Complete Campsite

02 4323 9214

www.completecampsite.com.au

Caravan & Camping

Triax Systems

02 9755 1455

www.triax.com.au

Innovative unique design of coupling — transforms the installation of

Waratah Canvas & Co. Pty Ltd

02 4967 6474

Windsor Products Pty Ltd

02 4956 6133

waterproof shade by allowing 2 pipes to be joined at any angle Annexes, Canopies, Tarpaulins, Blinds/Awnings, H/F Welding www.windsorblinds.com.au

Manufacturer of Blinds & Awnings

www.ngupholstery.com.au

Motor & Marine trimming, Tarpaulins, Blinds & Awnings, Caravan & Camping,

FABRICATORS — TASMANIA Ng Upholstery

03 6425 3840

Liners, Covers, Truck side curtains, Fabric structures Steve Walker Sails Pty Ltd

03 6442 3641

www.stevewalkersails.com.au

Manufacturer of yacht sails, shade sails, tarpaulins, marquees, machinery covers & toolbags

FABRICATORS — QUEENSLAND Abgal Liners & Covers

07 3803 6000

www.abgal.com.au

A–Class Shades & Sails

07 3344 6497

www.aclassshades.com.au

Pool liners & covers, Tank liners, Shade Sails (fabricators only), Dam Liners, Inflatable Products and Thermal Covers Fabricators of sun shades, sun sails, shade structures, pool shades, backyard shades, carport shades, playground shades, waterproof (PVC) shade sails, waterproof shade structures, cafe style PVC blinds, awnings, camper and trailer shade structures

Advanced Shade Systems

07 3823 5644

www.advancedshade.com.au

Fabric Structures — Installer & Fabricator

Pty Ltd

NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 37

Directory FABRICATORS — QUEENSLAND Airlie Sail & Shade Solutions

07 4946 1125

www.airliesails.com.au

Fabric Structures — Installer& Fabricator; Marine Trimming, Sailmaker, Motor Trimming, Blinds & Awnings, Flags & Banners

All Seasons Canvas & Vinyl P/L

07 5598 2622

www.allseasonsvinyl.com.au

Blinds & Awnings, Caravan & Camping. Services include welding, sewing, cutting

Architectural Fabric Solutions

07 3723 3723

www.

Fabricators of structural membrane, tension membranes, shade

architecturalfabricsolutions.

structures, architectural fabric structures, shade sails, waterproof

com.au

structures, shade cloth, sun control products, traditional awnings, balcony awnings, folding arm awnings,marquees and tents, aluminium shutters, privacy screens, security screens,custom canvas and PVC products.

Aussie Traveller Pty Ltd

07 3868 3868

www.aussietraveller.com.au

Manufacturer of quality Awnings and Annexes as well as a supplier of accessories

B & J Canvas

07 5525 3399

www.bjcanvas.com.au

Design, manufacture and install Awnings, Canopies, Structural Membranes,

Beehive Vinyl Products Pty Ltd

07 4779 9600

www.beehivevinyl.com.au

Boomerang Canvas Pty Ltd

07 3275 1840

www.boomerangcanvas.

C Ede (Pty) Limited

07 4771 5185

www.edestownsville.com

Col’s Vinyl And Canvas Goods

07 4061 3606

www.colsvinyl.com

Fabric Structures — Shade Sails, Vinyl Membrane Structures

Creative Shade Sails

07 5537 9364

www.creativeshade.com.au

Manufacturer of domestic and light commercial shade sails and shade

D&R Tarpaulins

07 3393 3477

www.drtarps.com.au

Darling Downs Tarpaulins

07 4634 2166

www.ddt.com.au

Envirosmart Industrial Pty Ltd

07 3889 6677

www.envirosmart.com.au

Fabric Solutions Australia

07 3807 0200

www.fabricsolutions.com.au

H–Line Structures Australia

07 4636 4099

www.hlinestructures.com.au

Supplier of European and German made Hoecker compatible structures

Industrial Canvases

07 3409 1599

www.incanvas.com.au

Manufacture and repair of all Canvas and Vinyl for the home, industry and

Made 4 Shade

07 5479 4661

www.made4shade.com.au

Makmax Australia

07 3633 5900

www.makmax.com.au

Ozki Canvas

07 3209 4728

www.ozkicanvas.com.au

Pickers Vinyl And Canvas

07 4051 3290

www.pickers.net.au

Planet Shade

07 4151 4773

www.planetshade.com.au

Fabric Structures — Shade Sails, Shade Structures & Giant Umbrellas

Port Douglas Sailmakers Pty Ltd

07 4099 4307

www.sailstructure.com.au

Fabric Structures — Shade Sails, Architectural Umbrellas

R B M Industrial Bags Pty Ltd

07 4162 5734

www.rbmbags.com

Manufacture of industrial tool & equipment bags, kit bags, pouches, swags &

Rocklea Canvas

07 3277 2845

Stanfast

07 4121 2591

Signs, Banners, Marquees, Tents, Tarpaulins Fabric Structures–Installer & Fabricator, Blinds & Awnings, Tarpaulins, Caravan & Camping, Marine & Motor Trimming, Toolbags com.au

structures Fabric Structures — Tarpaulins, Canopies, Covers, Dam/Pond Liners, Shade covers/Marquees, Inflatables Liners, Covers, Tarpaulins, Blinds, Awnings, Truck side curtains, Fabric Structures–Fabricator, Greenhouse & Shadehouse covers, swags

Pty Ltd

Custom design, fabrication & installation of Liquid containment systems & fabric

recreational; Canopies — motor & boat Fabric Structures — Installer & Fabricator, Caravan & Camping, Blinds & Awnings Fabric Structures — Installer & Fabricator providing design and engineering services Camper Trailer Tops, Ute Canopies, Ute Tonneaus, Repairs, Caravan Annexes, Rollout Awning Walls, Swags, Canvas Bags, Boat covers Fabric Structures — Installer & fabricator, blinds & awnings. Supplier of welding, sewing & cutting

Supply welding, sewing & cutting equipment, accessories, fabric & repair services. Provide tarpaulins & truck side curtains. www.stanfast.com.au

Fabric Structures — Fabricator only. Wholesale plot cut or plot cut and weld — your material or ours

Sunraze Shade & Blinds

07 5443 3881

www.sunrazeshade.com.au

Fabric Structures — Installer & Fabricator, Blinds & Awnings

Swains Canvas

07 4927 2600

www.swainscanvas.com.au

Motor & Marine trimming, Blinds, Awnings, Caravan & Camping, Fabric

Thorline Products

07 3396 9245

www.thorline.com.au

Fabric Structures — Installer & Fabricator, Blinds & Awnings

Tom’s Tarps Pty Ltd

07 4671 2634

www.tomstarps.com.au

Fabric Structures — Tarps, Tonneau Covers, Swags, Marquees, Seat Covers,

Toowoomba Shade And

07 4633 1338

www.

Blinds, Awnings, Fabric Structures–Installer/ Fabricator, Caravan & Camping,

toowoombashadeandcanvas.

Marine & Motor Trimming, Flags & Banners, Tarpaulins

Structures, Liners & Covers, Tarpaulins, Truck side curtains

Shade Structures & Awnings, Dam & Tank Liners Canvas

com.au True Blue Camping & Canvas

07 4951 4922

www.campingcanvas.com.au

Caravan & Camping, Tarpaulins, Liners & Covers, Fabric Structures — Fabricator only

38 · CONNECTIONS

FABRICATORS — VICTORIA Atkins Fabrication (Aus) P/L

03 9770 8277

www.atkinsfab.com.au

Fabric Structures — Fabricator only, Fabrics for clear span tent structures

Big Red Shade Products Pty

03 9775 1171

www.bigredshadeproducts.

Fabric Structures — Fabricator only, design and metal manufacturing of

com.au

umbrellas, shade structures, awnings (steel, ss, aluminium)

Ltd Billabong Shade Pty Ltd

1300 300 260

www.billabongshade.com.au

Fabric Structures — Installer & Fabricator

C E Bartlett

03 5339 3103

www.bartlett.net.au

Liners & Covers, Blinds & Awnings, Tarpaulins, Caravans & Camping, Fabric

Campbell & Heeps (Australia)

03 9808 6911

www.campbellheeps.com.au

Manufacturer and Installer of Blinds & Awnings, Café Umbrellas

Clark Shade Sails

03 9587 5802

www.clarkshadesails.com

Fabric Structures — Installer & Fabricator, Blinds & Awnings

Crew Products

03 9555 0944

www.crewproducts.com.au

Manufacturer and Installer of external sun control products and solutions from

G C Sutherland

03 9555 3040

G V Mulder Australia Pty Ltd

03 9571 7544

www.mulders.com.au

Horizon Sailmakers

03 9598 4666

www.horizonsails.com

Kelmatt Australia Pty Limited

03 9763 8522

www.kelmatt.com.au

Khoi’s Blinds Manufacturing

03 9562 3333

Structures, Truck side curtains, Flags & Banners Pty Ltd

awnings, shades and motorized products as well as flagpoles and banners

Manufacturer of Shade Sails, Awnings, Shade Roller Blinds, Sand Pit Covers, Canvas Bags, Tarpaulins, Car Tarps, Custom Tents Yacht sails, architectural shade sails and membranes, tension structures, pool covers, fabric welding and repairs and alterations Banners, Tennis Court Screens, Pool Covers, Sand Pit Covers, Cricket Pitch Covers, Pond & Dam Liners, Sail Shades, Trailer Covers

Pty Ltd Murphy’s Tarp Service

03 5032 1171

Oasis Tension Structures Aus

03 9588 1444

Tarpaulins, Truck side curtains, Caravan & Camping, Flags & Banners, Blinds & Awnings, Fabric Structures — Fabricator only

Pty Ltd Patch’s Canvas Manufacturing

www.oasistensionstructures.

Design, fabrication and construction of tension membrane structures

com.au 03 5442 3211

www.patchscanvas.com

Polyweld Pty Ltd

03 9305 3337

www.polyweld.com.au

Manufacturer of truck curtains

Qualitycraft Coverings Pty Ltd

03 9764 2166

Rupert Collins Pty Ltd

03 9460 8333

www.rupertcollins.com.au

Vinyl and polypropelene packaging; catalogue binders swatch headers

Shadeworks Vic & Nsw P/L

03 5152 4155

www.shadeworks.com.au

Skye Park Rugs

03 5659 6338

www.skyeparkrugs.com.au

Equine tailors producing horse rugs

Structureflex

03 9581 6150

www.structureflex.com.au

Fabric Structures — Fabricator only

Sunsoft Shadecloth Systems

0411 108 544

www.sunsoft.com.au

Registered Builder, Designer & Installer of shade structures (waterproof & non),

P/L

Liners & Covers, Tarpaulins, Caravan & Camping, Truck side curtains, Flags & Banners, Blinds & Awnings, Ute & Boat Covers,

of all types Fabric Structures — Installer & fabricator of shade sails, blinds & awnings, framed structures

Aus P/L

Umbrellas, Clear Café Blinds, Folding Arm Awnings

Tarp–It Australia Pty Ltd

03 5663 6259

Tebb’s Canvas

03 9793 2044

www.tebbscanvas.com.au

Manufacturers of canvas annexes, awnings, covers, sunscreens/end screens, pebble guards, fly–overs

West Vic Canvas

03 5385 5030

Yarra Shade

03 9676 2476

www.yarrashade.com.au

Manufacturers of Shade Sails, Awnings, Outdoor Blinds, Shade Structures, Outdoor Umbrellas, Outdoor Window Screens

FABRICATORS — SOUTH AUSTRALIA Martin Canvas Products

08 8269 2600

www.martinblinds.com

Fabric Structures — Installer & Fabricator, Blinds & Awnings, Flags & Banners,

Shadeform Sails Pty Ltd

08 8354 2116

www.shadeformsails.com.au

Design, manufacture & installation of Custom Made Membrane & Sail Shade

Shadeplan Pty Ltd

08 8390 0543

www.shadeplan.com

W Cowden & Co.

08 8340 2622

www.cowden.citysearch.

Manufacturers of Venetian and Holland Blinds, Vertical Drapes, Canvas

com.au

Awnings, All Canvas Goods, Caravan Annexes, DB Swags

Structures Fabric Structures — Installer & Fabricator, Design, Fabrication & Installation services

Walco Liners & Covers Pty Ltd

08 8439 5633

www.walco.com.au

Manufacturers of pool liners and covers, tank and pond liners

Wormald Canvas

08 8288 7788

www.wormaldcanvas.com.au

Caravan & Camping, Blinds & Awnings, Flags & Banners as well as contract cutting

NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 39

Directory FABRICATORS — WESTERN AUSTRALIA A&B Canvas

08 9353 2550

www.canvasaustralia.com.au

Fabricators of tarps, canopies, marquees and bags for industrial and domestic use

Allstruct Outdoors

08 9402 8776

www.allstruct.com.au

Flags & Banners; Installers of Fabric Structures

Aqua Shades

08 9248 3055

www.aqua–shades.com

Manufacturer of shade sails, shade structures, umbrellas, waterproof systems

Awnings Wa Pty Ltd

08 9470 6930

www.awningswa.com.au

Blinds & Awnings

Bdm Leather & Canvas Pty

08 9528 7055

www.bdmleather.com.au

Manufacturers of Tarps, Canopies, Boat Covers, Awning Shades, Camper

Bee Jays Canvas Co.

08 9451 8484

www.beejays.com.au

Canvas City

08 9434 2270

www.canvascity.com.au

Crumps Canvas

08 9841 3866

www.crumpscanvas.com.au

& membrane structures

Ltd

Trailers, Caravan Annexes, Pouches Manufacturers of Commercial Tarpaulins, Road Transport Tarpaulins & Side Curtains, Grain & Haystack Covers, Roll Tarpaulins Manufacture exterior blinds, canvas awnings, verandah blinds, shade sails, marquees, ute canopies, annexes, banners, tarpaulins Manufacturers of Annexes, Roller Awnings, Awnings, Blinds, Boat Covers, Campers, Shade Structures and Sails, Canopies, Tonneaus

Ken Stone Motor Trimmers Kenlow (1982) Pty Ltd

08 9841 6688 08 9459 2533

www.albanygateway.com.au/

Motor & Marine trimming, Tarpaulins, Caravan & Camping, Blinds & Awnings,

automotive

Liners & Covers, Truck side curtains, Fabric structures

www.kenlow.com.au

Blinds & Awnings, Caravan & Camping, Tarpaulins, Liners & Covers, Fabric Structures — Installer & Fabricator

Sail City

1300 304 360

www.sailcity.com.au

Fabric Structures — Installer & Fabricator

Shade Solutions

08 9388 6146

www.shadesolutions.com

Fabric Structures — Installer & Fabricator of Shade Sails

Supreme Shades Pty Ltd

08 9405 7740

Tropical Upholstery

08 9192 2243

www.tropicalupholstery.

Fabric Structures — Installer & Fabricator, Motor & Marine trimming,

com.au

Tarpaulins, Blinds, Awnings, Liners, Covers, Caravan & Camping Manufacturers of blinds, awnings, flags, bunting, banners, raw materials &

Tudor House

08 9470 2717

www.tudorhouse.com.au

Weathersafe Wa (Previously

08 9725 4433

www.del–ray.com

components Del–Ray)

Ute Canopies, Tonneau Covers, Blinds & Awnings, PVC Tension Structures, Shade Sails & Shadecloth Structures, Tarpaulins, Tents

FABRICATORS — NORTHERN TERRITORY Aerosail Shade Structures

1300 365 444

www.aerosail.com

Designers and fabricators of shade and tension membrane structures

Shadetech

08 8984 4940

www.shadetech.com.au

Fabric Structures — Installer & Fabricator

SUPPLIERS — NEW SOUTH WALES Aeronaut Automation

02 9450 0800

www.aeronaut.org

Suppliers of heavy–duty wide span flatbed automated cutters for use with industrial and recreational textiles, technical fabric, roll fabric, high modulus composites and corrugated cardboard

Arcus Wire Group Pty Ltd

02 9666 5900

www.arcuswire.com

Bms Group Australia Pty Ltd

02 9316 5188

Capron Carter Pty Limited

02 9764 4455

www.caproncarter.com.au

Suppliers of sewing and cutting equipment

Carr Australia

02 9636 9525

www.carrgroup.com.au

Suppliers of automatic eyelet machines, eyelets, PVC etc. Also supply fabrics

Cj Loftus

02 9757 3355

www.cjloftus.com

Suppliers of high frequency welding machines

Coats Australian

02 9838 5200

www.coatsaustralia.com.au

Suppliers (and manufacturers) of industrial sewing and embroidery threads

Dasec

02 9645 2500

www.dasec.com.au

Suppliers of welding, sewing & cutting equipment, pneumatic & electronic

Elementex Pty Ltd

02 9534 5300

www.elementex.com.au

Suppliers of fabric

Elero Pty Limited

02 9534 4466

www.elero.com

Suppliers of equipment — motors and controls

Glen Raven

02 9974 4393

www.sunbrella.com

Goodearl & Bailey Pty Ltd

02 9316 1300

www.goodearlandbailey.com.au

Highlead Sewing Machines

02 9774 4115

Nolan.Uda

02 9669 3333

www.nolans.com.au

Suppliers of commercial & industrial textiles and associated hardware

Onelink Agencies

0404 086 158

www.onelinkagencies.com.au

OneLink Agencies aims to be the first choice for preferred product

P M & P Group Pty Ltd

02 9821 2001

www.demtech.com

Supplier of plastic sheet; potable liner materials; reinforced liner

components; service and spare part support

representation and our clients and customers are our number one priority

40 · CONNECTIONS

Suppliers of welding and testing equipment for geosynthetics installers

SUPPLIERS — NEW SOUTH WALES Plastral Pty Ltd

02 9695 3200

www.plastral.com.au

Ricky Richards (Sales) Pty Ltd

02 9735 3333

www.rickyrichards.com.au

Suppliers of industrial and commercial textiles

Sewing Thread Specialists

1300 653 855

www.sewingthreads.com.au

Suppliers of industrial sewing threads, accessories and consulting expertise

Somfy

02 9638 0744

www.somfy.com.au

Suppliers of motors, controls and sensors for internal and external window

Sydney Institute Tafe Nsw

02 9217 3470

www.sit.nsw.edu.au

Technical training

Uniline Australia Ltd

1800 777 331

www.uniline.com.au

Supplier of window furnishings, components and systems

Wax Converters Textiles Pty Ltd

02 9749 2944

www.waxcon.com.au

Suppliers of fabric

www.rollins.com.au

Suppliers of marquees, made–to–measure canopies for trucks and trailers,

coverings

SUPPLIERS — TASMANIA Rollins Canvas & Party Hire

03 6229 1988

custom design stalls for exhibitions

SUPPLIERS — QUEENSLAND Absolute Trade Supplies

1300 138 304

www.absolutetradesupplies.

Shadecloth, Protection Meshes, Fabric and Cut lengths

com.au Hamlins Accessories & Labels

07 3865 8611

www.hamlinsacc.com.au

Suppliers of accessories such as labels, thread, zip, velcro eyelets, studs

Light Weight Structures

07 5478 0590

www.LTWSAS.com.au

Miami Stainless

1800 022 122

www.miamistainless.com.au

Ozrig Pty Ltd

07 3862 9221

www.ozrig.com.au

Paradise Pvc Welding Pty Ltd

07 3209 9733

www.paradisepvc.com.au

Pro–Knit Industries Pty Ltd

07 3245 5607

www.monotec.com.au

Fabric suppliers

Prorange Wholesale

07 3245 6756

www.prorangewholesale.com.au

Suppliers of fabric and stainless steel fittings & wire ropes

Queensland Wholesale

07 3856 5888

www.qwc.net.au

Suppliers of eyelet machines/hot knives, accessories & components, fabric

Rainbow Shade Products Pty Ltd

07 5580 5366

www.rainbowshade.com.au

Fabric suppliers

Wade Design Engineers Pty Ltd

07 3229 1183

www.wadeconsult.com

Engineering design, Inspections & Certification

Windoware Australia Pty Ltd

07 3299 3788

www.windoware.net.au

Blinds & Awnings

www.austechwelders.com

Suppliers of welding equipment

Suppliers (and manufacturers) of quality outdoor fabrics for domestic,

webbing, scissors and fabric Advisory

Design & Engineering of Shade Structures, Shade Sails & Tensile Membranes. Services include Engineering Calculations, Certification Suppliers of stainless steel hardware, wire rope, tools, fastenings, brackets & accessories for shade sail & associated industries Installers — installation and tensioning of tensile membranes, shade structure repair and maintenance, twin rope access Standard & custom made outdoor furniture cushions, boat seating & boat bimini's and canopies plus a variety of specialty product

Canvas

& roll slitting

SUPPLIERS — VICTORIA Austech Welders

03 9016 3529

Becker Australia

1300 813 322

Berconia Pty Ltd

03 9460 3895

Bradmill Outdoor Fabrics

03 9368 2222

www.bradmilloutdoor.com.au

Defab

03 9305 3988

www.defab.com.au

Supplier of fabrics

Elizabeth Machines Co

03 9329 5411

www.elizabethsewing.com.au

Suppliers of industrial sewing machines

Gale Pacific

03 9518 3333

www.galepacific.com

Supplier (and manufacturer) of branded screening and

Gerber Technology

0419 751 212

www.gerbertechnology.com

commercial and defence applications

shading products for domestic, commercial and industrial applications Supply CAD systems, Spreading Systems, Airflotation Cutting Tables. Installation, Training, Hardware and Software Service/Support Giraffe Marketing

1300 366 876

www.giraffemarketing.com.au

Specialising in marketing services to suppliers and fabricators

Global Awning Accessories

03 9801 9944

www.globalawnings.com.au

Supply Folding Arm Awnings, Fabric Tension Systems, Belt Driven Patio

Aus P/L

Systems and many other Shading option components,

Hiraoka (Australia) Pty Ltd

03 9543 6777

www.hiraoka.com.au

Suppliers of fabrics

Imex Creative Products Pty Ltd

03 9318 0988

www.imexcp.com.au

Suppliers of fabrics

Indtex Australia Pty Ltd

03 8804 1353

www.indtexaust.com

Suppliers of fabrics

NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 41

Directory SUPPLIERS — VICTORIA Innova International Pty Ltd

03 9551 8722

www.innovaint.com.au

Suppliers of fabrics

Pathfinder

03 9338 3471

www.pathfinderaus.com.au

Manufacturer of CAD/CAM technology for the soft goods industry.

Products include CNC knife Cutting machines, Fabric Spreading machines, CADSoftware, Fabric spreading tables and

Polyfab Australia Pty Ltd

03 9770 8480

www.polyfab.com.au

Suppliers of Shadecloth and other industrial fabrics — worldwide

Radins Pty Ltd

03 9551 6000

www.radins.com.au

Suppliers of industrial fabrics and hardware

Rmit University

03 9925 9182

www.rmit.edu.au

Textile Fabrication Training and Textile Testing Services

Sewing Perfection Machine Co.

03 9742 5854

www.sewingperfection.com

Provide welding, sewing & cutting equipment, accessories/components. Pfaff

Shann Australia

03 8480 0800

www.shann.com.au

Sunsmart

03 9635 5648

Tex Connex Pty Ltd

03 9561 8779

Ultracut Industries

1300 556 851

Velcro Australia Pty Ltd

03 9703 2466

Windsor Trading Co. (Aust) P/L

03 9553 1122

Wm C Jackson

03 9417 3131

welding & sewing machine sales service and parts Suppliers of fabrics and hardware

Supplier of Tenara Sewing Thread, Architectural PVC fabrics and PVC coated mesh fabrics as well as other specialised products www.ultracut–industries. com.au www.velcro.com.au

Manufacturer of hook and loop fasteners Suppliers of sewing threads

www.wmcjackson.com.au

(Sewing Mach) P/L

Suppliers of machinery, spare parts & accessories to the sewing, knitting & textile industries

SUPPLIERS — SOUTH AUSTRALIA Icl (Sa) Pty Ltd

08 8347 4500

www.iclsa.com.au

Stayput Fasteners Australia

08 8555 4258

www.stayputfasteners.com.au

Suppliers of Channel IT and Channel X Equipment, Blind & Awning Components and PVC, Shade Mesh, Shade Cloth & Canvas fabrics Suppliers of nylon composite, nickel plated & stainless steel fasteners for the industrial fabric trade

SUPPLIERS — WESTERN AUSTRALIA Halifax Vogel Group

08 9370 3433

www.halifaxvogel.com.au

Suppliers of industrial fabrics

Rhino Water Tanks & Liners

08 9478 6221

www.rhinotanks.com.au

Suppliers (and manufacturers) of polyethylene lined steel rainwater tanks for domestic, rural and commercial purposes

Swan Tafe Wa — Balga

08 9267 7777

www.swantafe.wa.edu.au

08 9448 2823

www.vgrip.com.au

Campus V–Grip

Blinds & Awnings, Flags & Banners, Liners & Covers; Supplier of Fastening System for Shade Cloth, Awnings & other fabrics

SUPPLIERS — NEW ZEALAND Mito (NZ)

+61 4494 0005

Webbing & Tapes Rem Ltd

+64 9622 2043

Motor Industry Training Organisation (NZ) www.webbing.co.nz

Supplier (and manufacturer) of narrow fabrics such as webbing, cotton tapes, jacquard, elastic, mark–it woven labels

SUPPLIERS — USA IFAI

+1 651 222 2508

www.ifai.com

Industrial Fabrics Association International

Intertape Polymer Group —

+1 605 359 2806

www.intertapepolymer.com

Developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative polyolefin coating

Ecp Division

technologies used in protective coverings, packaging and environmental conservation products for the industrial and consumer markets.

42 · CONNECTIONS

C O M M E R C I A L

S H A D E C L O T H Chino

(Cream)

Karloo (Sand)

Bundena (Blue)

Graphite (Charcoal)

Marrocan

(Terracotta)

strength and performance superior in

Abaroo (Red)

Sheba

(Dark Blue)

Koonunga (Green)

Domino (Black)

For a shadecloth that is superior in strength and performance characteristics, Monotec is the unsurpassed choice!

100% Australian made and owned • 3.25 metre and 6.5 metre widths • 14 cool colours • 10 year UV warranty including removal and replacement • Manufactured using 100% round monofilament yarn • Custom colours, widths and lengths available by request • Install and forget – NO re-tensioning

Designed for many applications including: • Council Parks • Shade structures • Childrens Playground Area • Athletic Events • Outdoor Recreation Areas • Umbrellas

• Shopping Centre Car Parks • Shade sails • School Outdoor Lunch Areas • Swimming Pool Canopies • Truck Tarpaulins • Nurseries

Monotec 370 is proudly manufactured in Australia by PRO-KNIT Industries Pty Ltd www.monotec.com.au QLD Distributor: Made In Australia

7 Tombo Street, Capalaba, QLD 4157 Phone: 07 3245 6756 Fax: 07 3245 6955

Lime Fizz (Lime)

Mellow Haze (Yellow)

Sherbet (Orange)

Bubblegum (Pink)

National Distributor: Ricky Richards (Sales) Pty Ltd 16 Park Road, Homebush NSW 2140 Phone: 02 9735 3333 Fax: 02 9735 3311 www.rickyrichards.com.au

Jazzberry (Purple)

SPOTLIGHT The latest offerings from ACASPA members AUSTECH WELDERS Austech Welders had an exciting and very busy time at this year’s ACASPA Expo, where the company proudly showed the Sinclair Equipment Company’s new range of Impulse welders and fabric cutters.

To help with the release of these machines Frank Sinclair and Jamie Nute flew in from the Sinclair factory in California USA and at the Expo were able to discuss various options on the new machines and help answer many questions,

this year’s Expo. Using a hot blade the cutter can seal the edges on all Acrylic, PVC and a variety of other fabrics. It uses a simple rotary blade that can be heated from 0-300 degrees Celsius. The speed of the travelling blade can also be programmed from 20mm/sec to 500mm/sec. The length of cut can also be programmed. The maximum length is dependent on length of the cutter purchased (maximum length 5200mm). All of these settings can be stored in the memory with a maximum of 20 programmes.

Frank Sinclair commented “It is always good to come to Australia and catch up with the long term Triad customers and meet many of the new customers.”

Adding the new Impulse Welder and the Textile Super Trim Hot Knife Rotary Cutter meant having to double the size of the stand for this year’s expo. This has been a great move for Austech Welders allowing a greater presence and letting the customers move around the machinery better and having the space to have multiple machines working at once.

The new range of impulse welders (available in sizes 1300mm and 2600mm weld lengths) are user friendly and easy to operate as well as versatile, with operators able to set the weld temperature from 0-250 degrees Celsius.

The weld time from 0-5 minutes and the cooling time from 0-5 minutes makes this the most adjustable impulse welder on the market. There’s room for 20 welding programs to be stored, and the acrylic tape dispenser enables operators to weld acrylic fabrics.

The optional laser line guidance system help line-up the fabric and extension tables to support the fabric when performing longer welds; and custom welding guides are available for keder and PVC extrusions.

The new Textile Super Trim Hot Knife Cutter with its variable temperature hot blade is an exciting new alternative to ultrasonic cutting was very well received at

Also on show was the Australian made vacuum assisted tables for the Triad and Spec range of welders: a 3 metre and 6 metre table, manufactured at Austech’s workshop in Kelmscott, WA. In-house manufacture enables customisation eg height and length changes to suit existing benches in factories.

The vacuum pumps are fully plumbed in and use ball valves to change the vacuum to one side or to both; the advantage being the fabric is held in place and helps eliminate fabric creep. Also shown at the Expo was a new range of custom guides for the Triad wedge welders, made for welding a range of finishings including weldable zips, keder and webbing. A guide holds the medium in place to ensure weld and placement accuracy.

Austech Welders can custom make almost any guide for the Triad, Spec and Impulse welders.

44 · CONNECTIONS

The new range of impulse welders … are user friendly and easy to operate as well as versatile

To find out more about the machines here or to discuss custom made guides call Greg on 0418 771 600 or visit www.austechwelders. com.au

SLIDETRACK BLINDS

For more information, contact slidetrack at Ph 08 8334 9050 Fax 08 8365 9866 info@slidetrack.com.au or visit www.slidetrack.com.au

Slidetrack Blinds Pty Ltd has recently released a new range of exterior window shade blinds to complement its existing verandah and cafe blinds. Slidetrack window blinds are designed for easy installation and are supplied in made-up kits ready for assembly and fixing without any cutting. They can be face or rebate mounted, and can be operated manually or motorised.

“Our window blinds were developed to meet a growing demand for modern, stylish exterior blinds and have clean, functional lines”, said Director Brian Zwar.

“We are seeing an increasing demand for Slidetrack window blinds to be fitted to houses to reduce home cooling costs.

Keeping the sun’s rays from heating the glass is the first step inreducing air conditioning energy consumption”.

Modern mesh fabrics with their wide colour range are utilised to provide varying degrees of shading while still maintaining through vision from inside.

NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 45

SPOTLIGHT

RADINS AUSTRALIA INTRODUCES ITS NEW VISTARANGE OF MESH FABRICS The trend towards wider openings prompted the introduction of Vistaweave Plus, a 2 x 2 weave, wider width version (243cm & 305cm) and the same weight (500gsm). Its even construction in warp and weft makes it ideal for railroading with even tension both ways to provide a blind with a 300cm drop as wide as required without joins.

It has an openness factor of 5% to keep the view and is ideal for external awnings, automatic sun blinds, folding arm awnings and internal blinds.

Another new Radins fabric is Vistashade, a

After more than 100 years in the business Radins Australia knows a fair bit about product knowledge and emerging trends such as the growing market for see-through mesh fabrics for external and internal blinds that keep out the sun without compromising the view.

This, and the need for wider widths, has inspired Radins to introduce their VistaRange of mesh fabrics.

Managing Director Tony Bond describes the VistaRange as a unique selection of see-through awning fabrics that meet current market needs by providing a choice of 2 x 1, 1 x 1 and 2 x 2 weave fabrics and wider widths, more even construction and an extensive range of designer colours and patterns.

Imported by Radins Australia, the VistaRange is manufactured by Twitchell USA and comes with a 10 year limited warranty against UV degradation. It is Greenguard Certified to ensure that fabrics do not detract from the health of the environment.

Vistaweave, the original 2 x 1 weave mesh fabric has been tried and tested for over 25 years and continues to be the ideal fabric for windows where a wider fabric is not required. Its 220cm width and wide range of vibrant colours and patterns make it ideal for any standard installation.

Vistaweave is now complemented by the introduction of Vistaweave Plus, Vistashade and Vistascreen90.

BUSINESS FOR SALE

Available throughout Australia from Radins Australia on 03 9551 6000 or in Queensland on 07 3865 1666.

heavy duty (573gsm) 2 x 2 external shade fabric available in 302cm width to allow wider openings to be covered without fabric joins.

Its fire resistant 2 x 2 construction provides strength and stability and a better view because of its even weave and it is ideally suited for residential and commercial installations where high winds are a factor and a heavy duty fabric is required.

Vistascreen90 is ideal for wider external awnings that require a 10% openness factor and its 1 x 1 weave construction and wider widths (243cm & 303cm) make it suitable for railroading to eliminate joins.

See Radins new VistaRange Swatch Book for the full fabric range and the extensive selection of designer colours and patterns.

A MALAYSIAN COMPANY MARKET LEADER in Malaysia in shadesails & tension membrane structures with yearly profits is now for sale to Australians as the owner will be retiring. It is an opportunity for Australians to tap into Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines.

If interested, kindly email to datojeffteoh@suncoolmalaysia.com.my or jeffteoh@tm.net.my to receive more information.

46 · CONNECTIONS

Come Celebrate Come Celebrate IFAI’sCome 100-Year Anniversary Celebrate IFAI’s 100-Year Anniversary in 2012!

IFAI’s 100-Year Anniversary in 2012! in 2012!

A century century of of supporting supportingthe thespecialty specialtyfabrics fabricsindustry. industry.

A A century of supporting the specialty fabrics industry.

The largest specialty fabrics tradeshow The largest specialty fabrics tradeshow in the Americas showcasing cutting edge in the Americas showcasing cutting edge The largest specialty fabricsopportunities tradeshow education and networking education and networking opportunities inthat thewill Americas showcasing cutting edge strengthen your business. that will strengthen your business. education and networking opportunities that will strengthen your business.

ifaiexpo.com ifaiexpo.com ifaiexpo.com

★ ★

The Right People ★ The Right Show ★ The Right Decision ★ The Right People ★ The Right Show ★ The Right Decision ★ The Right People ★ The Right Show ★ The Right Decision ★ The Right People ★ The Right People ★ The Right Show ★ The Right Decision ★ The Right People ★ The Right Show ★ The Right Decision ★ The Right People ★ The Right Show ★ The Right Decision ★ The Right People ★

★

The Right People ★ The Right Show ★ The Right Decision ★ The Right People ★ The Right Show ★ The Right Decision ★ The Right People ★ The Right Show ★ The Right Decision ★ The Right People ★

SPOTLIGHT SHANN SAYS THE VIEW GETS BETTER As the peak season for demand and manufacture of blind and window treatments in Australia begins, Shann is pleased to announce additions to its beautiful and functional Shann View range of internal mesh fabrics, N-Vision and S-View.

Shann has responded to customer feedback and now offer the full Shann View range at 300cm wide, as well as the existing 250cm width. “Glare reduction and improvements in UV and heat reduction are important design considerations for our customers”, explains Kevin Matherson, Sales Director, “and now we are able to offer our fabricators and manufacturers equally beneficial improvements, in production and

fire and mildew resistant properties, Shann View N-Vision, 2 x 2 weave, and S-View, 1 x 2 weave, make choosing a functional and beautiful interior window treatment a breeze.

Kevin further explains “Importantly, the Shann View range is stocked nationally and is suitable for use with a large range of internal blind systems, for domestic and commercial applications and support, swatch books and technical information are readily available by contacting your local Shann branch office.”

Backed by a full-service, high-energy sales and customer service team, Shann manages

and supplies a comprehensive range of products from leading suppliers to a diverse range of industries.

The company’s commitment to excellence and superior product sees its staff constantly travelling to trade shows and visiting with suppliers to ensure continual product development and improvement.

For more information, visit www.shann.com.au

cost savings, by introducing a wider width option across the entire range.”

Since launching the Shann View internal mesh range 21 months ago, the N-Vision and S-View fabrics have become an increasingly popular choice for internal window coverings.

Boasting an impressive designer colour range, optimal visibility and breathability as well as

SYNTHESIS — LIGHT, SHADE AND STRENGTH Combining 30 years of polymer coating experience and innovative technology, Gale Pacific presents the Synthesis Commercial 95 WP (Com 95WP) which offers a unique combination of durability and function.

It combines the recognised strength, reliability, UV block and expected product lifespan of the Comm95 product with waterproof coating.

Over the past few years Gale Pacific has worked closely with industry leaders in fabrication and installation, and conducted extensive research to develop a multi-functional textile. Its vision was to create a product that would allow light in and provide complete waterproof coverage.

In its original state, Commercial 95 is a world leader in architectural shade cloth technology, capable of withstanding all types of weather.

The fabric will not deteriorate or fray and the high quality lock stitch construction provides for long lasting performance, superior UV protection and unmatched strength.

Setting a new benchmark in coated shade cloth, Comm95 WP is manufactured using high quality raw materials selected for their resilience, particularly in extreme weather conditions. It has been complemented with the addition of high quality clear waterproof coating on one side.

48 · CONNECTIONS

The unique extrusion coating techniques where the coating is applied in a molten state sets the product apart from other laminated products.

The main advantage extrusion coating has over laminating is allowing maximum surface area contact between coating and the base knitted structure.

Extruded coating also ensures no delamination if the product is installed properly. The inherent stretch characteristics means it works in tandem with the base knitted structure.

Comm95 WP fabric is twice as strong as other brands. When used with Gale Pacific’s Solar Weave Welding Tape, Comm95 WP can be welded and still maintain its waterproof function. Gale Pacific offers a ten year warranty* on the Comm95 WP (the best warranty in the market).

The Comm95 WP is ideal for tents, marquees, car shades, alfresco settings and large shade structures. It provides a waterproof haven which allows light in as well as superior UV protection. It comes in a range of five contemporary colours and is available in a 2.7 metre width x 40-metre roll. ** *Coated side up 5year warranty, Base Knit Fabric side up 10-year warranty ** Also available in jumbo rolls (600LM to 900LM)

For more information contact Gale Pacific on 1800 331 521 or visit www.galepacific.com

PRODUCTS

Products of labour A review of eye-catching industry products and noteworthy developments

PATTONS AWNINGS STYLISH PRINTED SHOPFRONT AWNINGS Pattons Awnings recently supplied a printed awning for Ovvio Organic Lifestyle store in Sydney’s Fiveways that has gained much accolade while catching the attention of passers-by and store patrons.

The devil is in the detail with innovative canvas printing technology used to customise shopfront awnings with longlasting, high quality, vibrant colours and prints.

The Pattons’ installation was well received by Anthia from Ovvio Organic Lifestyle who is reported as saying “Our awning makes a huge difference to our newly opened shop. The green leaf print carries our branding that is on our teas into the street and ties the whole place together.”

She said “The Pattons team installed it in time for my grand opening and in the end my experience was stress free. Our clients comment on it daily and agree that it ties the entire shop & branding together.”

INSULATION SOLUTION Marrickville based Magnetite Insulating Windows was recently recognised as one of Australia’s most progressive organisations, winning the 2011 Australian Business Award for Product Excellence with its innovative window insulation solutions.

Magnetite’s structure provides insulation from outside noise, plus heat or cold. Using ‘5-pole” magnets, an optical grade acrylic panel attaches to window frames creating an air-tight cavity with trapped air acting as an insulating buffer that protects against noise and helps to maintain a constant internal temperature. The panels are described as unobtrusive, easily removed for maintenance and available in a range of colours to complement windows.

Now in its sixth year, the Australian Business Awards program acknowledges organisations that demonstrate the core values of business excellence, product excellence, corporate responsibility, sustainability and commercial success in their respective industries.

EUROPE’S VINYLPLUS Launched by the European PVC industry a new initiative called VinylPlus makes a voluntary commitment to enhance the sustainable production and use of PVC by 2020.

Following the success of the Vinyl 2010 programme, which is said to have “revolutionised” the PVC value chain in Europe from 2000 onto 2010, VinylPlus has an ambitious set of targets for the future of sustainable development in Europe.

One of VinylPlus’ targets is to move towards greater ‘controlled-loop management’ of PVC including the efficient use and control of all materials throughout their life cycle and aims to significantly boost recycling rates by recycling 800,000 tonnes of PVC annually by 2020.

The initiative was developed with the input and guidance of The Natural Step (TNS), an international NGO involved in the research and dialogue on sustainable development.

VinylPlus will continue to be monitored by an independent monitoring committee with representatives of the European Parliament, European Commission, trade unions, retailers and consumer organisations.

Fully adjustable No welding Spans over 6m

NEW for 2011!

50NB End Cap (02) 9804 1146

www.triax.com.au NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 49

PRODUCTS PVC PROGRAM MILESTONES AND NEWCOMERS Back in 2002 the Vinyl Council of Australia launched the PVC Product Stewardship Program to address environmental concerns.

34 companies have signed up including manufacturers, importers and suppliers.

What exactly is the Program? Signatories agree to a series of commitments that include setting realistic timeframes and undertakings in manufacturing, safe use

industries by addressing the environmental footprint of their products. The Vinyl Council of Australia identifies the key outcomes of the PVC Product Stewardship Program as follows: Phasing out the use of lead and cadmium; reduced manufacturing emissions to world’s best practice; Improved environmental management of operations; adopted life cycle thinking in developing new products;

of additives, waste management, lifecycle thinking, research and public reporting.

Although PVC has been the subject of environmental concerns, its versatility and properties are listed as durability, ink adhesion, outdoor strength, UV stability, flexible finishing options, weld-ability and opacity. These features are key to banners,

and commenced innovative recycling programs such as Rojo Pacific’s recycling trials for post-consumer PVC sheeting.

The work of the vinyl industry in addressing manufacturing emissions, additives and endof-life waste and disposal is being recognised by the likes of the Green Building Council of Australia, whose life cycle assessments

and banner and signage company Rojo Pacific has signed up for the program.

CEO of the Vinyl Council of Australia is Sophi MacMillan who says the voluntary product stewardship approach has helped achieve real progress across various PVC

indicate that PVC products outperform alternatives on a whole-of-life basis, with PVC considered one of the least energy intensive of all thermoplastics and vinyl products.

Next year the Product Stewardship Program celebrates 10 years of success.

50 · CONNECTIONS

LOUVERED PERGOLA ROOFING Terrey Hills NSW based Vergola custom designs louvered pergola roofing systems for use over decks, patios, courtyards, verandas, swimming pools and other outdoor areas. The structures both enhance the look of the dwelling and provide refuge for sun and rain.

The design pictured is made from double Colourbond steel. The roof system can be adjusted according to the weather, with integrated automatic rain sensor reacting to the slightest moisture by instantly closing.

High quality insulation keeps outdoor spaces cooler in summer but warmer in the cooler months, and ventilation keeps temperatures down during warm days and nights. Vergola is based in Terrey Hills, NSW and from its address looks like it is a neighbour of Aeronaut.

WASTE NOT WANT NOT Architects, artists and restaurateurs seen rummaging around for goods … Make a note of this address: 185 Westernport Highway in Dandenong South, Victoria.

That is the home of the Waste Converters depot at an old tip site in Dandenong that’s has been converted to a recycling depot. A popular one, it seems, given the amount of furniture designers, chefs, architects making trips to see what can be put to good use.

For 15 years the recycling business has been managed

by Ward Petherbridge who says that during the 2010/11 financial year Waste Converters provided a net carbon benefit of 14,500 tonnes.

It seems one of the main materials recycled is postindustrial timber packaging waste, some of which arrives from IVECO Trucks, a major importer of engines that are transported on large pallets made of exotic hardwoods.

The pallets would otherwise land up as landfill alongside the 500,000 tonnes of timber waste discarded each year in Victoria. Much of the discarded product is pulverised into low-grade mulch which in Petherbridge’s words is a travesty, hence his drive to attract artists and designers to his waste centre as customers.

Greenhouse eco- restaurateur Joost Bakker sources Kenworth truck engine pallets for tables and chairs, Ford banners for furniture upholstery, recycled Cadbury baking trays for platters. Salvaged plywood was put to good use for a large painting to adorn the bar.

For more information visit www.wasteconverters.com.au

TONTINE INSULATION ACQUIRES NON WOVEN FILTER FABRIC MANUFACTURER Tontine Insulation — a specialist manufacturer of Thermal Bonded non woven filter fabric — recently announced the acquisition of Auspoly’s manufacturing operations. Auspoly is a Melbourne based manufacturer of carded and needle punched nonwoven fibre based products for the bedding, insulation and carpet underlay markets.

This move will increase Tontine Insulation’s carded fibre capacity in Melbourne and cements the company’s determination to offer real and

differentiable performance based thermo-bonded and needle-punched non woven filter fabric solutions to its customers.

Tontine Insulation’s products are Oeko-tex 100 certified in classes I & II, and hold the Green Tag Gold Plus environmental accreditation.

All tontine products are made with a minimum of 83% recycled polyester fibre, are long lasting, hypoallergenic, environmentally-friendly and manufactured without the use of chemicals or adhesive resins.

NEW Durkopp Adler model: H867 Unbeatable high performance heavy duty sewing with Durkopp Adler M-TYPE technology

• • • • • • • • • •

The large clearance (700 x 157mm) facilitates the handling of large area work pieces bottom feed, needle feed and alternating walking feet Up to 12mm long stitches Extremely high sewing foot lift of 25mm The sewing foot stroke up to 9mm allows material piles New needle system of 328 New hook system with 3XL bobbin for thread sizes up to nm 8/3 Sewing speed up to 2,000 stitches/min Robust thread trimmer guarantees a safe and clean cutting of extreme thick sewing threads Automatic lubrication system

with the very best in after sales support via, product application knowledge, unequaled spare part deliveries and factory trained service technicians is the benchmark in the industry. Isn’t it time you took a closer look? | PO Box 130 | 3 Gunya Street Regents Park NSW 2143 Telephone (02) 9645 2500 | Fax (02) 9644 4711 | E-mail info@dasec.com.au | www.dasec.com.au

NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 51

EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE 2012

JANUARY 2012 MFA National Convention January 20 to January 22, 2012 Hilton Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana, US Described as the premier convention for the marine fabrication industry, this event enables marine canvas delegates to enhance skills and make new business connections. www.marinecanvas.com

FEBRUARY Midwest Fabric Products Association 2012 Annual Convention February 1 to February 3 Holiday Inn Rolling Meadows Rolling Meadows, Illinois The MFPA is a trade organisation comprising industrial fabric product manufacturers and suppliers to the industry. www.mwpfa.com Tent Conference 2012 Sunday February 26 to Tuesday February 28 New York, NY Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, Nevada Tent Conference 2012 is the marketplace for preparing for the future. New products, innovative ideas and networking opportunities during sessions will address clearspan installations, fall protection in tents, evacuation procedures and weather challenges. The conference also features The Idea Factory and Event Solutions/Catersource. www.tentexperts.org

MARCH IFAI Expo Canada 2012 March 29 to March 30, 2012 Delta Meadowvale Resort and Conference Centre 52 · CONNECTIONS

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada The annual IFAI Canada Expo brings together specialty fabrics manufacturers and businesses. The event features dedicated exposition hours on the exhibit floor, combined with a compelling and interactive program. www.ifaicanada.com

MAY GeoAmericas 2012 May 6 to May 9 Swissôtel, Lima, Peru The second Pan-American Geosynthetics Congress will highlight the main topics and applications in the geosynthetics industry. This event is organised by IGS Peru under the auspices of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS). www.geosynthetica.net

ACASPA EXPO 2012 May 26 to May 28, 2012 At the centrally located, premier events venue, Melbourne Exhibition Centre. ACASPA Expo 2012 will feature a twoday exhibition, business sessions and social events.

The very popular Awards for Excellence dinner takes place on Monday evening, May 28.

More details to come, visit www.acaspa.com.au

Registered Training Organisations

Technical Thread Sales Shann Australia has an outstanding opportunity for

NSW & NT SYDNEY INSTITUTE OF TAFE Ph (02) 9217 4601 Fax (02) 9217 4963 Contact: Lawrence De Paoli lawrence.depaoli@tafensw.edu.au www.sit.nsw.edu.au/sailmaking

an experienced thread specialist to join its team based in Melbourne.

Responsible for technical and sales support nationally to both existing and new customers across a broad range of industries, the successful applicant must have/be:

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

• Well presented — representing Shann and their product range

LAWRENCE DE PAOLI Lawrence De Paoli Ph (02) 9217 4601 Fax (02) 9217 4963 lawrence.depaoli@tafensw.edu.au

TASMANIA

to a diverse customer base • Be prepared to travel interstate offering technical sales support to customers and the National Sales Team • Knowledge of Textile Industry • Sewing Machine mechanic or relevant technical skills

TASMANIA INSTITUTE OF TAFE Ph 1300 655 307 Fax (03) 6233 7830 www.tafe.tas.edu.

• Sales experience is preferred however training will be provided for the right candidate • Able to work both independently

VICTORIA

and with a team • Exceptional communication and organisational skills

RMIT UNIVERSITY Ph (03) 9925 9182 Fax (03) 9925 9129 Contact: Kent Williamson kent.williamson@rmit.edu.au www.rmit.edu.au

An attractive salary package will be offered to the successful applicant. All applications remain strictly confidential.

25 Dawson Street Brunswick

Please apply to

Vic 3056

Martin Peterson, General Manager

QUEENSLAND

martinp@shann.com.au

LAWRENCE DE PAOLI

JUNE IFAI Expo Asia 2012 June 26 to June 28 2012 Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Singapore A dynamic trade exhibition and conference dedicated to technical textiles in Asia Pacific.

See the pages of this magazine for more details or log on to: www.ifaiexpoasia.com

Lawrence De Paoli Ph (02) 9217 4601 Fax (02) 9217 4963 lawrence.depaoli@tafensw.edu.au

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

FOR SALE: Seamtek Rotary hot air welder Computerised 36” throat, made in USA. Quick arm and pedestal welding

TAFE WA

attachments. Tape delivery

Ph (08) 9207 4412 Fax (08) 9207 4399

system.

Gary McCormick

New condition - $29,000 ono.

Swan College, Balga Campus

Contact Hugh - 0413678601 or

Gate 1 Lockswood Road, Balga WA

ventura.wa@bigpond.com

NOV/DEC 2011 — JAN 2012 · 53

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