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NEXT LEVEL battery PERFORMANCE ƒ EFFICIENT POWER ALL DAY LONG. The new STIHL ALLPRO Battery System takes performance to the next level with greater speed, efficiency, and up to 60 % more peak power.* Plus, it delivers up to 20 % longer runtime,* for even more productivity throughout the day. STIHL.COM.AU/ALLPRO

* Comparison between AP 300.0 P and AP 300 S.

INSIDE

C P

#102 oct/nov 2026 Upfront

Features

Tools ’n’ Toys

06 From the Editor 08 Upfront

28 A Winning Finish 36 Chasing Unicorns 60 Seeing Pink 70 Creator Spotlight: October 71 Creator Spotlight: November

10 From the Cover 16 On the Move 20 Great Outdoors 30 The Tradie’s Business 41 Tool Up 62 Tradie Tough Tests 72 Have Your Say

36 44 20

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FROM THE EDITOR Published by:

379 Docklands Drive, Docklands VIC 3008 T: 03 9690 8766 www.primecreativemedia.com.au Chairman John Murphy CEO Christine Clancy Sales Director Courtney Burton courtney.burton@primecreative.com.au

Image: pla2na//stock.adobe.com

Holiday fever Summer is coming, and there’s plenty to get sorted THERE’S SOMETHING strangely comforting about Midsomer Murders. Maybe it’s the quiet English villages, the picturesque country pubs, the suspiciously high murder rate… or the fact that you can almost guarantee someone will be dramatically killed before the opening credits are finished. That’s what I’ve been watching lately, and while I’m not sure what it says about me that a relaxing night in involves solving fictional murders, it has become something of a ritual. Thankfully, there are a few things happening outside the TV that are considerably more exciting — and considerably less likely to involve a suspiciouslooking vicar. 6 THE TRADIE

For what it’s worth, it’s never the tradie who did the murder. However, many a bluecollar bloke seemingly gets done in around Midsomer, whether it’s with a hammer, nail gun… even a steamroller on a cricket pitch — it doesn’t get as British as that. With summer holidays now on the horizon, it’s that time of year when the calendar starts filling up and the planning begins. Whether you’re heading away for a few weeks, loading up the ute for a camping trip, taking the boat down to the coast or simply looking forward to a few days with absolutely nothing in the diary, there’s plenty to get sorted before the Christmas break rolls around. For tradies, that can

mean getting the gear and vehicles ready, knocking over those jobs that have been hanging around for too long and making sure everything is in order before you shut the workshop or jobsite for a well-earned break. And, of course, there’s the other kind of holiday preparation: figuring out what tools, toys and gadgets might be worth adding to the collection

National Advertising Manager Elisha Sinclair elisha.sinclair@primecreative.com.au Editor Harry Murtough harry.murtough@primecreative.com.au Art Director/Design Daz Woolley Client Success Manager Justine Nardone justine.nardone@primecreative.com.au Contributors Tim O’Reilly

Summer is on the horizon, making now the time to start planning the wellearned break

before you disappear. That’s where this issue comes in. We’ve packed it with plenty of gear, ideas, advice and stories to keep you entertained, informed and hopefully inspired as we head towards the warmer months. So, whether you’re planning a big summer adventure or just planning on putting your feet up with a cold one and an episode of Midsomer Murders, we’ve got you covered. Enjoy the issue — and stay safe out there.

Cover images Stihl, Yamaha The Publisher reserves the right to alter or omit any article or advertisement submitted and requires indemnity from the advertisers and contributors against damages or liabilities that may arise from material published. © Copyright – No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the permission of the Publisher.

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SUBSCRIBE TODAY! To subscribe you can email subscriptions@primecreative.com.au call 03 9690 8766 or visit The Tradie Magazine website below!

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EDITOR Harry Murtough

TheTradieMagazine @thetradiettt

UPFRONT

hi t s

w o b n i ra

road

One hundred carts + Max Verstappen What could go wrong?

IT’S-AX-! MA 8 THE TRADIE

Max Verstappen (centre rear) started 101st on the grid before charging through the field at Silverstone

Image: Mihai Stetcu / Red Bull Content Pool

x a m n e p p a t s r ve

STARTING DEAD last against 100 challengers sounded less like a race and more like a Mario Kart lobby gone completely off the rails. Instead, Max Verstappen turned Red Bull’s Max vs 100 into his own Rainbow Road. The four-time Formula 1 world champion overtook all 100 challengers at Silverstone, completing the job on lap 14 of 30 with 35 minutes still on the clock. The 101-kart grid was already chaos before the first lap was over. Verstappen passed more than 10 drivers before reaching the start/finish line, while the first hairpin became a real-life Mushroom Gorge, with karts spinning, crashing and facing the wrong way. “I have no idea what’s going on – it’s carnage,” Verstappen said over the radio. Two minutes in, he was already 37th, with 63 drivers eliminated without completing a lap. “Not a bad first lap then!” By lap seven, three drivers had managed to pull away from the Mario Kart massacre, building a 12-second lead. It was only a matter of time. Verstappen was taking around three seconds a lap out of them, eventually clearing two in one corner before catching F1 journalist Jacky Martens. Blue shells weren’t required. Verstappen’s fastest lap was 2:20.673 – more than 2.6 seconds quicker than Martens – and he averaged a pass every 21 seconds. “It was great to just be back in a go-kart again and go back to basics,” he said. Asked where the win ranked, Verstappen grinned. “I think this is the best one yet!”

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117

The battery equipment replicates petrol, you get constant power all the way through 10 THE TRADIE

FROM THE COVER

Images: Prime Creative Media

o r p l l a Professional battery power is about to get a serious boost THERE WAS a time when telling a tradie or landscaper to ditch petrol equipment for batterypowered gear was a prett y easy way to get laughed off the jobsite. Nah, not enough power. Nah, not enough runtime. Takes too long to charge. It’s too fragile in the wet and, ultimately, it’s too expensive. STIHL reckons those

STIHL’s new ALLPRO battery system is designed to deliver professional performance across landscaping, horticulture, construction and other demanding applications

arguments are getting harder to make. The company gave The Tradie and other STIHL pros a peek at the ALLPRO battery system at a property in Langwarrin, Victoria, ahead of its Australian arrival this October. Rather than simply rolling out a few new batteries, STIHL showcased firsthand a professional battery system capable of tackling everything from hedge trimming and mowing to chainsaw work, blowing and construction applications. And judging by the

equipment on display, the focus isn’t simply on replacing petrol. It’s about building a battery platform that can genuinely handle the demands of a full working day. TURNING UP THE POWER At the heart of ALLPRO is a new Performance Series using tabless lithium-ion cell technology. In simple terms, STIHL has changed how energy gets into and out of the battery, allowing more power to be delivered when the tool needs it. STIHL Oceania Product Portfolio Manager Silvio

Matas used a bottle and tap analogy to explain the difference. With conventional tabbed cells, he explained, there’s effectively a limit to how much energy can flow through the individual tab. ALLPRO’s tabless design increases the available pathways for energy to move through the cells. The result is a significant increase in peak output. The flagship AP 300.0 P produces up to 4kW of peak power, compared with 3.5kW for STIHL’s current AP 500 S. Performance Series also includes the AP 100.0 P, producing 1.5kW, and AP

STIHL’s ALLPRO system is designed to keep delivering consistent performance as the battery charge drops, helping replicate the power delivery of petrol equipment

200.0 P, producing 2.6kW. That gives users the ability to choose the battery according to the job rather than simply reaching for the biggest unit every time. “The great thing about ALLPRO is that it works when it’s raining,” Silvio said. The batteries are IPX5 rated and designed to operate from -20°C to THE TRADIE 11

You’ve got an all-in-one solution to provide true mobile power 50°C, meaning they’re intended to keep working when the conditions aren’t exactly ideal. ALLPRO also uses a Power Boost function, automatically providing additional power when an application places greater demand on the battery. NINE MINUTES CHANGES THE EQUATION Power is only half the conversation. For tradies, charging is arguably just as important. 12 THE TRADIE

One of the biggest questions STIHL said it gets from customers is how to keep batteries charged when crews are away from the shed or workshop. “One of the biggest topics we get working with commercial customers is how to get in-field charging happening,” STIHL Commercial Business Development Manager Christos Smallman said. “It’s one of the hottest

topics within the industry, and the solution is here.” That solution includes STIHL’s AL 1802 MO highspeed charger, capable of delivering 1800 watts of charging power. Paired with the Performance Series batteries, it can take an ALLPRO battery from zero to 80 per cent in as little as nine minutes. That’s a very different proposition from the traditional battery routine of finishing a pack, putting it on charge and waiting

around for the next one. The other part of STIHL’s answer is the PS 2000 mobile power station. Essentially a batterypowered generator, the PS 2000 stores 2,000Wh of energy and provides up to 4kW of peak power. It can recharge STIHL batteries in the field while also providing two 15-amp outlets, USB charging and an LED light. Christos said a single PS 2000 can provide around five recharges of

Keep your tools juiced up on-site thanks to STIHL’s AL 1802 MO High-Speed Charger

an AP 300.0 P, or up to 16 recharges of the smaller batteries. “You’ve got an all-in-one solution to provide true mobile power,” he said. Up to three PS 2000 units can also be linked together, providing a combined six kilowatt-

FROM THE COVER ALLPRO Performance Series at a glance: Up to 4kW: Peak power from the AP 300.0 P Up to 60% more peak power: Compared with the AP 300 S 9 minutes: Time to reach up to 80% charge with the AL 1802 MO high-speed charger 3,000 cycles: Claimed charge-cycle life -20°C to 50°C: Operating temperature range IPX5: Protection against rain and water 0.9kg: AP 100.0 P weight 1.4kg: AP 200.0 P weight 1.9kg: AP 300.0 P weight 60+ tools: Compatible STIHL AP system machines Two series: Standard and Performance Five battery capacities: AP 20.1, AP 30.1, AP 100.0 P, AP 200.0 P and AP 300.0 P

hours of energy storage. For a small crew, STIHL’s argument is that a relatively modest battery pool combined with mobile charging can provide enough capacity to keep people working without having to carry a truckload of batteries. BATTERY POWER THAT DOESN’T FADE Another key claim from STIHL is that ALLPRO equipment is designed to deliver constant power throughout the battery’s charge. Silvio said this is important because some battery tools can produce impressive peak figures but then reduce performance as the battery charge falls. With STIHL’s approach, the aim is for the machine to deliver the same level of performance from the moment the trigger is pulled until the battery is empty. “The great thing about our machines — and one

thing STIHL does very, very well — is that the battery equipment replicates petrol,” Silvio said. “You get constant power all the way through.” The system can also use Power Boost when the tool comes under heavy load, increasing output to help maintain performance. For a chainsaw biting into a big piece of timber or a blower dealing with heavy material, that’s where the technology is designed to earn its keep.

It kind of gives you an all-in-one mower for every scenario

BUILT FOR THE REAL WORLD STIHL wasn’t simply talking about specifications at Langwarrin.

Tim the Lawnmower Man — who has more than 1.2 million followers on Instagram — put STIHL’s professional batterypowered mowing equipment through its paces during the ALLPRO demonstration at Langwarrin

THE TRADIE 13

We really want to stress the product and make sure it performs in the conditions our customers are working in The equipment was being demonstrated across construction, landscaping, horticulture and other applications, giving attendees the chance to handle and operate the tools themselves. Silvio said testing batteries in genuine working conditions was an important part of the development process. “All of our batteries are tested in real-world situations where possible,” he said. “We really want to stress the product and make sure it performs in the conditions our customers are working in.” That includes testing at temperatures as low as -20°C, while the batteries are designed to operate in temperatures as high as 50°C. The company is also putting considerable emphasis on ergonomics. 14 THE TRADIE

None of the ALLPRO batteries weighs more than 2kg, with the AP 100.0 P weighing 0.9kg, the AP 200.0 P 1.4kg and the AP 300.0 P 1.9kg. Interestingly, STIHL has managed to increase the output of its biggest battery while shaving 200 grams from the equivalent current-generation pack. The idea is to make sure the battery doesn’t ruin the balance STIHL has engineered into each machine. “When you look at a STIHL machine, it’s already balanced as best as possible,” Silvio said. “When I plug the battery in, it creates that perfect balance.” FROM HEDGES TO HEAVY HITTERS One of the more convincing parts of the Langwarrin demonstration was the sheer variety of equipment

being powered from the platform. The HSA 140 hedge trimmer, for example, combines the battery platform with STIHL’s focus on ergonomics and safety, including two-stage activation and a rotating handle. For longer-reach work, the HLA 135 extends the same concept to pole hedge trimming, potentially reducing the need for ladders on suitable jobs. The blower range also demonstrates how STIHL is trying to cater for different users rather than offering one tool and calling it done. Cruise control allows users to set the desired output and concentrate on directing the airflow, while different machines are designed around different combinations of airspeed and air throughput. The BRA 600 backpack

blower takes things further again, with a two-battery setup and an accessory designed to help counteract the torque generated when clearing large areas. Silvio pointed to applications including paddocks, car parks and grandstands. For mowing, STIHL is bringing the same battery philosophy across its professional mower range, including selfpropelled models and the company’s distinctive mono-handle design. The four-in-one cutting system was also highlighted during the demonstration. Lawnmower specialist and social media star Tim Parker, aka Tim the Lawnmower Man, said the system gives operators plenty of flexibility. “It kind of gives you an all-in-one mower for every scenario,” Tim said.

STIHL fans, users and social media personalities visited Langwarrin to put STIHL’s ALLPRO platform through its paces

Users can bag, side discharge, rear discharge or switch to mulching mode, depending on the conditions. The mono-handle design may look unusual at first, but Tim said the logic becomes apparent when emptying the catcher. “You’ve got better access to the bag, and it seems a lot more stable than you would imagine,” he said. EVEN THE SCEPTICS ARE TAKING NOTICE Perhaps one of the more interesting reactions at Langwarrin came from Jimmy Smith, Founder of Goat Gardens. Jimmy arrived with plenty of experience using

FROM THE COVER

From hedge trimming and mowing to chainsaw and blowing applications, STIHL demonstrated the versatility of the ALLPRO platform at Langwarrin

petrol equipment and some healthy scepticism about battery. “We’re all petrol, so I came in here prett y sceptical,” Jimmy said. But the hedge trimmer changed his mind. “Especially the handheld hedge trimmer, that was awesome,” he said. “The battery one is so easy to use.” For a business working across everything from residential properties to larger properties and a farm near Gosford, the question of runtime remains important. Jimmy said he’d previously been particularly sceptical about using battery equipment for large-scale hedge trimming and paddock work. But seeing the ALLPRO charging capability, including the nine-minute 80 per cent recharge, shifted his thinking. “I’ll definitely look into it,” he said. That’s arguably the biggest challenge STIHL is trying to overcome with ALLPRO. The company isn’t asking trade users to simply believe that battery is the future. It’s trying to make the practical case that battery can already do the work — and then make the transition easier. MAKING THE SWITCH EASIER STIHL isn’t abandoning its existing AP battery ecosystem either. The ALLPRO Standard

Series — comprising the AP 20.1 and AP 30.1 — uses standard lithium-ion cells and provides a lowercost entry point, while the Performance Series brings the new tabless technology and higher peak output. Importantly, STIHL says ALLPRO remains compatible with more than 60 power tools, including existing AP system equipment. Silvio added that long-term compatibility is a major consideration for trade users who don’t want to replace an entire fleet every time battery technology moves forward. The batteries also don’t need to be fully discharged before recharging. Silvio compared topping up a battery between jobs to filling a vehicle’s fuel tank. “If you’re going from job to job to job, there’s no

downside in plugging in throughout that process,” he said. And with a claimed 3,000 full charge cycles, STIHL is pitching ALLPRO Performance as a longterm investment rather than a consumable. After those cycles, the company says the batteries can continue to be used, although capacity may begin to reduce. Once a battery reaches the end of its useful life, STIHL’s dealer network can handle recycling. THE BIGGER PICTURE Perhaps the most telling comment from the event came when Silvio addressed the old argument that battery technology simply isn’t ready for hard yakka. “Look at the factory tools that everyone is holding today,” he said. “No longer can you use

the statement, ‘battery’s not there yet’. Battery’s been there.” That’s the challenge ALLPRO is designed to meet. With higher peak output, rapid charging, long claimed cycle life, weather resistance and a broad range of compatible equipment, STIHL is shifting the conversation away from whether battery can replace petrol and towards how tradies can build a battery setup that actually works for their business. For some tradies, that might mean a lightweight AP 100.0 P for hedge

trimming or tree work. For others, an AP 200.0 P could provide an all-round solution, while the AP 300.0 P is aimed squarely at the heavy hitters. Add the PS 2000 mobile power station and high-speed AL 1802 MO charger into the mix, and the prospect of running a commercial crew on battery becomes a whole lot more practical. ALLPRO is coming to Australia this spring, and if the Langwarrin demonstration was anything to go by, STIHL isn’t treating it as another battery range.

Check it out! Make sure to check out stihl.com.au THE TRADIE 15

ON THE MOVE

Two leaders, one partnership Truck Assist and Isuzu Trucks mark two decades of keeping trucks on roads TRUCK ASSIST and Isuzu Trucks — two leading names when it comes to keeping Australia’s transport industry moving. What began as a roadside assistance arrangement 20 years ago has developed into a much bigger relationship, built around shared values, customer service and a commitment to supporting the people and businesses that rely on their trucks every day. According to Truck Assist, the relationship actually stretches back further than two decades, with the two businesses already connected through the transport industry before Isuzu approached Truck Assist to develop a dedicated 16 THE TRADIE

heavy-vehicle roadside assistance program. “The focus is very much on the customers, rather than the trucks,” NTI’s National Development Manager Craig Carmody said. “It’s about extending the relationship and providing superior customer service.” STRENGTH IN THE NETWORK Isuzu’s extensive dealer network has been another key factor in the success of the customer focused initiative, complemented by Truck Assist’s nationwide roadside infrastructure. Truck Assist was able to leverage the network developed through its

NTI Assist program, which began in 2002, including relationships with specialist towing and heavy-vehicle recovery operators. “We recognised the expertise of the heavy towing industry, partnered with those operators and created a very strong and capable national network,” Craig said. That infrastructure allows Truck Assist to work closely with Isuzu dealers while ensuring customers have access to the right people and equipment when assistance is required.

the original roadside assistance program, with Truck Assist involved in Isuzu dealer conferences, strategic initiatives and awards recognising dealer and customer service excellence. The two organisations have also collaborated on truck restoration projects, while continuing to explore new opportunities. “We feel privileged to be regarded as a true partner, and we work hard to earn that trust

MORE THAN ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE The relationship has grown well beyond

Head over to truckassist.com.au to find out more

every day,” Craig said. “This relationship goes beyond a traditional service provider arrangement. It’s a genuine partnership with Isuzu.” At its core, the relationship is focused on a clear objective. “It’s about minimising downtime, maximising vehicle uptime and delivering exceptional customer service,” Craig said. “That’s what Isuzu Assist and our partnership are all about: keeping customers on the road, reducing disruptions and providing an outstanding customer experience.” Isuzu Australia Head of Aftersales Brett Stewart echoed Craig’s comments. “Our long-standing partnership with NTI is integral to Isuzu Care, combining Isuzu’s dealer network with Truck Assist’s 24/7 nationwide roadside capability to deliver responsive support and a strong customer experience,” Brett said. “Isuzu Care is about supporting customers throughout their ownership journey, and for 20 years Truck Assist has been playing a critical role in that promise, providing customer uptime support and peace of mind.”

Check it out!

Image: Isuzu Trucks

Truck Assist and Isuzu Trucks are marking 20 years of partnership focused on keeping trucks on the road and customers moving

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ON THE MOVE Fast facts New Renault Master

5 things tradies will love about the new Renault Master RENAULT IS aiming to make a bigger impression in Australia’s competitive large-van market with its all-new Master, bringing more capability, technology, safety and efficiency to tradies. The first ground-up redesign of Master in more than a decade, the new-generation van also introduces the fully electric Master E-Tech to Australia. The updated drivetrain brings more power and torque, with the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel producing 125kW and 380Nm and paired with a ninespeed torque-converter automatic. Renault Australia General Manager Glen Sealey believes the new model represents a massive step forward. “The new-generation Renault Master is a gamechanger with its added safety, capability, and

improved efficiency,” Glen said. Here are five features that should catch the eye of tradies. 1. PLENTY OF GRUNT AND PAYLOAD The updated 2.0-litre turbo-diesel delivers 125kW and 380Nm, with a 4000kg GVM and payload of up to 1973kg. Towing capacity is rated at 2000kg braked, giving tradies plenty of scope to carry tools, equipment and materials while still hauling a trailer when required. “Renault has been in the large van market globally since 1980 and in Australia since 2004, with the Renault Master celebrating 46 years since its original introduction in 1980,” Glen said. “It has a lot of experience in this space, and all of that historical knowhow delivers significant

improvements with each new model.” 2. A WORKSPACE ON WHEELS The middle seat can be fitted with an optional workstation, folding down to create a flat surface for paperwork, laptop work or lunch. The $800 Trade Pack adds the worktable, LED cargo lighting, an external reverse sound and rear step board. Up front, the redesigned cockpit features a 10-inch infotainment screen while retaining physical buttons and dials for commonly used functions. 3. BIG ACCESS FOR BIG GEAR Renault claims the Master’s 1312mm left sliding door opening is the largest in its class and wide enough to fit a pallet. The rear barn doors open through 270 degrees,

making forklift access easier. The van is available in mid-wheelbase and longwheelbase configurations, with standard- and highroof options. 4. A SAFER PLACE TO WORK New Master has received a Platinum Euro NCAP safety rating. It’s loaded some of the latest safety features, such as standard autonomous emergency braking, blind-zone warning, lane-keeping assistance and speed-sign recognition. A rear-view camera and rear parking sensors are also standard. “Van drivers spend a lot of time on the road, which is why Renault has gone to great lengths to deliver comfort, safety, and excellent driveability with the new model,” Sealey said.

5. ELECTRIC WITHOUT THE RANGE ANXIETY The Master E-Tech arrives with an 87kWh battery, producing 105kW and 300Nm and offering up to 409km of WLTP range. It can accept up to 130kW of DC fast charging, taking the battery from 15 to 80 per cent in approximately 38 minutes. Payload is up to 1164kg, while braked towing capacity remains 2000kg. With upgraded drivetrain and transmission, improved safety, greater cargo access and the choice of diesel or electric power, Renault is hoping its newest Master can carve out a bigger slice of the Australian tradie market.

Images: Renault

Master of the van game

• Fast Facts: Renault Master • Diesel: 2.0-litre turbo, 125kW/380Nm • Transmission: Nine-speed torque-converter automatic • Diesel GVM: 4000kg • Diesel payload: Up to 1973kg • Towing: 2000kg braked • E-Tech battery: 87kWh • E-Tech range: Up to 409km WLTP • E-Tech charging: Up to 130kW DC • Body styles: MWB/LWB, standard/high roof • Sliding door: 1312mm opening • Rear doors: 270-degree opening • Infotainment: 10-inch screen • Safety: Platinum Euro NCAP rating • Service interval: 12 months or 30,000km • Diesel pricing: From $55,990 plus on-road costs • E-Tech pricing: From $77,990 plus on-road costs

Check it out! To learn more including pricing, head to renault.com.au THE TRADIE 19

IN FOCUS: GREAT OUTDOORS

Black Trim Breakout The dark side of freedom: Meet the new blacked out Harley-Davidson Breakout® FOR DECADES, the Harley-Davidson Breakout® has represented custom motorcycle style at its boldest. Long, low and impossible to ignore, it has built a loyal following among riders who appreciate muscular performance wrapped in unmistakable cruiser proportions. Now, Harley-Davidson has taken one of its most iconic motorcycles and given it an even darker edge. Introducing the new Black Trim Breakout®, a striking factory-custom cruiser that replaces bright chrome with an assertive all-black finish package, creating a motorcycle that looks every bit as powerful as it feels. Combining a blackedout engine treatment, 20 THE TRADIE

dark trim details, Black Denim paint and custom tank graphics, the latest Breakout delivers a fresh interpretation of a modern Harley-Davidson icon. A DIFFERENT KIND OF PRESENCE The Breakout has never been a motorcycle for riders who prefer to blend in. Its stretched profile, raked front end and massive rear tyre have always commanded attention wherever it rolls. Moving away from traditional chrome highlights and embracing a darker aesthetic, HarleyDavidson has created a motorcycle that feels more contemporary, aggressive and purposeful. The blacked-out treatment complements the bike’s muscular stance, giving it a premium custom

look straight from the factory. Whether parked outside a city café, cruising along the coastline or making an entrance at bike night, the Black Trim Breakout delivers a statement that is impossible to ignore. MILWAUKEE-EIGHT® 117 PERFORMANCE Beneath the dark, custom-inspired styling sits the heart of the Breakout experience: the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin engine. Delivering strong low-end torque and effortless acceleration, the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 Custom provides the kind of performance riders expect from a motorcycle designed to dominate open roads and city streets alike. Twist the throttle and the response is

immediate, producing the unmistakable character, sound and feel that define the Harley-Davidson riding experience. It’s performance wrapped in confidence, perfectly matched to the bike’s long wheelbase, relaxed riding position and commanding road presence. FACTORY CUSTOM, READY TO RIDE One of the most appealing aspects of the Black Trim Breakout is that it captures the look of a personalised custom motorcycle straight from

the showroom floor. The black trim package, matching paint treatment and carefully considered graphic updates create a cohesive factory-custom appearance that feels deliberate and premium, rather than modified as an afterthought. Harley-Davidson designers have achieved what many riders spend years trying to create themselves: a motorcycle that looks uniquely individual while maintaining the quality, reliability and finish expected from a factorybuilt machine. For riders who have always loved the style and performance of the Breakout but preferred a darker aesthetic, this new variant delivers exactly that. BUILT TO STAND OUT The Black Trim Breakout retains everything that has made the Breakout a standout model within Harley-Davidson’s cruiser range while introducing a fresh visual identity that appeals to a new generation of riders. The new Black Trim Breakout will be available through Authorised Harley-Davidson® dealerships across Australia and New Zealand.

Check it out! Head to harley-davidson.com/au to find out more

Image: Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson has given the Breakout a darker edge with the new Black Trim treatment

CMY

STANLEYTOOLS.COM.AU

IN FOCUS: GREAT OUTDOORS

Yamaha’s winning formula One helluva weekend at Queensland Moto Park IT’S NOT every day you win four national motocross titles. And it’s not everyday that a manufacturer will release a ground-breaking new version of an already sensational motocross bike. But all the stars aligned for Team Yamaha at Queensland Moto Park recently, and a whole swag of media, dealers and influencers were on hand to experience a unique event. Sunday was race day, and Monster Energy CDR Yamaha rider Jed Beaton led the way by scooping the ProMX 1 title on his YZ450F. Lala Turner won the MXW women’s title on her YZ250F and Kiwi young gun Hayden Draper won 22 THE TRADIE

MX3 – also on a YZ250F. Meanwhile 13-year-old Blake Bohannon had already secured the national 85cc title in addition to a sensational World Championship 85cc win in Czechia recently. A four-bike burnout and celebratory photoshoot capped a winning day and sensational season for the BLU CRU. RACE BIKES MEET PRODUCTION BIKES Yamaha’s race teams stayed on at the track for Monday and offered the media a chance to ride their title-winning race bikes while the main track was prepped for the YZ250F launch. The media didn’t need to be asked twice.

Many of the team riders also took the opportunity to cut some laps on the new production bike — including US rider Lala Turner’s brother Lux — a talented Supercross rider. Young Blake Bohannon did a good impression of the Energiser bunny by riding non-stop — the sight of him swinging off a big 250cc machine was a highlight of the day. As was the sheer speed and commitment shown by Lala Turner who was having fun railing the thinnest sandy berms on lines that no other rider dared take. Racers rarely get the opportunity to ride standard machines, but they were all impressed with the new YZ250F.

A LITTLE FRIENDLY COMPETITION Towards the end of the day, Yamaha Motorsports Manager Scott Bishop organised a relay race where one mechanic from each race team was joined by a racer and one media representative for a six lap race — swapping armbands every two laps. “Just a bit of fun really,” explained Bishop. “But also a chance for the team mechanics – the unsung heroes - to get to ride the bikes they’ve been working on all season. Plus it’s a great opportunity for the media to get to know the riders and race team staff better,” he explains. A team dinner and presentation attended by close to 100 team riders, mechanics, dealers, media and staff doubled as a victory celebration on

Yamaha’s MY27 YZ250F was launched at Queensland Moto Park following a huge weekend of racing success for the BLU CRU.

Monday night. Here we learnt that the YZ250F is the best-selling MX bike in Australia and has enjoyed success in the US with riders like Haiden Deegan and Cole Davies behind the bars. Development test rider and former elite MX pilot Josh Coppins was on hand to explain the painstaking testing process of supplying feedback by riders to the factory engineers in the quest for improvement. Then it was onto the main event — the MY27 YZ250F launch. 15 bikes stood glistening in the Queensland sun ready to spread Kando as riders eagerly geared up.

MORE POWER, LESS EFFORT The new machine features an all-new engine with more power, more torque and more revs all delivered in a linear and controlled manner – exactly what 250cc MX riders demand. Fewer gear shifts, improved starting and a light-pull hydraulic clutch that requires no on-thefly adjustment are other features of the new bike, while the chassis and suspension are more compliant. Because in addition to the goal of making a faster bike, Yamaha engineers also aimed to make the YZ250F easier to ride. A revised lightweight rear brake system, stronger camchain and gearbox, sleek new bodywork and honeycomb

textured seat add more reasons to get excited about the new YZ250F. THE FROTH WAS REAL And the froth was real at the track. Influencer Trent Morgan (@trentmorgs) claimed that all his dreams

came true at once when an invitation to his first launch dropped in his inbox. Trenno is a carpenter from Campbelltown, NSW who has quite the following on Instagram where he is building an

inclusive MX community. His infectious positive energy and indelible smile was a standout over the three-day event. Many riders were claiming the production model straight out of the crate rivalled the

Key features Yamaha YZ250F • All-new engine: More power, torque and revs delivered in a linear, controlled manner. • Easier to ride: Revised chassis and suspension provide a more compliant feel and reduce rider effort. • Fewer gear changes: Increased engine performance helps reduce the need for constant shifting. • Improved starting: Updated engine design makes getting off the line easier. • Hydraulic clutch: Light-pull clutch requires no onthe-fly adjustment. • Stronger internals: Upgraded camchain and gearbox are built to handle the demands of motocross. • New bodywork: Sleeker styling complements the updated chassis and engine package. • Race-inspired braking: Revised lightweight rear brake system helps reduce weight. • Ready for the rough stuff: Honeycomb-textured seat adds grip and control when the track gets gnarly.

performance of the various factory-tuned race bikes. US racer Lux Turner announced he was super keen to race the 2026 Australian Supercross Championship on a MY27 YZ250F based on the performance of the stock bike. All high praise and a great sign that Yamaha has got it spot on with the new YZ250F.

Images: Yamaha Motor

The new YZ250F combines an all-new engine with a more compliant chassis and suspension package designed to make the bike faster and easier to ride.

A LAUNCH WITH A DIFFERENCE As motorcycle launches go, this one was a ripper. Because it wasn’t just a case of turn up, ride bike, go home. Those who attended got to experience BLU CRU factory team life by meeting the riders, mechanics and staff and riding their bikes. And experiencing the joy of winning national titles up close. Test riding the 2027 YZ250F was simply the icing on the cake. THE TRADIE 23

IN FOCUS: GREAT OUTDOORS

Come raise some hell HELL RAISER is an Aussie booze brand doing things a little differently. Launched in 2024, it makes Bourbon & Cola, Whisky & Cola and Rum & Cola, with nine options across different alcohol strengths. The idea is simple: there’s a Hell Raiser for everyone. Hell Raiser Founder and Director Jason Redfern is a man known for shaking things up and raising a little hell in the Australian liquor industry. He’s spent more than 30 years in the alcohol game, creating and building brands across vodka, beer and whisky, including Ned Whisky. ENTER HELL RAISER Turns out, Aussies were thirsty for a tasty Aust24 THE TRADIE

ralian-made dark spirit. In Hell Raiser’s first year, the range clocked up $10 million in wholesale sales through independent bottle shops Australiawide. “Customers are trying Hell Raiser, liking it and they keep coming back for more,” Bottle Mart Doreen (VIC) owner Tim Ragland said. “When people buy it again, you know you’ve got something good.” HELL RAISER IS ONLY GETTING STARTED The next big push is national distribution, getting Hell Raiser into the major retailers across Australia. Soon it’ll be on more shelves in more towns and cities, with a lot more

people getting their hands on Hell Raiser. Finding one should be easy. Choosing which one to drink might be harder. YOU ASKED. WE HEARD YOU. Hell Raiser drinkers have been asking for bottles, and they’re coming. Bourbon, Whisky and Rum will soon be available in 700ml bottles, so you can pour Hell Raiser your way. At home, over ice, with your favourite mixer or however you like it. Hell Raiser is heading behind the bar too, with pubs, bars and venues across Australia next on the list. So whether you’re buying a bottle for home or ordering a drink while you’re out, there’ll soon be

more places to raise some hell. It gives people another way to discover the range when they’re out. COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE Hell Raiser is back for its second equity crowdfunding raise, this time looking to raise $2 million. “We said what we were going to do, then we went and did it,” says Jason.

Hell Raiser offers Bourbon & Cola, Whisky & Cola and Rum & Cola across nine options

“Now we’re ready to make another promise and deliver on that too.” The $2 million raise is about putting some muscle behind that growth and taking Hell Raiser across Australia. And you get to be part of it. This is your chance to own a piece of Hell Raiser. So why not get on board and come raise some hell?

Check it out! WANT TO OWN A PIECE OF HELL RAISER? Find out more about the equity crowdfunding raise. SCAN TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT INVESTING hellraiserliquor.com/ comeraisesomehell Always read the General CSF Risk Warning and Offer Document before investing. For more information: hellraiserliquor.com/comeraisesomehell

Image: Hell Raiser

Hell Raiser is shaking up Australia’s dark spirits market

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IN FOCUS: GREAT OUTDOORS

THORZT All Natural Hydration Shots Zero are designed to help tradies replace nutrients lost through sweat

Available in five bold flavours, THORZT Zero uses natural flavours, colours and sweetness without artificial extras

Small in Size. Big on Impact. WHEN YOU’RE putting in long hours on site, staying hydrated isn’t optional. It’s essential. That’s where the new THORZT All Natural Hydration Shots Zero come in. Small enough to keep in your pocket or glovebox, these power-packed sachets are scientifically formulated to help replace what your body loses through sweat and

keep you performing at your best. Made with natural flavours, colours and sweetness, THORZT Zero delivers hydration without the artificial extras. Available in five bold flavours, it’s hydration that works as hard as you do. THORZT Zero helps replenish nutrients lost through sweat, keeping you hydrated, energised and ready for the day.

Check it out! To learn more, visit thorzt.com

What’s behind the formula? • Amino Acids: Support muscle recovery and help get your body ready for the next shift. • Sodium: The key electrolyte lost through sweat, helping support hydration, muscle function and endurance throughout the day. • Potassium: Helps maintain fluid balance and supports healthy muscle function when conditions get tough. • Magnesium: Plays an important role in muscle function, nerve signalling and overall performance. • Vitamins C & B Group: Vitamin C supports immune health and helps protect against oxidative stress, while B vitamins assist with energy production to help keep you moving from start to knock-off. • Beetroot & Turmeric: Naturally rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping support recovery after a hard day’s work. • Tear. Mix. Fuel.: Add a sachet to water, give it a shake and get back to the job.

Images: THORZT

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THORZT Zero packs hydration into a pocket-sized sachet

THE TRADIE 27

TRADIE PROFILE

A winning finish MHP Painting fashions an accolade-laden coat For James, painting has never just been about putting colour on a wall… AFTER LEAVING Geelong High School at the end of Year 11, James started a painting apprenticeship and, almost two decades later, he’s still just as passionate about the trade. “I just have such a passion for it,” James said. “You walk into whatever you’re working on and, by the time you finish, it looks so much better in every way.” That passion eventually led James to take the next step in his career. Four years ago, at just 28 years of age, he bought the business he had worked for after its former owner decided to retire. Now operating as MHP Painting, the business is based in Echuca-Moama and takes on commercial, domestic, residential and industrial projects across the region.

28 THE TRADIE

A TRADE TO BE PROUD OF One of the things James enjoys most about painting is the tangible result at the end of a project. “You go out for dinner and you might have painted the restaurant,” he said. “Or you drive past a house and you painted that.” Whether it’s someone’s forever home — or the local Hungry Jacks — the MHP Painting team has left its mark on a wide range of projects. A recent job at the Moama Bowling Club proved particularly memorable. The project involved an extension of the club, including the Ember and Wilder Green areas, with the MHP team tackling everything from steelwork and timber finishes through to wallpapering and specialised coatings. “We did some liquid rust and Porter’s Rust, a lot of timber painting and some wallpapering,” James said. “It was just an all-round great project.”

The quality of the finished work was recognised at the Master Painters awards, where the project took out the New Commercial Project Under $100,000 award for MHP Painting. RECOGNISING THE TEAM It was the first time James had put the business forward for an award, making the recognition particularly meaningful. “My old boss was a member of Master Painters for 25 years, and I’ve been a member for a while as well,” he said. “I thought, ‘I’m actually really happy with it, and it would be nice to have some recognition statewide of how good the project actually was.’” For James, however, the award was about more than his own achievement. It was an opportunity to recognise the workers who helped deliver the project. The business brought its team along to the awards night, including second-year apprentice Gemma Fox, who was named runner-up in the Apprentice of the Year category.

BUILDING THE NEXT GEN James says finding young people who genuinely want to learn a trade and throw themselves into it can be difficult, which makes Gemma’s development particularly rewarding. “Gemma has shown that from day one, similar to myself and some of the other guys we’ve got,” he said. Despite still being a second-year apprentice,

Gemma is already taking on significant responsibility, including driving one of the company’s work vans and running jobs. “She’s driving one of our work vans and running jobs like she’s been doing it for 10 years,” James said. For a business built on quality workmanship and a genuine passion for painting, developing the next generation of skilled tradies is another reason for James to be proud of what MHP Painting has become.

From liquid rust and timber finishes to wallpapering and specialised coatings, MHP Painting brings a broad skillset

Images: MHP Painting

From domestic and residential work to commercial and industrial projects, MHP Painting tackles a diverse range of projects across the region

THE TRADIE’S BUSINESS

From class to work How Test & Tag Training keeps the team at Jim’s Test & Tag on the ball ELECTRICAL SAFETY is a critical responsibility for Australian businesses, particularly in industries where portable equipment, temporary power and changing work environments are part of the job. Proper training ensures workers understand the process, the relevant standards and how to identify potential electrical risks. That’s where Test & Tag Training can help. Test & Tag Training provides nationally recognised training for workers who need to undertake testing and tagging, along with additional courses covering three-phase testing and plug-top replacement. 30 THE TRADIE

MORE THAN A ONE-DAY COURSE Jim’s Test & Tag Regional Franchiser Scott McDowell knows a thing or two about proper test and tag practice. Test & Tag Training has worked with Jim’s Test & Tag for around six years officially, tailoring elements of its training where required to suit the organisation’s equipment and working environment. “If you have electrical appliances, you inherently have electrical risks, and test and tag is the recognised method of managing that electrical risk,” Scott said. For Jim’s Test & Tag franchisees, that training forms part of a much broader education program.

“Our franchisees are required to have a certificate in testing and tagging, which is a nationally recognised course,” Scott said. “From Jim’s Test & Tag’s point of view … we provide eight days of classroom training for our new franchisees, followed by time out on the road with their franchisor or other franchisees to build their skills.” TRAINING WITHOUT CUTTING CORNERS For Scott, one of the biggest strengths of the relationship between the two businesses is a shared commitment to doing the job properly. “They don’t cut corners either,” he said. “They teach the full

process rather than giving people options to leave bits out. “We’re a premium service provider, so that’s an important part of the relationship.” That depth of knowledge also extends beyond the classroom, with Test & Tag Training providing technical support when questions arise in the field. “Sometimes we might have an idea of how something should be treated, and we can contact Test & Tag Training … to get feedback and make sure we’re on the right track,” Scott said.

BUILDING PRACTICAL SKILLS For businesses, proper training can provide more than compliance. It gives workers the knowledge and confidence to identify electrical risks and manage them appropriately. Test & Tag Training’s combination of nationally recognised qualifications, practical education and ongoing technical support provides a pathway for businesses and workers looking to strengthen their electrical safety processes. With electrical equipment found across almost every workplace, that commitment to thorough, practical training can make a significant difference to workplace safety. “We’re only interested in doing test and tag properly and to the standard,” Scott said. “There’s no cutting corners.”

Check it out! Visit testandtagtraining.com.au to learn more

Images: Jim’s Test & Tag & Test & Tag Training

“They don’t cut corners either … they teach the full process rather than giving people options to leave bits out”

Jim’s Test & Tag franchisees complete classroom training before building their practical skills out on the road. Pictured are Test & Tag Head of Training Mark Juric and Scott McDowell

Image: LAONG/stock.adobe.com

Unsecured creditors: What to know WHEN A head contractor goes broke midway through a project, the tradies’ outstanding invoices enter a high-risk, legally complex limbo. Because of the way corporate liquidation works, outstanding invoices are immediately frozen, and getting paid in full becomes a steep uphill battle. The primary hurdle is that subcontractors are legally classified as unsecured creditors. When an insolvency practitioner takes control of the defunct building company, they liquidate assets to pay off debts in a strict priority order. Liquidators must pay secured creditors (like banks), liquidator fees, and outstanding employee entitlements first. Unsecured creditors — including tradies, suppliers, and homeowners — are at the bottom of the ladder. Statistically, tradies often receive only a tiny fraction of their outstanding invoices, sometimes pennies on the dollar, and the process can take many months or even years to resolve. However, tradies have specific legal avenues to bypass the insolvent builder and salvage their

outstanding money: • Subcontractor’s Charges: In jurisdictions like Queensland, under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act, tradies can lodge a Subcontractor’s Charge. This powerful mechanism redirects funds. It legally compels the principal developer or homeowner to pay the subcontractor directly using money that was otherwise earmarked for the head contractor, effectively freezing those funds before they hit the bankrupt estate. • Security of Payment Claims: State-based legislations, such as the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act, provide statutory rights to progress payments. While it is difficult to enforce these against a fully insolvent entity, keeping up-to-date with formal payment claims

allows tradies to quickly substantiate their debt to the liquidator or a replacement builder. • Project Trust Accounts (PTAs): Depending on the project size and state laws, funds intended for subcontractors may be held in Statutory Project Trusts. If active, these monies are legally protected from the head contractor’s general creditors, ensuring outstanding invoices can be paid out of a secured pool. Ultimately, if the project owner decides to finish the build, they often want to retain the original tradies who possess the unique blueprint knowledge. Tradies can use this leverage during contract novation negotiations, sometimes requesting that the replacement head contractor or developer absorb a portion of the outstanding invoices as a condition to resume work.

ge Get in touch! If you are currently facing an unpaid invoice due to an insolvency, please contact Atlee Carter Advisory to discuss your circumstances.

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1. Corporate Restructuring - Voluntary Administration - Small Business Restructure - Safe Harbour 2. Corporate Insolvency - Liquidation 3. Personal Insolvency - Debt Arrangements - Bankruptcy

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THE TRADIE 31

THE TRADIE’S BUSINESS

Load up, power smarter Kennards Hire is taking a smarter approach to site power TEMPORARY POWER has usually meant putting a diesel generator on site and letting it do the heavy lifting. But as construction and industrial projects look to reduce fuel consumption, emissions, noise and operating costs, a more considered approach is emerging. Kennards Hire is combining battery storage, solar, hybrid systems and modern diesel generators 32 THE TRADIE

to develop temporary power solutions tailored to individual sites. Kennards Hire Power and Renewables Operational Product Specialist Paul Nicholson has spent 40 years working as an electrician in the industry. This includes around 20 years working with generators and temporary power solutions. “I’ve been with Kennards Hire for 10 years, and

over the last three years we’ve been evolving our equipment range into battery and renewable solutions for customers,” Paul said. “That’s been predominantly driven by the need to reduce diesel use and CO₂ emissions, but we’re also looking at other benefits, such as noise reduction, fewer site visits and providing a cleaner, greener option for the client.”

BEYOND THE GENERATOR The range includes Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), hybrid power systems, solar arrays and solar-integrated site sheds, alongside modern diesel generators that can be incorporated into hybrid setups. Hybrid systems can use battery and solar power for much of a site’s demand, with diesel providing backup when loads increase. “We can develop a tailor-made, turnkey power solution based on our knowledge and

Backup power generation — supporting trade sites day and night

understanding of the site,” Paul said. MATCHING POWER TO DEMAND Determining the right setup starts with understanding just how a site actually uses power, including maximum demand, peak loads, operating hours, overnight requirements, noise restrictions and project duration. On a larger, more

MORE THAN EMISSIONS Battery operation can also reduce noise on residential or builtup sites, while fewer generator hours can mean less servicing, fewer fuel deliveries and reduced vehicle movements. Remote monitoring provides greater visibility of system performance, allowing Kennards Hire to track power use and provide reporting for customers. Looking ahead,

Nicholson expects temporary power to increasingly combine batteries, solar, intelligent controls and diesel backup, with alternative fuels such as biodiesel and HVO also playing a role. “Diesel is always going to play a part,” Paul said. “We have to remember that diesel generators will still have a significant role in providing efficient and reliable power solutions. “I think Kennards Hire

Images: Kennards Hire

complex sites, a generator can handle heavier loads during the day before a battery takes over during quieter periods. This can reduce generator running hours, fuel consumption, refuelling requirements and inefficient light-load operation. “It’s more of a science now,” Paul said. “It’s about getting more exact load calculation for the site, which allow us to get a better result for a battery power solution.”

is very much ahead of the curve when it comes to our development in the renewable space. “Watch this space. It’s growing all the time.”

Kennards Hire Power and Renewables Specialist Paul Nicholson

Check it out! Head to kennards.com.au to find out more Renewable power solutions keep construction sites moving

Power planning matters • Power is how much load a site needs at a particular moment • Energy is how long that load needs to be supplied • Understanding both helps determine the right mix of generator, battery and solar capacity • Matching equipment to actual site demand can help improve efficiency and reliability • The right combination can also reduce generator running hours, fuel use and refuelling requirements

THE TRADIE 33

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THE TRADIE’S BUSINESS

Bumps ‘n’ bruises What happens when you can’t work? IT’S FAIR to say most tradies don’t want to be missing time due to injury. It’s not just about staying in working shape, it’s about being able to keep the money coming in. That can become a problem when an injury or illness puts you on the sidelines. October is National Work Safe Month, making it a good time to consider what happens financially if you’re suddenly unable to work. According to BizCover’s State of Small Business Owners 2026 report, 61

per cent of small business owners have worked through an illness in the past year, while 32 per cent have never taken a week off 1. “Ultimately, the owner of a small business, it’s their livelihood, their family’s livelihood,” BizCover cofounder and CEO Michael Gottlieb told 4BC Radio. “And if they don’t work, there is no income.” WHEN AN INJURY MEANS TIME OFF Tradies know that injuries are part of the risk that comes with physical work.

Some can be shrugged off after a day or two, but more serious injuries can mean weeks away from the tools. Safe Work Australia data shows the median time lost to work-related injury and illness was 7.4 weeks in 2023-242. Body stressing was the leading mode of injury, with a median of 9.2 weeks lost, followed by falls, trips and slips at 8.6 weeks and being hit by moving objects at 5.2 weeks. For a sole trader or independent contractor, that lost time can quickly

Disclaimers: 1: BizCover: bizcover.com.au/blog/pride-pressure-and-personal-sacrifice-the-state-of-australian-small-business-owners-2026/ 2: Safe Work Australia: data.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/insights/key-whs-statistics-australia/latest-release#heading2 3: Business.gov: business.gov.au/risk-management/insurance/types-of-business-insurance This information is general advice only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It should not be relied upon as personal advice. As with any insurance, cover will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording or Product Disclosure Statement (available on our website). Please consider whether the advice is suitable for you before proceeding with any purchase. Target Market Determination document is also available (as applicable). © 2026 BizCover Pty Limited, all rights reserved. ABN 68 127 707 975; AFSL 501769

become a financial headache. A SAFETY NET FOR YOUR BOTTOM LINE Workers’ compensation isn’t available to everyone. Sole traders aren’t covered by workers’ compensation schemes, while independent contractors and subcontractors may also fall outside the system3. That’s where Personal Accident & Illness can provide an additional safety net. Personal Accident & Illness provides a weekly income benefit following

For tradies, an unexpected injury can mean more than time off the tools – it can also put a serious dent in the household budget

an accidental injury or illness for a set amount of time, once signed off from work by a medical practitioner (subject to the policy terms and conditions). Personal Accident provides a weekly income benefit of up to 85 per cent of a tradie’s salary, up to specified limits, helping take some of the pressure off while they recover. The benefit isn’t restricted to particular expenses, either. The money can help cover everyday bills, medical and physiotherapy costs, or even the cost of bringing someone in to keep jobs moving while you’re off the tools.

PBXStudio/stock.adobe.com

Ouch!!!

COVER BEYOND THE JOBSITE Another useful feature is that Personal Accident can provide 24/7 worldwide cover, meaning protection doesn’t stop when the workday does. So, whether an injury happens on the job, at home or while you’re away on holiday, you may have a financial safety net while you’re unable to work. For tradies whose income depends on being physically able to work, planning for the possibility of being off the tools can be just as important as planning for the next job.

Check it out! For on the go cover, go BizCover.com.au or call 1300 805 821 today! THE TRADIE 35

FEATURE

Chasing

Unicorns Every fisho has that one dream catch they can’t shake

Unicorn fish might just be hard to come by

Words and Images: Tim O’Reilly EVERY FISHERMAN has the one dream fish they hope to capture. That unicorn species that has eluded them until now. Even those fishers who spend their lives travelling the world in search of fishy pursuits. Without that pot under a rainbow prize to chase, many would simply hang their rods up and pick something easier! Every person who tackles the pursuit of 36 THE TRADIE

fishing has a different outlook, a different set of things which makes them tick. For some it’s the camaraderie, for some it’s getting out amongst nature and for others it is the quiet stillness of stalking their quarry. But for all serious fishos, there is a mythical beast they are trying to catch, or at least a bigger version of something that has come before. In this feature, we’ll

take a look at some of the special fish from around the country and perhaps spread out to include some of Australia’s nearest neighbours. Firstly, what gives particular fish that certain mystique? That flare of specialness which makes it onto the hit list of dream-fish chasers. Let’s ponder the most obvious physical attributes, starting with colour.

COLOUR Vision is the human sense which tends to rule over the other emotions. We see a big, dazzling, golden-coloured fish and something primal and innate comes over us. We want to catch one. A Chinese person might get the same desire to catch a big red fish. Someone swimming on the Great Barrier Reef might be so dumbstruck with the sheer diversity

of colours that it’s hard to decide which is the most beautiful. Once emblazoned with the sheen and patterns of a brown trout, freshwater fly fishermen may become obsessed for life, dreaming of that 10-pounder. SIZE MATTERS Size matters and despite the visual cues, fishers usually want to catch the biggest version of their chosen species possible.

Catching a threemetre flathead became a mythical flex, sparking humour, memes and comments from the whole crowd. But it paints the picture of fishermen loving to brag by photographing a true monster on their lap. Those who spend a lifetime trolling big baits around the ocean for giant marlin usually have one goal in mind… to catch a 1000-pounder! Once achieved, the one deviation might be to catch a massive blue marlin or swordfish. Size might matter less when the fish is either rare, unique or lives in a hard-to-reach location. A couple of Aussie species that come to mind are jungle perch and saratoga. To fool an 80cm saratoga or a 50cm-long jungle perch might be the epitome for hardened walkers looking for the top-pool surface strike or mystical lagoon full of big, hungry fish. The distinct markings of a Mary River cod or a

tiny high-country brook trout might spark the fascination of select fishers. BUILT FOR THE FIGHT Aggressive nature sits right up there with attributes that make for a unicorn fish. The predator which comes to mind, and which has sparked a generation of sport fishers, is the giant trevally. The unicorn model is around 50kg and is swimming somewhere out there, ready to chase gars, flying fish and hopefully one day your surface stickbait. Watching a hulking GT chase your surface lure all the way back to the boat before engulfing it with a terrifying gulp. Hang on! A fish which was once considered a waste of fishing time is now filling Instagram reels the world over. The black and spot-tail bass just north of Australia are found throughout Papua and, to a lesser extent, into the

Solomon Islands. These fish are known for their brute strength and ability to leave anglers wishing they had quicker reflexes or stronger hooks. The fight might not last long, but a punishing strike usually results in a short, punishing fight and often disbelief when nothing but frayed leader is all that’s left behind. The usually more modest-sized mangrove jack back in Australia can put on a similar performance, albeit without the size and girth of the previously mentioned river monsters. But they look cool, they look mean, they are predatory, taste great and live in a variety of pristine habitats. A 55cm jack on surface, caught with a light spin rod, is still a unicorn fish for me! TOUGH AS NAILS Aggression, toughness and fighting ability all combine to put certain fish up on a pedestal. A dogtooth tuna might swim the ocean

seamounts, pinnacles and reef edges looking just like any other tuna or thickened mackerel. But when one of these toothy predators grabs your lure, oh my goodness. Something in their nature allows for an expansion of energy and fighting prowess rarely seen. Teeth, power and determination usually lead to either a gear failure, being bricked, rubbed off on the reef or a shark intervention. A fight with a big doggie rarely goes smoothly in Australia. AERIAL ARTISTS Acrobatics are another skill which might place a fish in the unicorn category. Most fishers want to catch at least one barramundi in their lifetime. Those chrome flanks breaking clear of the water, head shaking in a desperate leaping attempt to throw a lure. Even more mythical – a little less so these days – is a metre-long fish which

A pair of nighttime unicorns, mangrove jack and blue Māori cod

plenty of anglers have spent decades chasing. The biggest, oldest and gnarliest versions of almost any species just seem that much harder to catch. A leaping mahi mahi (dolphinfish) and sailfish are two oceanic speedsters that well and truly make unicorn territory for plenty of anglers. A sailfish is known as the fastest fish in the ocean over short distances and feeds similarly to a mahi mahi in the old smashand-grab routine. Once hooked, these fish give such an incredible account of themselves, tail-walking across the surface in a desperate attempt to free themselves. Iridescent, shining flanks catching the sunlight reflected off either of these two is very hard to forget. THE TRADIE 37

FEATURE

THE PUZZLE Fish that create a puzzling set of circumstances for fishermen to solve might find their way onto unicorn fish status. Two that come to mind are both sand and reef dwellers in the mighty mulloway and the reclusive permit. Fly fishermen will search every flat to the end of the Earth in pursuit of permit. A beautiful, yellowgolden, fin-tipped fish with iridescent silver flashes. Stalking these fish carefully and tossing crab and prawn imitations with a fly rod in the northern Australian flats is unicorn hunting at its most frustrating. The late-night stalker, big old mulloway, has kept a dedicated bunch of fishos up many a moon. Washing

live baits and lures through the suds in the hope of that true, gleaming-eyed giant in the dead of night. RARE FINDS Simple rareness in capture is a top contender for many fishers, especially those who are trying to tick off a list of fish caught. Unicorns can change shape in the fishing world, depending on what goals you are working towards at the time. The addictive nature of fishing often means once you have caught one unicorn, ambition quickly shifts to another species. A bunch of fish that reside in the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef are not all rare, just extremely hard to catch.

Coral trout come in all sorts of stunning sizes and colours. The big daddy of them all grows to a metre long and becomes a truly formidable-looking fish. A massive bluespot coral trout is a unicorn centrefold. But then so too are the incredibly coloured passionfruit, lyretail and coronation trout; true beauties of the sea. Maori wrasse, which are protected on the GBR, even look like the perfect description of a unicorn fish. With the incredible head shape of the larger male models and an infinite colour range of blues and greens, these fish need to be seen to be believed. An awkward fish to see out of the water but so graceful and powerful

underwater, they are big, voracious predators of the outer reef flats that can destroy most lures cast their way. REEF ROYALTY Living in the deeper waters off the edge of reefs and in the paddock areas are two unicorns for the inshore boat brigade. A 10kg red emperor or a 90cm nannygai are incredible fish to look at when they grow to those sizes. Poster-child postures with high-contrast reds, pinks and silver overlays and that delicious look to them. Smiles abound when a reddie or pinky comes to the top, especially big thumpers.

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY At the end of the day, a unicorn fish is whatever it happens to be for that particular person. We fisher folk have vivid imaginations of the far-off places filled with dream fish. We love to tell stories and compare notes. Tall tales and that unicorn fish always waiting around the next bend is what drives us back and back again. Walking through the scrub, pushing our 4WDs into places they probably aren’t meant to go. We buy boats and gadgets and all manner of paraphernalia to catch that fish of a lifetime. Never a second of time or dollar was wasted in the pursuit.

Giant Queensland groper caught and released with rod and reel

38 THE TRADIE

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TOOL UP

No ! bull

On with the job STANLEY®’s new ‘All Build. No Bull™.’ campaign aimed squarely at tradies LET’S BE honest: there’s enough bull on the jobsite without adding more to the toolbox. After 180 years of making tools for people who build for a living, STANLEY® is cutting through the jargon, gimmicks and big promises to give tradies what they actually need: tools that pull their weight. That’s the thinking behind STANLEY®’s new ‘All Build. No Bull™.’ campaign, which is putting the focus back where it belongs: on getting the job done. “We know that the industry can be full of bull, and now STANLEY® are taking a stand to cut it out,” STANLEY® Regional Marketing Lead Darren Barber said. “No more cut corners,

gimmicky tools, or noshows, we are supporting tradespeople, and especially residential pros to build reputations each and every day. “There’s no space in anyone’s toolbox for tools that don’t pull their weight, so we’re cutting the noise and giving tradies what they need and we know that is – ‘All Build. No Bull™’.” LESS MUCKING AROUND At the heart of the new campaign is a simple promise: fuel the freedom to build your reputation. Because whether you’re kicking off your own business, knocking over a reno or juggling a client list that never seems to stop growing, your reputation comes down to the work you put your name to.

STANLEY® is backing tradies to get stuck in and get it done themselves, with tools designed to make solo jobs easier, ranges versatile enough to handle whatever gets thrown your way, and the kind of durability you can rely on, day in, day out. The STANLEY® FATMAX® TradeLift™ is a good example. Designed for heavy lifting tasks, it delivers up to 150kg of lifting force and 220mm of total lifting capacity, making it easier for tradies to position appliances, sheet materials, doors and other heavy items without needing an extra set of hands. BUILT FOR THE JOB AND WHAT’S NEXT Jobs don’t always go to plan. You might head in to

fix one thing and end up doing three more before smoko. That’s where STANLEY®’s focus on versatility comes in. Its tools are designed to move with the job, helping tradies tackle everything from the everyday stuff to those unexpected jobs that land in your lap. They’re also designed to make life easier on site, with intuitive controls, one-handed operation and minimal setup. Because sometimes there’s no one around to give you a hand. And when a tool gets thrown in the ute, dropped on site or knocked around

all day, it needs to cop it. STANLEY®’s jobsite-ready tools are built for the bumps, drops and daily punishment that come with the territory.

Image: Stanley

The STANLEY® FATMAX® TradeLift™ delivers up to 150kg of lifting force and 220mm of total lifting capacity.

STAN’S GOT A FEW THINGS TO SAY Then there’s Stan — a sharp-witted toolbox who’s seen his fair share of jobsites and has absolutely no time for bull. As the face of ‘All Build. No Bull™.’, Stan will call out the difference between what’s genuinely useful and what’s just bull. He’s not there to sell you something. He’s there to say what plenty of tradies are already thinking. Stan will pop up across the campaign, from digital and in-store to packaging and the wider STANLEY® experience, helping bring the brand’s straighttalking attitude to life. 180 YEARS. STILL BUILDING FOR BUILDERS For STANLEY®, ‘All Build. No Bull™.’ is more than a new campaign. It’s a recommitment to the people who actually put the tools to work.

Check it out! Head to stanleytools.com.au/en-au to learn more THE TRADIE 41

TOOL UP

Ryco’s cabin air filters help keep the air inside your car cleaner WE SPEND plenty of time thinking about the things that keep us and our passengers safe on the road. Tyres, brakes, seatbelts are all part of the conversation. But what about the air everyone inside the car is breathing? Every time you switch on your vehicle’s fan, heater or air conditioning, outside air is drawn into the cabin. Along with it can come pollen, dust, dirt and other airborne contaminants. For allergy sufferers, young families or anyone simply more conscious about the quality of the air they’re breathing, that makes the humble cabin air filter worth a little more attention.

42 THE TRADIE

A SIMPLE DIY JOB The good news is that changing one can be one of the simplest DIY jobs you can do on your car, thanks to Ryco. On many vehicles, the cabin air filter is located behind or underneath the glovebox and can be replaced in around 15 minutes. There’s no need to be a mechanical expert – it can be a quick weekend job that delivers an important benefit every time you get behind the wheel. To make it even easier, Ryco provides vehicle-specific fitment information to help owners locate and replace the correct filter.

FILTERING THE FINER STUFF For those looking for an extra level of protection, Ryco N99 MicroShield Cabin Air Filters are designed with the health and comfort of vehicle occupants in mind. Their multi-layer filtration media helps capture pollen, dust and fine airborne particles, while anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents are designed to target bacteria and specific airborne viruses, including H1N1 and H3N2. Ryco states its N99 media provides 99.7% efficiency at 0.3 micron. For reference, a human hair is on average 70 micron, so Ryco N99

MicroShield Cabin Air Filters are filtering contaminants not even visible to the naked eye.

Ryco cabin air filters help capture pollen, dust and other airborne contaminants before they enter the vehicle cabin

KEEP IT FRESH That can make a cabin filter particularly appealing when your car is doing what it does best – weekend sport, off-road adventuring, shopping trips and, of course, the daily commute. Like any filter, however, it needs replacing to keep doing its job. Ryco recommends changing cabin air filters

every 15,000 kilometres or once a year. For around 15 minutes of DIY effort on many popular vehicles, it’s a small piece of maintenance that can help create a cleaner, more comfortable environment for the people who matter most. Sometimes looking after your car is also about looking after the people inside it.

Check it out! For more info or to find the right filter for your vehicle, head to rycofilters.com.au.

Image: Ryco Filters

The filter you forgot

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TOOL UP Fast facts Fluke iSee TC03A • IR resolution: 384 × 288 • SuperResolution: Up to 768 × 576 • Temperature range: -20°C to 550°C • Accuracy: ±2% or ±2°C • Frame rate: 50Hz • Focus: Manual adjustable lens • Field of view: 25° × 19° • Weight: 55g • Protection: IP54 • Connection: USB-C • Warranty: Two years

New!

See heat without hassle SOMETIMES A problem isn’t obvious until you can actually see what’s going on. The 55g camera plugs into compatible Android and HarmonyOS devices via USB-C and is designed for jobs including electrical inspections, equipment maintenance and troubleshooting. It packs a 384x288 infrared resolution, with Fluke’s image-processing algorithms helping produce clear thermal images. Temperature accuracy is rated at ±2 per cent or ±2°C, whichever is greater. 44 THE TRADIE

GET IN CLOSE — OR STAND BACK The TC03A features a manually adjustable focusing lens, so tradies can get a clear image whether they’re checking something up close or looking at equipment from a distance. It also covers a temperature range from -20°C to 550°C, while models are available with a 50Hz frame rate for silky smooth thermal images. That makes it handy for checking everything from circuit boards and distribution cabinets

to fans and power transmission lines. FIND THE HOT SPOTS The camera isn’t just about taking a thermal snap and calling it a day. The Fluke iSee app can automatically calculate three-phase temperature differences in real time, helping identify potential problems during an inspection. If temperatures go beyond set limits, audible, visual and vibration alarms can give tradies a headsup, while the camera can automatically capture a

photo or recording of the issue. Users can also analyse temperatures across specific points, lines and areas, then edit and share images, videos and reports through the app. Measuring just 60 × 36 × 28mm, the TC03A won’t take up much room in the toolbox. Add in IP54 protection and 15 standard and

With a manually adjustable focusing lens and temperatures ranging from -20°C to 550°C, the TC03A is designed for inspections at close and longer distances

custom colour palettes, and you’ve got a small bit of gear designed to make finding hidden heat a whole lot easier.

Check it out! Head over to fluke.com.au to learn more

Image: Fluke

Fluke’s iSee TC03A makes finding hidden heat a whole lot easier

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TOOL UP

“It’s nice and sharp, but it also gives you that pull-out strength, so you’re not compromising on that.”

Drill less, deck more Buildex is taking the hassle out of decking WHEN THE screw does the drilling, decking gets easier. Anyone who has spent a day laying decking knows the little jobs can quickly add up. Drilling, countersinking and driving every fastener takes time – and when a screw doesn’t behave as expected, things can get even more frustrating. That’s the problem Buildex set out to tackle with its new highperformance decking screws.

According to ITW Product Design Engineer Ayesh Bandara, market research found a gap between what self-drilling fasteners promised and what they actually delivered. “Our main goal was to fix all those customer pain points and make building a deck much easier,” Ayesh said. “You don’t have to predrill or pre-countersink anything, so that’s where the development of this product started.”

A BETTER WAY TO START The new 10-gauge screws feature a patented selfdrilling tip that starts the fastener quickly and consistently. Ayesh likens the tip to a spade drill bit, with its design helping the screw self-align and self-centre while scoring the timber fibres as it enters. The result is a cleaner start and less chance of ripping fibres from the top of the decking board. “The tip design is completely different from our previous generation,” Ayesh said. “This one is very consistent. You always get a good first drill.” GETTING THE FINISH RIGHT Once the screw is in, the head takes care of the next job. Six cutting ridges underneath the selfcountersinking head are

designed to cut into the timber fibres and pull the head neatly below the surface. “It just pulls in and countersinks itself,” Ayesh said. The system is designed to work across softwood and hardwood decking, including merbau and oak, while helping minimise splitting around the fixing point. MORE THAN JUST A SHARP TIP Buildex has also developed the thread to balance driving speed with holding power. The screws feature a higher TPI than conventional fasteners, along with the Buildex W-cut serrated thread and revised thread angles. “You need to find that fine balance and get the TPI right,” Ayesh said.

SMALL HEAD, BIG DIFFERENCE One of the more subtle changes is the reduced head diameter. Buildex found through its research that many users simply don’t like seeing large screw heads across their finished decking, so the new design aims to make the fixing less noticeable while retaining the clamp-down force expected from a 10-gauge fastener. “We’ve reduced the diameter of the head, so you still have the same clamp-down force of a 10-gauge fastener, but it’s less obvious,” Ayesh said. The darker stainless finish also gives the screw a more understated appearance once installed. And while decking is the main target, Ayesh said the design has already proved useful elsewhere. “We’ve found that’s really good for fencing and even general applications,” he said. For tradies chasing a cleaner finish without adding extra steps to the install, the idea is prett y simple: one screw that drills, countersinks and fixes in a single operation.

Check it out! Six cutting ridges beneath the selfcountersinking head help pull the screw neatly below the timber surface

46 THE TRADIE

Check out buildex.com.au to find out more

Images: Buildex

Buildex’s new highperformance decking screws are designed to drill, countersink and fix in a single operation

ALL NATURAL

TOOL UP Speed Series by the numbers • 4.5 nails/sec: Maximum firing speed of the NR1890DCB • 3.4kg: Tool-only weight of the NR1890DCB, NR1875DDA and NR1865DKA • 18V: Battery platform powering the Speed Series • 4 magazine options: Framing, Extended Framing, Metal Connector and Duplex • 90mm: Nail capacity of the upcoming NV1890DA coil nailer

More nails. Less hassle. WHEN YOU’RE smashing through nails, every second counts. Whether you’re framing a house, fixing formwork or knocking out repetitive connector work, having a nailer that can keep pace makes life a hell of a lot easier. That’s where HiKOKI’s new Speed Series comes

in, bringing a new range of professional cordless nailers to Australia designed specifically for fast, high-volume applications. BUILT TO KEEP UP Leading the range is the NR1890DCB 18V Speed Series High Volume Framing Nailer, which

can fire up to 4.5 nails per second. That’s some serious pace, but HiKOKI hasn’t just chased speed. The framing nailer weighs just 3.4kg skin only, with lightweight magnesium components helping keep it manageable when you’re spending hours on the tools.

For repetitive framing work, that combination of speed and reduced weight could make a noticeable difference by the end of the day. NO GAS. NO HOSE. NO DRAMAS! The other big selling point is what’s missing. HiKOKI’s Gasless Air Drive System+ uses compressed air stored within the tool to deliver fast, consistent driving performance from battery power.

In other words, there’s no gas fuel cell to keep buying, no pneumatic hose trailing behind you and no compressor taking up space on site. It’s the sort of cordless freedom tradies already expect from their power tools, applied to highvolume nailing. ONE PLATFORM, PLENTY OF OPTIONS The NR1890DCB also gives users some flexibility through an interchangeable magazine system, with Framing, Extended Framing, Metal Connector and Duplex

Images: HiKOKI

High-volume nailing made easy with HiKOKI

HiKOKI’s Speed Series uses a Gasless Air Drive System+ to deliver cordless nailing performance without gas fuel cells, hoses or compressors

Ins

cri

48 THE TRADIE

The Speed Series includes nailers for framing, concrete formwork and metal connector applications, with the range set to expand in early 2027

magazine assemblies available for compatible applications. For more specialised work, the NR1875DDA Duplex Nailer is designed for concrete formwork and temporary fixing, while the NR1865DKA Metal Connector Nailer is aimed at pre-punched metal connectors and joist hangers. Both weigh just 3.4kg skin only and deliver exceptionally fast firing speeds to keep you moving

on the job. The range is set to grow again in early 2027, with the NV1890DA High Volume Coil Nailer joining the Australian lineup. The gasless 90mm coil nailer will fire up to four nails per second. BUILT FOR THE BIG JOBS Across the range, HiKOKI is targeting tradies who

don’t have time to muck around. Brushless motor technology, lightweight construction and gasless operation combine to make Speed Series a practical alternative for tradies looking to move away from gas-powered nailers without giving up the speed they need.

For anyone spending a big chunk of the day pulling the trigger, that’s a prett y

compelling combination: fast, light and cordless, without the gas.

Check it out! Head along to hikoki.com.au to learn more

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Chippin’ away

DEWALT’s new woodworking range tackles the jobs that slow you down EVER SPENT a day on the tools and found it was the little jobs that chewed up the most time? That glued-up panel that’s just a touch too proud. The door jamb that needs trimming before the flooring can go down. A handful of stubborn nails hiding behind something you need to remove. Or that final sanding job that seems to take forever. DEWALT’s new 18V XR woodworking range is aimed squarely at those everyday headaches. The lineup brings together sanders, multitools, a plunge saw and a compact brad nailer, giving chippies, joiners and cabinet makers a stack of cordless options for getting through the fiddly stuff without mucking around. GET THE SANDING DONE Sanding isn’t exactly anyone’s favourite part of woodworking, but getting the finish right is what separates a rough job from a bloody good one. The DCW211 18V XR 125mm Random Orbital 50 THE TRADIE

Sander is built for everything from flattening glued joints and removing scratches to getting timber ready for paint, stain or lacquer. Its brushless motor provides plenty of grunt while keeping the tool compact, and the fivespeed variable dial lets you slow things down when you’re working on something more delicate or wind it up when there’s plenty of material to remove. The 2.6mm random orbit runs between 8000 and 12,000 OPM and is designed to leave a swirlfree finish. The hook-and-loop 125mm platen makes changing discs quick, while the ergonomic profile and PERFORM + PROTECT lowvibration design should make a long stint behind the sander a little easier on the hands. And because sanding dust can get absolutely everywhere, the direct AIRLOCK dust port provides a quick connection to the dust bag or an extractor. Its Wireless Tool Control function can also automatically

communicate with a compatible DEWALT dust extractor. Need to cover a bigger area? The DCW230 18V XR 150mm Random Orbital Sander steps up to a larger 150mm pad and 5.0mm orbit. That’s handy when you’re flattening worktops, cabinet sides, doors or other big sheets and don’t want to spend half the day going back and forth over the same surface. It has five speed settings from 6000 to 10,000 OPM, a brushless motor, AIRLOCK dust extraction features, ergonomic profile, and PERFORM + PROTECT low-vibration design. THE TOOL FOR AWKWARD JOBS If there’s one tool that seems to find a use for just about every job, it’s a multi-tool. The DCS358 18V XR Compact Oscillating Multi-Tool is designed for those awkward jobs where getting a regular saw, grinder or sander into position is a pain. Undercutting door jambs? Easy.

Cutting through a rogue nail or screw? No worries. Removing old adhesive? Sorted. The variable-speed trigger provides up to 19,000 OPM, while the toolfree quick-change universal accessory system means you don’t have to reach for another tool every time you want to swap blades or attachments. There’s also a lock-on button for longer jobs, a bright LED work light for dark spaces and a compact body designed to give you better control when you’re working in tight spots. For those who spend a lot of time with a multi-tool in hand, the DCS359 18V XR Low Vibration Oscillating Multi-Tool adds a new vibration-damping system to the mix. It can hit up to 20,000 OPM, while the four-mode speed lock lets you cap the maximum speed depending on what you’re doing. That’s useful when you need a bit more finesse rather than simply giving it the beans. The PERFORM + PROTECT anti-vibration system is rated at just 2m/ s², helping reduce fatigue when the job turns into a long session of cutting, sanding or scraping. WHEN STRAIGHT REALLY MATTERS There are plenty of times when a circular saw will

get the job done. Then there are those jobs where you really don’t want to leave the final result to chance. The DEWALT DCS525 18V XR 165mm Plunge Saw is built for precision work, whether you’re sizing up cabinetry, trimming worktops, cutting shelving or working with large sheets. It can make plunge cuts and bevel cuts up to 48°, while the tool-free depth adjustment provides up to 55mm of cutting depth when used on a rail. The integrated rail system helps keep cuts straight and accurate, while the right-hand splinter guard, 3mm scribe stop and -1° undercut capability are all designed to help reduce tear-out or chipped edges. That matters when you’re working with laminated panels or expensive materials where one dodgy cut can mean starting over again. The unit also features PERFORM + PROTECT anti-kickback protection, AIRLOCK dust extraction and Wireless Tool Control to help keep the cut controlled and the workspace cleaner. The DCS525 is available in two configurations. The DCS525NT-XJ comes as a bare unit in a TSTAK case, making it a good option for tradies already invested in the DEWALT 18V XR platform. The DCS525H2T-XE comes as a TSTAK kit with two 5.0Ah POWERSTACK batteries, a charger and

Images: DEWALT

The DEWALT DCS525 plunge saw is designed for accurate cabinetry and sheet-material cuts, with features aimed at reducing tear-out and keeping the finished edge clean

1.5m guide rail, giving users everything they need to get started straight away. FINISH THE JOB Finally, there’s the DCN210 18V XR Compact 18GA Brad Nailer. If you’re fitting skirting,

window beading, cabinetry, small trims or interior mouldings, the last thing you want is to drag a compressor and hose around for a handful of brads. The DCN210 takes 15-50mm brads and holds 110 nails in its magazine. Its compact design makes it easier to get into tight spaces, while the micro nose gives you a better view of exactly where you’re putting the brad. A dry-fire lock-out prevents the tool from firing when the magazine

is empty, and tool-free jam and stall release means less mucking around when something inevitably goes wrong. MORE JOBS, LESS MUCKING AROUND That’s really what this new DEWALT lineup is all about. These tools are designed to make the everyday jobs quicker, cleaner and easier whether you’re sanding a worktop, trimming a jamb, cutting a cabinet panel or finishing off a run of skirting.

And because they’re all part of the 18V XR platform, tradies already running DEWALT cordless gear can add them to the kit without starting from scratch. The new woodworking range hit the market on October 1.

Check it out! Head to dewalt.com.au to find out more

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The new DEWALT 18V XR woodworking range gives chippies, joiners and cabinet makers a cordless solution for sanding, cutting, trimming and finishing

TOOL UP

• Renewable: Made from wood fibre sourced from a renewable resource • Recyclable: Suitable paper bags can be recovered through paper recycling streams • End-of-life: Paper can biodegrade much faster than conventional plastic • Responsible sourcing: Certified forestry can support sustainably managed forests • Circular potential: Used bags can potentially be collected and returned into recycling systems

The bag matters We ditched plastic bags at the supermarket, can tradies do it on-site? THE HUMBLE cement bag can make a bigger difference than expected. When you’re working through a big masonry or construction job, it’s easy to focus on what’s inside the bag and forget about the packaging itself. But when hundreds of cement bags can be used across a project, the material they’re made from can add up. That’s why Cement Australia continues to use paper bags across its packaged products range, pointing to the material’s renewable origins, recyclability and end-oflife benefits. According to Cement Australia Sustainability Specialist Richard Mason, one of paper’s biggest advantages is where it comes from. “Paper is a wonderful thing,” he said. “It’s made from trees, so the base product is a renewable source of material. “Paper sacks are also recyclable and deliver 52 THE TRADIE

superior environmental performance compared with plastic.” Paper bags can be manufactured using wood fibre from sustainably managed forests, while conventional plastic packaging is generally derived from petroleumbased materials. “Even if it goes into general waste, it will decompose much quicker into elements that aren’t going to contribute to microplastics,” he said. Cement Australia’s current cement bags contain a very small liner, but can still carry the Australian Recycling Label and meet the requirements to be recycled as a paper product at a suitable facility. The company is also investigating ways to remove the liner completely. A RENEWABLE ALTERNATIVE Sustainability on a building site isn’t always straightforward.

Plastic packaging can have some practical advantages when exposed to wet conditions, while paper needs to be protected. Richard said good storage practices can help keep them in usable condition. “But in terms of overall recyclability and environmental impact, paper is definitely the material of choice,” he said. For tradies, the bigger challenge comes when the bag is empty. “We want to create a recycling chain or closedloop system rather than simply having the bags go into landfill,” Richard explained. That could involve tradies separating used paper bags and sending them through appropriate recycling channels, although convenient collection systems need to be developed to make that process easier. The packaging used in Cement Australia’s drymix ‘Just Add Water’ 20kg

range is currently fully biodegradable. This gives peace of mind that even if bags are not placed in recycling bins, they will still break down if diverted to landfill — where the majority of trade waste ends. KEEPING IT PRACTICAL For Hugh Sheard of HNS Bricklaying, the benefits of paper packaging fit into a broader shift towards more sustainable practices on site. Hugh has been a bricklayer for around 35 years, with HNS taking on everything from restoration and remedial work to heritage, newbuild and commercial projects. The business increasingly uses recycled materials, particularly in heritage and restoration work where original bricks and other materials can often be given another life.

“I think one of the key things with the paper bags is probably the sustainability,” Hugh said. “You don’t really see a lot of recycling and things like that on site. A lot of our waste will just go straight into a skip, and being plastic, it can ultimately end up in landfill.” “Anything that can help reduce the amount of plastic waste coming off a building site is a good thing,” Hugh said. A TRADIE’S PERSPECTIVE With construction sites potentially working through hundreds of cement bags, packaging choices can have a cumulative impact. Cement Australia’s approach is relatively simple: continue using a familiar product that performs its job while choosing packaging with a renewable source and a more favourable end-oflife pathway. “Think about 200 paper bags in landfill versus 200 plastic bags,” he said. “Which ones are going to be gone, and which ones are still going to be there when our grandkids are around?” For something as ordinary as a cement bag, the choice of material can make a surprisingly big difference.

ts! unTS coUN g CO baG EV erYy BA evER Head over to cementaustralia.com.au

HNS Bricklaying and Cement Australia

The paper advantage

TOOL UP

READY FOR THE EXTREMES Workshop and jobsite conditions can vary considerably, but the Specialist® Silicone is designed to operate across a broad temperature range of -40°C to 200°C. It also provides a non-staining finish and is designed not to attract dirt, helping keep lubricated components cleaner while maintaining smooth operation.

le flexiAbW ST R

Silicone made smarter WD-40 Specialist® Silicone: The solution for tricky jobs FOR MANY tradies, choosing the right lubricant can make the difference between a job that runs smoothly and one that creates more problems than it solves. Developed for use across metal, plastic, rubber and wood, WD-40’s Specialist® Silicone Lubricant provides a purpose-built solution for lubricating seals, hinges, guides and other moving components. The formula is also designed to repel water, protect against moisture and prevent parts from sticking.

MADE FOR MIXED MATERIALS WD-40 Company R&D and Quality Manager Eva Chan told The Tradie this makes the Specialist® Silicone particularly useful for lower-load applications. “Silicone has a different chemical structure to plastics and rubber, so it won’t damage those materials,” she said. Rather than relying on petroleum oils, the Specialist® Silicone leaves behind a protective silicone film that lubricates and helps prevent parts from sticking once its

carrier evaporates. “It’s best suited to lower-load situations, such as rubber-on-rubber or metal-on-rubber contact,” Eva said. That makes it suitable for jobs including lubricating rubber seals, hinges, guides and other components where material compatibility is important. GET INTO TRICKY AREAS The Smart Straw uses WD-40’s Sprays 2 Ways technology, with the straw flipped up for precision application into tight

spaces or down for wider coverage. It’s particularly handy for getting lubricant into gears, mechanisms and other hard-to-reach areas where a standard spray can struggle. For those even trickier spots, there’s the Silicone’s 20cm flexible straw applicator option, which bends and holds its shape to provide access to hardto-reach areas. For panel beater Dan Maher from L&M Smash Repairs, the flexible straw was a great addition to his toolkit, helping him reach tight areas easily. “That flexible nozzle is a massive upgrade,” he said. “It helps us get into tricky areas.”

Image: Prime Creative Media

WD-40 Specialist Silicone is either Flexible (20cm attached flexible straw, pictured) or Smart Straw with two-ways-to-spray

PICK THE RIGHT PRODUCT The Specialist® Silicone is one product in the wider WD-40 Specialist® range, which has been developed around the idea that different jobs require different solutions. “Everyone knows the WD-40 Multi-Use Product, which provides five different functions,” Eva said. “The WD-40 Specialist® range is designed to excel at specific functions rather than offering an average across multiple uses.” For tradies working with a mix of metal, plastic and rubber components, having a silicone lubricant designed specifically for those materials can help keep moving parts operating smoothly and make hard-to-reach jobs easier.

Check it out! Head to wd40.com.au to learn more about the WD-40 Specialist range THE TRADIE 53

TOOL UP

supenrish! fi

No piston, no problem

Diaphragm technology vs pistons: What’s the difference? FOR PAINTERS and tradies, less downtime and easier maintenance can make a big difference to getting the job done. That’s where WAGNER’s SuperFinish diaphragm pump range comes into its own. The Tradie caught up with WAGNER product expert Rick Italia, who’s spent about 15 years

with the company. He knows the technology inside out, particularly when it comes to the benefits of diaphragm pumps over traditional piston systems. SMOOTH, CONSISTENT SPRAYING At the heart of the system is a diaphragm that moves up and down to generate

pressure, creating a smooth and consistent spray with minimal pulsation. That consistency is particularly valuable for finish work, including doors, woodwork and trim, where a smooth, lowpressure spray can help achieve a quality result. “Painters love diaphragm pumps because they’re

great for fine finish work,” Rick said. BUILT FOR THE JOBSITE One of the biggest advantages of diaphragm technology is its ability to handle conditions that can cause headaches for conventional piston pumps. The SuperFinish range can run dry without damaging key components, while its minimal electronics mean it can also operate from generators with fluctuating power supplies. “That’s a major benefit for roof painters,” Rick said. Maintenance is another strong point.

The SuperFinish range can run dry and operate from generators with fluctuating power supplies, making it suited to demanding jobsites

Rather than requiring a trip to a service centre, inlet and outlet valves can be replaced on site using basic tools. “All you need is a shifter and the spare parts,” Rick said. The inlet valve can be replaced in around 2.5 minutes, while the outlet valve takes approximately three minutes, minimising interruptions to the job. “It means less downtime and an easy fix,” Rick said. VERSATILE RANGE The SuperFinish range includes the SF21 Pro, SF23 Pro and SF33 Pro, catering to everything from occasional painters through to commercial and roof-painting applications. The pumps are designed to handle both oil- and water-based paints, while specialised models are available for applications including waterproofing and crack injection. “I think the main points are the ability to run dry, run off generators, and the fact that maintenance and servicing are very simple,” Rick said. Those features make the SuperFinish diaphragm range a practical option for tradies looking for reliable spraying performance without unnecessary downtime.

Check it out! Head over to wagneraustralia.com.au to find out more 54 THE TRADIE

Image: Wagner

WAGNER’s SuperFinish diaphragm pumps are designed to deliver consistent spraying performance while keeping maintenance simple

TOOL UP

Training that adds to the toolbox How Dulux® Acratex® delivers training that adds to the toolbox AS PROPERTY owners continue to invest in maintaining and improving existing homes and buildings, roof restoration remains an important area of knowledge for trade professionals. For painters in particular, it offers an opportunity to develop additional skills in assessing, preparing and restoring metal roofs. Dulux Acratex Metal Roof Renew training has been developed with trade painters in mind, helping them build their knowledge, practical skills and confidence in metal roof restoration while complementing the expertise they already use every day. EXPANDING THE SKILLSET Surface preparation, coating application and project management are already core skills for many trade painters. Roof restoration builds on those foundations, while introducing the roof-specific knowledge

required for metal roofing applications. Dulux Acratex Roofing National Sales Manager Scott Fellingham said the training is designed to help painters understand the differences involved when working with roofing systems. “Applicators are familiar with decorative-style products, and most of our decorative products apply in a similar fashion,” Scott said. “But when we move into the Dulux Acratex roofing products, and even some of our other wider-range products, they’re thicker, heavier-style products, so they apply differently.” The Metal Roof Renew course covers the key stages of restoring an aged Colorbond® metal roof, including assessment, preparation, cleaning, system selection and application. ROOF CONFIDENCE Rather than relying solely on product information, participants gain hands-

on experience with the equipment and application process. The training covers pressure-washer setup and cleaning requirements before moving into spray equipment setup and the application of the Metal Roof Renew system. “People often learn best by doing rather than just watching or reading,” Scott said. “We support applicators with technical data sheets and practical guidance.” “Hands-on experience is essential for building the confidence to apply new skills on future projects.” The training also covers practical project considerations, including quoting, warranty guidance and the technical resources available through Dulux Acratex. Participants are introduced to support resources, technical guidance and product information that can assist them when undertaking future roof restoration projects.

The aim is to help painters develop a better understanding of how to assess a metal roof, select the appropriate coating system, prepare the surface and apply products in accordance with the recommended specification, while providing supporting information they can refer back to in the future. EXPANDING YOUR SKILLSET Metal Roof Renew is part of a broader Dulux Acratex training offering, with courses also covering trowel-applied finishes, roll-on texture finishes and specialty finishes. For those looking to broaden their skills, the two-day Dulux Acratex Roof Restoration Course covers a wider range of concrete and terracotta

roof restoration techniques. “We get a really diverse group of people coming along,” Scott said. “We have people who have been trade applicators for more than 10 years, as well as new people who have done house painting in new construction.” The Metal Roof Renew training is a half-day practical course. For those looking to broaden their skills, the two-day Dulux Acratex Roof Restoration Course covers a wider range of concrete and terracotta roof restoration techniques. As property owners continue to invest in maintaining and improving existing homes and buildings, roof restoration remains an important area of knowledge for trade professionals. The training is designed to help applicators build practical skills and confidence in metal roof restoration, supporting them to broaden their expertise and grow their roofing opportunities.

Image: Dulux Acratex

Learn the techniques, build confidence, and gain practical experience with Dulux Acratex’s Metal Roof Renew training course

Check it out! Dulux Acratex courses are available across Australia, making training accessible for applicators in a range of locations THE TRADIE 55

TOOL UP

t u o k o o l elow! b

Reach for the top Handle business with Bosch’s GGP18V-45EP Professional 18V Lopper FOR TRADIES and landscape professionals, pruning tall trees can quickly turn into a job of ladders, awkward angles and plenty of unnecessary effort. Bosch Professional is looking to take some of the hassle out of the job with its latest addition to the Outdoor Power Equipment range, the GGP18V-45EP Professional 18V Lopper. Designed to tackle branches that are out of easy reach, the cordless lopper combines a long reach, 45mm cutting capacity and the convenience of Bosch’s Professional 18V battery platform. 56 THE TRADIE

GOING THE DISTANCE The biggest selling point is prett y obvious for this one: reach. The GGP18V-45EP can extend to 3.2m, allowing tradies to tackle higher branches without constantly repositioning ladders or reaching beyond a comfortable working position. For landscape professionals or maintenance crews, that can make a noticeable difference when pruning trees, managing overgrown vegetation or maintaining gardens where access is limited. The lopper has a 45mm cutting capacity, giving

it enough grunt to tackle substantial branches rather than being limited to smaller growth. It is also designed to make quick work of individual cuts, with a cutting speed of less than 0.8 seconds per cut. That might not sound like much on its own, but when you’re working through dozens (or potentially hundreds) of branches, those seconds quickly add up. CORDLESS MEANS FREEDOM Like plenty of modern outdoor power equipment, the GGP18V-45EP cuts the cord.

It runs from a single Bosch Professional 18V battery, with Bosch recommending its ProCORE18V 8.0Ah or EXPERT 18V 8.0Ah batteries for the best combination of performance and runtime. That means there is no petrol engine to start, no fuel to carry around and no extension cord to drag through gardens or work sites. It’s also part of the Bosch Professional 18V System and the AMPShare multibrand battery alliance, giving operators who already run compatible battery tools another reason to consider it.

Bosch Professional’s GGP18V45EP combines 3.2m of reach with a 45mm cutting capacity, helping landscapers tackle high branches without constantly repositioning a ladder

For crews already carrying Bosch or AMPShare batteries around the job, adding the lopper doesn’t mean introducing another battery platform into the mix. BUILT FOR LONG DAYS Anyone who has spent a day pruning knows the job can become prett y tiring prett y quickly. Holding a long-reach tool above shoulder height for hours isn’t exactly a recipe for a comfortable afternoon, which is why Bosch has focused heavily on the GGP18V-45EP’s balance and ergonomics. The tool weighs just 4kg,

Powered by Bosch Professional’s 18V battery platform, the GGP18V-45EP delivers long-reach pruning performance without petrol, fuel or extension cords

Images: Bosch

A stainless steel cutting blade and branch hook give the Bosch GGP18V-45EP the tools to cut and clear branches in one pass

and an included shoulder strap helps distribute the load during longer jobs. Its optimal balance design is intended to reduce strain and improve control, particularly when the tool is fully extended. That’s important because having plenty of reach is one thing, but being able to comfortably control that reach is another. The brushless motor also provides reliable performance while helping to extend the working life of the tool. KEEP IT SHARP At the business end, the GGP18V-45EP uses a stainless steel blade designed for clean and precise cuts. The stainless steel construction provides resistance to rust while helping maintain durability

when the tool is regularly exposed to outdoor conditions. A clean cut isn’t just about making the job look tidy, either. When you’re pruning trees and shrubs, being able to make controlled cuts is important for managing the plant and avoiding unnecessary damage. The lopper also features a branch hook, which adds another practical touch for professionals. Once you’ve cut a branch, the hook can be used to help pull it down and remove it, meaning the tool isn’t just doing the cutting, it’s also helping clear the resulting debris. BUILT FOR THE WORKLOAD Bosch claims the GGP18V-45EP can deliver thousands of cuts,

although the stated figure varies depending on battery configuration and testing conditions. With the recommended high-capacity 18V batteries, the tool is designed for substantial runtime between charges. That makes it particularly suited to professional users who don’t want to stop halfway through a pruning job to head back to the ute for a battery swap. For landscapers maintaining multiple properties in a day, or contractors working through large-scale vegetation management, runtime can be just as important as cutting capacity. The combination of cordless operation, brushless motor technology and highcapacity battery

compatibility is aimed squarely at keeping the tool working when the job demands it. ONE MORE TOOL FOR THE UTE The GGP18V-45EP isn’t designed to replace every piece of pruning equipment. Smaller branches can still be handled more easily with compact secateurs or loppers, while particularly large limbs will require more substantial equipment. Where it should come into its own is that awkward middle ground: branches that are too high to comfortably reach from the ground but don’t necessarily justify bringing

out larger equipment. With 3.2m of reach, 45mm cutting capacity, a 4kg body and cordless operation, Bosch has designed the GGP18V45EP around making those jobs quicker and less physically demanding. Backed by Bosch’s sixyear guarantee/warranty, the new pole pruner also comes with the sort of support professional users expect from equipment that’s going to spend plenty of time on the job. For tradies and landscapers who spend their days keeping trees, gardens and properties under control, sometimes the best tool is simply the one that means you don’t have to reach quite so far.

Check it out! Visit bosch-pt.com.au/au/ en/knowledge-innovation/ outdoor to learn more THE TRADIE 57

TOOL UP

Restore, don’t replace DAMAGED THREADS can bring a job to an immediate halt. A worn wheel stud, damaged bolt or compromised threaded component can quickly turn a straightforward repair into unnecessary downtime, replacement costs and frustration. The Silbertool range of professional thread restoration tools provides a fast, accurate and non-destructive method of restoring damaged threads by hand. Rather than cutting, grinding or filing away the existing thread, Silbertool tools use precision roller dies to reform the original thread profile. The material is coldformed back into shape, helping retain the integrity and strength 58 THE TRADIE

of the component. At the centre of the range is ThreadSaver by Silbertool — a precisionengineered solution designed to restore damaged threads quickly, reliably and efficiently. WHY THREADSAVER MAKES A DIFFERENCE Traditional thread repair methods can involve taps, dies, welding, grinding or complete component replacement. These methods may remove material or require significant time and additional labour. ThreadSaver takes a different approach. It restores the existing thread profile without cutting away stock material. Key benefits • Fast — Restore damaged

threads in seconds, helping minimise downtime. • Non-destructive — Reforms the existing thread rather than cutting or removing material. • Cost-effective — Save valuable components rather than automatically replacing them. • Accurate — Precision roller dies follow the existing thread profile for consistent restoration. • Wide capacity — Suitable for thread diameters from 3 mm to 120 mm. • Versatile — Available for Metric, SAE, Whitworth, BSP and NPT thread forms. • Wide application range — Suitable for wheel bolts, wheel

studs, axle hubs, hydraulic cylinders and threaded components manufactured from steel, stainless steel, plastics and other materials. • Durable — Built for demanding professional applications and longterm performance.

threads are causing unnecessary downtime, ThreadSaver provides an opportunity to restore rather than replace.

SUITABLE FOR A WIDE RANGE OF INDUSTRIES ThreadSaver is a practical and cost-effective solution for restoring damaged threads across a broad range of applications, including: • Passenger vehicles • Commercial fleets • Trucks and trailers • Trains and rail equipment • Earthmoving equipment • Agricultural machinery • Heavy machinery • Industrial and engineering applications • Mobile repair and maintenance services Wherever damaged

HOW DOES THREADSAVER WORK? The process is straightforward: • Select the correct ThreadSaver tool for the diameter of the component. • Select the correct precision roller dies for the thread size and profile. • Apply suitable lubrication to the damaged area. • Position the precision rollers over the damaged thread and lightly clamp the tool in place. • Rotate the tool around the thread in both

ThreadSaver by Silbertool uses precision roller dies to reform damaged threads rather than cutting away the existing material

Images: WBT

A modern solution to an age-old problem

Designed for professional workshops and mobile technicians, ThreadSaver can restore damaged threads across a range of components and applications

clockwise and anticlockwise directions as required. • Adjust and maintain the appropriate clamping pressure during the restoration process. • Continue until the thread profile has been restored, then inspect the thread. • Once confirmed, the component is ready to return to service. No power tools, complicated setups or destructive cutting processes are required. THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB The Silbertool thread restoration range is portable, effective and

Silbertool’s ThreadSaver range covers thread diameters from 3 mm to 120 mm and multiple thread forms

cost-efficient. It has been developed for professional workshops, fleet and mobile technicians, mechanics, engineers and maintenance professionals who require dependable thread repair wherever the job takes them. Whether repairing a wheel stud in the workshop, servicing a commercial fleet or

restoring a damaged component in the field, ThreadSaver can help to: • Reduce downtime • Extend component life • Reduce replacement costs • Avoid unnecessary component replacement • Keep vehicles and equipment in service Time is money. Restore it and keep working. Restore. Repair.

Keep working. When a damaged thread threatens to stop the job, replacement should not always be the first option. Restore the original thread profile with ThreadSaver by Silbertool and the professional Silbertool range of thread restoration tools and kits. Choose a kit that suits your current requirements, with the

flexibility to add additional tools and roller dies as your needs grow. AVAILABLE NOW The ThreadSaver range is available through Warren & Brown Tools, with selected products also available through Repco and NAPA. An age-old problem now has a practical solution. Restore. Don’t replace

THE TRADIE 59

TRADIE PROFILE

(far left) Zarah Littlejohn, aka the Pink Tradie Ladie, has made bright pink workwear part of her identity on site

Seeing pink

One bright pink shirt became a symbol for Zarah Littlejohn There’s not many tradies who can say their workwear became part of their identity… FOR MORNINGTON Peninsula-based swimming pool builder Zarah Littlejohn, bright pink workwear has become much more than a splash of colour. It’s how she became known as the Pink Tradie Ladie and eventually inspired SupportHER On Site, an initiative focused on supporting women in the trades. Zarah wears bright pink shirts and custom hot-pink suede tool belts on site. “I actually wear shirts that happen to be bright pink. That’ll do it!” Zarah said. “I’m spotted from a million miles

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away, so I guess it almost becomes high-vis.” FINDING HER WAY ON SITE Zarah was working in holiday property management and administration when she first jumped onto the tools while helping with her husband’s pool-building business. “I was working in administration and ended up dropping some things off one day, jumped onto the tools and felt rather uncomfortable,” she said. “I thought, ‘Why not look prett y whilst feeling uncomfortable?’ So I put on my pink shirt, and that gave me that little bit of confidence to keep going.” Now building custom concrete pools with

CNH Pools, Zarah soon recognised that while there was growing support for getting women into trades, there was far less support for those already working on site. “There wasn’t really anything specifically supporting women once they were on site,” she said. It was that lack of ongoing support that sparked the idea behind SupportHER On Site. KEEPING WOMEN IN THE TRADES That gap became SupportHER On Site, an industry-led initiative focused on workplace culture, respect, leadership and retaining women. “We can encourage women all day long to come into the trades, but we need workplaces

where they can actually stay,” Zarah said. Rather than another box-ticking exercise, the initiative aims to get the whole industry involved in creating better worksite culture. Its pink wristband gives people on site a visible way to show their support. “It gives people on site a way to say, ‘I support women being here. I see you, I support you, and I’m prepared to show it.’” RECOGNITION ON AND OFF SITE Zarah has also been recognised through several nominations at the 2026 Empowered Women in Trades Awards and Gala, being held October 10 at The Timber

Yard in Port Melbourne. “It’s really cool to be recognised for it, and to have spoken on a couple of panels as well,” she said. “Having those conversations and being recognised for it is really heartwarming.” She has also spoken at Splash Expo with the Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia and International Women’s Day events about finding confidence and a voice in the trades. “It’s amazing to see that something I’ve started is having a real impact on so many other women out there,” she said. MAKING PINK MEAN SOMETHING Zarah ultimately wants SupportHER On Site to become recognisable across Australian worksites. “When you see that pink, I want people to know what it stands for,” she said. “I want women to know they’re supported.” “We can achieve great things when we create workplaces where people feel supported and welcome.”

Check it out! Scan here to sign up for the alliance! Use the code ‘tradie’ for 10 free wristbands

Images: Pink Tradie Lady

(left) The SupportHER on Site pink wristband gives people on site a visible way to show their support for women in the trades

TRADIE

gh touTESTS

Van that

s k c i tthe boxes MY26 Renault Trafic A tradie’s van needs to carry the gear, handle the kilometres and keep working day after day. Renault Trafic has been a staple for tradies on Aussie roads, and MY26 is a worthy addition to the fleet

BRAND:

62 THE TRADIE

MY26 RENAULT Trafic brings improved fuel efficiency, increased towing capacity and a range of comfort, storage and convenience upgrades designed to make life on the road easier. Chippy Will Campbell from Bellwood Building Services put the short-wheelbase model of Trafic to work across a few sites at North Curl Curl on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. TEST #1: ROOM TO MOVE Whether it’s tools, materials or the occasional set of golf clubs, Will needs plenty of space when he’s heading between jobs. Trafic’s load-through design can carry materials up to 4.15m in length for the long-wheelbase variant (3.75m for short-wheelbase), while tie-down points help keep equipment secure. “I can fit sheets of plywood and gyprock in it, and it can tow 2.5 tonnes, so that’s good,” Will said. “There’s plenty of room back there for all my gear, golf clubs, bikes and, more importantly, tools. I don’t have any issue. There’s tie-down points everywhere, so they’re always safe and secure.” Up front, the cabin is designed to provide plenty of room for the driver and passengers, while the folddown middle seat workstation adds a practical spot for getting through paperwork between jobs. “I can put the computer in there, put all my notes and stuff for my jobs, and it’s got a little clipboard section,” Will said. “It’s quite handy to have there.”

MY26 Trafic features a spacious cabin with a fold-down middle seat workstation with space for a laptop, notes and paperwork

Trafic’s load-through design can carry materials up to 4.15m in the long-wheelbase variant

There’s tie-down points everywhere, so they’re always safe and secure

1 TEST #2: COMFORT ON THE ROAD Tradies can spend hours behind the wheel, making comfort and easy driving just as important as load capacity. MY26 Trafic features a new nine-speed automatic transmission, while adaptive cruise control is available on Premium and Lifestyle variants. For Will, the driving experience was a clear step up from his previous van. “It’s very comfortable. It’s more comfortable than my old van. It drives like a car,” he said. The roomy cabin also gives Will somewhere to stay organised when he’s not behind the wheel. “It’s also got an armrest, which I think is really great and every van should have,” he said. Safety tech adds another layer of assistance, with parking sensors and systems designed to warn the driver and intervene when necessary. “It’s got all the tech,” Will said. “It’s got sensors when I go to park, it beeps at me if I go too quick, and it brakes for me if I get too close to someone.”

CHECK IT OUT To learn more including pricing, head to renault.com.au

There’s plenty of room back there for all my gear 1

MY26 Renault Trafic brings improved fuel efficiency, increased towing capacity and upgrades designed around the demands of tradies

Chippy Will Campbell put the MY26 Renault Trafic through its paces across building sites at North Curl Curl

MY26 Renault Trafic combines practical load space with a comfortable, techfilled cabin for long days on the road

Images: Prime Creative Media

FULL FORWARD MY26 Trafic also delivers improved fuel efficiency, with automatic variants rated at 6.2L/100km, while an 80-litre tank and extended service intervals are designed to reduce stops and downtime. With increased 2500kg towing capacity, practical storage and a comfortable, tech-filled cabin, Will could see the Trafic fitting easily into his working week. “Yeah, it’s really roomy, which I quite like,” he said. After putting the updated van through its paces, there was only one question left: Did MY26 Trafic get the nod from Will? “Yep, gets the tick of approval.”

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TRADIE

gh touTESTS

Make holes

r e g g i b Faster Bosch’s EXPERT Hole Enlargement Adapter Getting a hole saw onto the drill is one thing — getting the right size hole without starting from scratch is another. That’s where Bosch’s EXPERT Hole Enlargement Adapter comes in. This nifty little tool shaves a tonne of fiddling around for tradies

BRAND:

64 THE TRADIE

BOSCH’S EXPERT Hole Enlargement Adapter is designed to make enlarging existing holes faster and easier. It allows a smaller hole saw, matched to the diameter of the existing hole, to act as a stabilising guide for a larger hole saw when used with a Bosch Power Change Plus arbor. This helps prevent the larger hole saw from slipping or wandering during the cut. Joiner Tim from Victorian Joinery and Shop Fitting put the adapter to work alongside the 9pc Bosch EXPERT Multi Material PC Plus Hole Saw set. TEST #1: QUICK CHANGE When you’re moving between different hole sizes on site, fiddling around with traditional screw-on adapters can eat into valuable time. The EXPERT Hole Enlargement Adapter features a one-click attachment, allowing hole saws to be changed quickly with a simple click-in function. “It’s a one-click adapter with a nice click-in function,” Tim said. “The attachment will save a lot of time out on site.” For Tim, that could be particularly useful across the installation work he regularly tackles, including kitchens and commercial and domestic projects. “We do a lot of installations, including kitchens and commercial and domestic work,” he said. “This will come in handy and save a lot of time out on site with that one-click attachment.” The adapter also avoids some of the hassle associated with traditional screw-on systems. “We’d normally just use the original screw-on adapter,” Tim said.

The EXPERT Hole Enlargement Adapter allows a smaller hole saw to act as a stabiliser guide for a larger hole saw

Tim tested the adapter alongside Bosch’s EXPERT Multi Material PC Plus 9pc Hole Saw set for electrical and plumbing cut-outs

It’s a quick-change adapter with a nice click-in function

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“Especially when cutting out timber and the timber gets stuck in there, you’d have to disassemble the whole mechanism. Whereas this one-click function will save quite a lot of time doing that.” TEST #2: MAKING HOLES BIGGER The real trick with the EXPERT Hole Enlargement Adapter is its ability to make an existing hole bigger without needing to start again. By allowing a hole saw with the same diameter as the existing hole to act as a pilot drill, a second hole saw can cut around it to enlarge the opening. Tim found the process straightforward when working with two hole saws together. “So easy, so smooth,” he said. “When you find that your hole isn’t quite big enough, you can sort that out quite easily.” Tim used the adapter with Bosch’s EXPERT Multi Material PC Plus 9pc Hole Saw set, the setup is suited to the kind of electrical and plumbing cut-outs Tim encounters on site. The PC Plus hole saws feature Bosch Carbide Technology and are designed to cut through materials including wood, metal, stainless steel, brick, soft tiles and reinforced plastics.

CHECK IT OUT Head to bosch-pt.com.au/au/en/bosch-professionalaccessories-2790339-ocs-ac/ to find out more

The quick-snap attachment allows hole saws to be changed quickly with a simple click-in function

Bosch’s EXPERT Hole Enlargement Adapter is designed to make enlarging existing holes faster and easier

Joiner Tim from Victorian Joinery and Shop Fitting put Bosch’s EXPERT Hole Enlargement Adapter through its paces on site

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Images: Prime Creative Media

HOLE LOT EASIER After putting the adapter through its paces, Tim loved how simple the system was to use. “It’s great. It’s quite simple, lightweight and has easy, interchangeable pieces,” he said. He also rated the overall build quality. “Fantastic. It’s nice and sturdy and lightweight.” With quicker hole saw changes and a simpler way to enlarge existing holes, Tim could see a bunch of uses for the kit. “It’ll be great for all our plumbing and electrical work,” he said. “Brilliant. Fantastic. Can’t fault it.” Will he use it again? “Absolutely.”

It’s quite simple, lightweight and has easy, interchangeable pieces

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r e d n fi Fluke iSee ii01 Acoustic Camera Fluke’s taking on convenience and professional-grade imaging with both hands. Its latest camera — the iSee ii01 Acoustic Camera — adds another layer that any tradie worth their salt could use

BRAND:

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TRADIES DON’T need another gadget taking up space in the toolbox — unless it makes finding faults a whole lot easier. The Fluke iSee ii01 Acoustic Camera plugs straight into a smartphone, putting acoustic imaging and leak detection into a compact 50g package. Electrician Hayden Newton put the ii01 to work on airconditioning and gas systems to see how it performed on site. TEST #1: FIND IT FAST Traditional leak detection methods can take time, particularly when you’re working across different systems and trying to pinpoint exactly where an issue is hiding. The ii01 uses 16 MEMS acoustic sensors and Fluke’s SoundMap™ imaging technology to identify sound sources, with a dedicated one-touch leak detection mode making it quick to scan for problems. For Hayden, the biggest standout was how quickly he could go from pulling the camera out of his pocket to checking a system. “The ease of use,” he said. “Traditionally we’d use bubbles or leak detector, sniffer. And it just seems to be so much faster.” The ii01 covers a 2–48kHz frequency range and displays real-time dB readings on the smartphone screen, giving users additional information while tracking down a fault. During testing, Hayden was able to identify a potential issue on an air-conditioning unit within seconds. “So quick, like 15, 20 seconds and we’ve found it,” he said. “No mess with bubbles, leak detectors which go in and out.”

The Fluke iSee ii01 Acoustic Camera plugs into a smartphone to provide compact acoustic imaging and leak detection

Electrician Hayden Newton tested the Fluke iSee ii01 across air-conditioning and gas systems on-site

It gives really accurate readings, so clear on the screen 1 2

TEST #2: POCKET-SIZED PROOF The ii01 isn’t just about finding a fault — it can also help tradies show customers exactly what they’ve found. Images and videos can be captured directly through the Fluke iSee app and shared via email or text, providing visual evidence that can be included in reports or sent straight to the client. “It’s really simple to use,” Hayden said. “You can go back through the menu and basically just share the item through your e-mail or text to your client. “So easy.” The plug-and-play design means there’s no separate battery to charge, either. Simply connect the ii01 to a USB-C smartphone and open the app. “As long as your smartphone’s charged, just whack this in and it’s instantly ready to go,” Hayden said. The compact design also makes it useful where a larger acoustic camera might struggle to fit. “We actually use the larger version, which is around sort of maybe 200mm wide with a larger screen,” Hayden said. “This one will fill the gap where that unit is a lot larger. It’s quite hard to get into tighter spots.”

CHECK IT OUT Check out fluke.com/en-au to learn more

With 16 MEMS acoustic sensors and SoundMap™ imaging technology, the ii01 helps identify sound sources quickly

The ii01 displays real-time dB readings and covers a 2–48kHz frequency range for acoustic fault finding

Weighing just 50g, the iSee ii01 makes it convenient and simple to make accurate and professional readings on-site

Images: Prime Creative Media

SOUND SOLUTION After testing the ii01 across air-conditioning and gas systems, Hayden was impressed by its speed, simplicity and portability. “It gives really accurate readings, so clear on the screen,” he said. “And just the reporting aspects of it, being able to share instantly with the client to just let them know exactly what’s going on.” For a tradie who needs to quickly locate leaks without dragging larger equipment around site, the ii01 puts a capable acoustic diagnostic tool right in the palm of their hand. “So yeah, I found it really easy to use,” Hayden said. “It’s just a fantastic feature.”

So quick, like 15, 20 seconds and we’ve found it

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Bosch’s GFT18V-30 18V Fish Tape For sparkies, getting cable through conduit can be one of those jobs that’s easy to make harder than it needs to be. Bosch’s Cordless Fish Tape changes that...

BRAND:

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DESIGNED TO take the grunt work out of cable pulling, the Bosch GFT18V-30 18V Fish Tape uses a brushless motor to feed and retract its tape at speeds of up to 33m/min. Sparky Andrew Stecca put it to work at a residential build in Frankston, VIC, to see how it could fit into the day-to-day electrician’s toolkit. TEST #1: POWER THROUGH THE BENDS Long conduit runs and tight bends can quickly turn cable pulling into a two-person job, but the GFT18V-30 is designed to handle runs of up to 30m through four 90-degree bends. Its automatic feed and retract system keeps the tape moving, while the flexible leader helps it navigate elbows and obstacles inside conduit. For Andrew, the extra power was a step up from manually feeding a traditional fish tape. “Compared to a yellow tongue, it’s got a lot more power behind it,” he said. “Obviously, it’s got the battery power, so you feel more confident getting around the bends in your conduit.” That extra oomph can also help when working down walls, with Andrew finding the tape capable of negotiating obstacles that could otherwise slow down the job. “If you’ve got an elbow, it’s going to get itself over the lip, which is good,” he said.

Bosch’s PRO GFT18V-30 Cordless Fish Tape uses an 18V brushless motor to feed and retract its tape at speeds of up to 33m/min

The PRO GFT18V-30 features a digital length indicator, adjustable nozzle, integrated LED and automatic stop function

It’s got a lot more power behind it 1 2

“Even getting down a wall with any noggins in the way, it’s just going to find its way past them, which is awesome.” TEST #2: ONE-PERSON OPERATION The battery-powered operation can also help take the manual labour out of cable pulling, with Andrew seeing plenty of applications for the tool around the electrical trade. From fixed conduit runs and underground HD conduit to domestic NBN installations, the GFT18V-30 can help feed cables or rope through runs that would otherwise require more hands. “Having the battery on it just takes the manual labour out of the equation, which is great,” Andrew said. It can also be useful for tighter domestic applications. “It’s also very handy for feeding cable through corrugated conduit, where you might want to run a dishwasher circuit on an island bench or something like that,” he said. “It just allows you to do that as a one-person job as well, which is cool.” The tool also features a digital length indicator, 12-angle adjustable nozzle, integrated LED and auto stop function, while its TapeRoute system is designed to prevent internal tape binds.

CHECK IT OUT Head to bosch-pt.com.au/au/en/ to find out more

The PRO GFT18V-30 is designed to handle cable pulls of up to 30m through four 90-degree bends

Battery-powered feeding and automatic retract can help turn cable-pulling jobs into a one-person operation

Electrician Andrew Stecca put the Bosch PRO GFT18V-30 through its paces, testing its ability to navigate bends and obstacles in conduit

Images: Prime Creative Media

A SMARTER WAY TO POUR After getting hands-on with the GFT18V-30, Andrew could see a bevy of applications for the 18V Fish Tape. The combination of battery-powered feeding, automatic retract and the ability to navigate multiple bends can take some of the manual effort out of cable pulling. “For me, it’s a sturdy bit of kit. I can’t see it breaking anytime soon. It’s nice and strong,” Andrew said. “It’s just another tool for the kit bag that’s going to make our life a bit easier.”

It just allows you to do that as a one-person job

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CREATOR SPOTLIGHT SEPTEMBER @bards.builds

Location Northern Rivers Trade Carpentry Followers 31,000+ (Insta)

Bardie Somerville went from labouring on site in oversized Kmart work boots to building a career as a carpenter in the Northern Rivers

Step at a time From oversized Kmart boots to kicking butt in the trades FOR BARDIE Somerville, a career in construction was never part of the plan… Growing up on a farm in northern New South Wales, Bardie had plenty of exposure to hard work, but after finishing school she moved to Sydney to study at the National Art School with ambitions of becoming an artist. Then her dad offered her a job labouring on site. “I’m one of those people who’s happy to give anything a crack, so I thought, ‘sure, why not?’” Bardie said. Her first day involved a pair of oversized Kmart work boots and a warning from her dad to “wear your thick skin”. It didn’t take long for her 70 THE TRADIE

to decide construction wasn’t for her. “I hated it. Straight off the bat, it just wasn’t for me,” she said. But after about 18 months of labouring while studying, working alongside different trades sparked her curiosity. Then, one Friday afternoon while forming up for a concrete pour, she was given the chance to use a nail gun. “I’m seriously not joking — it was like something came over me. It was this beam of power and I thought, ‘yeah, this is what I want to do.’” With a year left at university, Bardie dropped out and started a carpentry and joinery apprenticeship.

LEARNING THE WHOLE PROCESS Rather than specialising in one area, Bardie was fortunate to experience almost every stage of construction during her apprenticeship. She cut frames and pitch roofs, worked on residential and commercial projects and saw builds progress from demolition and slabs through to framing and finishing. That breadth of experience has shaped how she approaches the trade today. “I really believe the transferable skills it gives you across the rest of your career are unmatched,” she said. For Bardie, understanding the entire

building process also develops something every tradie needs: the ability to problem-solve. “Everyone makes mistakes. The best tradies just know how to fix them,” she said. “You only learn that by being the person who builds it.” That philosophy has carried through her career, including a standout high-end project where she helped install a handmade door worth around $12,000. “I love being pushed and challenged and seeing how good and detailed you can get something,” she said. FINDING RESILIENCE Today, Bardie works as a carpenter in the Northern Rivers while studying psychology, with a particular interest in mental health and suicide prevention in construction. Her passion is deeply personal. During her early years in the industry, she struggled with alcohol and her mental health before eventually attempting to take her own life. “I didn’t talk about that experience for years,” she said. That experience became

the catalyst for Bardie to speak openly about mental health, challenge construction culture and encourage others to seek help. It also inspired her to attempt a 190-kilometre run to raise awareness and funds for TIACS. She ultimately completed the distance with the help of her friends after breaking her leg during the event. For Bardie, the experience became a powerful lesson in knowing when to ask for help. “It can be hard to say, ‘I actually can’t take another step right now. I need you guys to help me,’” she said. “But I asked for help. I did exactly what the whole thing was about.” That message now sits at the heart of what Bardie advocates for across the industry: creating a culture where tradies can talk, ask for help and support one another without shame. “If we’re talking about where I believe the best opportunity to create change is, it’s giving people the tools to actually have the conversation,” she said. “We’re all human. “We all go through struggles. There’s no shame in it.” For Bardie, whether it’s learning a new skill on site or taking the next step through a difficult period, the approach is much the same: keep moving forward, one step at a time. Lifeline: 13 11 14

Images: Supplied by @bards.builds

Name

CREATOR SPOTLIGHT NOVEMBER

Name

@tradie.dad

Location Hastings, VIC Trade Landscaping Followers 16,000+ (Insta)

Site to socials

In less than two years, Tradie Dad has become a growing platform for apprentice safety, mental health and the realities of life in the trades FOR LEIGH Ryan, becoming a social media creator was never really part of the plan. It started as a way to motivate him to return to work after parental leave. Less than two years later, Tradie Dad has become a growing platform for apprentice safety, mental health and the realities of life in the trades. A landscaper by trade, Leigh was at home with his newborn son when

he started questioning whether he wanted to return to work. “I had no inkling whatsoever to go back to work,” Leigh said. After seeing another tradie build a lifestyle around social media, Leigh decided to give Instagram a crack. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m just going to give this Instagram thing a crack.’ It’s something new, something fresh and exciting.”

FINDING HIS VOICE Initially, Tradie Dad was simply something Leigh worked on in his spare time alongside his full-time landscaping job. That changed after he posted a video calling out unsafe practices involving a carpenter and an apprentice in New South Wales. The video went viral, and Leigh quickly realised he had found a subject he was genuinely passionate

about. “From there, the page has just completely taken off,” he said. Today, Leigh works as a foreman for Whyte Gardens in Hastings while juggling Tradie Dad around his full-time job and family life. It hasn’t always been easy. “I’ve just really got to divide myself amongst these areas and that was a really steep learning curve,” he said. “I nearly burnt myself out early on until I got myself into a routine.” TOOLS DOWN, HEADS UP One of the most rewarding aspects of the platform has been the opportunity to connect with apprentices and tradies he otherwise would never have met. Leigh participates in Tools Down, Heads Up — run by Moe Racing Club — using his own experiences to encourage better conversations around safety, mental health and life in the trades. “Having apprentices message me out of the blue and say the advice you gave has actually really helped me in my scenario… it’s the most rewarding thing,” he said. His approach is

deliberately relatable. Leigh doesn’t present himself as the perfect tradie or someone who has everything figured out. “I’m not some dude who’s claiming to be the best landscaper ever,” he said. “I make mistakes.” Instead, he wants Tradie Dad to show the reality of life in the industry and help the next generation avoid some of the challenges experienced by those who came before them.

Supplied by tradie.dad

Leigh Ryan, aka Tradie Dad, has turned his experience in the trades into a growing social media platform focused on apprentice safety, mental health and life on the job

BUILDING SOMETHING BIGGER Leigh’s growing platform has already attracted the attention of major brands, including a partnership with DEWALT, while his following continues to grow. But the long-term goal goes beyond social media numbers. “I’d like for this to get to a point where I can earn enough from content creation that my wife doesn’t have to work,” he said. Ultimately, though, Leigh wants to use the platform to reach more apprentices and tradies. “If Tools Down, Heads Up can grow to a point that it goes national… and just get out there and help the next generation of apprentices coming through, realise they don’t have to go through the stuff we did as apprentices, then I’ll be able to go to sleep happy.” For Leigh, it all comes back to the same philosophy that started Tradie Dad: give it a crack, learn along the way and use the opportunity to help others. THE TRADIE 71

HAVE YOUR SAY!

Carpentry Australia is building stronger pathways for the industry. AT THE centre of everything we are doing remains a simple focus: supporting carpenters, apprentices and employers to succeed,

while helping build a stronger future for our industry. As Carpentry Australia continues to grow, so too does our commitment to providing greater support and value to our members. Over the past quarter, we have welcomed new people into the Carpentry Australia team, increasing our capacity to support members, deliver major industry projects and continue developing the tools, opportunities and Nathan Quinn, Carpentry Australia Head of Development connections available through the Carpentry Australia network. We are also continuing to strengthen the voice

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of industry through the Carpentry Australia Brains Trust — our Champion Members who are actively sharing their experience and insights on what is happening on the ground. These are respected carpenters, employers and business owners who understand the realities of running businesses, employing apprentices and delivering projects. Their feedback is helping us better understand the challenges facing the industry today, while also identifying the skills, support and opportunities our workforce will need into the future.

NOT A MEMBER YET? One of our priorities is ensuring more carpenters across Australia can connect with the industry and access the tools and systems we are building. If you’re a carpenter and haven’t joined Carpentry Australia yet, you can sign up for free as a Registered User and start taking advantage of the growing range of tools, resources and opportunities designed to help you succeed. Whether you’re an apprentice starting your career, a carpenter building your reputation or an employer looking to grow your business and workforce, we want Carpentry Australia to be a platform that helps you move forward.

Carpentry Australia is working across industry, government and training to support the future of the carpentry workforce

MAJOR PROJECTS OFF AND RACING Our governmentsupported projects across Western Australia and Queensland are off and racing, with tremendous momentum building across each program. In Western Australia, our Skills Innovation project is focused on the rapidly developing area of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), including prefabricated timber frame and truss construction. Over the quarter, we have been fortunate to connect with major and influential stakeholders from across industry, manufacturing, training and construction. Their willingness to share their expertise has been invaluable as we work to ensure the project reflects what industry

Images: Carpentry Australia

National projects driving change

actually needs - not only today, but as construction methods and workforce requirements continue to evolve. The objective is to create something practical, industry-led and capable of supporting the skills needed for the next generation of construction. BUILDING FUTURES MOVES INTO EMPLOYMENT In Queensland, the Building Futures Local Skills Solutions program has reached another important milestone. Participants have now completed their intensive training and have begun engaging directly with employers for work trials and practical industry experience. This next stage is where the program really comes to life. Participants have had the opportunity to build their skills, confidence and understanding of the construction industry, and they are now putting that preparation into practice with employers. For successful candidates, the ultimate outcome is employment and the beginning of a genuine career pathway within our industry. We are extremely grateful to the employers who have stepped forward to provide these opportunities and help the next generation get their start. BREAKERS BRINGS INDUSTRY TOGETHER The momentum surrounding the Breakers

Program has also been sensational. TAFE Queensland has been an incredible host and supporter of the program, working alongside Carpentry Australia and the Queensland Government to create an initiative focused on one of the industry’s most important challenges - apprentice retention. Breakers is bringing together apprentices, employers, TAFE, industry, support networks and sporting heroes to create a stronger community around young people entering the trade. The program is about much more than simply keeping apprentices enrolled. It is about helping young people build confidence, develop stronger connections with their employers and industry, access support when they need it and ultimately see a long-term future for themselves in carpentry. This becomes even more important as Queensland prepares for the enormous pipeline of construction activity leading into Brisbane 2032. CSQ’s Horizon 2032 workforce forecasting highlights the significant workforce challenge ahead, including the need for thousands more carpenters. Attracting people into our industry is only part of the answer. We also need to help the apprentices already entering our trade become the qualified carpenters of tomorrow. That is exactly the

challenge Breakers has been designed to tackle. There is an enormous amount happening behind the scenes at Carpentry Australia, and the past quarter has reinforced just how much can be achieved when industry, government, training providers, employers and our members work together. From developing future skills in Western Australia, to creating employment pathways through Building Futures, improving apprentice retention through Breakers and listening directly to our Champion Members through the Brains Trust, these projects all connect

to a bigger objective. We want to build a stronger carpentry industry and create better pathways for the people and businesses within it. There is plenty more to come, and we look forward to sharing the next

Carpentry Australia’s Champion Members provide direct industry insight through the Brains Trust

chapter with our members over the months ahead.

Check it out! Not part of Carpentry Australia yet? Join as a free Registered User and get connected with the tools, opportunities and industry network we’re continuing to build for Australian carpenters. carpentryaustralia.com.au THE TRADIE 73

HAVE YOUR SAY!

needed to support it,” Ms Fresneda said. “TradieStart helps employers invest in the next generation of tradies by reducing barriers to employing apprentices and creating more pathways into meaningful, long-term careers in construction.”

experiences, and helping employers develop workplace cultures where diverse apprentices and tradespeople can thrive. EWIT General Manager Melinda Davis said financial support for small businesses is a great start in helping to remove a significant barrier to creating new apprenticeship opportunities. “Small businesses are the backbone of our trades industries, but taking on a first apprentice can feel like a major financial and operational commitment,” Davis said. “TradieStart gives employers practical support to open that first door. When this is combined with targeted attraction, supportive supervision and an inclusive workplace culture, it has the potential to create life-changing opportunities for women and a stronger workforce for Queensland.”

REMOVING BARRIERS Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) has welcomed the initiative as an important opportunity to help more women move from considering a trade to securing a genuine apprenticeship. EWIT is a national notfor-profit organisation working to increase the participation and retention of women and non-binary people in skilled trades. Its work focuses on building the pipeline through schools, attracting talent through hands-on industry

MORE THAN GETTING WOMEN THROUGH THE DOOR EWIT has been working across Queensland to introduce women to construction and trade pathways through practical programs, employer connections and industry experiences. These initiatives give participants the opportunity to try different trades, meet women already working in the industry and build the confidence and connections needed to take their next step.

Opening the door for more women TradieStart is helping more women enter Queensland’s trades WOMEN MAKE up around 15 per cent of Queensland’s construction workforce, but fewer than five per cent are working directly on the tools in trade and labouring roles.

Melinda Davis at the EWIT Gala & Awards night last year. Image: Joni Anderson

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Queensland is already leading the nation in female construction apprentice numbers, with more than 1,048 women currently in training. The Queensland Government’s new TradieStart program aims to build on that momentum by helping more women take up apprenticeships in key trades. TradieStart is the next stage of the successful Small Business Apprenticeship Program and will support 2,500 eligible apprenticeships across construction, plumbing, engineering and electrical trades. Under the program, small businesses taking on their first apprentice can receive a base payment of $10,000, with an additional $4,000 available if the

apprentice is aged over 21. Employers can also access a further $2,000 if they hire an apprentice from a priority cohort, including women, veterans, people with disability, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. BACKING THE NEXT GENERATION Construction Skills Queensland Chair Sue-Ann Fresneda said TradieStart was a practical response to workforce shortages and an opportunity to broaden the industry’s talent pipeline. “Queensland’s construction pipeline presents a generational opportunity for the state, but delivering it will depend on our ability to attract, retain and develop the skilled workforce

Images: Empowered Women in Trades

TradieStart is designed to help Queensland small businesses take on their first apprentice across key trades

Attracting women into apprenticeships was only one part of the challenge. “We need to make sure women can see these careers, access the opportunities and feel confident enough to apply, but we must also ensure they enter workplaces where they feel safe, supported and able to build a long-term career,” she said. “It takes a village. Government, employers, training providers and industry organisations all have a role to play in

turning an apprenticeship opportunity into a successful and sustainable trade career.” BACKING YOURSELF For women already working in the industry, the message is clear: there is a place for them in the trades. MSD Electrical Group small business owner Matt Shapcott said greater diversity would strengthen the industry. “It’s great to see women in the electrical industry, which is typically a male-

dominated trade,” Matt said. “I think diversity in the industry is only going to be a good thing.” Olivia Browne, who works with Matt and has benefited from the program, said backing yourself was one of the most important steps. “My main advice for women entering the trades is to back yourself. Confidence is key, and don’t be afraid to ask questions,” she said. Matt said he hoped Olivia’s success would

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encourage more women to consider a career in the trades. “Hopefully her success can inspire other women to give it a go,” he said. Through initiatives such as TradieStart, supported by organisations like EWIT and employers willing to provide genuine opportunities, Queensland can continue building a more diverse, skilled and sustainable trade workforce.

More than 1,048 women are currently undertaking construction apprenticeships in Queensland

For more information on TradieStart please visit www.business.qld. gov.au/tradiestart For more information on Small Business Apprentice Program please visit business.qld.gov.au/ apprenticeship-program

HAVE YOUR SAY!

Master Painters Australia Ltd is Back Master Painters Australia has re-established its national board. WE ARE proud to announce a landmark moment for our industry: after more than a decade, the Master Painters Australia Ltd National Board is officially back up and running. Master Painters from across Australia have come together to form a united nation-wide board, a voice for the painting and decorating industry — working to advocate on a national level and drive lasting improvements for our trade. This new National Board brings together some of the industry’s most respected and experienced representatives, each 76 THE TRADIE

committed to shaping a stronger future for our members. We’re delighted to introduce you to the team leading this next chapter — read on below to meet the faces behind this exciting new era.

CHRIS MUNDAY — CHAIR Chris has been elected Chair of the National Board of Master Painters Australia Ltd,

bringing four decades of hands-on experience and entrepreneurial leadership to the painting and decorating industry. He is the first to hold the title of President and CEO of Master Painters Queensland, held consecutively since 2018, where he has shaped a stronger, smarter, and more connected future for the industry — one built on increased member value proposition and training. His career spans senior management positions in retail, trade, and manufacturing in the paint industry, ownership of paint centres and Jim’s Professional Painting franchise Australia. Chris

currently owns Paint4U on the Sunshine Coast and has for the past 20 years and sits on several state government construction industry boards and committees.

BOB DE GROOT — BOARD MEMBER — VIC/TAS Bob has been on the MPA Victoria/Tasmania board for 20 plus years. During that time, he was awarded a Life Membership and has served as both the Present and Vice President on two separate occasions.

He is currently the Vice President of MPA Victoria/ Tasmania. In addition to the MPA, Bob has also been at the helm of De Groot Painting Services, one of Tasmania’s longest serving painting company. Bob is a past board member of the Master Painters Australia Ltd. He is very proud of the fact that The Master Painters Association is there for painting businesses of all sizes and enables them all to have a voice in the industry.

THEODORE VAIRAKTARIS — BOARD MEMBER — QLD Theo is an accomplished entrepreneur, philanthropist, TEDx speaker and artist. As the MD of the Usher Group, one of Australia’s leading painting companies, he has established himself as a national identity in the construction industry. In addition to this, he is the director of over nine companies, including his most recent project, PaintProjex, an industry first software, engineered specifically for painters, improving the way they do business. His influence and experience have propelled these companies to new heights, earning him numerous awards.

BEN CUNNINGHAM — BOARD MEMBER — SA Ben has held a number of leadership and senior roles with the Master Painters, Decorators & Signwriters Association of South Australia Inc. (MPA SA), including President, Executive Committee Member and is a Life Member. He currently serves as their Vice President, and is a past Chairman of Master

PETER NOONAN — BOARD MEMBER — SA Peter is the current President of the Master Painters, Decorators & Signwriters Association of South Australia Inc. (MPA SA) and has been a member for many years. He has held positions on the MPA SA Board for numerous years from Executive Committee Member and Vice President. He has been involved in the industry for over 35 years and still working as the director of his own successful business, Noonan Painting Contractors which involves painting both commercial and domestic projects. Peter has been an advocate for licenced tradespeople to improve

our industry standards. He is looking forward to the future improvements through the MPA National Board.

ELTON WILLIS — BOARD MEMBER — NSW/ACT Elton has been in the painting industry since 1994 and been involved with Master Painters since 1999. Throughout his time within Master Painters, Elton has held a number of roles across the ACT and NSW/ACT associations and currently serves as the Master Painters NSW/ACT secretary. Elton is a past Chair for the Master Painters Australia Ltd. He currently runs a maintenance painting business based in Canberra with his cousin.

DANNY TALBOT — BOARD MEMBER — NSW/ACT Danny has 36 years of experience in the painting industry and has developed an extensive

understanding of the profession and the challenges facing its members. He is currently the Vice President of Master Painters Australia NSW|ACT, having also previously served in this role for two years, followed by six years as President. He is also the Director of Talbot Remedial. Through his position on the National Board, he is committed to strengthening the painting industry, supporting its members, promoting professional standards and contributing to the industry’s long-term growth.

ALAN WALTERS — BOARD MEMBER — WA Alan is a highly respected leader in the Western Australian painting and decorating industry with more than 47 years of experience spanning contracting, business ownership,

manufacturing, technical consulting, leadership, and industry advocacy. As General Manager of ABC Paint & Deco and President of Master Painters and Decorators Australia, Alan has built a reputation for integrity, technical expertise, reliability, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.

I mages: Master Painters, ungvar/stock.adobe.com

MIKE BAILEY — BOARD MEMBER — VIC/TAS Mike is a currently serving board member of MPA Victoria/Tasmania and has previously been the President and Chairman of MPA Victoria/Tasmania as well as a past Chairman of Master Painters Australia. In addition to his work within Master Painters, he is also a qualified Painter and Decorator and experienced business owner. His painting business, Mike Bailey Paint Services, has been up and running since 1990.

Painters Australia Ltd. He owns and operates his own painting business, Watermark Painting Specialists, since 1994. Ben regularly represents the painting and decorating industry on ABC Radio Adelaide (891), providing technical and expert advice and is a member of the Construction & Mining Industry Skills Council and a Housing Sector Committee Member of CITB.

JACK MAST — BOARD MEMBER — WA Now retired, Jack owned and operated Newmast, one of WA’s largest painting contractors of the time. Jack’s commitment to the Painting & Decorating industry is second to none. He is a former president and Life member of the Master Painters and Decorators Association and has served on the MPA Skills Board for many years. Jack is currently on the Building Services Board and is a judge of the MP&DA Awards for Excellence.

Check it out! Head to mpa.org.au to find out more THE TRADIE 77

HAVE YOUR SAY

NAWIC CEO Cathryn Greville with State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp at the Off Site, Not Out of Mind launch event in Newcastle

Off Site, Not Out of Mind Supporting parents in construction is a workforce issue, not a women’s issue CONSTRUCTION IS an industry that works hard to build a skilled workforce, and one of the moments it struggles most to hold onto that workforce is when someone has a baby. On 1 June, NAWIC launched Off Site, Not

Cathryn Greville, CEO of NAWIC

78 THE TRADIE

Out of Mind, a national campaign to change how the industry supports women through pregnancy, parental leave and the return to work. The timing wasn’t an accident. The campaign launched on the Global Day of Parents, just as the Australian Government’s paid parental leave scheme reached a national milestone of its own: from 1 July it rose to 26 weeks, the final step of an expansion that began in 2024. With that change, and with the country paying closer attention to how employers treat new parents, it’s a moment an industry already facing skills shortages can’t

afford to miss. The transition into and out of parental leave is one of the most critical, and most often overlooked, moments in whether the industry keeps skilled women at all. Businesses are losing experienced workers at the exact point they start a family, with real commercial and projectdelivery consequences for the whole sector. Women make up around 13 per cent of Australia’s construction workforce, and only about 3 per cent of trade roles. Because so few women have gone before them, many are the first person in their workplace to take parental leave, which means the outcome

for them, and for their teams, comes down to the support of a single manager rather than a system anyone can rely on. THE CAMPAIGN The campaign is built on two ideas. The first, Better for Everyone, is that improving conditions for mothers improves them for fathers and families too, and the fastest way to shift the culture is to support men to take genuine parental leave. The second, Parenting Out Loud, is that caregiving should be visible on site

Images: NAWIC

and talked about openly, so workers know they can have both a career and a family in this industry. The campaign has drawn support from allied organisations striving for the same culture of care for families, including Parents At Work, Future Women and The FIFO Family Project, who have helped drive events across the country. That support has shown up in the campaign’s Parenting Out Loud series too, which has made the point that there’s no one type of parent or family in this industry, including a Father’s Day video with Laing O’Rourke, where dads from across the business spoke about becoming a father and what taking parental leave meant to them.

A WORKFORCE ISSUE The encouraging part is that construction is already moving faster than most other industries on men taking leave. Site leaders now have practical tools and proof that it can work, because this isn’t a women’s issue, it’s a workforce issue. Get it right for mums, and you get it right for dads and families too.

Check it out! Learn more at www.nawic.com.au/ parental-leave

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