Aussie Painting Contractor January 2013

Issue 16 January, 2013

Aussie Painting Contractor Backbones of Business Winners of our Golf Package Being a Boss and a Leader School Program Inspires Safety in Students Training Schedules for 2013

Taking Care of the Most Important Asset in Business Dispute Resolution Commercial Arbitration Paint System Colour Culture in the Pacific

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Contents 6 Editor 7

Member Consultant

8

Backbones of Business

10 Building Industry Taxable

Payments Annual Summary

20 Taking Care of the Most

Important Asset in Business 22 Dispute Resolution

Commercial Arbitration 26 Paint System

11 Winners of our Golf Package 28

12 Being a Boss and a Leader 28 15 School Program Inspires 32

Safety in Students

Don’t Ask Yourself What the World Needs Training Schedules for 2013 Summer Family Safety

16 New Year’s Business Resolution 34 Colour Culture in the Pacific 19 Simple Web Design

36 Industry Idiots 37 Important Contacts

EDITOR Nigel Gorman DEPUTY EDITOR Caroline Miall

CONTRIBUTORS • Belinda Ross • Caroline Miall • Jennie Gorman • Jim Baker • Leanne Staff GRAPHIC DESIGN :

• Michael Farrugia • Mel Holzworth • Nigel Gorman • Scott Collins • Stephanie Gadd J. Anne Delgado

From the Editor Welcome, We have had the most amazing couple of months here at Aussie Painters Network. Firstly I would like to congratulate the winners of the Members Draw for the Victorian PGA Championship; Wet Paint-Ting and Lancaster Painters Australia. I am sure they will both have a memorable trip and we are looking forward to hearing their stories which will feature in future issues.

WE WISH TO ANNOUNCE THAT Aussie Painters Network are now offering a new Gold Level Membership. What this entails is a collaboration of resources with Master Painters & Decorators Australia. A Gold Member will have access to all our current benefits and various other resources as well as being able to purchase their businesses requirements at an affordable price.

Just some of the extra advantages that our Gold Members will be able to access are Legal assistance in debt collection, Insurance cover designed for the painting trade, OH & S and more. Early in the New Year we will have a full range of benefits on our site and will update you as soon as they are all at hand.

By working together Master Painters and Decorators Australia, Aussie Painters Network believe that we will be able to service the entire Painting industry to increase professionalism, assist painters to fulfil their obligations and not just to run their painting business, but to run a profitable one.

If you have any questions pertaining to the Gold Membership please feel free to contact us.

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 HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

2013 promises to be the most exciting year for us and for you when you join Aussie Painters Network. We have a lot afoot and are expanding our benefits to you.

Our promise to you is to ensure that we offer the industry’s best service by providing both contractors and consumers information, service and industry updates. We keep up to date with legislation updates and changes, and we do our best to answer queries and questions from our members (and non-members). Second to none, Aussie Painters Network is here to stay and through our involvement with Master Painters and Decorators Australia we give the industry the respect and attention that contractors are craving.

As usual, all feedback is welcome and taken into consideration so give us a bell or email us your thoughts or questions.

Just join for a year and find out for yourself, we are not only competitive in price, but also in providing benefits and service second to none, don’t forget to check your details in our Find a Painter area in the website ‘we have heard of painters actually getting quotes and work from it’ also you can put your own page on our site that will help potential customers find you.

We look forward to the upcoming year as well as hearing from you.

Cheers

Stephanie Gadd steph@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

0433 724 794

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Business

Backbones of Business Have we ever really given credit where credit is due?

Master Painters & Decorators Australia have just launched a new initiative called Backbones of Business. Designed to support and connect women and business administrators who work hard behind the scenes ensuring that our painting businesses are running smoothly and successfully.

In 2013, the Backbones of Business program in Western Australia will bring together women (and men – no exclusivity with this) across the state at 21 separate gatherings allowing them to connect with other women doing the hard yards in their businesses. Supported by the Commonwealth Bank, Backbones will have guest speakers, service providers and opportunities to be motivated and supported in their day to day running of their businesses.

Master Painters & Decorators Backbones of Business program supports the “Love Angel Foundation� charity and any funds raised at the gatherings will be donated to this worthy cause of children, helping children less fortunate.

For information about how you can be involved, please contact Angela on 08 9471 6614.

8 | Aussie Painters Network

Business

Building Industry Taxable Payments Annual Summary

by Mel Holzworth

Once again the Government is adding to your administration burden by now imposing yet something else to report, without any thought of compensation to you for the extra time and effort needed.

The Government will require you to complete an annual report, due to be lodged with the ATO by the 21 July 2013 (capturing the data for the period 1 July 2012 – 30 June 2013). Yes, earlier than the BAS report for the June quarter.

Who Needs To Report All those who are in the building industry who make payments to contractors in the building industry. Your primary business must be in the building & construction industry.

In summary – If painting services are part of your business and you employ a contractor in the building industry, then you have to make this report. Now, at this stage we have not seen the report or what is being required, but be assured the purpose of the report is to match the payments you may make to the income shown by that Contractor.

They will data match for the whole of Australia to conclude a minimum amount that each contractor in this industry will show as their Sales amount.

So please keep all invoices for Contractor payments. You will need them later. If you use MYOB or another accounting system, make sure you have contractor’s information fully completed and also have them set up so that at years end you can print a report for all Contractors and it will show the total for the year.

Contact us if you have any questions.

Contact us for questions.

Telephone: +617 3808 2868 Fax: +617 3808 8600

10 | Aussie Painters Network

Congratulations!

The Lucky members of Aussie Painters Network

who won our Golf Package!

Wet Paint-Ting and Lancaster Painters Australia

2013 January Issue | 11

Business

Being a Boss and a Leader

by Caroline Miall

I

f someone were to ask your employees what sort of boss you were, have you ever wondered what the response would be?

Ask yourself honestly, Would you want to work for someone like yourself? When considering ways to optimise your business and its practices, don’t neglect to turn the focus on yourself occasionally, and make sure your performance is being evaluated and improved, just as you would your employees.

You might be missing out on valuable opportunities to bolster your success, with the important bonus of more contented staff.

If you supervise staff, then you as the employer, owner, foreman; whatever the capacity, should investigate how you’re doing from your staff’s point of view. Your impact on their day to day lives can be fairly profound particularly if it’s a negative one. And if it is a negative impact then your business will probably be suffering as much as your staff are. It makes perfect sense that happy and confident employees are more likely to be productive, take pride in the work and finish a job well.

Depending on your relationship with staff hopefully this won’t be too harrowing, but if you’re afraid to ask them, you are probably the kind of employer who most needs to!

Overseeing a group of staff is surely easier when working as a team, you have each other’s backs, try to problem solve together, and unpack things that go wrong with view to avoiding them again.

Maintaining the positive approach sure beats a culture of blame, fear and overwork! By example you are teaching them skills as valuable as the technical ones they require; how to plan, deconstruct a problem and relate. Also, not unlike getting the best out of your kids, its crucial to give credit, acknowledgement and praise.

If you have the means, encourage staff to take on study to up skill – good for you, good for them – if there’s a cost issue, look into the government rebates for training. Perhaps you could allow some short amounts of staff time to contribute to their chosen community project or charity; trade related or not.

Generosity that can be a big tick for your company, You can’t put a price on a well trained and loyal and provide staff the chance to step out of routine staff member that wants to stay with their job. and comfort zones, where personal growth can be Unnecessary staff turnover costs a business of any greater. size an immeasurable amount of money and hours in lost training, knowledge and even client good will. Steered by a good leader, you can empower your team to excel gaining confidence in themselves and So how can you make sure you’re doing the best for their abilities and they will be invested in the job. your business by the way you manage people? Start “A good boss makes his men realize they have by asking them; in an open an honest forum, give more ability than they think they have so that them a non-threatening environment to express they consistently do better work than they thought how they feel about their job, the business and you! they could.” Charles Erwin Wilson

12 | Aussie Painters Network

Boss

VS

Leader

► Drives employees ► Depends on Authority ► Inspires fear ► Says, “I” ► Places blame for the breakdown ► Knows how it is done ► Uses people ► Takes credit ► Commands ► Says, “Go”

► Coached them ► On goodwill ► Generates enthusiasm ► Says, “We” ► Fixes the breakdown ► Shows how it is done ► Develops people ► Gives credit ► Asks ► Says, “Let’s go”

2013 January Issue | 13

Featured

14 | Aussie Painters Network

School Program Inspires

safety in Students “SEAT came to Ithaca Creek State School today.

My 7 year old Grade 2 daughter told me ‘today was the best day ever’ and proceeded to describe the presenter, his story, and the tips for prevention for around 20 minutes. This is clearly a great program. Your presenter must have been beautifully engaging and was obviously very informative. Well done and thanks,” – Jenny (mum of Macy in Grade 2)

E

very day of the school year, the Spinal Education Awareness Team (SEAT) program receives incredible feedback like this from parents, children and teachers throughout Queensland.

“There is no cure for spinal cord injuries. Once the spinal cord, which is extremely fragile and has the consistency of a banana, is damaged, then it cannot be repaired.

“In many cases, a spinal cord injury could have been easily prevented by following common sense safety precautions.”

Because young people aged between 15 and 30 are the most common demographic to sustain spinal cord injuries, SEAT is particularly powerful at targeting this at-risk group to give them a reality check of what a life-long disability would mean to them, their family and their wider community.

SEAT is an award-winning injury prevention program delivered by the Spinal Injuries Thanks to the support of major sponsor BHP Association that aims to prevent spinal cord Billiton Cannington, SEAT is a free program injuries in young people. available to all Queensland primary and secondary schools.

Spinal Injuries Association Chief Executive Officer Bruce Milligan said in 2012, SEAT celebrated its 25th anniversary.

“Since its first presentation in 1987, SEAT has inspired more than 1.5 million Queensland children from Prep to Year 12 to take care of themselves and prevent injuries,” he said.

Bookings can be made online at www.spinal.com.au/seat-at-schools/; by phoning 07 3391 2044; or by emailing seat@spinal.com.au

spinal.com.au 2013 January Issue | 15

Business

New Year’s Business Resolutions

by Caroline Miall

W

ith the New Year only days away, you finally get a break and whilst work may be the last thing you want to think about right now, it is a good time to reflect on the working year, and how it went for you and your business. What was your business vision this time last year? What were your plans for making it happen and how did it all go? Being a challenging year for many, what might you be able to do to fortify yourself against future financial difficulties or downtime?

There are some opportune times to ask yourself some of these tricky questions, and for many it will be now, on the precipice of a new working year when you can soon approach things with a fresher mind body and spirit. Break it down and let it simmer in your mind over the break. A few key things you could consider are which things are working for you? Review and assess your outgoings per year. Contracts, suppliers, memberships, services; which ones are working for you? It’s a competitive marketplace, take advantage of it.

You might want to think carefully about how you reach your customer base - your marketing plan.

A lot of people have been enquiring about this topic lately. Entirely understandable given the recent massive shift in the way we communicate.

Many of us are being overwhelmed by the influx of information and advertising in their digital lives (and otherwise) lately, I for one can just barely keep on top of my work emails, not necessarily my personal ones... Could it be a good time to get back to basics with reaching your audience? Try the good old letterbox drop, a mail out, or courtesy call to old customers. Offer incentives. In the meantime though, get advice on a good digital or online plan to support your business. Start experimenting with Social Media to connect with your local area! Update your website and write blogs with information appealing to your target market. All can be done with free programs so create a sandpit and play!

If business is slow, now is the time to get advice on some of the newer tools available to you; things you can use on your smart phone like productivity apps and templates. New ones are being created all the time, you need only look!

Explore! Have a Fun & Have A Happy New Year!

aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au 16 | Aussie Painters Network

2012 December Issue 17

info@zebraweb.com.au 18 Aussie Painters Network

Simple Web Design Heard the saying “less is more”? Well it can certainly apply to website design. Some might say that it’s just the current fashion, but a simple, clean website design seems to be more effective than an overcrowded one.

The advantages are that a simply designed website will load much faster as they aren’t overcrowded with loads of features, the user will find the website easier to navigate, they use less server space (again making them faster) and they help get the user where they want to be easily.

Minimally designed websites are important to help create a clear corporate image for your business. However it does not mean you are stuck with a colourless site. It just means removing needless elements. Have you got too much text? Try and trim it down to the bare essentials. Include images and information that help make your website user-friendly but without cluttering. A simple website can still be modern and fresh. A well thought out colour palette can really contribute to the freshness of your website.

The use of space is also an important part of a great website.

What you leave out of your design is just as essential as what you leave in. The use of space is great for emphasizing certain elements on your page. Space helps to keep a website from feeling cluttered. It helps the user locate the elements of your site that they are after.

There are so many truly beautiful websites on the web. Take the time to have a little surf and see what works well and what appeals to you. But always remember, ‘less is more’. Enjoy.

2012 December Issue 19

Health

Taking Care of The Most Important Asset in Business!

by Scott Collins

h

ave you ever wondered what the most important asset in your business is? Is it your wife who runs the office, is it your van which gets you to each job, or is it the tools and the type paint you use? The answer is none of them; as much as they are valuable, there is one that is even more critical to your business!

I am talking about You! The irony is that you may have spent more time maintaining the car or ensuring that all your tools are in working order than focusing on your own health. If you are your business or manage a team then it’s time to think proactively about being healthy. Just think about how your business would function if you were not there?

The Facts are, Painting is a Toxic Profession: • Painters are at a higher risk of certain cancers ○ Bladder Cancer (increased risk with smoking) ○ Lung Cancer • Painters are more likely to suffer with respiratory diseases • Painters are at higher risk of having children with birth defects • Painters are exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) on a daily basis.

Today I wanted to get your attention, to hopefully get you thinking about a health strategy. It can be challenging fitting a health routine it into a busy life; however I feel more than ever that it requires serious attention now and not later. We often put health aside until we are sick, which is why I love this quote “If you don’t make time for wellness, sooner or later have to make time for illness”.

20 | Aussie Painters Network

This not only applies to painters, but anyone living this modern world. Over the coming issues we are going to share with you hints and tips to help you become healthier business owner. For now you can start to think about how you can stay healthy for your business and more importantly your family.

Tip 1 - While toxins/ solvents may be the nature of the beast for most painters, there are companies that are helping to reduce the risks with safer products. You can find out more from

www.greenpainters.org.au

The first step is in knowing where to start and what you can do to strengthen all aspects of your health and wellbeing. If you are looking to get more information you can contact my office and we can discuss a wellness program.

Scott Collins Naturopath/Nutritionist info@wellinnovations.com.au 07 554 92 554.

www.wellinnovations.com.au

21 Aussie Painters Network

2013 January Issue 21

Legal

Dispute Resolution: Commercial Arbitration © Doyles Construction Lawyers 2012

T

he content of this article seeks to alert and explain how commercial arbitration clauses affect individuals and/or companies in the building and construction industry. It is important to have this understanding because arbitration clauses are often a default provision in construction contracts i.e. AS2124, AS4000, HIA & MBA. The Commercial Arbitration Act There have been recent developments with respect to the legislative provisions of Commercial Arbitration.

The Commercial Arbitration Act 1985 (WA) [“the old act”] has now been replaced with the Commercial Arbitration Act 2012 (WA) [“the new act”]. This means that any arbitration conducted in Western Australia will now be subject to the provisions of the new act. We note that New South Wales, Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria also operate under the uniform new act with only the Australian Capital Territory and Queensland still operating under the auspices of the uniform old act.

We note that the paramount object of the new act is to ‘facilitate the fair and final resolution of commercial disputes by impartial arbitral tribunals without unnecessary delay or expense’.1 This means that from a public policy perspective, arbitration is meant to be a cheap, fast and final alternative means of dispute resolution and this is what the new act hopes to achieve.

A Dispute & Giving Notice In the case of Commonwealth of Australia v Jennings Constructions Pty Ltd [1985] VR 586 it was found that “A dispute arises when one party claims something and another notifies the other and he rejects the claim”. Accordingly, when commercial parties have agreed to a standard form construction contract which includes an arbitration clause and a dispute arises, it is taken that the parties intended and agreed for the dispute to be resolved by commercial arbitration.

22 | Aussie Painters Network

This means there is limited grounds of recourse to other dispute resolution mechanisms if one of the parties changes their mind. The next point to be aware of is that commercial arbitration is a creature of statute and as such, the process for resolving disputes by arbitration is governed by state legislation.

The typical arbitration process is started as follows.

Upon dispute, a notice must be provided (delivered by hand/certified mail) in writing between the parties which outlines the details of the dispute. By way of example, the HIA Cost Plus Contract [“HIA contract”] at clause 19(a) of the same outlines how notice is to be given2.

Then, usually, a preliminary conference is held to ensure that the arbitration is properly established and to set out the steps to a final hearing.

Appointing an Arbitrator Again by way of example, the HIA contract provides at clause 18 the approved method for the appointment of an arbitrator. In that contract it is outlined that a single arbitrator will be appointed by mutual consent or by appointment from the President of the HIA (or his nominee). Under section 11 of the new act, there is also provision for the selection of an arbitrator in cases where the parties do not agree or the standard contract does not provide for the selection of the same.

Under the new act, section 12 provides that the appointment of an arbitrator can be challenged and the procedure for challenge is further outlined in section 13. An example of a viable ground for challenge is where an arbitrator has failed to disclose any circumstances that raise ‘justifiable doubts’ in connection with the arbitrator’s assumed impartiality.

Legal Representation Under section 20 of the old act, parties were entitled to legal representation in the event that the dispute was over and above $20,000. However, now under section 24A of the new act, legal representation is an entitlement without any threshold.

The Conduct of Proceedings & Powers of the Arbitrator Part V of the new act provides for the manner and conduct of proceedings. It must be noted that this section is fairly fluid and there is discretion in the conduct of proceedings. Following a preliminary conference, which explains the process, time frame, disclosure obligations and fees etc. a hearing will be scheduled.

At the hearing, parties can produce evidence for the arbitrator to consider in reaching his decision. It must be noted that arbitrator can accept evidence within a wide scope because they are not bound by the same rules of evidence as a Court. It must be further noted that arbitrators do not necessarily have a legal background nor are they required to have specific qualifications to become an arbitrator.

The Award Part VI of the new act provides for the making of an arbitral award. Under section 31(3) an arbitrator must state the reasons upon which the decision is based.

However, an arbitrator is not required to go into the same depth as a Judge would in giving reasons. The award is then final and binding on both parties in accordance with section 35 of the new act. Further, the award can be enforced in the same manner as a Court judgement.

Costs Under section 33B of the new act, the costs of the arbitration are to be awarded by the arbitrator in his discretion. However, case authority suggests that the successful party or the party that ends up with the ‘final flow of money’ is usually awarded the recovery of its reasonable costs.3 Appeals The purpose of commercial arbitration is to provide fast, cost effective and binding decisions on parties as an alternative to litigation. Under the old act, section 38 provided limited provision for judicial review or appeals of awards which contain fundamental errors of law.

However, the significant point to note with respect to appeals is that under the old act an appeal would lie to the Supreme Court in limited circumstances.

This has changed with the introduction of the new act which provides very limited grounds for an appeal against an Arbitrator’s award . Under section 34A of the new act an appeal will lie to the Supreme Court if both parties agree4 and the court grants leave 5. We note that it is unlikely that a party who receives a favourable award is going to consent to an appeal of the same.

Whilst the new act is more in keeping with the purpose of commercial arbitration as a final determination, the parties to contracts containing arbitration clauses must give due consideration to its likely finality when considering whether to include an arbitration clause in a standard form construction contract.

This publication is intended to be a topical report on recent cases and legislation in the construction, development and engineering industries. This publication is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, and no liability is accepted.

This publication may be reproduced with full acknowledgement.

1 See section 1C of the Commercial Arbitration Act 2012 (WA).

2 Clause 19(a) of the HIA Cost Plus Contract states: “Any notice given to any party pursuant to the terms of this Contract shall be properly given if addressed to the party and served personally upon him or forwarded to him by prepaid letter addressed to such party as his address given herein or such other address as may be notified in writing by such party to the other. Any notice so posted shall be deemed to have been served unless contrary is shown at the time when by the ordinary course of post the notice would be delivered.”

3 See Miles & Anor v Palm Bridge Pty Ltd [2001] WASC 42.

4 See section 34A(1)(a) of the Commercial Arbitration Act 2012 (WA).

5 See section 34A(1)(b) of the Commercial Arbitration Act 2012 (WA).

EMAIL: doyles@doylesconstructionlawyers.com

www.doylesconstructionlawyers.com 2013 January Issue | 23

434 Anzac Av, Kippa-Ring QLD 4021 PO Box 446 Kippa-Ring QLD 4021 P: (07) 3283 8848 F: (07) 3283 8847 E: admin@austplanfs.com.au

Maintain your family’s living standard

If you have a financially dependent family, you should ensure you have enough Life insurance.

If you have a home loan (or other personal debts), you should consider Life, Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) and Critical Illness insurance.

What are the benefits?

By using this strategy, you could: • Provide a lump sum payment to clear your debts, and • Pass on the full value of your assets to your dependants if you pass away.

How does this strategy work?

If you’re like most people, you’ve used debt to fund a range of purchases, including your home.

However, if you die, become totally and permanently disabled or suffer a critical illness, the loan repayments will still need to be made, even though the salary your family has relied upon is temporarily or permanently unavailable.

In the event of your death, your lender may even require the outstanding loan to be repaid immediately, and sometimes the only way to do this is to sell the family home.

To avoid these potential problems, you should consider Life, TPD and Critical Illness insurance.

These insurances can provide a lump sum payment that could be used to clear your debts.

24 | Aussie Painters Network

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.

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.

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

No ongoing fees: upfront documentation fee is the only fee applicable, competitive interest rates & fixed monthly instalments.

80% of your debtors in your hands Within 24 hours Worth thinking about!

Rod and Ian Scanes Phone: (07) 3278 0825 Fax: (07) 3278 0894

Mobile: 0421 383 314 (Rod) 0421 383 315 (Ian)

Email: rscanes@firstcharteredcapital.com.au

Featured

The Paint System

by Belinda Ross One of the critical things to remember to ensure a successful paint job is to make sure you utilise a paint system that guides the way you determine colours, and purchase and apply your paints. It can be crucial to the overall success of a job to keep in mind a few general rules to avoid pitfalls and inconsistencies, and in turn Customer complaints!

• When assisting a customer in choosing paint, be sure to point out what overall effects that different colours will have on a given room.

Understanding that It’s hard to visualise for many, and remembering we have the advantage of seeing many before and afters so utilise your experience to ensure you and the client are on the same page.

• Whenever possible, stick to one brand of paint throughout the entire project including undercoat, top coat and any special finishes.

That way, you will have some comeback on a paint company if there is a failure and your applications have been as per the specification.

Explain this to a customer and advise of the potential for problems.

• Always consider carefully the full specifications provided by a paint company; use and apply them only as per the instructions in the specification. It’s not worth the gamble on the potential costs to you in rectification of issues caused otherwise.

Belinda Ross Colour Transformations 0413 464 289 07 3886 4488

• Never agree to a lesser standard of coats, especially with new work. The Australian Standard AS 2311 states that a three coat system is the norm, even though some specifications allow for only two coats.

If the paint manufacturer specifies a three coat system and you have a paint failure and with testing it is found that you have only applied two coat there is only one person to blame.

• Always back roll when Spray painting. Without back rolling the paint isn’t given the opportunity to bond with the underlying substrate.

Observe these few rules and it may just help prevent a potentially profitable job from heading south into costly rectifications or an ongoing dispute with a paint manufacturer or valued client!

26 | Aussie Painters Network

2013 January Issue | 27

Featured

Don’t Ask Yourself What the World Needs…

by Jennie Gorman

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive.

And then go and do that. Because, what the world needs, is people who have come alive.” - Harold Whitman.

We are so blessed these days that we have the internet and that social marketing has become such a way of life for many of us. Of course, we need to learn the balance of not getting too caught up in SMM (social media marketing) that we find time runs out for other important things. I suggest to people that they find a time of the day/week just love this saying …. I talk about ‘doing that they can do the SMM without doing it ad hoc what makes your heart sing’ often when and wasting a lot of time. There are people in the I am presenting talks and workshops. marketplace who teach how to do SMM, so find Are you doing what makes YOUR heart sing? out who they are and connect with them in this area if you need the support.

Our passion is what shows when we talk and is in our actions for everyone you come in contact to I value the relationships that I have made via SMM. see. Is your passion showing?

Many of these relationships have become personal and have developed into one-on-one meetings, supporting us both to achieve what we are wishing to achieve.

I

Do you need help to move forward and reach the right people?

If you are wanting support with your networking, I suggest that you make a point of getting to know a networker as they will always support you achieve where you are going if it is in their power to do so.

Enjoy what you are doing with your relationship building and have your heart sing, too!

For me, I love helping people build good solid relationships and showing them how to do word of-mouth marketing successfully. I feel great satisfaction when I know that I have connected two people, who may not have ever met, who find the synergy that will help them move forward in either their personal life or the business world.

28 | Aussie Painters Network

For more information on how you can learn how to use your social media marketing sites, as well as create them, contact Jennie for more information.

A one-on-one session, a one day course or a copy of Jennie’s e-book will give you all the basics to get your business moving forward.

connexionsunlimited.com.au Copyright © 2012 Jennie Gorman

2013 January Issue 29

Schedule

Training Schedules for 2013 National Institute for Painting and Decorating

January 29 Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices

Sydney + January 31 Green Painters Course (22002VIC Sustainable Painting Practices) Sydney February 1 Certificate III Painting and Decorating NT *enrolments closed ---------February 19 Imitation Marbling and Woodgraining

Sydney Feb 21-22 Protective Coatings

Sydney March 5 Wallpaper Course Darwin March 6

Imitation Marbling and Woodgraining

Darwin March 11 Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices

Darwin March 12 Estimating and Quoting

Darwin March 13-14 Protective Coatings

Darwin March 18 Estimating and Quoting

Cairns TBA Wallpaper Course Launceston TBA

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

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30 | Aussie Painters Network

Master Painters & Decorators Australia

Health

Summer Family Safety

by Caroline Miall

E

that can become really serious if not prevented; from dehydration and sunburn, to being a few minutes more than expected while a child sleeps in the car.

Summer presents us with a whole lot of issues we can often forget about in the cooler months; things that put our little ones at risk, particularly. Small things,

For one whose usually pretty cautious about the sun, it took a bit of burn in the last couple of weeks to remind me that I can’t skip the sunscreen even if I think I’m not going to be exposed much. It takes only minutes for you or your children to get burnt throughout a good part of the day; as Australians we all know the skin cancer message, but need to remember it better. I acquire hats and keep them around the house so there’s no excuse for anyone not to wear them, and am now keeping a large pump bottle of sunscreen at the ready.

ach day when you go to work, you’re obliged to check on the safety of your site and comply, for the most part, with best practice and work place health and safety regulations. When trying to relax at home or away, it’s easy to become less vigilant with precautions or ourselves and families. I guess our children think they’re bullet proof and sometimes we believe them! Also sometimes it’s hard to believe in advance the silly things that our normally brilliant children might do!

32 | Aussie Painters Network

Drowning still remains one of the largest causes of accidental death in Australian children. It’s easy to assume that it only occurs when a toddler disappears from view, but I once stayed at a hotel, where a large wedding party staying there had just lost a four year old to the bottom of the resort pool, and it was tragically not noticed as the large group of family and friends played around. At the beach, public pool or home, in groups of families, Know who’s watching who so no assumptions are made about anyone’s safety. And all children should learn how to swim. End of story.

If you find yourself holidaying on a River or inland waterway don’t forget to brief the kids on hidden dangers such as submerged objects, crumbling banks, unpatrolled waterways and currents in seemingly tranquil waters. Shallow diving can cause devastating injuries as told in our December issue by David for the Spinal Association.

Not forgetting that slipping and tumbles around the pool can also be a bummer; this I know from personal experience after one Christmas night when I was ten, I slipped as I chased my brother around the pool, landing with full impact on my front teeth! Many years of expensive and painful dental work later and I hope you all stop your kids running around the pool!

I was so distressed to hear on the news, just today, that another infant had died after being left in a car. There are obviously still those who don’t realise how dangerous this is and that It’s illegal for a reason. My partner and I a few months ago assisted a distraught young woman whose cars electric locks failed to open with a six week old inside. Roadside assistance saved the day but it was a few minutes before the baby was clearly in discomfort. Its not worth the risk. Plan ahead and don’t leave a child in the car unattended.

aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

Here’s my favourite, easily prevented, (Summer?) grievance, that I saw on a late night reality show set in an ER… ‘Frozen food injuries!’.

Apparently quite the common genre of triage emergency caused when prying apart frozen food with a sharp knife (frozen beef burgers were a large percentage of the offending items). Then it dawned on me that I had momentarily performed exactly this very stupid task, myself, earlier in the evening for some pieces of frozen mangoes.

Fortunately I abandoned the risky behaviour for the microwave.

Seeing those injuries now, I vow to always defrost safely! In our sometimes harsh country, it’s not a bad idea to remain really wary of the sun and dehydration; learn a bit about spiders and snakes how to identify, avoid and treat any bite; up to date CPR and First Aid courses should really be on our agendas too, especially if we have children. Above all, take care of each other have a safe and happy Summer with family and friends, while remembering a few precautions.

2013 January Issue | 33

Featured

Colour by Culture in the Pacific

by Michael Farrugia

I

am always amazed at how colour is influenced by culture. While training students from different countries, it was an interesting observation to see what colour people preferred and what they thought was attractive.

The general model of colour psychology relies on six basic principles - Whitfield & Whiltshire, Color psychology: A critical review.

1. Colour has meaning 2. Colour perception can be learned or biologically innate 3. Perception = evaluation 4. Evaluation = motivated behaviour 5. Colour exerts its influence automatically 6. Colour is affected by context.

I have found that most Pacific Islanders like bright colours as features. But tend to use more browns, and earthy colours when painting in general. I think this has to do with the fact that most Pacific Islanders have as a traditional home, bure, vale, fale, or oati made from natural elements such as coconut branches and timber.

These are often featured around the home with stones and rocks, these all provide a natural muted palette of browns, beiges, with some black or grey.

Meanwhile all Pacific Islanders, male & female, love flowers, and that is a safe and sure generalisation.

So this I believe gives them an interest in strong bright clean colours as a trim or feature wall.

Colour in Fiji Fiji is known for its indigenous Fijian culture and its equal mix with Indian-Fijian people. The Indian culture of Fiji started over a hundred years ago with labour brought from India to work the sugar cane farms. The Indian Fijians are third and fourth generation Fijian now, they are as much Fijian as European Australians are just Australians.

How has this impacted Fijians preference with colours?

Pacific Islands and Colour Warning! I am going to elicit generalisations, I know this is often misleading and inaccurate, but I will evoke creative license here.

34 | Aussie Painters Network

Indians love colour! Bright, raging, screaming, and pure extreme colour! This has a lot to do with their religion and traditions. What I love about Indian culture is that it invades all senses, colour is used to arouse the senses of sight as the smells of strong spices, the flavours of their food, and the noise of their music, arouses the other senses.

This has had an effect on iTaukei (indigenous Fijians). When you have lunch on a trade site you will see all the painters sitting together, sharing their food as is the custom here and having a chat.

When you look at what they are eating it is a mix of roti, curry from the night before, cassava and dalo/taro (root crops traditional eaten by Pacific Islanders). Who brought what? You think that would be obvious, then you find that the curry and roti were from the Fijian and the dalo was from an Indian-Fijian. At the end of the day they will sit together and drink Kava, both cultures together. So much for the perceived issues that some in the media will have you believe, on a ground level, they are mates.

This in turn affects the colours they choose. Fijians unlike other Pacific Islanders love using bright colours that invade the senses, while still using natural muted colours in all traditional contexts.

In the end, it all makes life exciting and interesting.

So when people ask me for colour advice here in Fiji, I am speechless, everything I have grown up believing about colour is challenged...�

2013 January Issue | 35

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.

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36 |Aussie Aussie Painters Painters Network Network 36

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2013 January Issue 37

The Industry

38 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

Ph. 13 72 26 / Ph. 13 28 65

Award Rates www.fairwork.gov.au

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