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JAMES OXENHAM HRIA CEO

2025 TRANSLATING VISION INTO PROGRESS

IN THE LAST HRIA BOARD MEETING OF 2024, HRIA DIRECTORS DEDICATED THEIR TIME TO REVIEWING THE ASSOCIATION’S STRATEGIC PLAN.

THE DIRECTORS AND NATIONAL OFFICE TEAM WORKED with an external facilitator to review the 5-year plan at its halfway mark. The goal was to recognise what has been achieved to date, identify what needs prioritising, assess the operating environment and review resources in place to help achieve strategic success.

What came out of the session was confirmation that the 2022-27 plan was both relevant and aligned to the direction the HRIA had been taking. There was little in the way of adjustment needed and several of the strategic goals were already complete.

"With the right people in place, a culture of trust and support and the tools to do the job, the National office is in an excellent position to deliver on the Strategic Plan."

Areas that were identified as high priority for the National office to focus on included:

• encouraging more people and businesses to hire equipment

• attracting and developing people in the hire industry

• helping hire businesses promote themselves more effectively.

Like most high-level strategic plans, the challenge is how to translate vision into operational progress. Having had the privilege of managing the HRIA for several years, I can say that it is the people around me that make the difference when it comes to progressing the Association, delivering operationally and supporting our members.

Developing a high-performing and aligned team is critical and not something that happens overnight. There are times when things are not going well, either culturally or operationally, and having been through these different cycles, it has been, the strong team members, who love their job and the Association, that have offered support and pulled together during difficult times. I’d like to thank the team around me, who are one of the strongest groups that I have been lucky to lead.

With the right people in place, a culture of trust and support and the tools to do the job, the National office is in an excellent position to deliver on the Strategic Plan.

The team and I look forward to working for our members throughout 2025 and we are grateful for the strategic direction of the HRIA Board.

I’d like to wish all our members a safe, productive and prosperous New Year and I look forward to meeting many of you through our development programs, state meetings, the Convention and other HRIA events in 2025. T

FINDING WAYS TO DO THINGS BETTER

IN MARCH 2024, ANDREA PIDCOCK WAS APPOINTED CEO OF ONSITE RENTAL GROUP. SHE TALKS TO HIRE & RENTAL MAGAZINE ABOUT HER CAREER, JOINING THE HIRE INDUSTRY AND THE GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD.

H&R: Andrea, can you share a little about the career journey you’ve taken so far — including some of the challenges — that’s now led you to Onsite?

I started my career with Rio Tinto, working firstly in R&D developing sorting and sensing equipment, then in Operations Optimisation at Tom Price Iron Ore mine in the Pilbara and at the New Zealand Aluminium Smelter in Invercargill. I found that I really love large scale operating environments and finding ways to do things better — sometimes by applying new technology, sometimes just by doing simple everyday things more effectively and efficiently.

I left Rio Tinto to move back to the city when I got married. Since then, I have mostly worked in building materials production and manufacturing with Boral, Fletcher Building, CSR and Rondo.

At Boral, I went from leading strategy and operations improvement to leading the business in South Australia. I found the move from functional leadership to business leadership exhilarating, as we faced very difficult market conditions and had to take bold and rapid action in response. I have since run businesses that make quarry products, steel products, concrete products, plasterboard and fibre cement, all in ferociously competitive and cyclical markets. I can’t go past a building site without checking whose products are being used across almost every category! And now I also check out whose accommodation and equipment is on site.

“It is great to see that the industry recognises that working together in areas like safety and talent development gets better results for everyone.”

H&R: You've got great experience, having worked in large industry sectors throughout your career. What attracted you to this position specifically, and more broadly, to join the Hire industry?

Onsite is a terrific business with highly capable people, a great reputation among its customers, and a lot of opportunity to grow in the large business to business equipment rental market. Given my background is in resources, construction and industrial operations, I understand how those industries operate and how Onsite can add value to them. We provide expertise, fleet solutions and fleet management capability that they need to operate safely and efficiently. It’s a worthwhile business to be in. I was particularly attracted to Onsite by the opportunity to create a growth strategy for our next phase under Sime’s ownership, and to work with the people in the business to deliver the strategy.

H&R: What was your biggest challenge coming in as CEO of such a large national corporation?

Starting in a new business and a new industry means there is a lot to learn. Every market we operate in is different, with different customers, different competitors, different challenges and different opportunities. Understanding how the business operates, getting to know our people and our customers, and working out what is working well and what could be better has been a big early focus. Fortunately, I got a lot of support from the previous CEO, Mike Foureur, and the Onsite leadership team is deeply experienced in the business and the industry.

H&R: Onsite has a clear set of core values — how do you, as CEO, work to ensure those values are the fundamental bedrock to everything the company does?

Onsite has very strong values that are deeply ingrained in the way that we operate. We have just updated these to: ‘Act with Integrity’, ‘Care for All’, and ‘Win Together’, which are simple, authentic and underpin our culture and our aspirations. To make sure our values are embedded in the business, I believe that the first and most important thing is that I and the leadership team live and breathe them on a daily basis. We strive to demonstrate the values in all of our dealings, both within and outside the organisation, and whenever we see people in the business behaving in ways that are not in line with our values, we need to call it out and address it.

To introduce the new values, I ran interactive sessions with people across the business to understand and articulate how the values come to life for us, and we have incorporated them into everything we do, into our policies and into how we recruit, manage, recognise and reward our people.

H&R: How would you describe your management style?

As a business leader, I need to operate at both the longterm strategic level — i.e., building a picture of the future for the business and developing a plan to get there — and in the ‘here and now’, making sure we are operating as we should and that we are delivering results.

Andrea (second from right) at Tom Price Iron mine in the Pilbara. "I love large scale operating environments."

“Onsite is a terrific business with highly capable people, a great reputation among its customers, and a lot of opportunity to grow in the large business to business equipment rental market.”

I would describe my style as quite hands-on and collaborative. My philosophy is that the value in the business is created by the people in our branches, our sales teams, our service teams and our assets team. They are the ones who serve our customers every day, ensuring the right fleet solutions are delivered and maintained and that they perform as required. A big part of my job is to support our team members by ensuring they have what they need to do their work as well as possible.

H&R: Looking back on your time at Onsite, what’s excited you the most?

The thing that excites me the most about Onsite is the growth opportunity that we have ahead of us and the support and enthusiasm that we have from our owners, Sime, and from the Onsite team to make it happen.

H&R: Have you had opportunity to visit Onsite branches and operations around the country as yet? What have you learned from talking to team members and customers?

I spend as much time as possible visiting branches and meeting with customers.

The main insight that I have received from customers is their increasing focus on sustainability and decarbonising their operations. We really need OEMs to accelerate their work to provide reliable and cost-effective alternatives, and increasingly we will see new OEMs bringing different options to the market. It has also been gratifying to hear how much customers value our branch teams.

In the past few months, I have visited almost all our branch teams to run sessions getting their input into our strategy. From our branch teams, what really struck me was

the high level of passion and commitment to our customers and the business, and the initiative that they show every day to get the best outcome for both. There were also lots of specific ideas on what we can do differently.

H&R: Given Onsite’s strong reputation for partnering with customers, what’s been your focus for building on/maintaining that reputation?

To me, the essence of partnering is working together to support each other’s aspirations, and this means investing time and effort to understand each other, looking for ways to create value and save costs, and working together to resolve issues if things go wrong. The feedback I have had from customers is that Onsite does this really well. It’s part of our DNA, supported by our Connect platform that gives powerful fleet management insights. As we grow and evolve, a key part of our strategy is to understand our customers’ goals and experience with us, and to identify things that we can do to further streamline and enhance our services.

H&R: Coming from outside the industry, what observations have you made about the hire industry that makes it different to other sectors?

The hire industry is very broad and diverse, with a small number of large competitors and a lot of smaller privately owned businesses, many with specialised fleet and capability. That speaks to both strong entrepreneurial spirit and deep expertise. It is also an industry where there is a lot of cross hire, so competitors are often also customers of each other. It is great to see that the industry recognises that working together in areas like safety and talent development gets better results for everyone.

On her 2024 Roadshow, Hayley spent time visiting branches and meeting with customers.

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H&R: On a professional level, where do you go for inspiration?

I love hearing about different ideas and people’s experiences, and I read a lot and listen to podcasts on everything from history to future technologies. I also have a lot of former colleagues who are doing really interesting things in different fields; they are great to bounce ideas off.

H&R: What do you see as the main headwind facing the Hire industry in the short to medium term?

In the immediate term, market conditions in many sectors and geographies are softening, and after a long ‘bull run’, we have to respond to these tougher conditions and focus on costs, credit risk and the like. In the medium term, I think the biggest challenges for the industry will be adapting to the transition from fossil fuels to electric and non-carbon energy sources and having the skilled workforce to manage new technologies. A lot of decarbonised solutions are yet to be developed, and new OEMs are coming up with new options, so in an industry where we acquire our equipment for an expected life of around 10 years, there is increasing risk of not being able to keep up with the pace of change and being left with obsolete fleet. Making sure that we have the skills to support these different technologies, and to capture benefits from artificial intelligence will also be a challenge.

H&R: What do you think members of the HRIA could do better to represent the hire proposition among our customer groups?

I think the HRIA does a great job in representing the hire industry and articulating the value proposition of rental. Members can include the materials the HRIA has developed into our customer communications, and I think there is an opportunity to engage more with customer industry associations and the like so that we are not just preaching to the converted.

H&R: How would you rate the Hire industry's efforts on the topic of workforce diversity?

One of my favourite events at the 2024 HRIA conference was the Women in Hire function. This is a great program to promote gender diversity and the women who participated in it found that it really helped them navigate their career and manage the particular challenges that women can face in a traditional male industrial environment. Within Onsite, we have a relatively high proportion of women, including in line leadership roles as branch managers and operations managers. We also have employees from many different nationalities, sexual orientations, religions and cultural backgrounds. Overall, I think we genuinely focus on skills and abilities, which goes a reasonable way, but I believe we could do more to ensure we have more diversity in the technical roles through things like apprenticeship programs.

"I love hearing about different ideas and people's experiences."

H&R: What surprises you most about the Hire industry?

The hire industry has more complexity than I had appreciated from the outside. We have to make sure that the equipment we provide is safe, efficient and suited to the task it will be used for — and there is a lot of regulatory compliance that goes along with that. Our technicians have to be able to service and maintain a wide range of equipment brands and types, and they have to be authorised to enter many different operating and construction sites.

It is also a larger and more dynamic industry than I was expecting. Onsite is a substantial player in the industry, however, it still has a relatively modest share of the overall market.

H&R: In what areas do you see the biggest opportunity for the Hire industry moving forward?

It’s a bit early for me to have a view on the biggest opportunity for the industry, but I think that being able to better harness the potential from emerging technologies will allow us to create more value as an industry. Whether it is the technology of the equipment itself, fleet management technologies such as remote diagnostics and servicing, or technology to optimise and streamline our processes and interactions, there is a lot of potential.

H&R: What are your priorities for the coming three to five years?

We are still in the process of developing our strategy for the next five years, but I am very ambitious for Onsite to achieve substantial growth. To do this, we need to make sure that we are supporting our customers to achieve their goals, particularly in sustainability and indigenous engagement, and that we are building out the skills, capabilities, systems and fleet that we need to expand into new areas.

OVERVIEW OF THE RIGHT TO DISCONNECT FOR THE HIRE INDUSTRY

by Chao Ni, Principal – Workplace Relations, MST Lawyers

SECTION 333M(1) OF THE FW ACT DEFINES this new employee right as “refusing to monitor, read or respond to contact, or attempted contact, from an employer outside of the employee's working hours unless the refusal is unreasonable”.

Disputes over right to disconnect and employee refusals are to be dealt with by the Fair Work Commission (FWC). If arbitrating a dispute, the FWC will need to decide whether an employee’s refusal is “unreasonable”.

Section 333M(3) of the FW Act provides a list of non-exhaustive factors that must be taken into account when determining whether an employee refusal is unreasonable:

a. the reason for the contact or attempted contact;

b. how the contact or attempted contact is made and the level of disruption the

FROM 26 AUGUST 2024, THE FAIR WORK ACT 2009 (FW ACT) AND MODERN AWARDS HAD INTRODUCED A “RIGHT TO DISCONNECT” FOR EMPLOYEES OF BUSINESSES WITH 15 OR MORE EMPLOYEES. FOR EMPLOYEES OF SMALL BUSINESSES, THE RIGHT TO DISCONNECT DOES NOT COMMENCE UNTIL 26 AUGUST 2025.

contact or attempted contact causes the employee;

c. the extent to which the employee is compensated:

i.) to remain available to perform work during the period in which the contact or attempted contact is made; or i.) for working additional hours outside of the employee's ordinary hours of work;

d. the nature of the employee's role and the employee's level of responsibility; and

e. the employee's personal circumstances (including family or caring responsibilities).

The right to disconnect provisions in modern awards may go further than the FW Act and describe additional circumstances where an employee’s refusal might be unreasonable, taking into account the narrower occupational and industry factors that are addressed by that particular award.

Dispute process and the role of the Fair Work Commission

Any dispute about out-of-hours contact should first be held at the workplace level between the employer and the employee.

If the dispute cannot be resolved at the workplace level, either party can apply to the FWC for a determination on whether the employee’s refusal is unreasonable.

At the FWC, the parties will likely be directed to attend a conciliation to explore resolution. If the dispute cannot be resolved voluntarily, the FWC will arbitrate the dispute through a hearing process, which involves the tendering of evidence and delivery of legal submissions.

It is important to note that the FWC cannot award any compensation to an employee even if the employee ultimately succeeds in a right to disconnect dispute.

Practical Tips

If we look at the list of factors prescribed in section 333M(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), there are steps that employers can take to strengthen their legal position and reduce the risk of a dispute:

1. Being transparent about the nature of the role and the requirement for out of hours contact in employment documentation, which may include job advertisements, recruitment briefs, employment agreements, position descriptions and workplace policies.

2. Being as descriptive as possible on how out of hours contact might occur and the frequency of such occurrence.

3. Employment contracts should specify how the employee will be compensated for out-of-hours contact. For example, using a salary set off clause for salaried employees, or payment of standby/recall allowance for hourly-rate employees.

4. Keep track of employees’ personal circumstances and conduct forward planning for update of employment contracts and rosters.

5. In the event of a dispute, seek legal advice. A right to disconnect dispute may lead to a dispute over whether an employer has breached the general protections provisions in the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).

Outlook for the Future

As we approach the next Federal election in May 2025, workplace relations and industrial laws are expected to be a key policy-battleground between the two major political parties.

The opposition leader Peter Dutton has gone on the record and committed to repealing these right to disconnect laws if the LNP were to win the election.

Until then, businesses should operate with knowledge that these laws exist and could be harnessed by employees and/or unions for their own purposes.

Disputes over right to disconnect and employee refusals are to be dealt with by the Fair Work Commission (FWC). If arbitrating a dispute, the FWC will need to decide whether an employee's refusal is 'unreasonable'.

For questions about HR Legislation, contact MST Lawyers through the HRIA member portal.

Jim believed a stronger industry was better for all.

REMEMBERING INDUSTRY

‘LIFE BLOOD’, JIM BROWN

JIM BROWN, WAS WIDELY CONSIDERED ONE OF THE ‘WISE MEN’ OF THE HIRE INDUSTRY. IN DECEMBER 2024, HE PASSED AWAY AT THE AGE OF 86.

Jim was highly respected throughout the Hire and Rental industry having served 35 years at Coates from 1968 until his retirement as CEO in 2003.

Leaving school at 14 to run a service station, Jim later bought an interstate trucking company, starting with just one truck. In 1968, after a chance meeting with then NSW Manager for Coates, Chris Panell, he began selling tyres for Coates.

After rising through the ranks to become Coates’ NSW Service Manager, in 1972 he was promoted, becoming the first State Manager for Western Australia. He returned to Sydney in 1978 as State Manager and in May 1983, was appointed General Manager.

Under Jim’s leadership, Coates experienced transformative growth across Australia, Indonesia and the UK, product extension and innovation, branch openings and numerous acquisitions, including Wreckair. In 1996, Coates Hire was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and Jim became Managing Director. He retired in June 2003.

Within the hire, equipment and construction industries, Jim built strong friendships. He was always

looking for new ideas and travelled with industry colleagues to the USA, UK and Europe visiting trade fairs, field days and expositions, equipment manufacturers and hire businesses. He could identify a new or improved product and assess how it would provide a better solution.

With friends Andy and Nev Kennard, Gordon Esden, Des Whelan, Tony Donnelley and Barry McDonald, he would discuss and share experiences and industry-wide changes.

Jim met Geoff Campbell through JLG. They forged a friendship that with their wives, ran past retirement and into trusted confidants. Jim’s strengths were his honesty and kindness, which were so easy to reciprocate.

Jim was a significant advocate for Hire and Rental industry and was awarded the President’s Award in 1980 and 1990 for his services to the State associations and as National President. He was awarded Life Membership in 2003.

He strongly debated with government on the investment allowance to assist the level playing field for equipment hire and would often speak at industry conventions and forums, sharing ideas, insights and methods to the attendees, mostly small hire businesses, to improve quality and efficiencies.

"Jim Brown was a cornerstone of Coates and the entire hire industry. His vision, wisdom and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Jim's dedication and leadership not only shaped our company but also influenced the industry as a whole. We are deeply saddened by his passing and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him in the

industry. As Coates enters our 140th year, Jim's legacy will continue to inspire us all."

Murray Vitlich, CEO of

Coates.

Jim believed a stronger industry was better for all. He attended every convention from the very first one in Terrigal in 1969 or 1970. Coates has been a strong Association supporter since its inception.

In 2023, at the invitation of Murray Vitlich, CEO of Coates, Jim visited the Ingleburn facility with Andy Kennard, Gordon Esden, Barry McDonald and Stephen Donnelley. “As we walked around the state-of-the-art location, Jim still had that eye for detail, inquisitive mind and open pride for what he had been such as part, notwithstanding 20 years had passed,” said Stephen.

Jim had a passion for boating and competed in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race several times in ‘Vivacious’. This desire to be challenged continued with the formation of the ‘Intrepids’, Jim, Andy Kennard, Gordon Esden and Rob Wallis. They first ventured to South America and then sailed to Antarctica on a Russian icebreaker. Over

the next number of years, trips to the Whitsundays and navigation of many of the Australian East Coast rivers were undertaken. What started as a business relationship had strengthened into very close friendships, mutual respect and a lifetime bond.

In November 2024, Andy Kennard and Stephen Donnelley visited Jim at his home in Burraneer.

“As you can imagine, with Jim looking out his window over Burraneer Bay, he spent little time on his ails and was more interested in the state of the Hire and Rental Industry, the characters and adventures he experienced and his friendships,” said Stephen.

“Jim was generous in his thanks and appreciation; he was full of grace during this time of challenge, and yes, he was as decisive as he had always been.”

Jim passed away quietly at his home in Burraneer on Monday, 9 December 2024. He was 86. T

NEW LOCATION, SAME GREAT SERVICE

SHEPP HIRE IS A SMALL BUSINESS PROVIDING HIRE EQUIPMENT TO THE GOULBURN VALLEY REGION OF VICTORIA. IN 2023, THE BUSINESS RELOCATED TO NEW, PURPOSE-BUILT PREMISES TO BETTER SERVICE THEIR CUSTOMERS.

Since the 1980s, Shepp Hire has been providing event hire and machinery hire equipment to Shepparton and beyond. In 2004, John and Natalie Starritt bought into the business in 2004 and by 2008, owned it outright. Their son, Andrew Starritt (now the Director of Shepp Hire) worked casually for a period and in 2010, was working in the business full time.

In July 2012, Andrew purchased the business from his parents, who stepped away from full-time work in 2014. Andrew’s partner Jess began managing the administrative side of the business and by the end of 2022, they were running the business together.

Andrew’s mum passed away in 2016 and although John is retired, Andrew says he still provides advice, does odd jobs and likes being involved, which they find helpful.

In December 2023, after 20 years at 66 Mitchel Street, Shepparton, Shepp Hire opened their new depot at 39 New Dookie Road, Shepparton. With a 5300 m2 block, all their equipment and delivery vehicles are now on the one site, providing an efficient service for the local community’s hire needs.

The new depot was purpose-built to suit the needs of the business with easy access, good roadside exposure, increased workshop area and a simplified and enlarged front desk service area.

To find out more about Shepp Hire’s range of event, party, wedding, machinery and scaffold hire, visit www.shepphire.com.au

GETTING THE PROCESS RIGHT

FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS, HIREDEPOT HAS BEEN SERVICING CUSTOMERS IN MELBOURNE’S EASTERN SUBURBS. IN 2024, THEY WERE RECOGNISED AS THE HIRE COMPANY OF THE YEAR (UNDER $10 MILLION).

It may sound boring but Dan Rowland, Director of HIREDEPOT, thinks that what may have got them over the line with the HRIA’s Hire Company of the Year judges, was their focus on process.

“I think they were impressed to see how many processes we’ve got — and the fact that they’re all written out and the team are drilled on them,” says Dan.

“I took it for granted that everyone else would be doing the same, but I guess for a lot of smaller businesses, it’s more ad hoc.”

Process is something that Dan’s dad, Ken — who bought the business in 1999 — was big on.

“His theory was that if someone asked a question about how to do something, it should be in an Operations Manual that sets out how everything is meant to be run,” he says.

“He believed it’s so important for consistency and safety.”

It’s that focus on consistency and safety that’s seen the business thrive over two decades.

HIREDEPOT started out as Glen Iris Handy Hire. Shortly before it was acquired by Ken (and a business partner who sold out shortly thereafter), the business was moved to a larger premises and given a new name, Glen Iris

Hire. In 2010, they opened a new site in Fairfield, to better service Melbourne’s inner and northern suburbs, prompting another name change to HIREDEPOT. Today, they’re a genuine trade hire business who believe their customers come first, their prices will be competitive, and they’ll always go above and beyond to get the job done.

The business has always been a family affair since Ken took over, with Dan and his three brothers working casually in the business while at school. However, with Ken looking to retire, Dan’s brother Scott took over in 2018. By 2019, Dan had swapped his job in insurance to come back to HIREDEPOT on a permanent basis and in 2021, was running the business. Ken eventually retired in 2022 however after running the business for 22 years, remains involved.

The business now employs a team of 20, with one about to notch up 25 years of service. Yet it’s still a relatively young team, reflecting their move towards digital apps and technology. He says while it’s been a radical change for some of his older team members, they’ve been involved throughout the process rather than just ‘dumping it in their laps at the last minute’.

Left to right: Tyler Cuttle (Branch Manager), Dan Rowland (Director), Tess Gillespie (Marketing Manager), Osfred Jefferson (Logistics and Supply Manager)

“I’ve seen the blowback you can get when change is poorly implemented,” says Dan. “So, we had a lot of dialogue with our team and took the training slowly because we had to get it right.”

Their nomination for the 2024 Hire Company of the Year came about at the request of one of their branch managers while their submission was driven by Marketing Manager Tess Gillespie who could see the value of preparing the submission and going through the judging and award process.

When they were announced as finalists, Dan invited his two branch managers and Tess to the Gala Dinner in Brisbane last June for the big announcement.

While Dan felt they were in with a chance to win, they’d done their research and knew they were up against stiff competition but when the announcement was made that they’d won, it came as a shock.

“I certainly hadn’t rehearsed a speech,” he says. “As a bit of an introvert, it was intimidating to stand in front of 1,000 people and accept the award.”

Returning to Melbourne with the award was a proud moment for the entire team. “That was probably the biggest thing for me,” he says. “They were as happy and proud as I was because we’d come together as a team to make it happen. The cohesion and team pride that emerged from that was invaluable.”

The award also gave team members further insights into the business, providing another point of pride in their workplace.

“Some of the team who hadn’t been with us long didn’t know about the community sponsorships we’re involved in,” he says. “It’s important that we’re involved and connected with our community as much as possible and nice to be able to give back and share it around.”

Maintaining connections are important for Dan and the business.

“When people come on board, I tell them it’s a very competitive industry but it’s also very collegiate,” says Dan. “A lot of the time, your competitors are your suppliers, so you need to maintain good relationships in some way, shape or form. It’s friendly competition which I think is pretty unique.”

It’s also a key reason why HIREDEPOT have been members of the HRIA for many years…and it’s something they value enormously.

“Hire can be an invisible industry in a lot of respects,” says Dan. “There’s no box to tick on a form to say you work in hire so if it wasn't for the industry coming together in the association to do things — such as combat dodgy customers or lobby government for our interests — we wouldn't get anywhere.”

He also recognises how the HRIA can help small business owners run their business.

“They can help if you're trying to understand what procedures you need to be compliant, how to improve your safety and risk management or looking for general business support, which for a small business, can be a minefield.”

“So regardless of whether you’re an event, construction or general hire business, for me, it's a no brainer.”

With a new year just begun, Dan says there’s no other industry he’d rather be in.

“You can have a laugh with your competitors and suppliers because it’s such a friendly industry,” he says. “We’re also lucky to have great customers.”

“There’s so much variety and every day is different, and while you may be pulling your hair out sometimes, when you're not, you're having a good time.”

Loaded up and ready to go: Fred Turner from HIREDEPOT’s Glen Iris branch.

HIREDEPOT’s

Nick Cameron at their Glen Iris branch.

HAYLEY'S PASSION FOR HIRE

FROM BOOKKEEPER TO MANAGER AND INDUSTRY MENTOR, EAGLEHAWK HIRE’S HAYLEY STOCKDALE IS REDEFINING WHAT IT MEANS TO FORGE A CAREER IN HIRE.

Story: Alison Carbery

Images: Taryn Peck

HAYLEY STOCKDALE DOESN'T OFTEN TAKE NO FOR an answer.

“I'm a very determined person,” says Hayley. “When I was young, I'd ask to do something and although mum would say no, I’d do it anyway.”

It’s indicative of the spirit she brings to her work as manager of Bendigo’s Eaglehawk Hire, a role she’s held since 2017…and a reflection of how she’s built a successful career in hire over more than two decades.

After completing Year 12 in 1995, Hayley worked as the receptionist for her dad’s travel agency in Bendigo. She studied to become a bookkeeper and accepted a bookkeeping role in a large local company. Over the next few years, she married, had two children and returned to the company in a part-time capacity. It wasn't long before she was keen to seek new work opportunities and that’s when Hayley ‘accidentally’ fell into hire.

“I saw an ad for Bendigo Hire who were looking for a data entry assistant, two to three days a week,” she recalls. “I knew I could do the work so I walked in and they said, ‘when can you start?’”

That was 2002 and by the end of her first few weeks, she knew hire was where she wanted to be.

“Through data entry, I gained a great introduction into all aspects of the business including the gear, the people and the atmosphere,” she says, “I enjoyed the industry and thought it was where I could see my future.”

As her hours increased, so did her responsibilities, including answering customer calls. “It was the spark that drove me to learn everything I could about hire,” she says. “Instead of customers asking to talk to ‘one of the boys’, they could talk to me instead.”

After 15 years at Bendigo Hire, Hayley was given an opportunity to step into a management role for a couple of months. “We had 15-20 staff and I was the glue,” says Hayley. “If there was a fight, I was the counsellor, the deliveries ran smoothly and the business ran smoothly.”

When the owners advertised for a new assistant manager, Hayley put up her hand knowing she could do the job, however, she was told their preference was to employ a male with at least 10 years’ managerial experience. After interviewing several unsuccessful applicants, Hayley was invited to apply. “I had my interview, and they came back to me saying, ‘Congratulations, you’ve got the job,” she recalls, “but by this stage, my gut feeling was to move on.”

She says it wasn't about the money. “Mum always said that it doesn’t matter if you earn $800 or $8,000 a week, you work hard and live within your means,” says Hayley. “Instead, it was about being treated the same as anyone else coming into that position. So, while I didn't have any hard feelings towards them, I knew I couldn't stay.”

With a limited number of hire businesses in Bendigo at the time — and news travelling fast — a friend reached out about a potential management role at Eaglehawk Hire. She got the job, training under the owner for three months before he retired.

Introducing the X-SOLAR POLE by TRIME, Europe’s leading sustainable Lighting Tower manufacturer. Tailored for construction site entries, walkways and events, this innovative lighting solution is an excellent addition to rental fleets in Australia. Each unit is 100% solar powered, ensuring zero CO₂ emissions for sustainable and environmentally friendly operations. With a compact design, the X-SOLAR Pole can fit up to 20 units per truck, making transportation efficient and cost-effective. The unit has an all-year-round run time, easy to operate and has minimal maintenance.

Walking the talk: Hayley (right) with her Women in Hire mentee, Michaela White.

“I'm lucky I get to watch what Hayley’s doing and draw from her experience. It’s been incredibly valuable.” Michaela White

“It was the spark that drove me to learn everything about hire. Instead of customers asking to talk to ‘one of the boys’, they could talk to me instead.”

Hayley Stockdale

It was a challenging role with no budget and aging equipment, so Hayley started small. As the equipment was gradually updated, more customers started to come through the doors, changing the outlook of the business. Seven years later, the business has grown from three to 15 staff and increased their hire fleet significantly.

She credits some of her success to longevity in the industry. “People know me from Bendigo Hire and that’s helped,” says Hayley. “I’ve lived in Bendigo my whole life and sometimes people just want to talk to someone local. Once they come and see our gear, they’re like, ‘Wow, this is great’.”

Today, with more than two decades in the industry, she’s a great advocate for hire. “It’s hard work but it’s such a great industry because there’s always something to learn.”

Hayley now shares her experience and passion for the industry as a mentor with the HRIA’s Women in Hire Development Program, a role she’s done for the past three years.

Her mentee in the 2024/25 cohort is Michaela White, a Hire Controller at Access Hire in the Melbourne suburb of Clayton. Michaela is a former primary school teacher who recently joined the industry.

“I had no knowledge of hire before coming into the role so it’s taken a while to get my head around things,” says Michaela. “I’m still learning but I don’t think that’s ever going to stop.”

Their first meeting was comfortable and relaxed. “Michaela was very genuine and friendly, and on doing our DiSC profiles at our first meeting, we realised we were exactly the same,” says Hayley.

Michaela agrees. “It's great to have a mentor who is my personality type. I'm lucky I get to watch what she's doing and draw from her experience. It’s been incredibly valuable.”

From a mentoring perspective, Hayley says Michaela’s excitement and interest in the industry has been refreshing. “I invited her to visit us in Bendigo and see what we do,” says Hayley. “We walked around the yard and she was full of questions but also legitimately proud when she was able to talk knowledgeably about some of our equipment.”

Spending time with Hayley has now given Michaela a glimpse of what’s possible in the industry. “She’s given me permission to just be myself at work and shown me that it is possible to have longevity in hire while still living your life.”

As for Hayley, she’s delighted to be able to give something back.

“To have an eager person ask you questions, want to hear your story and feel excited about their future in this industry really reignites the passion for what you do,” she says. “It’s so worthwhile.” T

THE CASE FOR OPTIMISATION: LIBERATING TIME THROUGH AUTOMATION

By shedding outdated processes and adopting mobile applications and paperless workflows, organisations can reclaim lost hours while invigorating their teams.

So how are successful hire businesses automating their processes?

In 60% of occupations, over a third of our tasks can be automated, eliminating the inefficiencies that persist like barnacles on a ship's hull. But many enterprises still rely on manual methods, bogging down employees with repetitive responsibilities like data entry and endless email threads. It’s no wonder over 40% of workers report spending at least a quarter of their week wrestling with these time thieves.

The cost of inertia is staggering. Research reveals that avoidable administrative tasks account for 26% of an employee's day, siphoning resources that could be better spent on innovation or customer engagement. For a business with 100 employees, this inefficiency translates into an eye-watering AUD $2.8 million annually in unnecessary expenses. Imagine what could be achieved with that kind of reclaimed capacity.

Automation holds the key to unlocking these opportunities. Nearly 70% of surveyed workers believe automation's greatest promise lies in minimising wasted effort. By integrating tools that automate routine workflows, businesses stand to save their teams as much as six hours a week per employee—essentially gifting them an extra workday to focus on higher-value activities.

Mobile applications: Designed to handle on-the-go tasks, they eradicate the need for paper trails and manual record-keeping. Whether it’s updating inventories in realtime or completing job reports in the field, these tools replace inefficiencies with seamless precision. The ripple effect is felt not just in saved hours but in improved accuracy and quicker decision-making.

Paperless systems: By digitising documents, organisations reduce their environmental footprint while fostering better collaboration. Accessing files becomes instant, and version control issues—a common bugbear in manual workflows—are eliminated.

eCommerce tools: Tools like online catalogues, online ordering and consumer portals give customers access to do things that used to require counter staff time. Your customers can compare product specifications, make educated decisions on what they’ll need, and even manage their own accounts online.

While the technical benefits are significant, the human impact is profound. Automation liberates employees from monotony, allowing them to channel their energy into meaningful work that requires creativity and critical thinking. This, in turn, fosters job satisfaction and boosts overall morale.

The question isn’t whether to automate but how swiftly your organisation can act to reap the rewards. By adding automation tools within your hire business, you’ll not only reduce your costs; you’ll create an environment where your employees thrive.

See what time-saving tools Point of Rental has available for your business at pointofrental.com/ optimisation.

FORK FORCE AUSTRALIA FOUNDER STEVE CUNLIFFE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

AFTER FOUR DECADES OF INNOVATION AND LEADERSHIP IN THE FORKLIFT AND MATERIAL HANDLING INDUSTRY, STEVE CUNLIFFE , ONE OF THE FOUNDERS AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FORK FORCE AUSTRALIA, HAS ANNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT.

STEVE'S TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, vast experience in the industry and entrepreneurial vision led Fork Force from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most trusted providers of forklift sales, hire and servicing nationwide.

His journey saw him work with brands such as TNT Komatsu, Sumitomo and TVH Australasia before founding Fork Force (formerly Fork Source) in 1999 alongside Adrian Martin.

With Steve at the helm, Fork Force expanded its footprint, with its Brisbane headquarters now serving as the cornerstone of operations and branches in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Newcastle and Toowoomba. Fork Force was also named HRIA’s Company of the Year in 2018.

Under Steve's guidance, Fork Force built a reputation for excellence by offering a diverse range of equipment, including the

company’s signature Enforcer forklifts, which gained rapid popularity for their reliability and value. In 2017, a strategic partnership with Nishio Rent All Co., one of the world’s largest equipment rental companies, further solidified Fork Force’s standing in the industry.

Steve’s leadership extended beyond growth and innovation. His philosophy of customer-first service and fostering a collaborative team culture set the foundation for Fork Force’s enduring success.

Reflecting on his tenure, Steve commented: “I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved at Fork Force. It’s been a privilege to work alongside an exceptional team and to serve our loyal customers, whose support has been integral to our journey.”

Fork Force will now enter its next chapter under the stewardship of its leadership team, with Steve’s son Chris, serving as Managing Director since 2020, ensuring continuity in the values and innovation that have defined the company. The transition follows years of careful planning, with the company wellpositioned to continue delivering exceptional service and exploring new opportunities in Australia and beyond.

As the industry bids farewell to one of its most influential leaders, Steve's contributions will remain an enduring legacy, inspiring the next generation of material handling professionals. T

Steve's philosophy of customerfirst service and fostering a collaborative team culture set the foundation for Fork Force’s enduring success.

FLEET UTILISATION PRESSURE: A LOOMING CHALLENGE FOR THE SECTOR IN 2025

THE HIRE AND RENTAL INDUSTRY ARE AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT IN AUSTRALIA’S CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS, PROVIDING THE MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT THAT KEEP PROJECTS MOVING.

A summary of the Pickles November 2024 review of several asset segments:

Segment Commentary

Finance Repossessions Update

Transport (including EV trucks)

Continued supply, wage and material cost issues impacting the construction sector, mean that businesses in the hire industry, with exposure to the construction sector, will continue to experience volatilty, as many construction projects face delays or cancellations and key infrastructure projects reach completion resulting in a decreased demand for rental equipment.

Slowing economic growth and persistent inflationary pressures mean all businesses should be wary of their financial position leading into 2025 as the availability of credit to refinance or sell down assets at strong resale values, may prove to be more difficult than previous years. This shift may pose challenges for some within the hire and rental industry, with underutilised assets straining cash flow.

Pickles, Australia’s largest auction group undertakes analysis on sale of assets across transport, construction and mining and other industries to provide insights into the status of the Australian marketplace.

Construction Equipment

Agricultural Equipment

Mining Industry

Motor Vehicles – Used Cars

The number of repossessed vehicles continues to rise. Two main factors contributing to this increase are:

• ongoing cost-of-living pressures, and

• reduced ability for owners to refinance.

The price of used trucks has been decreasing over the past few years, coming from an extremely inflated level in 2021/22. The main industry drivers include a shortage of drivers, fuel prices, increased supply of new trucks with normalised wait times, low profit margins and reduced movement.

In contrast, sales of electric vehicles (EV) trucks have risen by 400%. Key factors contributing to this growth include infrastructure, fuel costs, scale, batteries and the choice between OEM and conversions. Secondary markets for used trucks remain immature and volatile.

Selling prices are falling in line with decline in gross sales.

The main factors driving this include increase in new equipment supply exchange rates, infrastructure projects, a shortage of machine operators and diesel mechanics, ongoing component supply challenges and pressures from unions.

The average selling price of tractors has been decreasing from 2022 to the present year.

Corporate-to-corporate asset sales continue to be strong and stable. Smaller farming businesses are more sensitive to fluctuations in price, interest rates, weather, and costs. Sales of new equipment have declined, and the market for smaller tractors is weak and occasionally unpredictable.

Sales are currently flat. Equipment leads times have decreased, however the cost of new equipment has seen significant inflation. Mining operations are beginning to put pressure on contractors. Supply chain challenges have lessened, although labour shortages and rising labour costs remain ongoing concerns.

New car deliveries continue to come through in high volumes to Fleet, Government, Corporate and Rental (FGCR) sectors, with FGCR customers expecting volumes to keep increasing month by month. OEMs and dealers are highlighting the availability of both new and used vehicles, which is exerting downward pressure on used vehicle prices.

The Light Commercial segment has been the hardest hit over the past two years but has shown signs of stabilizing recently. Hybrid vehicles continue to outperform all other fuel types, while EVs and PHEVs remain less popular compared to others.

Improved fleet management may be able to alleviate financial pressure/s on a hire and rental business through fleet optimisation, enhanced asset management and by embracing technology. However, the reality for businesses beginning to experience distress is that a successful turnaround plan is largely dependent upon strong and proactive financial management as well as solid relationships with key stakeholder groups (eg. Financiers, employees, customers and suppliers) which allows business owners and Directors appropriate time to consider options available.

This is especially prevalent for Boards and management whose businesses are experiencing financial underperformance, maturing debt profiles or where significant decisions are required regarding the current business position and future strategy.

Additionally, Directors should be concerned around personal liability and responsibility for the company’s liabilities along with ensuring there is review of the options available/proposed.

The key tenants of implementing a successful turnaround plan are centred on establishing the following:

1. Understand the current situation — What is the real position?

What is the current strategic, operational and financial position of the company?

The current financial position includes bringing financial accounts and lodgements up to date that correctly quantify income tax liabilities, superannuation, PAYG withholding and other debts as well as possible.

Goal: Understand the current state of the business, the forecasts and key drivers of it.

2. The Plan – Developing viable options for an improved business position

Documentation of how the position of the company will be maintained and/or improved while a solution to issues is determined.

This would include weekly cash flow forecast including funding requirements and ensure tax lodgements are current, but this can be managed by arrangement.

Improved fleet management may be able to alleviate financial pressure/s on a hire and rental business through fleet optimisation, enhanced asset management and by embracing technology.

Proactive management of the ATO and bank positions is most likely to achieve a better outcome.

Goal: Be conservative and clear on future requirements to continue to operate.

3. What needs to be done – How the options are explored and executed

Implementation of the plan in a timely manner and ongoing monitoring of the actual benefits verses the planned benefits and outcomes.

Goal: Communicate these requirements clearly and concisely to key stakeholders.

It is imperative for hire and rental businesses to take proactive steps to mitigate the impact of any declining fleet utilisation. By learning from past experiences and adopting innovative solutions, operators can weather the storm, take advantage of opportunities and emerge as stronger businesses.

As we enter 2025, the economy may face greater uncertainty, which can provide challenges as well as opportunities for business which are well positioned.

If you have any questions or are looking to grow your fleet, please reach out to the team at HLB Mann Judd and they can assist you or provide an introduction to the team at Pickles Auctions.

HAS YOUR HIRED EQUIPMENT BEEN ABANDONED BY THE HIREE, AND CAN YOU GET IT BACK?

By David Creais (Partner), David de Mestre (Senior Associate) and Angelina Gorgovski (Paralegal)

IF A HIREE OR LESSEE LEAVES YOUR EQUIPMENT ON A THIRD PARTY’S PREMISES AT THE END OF THE HIRE OR RENTAL, CAN YOU GO AND COLLECT IT UPON PROVING OWNERSHIP?

NOT NECESSARILY. THE OWNER OF THE PREMISES may be entitled to require you to pay storage and other expenses depending on the State or Territory in which the equipment is located.

This article demonstrates complexities arising from legislative variances in uncollected goods laws between Australian States and Territories by reference to the hypothetical factual scenario provided below.

Scenario

An equipment rental company (Owner) hires storage containers valued at $20,000 to a company (Hiree) under a commercial hire agreement. The Hiree keeps the storage containers on land leased from a third party (Landlord).

The Hiree becomes insolvent and is placed in liquidation. It defaults under both the hire agreement and the lease.

The Owner terminates the hire agreement and becomes entitled to possession of the storage containers.

The Landlord terminates the lease. On termination of the lease the Hiree is obliged to vacate the premises and remove all goods and fixtures it brought onto the Premises. It fails to remove the storage containers.

ire and ental ndustry ssociation

WHY HIRE?

LATEST EQUIPMENT

Hiring gives you access to a huge range of the latest equipment. Trial new equipment and ensure you are always using the right equipment for your job.

ENSURE EFFICIENCY

When you hire you are speaking to experts who can help you choose the right equipment for your job. Once the job is complete the equipment can be returned, no need to worry about whether that piece of equipment will ever be used again.

CONTROL COSTS

Don’t worry about machine maintenance costs or tying up your capital. Hiring equipment is also fully tax deductable which makes good business sense.

SAVE TIME

Hiring means you don’t have to spend time updating and maintaining machinery. Get instant access to the equipment you need when you need it.

SAVE MONEY

Owing equipment is expensive. By hiring you will always have access to the latest equipment without worrying about repairs, upgrades and borrowing costs.

SAVE SPACE

No need to worry about storage sheds, yards or equipment sitting idle. Hiring means you can return the equipment as soon as you are finished using it.

SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT

Equipment that is purchased often sits idle for long period of time. People are increasingly conscious of their carbon footprint therefore hiring makes sense for the environment as well as your business.

ENSURE SAFETY

When you hire, the equipment comes inspected and ready to go, ensuring it always up to standard and meets regulations.

PROTECT YOUR STAFF

All hired equipment is thoroughly checked prior to each hire and electrically tested and tagged as required.

SERVICE

When you hire you don’t need to worry about delivery, spare parts, accessories and more

“The owner of the premises may be entitled to require you to pay storage and other expenses.”

Legislative Provisions

State Summary of provisions

NSW The Owner has 28 days from receipt of notice from the Landlord to collect the equipment. Thereafter the Landlord can sell the equipment and deduct the reasonable costs of storage and actual costs of maintenance, insurance and disposal.

VIC The Owner has 28 days from receipt of notice from the Landlord to collect the equipment, or a power of sale arises. The Owner must pay the Landlord for the reasonable charges of storage, maintenance and insurance.

The Owner demands access to recover the storage containers. In response, the Landlord demands payment of compensation for storing the abandoned storage containers as a precondition to handing them over.

The resolution of these competing claims would ultimately vary depending on the provisions of the applicable legislation in each Australian jurisdiction.

Conclusion

Specific advice should be obtained in relation to the applicable statutory provisions governing the particular circumstances when equipment on hire is abandoned on premises owned by a third party.

The effect of the legislation in the table is just a summary and relates only to the scenario described in this article. Different provisions might apply if, for example, the equipment is of a different value.

The authors would be happy to assist if you should encounter this situation.

Contact Bartier Perry on 02 8281 7800 or visit: www.bartier.com.au

QLD

The Owner has six months from receipt of notice from the Landlord to collect the equipment, or a power of sale arises. The Owner must pay the Landlord for the reasonable charges of storage, but the Landlord must obtain an order from the Court if it wants to charge more than $110.

WA The Owner has six months from receipt of notice from the Landlord to collect the equipment, or the Landlord may apply to the Court for an order for sale or disposal, including reasonable costs of storage, insurance and disposal.

SA The Owner has 42 days from receipt of notice from the Landlord to collect the equipment, or the Landlord may apply to the Court for an order for sale or disposal. Thereafter the Owner must pay the reasonable cost of the application to the Court and reasonable costs of storage and maintenance.

NT The Owner must pay the Landlord for the reasonable charges of storage, maintenance and insurance. The Landlord must apply to the Court for an order to dispose of the equipment

ACT The Owner has seven days from receipt of notice from the Landlord to collect the equipment, or a power of sale after three months arises. The Owner must pay the Landlord for the reasonable costs of storage, maintenance and complying with the legislation.

Access Hire, Clayton

ELEVATING WORK PLATFORM ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA INC

ABN 32 545 830 419

EWPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President John Glover Tel: 0419 663 863

Vice President

Tim Nuttall Tel: 03 9547 7700

Past President Doug Rawlings Tel: 08 9350 570

Chief Executive Officer James Oxenham Tel: 02 9998 2222

NSW President Luke Schubert Tel: 0458 770 002

VIC President

Keith Clarke Tel: 0400 369 900

QLD President Richard Gannon Tel: 0437 477 279

SA President Ray Green Tel: 0473 217 310

WA President: Will Reilly Tel: 0408 474 261

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: OPER ATIONS

Peter Davis Tel: 02 8796 50551

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: ENGINEERING

Peter Wenn

Tel: 03 9568 7211

COMMITTEE

Bob Mules Tel: 0402 982 999

James Nightingale Tel: 0457 110 110

Tony Fish Tel: 0427 115 711

TELESCOPIC HANDLER ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA (TSHA)

PRESIDENT Stuart Walker Tel: 0418 849 107

EWPA & TSHA PO Box 1304, Mona Vale NSW 1660 Tel: 02 9998 2222

Email: info@ewpa.com.au Web: www.ewpa.com.au

Opinions published in Hire & Rental Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the association or the Editor. The HRIA accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any information contained in this magazine and readers should rely upon their own enquiries in making decisions related to their own interest. All rights reserved. ISSN 1838-1197

Max. Capacity: 4000kg Max. Lifting Height: 17.6m

Address: No. 2676, Kejia Road, Jinan, Shandong, China

Email: sales@lgmg.com.cn Tel: +86 531 6787 9283

Address: 27 Broadhurst Road, Ingleburn, NSW 2565

Email: sales@lgmgau.com.au Tel: +61 499 685 544

Max. Capacity: 3000kg Max. Lifting Height: 6.9m

Max. Capacity: 2500kg Max. Lifting Height: 5.94m

H1840

H730

H625

PETER WENN EWPA Technical Director

AS/NZS1418.10 (Design Manufacture and Testing)

Significant changes include the revision of dimensional requirements for systems designed to gain access to the work platform including: a complete revision of requirements for work platform controls (introduced as a new standard AS5247); requirements for an interlock to ensure a removable work platform is properly secured before use; requirement for an indicator in the cab of vehicle mounted MEWPs to show when components of the MEWP are not stowed for transport; and the revision of some stability tests to accommodate single man vertical mast platforms and selfpropelled MEWPs. The standard also requires the fitting of an hour meter to record the hours of operation to aid inspection and assessment procedures outlined in AS2550.10.

New editions of Standards are on the horizon

NEW EDITIONS OF THE AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS AS/NZS1418.10 AND AS2550.10 FOR MOBILE ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS (MEWPS) ARE SCHEDULED FOR PUBLICATION IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR.

For AS2550.10 (Safe Use)

The updates include recommendations regarding rescue procedures (including competency requirements); precautions against crushing; loading and unloading from vehicles (including competency requirements); use of load supporting attachments on the platform; use of personal fall protection equipment and working over water. Revisions have also been made to requirements for maintenance inspection and repair including competency requirements for persons undertaking these activities.

We will be revising the EWPA’s Good Practice Guide and associated publications in the near future to further explain these changes.

The standards cover the design, manufacture and testing of MEWPs and their use and maintenance.

The EWPA technical committee has been actively involved in this process in a variety of ways: by direct representation of the Australian Standards committee — ME005-10; and through consultation with various stakeholders including members, OEMs, regulators and related industry associations.

The EWPA has also participated on the ISO mirror committee ISO TC214 and CEN TC98 WG1.

Changes are implemented in response to recommendations from coronial inquests, significant incidents, advances in technology, and having regard to current international standard and industry guidelines.

“The EWPA is sincerely grateful for the commitment of its members who have contributed to the revision of these and other standards over the years,” said James Oxenham, CEO of the EWPA. “It is thanks to our members volunteering their time and expertise, that Australia has built its reputation in the world of international standards, with the result ultimately being improved levels of safety and best practice across multiple industries using EWPs.” b

"The EWPA is sincerely grateful for the commitment of its members who have contributed to the revision of these and other standards over the years."

James Oxenham, CEO EWPA

HIRE25 Preview: XCMG’S EWPs

XCMG IS ONE OF THE TOP FIVE GLOBAL CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY MANUFACTURERS AND PROVIDES EXCELLENT CONSTRUCTION AND MINING EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES FOR CUSTOMERS.

XCMG has been expanding channels and building networks in the Australian market forming a sales and service network system across the country that’s providing customers with high-quality products and high-quality services.

In 2025, XCMG will focus on the comprehensive transformation and upgrading of high-end, intelligent, green, service-oriented and industries to help their customers succeed.

At HIRE25, XCMG will display their XGS16K telescopic boom lift, XGA12K articulated boom lift, XG0807ACW scissor lift and XT2506E telehandler.

The XGS16K has dual operating curves, 240kg/ 320kg large load design and can be turned 360°continuously, making the operation more convenient. The telescopic boom lift adopts four-wheel drive with a gradeability of 45% and standard axle balancing system for better ground adaptability. Boom gravity drop technology is applied, making operation smoother and more energy efficient. Infinitely adjustable speed also improves handling comfort. The design allows the operator to get off machine without power, improving its ability to pass through water.

With a compact layout, the XGA12K has high efficiency in obstacle crossing, precise design, powerful drive, easy operation and strong ground adaptability. Multi-directional precise positioning function allows for upward, downward and crossing as well as excellent reaching function. With full hydraulic drive, the turntable can rotate 355° noncontinuously. A 230kg single operating curve and large load design offers load performance that’s at the advanced level of the industry. The machine is compactly arranged, which is convenient for container transport.

The XG0807ACW has a compact structural layout and can be used flexibly in narrow spaces. With an energy efficient electric drive system, zero emissions and low noise, it’s environmentally friendly and convenient and can be used in office buildings, hospitals, schools and other locations. At the same time, active safety protection measures, such as pothole protection mechanism and intelligent safety protection control system, can fully meet customer needs for safety, reliability and intelligence.

The XT2506E is an industry-first 300V lightweight and compact electric telehandler with high-voltage DC charging technology that fully charges in 50 minutes. It is equipped with full axle steering and drive, offering three steering modes: front-wheel steering, four-wheel steering and crab steering mode. The telehandler features a new generation exterior design, ergonomic cab and a user-friendly humanmachine interaction system that delivers a new and comfortable driving experience. The cab is also certified with FOPS and ROPS.

With a compact structure, flexible operation, zero emissions and low noise, the XT2506E can be operated in locations with relatively high requirements on noise, such as enclosed spaces, livestock sheds, vegetable processing plant, hospital, school or downtown areas. It comes with a variety of attachments including forks, buckets, work platforms and manipulators which can be quickly switched to achieve multi-function use from one machine.

See XCMG’s latest range in Melbourne at HIRE25 from 4-5 June!

(above):

XCMG's new XGS16K Telescopic Boom Lift

(left)

The XCMG lightweight 300V compact telehandler

Shining a light on JLG’s home-grown quality

IN AN INDUSTRY THAT IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY CLUTTERED WITH CHEAPLY MADE PRODUCTS, JLG AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND IS PUTTING ITS FOCUS ON MAKING PRODUCTS LOCALLY AND MAKING THEM WELL.

The iconic access equipment brand has established engineering and manufacturing teams on-site at their Port Macquarie, Australia facility, dedicated to producing highquality lighting towers that can be configured to deliver on the specific needs of your job.

Local production means local innovation. New products in the JLG Metro series, and the heavy construction/mining focused AN series, are designed and optimised to face the realities of Australian worksites and meet the increasing demand for environmentally sustainable equipment.

The newest hybrid lighting tower range from JLG build on the success of the models that came before them. They maintain a simple one-person set-up, dynamic articulated masts (AN Series) or straight vertical mast (Metro Series), user-friendly controls and their proven, durable chassis design — perfect for use in harsh Australian climates.

The new hybrid power system, run by Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries and a Kubota Z482 diesel engine significantly improves model efficiency and longevity.

“It’s all about maintaining our high-quality manufacturing standards, while continuing to make things more energy efficient and sustainable,” says Arron Cooper, Product Manager at JLG. “LiFePO4 lithium batteries have enough power to light your worksite for 11 to 12 hours before needing to recharge. This means you can put it on charge during the day and you’re ready to go the next night.”

The Kubota diesel engine is Tier 4 Final compliant, providing a higher level of fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact. “It’s not just about reducing carbon emissions,” says Arron. “It’s also about not having to run the engine during the night to provide lighting. That’s a massive benefit when working in high-density urban areas.”

Being locally designed and produced means JLG can make reactive product considerations with the unique environments of the Australian worksite in mind. “Providing hours of lighting was just one part of selecting the right battery for our new Hybrid range,” said Arron.

“It’s also about making sure the product is reliable long term. LiFeOP4 batteries are better suited to industrial applications for their durability and increased cycle life, which

is ideal for the climates our towers frequently operate in.”

A shift toward a more sustainable circular economy, means the industry can’t be always be expected to buy new products with every wave of innovation. That’s why JLG, across Australia and New Zealand, are offering businesses the ability to upgrade their current models to more sustainable and efficient Hybrid alternatives.

“At the beginning of the design phase, we saw the need to make this Hybrid power pack retro-fittable to existing standard JLG diesel Metro & AN series units in the field, whilst also keeping as many common components as possible,” says Arron. “Customers looking to make a shift to more sustainable and greener products, now have an option of either purchasing new units or upgrading/ refurbing their existing units.”

For more information, visit www.jlg.com/en-au

(left)

JLG's newest hybrid lighting tower range: the Metro LED SII (raised)

(bottom) The LED-6 Series II lighting tower from JLG offers six 400W adjustable pan and tilt lights to illuminate the job site.

WITH HYBRID LIGHTING TOWERS

Need reliable HYBRID lighting that can perform in the harshest conditions? JLG it, with HYBRID lighting towers that are built tough to deliver efficient, reliable lighting for the hardest-working crews.

The HLED-6 and METRO-HYBRID are designed and built in Australia to deliver cutting-edge performance on worksites of all sizes. With hybrid power, advanced LED technology, and durable construction, these towers reduce emissions and fuel consumption without compromising on brightness or runtime.

Key Features:

HLED-6 HYBRID AN SERIES LIGHTING TOWER: Dual LiFePO4 batteries for 12 hours of runtime, 312,000 lumens from 6 x 260W LEDs, and quick 4.5-hour recharge.

METRO-HYBRID LIGHTING TOWER: Compact design, single LiFePO4 battery for 11 hours of runtime, 160,000 lumens, and rapid 2-hour recharge.

Sustainability Meets Performance: Hybrid power, dimmable LEDs, and daylight sensing maximise efficiency.

Easy to Use, Easy to Move: Designed for simple side-by-side transportation and easy single person set up.

Choose the HYBRID lighting towers built to work as hard as you do.

Access Worx launch carbon zero demofleet to meet Tier One Net Zero policy

DEMOFLEET IS A ‘GREENFIELD’ PROJECT TO SHOWCASE ACCESS WORX’ RANGE OF 100% LITHIUM POWERED ELECTRIC PRODUCTS IN A ‘TRY BEFORE YOU BUY’ ARRANGEMENT.

This opportunity gives Australian rental customers a unique new way of taking Zero Emission Equipment for extended periods of time without the financial burden of purchasing upfront.

Demand to achieve Carbon Zero outcomes is set to grow stronger from major construction projects and industrial sectors across Australia, such as stated in Lendlease’s “Mission Zero” guidance document: “We are working towards our goal of Fossil Fuel Free Construction by using electric plant and equipment where available, trialling battery storage and responsibly sourcing biofuels and renewable diesel.”

John Holland’s Climate Policy back in 2023 also set out a “pathway to Net Zero emissions”.

The demofleet commercial solution offers hire companies the option to trial new and innovative electric machinery and to feel comfortable before making the jump, ensuring it’s the right fit for their fleet and product for their customers.

Aside from the environmental benefits that electric equipment offer, other advantages are better cost efficiency, reduced downtime, reduced noise, and quicker charge technology.

demofleet offers a huge range of electric equipment, including: 3ft to 100ft electric scissors, 30ft to 138ft electric boom lifts, 2.5T to 4.5T sealed cabin, air-conditioned electric telehandlers, 2.5T to 3.5T sealed cabin air-conditioned electric 4x4 rough terrain forklifts, and 15m to 48m electric spider lifts.

For hire firms looking for an easy way to ‘green up’ their fleet and become a Net Zero Rental Company in the near future, demofleet is an attractive option.

To explore a partnership with demofleet, send an email to enquires@demofleet.com. au or call 03 9312 3835

A range of 2.5T to 3.5T sealed cabin air-conditioned electric 4x4 rough terrain forklifts are available to try before buying.

demofleet offers a range of 3–100ft electric scissor lifts.

One of demofleet's15 – 48m electric spider lifts available to trial.

Trial new 30-138ft electric boom lifts.

Haulotte launches new online training program

HAULOTTE HAS LAUNCHED A NEW YEAR-LONG ONLINE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR AUSTRALIA. THE PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE FOR ANYONE WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE EWPA AND COVERS TOPICS ACROSS THE HAULOTTE FLEET, AND TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIRED FOR SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE.

The training team at Haulotte Australia have developed a user-friendly program covering everything from machine familiarisation to systems functionality.

Technical specialist for Haulotte, Brad Kennaugh, describes why they have developed the online program:

“Traditionally we were running inperson training at our facility or onsite at the customer’s branch, which made it difficult to fit everyone in, quite often suffering work distractions. With online training we find that it is easier for people to spare two-hour blocks across two weeks from wherever they are,” said Brad.

“There is added benefit for rural or remote customers who cannot justify a trainer coming to them or having to send their team to another location,” adds Brad.

Hire companies are already seeing this benefit.

Ryan Creighton, Sales Director from Global Hire in North Queensland explains how they have benefited from his team completing the online training:

“We recently had seven of our staff complete online training with Haulotte. Not only did this save us money without having to fly people from all our branches to one location, but they were able to work before and after the training, meaning downtime was kept to a minimum,” said Ryan.

This online program is backed by the already available Haulotte Academy that is provided by Haulotte global. These internationally accredited trainers develop and

deliver expert programs on technical topics including DC and AC power electrical systems, hydraulic technologies, engine management systems involving common rail fuel injection systems and emission controls and the full catalogue of Haulotte EWP and material handlers.

The Haulotte Academy is available via registration online or via the app or google play store.

What makes a trainer?

Haulotte trainers develop their skills through several years of accreditation to become qualified. Located in every state or Australia, Haulotte’s team of trainers have undergone not only technical training to understand the machines inside and out, but also in-depth training on the skills needed to effectively educate and communicate with students.

“Our team is constantly updating their skills, on the machines and on the best training techniques. We get great support from a global team of experts in both machines and in training skills that meet European standards. Together the team has over 40 years of training expertise in Australia alone.” adds Brad.

More than just training

Training is just one element of the commitment Haulotte has to continually improve customer satisfaction, ensure the health and safety of its employees and reduce its environmental impact. In recent years Haulotte Head Office and factories have received triple ISO certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.

“As a supplier we are looking to provide more than just a machine, we are here for the service and support, spare parts, 10-year certification and training across the fleet and software solutions,” says Brad.

The program is available online and includes webinars, machine familiarisation and links to Haulotte Academy and in-person training.

If you have a specific training request, you can email service-australia@haulotte.com

The online training program is backed by the global Haulette Academy.

WARRAN TY YEARS

Access Service Australia now supplier of onsite crib vans

MINING, ROAD WORK AND WIND FARMS ARE EXAMPLES OF A SPREAD-OUT WORKFORCE, ONE THAT IS CONSTANTLY RELOCATING AND MOVING AWAY FROM THE TRADITIONAL CONTAINER STYLE AMENITY BLOCKS THAT REQUIRE TILT TRAYS OR CRANES TO RELOCATE THEM, ADDING COST TO THE PROJECT.

Workers requiring all the basic amenities, like toilets and lunchrooms, are now able to have air-conditioned, selfcontained off-grid mobile vans, equipped with lunch prep areas including fridge/freezer, hot water and microwave, enabling them to eat and relax in comfort. To further utilise the space, the lunchroom doubles down as an office space for meetings and can be a first aid room for both compliance and necessity.

Access Service Australia saw the advancements made in the construction space and have sourced high-end vans, with composite materials providing strength and resilience, coupled with solar panels, batteries and even generators to provide off-grid comfort.

Power points, ethernet, USB, WiFi connectivity can be fitted where needed and further options of satellite receivers, electric awnings, outside lighting, even extendable masts for flood lighting and security cameras are available. Interior customisation doesn’t stop at appliances, showers or beds,

it extends to floor coverings, seats, tables and lighting. The inclusions continue to outdoor sinks, barbecues and anti-theft devices. We believe we have the solution you have been looking for and will further assist your project with speedy delivery, suppling in batches of one to 10, rolling out the door monthly. Livery isn’t a problem either, with exterior colour and materials, customisable decals, wraps and painting options, we have you covered. Enhanced towing stability and load sharing capacity, multiple axle configurations are available, including flat floor vans to all-terrain independent suspension. Victron, Dometic, ZIP, AL-CO, Clipsal options are available, along with any other suppliers you would like to include in your bespoke build.

The Boss Site Van layout is fully customisable, whether as a toilet block, accommodation, lunchroom, first aid room or a combination of these. They can be designed to suit any need, powered by solar, batteries, generator, mains or any combination for a true off-grid solution. b

The Boss Site Van layout is fully customisable.

Vale Martin Foster

THE EWPA AND HRIA WERE SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE RECENT PASSING OF HIGHLY RESPECTED INDUSTRY FIGURE, MARTIN FOSTER.

They say we stand on the shoulders of giants. Martin Foster was a giant and a gentleman who will be missed.

Martin’s EWP career began at Brambles and Wreckair, where he forged his reputation as a sales specialist. He went on to work with SA Access for many years and was highly regarded as a natural leader. He played a key role through the acquisition by Force Access around 2009, and became the State Manager. Martin then went on to work with Coates Hire and Access Hire SA.

It’s why he was considered ‘probably the most connected person in South Australia’ within the hire and rental industry.

He was known as a ‘cheeky bloke’ with a booming laugh who could tell a great story,” says Jason Gaskin from Aerial Access.

“He loved rumours and would always know about happenings before they were announced. I guess that’s one of the reasons he made such a great salesman. He seemed to genuinely enjoy talking with his work colleagues, whether they were frontline workers on the tools or at an executive level. He was always sincere and ask about the family.”

“He played a big part in my work life, giving me a significant opportunity when he employed me at Force Access,” says Jason. “He supported me the whole way through, with some tough times but overwhelmingly good times.”

Pat Italiano, Chief Executive Officer of AAH worked with Martin at Wreckair Hire throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

“I reconnected with Martin in 2007 when Force Access acquired SA Access and he was appointed State Manager for South Australia,” says Pat.

“During his tenure with Force, he led the state and was well liked and respected by all his staff. He was very passionate and had a loyal customer base. Martin was old school in the way that he carried a notepad and pen in

his top pocket to write down hires and off hires from his customers — this was his trademark.”

Martin was a pillar and genuine icon of the industry with a passion for the EWPA. He was heavily involved at a state and national level and represented the association remarkably well at both the state and national level.

He was a loving husband to Wendy, a father of four daughters and a grandfather. His was also passionate about Port Adelaide Football Club and well known within the State Baseball League, having played for Sturt Baseball Club for over three decades.

“He fought the good fight,” says John Glover, EWPA President, “and may his soul now rest in peace.”

Martin was laid to rest in Adelaide on 18 November, 2024. 

Martin ‘Froggy’ Foster was a gentleman, a leader, a loyal friend and a mentor.

The Australian Open like you've never experienced it before thanks to Harry the Hirer’s custom-built structures.

FEATURES

48 Introducing new HRIA Events President, Brett O'Hara

49 Outgoing Events President, Erin Johnston's final thoughts

50 Blueys wins local business award

BRETT O'HARA INTERIM HRIA EVENTS DIVISON PRESIDENT

Let’s get involved in our association

WITH ERIN JOHNSTON STEPPING DOWN FROM THE EVENTS PRESIDENCY, INCOMING INTERIM PRESIDENT, BRETT O’HARA, REFLECTS ON FOUR DECADES IN THE INDUSTRY AND HIS FOCUS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD.

My own events journey began when I met Rick Jamieson, the founder of Harry the Hirer, in Bathurst. I ended up helping his crew for a couple of days building an Astrodome for the Nissan corporate facility and at the end of the event, Rick said that if I ever needed a job in Melbourne to come and see him. That was 1984 and apart from 18 months out of the industry in 2012-2013, I’ve been at Harry’s ever since. I’m now the Operations Manager for our Melbourne-based transport department covering Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.

Of course, I now have very big shoes to fill. Over the past five years, Erin has been tireless in her advocacy for our industry and fiercely passionate about raising the profile of events within the HRIA and throughout the community.

That’s the benchmark to which I aspire — to continue down the path she’s forged and be a strong voice for our industry.

I’ll be particularly focused on finalising the HRIA Weighting Guideline which is an invaluable resource for everyone who hires a structure. This guideline was originally published in 2008, however, given the changes to the National Building Code over the years, this update will be welcomed by all event members.

I’ll also continue to encourage all events professionals to get involved with the association in any way they can, including attending state meetings, providing input on issues which impact our industry, or participating as a mentor or mentee in one of the HRIA’s professional development programs which continue to grow every year. As a mentor for Women in Hire for the past five years, I can say from personal experience that it’s an incredibly rewarding experience.

Finally, a reminder that our industry’s biggest event, HIRE25, is only a few months away. We’ll again have an expert events panel as part of the program to talk about some of the big issues and challenges we’re all experiencing.

I’d love to see you there.

What a way to kick off 2025! Taking on the role of National Events President, even in this interim capacity, was never something I had on my bingo card for 2025…but it’s such an honour. I’ve been involved with the HRIA for more than 25 years so when the association were looking for someone to fill the role, with the support of Harrys, I was happy to help. After 40 years in this industry, there’s one thing that’s never changed: my love for events and the vibe we create around them. Whether it’s a marquee in the backyard of someone’s home to celebrate a personal milestone or a major event in one of this country’s iconic venues, our industry continues to create memorable experiences that deliver anticipation, excitement and joy. It's why we do what we do.

"After 40 years in this industry, there's one thing that's never changed: my love for events and the vibe we create around them."

End of an era

AFTER SIX YEARS AS NATIONAL EVENTS PRESIDENT, ERIN JOHNSTON IS MOVING ON.

Erin Johnston has always been a consistent voice advocating for the events sector.

Around 15 years ago, Erin and her husband Nathan purchased 10 tables and 50 chairs in pursuit of a mission to help people on the South Coast of NSW organise and execute great events. Their company — South Coast Party Hire (SCPH) — now has a team of 30 staff delivering exceptional events and experiences.

They’d also been inactive members of the HRIA for many years but as the business started to grow, they wanted more from their membership.

“I used to call James (Oxenham) and say, ‘why aren’t we advocating for this or why aren’t we doing this?’,” says Erin. “Eventually, he suggested there was a way I could have an impact — by becoming the HRIA national events president.”

With a growing business and young children, taking on a national role was not something she’d ever anticipated.

“But given my passion for raising the profile of the events sector and how outspoken I’d been, I thought I’d be a little hypocritical if I didn't give it a shot.”

That was 2018. By 2020, Erin was facing her biggest challenge as president: helping members navigate their way through the COVID pandemic and helping to maintain morale across the sector.

“Looking back, there wasn't much we could do other than be available to listen, connect and support members where we could,” she says. “We also had a role in providing some guidance on how members could tap into the grants and funding sources on offer through the federal and state governments.”

Finally, with the pandemic in the rear-view mirror, Erin turned her attention to increasing engagement across the events sector.

“Probably been one of my biggest highlights has been watching engagement at the convention steadily grow,” she says.

“We now have members fly into the convention from other states and with our events panels, we’ve established a great forum for sharing information and learning from each other.”

She says the increase in collaboration between members is one of her proudest achievements.

“I’ve always pushed hard for collaboration to become more prevalent in this sector because it’s one of my personal values,” she says.

“Talking openly about our businesses in depth is something that simply didn’t happen before. However, people are now prepared to have those conversations and happy to share their knowledge and experiences.”

With the presidential baton now officially passed on an interim basis to Brett O’Hara from Harry the Hirer, Erin knows it’s in very good hands.

“Brett will bring a different spin to the presidency,” she says. “He’s extremely technically skilled and has an incredible amount of knowledge to share with members.”

“If we want to change, take more market share and raise the standards of our industry, we must come together and collaborate more.”

“He’s also so willing to help. People need a sounding board so it’s absolutely worth your membership to reach out and talk to someone who understands what you’re going through.”

While she’s stepped away from the presidency, Erin’s passion for the events industry hasn't wavered.

“If we want to change, take more market share and raise the standards of our industry, we must come together and collaborate more,” she says.

“And the only place we can do that as an industry is within the association.

“The more people that are part of the association, the greater our ability to affect change and grow our industry and that’s got to be good for our own businesses.”

Expo Event Services

WITH OVER 25 YEARS OF EXPERTISE IN EXHIBITION AND EVENT MANAGEMENT, EXPO EVENT SERVICES (EES) IS A TRUSTED PARTNER IN CREATING MEMORABLE AND IMPACTFUL EVENTS.

Specialising in everything from the initial planning stages to flawless execution, EES focuses on delivering experiences that captivate and engage attendees. Their mission is clear: to craft events that leave lasting impressions and exceed client expectations, while ensuring each event is profitable and aligned with the client’s business objectives.

One of the standout features of EES is their commitment to sustainability. From sourcing sustainable materials to minimising waste and energy consumption, the company ensures that events focus on reducing carbon footprint without compromising quality. The use of energy-efficient products, recyclable materials and innovative design solutions is central

Winning with Bluey's Event Hire

BLUEYS EVENT HIRE HAS WON THE ‘OUTSTANDING WEDDING SERVICES’ CATEGORY IN THE 2024 BLUE MOUNTAINS LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS.

Blueys Event Hire has been operating for more than 30 years in the Blue Mountains, offering hire equipment for everything from weddings and corporate functions to community events and backyard parties.

The award marks a significant achievement for the team, highlighting their role in making events across the Blue Mountains truly special.

Since Michael Mallin took over the business in June 2023, Blueys, formerly known as Blue Mountains Special Event Hire, has undergone a bright transformation. With investment in new equipment, an expanded team and a brand refresh featuring vibrant Blueys colours, the company has made waves in the region’s event scene.

Christina and Jacob recently chose to get married in the Megalong Valley. With severe weather events impacting road access and making it impossible for their wedding to go ahead as planned, Blueys was able to accommodate a very-last-minute venue change including the installation of a large freestanding marquee along with other equipment, furnishing and styling.

Blueys were “absolutely sensational”, says Christina.“They were calm, considerate and constantly helpful.”

to their approach, allowing clients to host successful events that are environmentally responsible.

This was demonstrated in their work for NiftyLifts at HIRE24, where they designed and built the award-winning stand. EES enhanced NiftyLifts impressive giant green hire, incorporating colour matched Swan Chairs and vibrant green carpeting. The eight-meter ExpoFab custom drop banner tied the entire design together, making the stand a standout at the trade event.

In 2024, EES continued to expand its offerings, particularly in the furniture category. The company’s modern furniture collections are perfect for creating diverse event environments. No matter the event, EES have a range to create an inviting touch to event spaces.

Expo Event Services continues to set the bar high, driving the future of event management with innovative, sustainable solutions. Their dedication to excellence guarantees that clients can trust them to deliver exceptional experiences, event after event. T

Bluey’s accommodated a last minute venue change for Christina and Jacob’s wedding.

Blueys offers everything from elegant marquees, photo booths and karaoke machines to lighting, tableware, catering equipment and décor, making them a one-stop-shop for events of all sizes.

Steve, a local resident who married his partner at their North Katoomba home says it was refreshing to find that they stocked everything they needed.

“There wasn’t a single item we had to look elsewhere for, which is a testament to their extensive inventory,” he says.

Bluey's owner Michael Mallin says the award recognises their exceptional service and reflects their commitment to supporting the Blue Mountains community.

"At Blueys, we are guided by our vision to make events easy with a focus on bringing people together and enabling the joy to flow.”

MAKINEX UNVEILS NEW PORTABLE POWER BOX 5-5 (PPB5-5)

THE PPB5-5 IS A LIGHT WEIGHT, POWERFUL AND PORTABLE SOLUTION FOR ALL POWER NEEDS.

Makinex, The Power and Tool Innovation Company, is thrilled to announce the latest addition to its awardwinning Portable Power Box (PPB) series: the PPB 5-5. Designed with lightweight portability and versatile power applications in mind, the PPB 5-5 is the ultimate solution for portable and remote power needs.

Equipped with a 5kW inverter and a 5kWh battery capacity, the PPB 5-5 delivers emissions-free, whisper-quiet energy suitable for construction sites, mobile catering, events, and emergency response scenarios. Its durable design, collapsible handles and integrated wheels make it easy to transport and deploy, even across rough terrains.

The PPB 5-5 boasts an impressive two-hour fast charge, allowing users to minimise downtime and focus on the task at hand. With no need for fuel, the unit offers clean, safe, and reliable power, setting a new benchmark for portable energy solutions.

"At Makinex, we believe innovation should simplify the way we work and live,” says CEO, Rory Kennard. “The PPB 5-5 exemplifies this vision, offering a compact and portable power solution that’s clean, quiet and incredibly efficient.”

“Whether you're powering tools on a job site, running a food truck, or planning an event, the PPB 5-5 delivers reliability and convenience in one smart package."

Key Features of the PPB 5-5

• 5kW output & 5kWh battery: ideal for intermittent power needs and off-grid applications.

• Ultra-fast two-hour charging: be ready for your next job in no time.

• Lightweight design: weighing just 95kg, it’s easy to transport and store.

• No noise, no emissions: perfect for indoor and outdoor use without the hassle of fuel or fumes.

• Versatile power options: includes two 15A 230V outlets, USB-A and USB-C quick-charge ports for various devices.

Portable Power Box (PPB) Series

The PPB series from Makinex offers a range of highcapacity, portable power storage devices tailored for diverse industries. From construction to emergency response to film production and beyond, the series is equipped with advanced safety features like RCD protection, touch-safe solar PV connectors and a comprehensive battery management display.

Specifications for the PPB 5-5

• Dimensions: 470L x 660W x 695H mm

• Weight: 95kg

• Outlets: two x 15A 230V, USB-A and USB-C (5V 3A)

• Charging options: 80% charge in 1hr 45min; 100% charge in two hours

• Input/output: 10A 230V (trickle charge) | Max 5kW PV solar input

For those seeking compact, reliable and efficient power on the go, the PPB 5-5 is the perfect choice.

ire and ental ndustry ssociation

WHY HIRE FROM A HRIA MEMBER

By choosing to hire from a HRIA member you are ensuring the best possible hire experience.

• HRIA Members will recommend the right equipment for your job

• HRIA Members can provide instruction on use of the equipment

• All equipment hired by HRIA members is thoroughly checked and maintained prior to each hire and electrically tested and tagged where needed

• HRIA members follow all Workplace Health and Safety requirements and have access to the latest safety legislation – ensuring the highest standard of safety for employees and hirers of equipment

• Hiring from an HRIA member ensures equipment reliability and efficiency

• HRIA members are committing to a code of ethics

MOBILE E-POWER UP TO 132 KW

EXHAUST-FREE AND QUIET COMPRESSED AIR PRODUCTION – WHEREVER YOU NEED IT. THAT'S WHAT YOU GET WITH THE MOBILAIR ELECTRIC-DRIVE PORTABLE COMPRESSORS BY KAESER COMPRESSORS.

The drive units of the 132 kW M250E portable compressor consists of a highly energy-efficient IE4 electric motor and a Sigma Profile airend that has consistently proven itself in industrial rotary screw compressors. Depending on the combination and pressure range, the M250E delivers flow rates of up to 25 m³/min at 8.6 bar and 16.2 m³/min at 14 bar.

Ronald van Wyk, KAESER Australia’s Mobilair Sales Manager, explains the unique nature of the M250E.

“What sets these units apart from the industrial rotary screw compressors typically installed in closed compressor rooms, is the defining features of a Mobilair compressor by Kaeser.”

“These compressors are purpose-built for outdoor installations, meaning they can withstand wind and weather without any issues — whether it's the body or the controls.”

True to its MOBILAIR roots, the M250E is also built to be moved quickly and easily from place to place. The galvanised skids with forklift slots, fitted as standard, and the crane lifting eye are a big help when loading and unloading. The narrow footprint is optimised for transport. Two units can be placed side-by-side on a truck bed, and the rigging eyelets ensure that they arrive safely.

The M250E can be used for a wide variety of applications, from temporary use in industry to handle breakdowns or peak production periods, to permanent

outdoor installations. Van Wyk says the unit’s versatility sees it being used for almost anything. “From sandblasting to tunneling, everywhere from mines to inner city sites where sound restrictions apply.”

The closed floor pan, supplied as standard, is there for all eventualities to protect the environment against spills. The aftercooler with centrifugal separator, supplied as standard, extracts moisture from the air while the optional filter combination for oil-free compressed air is installed within the compact body of the unit.

All controls, maintenance points and connection points are conveniently accessible. Power is easily connected via quick-lock sockets and for safety, there is also an external isolator switch.

A connection to a master controller is also provided — making the MOBILAIR M250E a team player. The unit can be equipped with a modem for connection to Industrie 4.0 systems. This can be connected directly either to the KAESER Sigma Air Manager, or to an inhouse Telematics system, including the precise physical location of the unit. The system also provides valuable data such as duty-cycle analysis, maintenance planning and remote diagnostics.

These compressors are purposebuilt for outdoor installations meaning they can withstand wind and weather without any issues.

The M250E provides exhaust-free and silent compressed air production at any desired location.

EWPA Membership

EWPA Yellow Card Program

EWPA Accredited Trainers

EWPA Stationery

EWPA Safety Resources

The EWPA provides a united voice for the industry, promoting the industry as the safest choice for carrying out work at height.

MEET THE KANGA FAMILY

SINCE 1981, KANGA HAS BEEN SYNONYMOUS WITH INNOVATION AND RELIABILITY IN THE EARTHMOVING INDUSTRY.

What began as a motorised wheelbarrow evolved into a revolutionary tool that transformed numerous industries and set a standard that many companies sought to emulate. The journey of Kanga Loaders, from their introduction as Jaden, reflects a legacy of excellence and continuous improvement over four decades.

Manufactured in Yatala, Brisbane, Kanga Loaders embody durability and performance that withstand the test of time. With a range of models and over 40 attachments, Kanga offers versatility and adaptability to meet diverse business needs.

The latest addition to the Kanga lineup, the 2 Series Loader, sets a new standard for compactness and manoeuvrability. Its compact size allows it to navigate through narrow access areas with ease, making it ideal for tackling tough jobs in confined spaces.

The 6 and 7 Series loaders cater to medium-sized applications, combining robust construction with powerful engines for enhanced performance. These models, available in gas or diesel variants, are favoured by rental yards and contractors for their reliability and capabilities across various job sites.

For more demanding tasks, the 8 Series stands out as Kanga’s largest and most powerful machine. Equipped with a Kubota diesel engine and available in wheeled or tracked versions, the 8 Series excels in tackling challenging terrain and heavy-duty work. The introduction of a remote-control option further

enhances safety in hazardous environments, reflecting Kanga’s commitment to ensuring operator well-being.

Safety is paramount in Kanga’s design philosophy, evident in features such as the operator capsule for protection against crush injuries, auxiliary and oil cut-off switches, and a robust track system that ensures smooth navigation over obstacles. These safety measures, coupled with the highest ground clearance and optimised chassis design, not only protect operators but also contribute to overall operational efficiency and longevity of the machines.

Kanga’s Specialist Range showcases cutting-edge technology designed for precision and purpose. Featuring remote-operated loaders for mining applications and advanced equipment for concrete care, this range addresses niche industries with unparalleled expertise. These machines are engineered for high accuracy and safety in environments where precision is critical.

At the core of Kanga’s ethos is a dedication to customer success. Every machine is built to withstand the rigors of demanding work environments and deliver maximum return on investment over its lifetime. The comprehensive range of models and attachments underscores Kanga’s commitment to providing tailored solutions that empower hire businesses to thrive. In a competitive industry where performance and reliability are paramount, Kanga Loaders stand tall as a testament to innovation, quality, and customer-centricity.

HRIA REFERRAL PROGRAM

Help us build a stronger hire industry

Are you working for a HRIA member?

For every business you refer that joins the HRIA, we will reward you with a $50 gift card. Just make sure that the business mentions your name when they complete their application.

The more businesses who become members of the HRIA the stronger and more influential the industry

becomes. Our existing members know how important it is to be a member of the HRIA – so help us get the message out.

The more businesses you refer the more you are rewarded. Start referring other hire businesses now. Visit www.hireandrental.com.au/hria-referral-program

PUMPS AUSTRALIA LAUNCH

UPDATED

CLEANER, THE VOLCANO ECO

Pumps Australia have launched their new hot and hold high-pressure cleaner, the Volcano ECO series 4000Psi, which is designed for powerful and efficient cleaning. This versatile machine features a 4000Psi at 15 lpm — Italian AR quality HP Pump, benefitting from 13-15 Hp (petrol) or 10 Hp (diesel) and 12-volt DC boiler controls.

The machine can operate as a mobile unit or fixed to trucks using a large diesel fuel tank with low level shut down. The unit comes painted as in industrial coated powder coated frame “safety red”, can be configured to steamer 130c additional cost and comes complete with hose gun and lance.

The improved design and simplified electrical circuitry makes it ideal for Hire companies and all kinds of applications.