Aussie Painting Contractor Sept 2013

The Importance of

Vehicle Signage Wage Decision

Destroying Painting and Decorating Apprenticeships?

Following Up The importance of customer care before AND after a job!

Are we being

Buried

in Our Own Belongings

From the Editor EDITOR Nigel Gorman EXECUTIVE EDITOR Caroline Miall CONTRIBUTORS • Amanda Dawes • Ann-Maree Russell • Belinda Ross • Caroline Miall • Colin Thompson • Jennie Gorman • Jim Baker • Nigel Gorman • Scott Collins GRAPHIC DESIGNER J. Anne Delgado

Welcome Readers,

Aussie Painters Network is two years old!

We’re excited to announce that coinciding with our 2nd anniversary, and the release of the 24th issue of Aussie Painting Contractor, we’ll be soon moving into new Brisbane premises. Currently being fitted out, our offices are brand spanking new and will house some of our collaborative partners as well. This is going to be an exciting phase for us; we can’t wait.

Look for news of our Official Office Opening in coming weeks. We’d love to see some local Painters drop by.

In other news we are happy to announce our formal involvement with WorldSkills Australia on both the Regional as well as the National Competition for Painting and Decorating, you will hear more about this in the coming months. Watch this space!

Next month we will be announcing our new Aussie

Painters Network App. This is just another way that we are keeping you up to date with what is happening in the market place.

Happy Painting,

Nigel Gorman nigel@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

0430 399 800

Two Tier Membership

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Featured Articles

Contents 8

The Importance of Vehicle Signage

11

Abrasives

12

Wage Decision Destroys Painting and Decorating Apprenticeships

14

This year’s regional champions could be next year’s national heroes

17

Food, Is That What You Call It?

23

Following Up

24

A Tax Refund can be like Winning 2nd or 3rd Division Lotto

27

Accountability in Business

29

Paint Storage

30

“FIVE STAR” finish without the “FIVESTAR” price!

33

Buried in Our Own Belongings

39

Master Painters & Decorators Australia in Western Australia

36

Training Schedule (Painters Edu)

38

Training Schedule (MPDA)

40

Industry Idiots

41

Important Contacts

Opinions and viewpoints expressed in Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor, staff or publisher or any Home Painters Info staff or related parties. The publisher, Home Painters Info and Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine personnel are not liable for any mistake, misprint or omission. All information contained in Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine is intended to inform and illustrate and should not be taken as financial, legal or accounting advice. You should seek professional advice before making any business related decisions. We are not liable for any losses you may incur directly or indirectly as a result of reading Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine.

Reproduction of any material or contents of the magazine without written permission from the publisher strictly prohibited.

2013 isSeptember Issue | 7

In the Industry

The Importance of

Vehicle Signage

?????

How one quote led to $1.1 million of accepted work.

From the start of my business in 1985 I developed a detailed job tracking system that shows my entire client base. It collates everything from value of job, client referral information, acceptance rate, suburb comparison, and much more. Having this information is of the utmost importance for my business for many reasons; one of them being because it shows me where my clients originally found my name.

I will give you one example. In 1996 I was driving along the freeway in Brisbane in my clearly marked sign-written van and noticed the passenger of a car travelling beside me taking notes. That night I received a call from that person requiring a quote to paint their house they were about to sell.

Although that initial quote was only worth $8,500, it led to painting their new multi-million dollar home, which was another $24,000. The owner just happened to be a builder and I painted a few of his houses, those contracts being worth $40,000 That led to the introduction of 5 other clients which amounted to $49,100 One of them happened to be an interior decorator that then introduced

8 | Aussie Painters Network

me to another builder. Over a period of 17 years, I painted new and existing homes for him totaling over $615,000.

As he retired a few years ago, his clients come to me for quotes. They have been worth $79,100 to me.

As you can see by now, over a 17 year period, a pyramid has formed of clients that I have worked for, and still working for. That one initial sighting, has led to 34 clients totaling $1.05 million of work. This is all from an $800 sign-writing job on my work vehicle.

From all this, I urge you to keep track of where your clients find you as this will show you what advertising campaigns work and don’t work. Why spend tens of thousands of dollars to promote your business if it’s not working. Although the Yellow Pages hard cover is slowly going out of fashion, I still advertise with them. Why? Because there are still people that use it. I have a $680 eight line listing which just has my basic contact details and website address. In March of this year I received a call from someone that saw that advert which led to a $55,000 job and has the potential of another $60,000 of work. by : Jim Baker

www.mytools4business.com

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Request-a-Quote

www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au 07 30401234 or 0430 399 800 info@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au 2013 September Issue | 9

10 | Aussie Painters Network

Abrasives

In the Industry

An abrasive is a hard material used to smooth rough or irregular surfaces. A coated abrasive is a sheet of paper or cloth, which is coated with an abrasive material. The use of abrasive is often referred to as ‘sanding’ or ‘rubbing down’.

Surfaces are rubbed down to: Smooth rough surfaces prior to painting

• Slightly roughen surfaces that are too smooth to provide a ‘key’ or grip for the paint to stick to • Some coated abrasive can also be used with power sanding equipment Rubbing down surfaces is done either wet or dry: • Wet rubbing is carried out by using a waterproof abrasive with a lubricant (usually water) • Dry rubbing (or sanding) is carried out by using a coated abrasive without a lubricant

www.painters.edu.au

‘My Costing Guide’ is a fully automated program where all you have to do is add or change the variables and the total price will appear in an instant.

It is simple to use and can be personalised to your own business.

2013 September Issue | 11

In the Industry

Wage Decision Destroys Painting and Decorating Apprenticeships The Master Painters & Decorators Australia (MPDA) says the decision by the Fair Work Commission to dramatically increase apprentice wages by at least 27.5% severely jeopardises the number of young West Australians who will become apprentices.

From 2014, the pay rates for first year apprentices who have completed year 12 will be 55% of an adult tradesperson. The second year rate for an apprentice who has completed year 12 will be 65%.

“This kind of wage increase is an unnecessary and unaffordable burden on our members, many of whom are small businesses that are already finding it tough enough.” Mr. Thomas said.

“Apprentices are the future of our industry and WA has already suffered through a skills shortage. Rather than unsustainable wage increases, there should be more incentives to train apprentices so that we have a skilled workforce in the future and don’t have to keep bringing in workers from overseas.”

“West Australians have peace of mind when they hire a registered painter and decorator, if we don’t encourage more young people to take it up as a career then there will be consequences in the future.”

“What you’ll see as a result of this wage increase is fewer employers taking on apprentices because they can’t afford it and fewer young West Australians receiving proper training in what is a great career.”

Mr. Thomas added that the industry was struggling to attract young people with a more than 20% drop off in the number of training commencements as painters and decorators in the past year.

“This significant wage increase will do nothing to halt that decline, if anything it will make it worse. If the Fair Work Commission thinks this is an appropriate pay increase then the government should cover the extra cost, not our members,” added Mr. Thomas.

12 | Aussie Painters Network

www.masterpainters.asn.au Phone: (08) 9471 6662 Fax: (08) 9471 6663 Email: painters@mpawa.asn.au Media contact: Tony Monaghan, The Brand Agency 0428 280 593

Need an Employee? or Looking for a Job?

How much does your business need to earn to cover its expenses?

www.mytools4business.com/myhourlyratecalculator

2013 September Issue | 13

In the Industry This year’s regional champions

could be next year’s national heroes WorldSkills Australia (WSA) is a not-for-profit

organisation that provides young Australians with the opportunity to gain new skills and fast track their career development. The organisation aims to encourage Australians to celebrate vocational education and training, to shift perceptions and create the understanding that to choose a skill-based career is one of the most important decisions a young person will ever make. WSA achieves this by running trade and skill competitions for young apprentices and VET students on regional, national and international levels.

This year approximately 500 Regional Competitions will operate in 30 regions across the country as part of the national program. These events are held on an alternating two year cycle. Medallists from these Regional Competitions, if eligible, are then given the chance to test their skills against Australia’s best at the 2014 WSA National Competition. This year’s regional champions could be next year’s national heroes.

Successful and eligible competitors from the National Competition may then be offered a position on the 2015 Team Australia Skillaroos, to compete as Australian representatives at the 43rd WorldSkills International Competition in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

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Regional Competitions provide young apprentices, trainees and students with the opportunity to showcase their passion and talent in over 50 trade and skill categories including VETiS. The competition categories range from traditional trades such as carpentry and hairdressing through to the more contemporary professions of mechatronics and web design.

Painting and Decorating is one of the skill categories on offer by WSA. These competitions are currently being held around the country and will provide Australia’s young painters with the opportunity to compete for gold medal success.

Benjamin Hackett, a member of the 2013 Team

Australia Skillaroos and familiar with the competition process represented Australia in Leipzig, Germany at the recent 42nd WorldSkills International Competition in the Painting and Decorating Category.

“Painting and decorating is a great industry to be involved in. I find it rewarding not only financially but also creatively.

The skills I have learnt through my apprenticeship can be applied in other fields. The fact that I was given the opportunity to travel to the other side of the world to compete in doing what I love on the international stage, was something I never thought was possible when I first entered into a WSA Regional Competition” said Ben. WSA is more than just Australia’s largest and most prestigious skill and trade competition, competitors are also provided with the opportunity to pursue further skill development through alternative international pathways.

In partnership with BBM Ltd, the BBM Skilled Futures Program is just one of the scholarships available to national gold medallists. The scholarship helps to enhance career prospects through a two week leadership development program offered by Mission Performance in the United Kingdom. The recipients are also encouraged to seek work placement overseas to gain new knowledge and enhance their technical skills which can then be applied to their respective workplaces in Australia.

The 2013 Regional Competition year will conclude in December. If you or somebody you know are 23 years old or under and would like to get involved with WSA or participate in a Regional Competition, now is your chance to put your skills to the test. For more information regarding WSA and upcoming Regional Competition dates.

www.worldskills.org.au 2013 September Issue | 15

www.consolidatedi .com.au Phone: +61 7 3292 1100 Fax: +61 7 3292 1110 Email: contactus@consolidatedi.com.au

16 | Aussie Painters Network

Food,

Health & Wellness

Is That What You Call It?

If I asked you a question “Do You Eat Well?” What would you answer? To my surprise most people answered that they do. If you were surprised so was I. So I started doing a little digging and a fair bit of prodding to really find out what was going on. What I found was that people didn’t really know what was good for them and what was well let’s just say in my opinion “Not So Great”.

I can share with you that there was a time in my life when as I like to say had NFI (no flipping idea) either.

I know this because I used to live it. When it came to having cupboards full of crap, I was the master of the pasta and the purveyor of pastry. I could knock off an entire pull-a-part sticky bun in a single sitting, with my personal best being 10 minutes.

However there were no crowds roaring, no adoring fans shouting from the sidelines “you can do it”. I had

the shear will and determination, all by myself, to demolish all the pastry that stood in my path to success.

I was so successful; I achieved Olympic level success and was awarded the highest accolades 27 year old could receive. For all my efforts I was rewarded with severe gastro-oesophageal reflux, an ulcer and a set of man breasts. The icing on the cake came when the doc said hey “We want to stick a camera in you and take a peak” The next question I asked was you wanna put what where?

So what’s point of this story? Well it’s very simple, it is to get you to really start looking at the stuff you call food and give it the flick for clean healthy fresh foods.

I had to get serious as my health was starting to deteriorate and I was only 27. So don’t you think it’s time you did too?

Continue on Page 19...

2013 September Issue | 17

Food,

Is That What You Call It? I feel that many modern foods aren’t really foods at all, well not ones our ancestors would recognise. It’s often very sad when people could have made a decision 10, 20 even thirty years earlier that could have significantly altered their health destiny. I know I did.

If you take anything away from this article let it be that It’s Time to Get Back to Basics and join The Clean Eating Revolution!

Clean eating is a straightforward approach to food. Buy it local, in season and fresh so that you can make your own food. It really takes no time at all to make great fresh food. Healthy doesn’t have to mean boring it simply means more ideas and learning skills to support your decision to want change.

So let’s see your clean eating recipes and post them to my facebook page.

www.scottcollins.com.au

www.facebook.com/ScottCollinsNaturopath 2013 September Issue | 19

can save you money and do the right thing for the environment at the same time

Material used is Versacoat Light Moon Grey.

Versacoat is perfect for any exterior application due to its durability.

20 | Aussie Painters Network

Planet Paints can save you money and do the right thing for the environment at the same time. Planet Paints use revolutionary technology to turn waste paint into solvents and high quality paints.

7 Allen Crt, Torrington, Queensland 4350 Ph: (07) 4633 3544

2013 September Issue | 21

First Chartered Capital

Business Services

Following Up The importance of customer care before AND after a job!

So you’ve completed the quote and sent it off to your customer. Now what? Do you simply rely on the customer coming back to you for acceptance, or do you get in touch right away; ensuring they’ve received it and to ascertain if you have the job.

Or... You’ve completed the work and you think the customer is satisfied. Do you contact them in the weeks after to make sure? If they haven’t brought you a list of defects, do you call them to ensure there aren’t any found?

A commonly repeated fact on the net pertaining to customer retention is that 68% of customers that don’t return are lost due to a perceived indifference or poor attitude. Lack of follow up is a display of that very indifference and it is a missed opportunity to show your customer that you care about what they think and how they feel about the job.

After providing a quote, always make sure you contact the client soon after. Before you do, revisit how you

think you have identified the prospects needs, and ask yourself if you have met them in your quote. For example, if their criteria included a quick turnaround, provide the quote promptly and call the next day. If quality was the main concern match the need by providing testimonials and/or photographs of past work with your quote.

Never failing to follow up provides the opportunity to build rapport with your customer, to make sure the quote was received, to ask was there anything else required, and ensure that happy past customers refer others.

It is difficult to build a relationship in writing. Early days requires phone or face to face communication. For the correspondence of details during the job, ask them; the medium of communication should be guided by the customer; some are up for a chat, others are busy and appreciate email/text. As long as you’re on the same page and nothing is outstanding it’s only good for your business. If you’re not a confident writer, keep emails short and respectful, don’t use ‘text’ speak abbreviations. Know when email may not be the best solution and pick up the phone! by : Caroline Miall caroline@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au 2013 September Issue | 23

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Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

www.remax.com.au

United Vision 828 Old Cleveland Road Brisbane, QLD 4152

2013 September Issue | 25

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Business Services

Accountability in Business

It is very important for you to have accountability in business. I have found that masterminding with a group of business people is the greatest support you can have as a business person. It will open your mind and extend your thinking far above what you ever conceived on your own.

There are many external factors that affect the well-being of your business and your response to those events will determine its outcome. Many of these events are beyond our control and can be adverse or positive. What you can do is control your response to these events and generate the outcome for your business in a positive and unique way. Controlling your responses is much easier than controlling events. Individual accountability in business has a significant role in its rise and fall.

In the modern times there are many technological booms that have invaded our personal and professional lives. We are lucky as we now have so many choices with the advancements in space, technology, internet, television and more. The world has become a smaller place thanks to the above technological developments. With them you are more aware and informed. There is also

a negative aspect and that is many people believe that they are entitled to receive many benefits without the need for working for them. These benefits are relative and they differ from one person to another. It is this sense of entitlement that often proves to become a major hindrance in the development and progress in your business.

The first thing that you need to do is get rid of the sense of entitlement. In order for you to survive in the market you must bank on your own skills and abilities. You must be aware of your economic viability. You should not expect opportunities to come your way if you are not able to provide value to others. This is the first basic lesson that you must consider when it comes to accept accountability in business.

When you are running a business you should never hold people accountable for a specific outcome. This is wrong and is considered to be a misguided notion that many entrepreneurs tend to fall prey to.

Continue on Page 28...

2013 September Issue | 27

Accountability in Business

At times this can be an attempt to control others in the business and make them do what you want them to do. In order to make your business successful you must never hold other people accountable. They are already being accountable for the duties assigned to them. It is not right to blame them for the outcome of a business. The consequences of your business will depend on your actions – negative or positive.

You cannot be guarded for your actions. It is true that there are others who may act for you or cover accountability however sooner or later they are the ones that will catch up with you and overtake you. Controlling them will not help and the best thing that you should do

is work in partnership with them. Giving them support in the outcomes they seek will help you get the support you need for your business to develop and expand. You are giving value to one another and in the process the business benefits. The risks are less and the rewards are more!

By being part of a mastermind group, you have benefits of a small group of people who will keep you accountable and moving forward. by : Jennie Gorman

www.businessmastermindgroups.com.au

• • • • • • • for more details, visit our website!

28 | Aussie Painters Network

www.paintershrpolicies.com

In the Industry

Paint Storage Safe Use, Storage and Disposal of Paint

The following information will help you make decisions on how to avoid health and environmental hazards from using, storing and disposing paint.

How to determine if stored paint is usable

If the paint will mix when stirred, it is probably usable. Oil-based paint can be usable for up to fifteen years. Latex paint is usable if it is less then ten years old if it has been stored correctly.

• Check the small, latex paint itself does not rot but some of the ingredients used might decompose or become rotten, including the water that can go off.

• Look for mould, mildew or any other fungi growing on the paint.

Best to dispose of this paint.

• Avoid using paint that has been frozen and unthawed.

• If the paint has a thick skin this means that the pigment volume concentrate will be high making the paint a less glossy finish. This is due to the fact that the skin is probably mostly binder leaving the pigment at the bottom of the container.

How to store paint so that it will remain usable

• Store the tightly sealed paint containers • Store metal paint cans in dry areas that will not freeze • Store paint cans away from sources of sparks or flame

What to do with usable left over paint

• Avoid having leftover paint by buying only the amount you need to do the job • You will find many colours that are not tinted too strong can be used as a first coat on the next project.

• If you cannot use it up, see if another painter is willing to use it.

Or perhaps you could donate it to a charity or school.

What to do with unusable paint

• NEVER put liquid paint into the trash or pour it down the drain.

Paint disposed of this way can contaminate our water resources and the environment.

• Take the paint to your community’s household hazardous waste collection.

• Paint can be solidified, then dispose of it as dry waste. A number of options and products are available, you may want to do some research on the best option.

www.painters.edu.au 2013 September Issue | 29

Member Profile

“FIVE STAR” finish

without the “FIVESTAR” price!

Five Star Painting & Plastering Services are a family owned and operated business covering Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads, Banora Point, Terranora, Kingscliff and all surrounding suburbs.

We offer friendly, honest & reliable services, giving you a “FIVE STAR” finish without the “FIVESTAR” price!!!

Nathan-Owner/Operator of Five Star Painting and Plastering Services is Certified in Lead Paint Removal through the Master Painters Association and has been in the Painting industry for over 25 Years so if you are looking for a painter in Tweed Heads then look no further!

Qualifications • Trade Certificate TAFE 1987 • Dulux Acra-Tex Approved Applicator • Master Painters Certified Lead Paint Removal • Building Services Authority No# 895121 • NSW Licence No# 170930c

So if you are looking to: • Update your colour scheme • Freshen a room with a peaceful, spicy, bold or romantic shade • Include a feature wall using the latest ideas • Plaster square set those out-dated arches • Increase the value of your property or prepare your property for a higher sale price Then Five Star Painting & Plastering Services are the company for you.

30 | Aussie Painters Network

Call Nathan for FREE Quote or advise Phone: 0404 441 222 Email: fivestarpaintingplastering@hotmail.com

Services FOR ALL YOUR EXPERT PAINTING AND PLASTERING NEEDS IN TWEED HEADS, BANORA POINT, TERRANORA, MURWILLUMBAH, KINGCLIFF and SURROUNDING AREAS.....

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL PAINTING RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL REPAINT SPECIALIST RENTAL REPAINTS & TIDY UPS CERTIFIED LEAD PAINT REMOVAL PROTECTIVE & TEXTURE COATINGS HERITAGE & FEDERATION PAINTING TIMBER DECKS REJUVENATED ANTI GRAFFITI COATINGS & REMOVAL CONCRETE REPAIRS & WATERPROOFING RUST REPAIRS & TREATMENT NON SLIP COATINGS EPOXY FLOOR COATINGS LINE MARKING & SIGNWRITING AIRLESS SPRAYING TWO PACK SPRAYING STIPPLE CEILINGS FEATURE WALLS TIMBER STAINING WALLPAPERING COLOUR MATCHING INTERNAL PLASTERING WALLS / CEILING / CORNICE SAGGING CEILING REPAIRS WATER DAMAGE HOLES REPAIRED ARCHES SQUARED NO JOB TOO SMALL

www.fivestarpaintingplastering.com.au

2013 September Issue | 31

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Buried

in Our Own Belongings ...are we on a highway to hoarding?

We’re bombarded by stuff; and sometimes crippled by the thought of sorting it all out. Are you just drowning in the detritus of family life.... a hoarder even?

It’s not difficult to imagine how an average person in the western world could literally bury themselves in stuff. These days we go through technological gadgets, electrical paraphernalia, whitegoods and toys at an alarming rate creating ourselves a lot of junk. Disposable versions of practically everything, whilst everything else seems designed to break anyway to ensure you keep buying more. And how many of us can be bothered battling a company for warranty or even just getting repairs these days when it’s often cheaper and easier to buy a new one?

Simplify, de-clutter, down size, reduce-reuse-recycle, up-cycle, repurpose...

We hear the catchphrases more and more. Could that be because the overall message is one of the keys to fulfilment? Put simply, use what you need, make the most of it and be creative in your conservation. Value what you have, use it and enjoy it. Shed what you don’t.

But with such cheap imported merchandise of every description imaginable so available, we pile up things we don’t need and it can get overwhelming and untenable. Every child’s Birthday brings a pile of new toys and Christmas brings an ocean of stuff to find homes for. Preceding generations by comparison had so little materially and didn’t waste a thing, which leaves us now with not only too much stuff to deal with, but an inherent attitude that we’ll find a use for it one day! Is it any wonder western society has a hoarding problem?

There’s no point in applying minimalist principles to family life though, and we should all be able to

surround ourselves with the things we love. But once your stuff starts rendering you disorganised and unproductive, then you have yourself a problem. There might be different more complex reasons why someone holds onto their stuff; valuable or not.

Some people loathe contributing to an already bad environmental problem, so they’ll hoard stuff instead.

Others are emotionally connected to their stuff, many have a misguided plan that they’ll use it all someday or just a sentimental attachment to anything old. Many people won’t even get started on clearing out the clutter, because they feel the problem is bigger than them.

But if your family has just got too much stuff, like mine, it’s probably because you don’t have the time to go through it all and it just keeps on coming! I’ve considered a few ways to move forward rather than letting it get out of hand.

Continue to Page 34...

2013 September Issue | 33

Buried

in Our Own Belongings Organisation is a skill! It’s often not recognised that organisation and managing stuff is really something that needs learning, and often neglected to be taught. Many parents question whether this is even possible to teach kids about organisational skills. It certainly can, however, and involves lots of demonstration of the good habits.

Your children will do what they’re shown (not necessarily what they’re told! As we all know). Keeping your child in a good routine and setting reasonable boundaries will include learning their management of their stuff.

The dreaded Toys. Before Christmas make way for some of the goodies.

See if your little ones are happy to part with a few things they don’t use and give to a younger cousin or friend, or to charity; someone who’ll really appreciate it. They may feel less like they’re getting rid of their things and more like they’re sharing, helping and giving. (Didn’t work with mine, but you may have better luck!)

34 | Aussie Painters Network

Use your Scanner. My child is only in prep and I’m already buried in drawings and creations. The two dimensional variety could be scanned directly to your computer and kept safely backed up in your “KIDS” folder. Then you don’t have to feel so guilty when you ‘disappear’ some of the hundreds of masterpieces.

Conquer Procrastination. Someone once said “Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.”

We put things off for a multitude of reasons. Work out whether you are truly too busy to do something, or if you’re just putting off tedious tasks.

When do you feel most energized?

Whether you’re a night owl who gets that extra boost of energy after everyone else has gone to sleep, or you’re at your best in the early morning - take five minutes then to tick off another job, however small.

Write your to-do list, organize one of your kitchen drawers or a shelf in the shed; cull your wardrobe, or make some progress on that pile of filing. However small

the achievement,you’ll feel lighter for it. The difference it makes it can give the boost to continue in other areas of your life.

Tackle One Area at a Time. Pick one area of your home to work on and attack visible clutter first. Sort items into rubbish, charity, and ‘to keep’ (and only if you can find a home for it) and handle only once.

Clear your desktop of old papers, sort the piles on your coffee table.

Try not to be overwhelmed by your stuff, instead break down the task and stop ignoring it. You’ll be amazed at how much calmer and productive you’ll feel.

“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

- William Morris

by : Caroline Miall

caroline@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

The Queen of Hearts requests you attend Master Painters and Decorators Australia and ReddiFund

Saturday 26 October 2013 Crown Perth Tickets available early September Register your interest now and secure your seats!!

Contact Ashlee Marcon, Events Manager on 9471 6667 or ashleem@mpawa.asn.au

www.masterpainters.asn.au

2013 September Issue | 35

Training Schedule Date

Course

State

Sep 2 GreenPainters Accreditation ($350) Melbourne Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Painting Practices Melbourne Sep 5th th Elizabeth East Sept 4 – Nov 8 Cert. II in Construction - Painting & Decorating Focus Small Business Management Elizabeth Sept 7-14th th Apply Paint by Brush and Roller/ Learn to Paint Elizabeth East Sept 9-16 Protective Coatings ($600) Perth Sep 28th, 29th th st Gold Coast Sep 29 - Oct 1 Decorative Finishes for Movie Industry Advanced Estimating and Tendering ($400) Melbourne Oct 1st rd Oct 3 Apply Wallpaper Melbourne Oct 19-26th Small Business Management Marion Apply Paint by Brush and Roller/ Learn to Paint Elizabeth East Nov 4-18th Prepare Surfaces & Repairs to Gyprock Walls Elizabeth East Dec 2-16th th Small Business Management Elizabeth Dec 7-14 TBA Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Painting Practices Nauru nd

On-line Courses WorkCover White Card - On-line Apprenticeships (on-line) fully funded in Queensland Small Business Management (on-line) for SA license. Subsidised by CITB

EWP Yellow Card, Sydney, on demand ($250) Painters Business Management Course (distance learning) on demand.

Suitable for BSA Queensland license ($290)

National Institute of Painting and Decorating T 1300 319790 | E : admin@painters.edu.au | www.painters.edu.au

Certificate III Painting and Decorating now subsidised in VIC, SA and QLD. Free for painters over 50.* Conditions apply

36 | Aussie Painters Network

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2013 September Issue | 37

Training Schedule Course

Date

Time

Establish Legal and Risk Management

2,3,4,5,6 Sept.

8.00am to 4.00pm

Requirements of Small Business

25,26,27 Nov.

5.00pm to 8.30pm

2,3,4 Dec.

5.00pm to 8.30pm

Prepare Surfaces for Painting PRB

16,17,18 Sept.

5.00pm to 8.30pm

Colour & Wall Papering

23,24,25 Sept.

5.00pm to 8.30pm

1,2 October

5.00pm to 8.30pm

7 Oct. – Rev*

8.00am to 12.00pm

8 Oct. - Exam

8.00am to 12.00pm

9 Oct. - Resit

8.00am to 12.00pm

Identify and Produce Estimated cost

10,11 Sept.

8.00am to 4pm

for building & construction projects

15,16 Oct.

8.00am to 4pm

22,23 Oct.

8.00am to 4pm

28,29,30 Oct.

5.00pm to 8.30pm

4,5,6 Nov.

5.00pm to 8.30pm

11,12,13 Nov.

5.00pm to 8.30pm

26,27 Nov.

8.00am to 4pm

10,11 Dec.

8.00am to 4pm

Course in Sustainable Painting Practices

12-Nov

8.00am to 4.00pm

Remove Graffiti & Apply Protective Coatings

26,27 Nov.

8.00am to 4pm

Course in Restricted Asbestos Removal

13-Nov

8.00am to 4.00pm

Phone: (08) 9471 6662 Fax: (08) 9471 6663 Email: painters@mpawa.asn.au

www.masterpainters.asn.au

38 | Aussie Painters Network

In the Industry

Master Painters & Decorators Australia

in Western Australia Results of the industry survey have started to filter through, we now have some facts behind our industry concerns and here are some of them: • Low prices or rates received by painting & decorating by builders • The increase of the painting threshold from $200 to $1 000 • High cost of labour • A greater presence of Building Commission inspectors It was pleasing to read that most painters & decorators support the regulation of their industry.

Competition time for Master Painters & Decorators and the youth of Western Australia. Judges have been out and about assessing all entries.

Apprentice of the Year competition wrapped up last Friday 23 August.

The Business of the Year and Sustainable Painter of the Year received record numbers of entries and apparently the competition was tight.

All other categories are still being judged.

A very exciting lead up to the 2013 Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner will be held at Crown Perth on the 26th of October 2013.

We have seen an increase in non compliant (possibly unregistered) painters advertising their services, reflecting what is a really tough market for some out there.

Whilst these painters are doing the wrong thing it has given Master Painters & Decorators the opportunity to educate and offer assistance where necessary. Those who continue to flaunt registration and signage compliance after this process are dealt with through the Building Commission’s “Enforcement” process.

The other big issue this month is the massive undercutting occurring between paint companies. It always goes on, we know that, but come on guys, don’t devalue yourselves and your industry any further! Your quotes should come in approximately 10% apart from one another. We’re not seeing THAT at the moment.

We have watched a few businesses fold in the last month or too, you can’t work for nothing!

If you want to know more about “Pricing for Profit” contact the association and register your interest in this forthcoming education opportunity.

Best wishes, Amanda

2013 September Issue | 39

The Industry Idiots

40 | Aussie Painters Network

Important Contacts Aussie Painters Network www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

Ph. 0430 399 800

Master Painters & Decorators Australia www.masterpainters.asn.au Ph. 08 9471 6662 National Institute for Painting and Decorating www.painters.edu.au Australian Tax Office www.ato.gov.au

Award Rates www.fairwork.gov.au

Ph. 13 72 26 / Ph. 13 28 65 Ph. 13 13 94

Fair Work Building & Construction www.fwbc.gov.au Ph. 1800 003 338 Mates In Construction www.matesinconstruction.com.au

Ph. 1300 642 111

Workplace Health and Safety Contacts STATE ACT NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA

Website www.worksafe.act.gov.au www.workcover.nsw.gov.au www.worksafe.nt.gov.au www.deir.qld.gov.au www.safework.sa.gov.au www.worksafe.vic.gov.au www.safetyline.wa.gov.au

Phone (02)62073000 13 10 50 1800 019 115 1300 369 915 1300 365 255 1800 136 089 1300 307 877

Cancer Council Australia ACT NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA

www.actcancer.org www.cancercouncil.com.au www.cancercouncilnt.com.au www.cancerqld.org.au www.cancersa.org.au www.cancervic.org.au www.cancerwa.asn.au

(02) 6257 9999 (02) 9334 1900 (08) 8927 4888 (07) 3634 5100 (08) 8291 4111 (03) 9635 5000 (08) 9212 4333 2013 September Issue | 41