SPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSOCIATION INC.
Vol 13 No 4 August • September 2013
Protect yourself Excellence abounds
Insurance Awards formatters Excellence
raises the bar
The rise and eyes RICKY RICHARDS of machinery Notches three Aeronautup takes one
decades in business big step forward
Marine TENSION Fabricators STRUCTURES Workshop Design challenges,
rewards STA’s material latest initiative
young beware! leaders Copycats Showcase theirlandscape expertise The legal
The shadecloth people See our article on page 38
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the latest news from the sta office | new members | rtos & upcoming events
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CONNECTIONS magazine is published on behalf of the Specialised Textiles Association Inc. by CommStrat Limited.
Contents 18
Publisher CommStrat Editor & WRITER Nicola Card nicola.card@commstrat.com.au Design & production Annette Epifanidis annette@commstrat.com.au National Sales MANAGER Yuri Mamistvalov Phone: 03 8534 5008 yuri@commstrat.com.au
20
23
Contributors Max Brady, John Clark, Neil Hancock, Janice Kleinschmidt, Beatrice Moonen, Chris Round, the Jardine Lloyd Thompson team.
35
PHOTOGRAPHY Nicola Card
28
COMMSTRAT
ABN 31 008 434 802
Level 8, 574 St Kilda Rd Melbourne Vic 3004 www.commstrat.com.au Specialised Textiles Association Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Road, St Kilda Vic 3182 Phone: 03 9521 2114 Local call: 1300 555 787 Fax: 03 9521 2116 www.specialisedtextiles.com.au Disclaimer: Except where specifically stated, the opinions and material published in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or the STA Council.
41
26
ASSOCIATION MATTERS
SPECIAL FEATURES
4
Report by STA President
6
STA office update
20
33
Fabric Structures Committee report
Silicon Eye Aeronaut Automation’s brilliant images
46
STA welcomes its newest member
28
STA stalwarts’ epic journey Max Brady and colleagues scenic trip to SuperExpo
42
Outstanding in their field A look at US innovation in agriculture
AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 23
Special Commendation
TRAINING 35
Marine Fabricators Workshop By course presenter Neil Hancock
BUSINESS ADVICE 12
ACCC legislation and liability Protect yourself and your business
30
Copyright – and wrong Avoiding overlaps
SPOTLIGHT ON MEMBERS 38
Members’ products and services Contender/Weathermax, Polyfab, Ricky Richards
RTOs and EVENTS 48
Industry events and RTOs
NEWS CORNER
ASSOCIATION
subscriptions To subscribe to Connections for just $75 inc GST annually contact Ruth Spiegel ruth.spiegel@commstrat.com.au 2 · CONNECTIONS
16
Member news Top dignitaries launch Avenue of Honour
Special features in the next issue of Connections... Sail Makers, Marine & Motor Trimming Disaster Relief If you would like to be involved in any of these features by providing commentary or insights please contact the editor Nicola.card@commstrat.com.au
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STA MATTERS
From the office of the President Tom Gastin We have spent a fantastic fortnight visiting
dollar and an election that I think we
our members across the country in the
all want over and done with so we can
state member meetings.
move on.
I would like to thank all those who took
The indecision of buyers prior to an
time out of their day to come and find out
election seems to have a strong effect
what is happening in the association and
on many of our members. It’s now more
provide vital feedback.
obvious, but not limited to, projects that are
The association relies on this feedback to continue to increase value of membership so please, keep it coming. The feeling around the country seems not
government funded. It’s times like these that require a collaborative effort from the association and our industry leaders to support our
to have changed much over the last couple
industry as a whole. The recently launched
of years since I first joined the committee.
STA Accreditation system is a great start
There is still a general consensus that we
to educating our clients that we support
are not in easy times.
and produce best practice and quality,
However, there is one main difference from then to now – Calm. Businesses, although finding it tough, are
The recently launched STA Accreditation system is a great start to educating our clients that we support and produce best practice and quality, reliable products … I am looking forward to seeing the substance accreditation will provide for our industry and seeing it become one of our strongest tools for industry progression.”
reliable products. It was great seeing support for the program launch during STA’s recent round
not panicking as much anymore. Strategic
of state meetings and I am looking forward
adjustments have been made to suit the
to seeing the substance accreditation
STA office if you would like some more
ever-changing modern economic climate to
will provide for our industry and seeing
information on how to get involved and get
see through the storm.
it become one of our strongest tools for
more out of your membership while giving
industry progression.
more to the industry.
These strategic adjustments have come in
Please don’t hesitate to contact the
the form of re-structuring of product lines,
The willingness of our members to
target markets and business infrastructure.
participate in our sub-committees and
summer season and let’s hope we can
These decisions have been tough at times,
initiatives is inspirational and evident of
get through the coming weeks of election
yet essential for sustainability of business
the volume of passion in our industry. I
campaigning and hope that the politicians
models. Especially in the wake of an influx
thank you all for your involvement and I
have our industry and businesses in the
of imported products, a strong Australian
encourage all to get involved when they can
forefront of their minds when developing
afford the time.
their policies.
Businesses … are not panicking as much anymore. Strategic adjustments have been made to suit the ever-changing modern economic climate to see through the storm.” 4 · CONNECTIONS
If you are keen, there is plenty to sink
I wish you all the best for the approaching
Now is the perfect time to put the heat on
your teeth in to with the Fabric Structures
your local pollies and make sure they don’t
Committee, the Connections Editorial
forget us.
Committee, the Young Leaders Conference, the Training Committee and the recently developed Women in Textiles Group and Marine Fabricators Group. The latter provided an excellent hands-on workshop in Sydney for Marine trimmers.
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STA MATTERS
The STA Diary Office manager Ana Drougas presents a round-up of association activities We (STA) hold a series of information sessions
Training update
Training Committee
in five cities around the country twice a
Manufacturing Skills Australia (MSA) has
Training has always played an important
year for our members. The second round of
commenced a scoping project to investigate
role within our association but unfortunately
sessions for 2013 was held during the first
the skills needed in the specialised textiles
the number of trainees is decreasing in each
two weeks of August. While the agenda is the
and fabrication industry.
state. Some states have no trainees in textile
same for all sessions, it is always interesting to
The Specialised Textiles Association has
learn that members in each city have different
prepared a short survey with MSA to help
leaves the training institution with no option
topics of concern.
capture the skills and training priorities of
other than to remove the course from their
The next few paragraphs provide a glimpse
enterprises in the specialised textiles and
scope which in turn leaves us as an industry
of the topics and discussions that took place
fabrication industry. Members are invited
rather vulnerable.
during member sessions.
to participate in the survey in order to contribute to this investigation. This project
Website and member communication
will result in recommendations for changes
We communicate with our members using
units and qualifications.
various methods, the main one being the electronic newsletter which is generally
to the Textile Fabrication Training Package Submissions must be received by end of August 2013.
circulated every fortnight. While this is
We as an industry are being consulted
emailed to about 400 email addresses,
and asked to contribute to all aspects of
statistics show us that only a quarter of that
training relating to our industry. Even the
number open the newsletter. It is difficult
certificate name/s are up for discussion and
to ascertain why the majority are not
change. Participate in the survey and help
reading the newsletter, however the member
shape training in the specialised textiles
sessions allow us to raise awareness with our
and fabrication industry for years to come:
members. Are they aware that the newsletter
ttp://surveys.mskills.com.au//TakeSurvey.
is produced? Do they receive it? Our challenge
aspx?SurveyID=86K23ml
over the next few months is to increase the
Our association is currently establishing
fabrication or other associated courses, which
Some states have no trainees in textile fabrication or other associated courses, which leaves the training institution with no option other than to remove the course from their scope which in turn leaves us as an industry rather vulnerable." With the training package currently under review we have the opportunity to shape our industry training into something that will
number of newsletter ‘opens’ to ensure our
focus groups that will concentrate on
show a clear career pathway for our future
members are up to date with the latest STA
specific industry issues/topics. These focus
trainees/apprentices.
projects and industry news.
groups are: Training Committee, Marine
STA’s training committee is involved in
Fabricator Division, Connections Editorial
reviewing current training needs for our
participants were guided through the member
Committee, Women in Textiles and the
industry. The committee is made up of
area of the STA website to ensure they
Fabric Structures Committee. The focus
member volunteers - one from each state.
were using their business listing in order to
groups which ultimately report to STA’s
Vacancies on the committee exist for
be included in the online product/service
Council of Management are encouraged
positions from South Australia, Northern
search. The member area allows members to
to set their own agenda and develop their
Territory and Tasmania. If industry training
maintain their contact details, upload their
own objectives while keeping the welfare
is important to you, get involved and make a
business logo, access Ai Group information,
of the members and the association
difference. Contact the STA office to express
apply for accreditation and much more.
in mind.
your interest.
During the state member sessions,
6 · CONNECTIONS
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STA MATTERS Marine Fabricator Division of STA
An Editorial Committee has now been
The aim of the Women in Textiles
The objectives of the Marine Fabricator
established and will be reviewing the editorial
Committee is to make a difference for women
Division of STA (MFD) are to support
plan and content along with the circulation
in our industry by:
and raise awareness within the marine
numbers and method in a bid to provide
• Showcasing achievements and being
fabricators in our industry.
association input to the magazine editor.
To this end, the MFD while only in existence
Did you know that Connections is also
rewarded for efforts • Raising money for a chosen charity, and
for four months has put together a networking
available in digital format? You can now read
breakfast in Melbourne and a two-day
Connections online. STA members receive the
workshop in Sydney. Marine fabricators
printed copy as well as a link via our e-news
got together for both events to share ideas,
enabling them to download the entire ‘flip
facets of our industry to join the committee
networking and learn.
book’ version of every Connections issue.
in order to get this off the ground. This is a
Neil Hancock, Aussie Boat Covers, is passionate about what he does and felt that marine fabricators needed the opportunity to be promoted, educated and supported. Neil now holds the position of Chairperson of the MFD. The Marine Fabricator Division will be made up of six STA members who will set their own objectives and mission statement while reporting to Council of Management. Four positions have been filled to date. If you are involved in the marine industry and feel you can make a difference, please contact our office to express your interest in joining this committee.
• Networking with other like minded women We seek six motivated women from all
challenge for you, so, if you are ready and
The Fabric Structures Committee is chaired by Beatrice Moonen of Abacus Shade Structures who has been working tirelessly over the past few months developing a series of documents promoting the industry to consumers and government bodies." If you have any suggestions about
willing to play in a bigger game and develop your leadership potential, get involved! If this sounds like an opportunity for you and you are ready to extend yourself and make a difference, please phone Ana Drougas (on 03 9521 2114) or Connie Hellyar (0404 086 158) and jump on board. The experience will be both profound and life enriching.
Young Leaders Conference 2013 Learning – networking – mentoring
Connections magazine that you would like to
The next Young Leaders Conference is
Fabric Structures Committee
pass onto the Editorial Committee, please
scheduled to take place on Saturday 12 and
The Fabric Structures Committee is chaired
contact Ana at the STA office on 03 9521 2114.
Sunday 13 October 2013 on the Gold Coast.
Structures who has been working tirelessly
Women in Textiles Committee
those aged 35 year or younger who have been
over the past few months developing a series
During our last Awards for Excellence dinner,
involved in the industry for two or more years,
of documents promoting the industry to
STA Councillor Connie Hellyar was chatting
and the number of attendees is limited to 20
consumers and government bodies.
to a few members about the significant
each year. During the Young Leaders Conference,
The following documents are available
achievements of our industry’s Young Leaders.
all attendees participate in a learning,
for use by all installers via the ‘Resources’
Connie was inspired seeing them achieve such
networking and mentoring environment.
section of the STA website:
great results, and it got her thinking about the
Motivational and inspiring speaker sessions/
About Fabric Structures - Pre release 2013
many talented women in our industry who
workshops are organised for all to participate in.
Consumer Checklist -2013
are working as business owners, saleswomen,
All in all the sessions provide the opportunity to
Shade sail Guidelines, and
marketing managers and fabricators, to name
learn from some of the industry legends as well
Licensing Requirements for installers across
a few.
as from one another.
by Beatrice Moonen of Abacus Shade
Australia Read more about the work of the Fabric Structures Committee on pages 33 and 34.
Connections Editorial Committee Connections magazine is STA’s most
The Young Leaders Conference is open to
Women are not always appreciated or
Towards the end of the conference,
recognised for the work they produce.
the young leaders are divided into two teams
Traditionally, women have taken a ‘back seat’
and are charged with a task that involves
and supported others rather than promote
developing from scratch a structure of some
themselves.
sort, or theme, which is to be finalised
Why can’t women in our industry showcase
and presented at the 2014 STA Expo and
recognised tool for communicating with
their accomplishments and be recognised for
Conference. One team will be announced as
members and the industry at large.
what they can achieve?
the winning team at that time.
Connections has progressed throughout the years from its initial form as a newsletter to a newsy and vibrant publication issued six
With this question in mind, Connie developed the idea for ‘Women in Textiles’.
If you fit the criteria or know of someone else who does and would like to participate,
As a woman, no matter whether you work
please send us your expression of interest
times a year, which reflects the achievements
on a full- or part-time basis, your work is an
as soon as possible as this event is sure to
of STA member businesses.
important expression of who you are.
sell out soon.
8 · CONNECTIONS
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STA MATTERS Accreditation The STA Business Accreditation program has been in the making for over three years. Those members attending the recent round of association sessions embraced the accreditation program and were keen to see it become reality. All being well, the official launch of the accreditation program will have taken place in late August. Members have been involved in the consultation process along the way with many opportunities to contribute and help shape the model into one that we could all
Moving forward, based on the extended feedback received, next year’s industry Expo will focus on high powered, motivational, inspiring as well as industry related business sessions with trade displays on a smaller scale open to visitors for approximately three hours over two days. "
be proud of. We embarked on this road in order to: • Meet defined industry standards
Exhibitor surveys have been collated with the
• Encourage industry best practice
end result indicating a strong preference for
• Differentiate members from other
future joint industry expos every two years.
members (as well as non members in the industry), and • Give customers confidence in the products and services we provide Stage one of STA's Business Accreditation is based one a three level accreditation model. Members apply by completing the online
The survey also indicated that our exhibitors would like the opportunity to participate in the business sessions during the expo. However, given that they are committed to minding their stand, they tend to miss out. Moving forward, based on the extended feedback received, next year’s industry Expo will focus on high
questionnaire located in the members’ area of
powered, motivational, inspiring as well as
the STA website. The STA office will determine
industry related business sessions with trade
whether accreditation has been achieved.
displays on a smaller scale open to visitors for
Member businesses will be known as a Business Accredited Member of STA. What type of things are we checking on for accreditation? o
Business registered in your home state
o
Whether you have the right business/ legal structure
approximately three hours over two days. The 2014 Conference program will include the traditional STA events we have all come to expect – partners’ program, theme dinner etc. Further details will be available in early October on the STA website. In summary the Expo will be reshaped as:
o
How do you manage finances, and
• A three-day program
o
How do you manage risks
• Business sessions with industry specific and
Accreditation is only open to STA Members
business inspired topics
and is voluntary. At some point in the
• Networking and social events
future, we expect that accreditation will be
• Awards for Excellence dinner
mandatory.
• Partners program, and
For now, members please keep an eye out for the official launch of the Accreditation program and if you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
2014 Annual STA Event - Expo or Conference? As recently reported, the joint Expo known as SuperExpo (STA and BMAA joint initiative) was a successful event for all involved. 10 · CONNECTIONS
• Trade display opportunities For now, mark the date for the 2014 Conference in your diary: Saturday May 31 to Monday June 2, 2014 in the Hunter Valley, NSW
STA Council of Management SPECIALISED TEXTILES Association Inc. Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Rd St Kilda, Vic 3182 Ph: (03) 9521 2114 Local Call: 1300 555 787 Facsimile: (03) 9521 2116 Email: ana@specialisedtextiles.com.au Web: www.specialisedtextiles.com.au ASSOCIATION MANAGER Ana Drougas Email: ana@specialisedtextiles.com.au President Tom Gastin Pattons—Textile Fabrication 80 McDougall St, Kirribilli, NSW 2061 Ph: 02 9955 2563 or 1300 799 980 Fax: 02 9959 3158 Mobile: 0414 952 007 Email: tom@pattons.com.au COUNCILLORS David Burton Ricky Richards 16 Park Road, Homebush NSW 2140 Ph: 02 9735 3333 Fax: 02 9735 3311 Mobile: 0419 277 711 Email: david.burton@rickyrichards.com.au Jamie Howard Total Shade Solutions 4 Aldinga St, Brendale QLD 4500 Ph: 07 3889 7200 Fax: 07 3889 8865 Mobile: 0402 274 636 Email: Jamie@totalshadesolutions.com.au Connie Hellyar OneLink Agencies 3 Toorak Close, Mollymook Beach NSW 2539 Ph: 02 4454 3101 Fax: 02 4454 3201 Mobile: 0404 086 158 connie@onelinkagencies.com.au www.onelinkagencies.com.au Glenn Barlow Positive Resolutions Pty Ltd 2/46 Governor Macquarie Drive, Chipping Norton NSW 2170 Ph: 02 9723 9141 Fax: 02 728 3337 Mobile: 0409 273 284 Email: glenn@positiveresolutions.com.au Daniel Gollan HVG 46 Wodonga Street, Beverley SA 5009 Ph: 08 8348 6800 Fax: 08 8445 8455 Mobile: 0402 274 636 Email: dgollan@hvg.net.au Connections Magazine Advertising submissions: yuri@commstrat.com.au Ph: 03 8534 5008 Editorial: Nicola Card nicola.card@commstrat.com.au
legal liability
Product Warranty Insurance: Covering fabricators for potentially serious risk
By Jeff Williamson of Jardine Lloyd Thompson Limited
Stuart McKellar and Jeff Williamson of JLT outline the facts at SuperExpo 12 ¡ CONNECTIONS
Most fabricators are unaware of the extent
However, there is an exclusion: “when a
of their liability, under ACCC consumer
person or business procures goods as raw
legislation, for remedy in the event of
materials in manufacture or repair�. Hence, a
failure of their products to meet warranted
fabricator is simply not defined as a consumer
performance.
under the Act; and therefore does not have the
Their presumption that this liability,
same rights.
particularly significant consequential
These consumer rights are significant.
damages, can be legally transferred to
There are three (relevant of nine) stipulated
a supplier is erroneous, and they are
guarantees that are mandatory to be
particularly vulnerable in the event of a
provided by a fabricator, namely that the
significant claim. Currently, insurance for this
goods are of acceptable quality, fit for
risk is virtually impossible to obtain.
purpose, and that they match any sample or
Fabricators are not protected by the
description. The consumer has a guaranteed
Australian Competition and Consumer Act,
right to remedy if the goods fail to meet
because they are not a consumer. Under the
these criteria, including replacement and
act, a consumer is defined by the nature of the
consequential damages. The fabricator does
purchase, rather than the purchaser, which
not have the same degree of protection, and
means that, depending on the transaction, even
is reliant on contractual arrangements with
a business can be considered one!
the supplier or Common Law.
Image by nicola card
Earlier this year a confidential survey relating to business insurance and liability was circulated to key industry participants in order to evaluate the potential for a cost effective scheme applicable to the industry and gather information for potential reinsurers.
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legal liability “There is a clear need for reasonably priced insurance to cover these consequential costs.” Conditions of sale
consideration, and is not necessarily a
products; where defects in design,
In the absence of any other agreement, the
legal obligation.
manufacture or installation of them have
warranty or conditions of sale form the
In the event of a large claim, where the
resulted in injury or property damage; or
legal basis for the transaction between the
costs of re-fabrication and re-installation far
supplier and the fabricator, who is deemed to
outweigh the value of material, the fabricator
explicitly agree to them on accepting delivery
might not be able to rely on this supplier's
apply if, after inspection, other awnings on
of goods. Most suppliers also include these
“goodwill”, and risks being left holding a
the building were also at risk of detaching
same conditions on credit application forms,
substantive liability. The same issue applies
due to faulty fixing pins, but only if it could
and require agreement to them as a condition
between the supplier and manufacturer of
be demonstrated that there was further
providing credit terms.
the goods, especially if the latter is a foreign
risk of injury or property damage. The
business entity. Further, the interpretation
policy would cover the cost of removal and
against the fabricator for say, faulty
of consequential damages in the consumer
replacement of the remaining awnings.
material, the latter’s recourse against the
legislation appear to be very broad, and there
supplier of that material would be covered
is a real prospect that future claims could
where a product is found not to meet
by the supplier’s warranty or “Conditions
be inflated more than what the industry has
warranty or be fit for purpose. In our
of Sale”. Most supplier warranties are
historically experienced.
example above, this would be say, if the
Thus, in the event of a consumer claim
for replacement of material only and
Therefore, there is a clear need for
where use of them may do so. In our example above, this policy would
Neither of these policies cover a situation
fabric in the awning exhibited excessive
generally exclude or severely limit liability
reasonably priced insurance to cover these
colour or strength loss due to faulty UV
for consequential damages, including re-
consequential costs.
stabiliser, which led to a valid consumer
fabrication and re-installation.
“For example … suppose the fixing pins of an awning on a multi-storey building are sheared in a mild wind, and it falls on a moving vehicle, which crashes into a light pole, in turn causing injury to the driver.”
The types of insurance policies that are
claim. In this case, the loss of amenity
available are summarised below, with
does not of itself create a risk of injury or
shortcomings illustrated by example:
damage, and product recall cover does not apply.
Product Liability Insurance liability insurance covers injury and property
Product Guarantee (or Warranty) Insurance
damage caused by failure or a defect in
The above provides this comprehensive
a product. This type of policy specifically
coverage. It covers the cost of removal,
excludes the “repair, replacement or recall of
repair, alteration, treatment, or replacement
the Insured’s products”
of any product or part, that fails to perform
Often linked to public liability, Product
For example, suppose the fixing pins of an awning on a multi-storey building are sheared in a mild wind, and it falls on a
the function for which it was designed, manufactured or sold. However, this type of insurance, if indeed it
moving vehicle, which crashes into a light
is available at all, is prohibitively expensive
risk of bearing the consequential damages
pole, in turn causing injury to the driver.
and has onerous conditions for product
associated with alleged failure of the
The fabricator’s/installer’s product liability
eligibility, such as documented and audited
supplier’s product. This is often overlooked
policy would cover the costs associated
procedures for quality control along the
by fabricators, who erroneously assume
with treatment of the injury, damage to
whole supply chain.
that their legal obligations to the consumer
the vehicle and the light pole, but not re-
can be directly passed on to their supplier.
fabrication and re-installation of
from an industry specialist group policy
Of course, in practice most suppliers, in
the awning.
which provides strength in numbers, details
The fabricator, therefore, has the legal
The answer is to join forces and benefit
of which were presented at SuperExpo.
the event of a claim, do agree to cover, at least contribute toward consequential
Product Recall Insurance
damages as well as replacement material,
This covers specified costs and expenses
more detail, contact Stuart McKellar of JLT on 07
but this decision is based on a commercial
associated with the recall of the insured’s
3246 7562 or email: stuart.mckellar@jta.com.au
14 · CONNECTIONS
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