NEWS IN BRIEF WOMEN IN THE ELECTRICAL AND COMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY ADVISORY GROUP
EXCELLENCE AWARDS DOUBLE-HEADER IN 2021 We are excited to see our NECA Excellence Awards program back on track for 2021. NECA’s National Excellence Awards, which recognise outstanding professionalism, commitment and innovation within the electrical and communications industry, will combine project submissions from 2020 and 2021, and culminate in a combined 2020/21 National Awards event. Nominations open December 2020. Reach out to your local NECA Branch for more details. KEY DATES Western Australia – Dinner Friday, 25 June 2021
Australian Capital Territory – Dinner Friday, 6 August 2021
Tasmania – Dinner Saturday, 14 August 2021
Queensland – Lunch Friday, 20 August 2021
Victoria – Dinner Friday, 27 August 2021
New South Wales – Lunch Friday, 10 September 2021
South Australia/Northern Territory – Dinner Friday, 10 September 2021
National – Dinner Thursday, 18 November 2021 Hyatt, Canberra
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NECA is proud to be a leading electrical and communications industry advocate for gender equity and diversity. We actively support breaking down divisions, broadening economic opportunities and a diverse workforce that achieves a greater participation and employment of women in trades. In the largest single trade occupation in Australia – that of the electrician – women make up just 1.3 percent of the total. In September 2020, NECA formed the Women in Electrical and Communications Industry Advisory Group (WECAG) to address the challenges of successfully attracting, recruiting and retaining women into electrical careers. If you are interested in participating with WECAG, please contact your local NECA Branch for more details.
BE AWARE: ASBESTOS LURKS IN MORE PLACES THAN YOU’D THINK November is Asbestos Awareness Month. Asbestos-related diseases cause approximately 4,000 deaths a year. That’s three times the annual road toll. Asbestos is still present in millions of Australian homes and can be easily disturbed when undertaking electrical work. If a home was built or renovated prior to 1990, there is a good chance it has some asbestos. Asbestos materials are still commonly found in bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens as well as behind tiles and under flooring – especially lino. It is not dangerous if in good condition and undisturbed, but it can be easily disturbed during a renovation or general maintenance work. Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause a number of life-threatening diseases including pleural disease, asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. This year electricians are being asked to be aware of the potential asbestos risks before starting any work - Asbestos lurks in more places than you’d think. And just like electrical work, asbestos removal is a job best left to the experts! To find out more visit www.asbestossafety.gov.au
December 2020