Aussie Painting Contractor April

Aussie Painting Contractor Footy Tipping Competition is FREE!

Aussie Painting Contractor The Medicine Cabinet Right Under Your Nose

“Care, Custody and Control�

What is it?

Properties of Paints

How to Handle a Difficult Customer Member Profile : Wet Paint-Ting

Winter in Colour

Issue 19 April, 2013

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Contents

27 Make the Most of Your Customers 28 “Care, Custody and Control”

What is it?

30 Member Profile : Wet Paint-Ting 32

6 Editor 7

Member Consultant

8

Financial Planning Newsletter

Fair Work Commission Variation to Modern Award for Apprenticeship

34 Winter in Colour

10 Business Plan

38 Properties of Paints - Series 42 Training Schedule

14 The Medicine Cabinet Right

Under Your Nose

44 The Industry Idiots

18 Ability and Motivation to Work

Outweights Physical Challenges

45 Important Contacts

22 How to Handle

a Difficult Customer 24

Take Your Business to a whole New Level

EDITOR Nigel Gorman DEPUTY EDITOR Caroline Miall

CONTRIBUTORS • • • •

Belinda Ross Caroline Miall Jennie Gorman Jim Baker

• • • • •

Leanne Staff Michael Farrugia Nigel Gorman Scott Collins Stephanie Gadd

GRAPHIC DESIGNER • J. Anne Delgado

From the Editor Happy Easter break!

We hope you’re all getting a good rest in this year. We’re looking forward to one too, after a busy beginning to 2013. As we’ve been working hard to bring our brand and message to the public, you’ll soon start seeing Aussie Painters Network popping up in numerous arenas.

On Easter Sunday, the Stockland Ipswich Jets Rugby League team we are sponsoring are having their home game televised live on channel nine from 2-4pm in participating areas. The game will be replayed on Pay TV next week. We will be seen on televisions around Australia. Keep an eye out for our State of Origin Competition for Members next month.

April’s mag hosts some great features, like tips to handling some of your more ‘demanding’ customers; a truly inspirational story from the Spinal Association, and some vital info from Scott Collins on the food we eat. It’s not too late to join our Footy Tipping comp for your chance to win a weekly prize.

Enjoy this month’s magazine!

Contact us if you have any suggestions,

Nigel Gorman

nigel@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

0430 399 800

Opinions and viewpoints expressed in Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor, staff or publisher or any Home Painters Info staff or related parties. The publisher, Home Painters Info and Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine personnel are not liable for any mistake, misprint or omission. All information contained in Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine is intended to inform and illustrate and should not be taken as financial, legal or accounting advice. You should seek professional advice before making any business related decisions. We are not liable for any losses you may incur directly or indirectly as a result of reading Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine. Reproduction of any material or contents of the magazine without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Membership Consultant Hi Painters, Welcome to our April edition of Aussie Painting Contractor. From the beginning of our journey we have rallied together and are slolwly bringing painters together as a united trade. As our reputation grows within the industry, so does our promise to keep the relevant information coming to you via email and magazine.

WE ARE HERE TO STAY! Our long awaited second hard copy of the Aussie Painting Contractor has been released and we will endeavour to distribute copies as fast as possible to all the contractors within Australia.

As always, we welcome stories, or articles from Painters Australia wide. Remember, as a member, you can submit your Member profile into our magazine at no cost. These magazines are also reaching the consumer. Sometimes we have to put ourselves ‘out there’ to get recognised, and be noticed.

Our Two Tier Membership programme is a winner! For only $49.97 a year, you can join Aussie Painters Network, but for $99.97 you can become a Gold Member and utilise the additional benefits available thanks to our friends at Master Painters and Decorators Australia. What a bargain! Check out our benefits on page 2 & 3!

Go on, grab a bargain! No one else in the Painting industry can offer such value!

Happy Painting!

Stephanie Gadd

steph@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

0433 724 794

Visit us on Facebook www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

8 | Aussie Painters Network

2013 April Issue | 9

F eatured

Business Plan

I

n the Painting industry, often landing the job and keeping the work going consistently is the main preoccupation of the small business.

Understandably, as this is the source of your day to day success and the basic need in making your living.

However, equally important for your business is having a solid Business Plan underpinning the journey to your bottom line, which can profoundly affect the degree of success you can achieve.

by Caroline Miall

Obviously if you’re starting out and requiring finance, a Business Plan would be necessary to present to a financial institution. But if you’re already established and have never written a Plan, consider putting down an outline of your business; its budget, its income, and its future goals and how they might be reached. Keep it as simple as you like and expect it to be changeable and revise it regularly – being open to change and opportunity can really see your business take off.

To help with starting out a business or making your existing company a real growing concern, there are plenty of tools available to you, whatever your goals.

A quick search online will reveal hundreds of Business Plan ideas and free templates; a good website to start with would be the Australian Government Initiative found at: Free business plan, guide and tools One of the most important parts of the Plan will be your Budget. For those preferring the practical side of business more than the tedium of listing costs, there are simple ways to create an effective budget for your business.

For any small business, a plan is essential for success. It will help to outline your understanding of your expenses, expected income, your staffing advertising and insurance needs, and your company’s goals for the future. Having this put down in black and white may help allow for expansion should that be your aim, or assist in identifying where money is being wasted. It should take into account any contingencies or difficulties that could be foreseeably encountered, and include strategies that help you get through issues arising, with the least disruption to your business and return.

10 | Aussie Painters Network

Members of AussiePaintersNetwork.com will be aware that we have built a ready-to-use guide that assists members in creating a budget, working out hourly rates and assisting with where your business is making and losing money. We have made it as easy as filling out a form and ticking boxes, so you can nail down this part of your plan quickly and thoroughly.

See page 2-3 for info on joining, for this and other similar benefits.

Let us know how you plan your business and its growth.

We’d love to hear if you have found resources that help you as a Painter in an increasingly competitive environment.

Email us at info@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

2013 April Issue | 11

Introducing

Jason has been playing the professional circuit for over 15 years. He was the winner of the 2010 Victorian Open, the 2007 Western Australian PGA & the 2007 New South Wales Open. We’re proud to be sponsoring him and look forward to seeing Jason sporting our logo!

Members of Aussie Painters Network will be in draw to play a round with Jason in your state...

12 | Aussie Painters Network

2013 April Issue | 13 March 20132013 February

W ellness

The Medicine Cabinet Right Under Your Nose!

by Scott Collins

H

ave you ever wondered if the food you’re eating is really that healthy? What would you do if you found out that your food choices were not that great? Would you make different choices, or would you just go along as normal? I often ask my clients they what they think of their diet and most clients say quite proudly “I eat really healthy”. In reality, this is often not the case, as most are eating things they could do without.

I made a choice sometime a go to choose clean foods to the point one year I was told to bring my own food to Christmas dinner. Believe me, it wasn’t my intention to offend my hosts; it’s simply the commitment I have made in my life to choosing clean healthy foods. Call me fussy, fanatical or rude, but for me this is about walking the talk and taking care of my health.

I don’t expect people to live as I do; ideally, I want people to know more about the true nature of the foods they are eating.

Think of food as medicine for your body, the better the quality, the fresher, and the cleaner, the healthier it is for you. It is well known that fresh foods retain more of their nutrients than processed foods. Ever wondered why they need to add vitamins and minerals to foods in packets? Ask yourself these questions on your next shop and avoid these foods.

Foods you could do without: 1. Is it in a packet or box, yes I am talking about cereal too 2. Is it processed – eg. white or multigrain breads or pastas 3. Does it contain added vitamins and minerals? (This means that they had to add it to the food to make it nutritious) 4. Does it contain preservatives?

5. Does it contain artificial sweeteners, colours and flavourings?

6. Does it contain high fructose corn syrup or sugar?

7. Does it contain seed or vegetable oils or hydrogenated oils?

14 | Aussie Painters Network

The secret to making better choices is not getting a degree in nutrition but to get back to basics! Make food from scratch, this may seem time consuming but at least you know what’s in it and who made it!

It may take a little time and practice to create beautiful fresh food, so keep experimenting and soon you will have a bunch of delectable meals for the family. Great food is more than eating pasta every second night or a slab of meat and three vegetables. It’s a collage of colours that merges tastes and aromas from a wide range of seasonal vegetables, herbs and spices.

So turn your pantry into a medicine cabinet for the whole family, get rid of the stuff that doesn’t need to be there and adopt a clean food philosophy.

A great place to start is to grab a copy of the Lunch Box Revolution; it’s an awesome recipe book for fast, fabulous, fresh foods. Only $10.95 www.wellinnovations.com.au/shop

www.wellinnovations.com.au 2013 April Issue | 15

Postage not included

Footy Tipping Competition

FREE for Anyone

In the Painting industry 2pm Sunday 31 March, the Stockland Ipswich Jets will be telecast live on Channel 9 match of the day live across Queensland and replayed across Australia via Foxtel and pay TV the following week. Look out for the Aussie Painters Network Logo. This is just one of the ways we are getting out there to better represent painters and the industry.

Visit our website for more details!

www.apnfootytips.com

Join Our Footy Tipping Comp 2013 April Issue | 17

F eatured

For more information about the Spinal Injuries Association, visit

www.spinal.com.au 18 | Aussie Painters Network

Ability and Motivation to Work Outweighs Physical Challenges

L

ike for many hardworking young men, Jarrod Moncur’s favourite part of the week is Friday afternoon beers with workmates.

“I don’t remember much, just being in pain in the back of the ambulance and then waking up four days later in hospital,” Jarrod said.

Unlike most workers, Jarrod enjoys his refreshing ale using his Levo wheelchair, which allows him to ‘stand up’ in the chair.

After eight days at Royal Brisbane Hospital Jarrod was transferred to Queensland’s only Spinal Injuries Unit at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he spent four months in rehabilitation – quite a short period for such an injury.

This amazing technology, plus modifications to his excavator and truck, were purchased through the Federal Government’s Workplace Modifications Scheme, and they have revolutionised Jarrod’s life after he sustained paraplegia in April 2006.

The modifications were made possible with the assistance of the Spinal Injuries Association’s Employment Options service, one of only a few services in Australia that exclusively assists people with physical disabilities to find and stay in work.

Prior to his injury Jarrod was heavily involved in administration for AFL Queensland and had joined his father’s tree-lopping business, Chipmunks Tree Services, as an apprentice at 17.

A month before he turned 23, Jarrod was at work using a cherry picker when the leveling system in the bucket snapped, tipping him out from 11 metres high. Jarrod landed on his head and cracked his skull in three places, punctured a lung, broke six ribs sustained paraplegia.

Looking for a way to easily access the excavator and work truck, Jarrod was introduced to Employment Options Manager Graham Eglington, a workplace rehabilitation specialist.

Graham worked with Jarrod to apply for $120,000 worth of Workplace Modifications Scheme funding, which modified his excavator and truck, allowed him to purchase

The following 18 months were extremely challenging as Jarrod went through a relationship breakup and struggled with not having a job.

“I had no motivation to get up early in the morning. I wanted to get back out there and work but didn’t know how,” Jarrod said.

Fortunately, Jarrod’s supportive family offered him office work a few days a week, which didn’t suit his ‘great outdoors’ personality at all.

“Then one day dad and some workmates encouraged me to try using a 4.5 tonne excavator,” Jarrod said.

“Because they’re mostly handcontrol operated, I started digging trenches and started to enjoy it.

“But because I couldn’t transfer from my wheelchair to the excavator easily, I’d have to stay in the machine for nine hours at a time and rely on people to bring me food and drinks.”

a quad bike so he can easily access work sites, and purchased the Levo wheelchair (pictured left) to give him the ability to change his height according to his work environment.

“Now that I could access my equipment and worksite properly and safely, I went from working two days a week to five or six (days a week),” Jarrod said.

“It was brilliant. When you’re only working one or two days a week, there’s no purpose to the other days.

“When I finally started working full time, I felt normal again.”

2013 April Issue | 19

Watch it LIVE on TV!

2pm Sunday 31 March, the Stockland Ipswich Jets will be telecast live on Channel 9 match of the day live across Queensland and replayed across Australia via Foxtel and pay TV the following week. Look out for the Aussie Painters Network Logo. This is just one of the ways we are out there to better represent painters and the industry.

20 | Aussie Paintersgetting Network

Master Painters & Decorators Australia are excited to launch their radio campaign this month.

Running over two months from March to May and again toward the end of the year, we doubt there will be anyone who hasn’t heard about Master Painters & Decorators Australia, why it is important to choose a Master Painter & Decorator and what a wonderful career painting can make.

With decent fines starting to be issued in Western Australia under the new Building Commission for unregistered painters. The most recent prosecution resulted in a $7 000 fine for use of a false registration number and being unregistered. It is a very exciting time to be part of painting as we put a “fresh coat” on the industry. The association’s collaboration with the Building Commission by reporting all false advertising in community newspapers and on online sites such as Gum tree is really starting to highlight the problems the industry has been facing for many years, but is now actively making moves to change the situation.

The Association is proud to introduce new associate members who are willing to support our members to get the best possible outcomes for their businesses in benefits and services: • Eden Systems - established to meet the demands of contractor painters and commercial cleaners who were unable to find sales and repair centre that provided prompt and competitive customer services for spraying and pressure cleaner needs. www.edenfab.com.au • Ignite Business Consulting – Making Business Efficient Providing mentoring and results – based on work through strategic planning and measurements. www.ignitebusinessconsulting.com.au • H & H Business Services – For all your accounting and taxation needs. www.hhbiz.com.au

These 3 businesses compliment our growing list of benefits and services and we look forward to a long and successful relationship.

On the events front, we had a wonderful day at Adventure World for the member’s family day. We sold out really early, so we will definitely have to up the numbers for next year, to make sure more members and their families can participate. Check out some of the photos.

Movie night under the stars again drew a sell out crowd and everyone seemed to really enjoy ‘The Impossible”.

Check out the great goodie bag they all got courtesy of WACIRF. Next on the calendar is the AGM on the 26 March 2013 and the Awards for Excellence Entry forms being distributed. A really prestigious event open to members and non members.

www.masterpainters.asn.au (08) 9471 6662

2013 April Issue | 21

B usiness

How to Handle a Difficult Customer

by Caroline Miall

I

n an industry like painting, unfortunately you’re always going to have to deal with those people who think they could have just done the job themselves and saved a buck or two. Sadly, because anyone can purchase some paint from the shop and ‘have a go’, some think it’s a job anyone can master, which opens it up to plenty of critics. Others may just have terribly unrealistic expectations of the type of finish, or the colour; customers who think that a quick lick of paint can make an 80 year old house look brand new, without thought for the hours of scraping, sanding and filling in preparation. In any case, there will always be customers with whom we just can’t see eye to eye, so it helps to remember a few points to handling them as you guide them to contentedness, and get through it unscathed!

Ensure understanding with your customer To avoid certain pitfalls and assumptions that can lead to complaints and the job dragging on and losing money, list in detail all of the areas that you understand are NOT to be painted, and all those that are. Go through the job site with the customer and give a summary of what needs to be done, and how. Don’t neglect to mention any anticipated problems or costs they might not think of. It helps a consumer to understand why they get the quote they do. Have all these basics documented and signed off on by the customer. This doesn’t need to be complicated and can easily be done using a template (APN Members should know how much they can help).

22 | Aussie Painters Network

Do what you say you will Does it really need to be said? Do what you say you will and be where and when you say you will… It may not matter what a superb craftsman you are if you’ve disregarded the importance of someone else’s time.

There aren’t any excuses for not keeping a customer informed.

Instead of getting angry, remember it may have nothing to do with you…

In an encounter with a customer who is rude and unreasonable, remember that they may have other things on their mind. Maybe they’ve just lost a loved one, or perhaps they’re reeling from the news of relationship infidelity, a child’s drug addiction, a bad medical report or any number of possible traumas in life. Of course some people are just generally unhappy and seem to want to let everyone know that by making life difficult and unpleasant. For most of us though, there has probably been one or two hot headed moments where we miss-directed our hostility and stress. So, understand that occasionally we’re just ‘in the way’.

So you have a misunderstanding with a customer..

What do you do?

It’s the worst feeling; being bailed up by a person who would otherwise be a perfect stranger. Even though you may not deserve it, possibly your best option first is to Shut up and listen, until they are done. No one’s getting anywhere without some two way understanding, so you’d best find out exactly why they’re feeling so hard done by. Confirm you’re on the same page by retelling them the story. As most people just want to be respected and heard, you may well find that you can dispel some of the agro then reason with them and find a common solution. Hearing them out gives you the opportunity to stop and think about how you can have the situation end quickly with a good outcome for all involved.

What are they teaching you about your business?

There are many ways in which your most difficult customers can actually be a positive for your business, depending on how you look at it. If one person is complaining the chances are there are others. What

if some of those who aren’t “difficult” just don’t tell you that they’re dissatisfied, but they DO get on their home decorating blog with an audience of thousands, and let you have it there! Maybe they’re in the wrong, maybe you are. But it will pay you in the long run to take ownership, apologise and empathise anyway. If, in difficult situations with customers, you can offer to be their personal problem solver, you then become the hero in the situation and win a loyal client who tells others that you went above and beyond for to end the job well.

Provide quality If you’re providing a quality service with good communication, then hopefully you won’t find yourself in this position. Chances are though, that eventually you’ll have to manage someone who’s making life difficult. Your work may even be subjected to Licensing Authority scrutiny. This is when you want to already know that your job will stand up to any inspection, and has been done properly using experience and expertise.

www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au 2013 April Issue | 23

B usiness

Take YOUR Business to a whole New Level

by Jennie Gorman

B

usiness masterminding creates relationship building as never before.

So, you may ask why and how does this happen? I believe, when one joins a mastermind group that is about confidentiality, trust, authenticity, accountability and support, it is then that true business relationships have the opportunity to develop to a level not usually seen in business. The reason is that the group creates an energy all their own, that will not only support but sustain its members by providing a safe space to be ‘real’.

If you have the above ingredients, a mastermind group is a group that allows its members to really be who they are. As I mention often to my network, there is no difference between personal life and business life in small business today. When one has its challenges, it will show in the other, as the cracks open up, if the member is totally authentic. A good business mastermind group will move and push each member to be their best, to extend themselves, to open up their peripheral vision to be the best that they can.

It is important when looking to find the right group for you and your business, that you look for a group that has the right niche and a structure around it that will fulfill what your needs are. Remember, masterminding is not a coffee group, it is not a coaching or mentoring session, or a networking group.

Components of these may happen as a result of needs within the group at times, but the main focus is on keeping everyone accountable to achieve their goals to move to the next level in their business.

People regularly ask me ‘What is it? Why would we need to do it? How do I build them? When and where can I use them?’ etc. My answer is simple. Do you want to move you and your business to the next level? If the answer is no, then masterminding is not for them. If they say yes, then it is a matter of why do you want to move to the next level and what are you prepared to do to make that happen? I suggest people do one of my small surveys to see if Business MasterMind Groups can help them achieve what they really want. I suggest that you take a look at this link and see if you qualify: Click Here There are many questions that need answering too before deciding on a suitable group. Here are some of the usual questions that people ask … take a look and see if this criteria is for you. Click Here Business MasterMinding is powerful as many of my participants will attest. If you want to find out more take a look at the videos written testimonials on my site. Click Here Whatever you decide to do in your business, I wish you well and may you succeed to where you want to go with your business in the future.

If you still want to ask some questions, contact me on 0414 278 344.

businessmastermindgroups.com.au 24 | Aussie Painters Network

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2013 April Issue | 25

info@zebraweb.com.au 26 |Aussie Aussie Painters Painters Network Network

Make the Most of Your Customers!

If you are a small business running on an even smaller budget, it is essential that you establish a good database of customers.

Here are some ways to establish and grow your own customer database.

Firstly you need to decide what information you want to capture from your clients and store in your database.

Details such as your clients contact information; name, gender and marital status should be essential.

But you can also include things such as social network addresses, purchasing history, likes and dislikes etc.

Make it an important step to always gather these details and put them into your database.

Secondly, look at ways to grow your database. You can design customer surveys, run competitions or special promotions that may draw in a new range of clientele.

Send out company newsletters or Facebook updates to keep your customers interested and generate new ones.

Next, make sure that you communicate regularly with your database. Keeping in touch ensures that you don’t miss out on repeat purchases or referrals.

Keep an eye on these repeat purchases and referrals to get an overall sense of the traffic to your business.

This will give you an indication of how successful your marketing strategy is becoming or where there may be room for improvement.

All the best!

2013 April Issue | 27

F eatured

“Care, Custody and Control” What is it?

A

ccidents happen to everyone. Whether it is a moment’s distraction or just plain bad luck sooner or later one of the following may happen to you: • Staining carpets; • Putting a hole through plasterboard; • Leaving rust rims from a paint tin; or • Simply spilling paint!

Sometimes, you may be able to clean up the mess without too much expense – but if you’re unlucky, the damage could be costly. Repair bills like these strain both profit margins and your relationship with customers so making sure your insurance protects you in these situations is simply good business sense.

The type of cover you need to have is Public Liability insurance – and in particular, make sure it lists “Property in your Care, Custody or Control” or “CCC”. Your public liability insurance protects you against a range of matters where you may be sued – for both damaging property or accidentally injuring someone. It will generally have a limit such as $5.0, $10.0 or $20.0 Million – but you will often have a “sub-limit” for damaging your customers’ property in the CCC section. This means you’re protected for these events, but only up to the amount it specifies – e.g. $100,000 or $250,000.

If you’re working on a particularly large contract, or in a situation where you’re worried you could cause be in for significant repair costs if something goes wrong (such as working on a heritage listed building) – then you should have a look at the fine print and check out what your CCC sub-limit is. If you’re unsure or can’t find any mention of it on your policy, then give your broker a call and ask him to tell you in plain English exactly what your limits are.

www.consolidatedi.com.au 28 | Aussie Painters Network

P rofile

W

hether your job involves a small bedroom or a complete repaint, strict attention to detail from initial consultation to final cleanup is supervised by our operations manager. Wet Paint-ting Pty. Ltd. Company Director Clayton Coughlan who began painting over 18 years ago says it is not enough to be the best, his company is always looking to improve on customer satisfaction and a better finished product. Endless time is spent learning the latest techniques and staying abreast of the latest and best products available that’s why when we were approached by Dulux to join the Dulux Accredited program he saw this as an opportunity to ensure he keeps his company at the forefront of the painting industry.

Clayton firmly believes it is necessary to separate his company work from that of his competitors and by doing this he prides himself in consistently being recommended by the people he works with. Clayton not only wants business now but for years to come and promises he will do everything possible to ensure his company prepares and finish’s your surfaces the way he would his own.

Whatever your vision may be, we have what it takes to make it happen. We offer peace of mind and have a wealth of experience and are fully insured. Call us for a quote to make your dreams a reality.

Wet Paint-ting Pty Ltd has had a longestablished relationship with Dulux. The company was created in 1999 by Director, Clayton Coughlan. Headquartered in Brisbane, Wet Paint-ting offers following services to government, corporate and private customers from northern New South Wales to north Queensland: Painting Plastering Graffiti Removal Anti-Graffiti Coatings Roof Restoration Driveway Resurfacing Pressure Cleaning

The goal of Wet Paint-ting Pty Ltd is not to be the largest painting company in Queensland – simply the best one.

30 | Aussie Painters Network

From humble beginnings, Wet Paint-ting has grown to employ up to 25 staff. Our focus has always been on quality – the quality of our work, and the quality of the service that we provide. We offer a 4-year guarantee* on all work carried out. Our company has a strong reputation for high quality work, done on time and on budget.

Our point-of-difference is our high level of professionalism in all areas, which is supported by a commitment to the latest technology; excellent staff training and OH&S policies; and insistence on environmental sustainability.

Wet Paint-ting believes in being a good corporate citizen and supporting the communities in which we work. As well as being the voluntary President of the Bracken Ridge Crèche & Kindergarten, Director of Wet Paint-ting Clayton Coughlan volunteered to assist the Innisfail community after their recent cyclone Larry, working on his own in the first week after the cyclone hit, and then as part of Channel Seven’s Sunrise program’s relief effort for another week. We strongly believe that you get back what you put in.

Travelling to carry out works for our clients is nothing new to Wet paint-ting as in the past we have travelled vast distances to carry out work from, Innisfail in the North to Roma in the West and South to Ebor in New South Wales.

www.wetpaint.com.au 2013 April Issue | 31

F eatured

Fair Work Commission Variation to Modern Award for Apprenticeships

T

he Fair Work Commission has in place, as part of the review of Modern Awards, a review of conditions as they apply to apprentices! The major parties to the hearings who have lodged submissions and evidence include ACTU, AIG, Aust Business Ltd, Master Builders Australia, HIA and a range of other unions and organisations.

MP&DA are seeking your help to strengthen our arguments in opposition to the position being put by the ACTU and individual unions. A key platform of the ACTU and union claims is that apprentice rates should be increased to provide “real” wages to apprentices.

To that end, they propose that painting and decorating apprentice rates be increased from: 1st - 37.5%, 2nd 50%, 3rd - 70% and 4th - 90%, to: 1st - 60%, 2nd - 70%, 3rd - 80% and 4th - 90% of the tradespersons wage.

Can businesses afford such an increase ? - NO!

We seek your assistance in completing the attached survey that relates directly to the issues being raised by the ACTU and other unions.

We are also seeking your feedback on the length of the apprenticeship, payment of TAFE fees and competency based progression in lieu of the traditional time based progressions.

The ACTU and unions claim that the sought after rate increases relate to social justice issues and to increase apprenticeship rates to a “living wage”.

As apprenticeships are essentially a training exercise, the MP&DA questions if it is the responsibility of the employer to pay that wage?

This is your chance to have your say!

Returns of this survey MUST be back with the MP&DA by: C.O.B Wednesday, 10th April 2013.

The MP&DA appreciates your response on this very important issue.

The Association’s view is that a 20% increase to 1st and 2nd year apprentices is unacceptable and will not lead to better conditions but the demise of the apprenticeship system as we know it today. Yes - it is an ambit claim but it is real, it sits before a Full Bench of the Industrial Commission and accordingly it cannot be taken for granted that it will fail.

32 | Aussie Painters Network

Survey Here with link attached

www.surveymonkey.com/s/NZFFLX3

33 | Aussie Painters Network

2013March April Issue | 33 2013

F eatured

Winter in Colour

by Belinda Ross

I

f someone should say to you, “think of winter?”

What do you see? What image immediately comes to mind?

Most companies have a portfolio of work – the one you show your customers when you go out to quote a project.

Most people even though we don’t live there, and some have never even been there, see the image on the front of a Christmas card. You know the one, with the snow and the houses, chimneys, and the little red bird.

Most companies divide their portfolio into types of buildings, like with like eg. Commercial, warehouse, units, timber homes, contemporary homes, interiors, exteriors, bathrooms, kitchens, lounge, dining and bedrooms, the list goes on (and on and on – a bit like that very annoying song)

Funny isn’t it that this is the image conjured by most when we think of winter?

Even though our winter is far from that truth, at least here in sunny Queensland anyway. Winter here is full of beautiful sunshiny days, amazingly blue skies, the occasional day of chilly westerly winds, sometimes we even wear a coat!

The truth is that this is the profile of winter, with brilliant contrast - black, white, red, yellow, blue, basic primary colours are winter.

Funnily enough, these are the colours that some people choose to have in their homes. You will also find lots of straight flat lines and corners with stainless steel, white stone, glass, chrome, and flashes of colour usually also in square, rectangular, straight lines.

You see, in profiling their home, we can also profile the person, we can know what they like, dislike, what motivates them, how they live in harmony with others, how they work and what inspires them.

34 | Aussie Painters Network

• Do you have a portfolio that you show your prospective customers?

• How is it set up?

• Do you have all your favourites at the front?

• Do you have it set up by type of building? .... what if ?

• What if you could set it up in such a way that you only needed to show your customers “their” pages?

• The ones that related exactly to them…

• Would that be helpful?

• Would it make a difference?

• to you?

• your customers?

Do you think it would make your customers see greater value in choosing you, after all you already know what they like!

I can help you set up your photos of past projects and comments in such a way that you will only need to show people “their part of” your portfolio. Saving you hours, allowing you to win jobs easier and quicker because you have gained an understanding of who your client is just by turning up at their door and being observant.

This allows you to “sell without selling”!

Now there’s a concept.

Who wouldn’t like to know how to do that?

Till next time… ponder this, Does your home, office, workspace look like the above description? I betcha that without even knowing you, without knowing what you look like, I would be able to tell you things about yourself, you’d think I was spying on you.

Belinda Ross

Colour Transformations 0413 464 289 • 07 3886 4488 2013 April Issue | 35

Insurance Premium Funding A lending facility for business clients who wish to spread the cost on annual insurance premiums over monthly instalments so that they can smooth out their cash flow.

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Worth thinking about!

Unsecured or secured by policies financed: Finance is generally available without tying up the business and personal assets. In most instances no additional security is required. Directors’ guarantees are usually required when financing is $250k.

Flexible financing term: Terms of 6 – 12 months, smooths out cash flow by breaking one lump sum into a series of payments over the year.

Finance a variety of insurance types: Bundle all insurance costs together, such as PI, Workers Compensation, general business insurance, motor vehicle fleet registrations etc.

36 | Aussie Painters Network

Budget with certainty: Rate & repayment are fixed for the term.

No ongoing fees: Upfront documentation fee, the only fee applicable, competitive interest rates and fixed monthly instalments.

Rod and Ian Scanes Phone: (07) 3278 0825 Fax: (07) 3278 0894 Mobile: 0421 383 314 (Rod) 0421 383 315 (Ian) rscanes@firstcharteredcapital.com.au

P: (07) 3283 8848 F: (07) 3283 8847 E: admin@austplanfs.com.au

F eatured W

e hope that you appreciated the last few issues of Aussie Painting Contractor magazine where we have been doing a series on the properties of paints.

In the February issue we had an overview of the components of paint, in the March Issue we focused on the binder of the paint. In this April issue we will cover the pigments of paints.

Understanding the properties of pigments can have a large bearing on paint selection and identifying and rectifying paint defects and failures.

Pigments

Pigments are finely ground particles of powders that are dispersed in paint.

Pigments are also the solid part of the paint. When paint dries, the pigments take up a primary part of what is referred to as dry film thickness. That is to say, the coating that is dry will be a certain thickness made up of a dry coating. That’s why pigments are also referred to as the main part of the volume of solids.

38 | APN

Properties of Paints - Series

by Michael Farrugia

Volume Solids

Opacity

The pigments along with the binders are the two components of the paint that make up the dry film thickness and may be referred to as the ‘volume of solids’ of that paint.

The ability of a paint to hide a substrate is called opacity, the more opacity something has the less transparent it is. So if a paint is very opaque, then it means the paint is really solid and covers well. If a paint has poor opacity it means the paint does not cover well and you can see through it. The pigments, in effect, block light from hitting the surface and thus reflects whatever colour the pigments allows to be reflected making the paint more opaque.

Volume of solids is the part of the paint that is still present in the coating when it dries.

Tinters

The pigments are usually mixed with glycols to form a liquid paste.

These colourants are often referred to as ‘tinters’ and an expression used when describing the process of adding these to paint is ‘tinting the paint’. Tinting means to whiten, so if you are using red tinters then by adding it to the white paint you are whitening or tinting the colour.

Some colours are made during the manufacturing, such as heritage green, mission brown, canary yellow etc. Most colours though, are created after the paint is manufactured by adding pigments in the form of colourants at the shop or on site.

Types of Pigments

White pigments are made from titanium dioxide and they are mostly manufactured into the paint. The white pigment or the titanium dioxide is known as the base or primary pigment.

The pigments provide colour to the paint and hide the surface the paint is applied over.

Pigment Failure

At times you will see that pigment fails causing a paint defect. This can be a very detailed discussion and will be covered in future articles.

In the next issues we will cover some other aspects of pigments such as dispersion, colour or tint bases, and pigment types.

2013 April Issue | 39

Even low levels of lead are harmful...

Paint Contractors, Parents, Renovators, Child-care Centre Operators,Teachers, Landlords, Agents, Pet-owners: Find out if paint, dust, Soil, drinking water, toy paint, Plastics, ceramics, jewellery, and other items are safe for humans and pets.

Buy a DIY-sampling / lab analysis lead kit Order online • print form • fax/call : 1800 626 086

The LEAD Group’s lead test kits are the only ones available in Australia for testing a wide variety of samples at a lab (which charges us a charity rate so you pay less). *The water test kit requires less lab work and a lot less interpretation that is why it costs less Prices include postage within Australia, handling, lab charge, results, interpretation & GST.

You take the samples, and send them to Sydney Analytical Labs. The lab analyses the samples, and we explain the results.

Click here for videos on

how to use the sampling kits

The LEAD Group is a charity (ABN 25819463114 )

donate NOW

40 | Aussie Painters Network

www.lead.org.au

Watch this Video and know more!

Do you know if you have been contaminated?

Do you know if your family have been affected?

Is your property affected with Lead and in turn so are you?

Here is a simple non evasive way of testing if you have lead in your system.

If you find you have lead in your system you will still need to have a blood test to see how high your lead levels are, if your test comes back negative you don’t need to get a blood test.

If you work in the repaint market it is imperative you get tested.

It is also suggested you test your family in case you have contaminated them as well.

2013 April Issue | 41

S chedule

Training Schedules for 2013 National Institute for Painting and Decorating

April 3

April 15 April 16 April 19 April 22 April 23

TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

22002VIC Course in Sustainable Painting Practices GreenPainters GreenPainters Accreditation Estimating and Quoting (1pm - 8pm) Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices Wallpapering (8am - 4pm) Imitation Marbling and Heritage Stenciling Taubmans Trade Center (12pm - 4:30pm) Wallpaper Course Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices Painters Business Management Course Decorative Finishes Green Painters Course Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices Wallpaper Course Decorative Finishes Protective Coatings Protective Coatings Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices Anti-Graffiti Coatings Anti-Graffiti Coatings Painters Business Management

N. Rivers

$360

Melbourne Melbourne Adelaide Sydney Auburn

$350 $250 $400 $350 $200

Launceston Launceston Launceston Melbourne Hobart Adelaide Adelaide Gold Coast Gold Coast Gladstone Gladstone Gold Coast Sydney Canberra

Boom Lift Ticket, Sydney, on demand ($750) EWP Yellow Card, Sydney, on demand ($250) Painters Business Management Course (distance learning) on demand.

Suitable for BSA Queensland license ($290)

National Institute of Painting and Decorating 7 Glenbrae Crt | Buderim QLD 4556 T 1300 319790 | E : daniel.wurm@painters.edu.au | www.painters.edu.au

Certificate III Painting and Decorating,

Subsidised in VIC, QLD, TAS, SA, NT, NSW and ACT

Free for painters over 50.* Conditions apply +

42 | Aussie Painters Network

This course is licensed by Sustainability Victoria

Course

Date

Time

Establish Legal and Risk Management Requirements of Small Business

17,18,19 June 24,25,26 June 2,3,4,5,6 Sept.

25,26,27 Nov. 2,3,4 Dec.

5.00pm to 8.30pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 8.00am to 4.00pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm

Prepare Surfaces for Painting PRB Colour & Wall Papering

8,9,10 April 15,16,17 April 23,24,25 April 29 April – Rev* 30 April – Exam 1 May - Resit 15,16,17,18,19 July 22 July - Rev* 23 July- Exam 24 July – Resit 16,17,18 Sept.

23,24,25 Sept.

1,2 October 7 Oct. – Rev* 8 Oct. - Exam 9 Oct. - Resit

5.00pm to 8.30pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 8.00am to 12.00pm 8.00am to 12.00pm 8.00am to 12.00pm 8.00am to 4.00pm 8.00am to 12.00pm 8.00am to 12.00pm 8.00am to 12.00pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 8.00am to 12.00pm 8.00am to 12.00pm 8.00am to 12.00pm

Identify and Produce Estimated costs for building & construction projects

2,3 April 7,8 May 14,15 May 20,21,22 May 27,28,29 May 4,5 June 11,12 June 6,7 Aug. 12,13,14,15,16 Aug. 10,11 Sept.

15,16 Oct. 22,23 Oct. 28,29,30 Oct. 4,5,6 Nov. 11,12,13 Nov. 26,27 Nov. 10,11 Dec.

8.00am to 4pm 8.00am to 4pm 8.00am to 4pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 8.00am to 4pm 8.00am to 4pm 8.00am to 4.00pm 8.00am to 4pm 8.00am to 4pm 8.00am to 4pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 5.00pm to 8.30pm 8.00am to 4pm 8.00am to 4pm

Course in Sustainable Painting Practices

2-Jul 12-Nov

8.00am to 4.00pm 8.00am to 4.00pm

Remove Graffiti & Apply Protective Coatings

16,17 April 6,7 Aug. 26,27 Nov.

8.00am to 4.00pm 8.00am to 4pm 8.00am to 4pm

Course in Restricted Asbestos Removal

4-Jul 13-Nov

8.00am to 4.00pm 8.00am to 4.00pm

The Industry

44 | Aussie Painters Network

Idiots

Important Contacts Aussie Painters Network www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

Ph. 0430 399 800

Master Painters & Decorators Australia www.masterpainters.asn.au Ph. 08 9471 6662 Australian Tax Office www.ato.gov.au

Award Rates www.fairwork.gov.au

Ph. 13 72 26 / Ph. 13 28 65 Ph. 13 13 94

Fair Work Building & Construction www.fwbc.gov.au Ph. 1800 003 338 Mates In Construction www.matesinconstruction.com.au

Ph. 1300 642 111

Workplace Health and Safety Contacts STATE ACT NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA

Website www.worksafe.act.gov.au www.workcover.nsw.gov.au www.worksafe.nt.gov.au www.deir.qld.gov.au www.safework.sa.gov.au www.worksafe.vic.gov.au www.safetyline.wa.gov.au

Phone (02)62073000 13 10 50 1800 019 115 1300 369 915 1300 365 255 1800 136 089 1300 307 877

Cancer Council Australia STATE ACT NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA

Website www.actcancer.org www.cancercouncil.com.au www.cancercouncilnt.com.au www.cancerqld.org.au www.cancersa.org.au www.cancervic.org.au www.cancerwa.asn.au

Phone (02) 6257 9999 (02) 9334 1900 (08) 8927 4888 (07) 3634 5100 (08) 8291 4111 (03) 9635 5000 (08) 9212 4333 2013 April Issue | 45