May 2022 Edition
May 2022 Edition
Board Report Dear Members, We hope this edition of the e-gazette finds you well and adjusting to the new “COVID normal”. Whilst the ripple effect of Covid’s impact on people’s health, their workforces and the economy has meant a tumultuous few years, it’s pleasing to hear our members talk positively about the future, their business growth plans and of course getting back to seeing each other face to face. As you may be aware, it has been a challenging period of late for the Directors of the PWAPM Board. In April, the founder and inaugural President and CEO Nicky Turner tendered her resignation, after four years and an epic amount of personal investment and energy that led to the formation and momentum of the PWAPM. The Board, on behalf of you our members, wishes to acknowledge the incredible legacy Nicky has left to the PWAPM, including, but not limited to, the creation of the Excellence Award, the very first Leadership Conference held in March 2021, our regular meet, greet and network nights and the very first networking breakfast to be held at AEPMA’s Pesticon in June (more on that soon). It’s near impossible to quantify the impact Nicky’s formation of the PWAPM has had on women in the pest management industry in Australia. We know of many, many women who have benefited from the friendship, resources and solid support the PWAPM and its members have provided over the past 4 years. Nicky’s leadership as President has not only built a solid network and membership base across the industry, we are also left with strong framework on which to continue growing, developing, evolving, and being of service to our members and supporters. We also farewelled two other Directors Sarah Cutting and Rhiannon Brown. Sarah and Rhiannon, successful pest control business owners, also made valuable contributions to the PWAPM during their tenures. Rhiannon, as an inaugural Director and Sarah as Treasurer,
worked with great enthusiasm and commitment in service to members and for the long term sustainability and success of the PWAPM. We wish Nicky, Rhiannon and Sarah all the best in their future endeavours and ongoing contributions to the pest management industry. Between now and our annual general meeting in November we have several casual vacancies for Directors. If you’d like to learn more about the opportunity to serve the PWAPM and its members as a Director, please reach out via info@womeninpestmanagement.com.au AEPMA’s Pesticon 2022 is just around the corner, and we encourage all of you (if you haven’t already) to register and attend our industry conference. The program, with the theme of “Pest Management in the Digital Age”, contains a diversity of topics and speakers on technical, business and wellbeing. Of course, we’re particularly excited to be holding our first networking breakfast, thanks to the generous support of our sponsor Ecolab. It’s been a busy few weeks for the Board, as all the details are coalescing into an event we are tremendously pleased to host. The breakfast, held Tuesday morning 7th June, is an opportunity to network (make new friends and connect with mates), hear from our dynamic panel and be inspired as we present and celebrate the Administration and Trainee Awards for 2022. Seats are limited, and are open to PWAPM members and female conference delegates. The jewel in the Pesticon crown is the Gala dinner on the final night of the conference. We’ll again be presenting the Excellence award, thanks to our amazing sponsor at BASF. Award nominations close Friday 13 May at 12pm. We hope you enjoy this edition of the gazette and look forward to seeing many of you at Pesticon.
PWAPM Board
PWAPM Gazette
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PWAPM 2022
Who will be the 2022 PWAPM Excellence Award winner?
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PWAPM Gazette
May 2022 Edition
PWAPM 2022 The 2022 PWAPM Excellence Award seeks to recognise and highlight the achievement of a woman who has advanced in the pest management industry. Nominations will be open until Friday 13th May 12.00pm (Midday) so you can nominate inspiring women within the industry who embody leadership qualities and embrace the principals of corporate social responsibility. You still have time so hurry to participate and nominate the next potential winner! 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 are open to women working in upper management, sales and representatives, manufacturers, technicians, insurance, and research organisations. Entries are provided via nomination. You do not have to be a PWAPM member to enter. Judging of Nominations The judging panel for the PWAPM Excellence Award will consist of both male and female judges that represent the PWAPM, BASF and pest control industry experts. The Judging panel will be selected by the PWAPM Board. Once nominations close on the 13th May the PWAPM Secretary will be in touch with award nominee finalists to organise a time for a web interview with the judging panel, dates for these interviews would be offered on Monday 16th May. The Winner of the PWAPM Excellence Award will be announced at the PESTICON National Pest Conference Gala Dinner – The Star, Gold Coast. Thank you to BASF for sponsoring the 2022 PWAPM Excellence Award. In the unfortunate circumstance that the PESTICON National Conference is cancelled or postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions, the 2022 PWAPM Excellence Award winner announcement will still proceed. The winner will be announced either via another PWAPM event or an online video premier.
NOMINATE NOW
PWAPM Gazette
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PWAPM 2022
2021 PWAPM Excellence Award Winner, KUYAN RIDER
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PWAPM Gazette
May 2022 Edition
PWAPM 2022 The PWAPM Excellence Award is awarded to an individual that has not only shown outstanding leadership but has dedicated her time and energy in making notable contributions to the development and growth of other individuals within the industry. Kuyan Ryder has given the pest control industry this and more. Her team has nominated her for the Excellence Award every year since its inception, she was a finalist twice prior to being presented the award in 2021. Kuy has been integral in growing the team of technicians at Conquer Termites Northside from 3 to 8, being a mentor to many individuals within her team. Kuyan has strived consistently to establish Conquer Termites Northside as the go-to termite and pest control service in Brisbane’s northside, catapulting the company’s performance and helping ensure the Conquer Termites Northside team delivers nothing short of 5-star service. Kuy’s dedication to her role, and team was further proven when she ascertained to support her team best, she needed to know what they do on a day by day basis. To this end, Kuy is a fully qualified pest technician, completing her timber pest units in 2020. Don’t be deceived by Kuy’s quiet nature. Many people from other companies have reached out to her for assistance, and Kuy willingly gives her time and expertise across multiple platforms and subjects to assist. From marketing, branding, software setup and usage... there have been no limits to the contributions Kuyan has made to the pest control industry. And if you are ever lucky enough to spend a moment or two in her company, keep an eye out for the sharply witty humour she brings forth! We look forward to seeing Kuy continue to shine, and grow, within the industry and celebrate her future accomplishments with her. Comments from Kuy’s Team:
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Kuy takes her leadership, support and mentor ship role very seriously and believes in the importance of it for her team.
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Kuy is also very engaged in her community with horses, local business, and genuine friendships.
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I have never seen someone work as hard as Kuyan. She is passionate, dedicated and the most supportive manager/boss I have had.
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Kuyan is an advocate for education. She is continually looking for ways to improve, educate and support her staff further.
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PWAPM Gazette
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She is a real champion for women, very supportive and helpful to others with their businesses and personal lives.
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May 2022 Edition
PWAPM
Female Administration
OF THE YEAR AWARD 2022 NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! Proudly sponsored by PCT International, the PWAPM Female Administrator of the Year Award recognises an outstanding Administrator working in the Pest Control Industry. For many Pest Control businesses, the Administrator is the backbone; the hub that keeps it together; the cog that keeps the wheels turning. Do you know of an outstanding female Administrator that has gone above and beyond in their role? Your nomination should include examples of how the Administrator has shown excellence in her work, as an individual and as a member of a team, as well as how she has contributed to our industry in a broader sense.
For more information and to nominate please click here.
PWAPM Gazette
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May 2022 Edition
PWAPM
Female Trainee
OF THE YEAR AWARD 2022 NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! Proudly sponsored by BAYER, the PWAPM Female Trainee of the Year Award recognises an outstanding Trainee working in the Pest Control Industry. Trainees are the future of our industry. We want to recognise a female that has strived for and achieved success, best practice, and innovation in training. Do you know of an outstanding female Trainee that has gone above and beyond in their role? Your nomination should include examples of how the Trainee has shown excellence in her work, as an individual and as a member of a team, as well as how she has contributed to our industry in a broader sense. NOMINATIONS FOR ALL AWARDS CLOSE FRIDAY 13th May 12pm.
For more information and to nominate please click here.
PWAPM Gazette
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PESTICON 2022
Pesticon 2022 - “Pest management in the digital age”, being held on 6-8 June 2022 at The Star on the Gold Coast is just around the corner – tickets are selling fast! Don’t miss this chance to finally come together face to face with other pest professionals in an ideal learning and networking opportunity – REGISTER NOW Highlights of the conference include:
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Keynote presentations from Technology Futurist Shara Evans and AI / Big Data expert Matt Michalewicz
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A number of special panel sessions such as our “Ask the Expert” Workshop, “Going Digital” and our women’s panel on “The Business of a pest control business” - all designed to engage and inform delegates.
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Dr Don Ewart will again enlighten us on Termites – this time “What happens when it goes wrong”
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Raja Mahendran – International Strategic Business Consultant on “Creating the Future of Pest Control”
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Stephen Doggett – on “Pest Management & Climate Change”
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Tom Aldridge from Suburban Pest Management (2021 Pest Manager of the Year) – on “How to attract more clients and better technicians”
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Special guest speaker Rob Sams from LifeLine, along with a panel of industry representatives will cover the incredibly important topic of Mental Health.
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Plus topics such as Digital Marketing, Innovation, Training, Insurance, ….and much, much more!
PWAPM Gazette
May 2022 Edition
Now, more than ever, Pesticon 2022 will provide an ideal networking opportunity for those in the industry to come together to share their knowledge and experience. On the social side of things, the conference will launch on the Monday evening with the Welcome Reception (Poolside) – kindly sponsored by Sentricon, then on the Tuesday afternoon, enjoy the “Demand the Best” Happy Hour Drinks in the Exhibition Hall – kindly sponsored by Syngenta and finally on the Wednesday evening, we finish off the conference with a bang with the announcement of the 2022 Pest Manager of the Year Awards – kindly sponsored by BASF. The 2022 PWAPM Networking Breakfast sponsored by Ecolab aims to provide an interactive panel discussion on the challenges of combating administration expectations in a digital age. The breakfast will be held at The Star, Gold Coast – AEPMA (Pesticon) Conference on Tuesday 7th June from 6:30am to 8am. The Networking breakfast provides a great opportunity for like-minded women to meet and discuss the challenges they face. This breakfast is open to women delegates attending the Pesticon conference and PWAPM members. There is limited seating so you will need to register, and it will be on a first in basis, tickets are selling out fast. Please click here to book. The conference wouldn’t be complete without the trade show and this year, the Exhibition Hall will be the hub of the conference. A huge range of suppliers will be on display with the latest in digital advancement, tips from traditional treatments to practical ideas on how to improve your business. After such a long time apart, we would urge all members of the pest control community to attend this important event. For more information and to register, visit the conference website. We look forward to seeing you all in person on The Gold Coast!
PWAPM Gazette
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CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF TERMIDOR
Click here to read the Termidor Homeowner guide.
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PWAPM Gazette
May 2022 Edition
YOU COULD BE THE NEXT BASF CERTIFIED PEST MANAGER!
Complete all of our training sessions to qualify At BASF, we recognise that continued development, training and information are an integral part of the success of the pest control industry. We are pleased to support our customers on this journey by offering product training, presented by our expert team. Whether you are new to our products or looking to refresh your knowledge, our informative courses will equip you with the insights and resources to get the best out of your BASF Pest Control Solutions” To sign up for a product training click here to visit the Product Training Registration | BASF Pest Control Solutions Australia.
PWAPM Gazette
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TAKE A CLOSER LOOK – NEW ABOLISHPRO COCKROACH BAIT
A highly palatable, novel industry-first bait matrix is reinvigorating pest management professionals’ interest in putting the squeeze on roaches. “In over 30 years of pest management we’ve never seen bait like Sundew AbolishPRO Cockroach Gel,” said Neil Raw, owner Innovative Pest Control SA. “Brendan (technician) and I have been putting AbolishPRO through its paces at some extreme sites and it’s producing results we’ve never seen before. At one site we had factored in two follow ups, and at each visit all we found was masses of dead cockroaches. Our client was ecstatic with our results.” Pest managers from across Australia were very excited when Sundew launched AttractANT PRO Ant Bait Gel powered by indoxacarb, packaged in the industry’s first ready to use squeeze tube back in December 2018. From that very first day pest management professionals wanted to know when Sundew would bring out a roach bait gel in the same user-friendly delivery mechanism. “We already had a very popular cockroach gel – BattleaxePRO Roach Bait Gel utilising the active ingredient fipronil. The bait in this product has been modified over the past few years to provide the longest lasting palatable matrix. In order to provide pest technicians with an alternate bait matrix meant we had to start from scratch with our product research and development,” said David Priddy, C.E.O at Sundew Solutions. Sundew BattleaxePRO Cockroach Gel Bait (fipronil) is a carbohydrate based attractant matrix. To the cockroach, BattleaxePRO Cockroach Gel is basically a beautiful sweet donut. “We get really excited screening different potential attractants not normally used in traditional bait products
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PWAPM Gazette
May 2022 Edition
and then using our innovative formulation science to incorporate these into a versatile gel matrix. I’m pleased to announce that we’ve succeeded in combining the lot in another industry first with AbolishPRO Roach Bait Gel,” continued David. New AbolishPRO Cockroach Gel (indoxacarb) is a unique combination of two types of protein (one animal based, the other plant based) and two complex carbohydrate attractants (neither of which is sugar). To a cockroach AbolishPRO is basically a juicy burger and sweet shake. “Not only do the unique proteins and carbohydrate attractants in AbolishPRO Cockroach Gel make this the ideal rotation when using Sundew BattleaxePRO Roach Gel, but the use of two completely different active ingredients gives you confidence of never having to worry about insecticide resistance or bait aversion occurring,” said David excitedly. Sundew AbolishPRO Roach Bait Gel in extra-large 50 gram easy squeeze tube applicator is available from Agserv, David Grays, Garrards and Globe and is an exciting upgrade for pest management professionals across Australia. You can read more at sundewsolutions.com.au
PWAPM Gazette
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THINKING ABOUT SWITCHING YOUR CRM TO SERVICEM8?
Take advantage of their offer to cover the cost of up to 5 new iPhones. There’s a lot of smaller companies transitioning to ServiceM8 in recent years. One of the most common complaints is the inability to use Android, and a requirement to invest into new Apple products. It’s a big expense for small businesses taking such a leap. ServiceM8 are dedicating $1 million to co-investing in Apple technology with customers, to help small businesses buy quality mobile devices and start using ServiceM8.
How it Works Create a ServiceM8 account, or sign in to your existing trial account •
Start a ServiceM8 subscription
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Purchase up to 5 new iPhones for your business
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Submit your Upgrade to iPhone claim within 30 days
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They’ll credit your ServiceM8 account with the cost of the iPhones purchased.
(Account credit is used at 50% per month) Offer ends once funds are exhausted. Please click here to find out more. *Please read the offer’s Terms & Conditions before taking action.
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PWAPM Gazette
May 2022 Edition
PWAPM - 2022 NATIONAL NETWORKING BREAKFAST
The 2022 PWAPM Networking Breakfast sponsored by Ecolab is just around the corner. The breakfast will be held in line with the AEPMA Pesticon Conference on Tuesday 7th June from 6:30am to 8am at The Star, Gold Coast. We are very excited to be presenting an open discussion with our three panellists Sarah Cutting, Kahlee Aldridge and Jodi Urey examining the challenges of combating administration expectations in the digital age. These women are all successful business owners who have had to adapt and grow their businesses over the years. Nicole Tyzack will be facilitating the discussions.
Sarah Cutting
We will also be announcing the winners of the Trainee and Administrator of the Year Awards at the breakfast and can’t wait to celebrate these achievements with the respective winners. This will be an opportunity to be in a room with like-minded people and to meet some of your business influences, having the opportunity to be in the same room as them and listen to how they approach business.
Kahlee Aldridge
This breakfast is open to PWAPM Members and women delegates attending the Pesticon conference. There is limited seating, and we are selling out fast so make sure you don’t miss out and register now. Jodi Urey
REGISTER NOW Thank you to our major sponsor Ecolab.
Nicole Tyzack
PWAPM Gazette
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Helpful Information
The Building Industry Credit Bureau (BICB) forecasts around 1,350 insolvencies in the construction sector for 2022. This is a sobering number, and a reminder for all credit professionals to remain alert to the warning signs of failure, no matter what industry they trade in. So, which are the main areas within a business that can display signs of weakness or distress and lead to insolvency? Three key arrears of a business that must be well managed: 1.
Finance & administration
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Operations
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Sales & Marketing
All businesses must be reasonably strong in each of these three areas, and not fatally weak in any one. In other words, a business may be strong in its sales and marketing and its operational management, but weak in its finance and administration. This is a business that is susceptible to failure. Alternatively, the business may be strong in its finance and administration and its operations, but is weak in its sales and marketing, then this business is also at risk of failure. 16
PWAPM Gazette
May 2022 Edition Why do businesses fail? The primary reason for business failure in most industries is a lack of financial management. Poor cash flow and inadequate working capital, often compounded by too much debt (or over-gearing) is evident in most business failures. Of course there are other reasons too, such as: •
People – a lack of experience. Just because an individual was successful as a manager or employee in one business, does not mean they have the skill or experience to run an entire enterprise. In the case of a small business, the owner is often responsible for HR, finance, administration, sales and marketing and everything else that crops up out of the blue.
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Product – poor product selection and marketing often results in poor sales and contributes towards financial stress.
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Adverse trading or economic conditions place unforeseen pressure on an organisation that does not have the financial strength to weather the ups and downs.
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Rapid growth coupled with inadequate available funding. Retail and hospitality are key industries to keep an eye on for this common problem. Just because one or two locations perform well, does not mean that this successful formula will repeat itself across many locations. Strong leadership, experience, knowledge and deep pockets are what is required to fund rapid growth.
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Loss of one or more key customers is also a common reason for failure. Any organisation that is almost completely reliant on one or two clients or contracts should be monitored closely.
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Management disputes are also a common reason for failure. In particular disputes between the directors or shareholders can ruin an otherwise good operation.
Things to look out for: •
Deteriorating payment trends are a strong indication that all is not well in the critical area of financial management.
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Irregular payments and repeated requests for extra time to pay also indicate a strained cash flow and inadequate working capital.
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Broken promises. When a customer requests additional time to pay, and you have agreed to an extension, be sure to follow up immediately if the payment is not received. If two or more broken promises are received, consider escalating the debt to your collection agency.
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Avoidance. When your calls and emails requesting payment of an account are not returned promptly, you are right to feel uneasy.
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Change in ownership. Whilst a change in ownership of a business is not necessarily a sign of potential failure, it is important that new credit documentation is obtained to secure your risk.
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Depleted stock levels in a wholesale or retail operation may also point you to cash flow problems.
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High staff turnover can also be a sign of deeper problems within an organisation.
With the end of the 2022 financial year fast approaching, it is a good time to review your non-performing debtors and consider which of those should be escalated to debt recovery. Mel Donnison Relationship Manager AMPAC Debt Recovery Pty Ltd
PWAPM Gazette
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Kirrily Henry
GETTING TO KNOW...
Where do you work & what area?
What is something you find challenging about your work?
Termi Trust Dubbo (Central West NSW). Pest Technician.
Finding that I have to prove myself to the odd client that has their mind made up that I don’t know what I’m doing/ talking about. It doesn’t happen often though.
What led you to pest control?
What is the most exciting part of your job?
What is your role/position?
Previous to Pest Control I was butchering so I’ve always been drawn to the challenge of learning new and different things that aren’t typically ‘normal’ female roles. I’ve always enjoyed jobs where I get to be hands on and always doing something. I love a challenge, so when I saw the advert I jumped at the opportunity. I honestly didn’t know anything about it which made it all the more exciting. Best choice I ever made.
What do you like about where you work?
The people that I work for and with. They are amazing and supportive both personally and professionally.
What is the one skill you think everyone should have in pest control?
Knowledge and willingness to learn all the time. Products change, the environment changes, pests change. To do the best job you can you need to be able to adapt and learn.
What was your first paying job?
My first Job was at Wendy’s when I was 13.
Who inspired you? Who do you aspire to be like?
My children inspire me the most... to do better and be better for them. I would love to be like my grandmother. One of the toughest women I know with a heart of gold.
What’s the greatest risk you have ever taken?
When I was 18 I went on a road trip to Cairns (2,200kms away) with two people I had only just met, without telling anyone at home I was going until I got there (sorry Mum). I’m glad I did though because I got to see and do some pretty amazing things.
What motivates you to work hard?
Everything. I get to meet new people, see new places and learn new things all the time. Even though you could be doing five sprays a day, each one is different because the people and places are different.
What advice would you give your teenage self?
Enjoy yourself. Your only young once, so take a holiday and have an adventure.
What is one thing that most people don’t know about you? I really enjoy colouring in.
What would you prefer: Shark diving, bungee jumping or sky diving? Sky Diving.
My three beautiful children. I want them to know that they can do anything if they really want to, and not to be scared to try something new.
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PWAPM Gazette
May 2022 Edition
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of?
What song would you sing at a karaoke night?
Paradise by the Dashboard Light, because who wouldn’t!!
My children of course. And finally having my Pest Control License. Although I’ve done a lot of different things over the years, it’s the first time I’ve actually gained a qualification which for me is pretty exciting.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Anything involving prawns or salmon.
What animal would you consider your animal spirit?
What’s the weirdest Wikipedia rabbit hole you’ve stumbled down?
Not Wikipedia, but Google... No doubt something to do with one of the Marvel Superheroes to answer questions that the kids are asking.
Friday Night do you: Stay home or go out?
Apparently I’m a Tiger (or so says an online quiz)... it symbolises primal instincts, unpredictability, and ability to trust yourself.
What’s your most prized possession & why?
My Family. Corny as it sounds, they can’t be bought or replaced.
What is one totally irrational fear that you have?
Go out.
I honestly don’t think I have one.
Do you believe in Ghosts?
What is one thing you are really bad at?
No.
Staying awake to watch a movie after 9pm.
What’s the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
Have you ever met someone who is famous?
Do what makes you happy, and don’t worry about what people say, they’ll always have an opinion about something! And if they’re talking about you they’re leaving someone else alone.
Ernie Dingo at the Beerwah Pub, and Shannon Noll in Dubbo.
How would your friends describe you?
Not really hidden, but I play netball, water skii and make pasta from scratch.
Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
Well my best friend said ‘a good conversationalist that is brilliant at connecting with people, makes friends quicker then anyone in the world , strong, courageous, resilient, adventurous, always willing to try new things, and an awesome mum’.... but she could be bias!
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?
I’d take my little Fam Bam on a holiday to the Solomon Islands.
Who is your least favourite celebrity?
Lip balm, a razor and an endless supply of Rum.
If you could pick one age to be permanently, which age would you choose?
Donald Trump.
30 because you’re old enough to know better but young enough to do it again.
If you could redo one day in your life, what would it be and why?
I don’t think I would redo anything. There are good days with good people that I would like to have again, but I wouldn’t do anything different. Hard days and heartache all make you who you are today.
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
What would be the title of your autobiography?
The whole of Australia, followed by the Solomon Islands.
You couldn’t make this stuff up’.
What one thing you saw recently that made you smile?
The joy on my 10 year old daughters face when she met Shannon Noll.
Teleportation... Imagine how much more you could get done everyday.
What’s the top destination on your must-visit list? What’s your most hated house chore? Taking the bins out.
PWAPM Gazette
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GETTING TO KNOW...
Katelyn Maguire
Where do you work & what area?
What’s the greatest risk you have ever taken?
Gippsland Pest Management, Warragul VIC,
Moving from Queensland to Victoria in 2020. I am normally not a big risk taker but when COVID hit Australia, I decided that I wanted to be closer to my family so I packed up my car and my dad and I drove down in a few days before the closed the boarders. It has been the best decision I have made in a long time.
What is your role/position?
Administration Assistant.
What led you to pest control?
To be honest I never thought I would get into pest control as I had a big fear of all things pests before starting this job. Since I have started though, I have learnt more than I ever thought I would about pests but I find them so interesting and it has lead to me not being as afraid of them.
What do you like about where you work?
The atmosphere. Everyone, both technicians and office staff, are so welcoming and supportive. I have had a bad experience with previous jobs where I have felt left out or made fun of for what I like but I have never felt that way working for Gippsland Pest Management.
Who inspired you? Who do you aspire to be like?
My parents. For as long as I can remember, I have watched my parents work hard (sometimes too hard) to give my family a good life. They have supported both my sister and myself in whatever we wanted to do growing up and I have a deep respect for both of them. They have taught me the skills to not only succeed in my work life but also in my personal life.
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What motivates you to work hard?
My home life. I am currently renovating my house so I work hard so I can make sure I can have my dream house in the future. Also my dog, Loki. Dealing with mental health issues most of my life, he helps me stay motivated and keeps me happy so I work hard to give him a good life.
What is something you find challenging about your work? Being assertive and confident. I am the type of person who is happy to remain in the background and let other people lead but as one of the main people who deals with clients, I need to be a lot more assertive and confident. I struggled a lot more when I first started my job but I have gotten a lot better due to the support of Shannon and Tara.
What is the most exciting part of your job?
Going onsite. Whilst I love working within the office, it is exciting going onsite with the technicians and getting to see first-hand how the technicians conduct their treatments. I also love learning
PWAPM Gazette
May 2022 Edition new things so its exciting to see weird situations and how we fix them.
What is the one skill you think everyone should have in pest control?
Teleportation. Gippsland Pest Management services a very large portion of Gippsland Victoria and one of the main complaints the technicians will have is the amount of driving time in their schedules.
What was your first paying job?
Retail assistant at a video store (when video stores were still a thing) at 15.
What advice would you give your teenage self?
Stay strong. There are going to be a lot of bad things you have to deal with in the next 10 years or so but stay strong and you will come out the other side a better and happier person.
What would you prefer: Shark, diving, bungee jumping or sky diving? Shark.
What would be the title of your autobiography? Staying Strong & Loving Life.
What one thing you saw recently that made you smile? My niece who just turned 1 month old.
What song would you sing at a karaoke night? Chicken Fried by Zac Brown Band.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Bacon, Egg, Cheese and Hash Brown Toaster Wrap.
What animal would you consider your animal spirit?
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of?
Buying my first house. I never thought I would own my first house in my 20’s but I managed it, with the help of family and friends.
What’s the weirdest Wikipedia rabbit hole you’ve stumbled down? List of urban legends. I love all things spooky and urban legends and I think my longest stint was 3 hours reading about them.
Friday Night do you: Stay home or go out?
Elephant. They are gentle animals by nature but will go berserk if you threaten their family.
What’s your most prized possession & why?
My Lego. As I have been collecting Lego for a while now, I have some very rare sets that you can’t purchase anymore.
What is one totally irrational fear that you have?
The dark. I love spooky TV shows and murder mysteries so I have made myself afraid of darkness.
What is one thing you are really bad at?
Stay Home.
Singing.
Do you believe in Ghosts?
Have you ever met someone who is famous?
Yes.
Yes. Steve Carell at a movie première?
What’s the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
What other people do, feel, and think, has nothing to do with you.
Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
My biggest hobby is Lego. I have a big collection of Lego and it is constantly growing. I love building things and Lego gives me the opportunity to do that whilst also not breaking my bank account.
If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Lego. There are a lot of sets I can buy with $10,000.
How would your friends describe you? Kind, loving and loyal.
Which historical figure would you most like to meet? Queen Victoria.
What three items would you take with you to a deserted island? My dog, frying pan/saucepan and a tent.
If you could pick one age to be permanently, which age would you choose?
25. This is the year that I changed a lot of things in my life and became a stronger person.
Who is your least favourite celebrity?
Tom Cruise.
If you could redo one day in your life, what would it be and why?
My sister’s wedding. Everything was perfect and there was no issues but it was such an enjoyable day surrounded by friends and family and I would love to do it all again. It was the last time all our friends and family were together before COVID hit.
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? Teleportation.
What’s the top destination on your must-visit list? Rome, Italy.
What’s your most hated house chore? Vacuuming.
PWAPM Gazette
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WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO BENCHMARK YOUR BUSINESS
Why benchmark? •
See how your established pest control business is tracking in comparison to your competitors
•
Review your expenses and income with fresh eyes, providing you with a guide on what you should be spending on a business of your size
•
Are you working to build your business, for growth or to sell, or simply just paying yourself a salary?
•
Gain some ideas to improve your business
Bayer is offering a FREE benchmarking survey and report to all it’s Amplify Pest members. Not a member yet? Register for free at www.bayeramplifypest.com.au.
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PWAPM Gazette
May 2022 Edition
6-22 SEPTEMBER 2022
AGSERV PESTECH WE’RE BACK ON THE ROAD!
AGSERV PESTECH 2022 We’re excited to be back on the road again and welcoming you all to Agserv Pestech 2022. There’s lots to catch up on and our sponsors are chomping at the bit to bring you the latest in product innovations and industry updates. Come along and enjoy a great lunch, catch up with some old friends and meet some new ones too. Wander through our extensive tradeshow featuring not only the latest and greatest in chemicals and equipment but a great mix of service providers including insurers, industry training, software and business systems and more. Oh, and there’s some great give-aways and door prizes to be had too! Register for Pestech 2022 today. We’d love to see you there.
WHERE AND WHEN: • Presentations and product updates
Adelaide - Tuesday 6/09 SAJC Morphettville Racecourse - Leilani Room 79 Morphett Road, Morphettville, SA
• Exclusive Pestech only offers and special deals
Melbourne - Wednesday 7/09 Malvern Valley Public Golf Course - No.1 Events 1 Golfers Drive, Malvern East, VIC Perth - Thursday 8/09 The Camfield - The Hall 1 Roger MacKay Drive, Burswood, WA Sydney - Monday 19/09 Bankstown Sports - Level 1 8 Greenfield Parade, Bankstown, NSW
• Trade show featuring the latest products and equipment • Great give-aways and door prizes • Lunch and afternoon tea provided
Newcastle - Tuesday 20/09 Club Macquarie - Grand Auditorium 458 Lake Road, Argenton, NSW Gold Coast/Tweed - Wednesday 21/09 Twin Towns Conference & Function Centre - Horizons Room 2 Wharf Street,Tweed Heads, NSW
REGISTER NOW Visit www.agserv.com.au or contact your local branch on 1800 554 445 Pestech kicks off at 12pm and concludes at 4:30pm
Brisbane - Thursday 22/09 Calamvale Hotel - Skyline Room Cnr. Compton & Beaudesert Roads, Calamvale, QLD
COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY FOR PEST MANAGERS!
National Toll Free Number
1800 55 44 45 agserv.com.au
PWAPM Gazette
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THANK YOU to our partners
Events Calendar
December 2021 Edition
SAVE THE DATE!! May Zoom Link: Friday 27th 7pm VIC Time June Zoom Link: Friday 24th 7pm VIC Time
Australian Events AEPMA Conference Pesticon - 6th - 8th June 2022 PWAPM Networking Breakfast - 7th June 2022, The Star Gold Coast (Pesticon Conference)
International Events 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
GARRARDS
“SERVICE WITH INTEGRITY” www.garrards.com.au
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 2022 Edition – 26th July 2022 November 2022 Edition - 26th October 2022
Contact Us Secretary – Tara Kiker 0499 903 637 | info@womeninpestmanagement.com.au
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PWAPM Gazette
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