Women In Pest Management (WIPM) January 2023 Newsletter

Dear WIPM Members,

Welcome back. On behalf of the WIPM committee, it is a great privilege and pleasure to welcome you back in 2023. With the busy summer holidays coming to an end, most of us are back at work and the committee have been busy bees preparing for the new association year.

Preparations for the Termite Professional Conference is in full swing, and we are thrilled to be involved with what’s shaping up to be one of the highlights in Australia for our pestie calendar year. WIPM is hosting the National Big Breakfast at this conference as well as the WIPM Leadership Workshops. This is an excellent opportunity for women to share experiences, exchange ideas, and foster interactions between other professionals in the industry. Further, we are excited to be able to offer several excellent keynotes and prestigious professionals in the industry who will deliver educational sessions, in-person networking opportunities, and much more. I encourage you to register as soon as possible as places are limited. We look forward to seeing you at these events.

Nominations are now open for the Inaugural WIPM Recognition Awards. These awards are aimed to recognise, encourage, acknowledge, and pay tribute

to individuals who are making significant contributions to their company and the pest community.

Award winners will be announced at the Termite Professional Conference Gala Dinner in July. There will be a great line up of entertainment and a great opportunity to mingle with many other pesties. These nights are a chance to connect with other like-minded businesses and individuals. Bring your team and reward them with a night of great food and drinks.

It is important to reflect on the past twelve months and all the achievements we have accomplished over the past year. Whilst the pandemic may be officially over, I anticipate that its adverse effects on pest control businesses will remain. Warnings of impending global recession and recent interest rate hikes and increase in cost of living, will keep us all alert as we come into 2023. Mental health conditions are increasing, with anxiety and depression rates continuing to creep upwards. WIPM will continue to provide support based on your needs. Remember, when we are mentally healthy, we enjoy our life and environment, and the people in it. We can be creative, learn, try new things, and take risks. We are better able to cope with difficult times in our personal and professional lives, so

please reach out to one of our committee members if you are not coping.

Thank you to all the businesses who have donated to keep this association operational and our members who continue to support WIPM, by attending our events and providing support in so many different ways. Women In Pest Management is in a great position and this wouldn’t be possible without your ongoing support.

Just a reminder there is no cost to become a member of Women in Pest Management. We support all women in the industry. We currently have over 280 members and are excited to welcome new and returning individuals. Together, we have created an environment that encourages women with programmes and networks

formed to mentor, develop and nurture talent and giving those who are keen, every chance of achieving their goals.

To join all you need to do is jump onto the WIPM Closed Facebook Page.

WIPM COMMITTEE

Do you know the women behind the association? Here are the faces of the 2023 Australian WIPM Committee

“ A real team is a group of very different individuals who enjoy working together and who respect, care and trust each other.” Being part of a team and feeling supported by your teammates is one of the best feelings at work. There’s power in a group of people who work together toward a shared goal. This is what genuine support is all about. Supported teams are successful teams. Leaders are only as successful as their teams, and with the right team dynamics, decisions, and diverse personalities in place, everyone wins”.

The success of WIPM has been the direct result of the significant voluntary contributions from these ladies. Without them we wouldn’t have progressed to where we are and we will not progress where we expect to be in years ahead.

NAME

Nicky Turner

- President

COMPANY OR BUSINESS

Pestie Profiles

Laguna Pest Control

Peregian Pest Control.

First, I am a wife and Mum of three children. I am the Founder and past CEO/President of the Professional Women in Australian Pest Management. I am extremely proud of what I have achieved with the PWAPM, giving me the experience to move on to bigger and better opportunities with the WIPM. I’ve worked in a milk bar, fish and chip shop, then went on to become a baker and owned my own insect breeding business, selling insects to the pet trade. Got into the pest industry because of my husband. Multi Award Winner for the Sunshine Coast Business Awards and Pest Manger of the Year. I am a real foodie and love my wine and French champagne. I love travelling, especially when it includes conferences

for work. Most of all I love it when I can stay in my PJ’s all day. My biggest passion is promoting and supporting women and men in the pest management industry and being an advocate for mental health awareness. I do not tolerate bullying in the workforce or social media. I am honest, loyal, a true friend and will walk away from those that do me wrong. My husband is my best friend, and my family means everything to me.

WHY DO YOU SUPPORT WIPM?

Empowering women is essential to the health and social development of families, communities, and different industries. I feel by supporting women in the pest industry it helps them to reach their full potential by contributing their skills to others. My purpose has always been to promote and recognise women by introducing industry recognition awards, being able to offer education and training workshops and support women in all different roles.

Nicky Turner President

TO JOIN PLEASE CLICK HERE FACEBOOK

NAME Rhiannon Brown - Vice President

COMPANY OR BUSINESS Envirapest

Myself and my husband Mark are owners of Envirapest - a pest and weed control business operating in Perth WA. Mark started as a sole trader and then I joined the business in 2011. Next year will be our 20th year open! I absolutely love my team and they make us the business we are today. My husband Mark is the love of my life, my absolute team mate, business partner and best friend. We have four young kids, 7 & 8 year old boys and 2.5 year old twins so life is chaotic and busy - but I wouldn’t want to have it any other way. Awards & Nomination: 2017 - Finalist In Pest Manager of The Year (under 10) 2019 - Winner Pest Manager Of The Year (under 10) 2019 - Inaugural Board Member of Professional Women In Australian Pest Management 2022 - Finalist Innovation in Pest Management Award - Bayer 2022 - Winner Pest Manager of The Year (under 10)

WHY DO YOU SUPPORT WIPM?

I support WIPM because feeling like you have somewhere to turn to for advice and help is something really special. No one has all the answers and no one knows what others are going through but having a safe place to ask for advice, bounce ideas or just feel supported is a really important thing. I am passionate about changing the perceptions about pest & weed control and where women sit within this unique and special industry.

to learn more. In 2021, I won the Inaugural award for the PWAPM Female Trainee of the year.

WHY DO YOU SUPPORT WIPM?

A woman alone has power; collectively we have an impact. It is no secret that the pest control industry is male-dominated and can present mental and physical challenges for females. Learning first-hand how to adapt and make changes to better suit my own personal capabilities, I am eager to support and advise other women in the same situation. Meeting other women and being able to share ideas, offer advice and just chat with, has done so much for my confidence, and commitment to the industry and has given me the enthusiasm to succeed and lift others to succeed with me.

NAME Rachel Skedd – Committee Member

COMPANY OR BUSINESS

APC Tri-Star Developments

Pty Ltd

NAME

Sheri Ambler

– Committee Member

COMPANY OR BUSINESS

Laguna Pest Control

With a background in sales, I completely changed careers in 2020 and entered the world of Pest Control. Who knew pest control could be so much fun! I am now a qualified general pest technician and am currently studying my cert III in Urban Pest Management. I have a great career balance - I work out on the road, looking after domestic pest control clients and I also work in reception, scheduling work and focusing on our resort and strata clients. I am a Mum of 2, a reptile enthusiast and always eager

I’m known as Rach to my good friends and mum to my beautiful two Gen Z’s. I have been involved in the Pest Industry for 22 years. Together with Cameron, my husband we ran our business - Acacia Pest Control in Geelong Victoria up until March this year when Cam and I sold the business. Acacia Pest Control started out as just Cameron and I in 2000 where I was just helping with the accounts. We grew the business to a team of eighteen in 2021 and my role in the business changed over the years from just accounts to all the different aspects of running a business, from accounting to HR to marketing to policy writing. We are now enjoying a quieter lifestyle between Victoria and sunny Queensland working remotely on a couple of projects and planning our next adventure. In 2020 I was a finalist for the PWAPM Excellence Award, which was a wonderful experience that gave me an opportunity to reflect on my role in our business and also introduced me to many other women in the pest industry. Meeting many of these women at the PWAPM Leadership Conference in 2021 gave me further inspiration to be better at my day job and support other businesses where I can.

WHY DO YOU SUPPORT WIPM?

It’s great to be part of WIPM! I love that I am involved with a group of women and men who are supporting each other in their businesses. At a time in this world where mental health has become a major issue, it

is groups like this that support and encourage us to push forward with our goals and ambitions and be better at what we do. It is great to bounce ideas off and connect with others in similar situations. For many in the pest industry, it isn’t just a job it is a way of life and is part of the family. I also hope I can be a resource for other small businesses.

NAME

Eliza Urey

– Committee Member

-

Events Co-ordinator

COMPANY OR BUSINESS

Drop Dead Pest Control

Hello, my name is Eliza and I am 21 years old. I currently work as the Office/ Administration Manager at Drop Dead Pest Control which my parents Colin and Jodi Urey own. I grew up helping out with the business and came on board full time at the end of 2017. I came on as a business administration trainee and completed my Certificate 3 and 4 through Tafe NSW. I was also fortunate to win a scholarship to study an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality and Events Management which I completed whilst working part time between 2019-2020. This was originally the career path I thought I would take and I had previously worked in the hospitality industry. During the COVID pandemic, I went back to working full time in a Management Position at Drop Dead Pest Control and I have loved it ever since. I work with my office team of 7 to ensure the business runs smoothly. I also look after our commercial clients and help out in the truck where I can. I recently attended my first Pesticon Conference and had a blast! I was very grateful to have come home with the Administrator of the Year Award from the PWAPM. Since winning the award, I have had great opportunities come my way such as being invited as a guest on the Pestie Profiles Podcast with Nicky and Jay Turner! I now look forward to supporting women in the Pest Industry with the Women in Pest Management Association. I am very excited to be the events coordinator and work with the team to create and organise incredible industry events. I am eager to combine my events and hospitality knowledge and experience with pest control (which I didn’t even know was possible!).

WHY DO YOU SUPPORT WIPM?

I support the Women in Pest Management Association as I believe it is a great place to ask for help and share ideas to help make everyone’s lives and businesses better! I love meeting new

people in our industry and creating positive working relationships. The women’s association is a safe place where women in our industry can come together and feel supported. I am very much looking forward to what is to come.

NAME

Asita Devi Deo

– South Pacific Representative

COMPANY OR BUSINESS

Fastkil Pest Control Services

NAME

Aimee McBean

– NZ Committee Member

COMPANY OR BUSINESS Bugs Gone

NAME

Nikki De Renzy

– NZ Committee Member

COMPANY OR BUSINESS

Economic Pest Control

WIPM 2023 LEADERSHIP AWARD

Nominations are now open for the Inaugural WIPM 2023 Leadership Award.

The WIPM 2023 Leadership Award is open to women across the pest management industry - pest management professionals, pest technicians, manufacturers, research organisations, etc. who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and have made notable contributions to the development and growth of the profession and their companies. This award is the highest recognition for individual achievement. This award acknowledges and celebrates exemplary leadership that has a significant and positive impact in the pest management industry. Nominees may be nominated by more than one person and can be nominated by anyone which includes a family member, a work colleague, or even a customer. Nominees must reside and/or work in Australia.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE

Nominations on all awards will close at 5pm on the 2nd May 2023. You may nominate more than one person, but you must submit a separate nomination form for each.

WIPM 2023 OFFICE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Nominations are now open for the Inaugural WIPM 2023 Office Employee of the Year Award. Your team works hard all year round to deliver operational excellence. They’re dedicated, motivated, and ultimately brilliant at what they do. But when was the last time you told them that, or showed your appreciation for their tireless support? Or publicly acknowledged their incredible input, impeccable attendance, and unparalleled punctuality? There is nothing better than having someone (especially an employer) take notice of your effort. This is your opportunity to nominate your office employee. Nominees may be nominated by more than one person and can be nominated by anyone which includes a family member, a work colleague, or even a customer. Nominees must reside and/or work in Australia.

WIPM 2023 SOUTH PACIFIC EXCELLENCE AWARD

Nominations are now open for the Inaugural WIPM 2023 South Pacific Excellence Award.

The WIPM 2023 South Pacific Award is open to women across the pest management industry - pest management professionals, pest technicians, manufacturers, research organisations, etc.... The 2023 South Pacific Excellence Award will honour the accomplishment of a woman who has achieved success in their own career and demonstrated commitment to the success of others in the pest management industry. The winner will be selected because of their vision, courage, and leadership in advancing others in the South Pacific and will be awarded to someone who can demonstrate the essential role women play in making our industry a better place to work. This award was created for a woman that is not only a high-achiever, but a role model for anyone interested in a career path in pest management. Nominees may be nominated by more than one person and can be nominated by anyone which includes a family member, a work colleague, or even a customer. Nominees must reside and/ or work in the South Pacific.

WIPM 2023 TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

Nominations are now open for the Inaugural WIPM 2023 Technician of the Year Award.

The female pest technician of the year is awarded in recognition of outstanding contribution made by an individual in a technical role in the industry. This award is designed to honour the achievements of the Australian pest control industry’s finest female service professional. This award will go to someone who participates in industry educational meetings, exhibits excellence in safety, customer relations and leadership skills, and is active in community service. Nominees must have a minimum of three years in the industry and be fully termite qualified. Nominees must be nominated by an owner, manager or technical/training director and companies may nominate more than one candidate. Nominees must reside and/or work in Australia. The nominee for this category can also be nominated for the WIPM Leadership Award.

WIPM 2023 NEW ZEALAND EXCELLENCE AWARD

Nominations are now open for the Inaugural WIPM 2023 New Zealand Excellence Award.

The WIPM 2023 New Zealand Excellence Award is open to women across the pest management industry - pest management professionals, pest technicians, manufacturers, research organisations, etc.... The 2023 New Zealand Excellence Award will honour the accomplishment of a woman who has achieved success in their own career and demonstrated commitment to the success of others in the pest management industry. The winner will be selected because of their vision, courage, and leadership in advancing others in New Zealand and will be awarded to someone who can demonstrate the essential role women play in making our industry a better place to work. This award was created for a woman that is not only a high-achiever, but a role model for anyone interested in a career path in pest management. Nominees may be nominated by more than one person and can be nominated by anyone which includes a family member, a work colleague, or even a customer. Nominees must reside and/or work in New Zealand.

Contact info@wipm.au with any questions.

The winners will receive:

 A plaque

 Recognition in industry magazines, newsletters and social media platforms

 Winner's framed certificate

 Winner graphics for their own promotion

 Invited to be a guest on Pestie Profiles Podcast

The 2023 WIPM Recognition Awards will be presented at the Termite Professional Conference Gala Dinner at the Maroochy RSL Event Centre on Friday 7th July 2023.

Please note that you do not have to attend the gala to be nominated. A representative will be chosen if you win to collect your award if you are unable to attend the dinner.

JUDGING PROCESS

To ensure professionalism and transparency, a judging panel made up of respected industry professionals with no conflicts of interest are chosen to examine the submitted nominations. The criteria of these nominations request all nominators to complete a detailed document which includes supporting testimonials. The judges may request an interview with the nominee and additional documentation to support the submission. Each judge will score each submission based on the testimonials and documentation provided by the award nominators. The aggregate highest score will determine the winner of the award.

The winner will be notified in the second week of May to allow them the opportunity to attend the Termite Professional Conference Gala Dinner to accept their award.

AUSSIE TERMITE TOURS

(Darwin - Kakadu - Litchfield)

WE ARE GETTING EXCITED!

Bookings are coming in. Spaces are limited. Please click here to book in your spot and make payment.

(Darwin - Kakadu - Litchfield)

A tour not to be missed. Great tour, best guides!

A guided tour with Jay and Nicky Turner is the best way to discover Australia’s famous Cathedral and Magnetic termite mounds in luxury and style. Find and learn all about the ecology of many of the Top Ends local termite species. This is the best working holiday that also offers pub crawls, crocodile touring, Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, walking, cruises, birdlife, fish feeding and finishing off the tour with a bang for Territory day.

FACEBOOK-SQUARE INSTAGRAM-SQUARE LINKEDIN

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A MENTALLY HEALTHY YEAR

A new year can bring with it a sense of optimism and enthusiasm about twelve fresh months and the opportunities that may bring. A time of great promise and motivation, a new year can also bring both internal and external pressure. Our desire to get things right, to set resolutions and accomplish personal goals or break a habit may become a source of comparison or shift the focus from progress that we’ve made. There is a certain appeal in setting new year’s resolutions; a clean slate and a fresh start, but what may feel comforting in theory can become prescriptive and restrictive over time.

It’s OK to make change in an affirming and self-compassionate way.

CHOOSING THE FRAMEWORK THAT INSPIRES

The concept of a new year’s resolutions is said to date back to 4000BC where the Ancient Babylonians offered bounty, prayers and promises of good behaviour in return for plentiful harvests and fruitful fishing trips. They span Eastern and Western tradition and give us the opportunity to identify the areas of improvement we seek in a new year. However, the restrictive nature of our approach to resolutions doesn’t suit everyone. Too often have resolutions become a source of negativity if the expectation wasn’t met.

According to the popular book, Atomic Habits by James Clear[1], changing habits includes making micro-changes to your environment and supporting you to achieve change over a longer period of time. It is not promise of a future finish line as delivered by a modern-day resolution. There are no big transformations awaits at the start or end of a calendar year. Rather, focus on creating an environment that supports you to make better choices.

Recognising that change doesn’t happen overnight and providing yourself a positive replacement for the habit, creates a far less restrictive and potentially

Here are some ways you can balance a willingness to change habits and make progress in a new year.

punishing self-narrative. It gives you the ability to ground yourself in the change and notice not only the absence or melancholy, but the hope for the future, too.

CHOOSE TO PUT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST

Many New Year’s resolutions focus on setting goals to improve areas such as physical health, financial performance, or relationships. But what if you centred your experience on putting your mental health first?

If you put your mental health first, would you take up the sport you’ve always wanted to try? Would you ask for your needs in relationships differently? Would you be kinder to yourself by setting fewer and perhaps more realistic goals?

Using your mental health as a litmus test for the decisions in your life can help qualify the right options for you. As well as guiding you to opt for choices that boost, rather than reduce, your self-esteem. When we make the choice to allow good mental health to define our experience, we:

• Take the time to reflect on situations, people and environments and assess their influence on our overall health and happiness

• Choose exercise and activities that promote a sense of achievement and well-being over gamification and pressure

• Seek and make time for relationships, friendships and social experiences that fulfill and support us

• Make time for hobbies, sports, activities and events that make us feel good and promote community connectivity

• Help create a sense of well-being that keeps us in the present instead of ruminations of the past and/or anxiety for the future

• Find it easier to reach out for help when and if we need it.

PUT INTRINSIC GOALS AT THE CENTRE

When we talk about goals and plans, we’re often caught up in the excitement. Ideas that swirl around extrinsic goals such as visibility and prestige, an increase in fortune, and the external proof we are moving forward can entice us.

Yet, we often forget to look at the foundations of our core mental health and our being for guidance. Intrinsic goals inspire us to connect and pursue a life that nourishes and nurtures us through good times and bad. They naturally lend themselves to self-care and compassion. All while teaching us to grow in ourselves, our relationships, career and community.

• How can you create, foster, and strengthen the

relationships that surround you

• What excites you about the new year and engages your curiosity?

• How would you like to encourage yourself to grow personally, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually, and/or professionally?

• What does self-nurturing and self-guidance look like to you?

By choosing what matters most, we can inspire change from the inside out.

RINSE AND REPEAT

Humans are imperfect and a desire and willingness to change, doesn’t mean that we’ll always be successful, or that change will come easily. Moment by moment, decision by decision, we change the course of our lives. How we think, when and if we act, what we do when we do act, it all adds up. By choosing to make a change, you are also making a commitment to growing, thinking and muddling your way forward. That’s why it’s important to recognise that repetition and responsiveness are part of the package.

The more you practise the guitar, the easier the notes come. And the more you realise that some days, you will play better than others and that’s OK, too, the more the journey of learning becomes positive, with less resistance.

Our culture can tend to focus on the product of a great idea or hard work without necessarily seeing the effort, resilience and difficult moments it took to get there. Personal success and achievement don’t happen in a vacuum or without consistent effort. At times, personal achievement is unseen and discrete, yet holds great transformative power. Changing our mindset, allowing more self-compassion, and building good habits on a small scale is an achievable first step.

Remember, as Miles Davis famously said, “It’s not the note you play that’s the wrong note. It’s the note you play afterwards that makes it right or wrong.”

If you or anyone you know needs extra support, call:

� Lifeline on 13 11 14

� Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800

� MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978

� Support Act on 1800 959 500

� Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

� Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36

� Headspace on 1800 650 890

� Respect on 1800 RESPECT

� MindSpot on 1800 61 34 44

� PANDA on 1300 726 306

TERMITE PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE

Customers expect termite professionals to “be the expert” and to feel assured that you can deal with any termite issues that present and provide the necessary services to protect their home.

Women In Pest Management is excited to be involved with the inaugural Termite Professional Conference. The Termite Professional Conference is aimed at pest managers who want to improve their understanding of termites and further their termite management skills to win more business and deliver improved services. The conference aims to help you to “Be the Expert”. The conference is going to be held in the 2023 July school holidays in Queensland on the Sunshine Coast. Perfect location and time for that working holiday getaway.

What to expect:

• Learn from the experts on termite biology and behaviour with presentations from leading Australian and US researchers

• Educational sessions on termite management techniques

• Latest information on termite management products, software and insurance

• Great opportunity to meet and socialise with fellow termite professionals

• Perfect time to combine with a winter holiday on the great Sunny Coast!

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER PLEASE CLICK ON THE REGISTER BUTTON NOW.

NOW

IF YOU’RE A TERMITE PROFESSIONAL, THIS IS THE CONFERENCE FOR YOU!

To

get an exclusive insight into the amazing guest speaker line up as well as Phil Ridley’s motivation behind organising the conference, jump onto the Pestie Profiles Podcast.

THURSDAY 6TH JULY

SUNSHINE COAST.

MAROOCHY RSL EVENT CENTRE

SAVE THE DATE!

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS

- TERMITE PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE

HOSTED BY WOMEN IN PEST MANAGEMENT

THURSDAY 6TH JULY, SUNSHINE COAST, MAROOCHY RSL EVENT CENTRE.

SAVE THE DATE!

The WIPM Committee has been busy organising workshops featuring speakers from the pest management industry who will provide invaluable presentations on leadership and wellbeing. The workshops will be a full day and will be at the same venue as the Termite Professional Conference. The aim of the workshops is to inspire attendees to find new, innovative ways of developing and managing people and to improve mental resilience, as well as looking after the mental wellbeing of employees.

Details to be released in the next couple of weeks.

PARTNERS EVENT

- TERMITE PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE COAST TO HINTERLAND HIGH TEA

HOSTED BY WOMEN IN PEST MANAGEMENT

FRIDAY JULY 7TH 2023

While hubbie is attending the Termite Professional Conference we have arranged the perfect way to spend your day. This event is open to all conference delegate partners and any women who work in the pest management industry. Join us for a coast to hinterland drive to Montville for High Tea. Montville boasts glorious views of the Sunshine Coast & Hinterland while providing visitors with a unique shopping and dining experience. History and architecture buffs will marvel at the fine buildings which run along and around Main Street. This is a great opportunity to see one of the best places the Sunshine Coast has to offer. You will have time to do a bit of sightseeing and shopping in the main street before heading over to Secrets on the Lake for High Tea.

Secrets on the Lake is the Sunshine Coast’s Best Kept Secret. It is also home to the award winning restaurant Dining On the Deck, and a unique art space showcasing local artists. It is a truly special

place, situated in the rainforest on the shores of Lake Baroon with panoramic views of the water, mountains and rainforest. We may even have time for a sneaky wine taster at the Flame Hill Vineyard.

$125pp. Includes travel and high tea for lunch with champagne.

Pick Up: Maroochy RSL Event Centre 9:30am - Return 3pm.

REGISTER NOW

WIPM NETWORKING BIG BREAKFAST

- TERMITE PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE

HOSTED BY WOMEN IN PEST MANAGEMENT

FRIDAY JULY 7TH 2023

We have just locked in Amanda Stevens in as the keynote speaker for the National Big Breakfast that Women In Pest Management is hosting at the Termite Professional Conference - Friday 7th July , Sunshine Coast.

Topic: Everyday Bravery

After wowing audiences in 14 countries for more than a decade on the speaking circuit, Amanda is widely regarded as one of the best female speakers in Australia.

With a double degree in marketing and consumer psychology, Amanda has authored five books and is highly regarded as a marketing consultant, having been engaged to work with brands such as Microsoft, Westpac, Foxtel, Lend Lease, Priceline, and even advising at the highest levels of Australian politics.

She’s shared the stage with the likes of Sir Bob Geldof, Sir Richard Branson and Condoleezza Rice and has presented for audiences ranging in size from 30 to 3,000 at all levels of business.

The National Big Breakfast is open to men and women in the pest management industry and is open to Delegates and Non-Delegates. You do not have to be attending the conference to book. Delegates attend FREE. Non-Delegates $30.

You must register to attend this sit down breakfast event. Limited seating of 300 people. Don’t miss out!

FACEBOOK-SQUARE INSTAGRAM-SQUARE LINKEDIN

Check out the video on Amanda Stevens.

HEALTHY BITES WITH KERRYN

THE BUSY WOMAN’S GUIDE TO MAKING HEALTHY EATING EASIER

written by Kerryn Waters

1. PLAN AHEAD

One of the best ways to make healthy eating easier is to plan ahead. Planning your meals for the week can help you to make better choices when you’re grocery shopping and can also help you to avoid ordering takeout when you’re short on time or busy out on the road. Meal planning doesn’t have to be complicated, in fact the more basic the better –simply choose a few healthy recipes that you know you’ll enjoy and make a list of the ingredients you’ll need.

2. KEEP HEALTHY SNACKS ON HAND

Another way to make healthy eating easier is to keep healthy snacks on hand at all times. This way, if you get hungry between meals, you’ll have

something healthy to eat instead of reaching for unhealthy junk food or letting yourself get so hungry you break - and stop at the McDonalds Drive Thru. Some stealthy healthy snack options include fresh fruit, dried fruit, whole grain crackers, grain based bars, yoghurt, and nuts.

3. MEAL PREP!

Setting an hour or so aside each week to put together your meals for the week is another great way to make healthy eating easier. When you prep, you have complete control over what goes into your meals. This means that you can choose healthy ingredients and prepare them in a way that suits you. And if you think meal prep is all about chicken, rice and broccoli in tupperware, you’re wrong! There are plenty of different ways to do meal prep that can keep it interesting.

4. AVOID TEMPTATION

One of the biggest challenges of eating healthy is avoiding temptation. If unhealthy foods are easily accessible, it can be hard to resist them. “Healthy Life Design’ is a key area of focus at HiBar Nutrition. A simple way you can make healthy eating easier, is to avoid keeping tempting foods in your house and instead focus on stocking up on healthier options. If you do have discretionary foods in your house, keep them out of sight so they’re not as tempting.

5. FIND A BALANCE

Last but not least, it’s important to find a balance when it comes to healthy eating. While it’s important to eat healthy most of the time, allowing yourself occasional treats can actually make it easier to stick to your healthy eating goals in the long run. A B- nutrition plan that you can stick to will always win over an A+ nutrition plan that is impossible to do. Balance is key – so don’t be too hard on yourself if you indulge every once in a while!

Kerryn Waters is the founder of Hibar Nutrition and a Physique Athlete who specialises in helping busy men and women achieve their weight loss goals through their diet. Prior to entering the wellbeing industry she held senior leadership roles in a number of large Australian and International companies. As the previous Business Manager of the Queensland Rentokil business, Kerryn is known for leading high performance teams by focusing on developing people to their fullest potential. She is also a self labeled ‘nutrition nerd’ and started HiBar as a way to combine her passion (nutrition and fitness) with her superpower (developing others). Kerryn is now living her best life - developing personalised programs focused on nutrition, training, mindset & accountability and working 1 on 1 with her clients to achieve outstanding health results.

If you want to know how HiBar Nutrition could help you, you can book a complimentary call with Kerryn to see if it’s right for you. Just scan the QR code below!

EMPLOYER TIPS

FREE BUSINESS HEALTH CHECK

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOUR BUSINESS HAD A HEALTH CHECK?

A Business Health Check is a current and complete assessment of the key components of your business. It identifies key strengths and weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It can also include a documentation review and risk assessment for your workplace. With our exclusive template, you can conduct a quick business health check to start 2023 on the right note.

The Employsure Business Health Check covers:

• Daily operations checklist

• Employment relations checklist

• Health and safety checklist

Download the Employsure Business Health Check today!

EMPLOYEE LIFE CYCLE E-BOOK

Are you looking to scale your business in 2023?

With a labour and skills shortage across the world, it’s crucial to hire the right people. It’s also vital that you retain your employees and understand the steps to take if dismissal is required.

The E-Book includes:

• What is an employee lifecycle and why it matters

• The fundamental stages of an employee lifecycle

• Tips on hiring, onboarding, probation and engagement

• Tips on disciplinary action, termination and offboarding

• How Employsure can help you

Download our E-Book to learn about building an engaging employee lifecycle today.

MANAGING ABSENTEEISM FREE FACTSHEET

Is excessive employee absenteeism hurting your business?

Excessive or chronic employee absenteeism increases

the burden on employers and forces other employees to carry the additional workload. Absenteeism affects staff burnout, productivity, reduces service quality, and impacts morale.

The Factsheet includes:

• What is chronic absenteeism?

• When is absenteeism acceptable?

• The impact of absenteeism on your business

• The true causes of chronic employee absenteeism

• Practical steps and tips to manage employee absenteeism

Get on top of absenteeism in your business this year. Download the Managing Absenteeism Factsheet today to learn more!

WORK FROM HOME POLICY TEMPLATE

If your staff are working from home, you need a WFH policy!

Don’t start the new year without the right policies in

your business. As an employer, your health and safety obligations extend to your staff working remotely. It’s essential to have a policy in place to ensure you have outlined both employer and employee rights and responsibilities.

The policy template includes:

• Health and safety considerations

• Provision and use of company equipment

• Protecting the confidentiality of business information

• Managing staff remotely

Download the Working from Home Policy Template today!

https://employsure.com.au/

WARM WEEDS & FIRE TIME

Australia has always had a reputation for burning. Our native bush is built to burn and because of our love of the land, we often build our homes right on the doorstep of mother nature’s very own redhead matches. The fires in NSW and QLD should have all of us landowners on notice. To often, fires are thrown into the ‘it won’t happen to me basket’ until its all to late. I’m a weed control expert, not a fire expert, but I definitely think there’s a few overlaps that we can discuss here in this issue.

An obvious starting point is to reiterate our views on firebreaks from some of our earlier articles. Spray? or Plough? If you have gone down the age-old ploughing path, your tracks probably very boggy & un-driveable - unless your 4x4 is well equipped. Maybe you even enjoy a bumpy ride around the fence lines of your property. That said, this could be a major issue in a stress filled paddock run to pick the horses up with a fire breathing down your neck and water choppers circling above. I’d prefer option two. A hard, solid, well-worn track that’s been treated chemically or sprayed with a natural non residual product. Regardless of your firebreak approach, don’t drop the ball... Some years they need attacking once, some years - 4 times. Seasons change and weeds find away. Don’t hit summer thinking your firebreaks all sorted because 6 weeks ago you worked it. Take a second look.

Summers pasture grass weeds. Most of us have them, a lot of them are South African and all of them are warm growing grass weeds. Long after the paddocks been slashed, and the pasture grasses are generally low, warm growing grasses shoot up. They’re generally, pretty easy to spot too. They’re those pesky looking green bits we see from the fence line when everything else seems dead. Cut or treat them, or even dig them out before they seed. These particular warm growing grass weeds can increase your fire load and summer is generally the best time to attack them, simply because of the ease in seeing them.

Get your water sorted. Do you have access to a 12v water/chemical sprayer or motorised water tanker - that works? Is your bore water pump able to be used with a generator if the power mains are cut off? Has your generators/pumps and motors been serviced, started, and have fuel? Get them fired up and don’t sit back and hope they’ll start, because when the pony poo hits the fan, you can guarantee they won’t. Are your garden hoses holding water or looking like swiss cheese? Where did the kids put sprinklers and where are all those hose fittings you borrowed and broke throughout the year? All simple stuff to check, yet many of us have a habit of putting this stuff on the back ‘burner’.

Get yourself in shape, and don’t get caught with a hole in your hose this summer.

FACEBOOK-SQUARE INSTAGRAM-SQUARE LINKEDIN

RHIANNON BROWN Western Envirapest & Weed Solutions.

PESTICON AUGUST 2023 THE STAR, GOLD COAST

Pesticon 2023 - “What Customers Want” will be held at The Star Gold Coast from 16-18 August 2023.

The theme will enable an individual pest control firm to build its business, better service its customers, and provide benchmarks to improve profitability and customer base.

Whether your business is large or small, Pesticon 2023 will give your business a winning edge. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover new ways to deliver your services to the public.

Keep an eye out over the coming months for further details regarding the event, and for the ladies, it will also include the AWPMA women’s networking breakfast.

PESTWORLD OCTOBER 2023 HAWAII CONVENTION CENTRE, HONOLULU, HAWAII

This year, the National Pest Managers Association is extending a particularly warm invitation to all international delegates to attend PestWorld 2023 in Honolulu, Hawaii The dates to add to your diary are October 17th - 20th.

We are excited that three WIPM committee members will be attending this conference and joining the Professional Women In Pest Management (PWIPM) breakfast.

If you are a Pestie in Australia and are attending PestWorld this year, we invite you to join the PestWorld HawaiiAustralian Attendees closed Facebook page. We will answer any questions you have and keep you updated on events that us Aussie’s are invited to which include International visitors networking events, the Professional Women In Pest Management (PWIPM) Breakfast, fundraising activities, and the opening and closing parties. Connect and network with other Aussie Pesties through this private group. Find out who is going, where everyone else is staying, meeting points to catch up with others and tips on what to do in Hawaii. Tickets go on sale soon. You must be attending PestWorld Hawaii to be accepted into this group.

PESTIE CONNECTIONS

In this episode of Pestie Connections Nicky has a chat and many laughs with Aimee McBean from Bugs Gone Pest Control in Cambridge New Zealand. Having spent her life in Cambridge Aimee knows the Waikato area, its people and pests well. Aimee is a fully licensed urban pest control technician, experienced and passionate about all things pest management. Aimee is also one of our newest committee members for Women In Pest Management and will be working alongside Nikki De Renzy in the NZ chapter of WIPM.

The 2023 Inaugural WIPM NZ Excellence Award is now open for nominations. We have received a positive response for the award with some names already being put up for nominations. More details are in the award section of this newsletter.

We would like to say a special thank you to our outgoing NZ representative Anita Collins-Preiss. Anita has made the difficult decision to stand down from the WIPM committee and as the NZ representative to focus more on work/family commitments. 2022 was a fun and productive year under Anita’s leadership, we appreciate the work and commitment that she has done for the association and wish her all the best in her future endeavours. I am happy to say that both Nikki De Renzy and Aimee McBean will continue to stay on the committee and will be working alongside the rest of the committee members in Australia and South Pacific.

We are on the lookout for new management committee members in New Zealand. Do you want to expand your network? Demonstrate and develop your leadership and acquire new knowledge and skills? This is a great opportunity to be a part of a team and gain experience in this area. Being a part of the committee will provide an abundance of opportunity for personal and professional development. If this is something that might interest you, please get in contact with us at info@wipm.au

AIMEE MCBEAN

NIKKI DE RENZY

The 2023 Inaugural WIPM South Pacific Excellence Award is now open for nominations. We have also received a positive response for this award with some emails of interest coming in. More details are in the award section of this newsletter.

Preparations for future events in Fiji are in the works. South Pacific representative Asita Devi Deo is currently taking some much needed time off and is just about to return home from an extended trip in India. Nicky will be heading back over to Fiji early April to continue working alongside Asita, as well as attend her son’s wedding. Stay tuned for exciting new projects to be announced.

PEST TALK EVENT IN NEW ZEALAND

An invitation has been put out to everyone by PMANZ to the Syngenta Pest Talk – February 2023, New Zealand! Come and learn what the best tips and tricks are to get the most out of Syngenta’s Advion Ant, Advion Cockroach and Demand CS and Talon WB!

Join a presentation by Peter Ambrose-Pearce, the Technical Service Lead for Syngenta PPM, along with an interactive session where you will be able to ask those annoying questions that you want answered or have questions on any Professional Pest Management strategies or questions on the Syngenta product range.

Topics to be covered:

• Advion Ant – What to look out for when tackling a tricky nest of ants?

• Advion Cockroach – How to kill that pack of pesty German Cockroaches and what makes Advion Coackroach so palatable?

• Demand CS –What is Encapsulated Technology and why should you be using it?

• Talon WB – Are all Rodenticides equal?

Venues: 21st February - Remuera Golf Club, 120 Abbotts Way, Remuera, Auckland

22nd February - Omanu Golf Club, 98 Matapihi Road, Mount Maunganui

Note: Please see more details and RSVP here by Friday, 10th February 2023.

ASITA DEVI DEO

EVENTS

AUSTRALIAN

Aussie Termite Tours

24th June - 2nd July 2023

Termite Professional Conference

5th - 7th July 2023, Maroochy RSL, Sunshine Coast

WIPM National BIG Breakfast

7th July 2023, Maroochy RSL, Sunshine Coast

WIPM Coast to Hinterland High Tea

7th July 2023 Secrets on the Lake, Montville

AEPMA Pesticon

16th - 18th August 2023, The Star, Gold Coast

INTERNATIONAL

NPMA

2023 Wildlife Expo, Marriott Resort, Myrtle Beach Grande Dunes. 7th9th February

2023 PESTWORLD EAST, Dubai, UAE, 28th Feb - 1st March.

2023 Safety Summit, Orlando, Florida, 4th - 5th May

PestWorld

2023 Honolulu 17th – 20th October

2024 Denver 22nd – 25th October

2025 Orlando 21st – 24th October

2026 Grapevine 20th – 23rd October

NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS

FAOPMA

2023 Taiwan, Kaohsiung

Exhibition Centre 12th14th September

2023 India

2025 Malaysia

2026 New Zealand

WIPM members are encouraged to contribute to our monthly newsletter. If you have an article or relevant resources that you would like to contribute, please email over to info@wipm.au. Cut off date for the next edition will be the 17th of Feb 2023.

CONTACT US

WIPM Office

Unit 4/1 Selkirk Drive, Noosaville Qld 4566

PO BOX 1910, Noosaville DC Qld 4566

President

Nicky Turner 0409 217 328

nicky@pestieprofiles.au (QLD)

Vice-President

Rhiannon Brown 0491 368 478

hello@envirapest.com.au (WA)

Events Coordinator

Eliza Urey

events@ipma.org.au (NSW)

FACEBOOK-SQUARE INSTAGRAM-SQUARE LINKEDIN

FACEBOOK-SQUARE INSTAGRAM-SQUARE LINKEDIN