May 2021 Edition May 2021 Edition
Presidents Report It has been a busy three months for the PWAPM. Our very first National Leadership Conference held in March knocked our expectations out the park and was an absolute success. To all the PWAPM board members, all your hard work and efforts paid off. We did it! We had around 60 delegates attend the two-day event and over 90 people attend the leadership dinner, where the PWAPM recognition awards were announced. Many attendees braved the ongoing restrictions to get there. There were several times we thought the conference would need to be postponed, but thankfully, luck was in our favour. The conference focused on leadership and building connections with like-minded people within the industry. The itinerary was carefully chosen to include speakers who inspire and effectively lead people and show commitment within the workforce. To encourage, and manage change, as well as mentor and develop employees. We wanted our delegates to walk away from the conference feeling inspired and more focused. A survey was emailed out to all the delegates and sponsors, and we are pleased to have received so many positive comments and feedback. If you have not yet completed the survey, we would really appreciate it if you could spare a few minutes so that we can hear your thoughts. It is important that we know what our members want, and your suggestions are important to us.
Since the conference, I am pleased to see that we have had a spike in membership numbers and more sponsors are getting involved within the PWAPM. We are looking forward to running the conference again next year, with preparations already in the works. Keep a look out because more details will be released in the next gazette. In other exciting news, the next event for us will be the PWAPM networking breakfast held at this year’s AEPMA (Pesticon) National Conference, at The Star Gold Coast – sponsored by Ecolab. We invite all women attending the conference to come along to the breakfast, as well as any women located on the Gold Coast or nearby. All is welcome; you do not have to be a conference delegate to attend! The 2021 PWAPM Excellence Award is also about to be launched with nominations opening in the next couple of weeks. I encourage you to nominate a female you feel should be recognised for the work that they do. The winner will be announced at the Pesticon Gala Dinner along with the Pest Manager of the Year Awards. I would like to thank AEPMA and BASF for getting behind these awards, to recognise and promote professionalism in the pest management industry.
PWAPM Gazette
1
PWAPM 2021 RECOGNITION AWARDS The PWAPM launched the very first recognition awards at the leadership conference dinner. These prestigious awards recognised superior service from female staff in the pest industry. There were three women recognised at the conference dinner with over 90 men and women in attendance.
PWAPM Honorary Life Member
The PWAPM is excited to induct the very first Honorary Life Member
Rhonda Trotter - Pink Termite Experts
PWAPM Female Administration of the Year
This award looks to recognise an outstanding admin assistant/manager. We all know the office is the backbone of the business that keeps it all together.
Trainees are the future of our industry. We want to recognise a trainee that has gone above and beyond to engage in the pest control industry.
Congratulations to Ash Fadian - Competitive Pest Services
Congratulations to Sheri Ambler - Laguna Pest Control
INTERVIEWS WITH CASSIE RYAN Rhonda Trotter PWAPM Honorary Life Member Award
2
PWAPM Female Trainee Technician of the Year
PWAPM Gazette
May 2021 Edition
Ash Fadian
PWAPM Administration of the Year Award
Sheri Ambler
PWAPM Trainee of the Year Award
PWAPM Gazette
3
PEST MANAGER OF THE YEAR 2021
It’s that time of year again and nominations are now open for Pest Manager of the Year 2021, once again very generously sponsored by BASF. Nominations will close on the 15th June with winners being announced in August. “BASF are proud to be supporting the Pest Manager of the Year awards for its 11th consecutive year,” says David Elmouttie, BASF Business Manager for Professional & Specialty Solutions. “BASF continue to applaud all those whom are nominated for embodying the progressive values which we at BASF share and practice in our own business. Each year, we are a witness to an impressive range of entries, showcasing companies with a genuine commitment to keep raising the standard of service within the Pest Control Business at every level.” If you would like to nominate for Pest Manager of the Year please click on the link below.
Categories for this year’s competition are as follows: • Business Award Two Classes: Pest Management firms employing 10 or more people, pest management firms employing fewer than 10 people. National Pest Manager of the Year will be awarded from nominees in these two categories.
• Micro Business, which is a category for pest management businesses with fewer than three employees • South Pacific Pest Manager of the Year, open to AEPMA member businesses both large and small operating in the South Pacific Region.
• The top 3 companies from each category will be selected based on their written and website material and will progress to the judging stage of the competition.
Further information, nomination forms and entry guidelines are available here
4
PWAPM Gazette
May 2021 Edition
2021 PWAPM EXCELLENCE AWARD Sponsored by BASF
The 2021 PWAPM Excellence Award seeks to recognise and highlight the achievement of a woman who has advanced in the pest management industry. Nominations will open in the next couple of weeks for inspiring women within the industry who embody leadership qualities and embrace the principals of corporate social responsibility. The PWAPM Excellence Award winner will be recognised as a woman in the pest control industry that has not only shown outstanding leadership but has dedicated their time and energy in making notable contributions to the development and growth of other women within the industry. The nominations will be open to women working in upper management, sales and representatives, manufacturers, technicians, insurance, and research organisations. Entries will be provided via nomination. You do not have to be a PWAPM member to enter. Nominations and completed applications to be provided by 26th July 2021, closing time 5pm via application platform that is embedded in the PWAPM website.
Judging of Nominations
2 lots of judging panels will meet to select the finalists and overall winner. The judging panel will consist of both male and female judges and will be chosen by the PWAPM Committee and will consist of a representative of the PWAPM, BASF, AEPMA and other industry experts. All nominations to be reviewed by judges via email by 2nd August 2021. Finalists to be announced on the 4th August 2021. Web interviews of the finalists to be undertaken by 20th August 2021. Winner to be announced at the PESTICON National Pest Conference Gala Dinner – The Star, Gold Coast. Thank you to BASF for sponsoring the 2021 PWAPM Excellence Award.
In the unfortunate circumstance that the PESTICON National Conference is cancelled or postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions, the 2021 PWAPM Excellence Award winner announcement will still proceed. The winner will be announced either via another PWAPM event or an online video premier.
PWAPM Gazette
5
GETTING TO KNOW...
Jodi Urey
Where do you work & What area?
What motivates you to work hard?
Drop Dead Pest Control in Menai NSW
It’s the satisfaction you feel when you work with a great team of people committed to achieving the best outcome for your client and then the great pleasure of reading our 5 star reviews on Google and Facebook at the end of the day and sharing them with our staff in our WhatsApp group.
What is your role/position? Director / Licensed Technician/Timber Pest Inspector What led you to pest control?
My husband!
What is something you find challenging about your work?
What do you like about where you work?
We have the greatest team of people that all work really well together to achieve the best outcome for our clients and want to be the best at everything they do.
Trying to be across everything in the office and in the field as we have grown over the last 13 years. The brain can only hold so much information. Oh, and getting older and sometimes working with my husband.
Who inspired you? Who do you aspire to be like?
What is the most exciting part of your job?
What’s the greatest risk you have ever taken?
What is the one skill you think everyone should have in pest control?
My husband. He has an amazing instinct about termites and really understands building construction. We share the same background in customer service, sales and business management and work as a great team together. Definitely starting a new business from the ground up! But you need to believe you can do it. As we both had previously worked for a number of large corporate successful companies, we used our knowledge about providing great customer service and effective business management and implemented the that into our own business.
Apart from finding termite queens and solving clients pest problems, making work fun for everyone, so it’s not just a job. You need to be passionate about everything you do.
To know your stuff and be able to communicate it well with clients.
What was your first paying job?
Working at McDonalds 43 years ago. They taught me the basics of business at an early age - excellence in customer service, teamwork and communication.
What advice would you give your teenage self?
Believe in your ability to succeed at anything you are passionate about in life. Work hard and enjoy every minute of whatever it is
Egypt
6
PWAPM Gazette
May 2021 Edition
that you chose to do. When you are not feeling it, it’s time to move on to have your next experience.
What is one thing that most people don’t know about you? It’s a secret!
What would you prefer: Shark, diving, bungee jumping or sky diving?
What one thing you saw recently that made you smile?
My husband Colin enjoying himself around the camp-fire after drinking a bottle of Port. Well it was more than a smile, downright hilarious watching him talk into the Port tin asking Siri questions.
What song would you sing at a karaoke night? Party all over the World - ELO
Diving
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of?
What animal would you consider your animal spirit?
Our two children Eliza and James. We are so blessed to have them choosing to work with us in the business. They have grown up with it and live it and breath the ethics of it like we do.
What’s the weirdest Wikipedia rabbit hole you’ve stumbled down? I haven’t been down that track.
Nachos
Lion
What’s your most prized possession & why? My family, I’m nothing without them.
What is one totally irrational fear that you have? The Dentist
What is one thing you are really bad at?
Friday Night do you: Stay home or go out?
Achieving everything on my To Do List in the time I would like.
Stay Home
Have you ever met someone who is famous?
Do you believe in Ghosts? Maybe
Yes, Bob Hawke when he was Prime Minister, he shook my hand when he visited the Just Jeans store I was managing in the 80’s.
What’s the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
How would your friends describe you?
Choices chart our course and determine our destination - make good ones!
Happy and friendly and always up for a laugh.
Which historical figure would you most like to meet? Jesus Christ - I have a lot of questions.
Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
Before we started this business I was a bit of a gym junkie, just couldn’t get enough of those endorphins!! So I’m hoping that my 6 pack is still underneath somewhere and I will see it again soon. I have to remember to put myself first and the business will still be fine, it’s just hard to have the energy to serve two masters!
If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it?
What three items would you take with you to a deserted island? Water, food and the soft blue rug on my bed. If you could pick one age to be permanently, which age would you choose?
40 - you’re wise enough, young enough and don’t have too many wrinkles!
We are in the middle of refurbishing our home so I would have to say new furniture at the moment.
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? Wisdom
Who is your least favourite celebrity?
What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?
I’m not really into the celebrity scene.
Egypt to tour the pyramids - when it’s safe!
If you could redo one day in your life, what would it be and why?
What’s your most hated house chore? Cleaning bathrooms
Ah, that’s a secret too!
PWAPM Gazette
7
Tash Lugg
GETTING TO KNOW...
Where do you work & What area?
What motivates you to work hard?
What is your role/position? Owner, tech, admin...I wear all the hats.
What is something you find challenging about your work?
TNT Pest Services in Ingleburn NSW
Customer satisfaction. There’s nothing like the gratitude you get from a client who thought their pest problem wasn’t solvable. Putting myself out there - it definitely doesn’t come naturally!
What led you to pest control?
It was a combination of seeing the work done, and knowing I had the potential to do it well, and also clients from another business constantly asking if we knew of any good pest controllers.
What is the most exciting part of your job?
What do you like about where you work? I love being about to walk into people’s homes and fix a problem that they might be finding quite distressing - like a German cockroach infestation, or being able to educate someone about pests they might be afraid of, like spiders.
What is the one skill you think everyone should have in pest control?
Who inspired you? Who do you aspire to be like?
The first person I was truly inspired by was Chester Bennington. It takes a special person to go through something traumatic and come out the other side with such an intense drive to lift people up, and make people’s lives better. As for who I aspire to be like - well take a look around PWAPM! I really can’t pick just one - there are so many ladies I hope to be like.
What’s the greatest risk you have ever taken?
At 18, I walked away from everything I’d ever known, and didn’t look back. It was both the best and the riskiest thing I’ve ever done.
The constant learning. I love knowing that I’ll be learning for the rest of my career in pest management.
The ability to think outside of the box. I think it’s a core skill in integrated pest management. Being able to think on your feet, and flexibly allows you to come up with creative solutions that don’t just fall back on chemical application.
What was your first paying job?
Ironing the mammoth pile of ironing in my childhood home.
What advice would you give your teenage self? Hang in there.
What is one thing that most people don’t know about you? I have an extra tear duct that occasionally likes to cry on its own, for no reason whatsoever.
Cornwall, UK
8
PWAPM Gazette
May 2021 Edition
What would you prefer: Shark, diving, bungee jumping or sky diving?
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of?
What animal would you consider your animal spirit?
Shark.
Starting my own business.
What’s the weirdest Wikipedia rabbit hole you’ve stumbled down?
I think it was something to do with either serial killers, or assassins.
Friday Night do you: Stay home or go out?
Pizza. The variations are endless.
Definitely a dog.
What’s your most prized possession & why? A painting of my dogs.
What is one totally irrational fear that you have? Stepping on slug in the dark.
What is one thing you are really bad at?
Stay Home.
Public speaking.
Do you believe in Ghosts?
Have you ever met someone who is famous?
Yes.
What’s the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
“You are not your emotions.”
Sort of. I won’t say who, but she’s an Australian actress, she had a guy following her from shop to shop carrying all the clothes she was buying and she got really annoyed about how her boobs fitted into a dress and rather violently rearranged them.
Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
How would your friends describe you?
I give very good canine massages.
Stubborn.
If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it?
Which historical figure would you most like to meet?
I’m going to be extremely boring here, and say I’d put it straight into by business.
Marie Curie.
What three items would you take with you to a deserted island? A magnifying glass, a water bottle, and a Leatherman multitool.
Who is your least favourite celebrity?
Tom Cruise
If you could redo one day in your life, what would it be and why?
If you could pick one age to be permanently, which age would you choose? I don’t know, I haven’t tried them all yet!
I don’t think I would. There have definitely been some days when I could have made better choices, but I learned from those choices.
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
What would be the title of your autobiography?
What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?
“Stubborn.”
Flight. It would make peak hour traffic in Sydney far less annoying.
Cornwall.
What one thing you saw recently that made you smile? My dogs, leaving nose prints on the windows, as they watched me return home.
What’s your most hated house chore? Hand washing dishes.
What song would you sing at a karaoke night? One More Light.
PWAPM Gazette
9
GETTING TO KNOW...
Tori Campbell
Where do you work & What area?
What is something you find challenging about your work?
Rentokil - Pest Control.
Some sites restrict the chemicals we use so we must think outside to box to achieve what is needed and still being fairly new I find that a challenge at times.
What is your role/position? Pest control technician in training.
What is the most exciting part of your job?
What led you to pest control?
I wanted a change from the usual roles I was in and when I say the advertisement I jumped at the opportunity.
What do you like about where you work? I feel constantly support by everyone I work with.
What is the one skill you think everyone should have in pest control? Great customer service skills I think is a big part of it.
What was your first paying job?
Who inspired you? Who do you aspire to be like?
My mum inspires me daily, she has an incredible work ethic and outlook. I have grown up watching her work hard everyday for the things she has achieved and I aspire to be just as amazing as she is someday.
What’s the greatest risk you have ever taken?
Packing up my life and moving to Brisbane with no real plan but to follow my passion.
What motivates you to work hard?
That no job is the same and I’m constantly learning new things.
I think about the people I look up to and my goal is to make them proud everyday.
A waitress.
What advice would you give your teenage self? Study, and just be happy.
What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I’m a huge fan of true crime stories, horror movies, thrillers, zombie movies anything like that I’m love them.
What would you prefer: Shark, diving, bungee jumping or sky diving? Sky Diving.
Egypt
10
PWAPM Gazette
May 2021 Edition
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Winning overseas competitions for cheer leading.
What’s the weirdest Wikipedia rabbit hole you’ve stumbled down? I don’t really go on Wikipedia.
What’s your most prized possession & why?
My Nationals trophy it reminds me what hard work can get you.
What is one totally irrational fear that you have? Clowns.
What is one thing you are really bad at? Walking past a dog and not patting it.
Friday Night do you: Stay home or go out?
Have you ever met someone who is famous?
Stay Home.
Yes, John Barrowman, he is hilarious.
Do you believe in Ghosts?
How would your friends describe you?
No.
Bubbly, passionate, funny and hard working.
What’s the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
Not advice but a quote I love “Success is going from failure to failure without lose of enthusiasm” Winston Churchill.
Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies? I’m a competitive cheerleader and also coach cheer.
Which historical figure would you most like to meet? Anne Frank.
What three items would you take with you to a deserted island? A Swiss army knife, a huge first aid kit and a magnifying glass.
If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it?
I would give some of it to my mum and the rest I would either put it in my savings or go on a little holiday.
If you could pick one age to be permanently, which age would you choose? 30, I think.
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? Elemental control.
Who is your least favourite celebrity?
Kayne West
What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?
If you could redo one day in your life, what would it be and why? My first day of high school, I would try and talk to more people.
Egypt.
What’s your most hated house chore? Dishes I hate them..
What would be the title of your autobiography? To be continued...
What one thing you saw recently that made you smile? My two best friends we barely see each so when we do it’s great.
What song would you sing at a karaoke night? Tequila
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Tropical chicken parmigiana with sweet potato fries.
What animal would you consider your animal spirit? Dog.
PWAPM Gazette
11
QUEENSLAND FARMERS CHANCE TO DISPOSE OF THEIR AGVET CHEMICALS SUSTAINABLY WITH CHEMCLEAR
ChemClear® is drumMUSTER’s sister program that provides the collection and disposal service for unwanted and/or obsolete agvet chemicals. ChemClear is funded by the drumMUSTER levy. Eligible products are collected free of charge, and there is a cost for the disposal of non-eligible products. ChemClear has scheduled a Queensland chemical collection run in July/August 2021. Dates are yet to be confirmed however Chemical Users will need to pre-register their unwanted chemical by the 13th of June 2021. Chemical Users can register their unwanted AgVet chemicals for the collection at www.chemclear.org.au/register-yourchemical or by filling out the attached form and emailing it to info@ chemclear.org.au. Please see attached an Asset Media Package including all attachments that can be used to promote this upcoming collection by asking members of the public to register their chemicals. Please note: the commencement of this chemical collection will be subject to COVID-19/ boarder restrictions at the time. A COVID-19 safety Plan has also been put into place.
12
PWAPM Gazette
May 2021 Edition
EXPLOSION IN THE MOUSE POPULATION RESULTING IN PLAGUE PROPORTIONS
After years of drought, rural New South Wales and parts of Queensland have enjoyed a bumper crop due to the recent wet season. However, this influx of new pasture and grasses has led to an explosion in the mouse population resulting in plague proportions. The result of the plague has threatened and destroyed crops and has necessitated the need for multiple aerial and ground application of rodenticide in cropping regions. Many multi-national rodenticide manufactures/suppliers have experienced disruptions to their supply chain, largely due to the pandemic. But combined with the surge in demand for rodenticides, these sources have run out of stock at one time or another. Many professional pest managers, primary producers and landowners have been frustrated with the lack of product available on the market to undertake the required intensive baiting programs. As an Australian-owned and operated company, PCT International has continued to supply quality and value for money rodenticide during these times. However even we have been overwhelmed at times by the level of demand, at unprecedented levels in the last 18 years. As rodent infestations show little sign of abating, PCT will continue to manufacture and supply a wide range of rodenticides throughout this difficult period. We have invested considerable additional resources in plant and equipment and additional staff, itself a challenge mid-pandemic, to boost production capacity and output. In the coming weeks we expect the supply of rodenticides to become more available not just from PCT but alternative sources. However, what sets us apart from others is our relentless pursuit to support local and manufacture here in Australia, around the clock, 7 days a week, in an effort to get product to those who need it and all at a reasonable cost. It’s the Aussie way after all. PCT is the only Australian-based manufacturer of extruded wax-based block rodenticide and is still the only supplier best placed to meet this unprecedented demand from both the domestic pest professional and agricultural markets. Our rodenticide products include wax-based rodenticide with actives including Brodifacoum, Bromadiolone, Difenacoum, Diphacinone, and Coumatetralyl. For broad-acre applications we manufacture Zinc Phosphide. As always read the label and follow the label’s directions. During these times people are often desperate for any product to apply and don’t always apply the bait in strict accordance with the directions for use. This is not only illegal it can also have potentially dangerous consequences as a result of secondary poisoning. Please contact your local Agserv branch to see the range for yourself and for advice on which product is right for you.
PWAPM Gazette
13
STAMPING OUT DISCRIMINATION A PRIORITY FOR PEST MANAGEMENT, TOO
On March 4th 2021, more than 60 women in pest management came together on the Gold Coast for the inaugural PWAPM National Leadership Conference. At about the same time, former government staffer Brittany Higgins’ accusations of rape in Parliament House was lighting a fire in the nation’s collective belly, and not just the women. Throughout social and traditional media and in the streets, our communities were – and still are – clearly and loudly declaring “enough is enough” of toxic workplace culture, including in Parliament and among our National, State and local leaders. Public and private discussions are flourishing about gender equality issues and not staying silent when systemic abuse occurs. Zooming in on the various pest manager Facebook groups, I’ve been seeing similar conversations. One pest control business owner shared one of his customers had specifically requested a “male technician” for a service job, and his response – that the customer find another pest control business to do their work – solicited more than 60 comments. All loudly supported stamping out gender-based discrimination and many responded with examples of it in their own business experiences, and of the benefits of employing female pest technicians. At the PWAPM conference, in conversations with customers, and within our industry forums, I am seeing more and more stories about experiences of discrimination. Being sacked for mistakes made by male colleagues. Being fearful of interacting in online discussions in case they get shut down (again). Being knocked back for a job by someone who preferred working with a male.
Support is turning the tide
But the tide is turning. Many of the women I’m seeing speak up are sharing how the support of their colleagues – male and female, in the workplace and industry broadly, have helped them rise to success. This support has included offering helpful tips and solutions to problems encountered on the job, being a sympathetic and wise ear on the end of the telephone, and vocal public encouragement of their professional efforts. In the PWAPM membership base we’re seeing the emergence of role models such as Female Pest Controller of the Year Michelle Downs, Cassie Ryan and Nicky Turner (to name just a few), who not only set wonderful examples as successful businesspeople but are generous with their time, wisdom and passion for uplifting others in the pest control industry. Unfortunately I also still hear and see a lot of talk about imposter syndrome – where we doubt our abilities and feel like a fraud at work, hoping no one will notice we don’t have it all figured out. (As if anyone really does!) It’s said to be a mindset attributed to women more often than men, so I started reading a bit more about it. Turning to Google, I found this Harvard Business Review article that digs into why imposter syndrome exists at all and why we keep
14
PWAPM Gazette
May 2021 Edition trying to “fix the women” rather than workplaces and the broader environments we live in. The research felt particularly relevant to do in this year where we feel the tide is turning on gender equity, as more Australians advocate for change and an end to traditional gender roles and expectations. Imposter syndrome thrives on exclusivity and fear of safety, whether psychological and/or physical. Ever walked to your car in the dark and rattled your keys or made a call to a friend, just in case something happens? Ever felt excluded from your workplace or a club because you’ve been ‘missed’ on invitations for meetings that happen at the pub or on the golf course? Ever heard comments about a woman dominating a discussion, yet one or more males taking part were much more outspoken?
Confidence and inclusivity are key
What stood out so clearly to me at the PWAPM conference was the commitment to be inclusive, to create a safe space where we could be proud of our successes and also be vulnerable, learn and admit what we didn’t yet know and were working to strengthen. Confidence is a valued commodity in our society, and it’s equated with competence. If we’re lacking confidence in a particular skill or situation, we’re likely perceived as incompetent, unsure of ourselves, or lacking in leadership. Of course, this applies to any gender. Toxic environments eat those lacking in confidence for breakfast. So, how do you build your confidence in such an environment? How do we create a culture for women and men (and let’s not forget those who identify as non-binary) that’s inclusive, safe and gives a helping hand to those who might be self doubting, still learning, or looking for role models? One of the great confidence builders I’ve observed is finding your tribe. It’s why the PWAPM feels so comfortable and accessible to so many women, and has gained strong support from men. Your tribe are like-minded people who share your passions and with whom you can just be yourself. According to Beyond Blue building trusted relationships isn’t a nice to have – it’s a fundamental human need. You can find them in sports, fitness groups, lifestyle courses such as languages, cooking, travel and elsewhere. Your tribe are the people who help you understand and leverage your strengths, who you can turn to in moments of self-doubt and, often, who can advocate for you when you need them. Brittany Higgins’ experience is touted as a “media storm that turned into a movement”. There’s no better time for all of us – women and men together – to take our “enough is enough” voice and start making positive changes in our workplaces, homes and communities. Working as one to create safe, supportive environments where people are respected and valued regardless of their gender, race, age, or any other factor and can confidently pursue their dreams, be that in pest control or any other professional service. I’d like to encourage us all to continue speaking up, to continue supporting each other and to wholeheartedly embrace organisations like PWAPM – which Rapid Solutions avidly supports – that help us become even more confident in doing what we do best!
PWAPM Gazette
15
APPROVAL FOR THE TREATMENT OF RED IMPORTED FIRE ANTS AND YELLOW CRAZY ANTS
Sundew Solutions is excited to announce the approval for the treatment of Red Imported Fire Ants and Yellow Crazy Ants with ANTagonistPRO Polymer Enhanced 80 SC Insecticide. “ANTagonistPRO 80 SC Insecticide has a long history of use by pest management professionals and government departments locally and overseas for the tramp ant known as Argentine ant,” said David Priddy, C.E.O. of Sundew Solutions. “ANTagonistPRO has been used in programs to eradicate this invasive ant from sensitive national parks and island communities with great success.” “Following extensive research and field trials in South East Queensland over the past 4 years, registration was approved at the end of March 2021 for ANTagonistPRO to treat Red Imported Fire Ants and Yellow Crazy Ants,” reported David. “Sundew has worked collaboratively with a number of key pest management professionals in South East Queensland screening a variety of solutions to help effectively treat tramp ant species,” said David. “ANTagonistPRO, with its unique polymer enhanced technology, is just one of many innovative research and development projects we have in the pipeline.” In February this year Sundew also announced to the Australian pest management segment the addition of Red Imported Fire Ants and Yellow Crazy ants to SAS PRO fipronil granular ant killer. “Sundew is proud to have done the hard yards in the field to be able to offer three innovative solutions for the treatment of these tramp ants: ANTagonistPRO 80SC, AttractANT PRO Ant Bait Gel and SAS PRO fipronil Granules. The addition of RIFA and YCA to ANTagonistPRO with polymer enhanced technology will prove to be an invaluable tool in the treatment program for these invasive ants,” concluded David.
16
PWAPM Gazette
May 2021 Edition
AEPMA 2021 PESTICON CONFERENCE
AEPMA’s Conference, Pesticon 2021, is shaping up as one of the must-see events in 2021 and will be once again held at The Star Gold Coast on 2224 September 2021.
Click here for more info
The key message for this year’s conference is “Pest Management in the Digital Age”. The program is exciting and full of outstanding and interesting presenters, with up to the minute topics and workshops to help you and your business stay relevant in this fast-paced industry. The Exhibition Hall will again be a hub of activity at the conference. Key manufacturers and suppliers will be showcasing the latest products and services for all aspects of your business, launching new products, explaining current techniques and demonstrating solutions that will benefit small, medium and large pest management companies. Along with special social events, Pesticon 2021 is an ideal learning and networking opportunity. The Gold Coast is Australia’s premier holiday destination, famous for its theme parks, stunning Surfer’s Paradise beaches and subtropical rainforests, the Gold Coast boasts 70 kilometres of uninterrupted coastline and 26 patrolled beaches.
Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements
Australian government is subsidising part of the trainees gross wages for the first 12 months of their traineeships. The program is called Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) – (also includes traineeships) and was created to stimulate the economy coming out of COVID. In summary the program provides:
• Employers with a 50% Gross wage subsidy for their trainee up to $7000.00 per quarter (max. $28,000.00/yr.) • Entry to the program expires on the 30th September 2021 More information can be found in the below links: https://www.dese.gov.au/boosting-apprenticeship-commencements https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/federal-government-to-pour-12bn-into-creating-new-apprentices-trainees/news-story/39a1b50c5ec9872e6073b10a21139089 This is a great opportunity for our industry to get a few more technicians Cert 3 qualified.
PWAPM Gazette
17
THE 2021 PWAPM NETWORKING BREAKFAST SAVE THE DATE!
The 2021 PWAPM Networking Breakfast sponsored by Ecolab will host a variety of speakers and panels from women who have advanced in the pest management industry at The Star, Gold Coast – AEPMA (Pesticon) Conference on the 23rd of September. Breakfast guests will present on industry trends, business learnings and opportunities. This event aims to connect and foster constructive conversation between women in the pest management industry. This will be an opportunity to be in a room with like-minded people and meeting experts and leaders face to face. This is an opportunity for women to meet some of their business influences, having the opportunity to be in the same room as them and listen about how they approach business. This breakfast is open to delegates and non delegates of the AEPMA (Pesticon) Conference. You do not need to be attending the conference to attend. If you work on and around the Gold Coast, we would love for you to attend. More information and booking link for this breakfast will be released soon. Thank you to our major sponsor Ecolab.
18
PWAPM Gazette
Events Calendar
May 2021 Edition THANK YOU to our partners
SAVE THE DATE!! May Zoom Link: Friday 28th May 7pm VIC Time June Zoom Link: Friday 25th June 7pm VIC Time July Zoom Link: Friday 30th July 7pm VIC Time
Australian Events AEPMA Conference Pesticon - 22nd – 24th September 2021 PWAPM Networking Breakfast - 23rd September 2021, The Star Gold Coast (Pesticon Conference)
International Events FAOPMA-Pest Summit 2021 - 6th - 8th October Philippines PestWorld 2021 - 2nd - 5th November MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas, US Paracitec 2021 - 17th - 19th November Paris, France FAOPMA-Pest Summit 2022 - Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Future PestWorld Events 2022 Boston 11th - 14th October 2023 Honolulu 17th - 20th October 2024 Denver 22nd - 25th October 2025 Orlando 21st - 24th October 2026 Grapevine 20 - 23 October * Please note that some meetings may be cancelled or postponed due to Covid-19.
Newsletter Contributions PWAPM members and sponsors are welcome to contribute to our gazette. If you have an article or relevant resources that you feel would benefit women in pest management, please forward to info@womeninpestmanagement.com.au. Cut off dates to have your content and articles in by: August 2021 Edition – 26th July 2021 November 2021 Edition – 26th October 2021 February 2022 Edition - 26th January 2022
Contact Us PWAPM Office Unit 4/1 Selkirk Drive, Noosaville Qld 4566 | Po Box 1910, Noosaville DC Qld 4566 President – Nicky Turner 0409 217 328 | president@womeninpestmanagement.com.au Secretary – Tara Kiker 0499 903 637 | info@womeninpestmanagement.com.au
PWAPM Gazette
19