December 2021 Edition
Presidents Report It is with a degree of pride that I present the last presidents
under the Professional Women in Pest
report for 2021. Once again, this year has been a challenging
Management (PWIPM) umbrella. I
year for many, with so many businesses that have been heavily
look forward to attending PestWorld
impacted with Covid lockdowns. The PWAPM has had its own
in 2022 and the PWIPM Networking
share of challenges, but we have come out of 2021 with some
Breakfast next October in Boston.
outstanding projects and events, which have included new recognition awards and the very first PWAPM National Leadership Conference. I would like to recognise the efforts by all involved. Sponsorship has gained a new dimension due to the tireless efforts of our board. The strength of the board never ceases to amaze me. Without these wonderful women, I cannot do what I do. Each year the executive board members sit down to discuss budgets regarding membership and sponsorship fees that are needed to focus on PWAPM activities. New membership fees have recently been released with a slight increase. We will continue to keep our fees at an affordable cost, so all corporate business
In closing I would like to thank all board members for not only their ongoing support of myself, but all the hard work that they put into this association. I think many forget that this is a voluntary contribution. “All of you are also Mum’s, yet you still find the time to give back to this industry. I thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart”. To all our PWAPM members, thank you for your support and confidence. I look forward to 2022, leading the Professional Women in Australia Pest Management for another year. Wishing you and your family peace, health, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year.
sponsors and individual women in the pest industry have an opportunity to benefit from being a member of the PWAPM. Like last year, a feedback form will be emailed out to all members in the new year. This gives you the opportunity to provide us with some fresh new ideas and projects that you would like to see us work on. Even though I didn’t have the opportunity to travel this year, I have kept in contact with our affiliated global associations
SAVE THE DATE
Nicky Turner
Thurs 3rd March Sat 5th March 2022
2022 PWAPM NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Gold Coast, Mantra at Sharks
PWAPM Gazette
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2022 PWAPM NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Celebrate International Women’s Day
Professional Women in Australian Pest Management (PWAPM) invites female members of the industry to attend the next PWAPM National Leadership Conference, which will be held on March 3-5, 2022. The event will again be held at the Sharks Events Centre on the Gold Coast. The two-day conference will focus on leadership, personal development and building connections with like-minded people in the industry. A fresh new line-up of outstanding keynote speakers and emerging pest industry leaders will share insights into their journey to success – the challenges, the setbacks, and the wins. A series of workshops and panels will ensure delegates walk away with useful takeaways and knowledge, feeling inspired and more focused about their career goals. The gala dinner, sponsored by Rapid Solutions, will coincide with the announcement of the winners of the 2022 trainee, administration, and honorary life member awards. The 2021 Excellence Award winner Kuyan Rider will also be recognised. Men and women are both invited to attend the awards night. Treat your staff to a night of entertainment by purchasing tickets for a table! Tickets for the conference and awards night will be released soon. More information will be released on the PWAPM Facebook page and website.
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PWAPM Gazette
December 2021 Edition
2022 PWAPM NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Celebrate International Women’s Day
Conference Agenda Thursday 3rd March 2022 5.30pm Welcome Reception SPONSORED BY ENSYSTEX - Mackenzie’s Sports Bar
Friday 4th March 2022 Registration Event Centre Foyer Welcome Speeches Keynote Speaker - Karni Lidell Nathaly Haeren (Pesty Girls Pest Management) – TBA TBA – Sales Strategies and Techniques
Winner Announcement – Female Administration of the Year Award SPONSORED BY PCT Winner Announcement – Female Trainee of the Year Award SPONSORED BY BAYER Honorary Life Member Recipient Announcement
Saturday 5th March 2022 Briefing Breakfast Panel – Mental Health Will Shacklock – Building Your Stress Resilience Workshop Michelle Downs – Self Defence & Personal Safety in the field & workplace David Lilly (Lead Entomologist, Pest Elimination Ecolab Asia Pacific) - Lets Talk About Pests Thank you and closing speeches Closing Party – SPONSORED BY SYNGENTA Men and Women Invitation Event
PWAPM Gazette
Please note that there could be a change in the agenda due to Covid.
Leadership Awards Gala Dinner SPONSORED BY RAPID SOLUTIONS Includes 3 course dinner & drinks package MC and Entertainment – Comedian Katrina Davidson Guest Speaker – Kuyan Rider (2021 PWAPM Excellence Award Winner)
GOLD SPONSOR
Jenny Chapman - Empowerment of women
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2022 PWAPM NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Celebrate International Women’s Day
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Karni Liddell
Karni Liddell is a former world record holder, Paralympic swimmer, speaker, TV presenter, “Mama” and clinical social worker. Karni was born with a neuro-muscular wasting disease and her parents were told that their first-born child wouldn’t walk, crawl, or live past her teenage years. Karni broke her first World Record at the age of 14 and she went on to win Paralympic medals at every Paralympics she competed at, and she regards being captain of the Number 1 team at the Sydney 2000 Games her greatest sporting achievement. Karni has raised over $1million dollars throughout her career for the various disability charities she supports. Karni is currently the State Inclusive Employment Manager for Public Services Commission. Karni was the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Ambassador and officially opened the NDIA head office in Geelong, she is a member of the Qld Premier’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council, the Sexual Violence Roundtable and is a Domestic and Family Violence specialist and trainer (Karni delivers the Lifeline DV-alert Working with Women
PRESENTER
Karni is an internationally acclaimed and sought after keynote speaker and has just done a TED talk, which has been watched by thousands of people around the world and was the only TED speaker on the day to receive a standing ovation.
Will Shacklock
Workshop - Building Your Stress Resilience
Building Your Stress Resilience is a skills-based, interactive workshop specifically designed to support you to reduce stress and perform well during times of high workload, uncertainty and change. Blending physiological stress reduction techniques with behavioural change tools, the workshop will provide you with the knowledge and skills to: • identify the signs and symptoms of stress and burn-out • reduce stress quickly • stay calm under pressure • leave work at work • get a better night’s sleep, and • integrate stress resilience skills into everyday life.
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with Disabilities). She is a presenter for Channel 7’s “The Weekender” and was a talkback radio host. She is the Ambassador for Kids Help Line, Muscular Dystrophy QLD and Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association. Karni was the Patron of the International Day of People with a Disability and was awarded the Pride of Australia medal. She won the Qld Teacher and Trainer of the year (2015) and was awarded the Alumni of the Year award for the faculty of health at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Karni holds a Clinical Masters in Social Work (QUT) and a double Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Bond University. Karni just won the Bond University’s Alumni award for Community Achievement.
Presenter - Will Shacklock Will is the Managing Partner and Principal Trainer at Working Mind Resilience Training. He has been developing and delivering resilience programs for the past 16 years. Prior to his career as a corporate trainer, Will held planning, environmental and development roles across the private, local government and state government sectors. He now specialises in training people to build their personal resilience and better manage the process of change.
PWAPM Gazette
December 2021 Edition
COMEDIAN
Kat Davidson
Who has 24 years comedy experience, brilliant stories and keeps the laughs coming, no matter who is in the audience? This lady….
worked a crowd from the back of a cattle truck. Occasionally, all at the same time!
Seeing Kat on stage is like visiting an old friend you haven’t met yet. She’s shared the stage with the world’s best comics (Stephen K Amos, Steven Wright, Dave Hughes to shamelessly name drop a few), tamed a shed full of drunk miners, kept a 21-year marriage off the rocks and is currently being parented by her eight year old.
She can be heard regularly across Queensland ABC radio, broadcasting through the Covid 19 pandemic and bringing the news and some much-needed laughter during lockdown and beyond. Kat has headlined the best comedy clubs in Australia and Canada and can also be regularly found at sea performing for huge crowds on P&O Cruise ships. She enjoyed sell out seasons of her original show Untidy at the 2012 Brisbane Comedy Festival, husband and wife co-production He Said, She Said (with husband Stav Davidson) at Wonderland Festival, solo show Still Standing Up (Perth Fringe 2018) and saucy two hander Love Hurts with Emily Kristopher (Brisbane Fringe, Wonderland Festival 2018, Adelaide Fringe 2019), venues around Brisbane and P&O ships.
Equally at home in a corporate venue or a room full of hens and bucks, Kat brings a fresh and intelligent view to her comedy. She tackles relationships, observations and random events with equal passion and her unique storytelling ability takes her audience along with her for the ride. Kat has been a professional improviser since 1993, hosted Gala Events, coached blue chip companies in communication and
BLOKES DAY Many women brought their partners to the Gold Coast in March this year, not only showing their support and enjoying a weekend away, but male partners also had the opportunity to attend a satellite session organised by Dr Don Ewart and Ron Smith from TIPRM (The Institute of Pest Risk Management). “Blokes’ Day” included a core session on men’s health. Blokes Day will once again be offered to males in the pest industry with sessions running all day Friday and Saturday morning. More information on topics and tickets will be released soon.
THE INSTITUTE OF PEST RISK MANAGEMENT
PWAPM National Leadership Conference 2022 Mantra at Sharks Southport, Gold Coast For more information, please email: events@tiprm.com
PWAPM Gazette
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Recognition Awards
NOMINATIONS for the 2022 Recognition Awards OPEN 15th December 2021 These prestigious awards will recognise superior service from female staff in the pest industry. Your employees are the single most important asset to your business. Employee motivation is crucial as it allows management to meet its goals. By nominating employees for an award, employers demonstrate the importance of individual contribution by staff. Organisations which show appreciation are proven to achieve higher levels of output through enhanced employee motivation and productivity.
PWAPM 2022 FEMALE ADMINISTRATION OF THE YEAR AWARD - Sponsored by PCT This award looks to recognise an outstanding administration assistant. We all know the office is the backbone of the business that keeps it all together. We want to honour an outstanding member of your office crew.
PWAPM 2022 FEMALE TRAINEE TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD - Sponsored by Bayer Trainees are the future of our industry. We want to recognise a trainee that has gone above and beyond to engage in the pest control industry. We want to recognise a female that has strived for and achieved success, best practice, and innovation in training.
PWAPM HONORARY LIFE MEMBER 2022 The PWAPM is excited to induct the 2022 HONORARY LIFE MEMBER
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PWAPM Gazette
December 2021 Edition
PWAPM 2021 EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER - Sponsored by BASF
2021 PWAPM Excellence Award winner Kuyan Rider will be recognised at the gala dinner reception. Kuyan will be our guest speaker throughout the award announcements.
Additional benefits of nominating Employees: Ì Promote satisfaction and well-being by illustrating how individuals contribute to overall organisational success. Ì Promote positive communication and praise within the workplace. Ì Increase employee retention rates through gratitude by rewarding employee excellence. Ì Incorporate a strong ethos into your organisation which values recognition and loyalty. Nomination forms will be released on the 15th of December via the PWAPM website and social media pages. Your nomination should include examples of how your nominated individual, or team member, has shown excellence in their work and contributed to the broader life in the pest management industry. The selection committee, the board of directors from the PWAPM, will meet to review all the nominations and select winners in all categories, as well as agree on the 2022 Honorary PWAPM Life Member. After the committee has made their decisions, award winners will be notified to tell them they have won. Award Winners and Honorary Life Member will be announced at the PWAPM National Leadership Dinner on Friday 4th March. The 2022 recognition awards will be like no other before, with the winner announcements to be filmed and presented to the Australian Pest Management Industry.
PWAPM Gazette
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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
CEO/PRESIDENT Nicky Turner
Rhiannon Brown
VICE-PRESIDENT Cassie Ryan
Michelle Downs
SECRETARY Tara Kiker
Sandra Lafforgue
TREASURER Sarah Cutting
Kerryn Waters
Belinda Mae Smith
The 2021 PWAPM Annual General Meeting was held on Wednesday 17th November. Nicky Turner confirmed that the current board of directors will be staying on for the coming year. A nomination came in for Belinda Mae Smith from Rapid Solutions. Belinda has accepted the nomination for the next 12 months so it will align with the 2022 bi-annual election. Nicky Turner reported that Belinda Mae Smith has been elected as our 9th Board of Director. Closing AGM Speech from the President Nicky Turner. “Thank you again to the PWAPM board for the past 12 months in contributing their time. Welcome Belinda Mae Smith. I am excited for some fresh new ideas and some new projects coming into the association. We have had a sensational year with our membership base still growing. The PWAPM is continuing to get stronger. Our purpose is to deliver real value to our members”. Members can access a copy of the AGM minutes via the PWAPM Members Portal.
2022 PWAPM Board of Directors CEO/PRESIDENT: Nicky Turner – Laguna Pest Control VICE-PRESIDENT: Cassie Ryan – Above and Beyond Pest Control SECRETARY: Tara Kiker – Gippsland Pest Management TREASURER: Sarah Cutting – Spiderman SE Eco Pest Management Rhiannon Brown – Western Enviropest and Weed Solutions Michelle Downs – Lethal Pest Control Sandra Lafforgue - BASF Kerryn Waters – Mentoring Co-ordinator Belinda Mae Smith – Rapid Solutions
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PWAPM Gazette
December 2021 Edition
NPMA CEO Dominique Stumpf
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) held its annual convention and exposition (live and in-person) from November 2-5, 2021. The event was the largest in person gathering the pest management industry has seen in over 3-years! FAIRFAX, Va. (November 11, 2021) – The stage was set at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV for PestWorld 2021. Anticipation was high. Excitement was in the air. Buzz was abound within the pest management industry and had been building for weeks. Would PestWorld 2021 live up to expectations? Would the industry “show up” as anticipated? Would this event be the first major (in-person) re-assembly of the industry since Covid hit in early 2020? On November 2, 2021, the answer became very clear on all fronts. Yes! PestWorld 2021 and the pest management industry was ready to meet, unite and get back to business. Over the 4 days of PestWorld 2021, 3,500 attendees and over 200 exhibiting companies embraced the opportunity to meet in-person. Meaningful business relationships were formed, inspiring keynote speakers and educational session content leaders helped to inform, train and expand the knowledge base of attendees. Best-practices across many areas of the industry were shared. New innovations and product/service offerings were on full display through the exposition portion of the conference. Networks were expanded. Business was conducted. As PestWorld 2021 delivered value to attendees, the industry delivered hope and resources to those in need. Through the PestWorld 2021 Day of Service, several special interest groups donated their time and resources for a variety of charities. PWIPM, The Pest Management Foundation, the NPMA PAC, and PestVets in particular helped contribute toward an impressive amount of over
$50,000 in philanthropy giving during the convention. NPMA thanks all those who gave their time and resources. You made an impact on behalf of your companies and the industry of pest management. “To be face-to-face again with our members, our partners, our friends, and our colleagues was an experience I will not soon forget. This industry has grit. It has resiliency. It is essential. And… is made up of the finest of professionals. Our members “show up” every day for their customers. When we made the decision that PestWorld 2021 would be live and in-person, I knew the industry would “show up” for this event and it did… in a big way. Travel restrictions kept some of our friends from being with us in Las Vegas but we know those who were not with us in-person were there in spirit. We are a united industry. We represent our members and we all represent our industry… professionals in pest management.” says NPMA CEO, Dominique Stumpf PestWorld 2022 will be in Boston, MA from October 11-14, 2022. For more information on next year’s NPMA convention and all things NPMA, visit NPMAPestWorld.org. ### About the National Pest Management Association The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,500 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. For more information, visit NPMAPestWorld.org.
PWAPM Gazette
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GETTING TO KNOW...
Kristy Dawson
Where do you work & what area?
What motivates you to work hard?
MPL Training Centre - Sydney.
My son motivates me to work hard. I want to show him that if you set your mind to something, you can achieve that goal.
What is your role/position?
What is something you find challenging about your work?
Trainer and Assessor.
What led you to pest control?
Like most women in Pest Control I fell into it, however over the years I have built a genuine passion for the industry.
What do you like about where you work? Having worked in an office for so long, it’s nice to be working outside and in different environments, away from the computer and being face to face. I love being able to facilitate education and to encourage greater involvement and participation within the pest control industry, to assist in people obtaining knowledge to feel confident in their chosen field. Not to forget the continuous learning I am obtaining myself. Who inspired you? Who do you aspire to be like?
My friend Susan. There is no one in this world that I admire more then her. She is a strong successful knowledgeable executive, mother to five and wife. Susan has taught and shown me that women can achieve anything; we just have to set our mind to it, believe in ourselves and the sky is the limit.
What’s the greatest risk you have ever taken?
Leaving Mr Pesty after eight years and starting with MPL is the greatest risk I have ever taken. I’m starting something that is totally different from what I know, but it’s a challenge I’m excited about.
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How different it is from my previous role - being with MPL Training Centre is the total opposite. Before, I was in a position that I knew like the back of my hand, I was confident, strong and now every day is something new and challenging.
What is the most exciting part of your job?
Being able to help people starting out in our industry. I like that we are giving them what they need to get started in what can be an extremely rewarding and successful career - getting secure jobs or starting their own businesses. I would love to see more women take this path.
What is the one skill you think everyone should have in pest control?
A commitment to continuous learning. Everyone in pest control should keep themselves educated and up to date with all the ever changing technology, updates and changes we face. It’s what’s needed for successful business.
What was your first paying job?
When I was a teenager, I worked as a delivery person for a chemist. I would ride my bike to deliver medicine to older people. I liked chatting to them, and sometimes I was the only person they’d seen that week.
PWAPM Gazette
December 2021 Edition What advice would you give your teenage self?
You are capable of more than you know. There aren’t any short cuts, but with hard work and dedication you can absolutely get there.
What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?
That I love Painting By Numbers. I find it so calming, you’re not connected to technology. I love the finished product and the sense of achievement it gives you.
What one thing you saw recently that made you smile?
What would you prefer: Shark diving, bungee jumping or sky diving?
What song would you sing at a karaoke night?
Shane’s rope belt :-).
Bungee Jumping.
Cold Cold Heart by Elton John & Dua Lipa.
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of?
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
My job at MPL; I have been given such an amazing opportunity to pass on the skills and knowledge I’ve acquired to the new generation. I’m also very proud of my son who has discovered how capable he is and is doing well in school and sport.
What’s the weirdest Wikipedia rabbit hole you’ve stumbled down? I’m not a Wiki person, but my friend and I lost a whole day watching Chef’s Club videos. There was not a single recipe that (a) wouldn’t harden your arteries and (b) you would actually eat. We couldn’t look away though :-).
MMMMMMM Lobster.
What animal would you consider your animal spirit?
Dolphin as it represents balance between mind and soul and learning to achieve breathing, being present in the moment and living life with total awareness.
What’s your most prized possession & why? My Gucci Handbag or Custom Nike A1 Diors :-)
What is one totally irrational fear that you have?
Lifts - ever since I was stuck in one I am petrified to enter lifts.
What is one thing you are really bad at?
Friday Night do you: Stay home or go out?
Excel - I can never work out those formulas.
Stay home.
Have you ever met someone who is famous?
Do you believe in Ghosts?
Yes; 50 Cent - many years ago at Double Bay.
No.
What’s the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
When I was doubting myself - you can empower other women.
Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
How would your friends describe you?
I actually dialled a friend for this one - loyal, kind, funny, brave, reliable and excellent sous chef in the kitchen.
Which historical figure would you most like to meet?
I can sing - but no don’t ask I will never do it in public. Maybe if you’re in my car and the stars are aligned.
Rosa Parks due to her fighting for civil rights; as she believed in freedom and she believed that we should all be treated the same - She fought for what’s right.
If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it?
What three items would you take with you to a deserted island?
Easy - HOLIDAY :-) Sun, surf and relaxing.
Unlimited supply of food and water, music and a boat.
Who is your least favourite celebrity?
If you could pick one age to be permanently, which age would you choose?
Kanye West.
If you could redo one day in your life, what would it be and why? I’m had some incredibly tough days. But I accept they happened and every bad day is a lesson. I can only look forward and apply what I’ve learned.
What would be the title of your autobiography? You are stronger and braver than you think.
The age I am right now as I am comfortable with myself, grateful for the things I have and excited about what’s ahead.
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? Teleporting.
What’s the top destination on your must-visit list? Italy. The home of pasta.
What’s your most hated house chore? Taking the rubbish out.
PWAPM Gazette
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GETTING TO KNOW...
Nathaly Haeren
Where do you work & what area?
What is the one skill you think everyone should have in pest control?
Pesty Girls Pest Management - Sydney NSW.
Customer service and product and pest knowledge.
What is your role/position?
What was your first paying job?
Managing Director/Pest Technician.
Pharmaceutical.
What led you to pest control?
I was taking a friend to a job interview and she didn’t like the atmosphere. When the fellow came out to do the interview, she pushed me into the door instead, I wasn’t even prepared and wouldn’t you know, I got the job then and there.
What advice would you give your teenage self?
What do you like about where you work? Different locations and different job each day. Also, love the challenges.
Where do I begin......
Who inspired you? Who do you aspire to be like? What’s the greatest risk you have ever taken?
Starting a whole life and career with virtually no back up or money behind me from the age of 15.
What motivates you to work hard?
Customer satisfaction and love to keep busy all the time.
What would you prefer: Shark, diving, bungee jumping or sky diving? Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Owning my own business.
What’s the weirdest Wikipedia rabbit hole you’ve stumbled down? My answer is not satisfactory for this survey.
What is something you find challenging about your work? The weather, the driving and trying to keep up with paperwork and phone calls.
Friday Night do you: Stay home or go out?
Stay Home.
Do you believe in Ghosts?
Different day each time. I also get great satisfaction successfully completing and eradicating an pest issue a client has been suffering with which results to the customer being happy.
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What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?
Sky Diving.
This answer will not be pest control related....
What is the most exciting part of your job?
Believe in yourself.
Maybe.
PWAPM Gazette
December 2021 Edition
What’s the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
It’s only you who can make the life the way you want it.
Can’t think of any at the moment.
What is one thing you are really bad at?
Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
Dancing.
Piano, playing bouzouki, painting, building, carving... I give everything a go....
If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Holiday.
Have you ever met someone who is famous?
Yes, Pink....she’s the best. Was at Channel 9 private concert for The Morning Show.
How would your friends describe you? Smiley.
Who is your least favourite celebrity?
Which historical figure would you most like to meet?
Kevin Bacon.
Beethoven.
If you could redo one day in your life, what would it be and why? I wouldn’t redo any of them. If it was tough, just push through it and take it as a learning lesson.
What three items would you take with you to a deserted island? Knife, fishing hooks, that’ll do.
If you could pick one age to be permanently, which age would you choose?
What would be the title of your autobiography? The unknown.
What one thing you saw recently that made you smile? My last elderly customer that made me lunch.
Right now, 42.
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? Reading minds.
What song would you sing at a karaoke night?
What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?
Anything Abba.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Hot spuds with mince, sour cream and all the toppings.
What is one totally irrational fear that you have?
Austria.
What’s your most hated house chore? Bathroom cleaning.
What animal would you consider your animal spirit? Dolphin.
What’s your most prized possession & why? Life.
PWAPM Gazette
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GETTING TO KNOW...
Tanya Beck
Where do you work & what area?
What was your first paying job?
What is your role/position?
What advice would you give your teenage self?
Roma, Injune, Mitchell, Surat, Wallumbilla & Greater Surrounds. Owner / Operator.
What led you to pest control? A spontaneous decision over beers at the Roma Golf Club with the existing owner at the time. After a successful game of golf my predecessor, ‘Spike’ Taylor, told me he was looking to sell his business - I asked him if he thought a woman could handle it and he said “probably better than most men” because of our eye for detail. After a quick discussion with my husband and some external study and training I became a Purple Pesty and am still servicing the area 15 years later - and enjoying every day. What do you like about where you work?
The great variety of both jobs and people that I come across working in an Aussie Bush Community.
I was the proverbial bush barmaid in Charleville. Go forth, work hard, enjoy, and above all, be happy and strive to make those around you happy too.
What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I’m a hopeless book-keeper but my secretary makes me look good.
What would you prefer: Shark, diving, bungee jumping or sky diving? Bungee Jumping.
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of?
Buying Spike’s Pest Control and making it such a successful business.
What’s the weirdest Wikipedia rabbit hole you’ve stumbled down?
Who inspired you? Who do you aspire to be like? Very happy to just be me.
Let’s not go there!
What’s the greatest risk you have ever taken?
Friday Night do you: Stay home or go out?
Plunging head first into a pest control business with no prior experience.
Go out.
What motivates you to work hard?
Do you believe in Ghosts?
The slew of satisfied customers that keep coming back year after year.
What is something you find challenging about your work? I’m not that fond of the slithering, serpentine residents of the bush that we frequently come across through the hotter months, especially during mouse plagues!
No.
What’s the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
Be nice to your mother.
What is the most exciting part of your job?
The variety of people that you meet, many of whom become friends over the years.
Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies? Golf - Love a good day at the golf course and not bad on the old stick if I do say so myself. Also love Lawn Bowls - nothing better than rolling a bowl nicely down the green. Preferably with a cold beer by my side at both activities.
What is the one skill you think everyone should have in pest control?
If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it?
Apart from knowledge of products and skills, the ability to deal with people from all walks of life is a must.
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On a massive party to reunite with family and friends that have been apart due to the pandemic.
PWAPM Gazette
December 2021 Edition
Who is your least favourite celebrity?
Donald Trump - no explanation required.
If you could redo one day in your life, what would it be and why?
I met Paul Hogan at the Darwin Airport while they were filming “Crocodile Dundee”. He was fantastic - just came up and talked to us like we were long lost friends.
How would your friends describe you?
I can’t think of a day I would re-do as each day in the past has been positive in some way, and I prefer to look forward to the adventure of each day ahead.
I had to phone a friend for this one - she reckons warm, generous, funny, inclusive, vibrant, genuine, resourceful, life of the party.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
Can it be non-human? - I would love to have met the mighty Goondiwindi Grey - the champion race horse “Gunsynd”.
What one thing you saw recently that made you smile?
What three items would you take with you to a deserted island?
“One More For The Road”.
All my friends and neighbours together on my front lawn for our annual Christmas Party.
What song would you sing at a karaoke night? Don’t let me near a microphone.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Which historical figure would you most like to meet?
Never ending supply of beer, my dog, and toss up between my husband and my Yeti Stubby Cooler.
If you could pick one age to be permanently, which age would you choose?
Steak and mash with pepper sauce.
The age I am now - such a great place in my life. A wonderful husband, great friends, own my own home, have a successful business and the body hasn’t fully broken down yet.
What animal would you consider your animal spirit?
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
The Bulldog - Have one, Am one.
The ability to pick the Powerball numbers - just once would do.
What’s your most prized possession & why?
My Home - Because of the great satisfaction of owning it after many years of hard work.
What is one totally irrational fear that you have?
I can’t think of anything I really fear - which is probably irrational in itself.
What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?
I’ve been privileged to do a lot of travelling over my life but have never made it to Perth, so would love to go there.
What’s your most hated house chore? All of them.
What is one thing you are really bad at? Singing and dancing, but do it anyway.
Have you ever met someone who is famous?
PWAPM Gazette
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MAXFORCE® QUANTUM LIQUID ANT BAIT
Phil Proud, First Choice Termite and Pest Control
ANTS MOST COMMONLY NEST OUTSIDE, BUT ARE SEEN INDOORS WHEN THEY SEARCH FOR FOOD by David Fielder, Territory Business Development Manager (PPM) at Bayer. There are many species of indoor ants that invade our homes and they come in all different sizes and colours. When one ant finds food or water, it will lay down a chemical trail that guides other worker ants to the source and you will see trails of ants going back and forth from the food or water. Ants most commonly nest outside, underneath paths, in rockeries and other cracks and crevices but can also find their way inside and nest in wall voids and sub-floor areas. If outdoors, the colonies are often built close to the home and are hidden in the soil or under objects on the ground. These ants are seen indoors when they search for food to take back to the colony. As well as being a general nuisance, ants may produce a health risk. There are known instances of ants mechanically carrying, on their bodies or in their digestive tract, disease organisms causing dysentery, and a variety of pathogenic bacteria, including salmonella. As ants commonly scavenge in kitchens and other food handling areas, as well as in rubbish bins, dog excrement and other possible sources of disease organisms, their potential for transmitting diseases to humans should not be ignored. Recently, I was on-site visiting a customer, Phil Proud from First Choice Termite and Pest Control. He was treating a large infestation of “Black House Ants” in a home. Phil said that “Good hygiene is the key! Eliminate the food source that attract the ants, like those exposed food scraps in the rubbish bin. The food scraps should be in a bag and tied off!” Instead, the scraps were in an open rubbish bin under the sink and the ants had taken a real liking to it. Phil said “There was a colony of ants leading from the scraps in the bin all the way out to the back of the cupboard under the sink and outside via the water pipes. Phil went to his tool bag and took out a tube of Maxforce® Quantum Liquid Ant Bait and commenced to place small drops either side of the foraging ants as far back as he could reach. Within minutes the ants had started to feed on the ant bait. Phil said he loved the fact that Maxforce Quantum was palatable and so effective against both sugar and protein feeding ants. He also liked the fact that the ants, through natural foraging and trophallaxis would transfer the active ingredient back to the nest. In the knowledge that the nest would now be eliminated within approximately 7 - 14 days, Phil grabbed his caulking gun and sealed the area around the water pipes outside where the ants had gained access to the house. Effective control of ants often relies on a knowledge of their foraging and nesting habits. More specifically, where a given infestation is being treated, a thorough survey and inspection should be carried out. By following trails, particularly those of workers loaded with food, the location of the nest may be determined. Click here for further information on Maxforce Quantum Liquid Ant Bait from Bayer.
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PWAPM Gazette
December 2021 Edition
SENTRICON ALWAYSACTIVE SUCCESS STORIES
Mr Steve Butcher from Riverside Pest Management, NSW, talks about how he and his team use Sentricon AG and AlwaysActive stations to control termites for his customers. Learn more at www.sentricon.com.au.
PWAPM Gazette
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PWAPM Gazette
December 2021 Edition
German Cockroach Biflex® Mikron is excellent for the control of German Cockroaches, which are notoriously challenging pests to treat because the source of the infestation is often difficult to locate. Successful treatment of German Cockroaches requires and integrated pest management (IPM) approach that should include investigation and location of harbourages and foraging sites followed by a crack and crevice treatment. Product applied at label rate and aged for 7 days. Pest left on surface for 30 minutes. Tile - non-porous surface
Tile - non-porous surface
100 90
Mortality (%)
80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
UT
Biflex Mikron
Thiamethoxam + Lambdacyhalothrin
Imidacloprid-betacyfluthrin
Deltamethrin US Data
Product applied at label rate and aged for 16 weeks. Pest left on surface for 24 hours. Tile - non-porous surface
Ply - porous surface
100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
Ply - porous surface
Mortality (%)
Mortality (%)
Tile - non-porous surface
UT
Biflex Mikron
Indoxacarb
Dinotefuran
100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
UT
Biflex Mikron
Indoxacarb
Dinotefuran
Label (extract) Pests
Rate
Critical comments
Cockroaches 80-160ml In an outdoor situation, pay particular attention to protected dark areas such as (inc American /10L cracks and crevices, under floors, eaves and other known hiding or resting places. and German) For indoor use, pay particular attention to protected dark areas such as cracks and crevices, behind & under sinks, stoves, refrigerators, furniture, pipes, cornices, skirting boards & other known hiding or resting places. Do not use as a space spray.
Stay up to date with our latest news and products, Click or scan to subscribe to FMC GSS news. 921035 FMC Australasia Pty Ltd Ph 1800 066 355 I www.fmcaustralasia.com.au
FMC and Biflex® are trademarks of FMC Corporation or an affiliate. © 2021 FMC Corporation. All rights reserved.
PWAPM Gazette
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To enter, simply purchase any FMC Biflex® product and complete the online form.
The next fridge we deliver could be to you!
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PWAPM Gazette
December 2021 Edition
Keeping All Your Bits In Place! Nathaly Haeren from Pesty Girls Pest Management in Sydney joins Cassie and Nicky for a collaborative conversation on Keeping All Your Bits In Place. This conversation is full of fun and laughs when they talk about some of the obstacles of being a female pest technician.
PWAPM Gazette
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Helpful Information
Director Identification Number Earlier this year ASIC introduced the requirement for all Company Directors to hold a Director Identification Number (DIN). From 1st November 2021 all Directors will need to verify their identity as part of these new ASIC requirements.
What is a Director Identification Number (DIN)?
A DIN is a unique 15-digit identifier given to a Director who has verified their identity with the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS). A DIN is a unique identifier that a director will apply for once and keep forever - which will help prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities.
Do I need one?
If you are a Director of an Australian Corporation you will need to register for a DIN. A ‘Director’ includes an alternate Director who is acting in that capacity.
When do I need to apply?
This will depend on when you become a Director. The transitional arrangements for existing and new Directors are set out below. If you become a Director: •
On or before 31 October 2021, you need to apply by November 2022
•
Between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022, you need to apply within 28 days of appointment
•
From 5 April 2022, you need to apply before appointment
How do I apply?
If you already have a Standard or Strong strength myGovID (this is different to myGov), you can log into https://www.mygovid.gov.au and complete this now. You will need to authenticate your login with the app on your phone, please ensure you have it with you. If you do not have myGovID set up already, please navigate to https://www.abrs.gov.au/director-identification-number and click on ‘Apply Now’, and follow the prompts.
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PWAPM Gazette
December 2021 Edition
Vaccines, Reopening and COVID: Information for Employers As the national COVID-19 vaccination roll-out continues to progress, it is increasingly important to be aware of your employment, health and safety rights and obligations regarding vaccinations in the workplace. The Employsure Coronavirus Resource Hub now includes updated vaccination resources, including a Fact Sheet, Risk Assessment Tool and memorandums to help you navigate managing employees and the COVID-19 vaccination.
Vaccinations in the Workplace: Updated Guide
Recommending Vaccine Memorandum
The Delta variant dramatically increases the risk posed by COVID-19, and as a result Employsure has updated its guidance.
Use this memorandum to recommend employees get the COVID vaccine.
FIND OUT MORE HERE
FIND OUT MORE HERE
Roadmap to Mandating Vaccinations in the Workplace
Government Direction to Vaccinate Memorandum
This roadmap will help you decide whether and how you can mandate vaccines in the workplace.
Use this memo if the Government has directed your employees to be vaccinated.
FIND OUT MORE HERE
FIND OUT MORE HERE
PWAPM Gazette
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Know your risks!
(And how to manage them)
Owning and operating your own business often sounds a lot more glamorous than it really is. The idyll of freedom, independence and enjoying fat profits every year is often held by employees with aspirations to create their own business empire.
reputational loss arising from complaints or claims is to have robust processes and procedures in place. This includes booking systems, terms and conditions, compliant paperwork, follow up processes and well-trained staff.
But business owners know this fantasy is far from the truth! Managing customers, employees, cash flow, compliance, marketing and getting the balance right with family and friends is a constant juggling act and peppered with risks that can result in significant costs and penalties to the business owner if things go wrong.
The second thing is to ensure you have adequate insurances to cover your risks, particularly Professional Indemnity Insurance, which is the bulk of claims that Rapid Solutions receives each year.
Whether you’re in business for yourself already or considering going it alone, understanding business risk and how to manage it is vital and could mean the difference between sustaining a thriving, healthy business and losing money, your health, or your house. Let’s look at some of the big risks facing pest control business owners.
Complaints and Claims
Customer complaints can be costly, whether that’s through rework or providing additional follow up site visits or from a disgruntled customer leaving negative reviews on the internet and social media, resulting in damage to your reputation. Complaints can be even more costly if they become a claim, which is a formal demand from your customer for compensation for damages they believe was caused by your negligence. The first thing to consider protecting yourself from financial or
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What we know from our clients who notify us of complaints against them is that the best defence is the paper trail. Whether it’s a termite management job or pre purchase timber pest inspection, when our clients can demonstrate to their customers the work they did, the options they gave them, the risks they warned them of and the recommendations for further action, many complaints fizzle out completely. Conversely, where there are gaps in the paper trail (i.e. no pre inspection agreement on a pre purchase inspection) or the information in the paperwork is vague or conflicting (i.e. a property is at high risk of termite attack but the report contains no recommendations for invasive inspection or urgency of treatment), our clients’ positions becomes increasingly difficult to defend. If your processes, procedures, and paperwork are built on an assumption that things can and do go wrong, you can reduce your risk of complaints and claims. With these systems, your employees can work consistently with diligence, and their paperwork is more likely to adequately communicate the work done. And there will be a body of evidence with which to respond to a complaint or defend a claim if it arises.
PWAPM Gazette
December 2021 Edition Cash Flow
Cash is king. Always has been, always will be! And whilst we see less of the “cold, hard cash” these days with cashless transactions, money in the bank is most often what will make or break a business. We all know pest control is a seasonal business. Warmer months are so flat-out operators can barely keep up with demand and then it all goes quiet during winter. I’ve spoken with several pest control business owners who have strategies for banking up certain types of jobs to get them through the winter, or who specifically put aside a portion of summer’s profits to cover costs during quieter times. The truth is, if you’re taking a disciplined, consistent approach to cash flow 365 days a year, the quieter months will not only tick over nicely, but they’ll be also a welcome reprieve after the busy season. What we hear most frequently from business owners is: •
•
•
Project your turnover for the 12 months ahead every year. Use last year’s data as a base line and set a monthly target for revenue and expenses which allows for seasonality. That way, you’ll know what to expect come June/July and ideally have put aside additional funds to cover your fixed costs as revenues drop; Get expert financial advice. You might be pretty good at budgets, or spreadsheets might have you running for the hills. Either way, using an expert financial advisor or accountant to go over your books and guide you in your annual planning is a good idea. They can also be a great teacher if you’re just starting out on your own; Know your numbers and track your progress. Smart business owners know exactly how much money needs to come in and out of the business every day, week or month and they keep their eyes on those numbers so they can respond if the trend is heading the wrong way. Revenue that is ahead of budget may be a prompt to consider hiring extra staff, or increased expenses might be a sign your prices need to rise. The numbers tell an important story, and knowing which key figures to track, including cash in the bank, puts you firmly in the driver’s seat and in control of your business.
Worker health and safety now also extends to mental health. Ensuring you recognize and manage risks in your workplace that may lead to psychological injury is as essential to creating a safe and healthy workplace as managing risks of physical injury. Risk factors include stress, bullying, fatigue and violence. Safe Work Australia has a range of useful resources, including videos, to guide you through hazard identification and how to create a mentally healthy workplace. Employing people, use of sub-contractors and other third parties… the list of risks that can potentially harm your business goes on, but the options for support and assistance are, thankfully, quite extensive. To help you find out what you don’t know, or to navigate risks and challenges that may (and do) happen, consider tapping into these resources: •
Mentors. They can be peers or professionals, and it’s important to find a good match. Having a mentor as a sounding board, to hold you accountable and to connect you with potential customers, service providers and advisors is useful when you’re starting out or starting to scale up your business.
•
Professional advisors. These are subject matter experts whose advice you pay for. Typically, they are accountants, lawyers and insurance brokers and are a great option for tapping into expert knowledge and experience without employing more people.
•
Business Chambers and Government business sites. Your local business chamber can provide a wealth of contacts and will often run seminars and training programs aimed at supporting and educating small to medium businesses. Plus, it can be a great way to get new introductions to customers or market segments you haven’t been able to reach through other means of marketing!
So, while owning and operating your pest control business brings with it a range of risks, it can also be incredibly rewarding, particularly if you know those risks and how best to manage them. Putting in place good processes and experts to assist you along the way will not only protect you financially, you’ll be building solid foundations that will support your business as it thrives and grows over time.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Worker safety has, thankfully, been a well promoted and supported topic in Australian businesses for well over 20 years now. The introduction of requirements to complete site risk assessments, and to have safe work method statements and safety data sheets on chemicals is helping to keep our workers safe every day. However, the obligations on business owners to provide a safe working environment are incredibly onerous, and the penalties for not meeting those obligations can be serious with big fines and, in some cases, imprisonment. Understanding your obligations as an employer is vital, and your state-based regulator will have lots of resources for you to draw on. If you’re just starting a business, or if your business is growing and you’re starting to employ more people, it’s a good idea to consider bringing in a qualified consultant to assess your WHS systems (or help you build them!).
PWAPM Gazette
BELINDA MAE SMITH CEO, Rapid Solutions Experienced leader and executive with a diverse industry sector background. Skilled in business growth, strategic planning and implementation and culture building. Focussed on providing customers with peace of mind and tailoring service offerings to meet market needs. Passionate about ending family violence because everyone deserves to live safely in their own home, workplace and community.
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Events Calendar
December 2021 Edition
THANK YOU to our partners
SAVE THE DATE!! January Zoom Link: Friday 28th 7pm VIC Time February Zoom Link: Friday 25th 7pm VIC Time March Zoom Link: Friday 25th 7pm VIC Time
Australian Events AEPMA Conference Pesticon - 6th - 8th June 2022 PWAPM Networking Breakfast - 6th - 8th June 2022, The Star Gold Coast (Pesticon Conference)
International Events FAOPMA-Pest Summit 2022 - Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Future PestWorld Events 2022 Boston 11th - 14th October 2023 Honolulu 17th - 20th October 2024 Denver 22nd - 25th October 2025 Orlando 21st - 24th October 2026 Grapevine 20 - 23 October * Please note that some meetings may be cancelled or postponed due to Covid-19.
Newsletter Contributions PWAPM members and sponsors are welcome to contribute to our gazette. If you have an article or relevant resources that you feel would benefit women in pest management, please forward to info@womeninpestmanagement.com.au. Cut off dates to have your content and articles in by: February 2022 Edition - 26th January 2022 May 2022 Edition - 26th May 2022 July 2022 Edition – 26th June 2022
Contact Us PWAPM Office Unit 4/1 Selkirk Drive, Noosaville Qld 4566 | Po Box 1910, Noosaville DC Qld 4566 President – Nicky Turner 0409 217 328 | president@womeninpestmanagement.com.au Secretary – Tara Kiker 0499 903 637 | info@womeninpestmanagement.com.au
PWAPM Gazette
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