SPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSOCIATION INC.
Vol 12 No 4 July • August 2012
STA Expo 2012 All the words and pictures
Young Leaders’ challenge Talent on show
Yields from fields A look at agriculture STA Life Membership
Max Brady honoured
Overall Award for Excellence winner:
Fabritecture
STA member news | 3D shade sails | Members in the spotlight |
RTOs
Contents
6 ASSOCIATION MATTERS Report from incoming STA President Lance St Hill 4 STA office update 32 STA welcomes new members 36 State COM reports 46 Industry Leader Max The prolific Max Brady appointed Life Member of STA 2
EXPO SPECIAL 7
Pictures that captured the Expo’s flavor and variety 10 The 2012 STA Expo that sparkled and shone A round up of events and exhibitors’ impressions 20 Young Leaders’ STA Sanctuary Super smart relief structures, judged by the Red Cross
AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 22 Overall Excellence Winner: Fabritecture A look at the trendy, head-turning Halo nightclub 26 Awards for Excellence category winners EH Brett and Sons seal up a balcony – and stitch up copy-cat orders Abacus shelters Gung, Taronga Zoo’s cheeky yet productive elephant Fabritecture’s temporary lecture theatre is here to stay Clark Shade Sails goes for stripes and earns its stripes Young achiever Jamie Howard cements his stellar rise
NEWS CORNER 8
Member news A look at some dynamic developments
CONNECTIONS magazine is published on behalf of the Specialised Textiles Association Inc. by CommStrat Limited.
Design & production Annette Epifanidis annette@commstrat.com.au
Publisher CommStrat
PHOTOGRAPHY Nicola Card, Frank Geremia, Gianni Drougas
Editor Nicola Card nicola.card@commstrat.com.au Contributors Alan Stewart
National Sales MANAGER Yuri Mamistvalov Phone: 03 8534 5008 yuri@commstrat.com.au
SPECIAL FEATURES 38 Yields from Fields We talk to members about the profits and pitfalls of the agriculture sector 42 The ins and outs of 3D Shade Sails Alan Stewart of Structureflex spells out all the intricacies
SPOTLIGHT ON MEMBERS 62 HVG and Ricky Richards Who and what is new, and where they are
TRAINING AND EVENTS 48 Industry events and RTOs
subscriptions To subscribe to Connections for just $75.00 inc GST annually contact Ruth Spiegel ruth.spiegel@commstrat.com.au
COMMSTRAT ABN 31 008 434 802
Level 8, 574 St Kilda Rd Melbourne Vic 3004 www.commstrat.com.au Specialised Textiles Association Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Road, St Kilda 3182 VIC Phone: 03 9521 2114 Local call: 1300 555 787 Fax: 03 9521 2116 www.specialisedtextiles.com.au
Disclaimer: Except where specifically stated, the opinions and material published in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or the STA Council.
ASSOCIATION
JULY• August 2012 · 1
STA MATTERS
From the STA office
As is evident, the COM has a very full and ambitious program, and we hope to gain lots of feedback and assistance from members, as well as maximum involvement in member engagement sessions … It is in all our interests to harness that positivity to drive the Specialised Textiles Association forward and make it an association that we are all proud of.”
of planning and running such an event. Being a joint venture with members and exhibitors from both organisations, we anticipate that the format will be a little different to that of the past. Stay tuned for more information on this Super Expo.
New COM
Insights from the President of the Specialised Textiles Association – Lance St Hill Welcome to my first Connections report from the President’s Desk. It is more than a month since our very successful Melbourne 2012 Expo. Many congratulatory emails and phone calls have been received complementing the Office, COM and Expo Organising Committee for their excellent job! No expo would ever get off the ground without the enormous efforts of our Specialised Textiles Association Manager, Ana Drougas and Administrative Assistant, Mina Geremia. In turn they could not do without the assistance of the Expo Organising Committee, ably headed up by Brendan Hall. Many others helped by packing show-bags, manning registration desks, working as ushers for functions etc., which proves the success of the Expo is very much a result of the efforts and dedication of all involved. While talking of Expo’s, we announced at our AGM that the 2013 Expo will be a joint Expo with the BMAA at the Gold Coast Convention Centre at Broadbeach. We are particularly pleased with this initiative and regard it as an opportunity for a ‘Super Expo’ with many more exhibitors and many more visitors. Both the BMAA and STA management are excited by this development and together we are setting up an organising committee to handle the huge task 2 · CONNECTIONS
We have commenced the new STA year with two new COM members. I welcome the election of David Burton from Ricky Richards and Jamie Howard from Total Shade Solutions and look forward to their input during my term. If the first two COM meetings are a guide, their input shall be very valuable. I would also like to thank Brendan Hall and Glenn Barlow for their enormous efforts and contributions during their terms on the COM. Brendan served with distinction as President and then as Treasurer, Glenn is continuing his association with STA by serving on one or more sub committees. His enthusiasm in his role as President was inspirational and infectious and we are indeed fortunate to have his continued contribution to STA via his involvement in sub committees. The COM has a very large and ambitious program for the coming year and our biggest project is of course the roll-out of the accreditation program. Accreditation is not something to be feared but rather embraced by all, as it lends credibility to our membership and organisation among the wider community. Marketing consultant Mary Simcic has been assisting by contacting members to ascertain the right model to fit our very broad membership base.
Young Leaders We are of course running another Young Leaders’ Conference later this year. This follows the enormous success of the program and the Young Leaders’ Challenge. (See
pages 11-14 for more on the Young Leaders’ Challenge.)
Representation The COM, and more specifically Ana Drougas and I, regularly deal with government and associated agencies such as Manufacturing Skills Australia (MSA), by attending meetings and presenting submissions etc. I am pleased to report that our STA submission to MSA resulted in a grant of $422,000 for training in the installation of blind, awning and shade structures. We shall be working to secure more funding for training and also dealing with training authorities to develop and target training applicable to our industry. To that end we will set up a training sub-committee.
Sub-comittees We are also establishing a sub-committee to review the STA Awards for Excellence categories, judging criteria and entry cut-offs. Also, a subcommittee will be established to examine the commercial prospects of the disaster shelter among various aid organisations. By concentrating on their particular brief and reporting back to the COM regularly, these subcommittees, along with the very successful Shade Structures sub-committee, will assist the COM throughout the year. As is evident, the COM has a very full and ambitious program, and we hope to gain lots of feedback and assistance from members, as well as maximum involvement in member engagement sessions. With more information from members’ organisations – and significant participation – I am confident we can continue the momentum and positive feeling that has been generated in recent times. It is in all our interests to harness that positivity to drive the Specialised Textiles Association forward and make it an association that we are all proud of.
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Marine
Panel Blinds
Fencing
Swags
Bags
Luggage
Grain Covers Blinds PVC Tension Structures
Ground Covers
Tarpaulins Covers
Sports Equipment Cotton Modules
Awnings
Canvas
Polyethylene
Banners Nylon Motor Awnings
Hay Stack Covers
Truck Side Curtains Interior and Exterior Jumping Castles
Window Furnishing Fencing Marquees Tents Structure and Membrane
Signs
Shade Sails Dam Liners Annexes
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STA MATTERS
Specialised Textiles Association On the go! Office report by Ana Drougas, Association Manager This year’s Expo brought home to me depth of fellowship and bonds that exist among our diverse range of specialised textile members. Long may it continue!
And next year … EXPO 2013!
Our 2012 STA Expo What a truly great Expo we all experienced this year! Stretched out over three days, I am told the event excelled from beginning to end. Given the widespread interest and accolade, the planning over the past few months clearly paid dividends for all. I would like to thank all our Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors and each individual exhibitor, without whom the Expo would simply not exist. The pride and creativity poured into each and every stand do not go without notice, and the pages of coverage in this magazine cannot and do not do justice to all. Many more deserve thanks – the four technical presenters, the Young Leaders for their commitment and delivery. And congratulations to all our Awards for Excellence winners (see pages 15 to 26) as well as all those who submitted entries of structures that can only be described as superb. A trademark of our association is our ability to work extremely well under pressure while continuing to produce the necessary high level results. 4 · CONNECTIONS
With the 2012 Expo only just behind us, we are already looking at next year’s event which takes a different shape with us joining forces with the Blind Manufacturers Association Australia (BMAA) to stage a Super Expo. What this translates into is a larger show with a greater display area, more exhibitors, more content and of course more visitors. STA President Lance St Hill says the combined offerings of the window furnishings and specialised textiles industries will provide a bigger market for exhibitors and a more unique one stop shop experience for attendees. He is on record as stating “in this economically uncertain environment, it makes particularly good business sense for exhibitors to consolidate and redirect their planned expenditure at both association expos in 2013 to the Super Expo." For his part, BMAA President Joe Turner says the Super Expo “is likely to be the largest trade exhibition ever staged for the window furnishings and specialised textiles industries in Australasia.” The Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre (www.gccec.com.au) is playing host to the 2013 event. Put Wednesday June 5 to Friday June 7, 2013 in your diary now and stay tuned for more details!
Meetings During the time this issue of Connections is being circulated we are holding a round of information sessions for members in each state capital. Along with myself, President Lance St Hill will be guiding the subject matter which will include the Accreditation Model and Young Leaders Program. One of the major topics up for discussion will be the findings of our 2010 Strategic Review; there is much to be gained in revisiting this vital document which presents a great deal of insight into all facets of the association, seen through members’ eyes.
A trademark of our association is our ability to work extremely well under pressure while continuing to produce the necessary high level results. This year’s Expo brought home to me depth of fellowship and bonds that exist among our diverse range of specialised textile members. Long may it continue!"
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STA MATTERS STA Council of Management SPECIALISED TEXTILES Association Inc. Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Rd St Kilda, Vic 3182 Ph: (03) 9521 2114 Local Call: 1300 555 787 Facsimile: (03) 9521 2116 Email: ana@specialisedtextiles.com.au Web: www.specialisedtextiles.com.au
ASSOCIATION MANAGER Ana Drougas Email: ana@specialisedtextiles.com.au
STA Committee L to R: Kent Williamson of RMIT, Tom Gastin of Pattons, David Burton of Ricky Richards, Lance St Hill (President) of Fabric Solutions Australia, Jamie Howard of Total Shade Solutions who is our youngest ever COM member and Gary Smith of Campbell and Heeps.
We are hoping as many members as possible will participate in these STA meetings which, among other benefits, foster industry cross-communication. Please visit www.specialisedtextiles.com.au for more information and to register.
By tradition the COM meets monthly to progress all STA matters. If you would like to raise any specific issues, please email or phone me or any of the COM.
A rush of new members
There are many highlights on the STA agenda, not least of which is the upcoming Conference for Young Leaders on the weekend of 13 -14 October, possibly in Queensland. We will keep you posted on this. Who cannot help but feel invigorated by the brilliant achievements of our talented young leaders. The concept and delivery has truly regenerated the sector and bodes well for the future of the association. The stage has been set for this vital program and the momentum looks set to continue. Watch this space!
I am pleased to report that the Specialised Textiles Association is currently processing more than a dozen membership applications. In addition to the seven who recently joined or rejoined STA, this surely is testimony to the swag of initiatives and activities that are underway as the association revitalises and regenerates. The process continues, as notified, we are keen to establish more committees including Editorial and Marketing. We are hoping that several members will enjoy playing a more active role in association activities.
Welcome COM Still on new committees, a big welcome to the two newcomers to our Council of Management: David Burton of Ricky Richards and Jamie Howard of Total Shade Solutions. Jamie is believed to be the youngest ever voted on to the COM and also earned the honour of 2012 STA Young Achiever of The Year (see story on page 18). Jamie entered the industry in 2005 when aged just 16. Attracted by the stability it offered, he has remained with the same company where he has progressed from fabrication to design to sales and project management. This industrious young man also took the helm of Team A in the Young Leaders challenge. David Burton, meantime, brings well over two decades of industry experience to the COM, which is pictured above. Profiles of each were circulated in STA’s recent e-newsletter. 6 · CONNECTIONS
Young Leaders’ Conference
OFPANZ Annual Conference and Expo Capitalising on the number of international visitors ‘down under’ for the STA Expo, OFPANZ staged its annual conference the week after ours, in scenic Queenstown. I was there to represent our association, and enjoyed two days with our counterparts in New Zealand. A highlight for me was seeing 63 Awards for Excellence project entries, and meeting Danicia Manning who is the new OFPANZ Executive Officer. Although OFPANZ membership is slightly lower than ours, we share many industry issues such as declining trainee numbers and a member base experiencing slow business. In my discussions with Danicia and Barry Wybrow (President) we agreed that the synergies between our two associations warrant the continuation of reciprocal rights.
President Lance St Hill Fabric Solutions Australia Pty Ltd PO Box 6283 Yatala DC Qld 4207 Mobile: 0400 103 534 Ph: (07) 3807 0200 Fax: (07) 3807 8217 Email: lances@fabricsolutions.com.au
COUNCILLORS 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 Ph: (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 Ph: (02) 9955 2563 or 1300 799 980 Fax: (02) 9959 3158 Email: tom@pattons.com.au David Burton Ricky Richards 16 Park Road, Homebush NSW 2140 Ph: 02 9735 3333 Fax: 02 9735 3311 Email: David.burton@rickyrichards.com.au Jamie Howard Total Shade Solutions 4 Aldinga St, Brendale Qld Ph: 07 3889 7200 Fax: 07 3889 8865 Email: Jamie@totalshadesolutions.com.au
Connections Magazine Advertising submissions: yuri@commstrat.com.au Ph: 03 8534 5008 Editorial: Nicola Card nicola.card@commstrat.com.au
STA Expo wrap
Member news
Movers and shakers Words and pictures by Nicola Card
Capron Carter’s Brendan Traynor and Lee Stebbing (on the right)
Steve Busutill (L) of Sydney Institute TAFE, Vehicle & Marine Trimming, Ultimo with Bob McLaurin of Capron Carter
Grand prize Later this year Capron Carter is very kindly donating a sewing machine to a top performing student at Ultimo TAFE in Sydney. The lucky winner will be selected from the third year motor trimmer course and announced at the end of the year. Long-time Sales Manager Bob McLaurin told Connections that the machine – a Protex TY-3300 single needle walking foot designed for upholstery - is valued at about $1500. He added that the same machine has been donated to top performing students at Kangan TAFE over the past three years. The generosity of Capron Carter does not end with Ultimo TAFE, Bob Mac (as he is known to all in the industry) says the company has donated machines and cash vouchers to students at colleges across NSW and elsewhere. “It’s proven a worthwhile promotion for us,” Bob said. “We support TAFE Australia wide. Capron Carter is an Australian owned company and we sell our machines to all the larger TAFEs across Australia.” He explained that the newly opened $100 million Kangan Institute in Melbourne recently purchased 20 Capron Carter machines. “That was a big-time order for us; they wanted to update their machinery into the 21st century.” Capron Carter sewing machines are imported from the US, Germany and Japan, and retail from $1500 to $3000. The Capron Carter Exhibit at the STA Expo proudly promoted the company’s 100-year anniversary and this major milestone will feature in an upcoming issue of Connections.
“These guys are used to selling a similar product range, that is machines and material,” Lee told Connections. “This development is all very exciting for us.” The Carr Group of companies evolved from a manufacturing background in sheet PVC production and blowing urethane foam in Auckland New Zealand. The group now boasts operations in four regions including Haining in China and employs 20 globally. Just what are Lee’s impressions of the current market? “Judging by the news from the US things there are a bit slow,” he said. “Here in Australia it is also a bit slow, it is a bit of a depressed market however there are pockets that keep on keeping on. For example sign and banner media and window furnishings continue to do well.” www.carrgroup.com.au
Family footsteps
International expansion Proudly showcasing the range of Carr Group goods at STA Expo 2012 were Lee Stebbing and Brendan Traynor, who freighted all machinery and other display products down to Melbourne from home base in Sydney’s Pendle Hill. During the Expo Lee proudly reported that the company has extended its reach across the Pacific by setting up operations in North America. Based at Lakeville, Massachusetts, the US office and warehouse employs two staff who are American citizens and are well acquainted with the local market. 8 · CONNECTIONS
Connections through the generations As sure as day follows night, at each and every STA Expo is long-term, prominent exhibitor Wax Converters Textiles. Over the decades it has become tradition for industry players from far and wide to congregate at the WCT stand for a chat with Jim Kelman and his loyal, long standing crew. This year Connections spotted Jim in deep conversation with Cathi Buttfield, the grand-daughter of industry icon Ken Major, founder of Sar
Major Canvas Goods & Trailers in Adelaide. During his address at the Awards Gala Dinner, Jim remarked how thrilled he was to see family continuity in the business. Cathi took over as Sar Major Managing Director back in January 2012, and has comfortably assumed her role in supervising staff and overseeing orders in the business. After the Expo Connections managed to catch up with the somewhat dynamic Cathi Buttifield, who has been a company director at Sar Major over the past decade while also pursuing a high flying career with government and raising two children. “When our existing Managing Director retired at the end of last year I took over his role and now work with [brother] Todd. My goal is for the business to reach 100 years – by which time I will be 80,” she said. “Next year will be a practice run as the company celebrates 60 years!” Many STA members will remember Cathi’s gregarious grandfather Ken who, along with his wife Fov, was a popular presence at CGMA and ACASPA Expos. “He loved and breathed the industry, he really sparkled but was a cheeky chap too! All up he was very passionate about the industry, his company, his country and the military,” said Cathi, adding that the Majors have known Jim Kelman since his Birkmyre days. “Our Wax Converter Textiles State Representative is David Seymour-Smith who was Sar Major Manager in the 60s and 70s and is basically considered to be part of the Major family. “In fact that is what I love about this industry – employees, colleagues, suppliers, other similar or totally different firms – we are all part of the same supportive family of Australian manufacturers and we are all passionate about our products, our businesses, our people, our country and our future.” Connections can only conclude that Cathi is very much a chip off the old block. We look forward to hearing more from her about the Sar Major team – stay tuned.
Steve explained that all wire products are made in Korea, while stainless steel fittings are made in a factory in Thailand. In an upcoming issue of Connections we will take a closer look at Arcus Wire Group’s extensive involvement in the marine industry.
Arcus Wire Group circles the globe Arcus Wire Group has successfully spread its tentacles across the globe, exporting goods to Korea, India, New Zealand, South Africa and beyond. But additional customers are always welcome, and meeting the need nicely is the STA Expo which acts as a magnet. According to Steve Morris the company made many new contacts, “People we have not met before – and that is a good thing. One [expo] visitor from India wanted a certain specialised wire that we can provide. All up we will probably add about a hundred new industry customers to our data base [so] the Expo is definitely worthwhile,” he said. Prompt follow-up is always important, so new customers would soon be emailed or sent company catalogues. “We plan to make a connection with them soon after the Expo to increase our chances of hearing from them again,” said Steve, whose company is a market leader in the marine arena. He explained that Arcus wire undergoes additional processes during manufacture which prolongs its lifespan. “Also it goes through an ultrasonic bath procedure which means that, unlike inferior products, you do not end up with black marks on your hands from the grease etc when handling the wire.” The process also helps avert rust stains. JULY• August 2012 · 9
STA Expo wrap
The vitality of STA Expo 2012 Melbourne dished up some chilly weather but provided a warm welcome for all visitors to this year’s Specialised Textiles Association Expo. True to form, the Expo delivered something for everyone. Words by Nicola Card In late May, the Specialised Textiles Association was pleased to welcome Expo 2012 visitors to Melbourne. Expectations were high but the consensus seemed to be that the annual Expo delivered all that was expected - and possibly more. On the business front, each of the four technical presentations staged in the midst of the exhibition area were very well received, thanks to the ease and expertise of Chris Nolan of Nolan.UDA, Alan Stewart of Structureflex, Trevor Scott of Lightweight Structures and John Pierce of Contender. Also attracting great interest were the two relief shelters that can only be described as ingenious and most impressive. (See following pages for full coverage of The Young Leaders’ Challenge instigated by Bob Cahill.) The three-day Expo offerings also included a wet and windy afternoon at the MCG witnessing the Tigers maul the Hawks, or for non sports fans the more tranquil option of a stroll through Melbourne’s laneways.
STA members got right into the spirit of the seventies during the ‘70s disco themed evening at the Crown Promenade on Sunday evening and in a warm show of camaraderie, all linked arms to form one large circle while singing together. The fellowship continued during Monday evening’s glittering Gala Dinner with the hilariously irreverent Marty Fields as MC for the Awards for Excellence; and spotlight on the Young Leaders’ achievements, followed by movement on the dance floor to the harmonies of Melbourne’s most popular cover band Big City Beat, fronted by charismatic lead singer Brian Rault.
Presidential transition During his parting speech, STA President Glenn Barlow nominated the Young Leaders’ Challenge as one of two highlights during his reign; the other being the member meetings of February. Concluding his ten-month term, he spoke of his pride in developing a new name for the association and progressing the accreditation agenda as well as the Fabric Structures Committee. “I love the specialised textiles industry and hope it goes from strength to strength,” were Glenn’s closing words. Taking centre stage to a round of applause New President Lance St Hill paid homage to his wife Alyson and remarked on Glenn Barlow’s “passion and commitment which are infectious”. “I am keen to see the continuation of the Young Leaders’ initiative and we will continue our round of roadshows in our concerted effort to encourage more members to more actively participate in the association,” Lance said. He looks forward to meeting and greeting STA members at the Gold Coast during the association’s 2013 Expo which is being staged in conjunction with BMAA.
For more insights into the 2012 Expo see pages 38-41
10 · CONNECTIONS
Young Leaders rise to the Challenge On show at the 2012 STA Expo was the power of collaboration. With one big challenge to deliver two unique disaster shelters, the Young Leaders combined a dash of friendly rivalry with smart, practical designs to deliver outstanding results. Words by Nicola Card, images by Nicola Card & Gianni Drougas.
The vision of 500,000 people left homeless following the tsunami of late 2004 was the impetus for the Young Leaders’ Challenge instigated by Bob Cahill of TexConnex. In his words, “As an industry we were helpless, and there have been many disasters since.” And so the two teams were primed to design ‘disaster’ shelters for those swept well out of their comfort zone. Their efforts kicked off in early December 2011 and several months’ work culminated in the presentation of two awe-inspiring relief tents at the STA Expo. It took the three judges the best part of the afternoon to deliberate over the merits of both structures before deciding on the winner. Before that, let’s take a closer look at the movers and shakers behind the projects.
Team A2Z Team A2Z comprised Justin Esdaile of Triax Systems; Angela Courie and Leisa Manning of Ricky Richards; Sean Toohey and Aaron Purdey of Nolan UDA; Robert Bull of EH Brett & Sons; Michael Guinea of Sail Structures; and Chris Smith and Zoe Smith of Campbell & Heeps. The team was helped by contributions from Ricky Richards, Brett’s, Campbell and Heeps, Triax, Nolan.UDA, and Sail Structures.
Key features of the impressive structure included: provision for water collection and storage, privacy screens, a ‘slot or push together’ construction method (importantly, avoiding the need for power tools), large windows facilitating maximum airflow, and ground anchors for additional stability. The structure makes use of lightweight fibreglass rods for windows and Velcro at base of exterior windows.
JULY• August 2012 · 11
Young leaders
“I believe that we can take these structures to the next stage;that is register the designs and commercialise the systems.” Team A Team A included James Formosa and Christopher Field of ABC Products, Dan Wright of Pattons; Luke Goddard of Rainbow Shade; Albert Malouf, Katherine Szczepanska and Sarah Lavorato of Ricky Richards; Ben Thorburn of Thorline; and team leader Jamie Howard of Total Shade Solutions. The team was grateful for contributions by: Goodearl and Bailey, Ricky Richards, ABS Products, Rainbow Shade, Aeronaut, HVG, Innova and Ultracut Industries.
The lightweight aluminium frame was secured using Triax brackets, while the flooring consisted of plywood sheets. The PVC mesh was Hiraoka 254; Nolan’s supplied the generic fabric for the main skin, and Ricky Richards provided the interior block-out curtain. “We did the best with limited space, resources and funds, to cover all necessary specifications,” Team A2Z representative Robert Bull told Connections. “We included solar panels, guttering, self levelling floors and modular joints, plus a wardrobe, and the base of flooring doubles as packaging.” 12 · CONNECTIONS
Constructed from aluminium, Team A’s relief tent featured multi core technology unique to the SAS63 extrusion that enables a dual layer insulation system. Included were flyscreens and internal dividing walls for three by three metre compartments. The tent also harnessed solar power for lighting while a large bladder was installed to collect water for drinking, washing and showering. The modular structure is such that multiple additions can be installed adjacently for a variety of applications including accommodation, field hospitals, mess halls and more, as required during short term or extended relief demands. Engineered to withstand 75 km/h winds, the structure requires no power tools for construction and all materials were recyclable.
Red Cross to the rescue STA was delighted to welcome Red Cross International Emergencies Manager Steve Ray to assist in the judging process. Steve warned: “There will be an increasing number of natural disasters due to climate change, both domestically and internationally”, and he emphasised the need for human comfort during such circumstances, saying “I think dignity is one of the very important considerations when it comes to the humanitarian response as you are talking about people who have suffered through a natural disaster … they are traumatised and the last thing they want to feel is exposed.” Jamie Howard, Steve Ray and Bob Cahill
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STA Expo wrap
“I know theYoung Leaders’initiative will last a long time and serve our industry well in the future.” “I really liked that bit [that Bob determined] because it brings into play the human perspective. Most people are resilient in the short term but then you have a period of uncertainty and that is the time that can make or break them. “You also need to consider transportation which may be on the back of a moped, in a rickshaw or a bus. Or a boat – so you have to think about size and weight,” said Steve who has been at the forefront of relief efforts following many emergencies. He talked about communal space and the impact of cooking in close confines which can spark respiratory infections, hence the importance of adequate ventilation. With all these and other factors in mind, Steve Ray described the work of both Team A2Z and Team A as outstanding, saying “I was most impressed, not just with the final products but also the thinking and design process as well as the level of cooperation and collaboration among team members.” Bob Cahill commended all Young Leaders for their outstanding work, saying “We have shown that technology, collaboration and coordination deliver an effective response and I am totally impressed with the amount of thought and research that has gone into both projects. I also believe that we can take these structures to the next stage, that is register designs and commercialise the systems. There
14 · CONNECTIONS
is a market niche for structures in the medium term to provide comfort and shelter.”
And the winner is …. STA’s black tie Gala Dinner was a befitting location for the announcement of the winner of the Young Leaders’ Challenge, a privilege that fell to then STA President Glenn Barlow who declared: “The Young Leader groups have taken Bob’s concept and run with it … the level of detail by both teams is phenomenal, they have not missed a beat. They have shown massive work ethics, they have blown us away.” He then declared Team A2Z the winners of the Young Leaders’ Challenge. An elated Team A2Z took to the stage where Robert Bull first thanked all key sponsors, among them Ricky Richards and Nolan.UDA, and remarked how great it was to see “old guys pushing the young guys!” “Our tent looks better than we thought it ever would,” a proud Robert Bull said. “And the reaction we have had has been fantastic, and for the team it has been a fantastic experience.” Bob Cahill revealed “In his seventeen years in the industry Steve Ray has never seen such application by any association as that of STA. So impressed was Steve that he is keen to open the door to future discussions, and this could open up avenues of opportunity.” STA President Lance St Hill described the results as “nothing short of astounding”. > continues page 31