connections april-may 2012 teaser
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The Official Magazine of the Specialised Textiles AssociationTRANSCRIPT
SPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSOCIATION INC. Vol 12 No 3April • May •June 2012
textiles/fabrics components equipment
melbourne conference
& traDe exhibition
Specialised Textiles Association
26-28 may 2012The premier event for the
specialised textiles industry showcasing the latest trends and
developments from around the world
melbourne exhibition centre, south wharf
Expo2012
A new name, wall-to-wall
exhibitors, young leaders’
structures ... plenty to see,
plenty to celebrate
NEw associatioN
NamEThe moniker’s metamorphosis
LifE uNdEr a
carboN tax
From business groups to
politicians – who is saying what
Silver Sponsors Bronze SponsorsGold Sponsors
Expo2012 Connections Cover.indd 1 13/04/12 2:46 PM
MARCH 2012 · 1
6
CONNECTIONS magazine is published on behalf of the Specialised Textiles Association Inc. by CommStrat Limited.
Publisher CommStrat
editor Nicola [email protected]
Art director Annette [email protected]
GrAPhic desiGnersAnnette Epifanidis, Odette Boulton
contributors Chris Nolan, Simon Sharwood
nAtionAl sAles MAnAGer Yuri MamistvalovPhone: 03 8534 [email protected]
coMMstrAtABN 31 008 434 802Level 8, 574 St Kilda RdMelbourne Vic 3004www.commstrat.com.au
specialised textiles AssociationSuite 201, 22 St Kilda Road,St Kilda 3182 VICPhone: 03 9521 2114Local call: 1300 555 787Fax: 03 9521 2116www.specialisedtextiles.com.au
Disclaimer: Except where specifically stated, the opinions and material published in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or the STA Council.
contents
AssociAtion MAtters2 reports from the stA President and
Manager4 stA office update8 new association name54 state reports 56 Accreditation68 stA welcomes new members
eXPo sPeciAl15 roll up for stA expo 2012 16 the program All the speakers, all the events
18 stA expo 2012 registration form
20 expo layout: exhibitors’ stands21 exhibitors 2012 at-a-glance22 exhibitors’ details in full42 Young leaders judged by
the red cross70 expo speakers Heads-up on the four specialist presenters
neWs corner6 A stA Achiever The Association gets a new name
36 smart couplings Triax appoints US agent
44 the business landscape 50 business by numbers68 Welcome new stA member Basford Brands joins the fold
sPeciAl FeAtures10 Are you ready for the
carbon tax? Taxing times for business
38 stamp of Approval Advanced Shade Systems gains
certification
52 lies damn lies: a tale of textiles Chris Nolan reviews the length and
breadth of industry matters
Glorious GAdGets46 Gadget guide A look at the latest geek toys
sPotliGht on MeMbers62 dasec, Miami stainless, Polyfab,
ricky richards, sewing Perfection and techspan
Who and what is new
trAininG And eVents72 industry events and rtos
6462
3866
subscriPtions to subscribe to Connections for just $75.00 inc Gst annually contact ruth spiegel [email protected]
A S S O C I A T I O N
2 · CONNECTIONS
From the stA office
Association Manager Ana Drougas
Fewer topics polarise the community more than politics –
but when the electorate turns with such force against the
power that has governed for 20 of the past 22 years, as
recently occurred in Queensland, and reported by Lance St
Hill on page 55, popular sentiment cannot go without some
comment. The magnitude of the swing is foreboding for
the Labor Party and its Carbon Tax, which will be dumped
by the Coalition if returned to power later next year as is
widely anticipated. On page 10 we take a closer look at the
ramifications to business of the tax that kicks in on July 1.
Still on matters of review, I strongly encourage everyone
to read Chris Nolan’s highly informative article about the
state of play in the textile industry: the opportunities for
growth and export potential, tempered somewhat by our
all-too-dominant dollar.
Turning to more domestic matters, I’d like to thank
everyone who participated in the Connections Reader
Survey. We received many terrific suggestions, and I
will tell you more about this - and how we expect this
feedback to shape the future direction of the magazine -
once we’ve finished analysing all responses.
Reading member profiles in Connections, members’
deep pride in their business, their integrity and
commitment when dealing with clients and customers,
stands out loud and clear.
Happily this seems to be a recipe for business longevity,
as many of you will attest. And these fine qualities will
stand members in good stead for our Accreditation
Program (read more on page 56).
Continuing on matters of pride, I am not sure who will be
beaming the widest smiles at the Expo2012 Young Leader
Challenge for emergency relief shelters. With ingenuity on
show, the masters who devised and guided the challenge,
as well as the young guns themselves, their colleagues
and all onlookers will be justifiably pleased; particularly
given a Red Cross Official will be assessing the two
structures.
On behalf of the Council of Management and Expo
organising committee, we look forward to warmly
welcoming you to our Expo in late May. Interstate visitors
– please do remember to pack for the four seasons that
Melbourne so engagingly (or maddeningly!) delivers
each day!
President Glenn Barlow
I’m pleased to tell you that the Australian Canvas &
Synthetic Products Association (ACASPA) is now officially
known as the Specialised Textiles Association. The
new name was confirmed following a long period of
consultation with members, culminating in late February
with a special resolution of voting members.
In Specialised Textiles Association, we have chosen a
contemporary new name that embraces all segments of
our industry - including those involved in advanced
and specialised textile products and processes that
underpin some of the truly remarkable end products
and structures being manufactured and constructed in
this country.
The decision to change the name was influenced by an
increasing number of members who told us that ACASPA
was no longer relevant; they didn’t relate to either of the
words “canvas” or “synthetic”. We’d been receiving such
feedback for many years through informal channels, so
it came as no great surprise when research conducted
for us by Ballarat University in 2010 - as part of a broader
member research - confirmed this sentiment.
Our association has a long history of responding
flexibly to change and the time was right to change
our name. Indeed, ‘ACASPA’ was introduced to reflect
the domination of canvas and synthetics in end product
manufacturing in earlier decades.
However, while canvas and synthetics will undoubtedly
continue to play an important role, the new name better
reflects both the diversity and increasing complexity of
materials, products and processes in today’s industry.
We’ve introduced association members to the new
name and the focus is now on increasing awareness
among the wider industry; we are staging an official
launch at the Specialised Textiles Association’s Expo2012
at the Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre in late
May. I welcome you to come along to what is shaping
up to be our best ever conference and exhibition for
manufacturers, installers and suppliers in the specialised
textiles industry.
We will also be launching an industry accreditation
program later this year. Read more about this on page
56, and I look forward to telling you more about this in the
next issue.
STAMATTERS
Reading member
profiles in Connections,
members’ deep pride
in their business, their integrity and commitment when dealing with clients
and customers, stands out loud
and clear.
Our association has a long history of responding
flexibly to change and the time was right to change
our name.
4 · CONNECTIONS
An industrious industry It’s just nine months since the last Expo; and in that
time the association has buzzed along: undergone a
name change, staged the Young Leaders Conference,
punched out an extra issue of Connections, and
revamped the website. Industrious we have been!
rising stAImportantly, April 1, 2012 marked day one of the
STA financial year and heralded the full force of our
new identity.
Welcome to the first issue of Connections in which
we proudly trumpet the association’s new name.
Specialised Textiles Association (STA) was chosen
by members and for members, which epitomises our
common purpose and united approach.
As many people have remarked, our fresh new
association logo and the complementary specialist
logos certainly present a vibrant new look and feel.
I am pleased to report that the wider industry has
greeted the new name with enthusiasm, so much so
that we have attracted back several members while
gaining a few new members.
But the name change is not all about image; part
of the rationale was to progress new projects such
as accreditation. And still on practical matters, all
association artwork is being redesigned: business
cards, letterhead, member stickers and certificates,
the new membership application form and more!
Please take the time to read the special report on
STA’s development on the following pages. And keep
a look out for our smart new logo!
expo special – and onlineThis feature of Connections takes readers on an
armchair tour of all the activity surrounding the
upcoming Expo. There’s a map of the mighty
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, a
list detailing the position of each exhibitor, all the
specialised textiles Association insights by Ana drougas, Association Manager
contact details of individual exhibitors, and the
registration form.
Also featured is the all-important Expo program
itself, which lists the many highlights: social events,
guest speakers, and Awards for Excellence gala
dinner. Not forgetting an industry first: the material
outcome of the Young Leaders Challenge. I am very
pleased to say that the International Emergency
officer of the Red Cross will he judging the two
entries. We have also invited AusAid and SES to assess
the merits of these innovative emergency structures.
A major task occupying STA office attention
has been establishing all STA Expo details and
forms online, including the Award for Excellence
entry form and the registration page … all up
lots of information for visitors, delegates,
sponsors, members to navigate on the
website www.specialisedtextiles.com.au We will also
be adding an image gallery for a splash of colour!
our thanks to stA expo sponsorsNo Expo would be complete without the valuable
participation of sponsors. Here we pay special tribute
to each and all:
Gold sponsors: Bradmill, HVG, Ricky Richards and
Wax Converters Textiles.
Silver sponsors: Uniline, Dickson & Sunbrella
Bronze: Hiraoka and WeatherMax
And while we are on credits, I would again like
to acknowledge the achievements of the Expo
Committee: Brendan Hall, Ali Ozen, Gary Smith, Zoe
Smith, Danny Ashby and Kent Williamson.
Funding for national Workplace developmentFunded by government and with the assistance of
NSW TAFE/Sydney Institute, this major initiative takes
the form of a nationwide program for additional
qualifications.
Targeted at existing blind and shade sail installers,
the curriculum encompasses recognition of prior
learning, and courses will be held around the country.
Early signs of interest are very strong, many have
already signed up.
STA COuNCIL OF MANAgEMENTSPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSoCIATIon InC.Suite 201, 22 St Kilda RdSt Kilda, Vic 3182 Telephone: (03) 9521 2114Local Call: 1300 555 787Facsimile: (03) 9521 2116Email: [email protected]: www.specialisedtextiles.com.au
ASSoCIATIon MAnAGERAna drougas Email: [email protected]
PRESIDEnTGlenn barlow Nan’s Tarps 25 Vaughan Street Lidcombe NSW 2141 Mobile: 0409 273 284 Tel: (02) 9649 2334 Fax: (02) 9646 1361 Email: [email protected]
VICE PRESIDEnT lance st hill Fabric Solutions Australia Pty Ltd PO Box 6283 Yatala DC Qld 4207 Mobile: 0400 103 534 Tel: (07) 3807 0200 Fax: (07) 3807 8217 Email: [email protected]
CoUnCILLoRSbrendan hall Bradmill Outdoor Fabrics Unit 3, 100 Fulton Dve, Derrimut Vic 3030 Mobile: 0416 280 757 Tel: (03) 9368 2222 Fax: (03) 9368 2211 Email: [email protected]
Kent WilliamsonRoyal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)25 Dawson Street Brunswick, Vic 3056Ph (03) 9925 9182 Fax: (03) 9925 9129Email: [email protected] www.rmit.edu.au
Gary smithCampbell & Heeps5/125 Highbury Rd, Burwood, Vic 3125 Mobile: 0419 311 899Telephone: (03) 98086911Fax: (03) 9808 3148 Email: [email protected]
tom Gastin Pattons—Textile Fabrication80 McDougall St, Kirribilli, NSW, 2061 Mobile: 0414 952 007 Telephone: (02) 9955 2563 or 1300 799 980 Fax: (02) 9959 3158 Email: [email protected]
ConneCtions MAGAzInEAdvertising submissions: [email protected]
Editorial: Nicola [email protected]
WE OFFICIALLY LAuNCH THE NEW NAME AT THE STA ExPO WELCOME RECEPTION ON SATuRDAY EVENINg MAY 26 AT THE MCEC LEVEL 5, SuITE 2. ALL WELCOME!
STAMATTERS
Australian Canvas & Synthetic Products Association is now the Specialised Textiles Association
Specialised Textiles AssociationSuite 201, 22 St Kilda Road, St Kilda Vic 3182
Phone 03 9521 2114 n Fax 03 9521 2116 www.specialisedtextiles.com.au
Welcome to our new name and visual identity
A S S O C I A T I O N
Manufacturers, installers and suppliers. Together we cover the world.
STA Name Change Advert.indd 1 1/04/12 9:58 AM
8 · CONNECTIONS
A vibrant new name
STAMATTERS
The Australian Canvas & Synthetic Products Association
(ACASPA) has changed its name to the Specialised
Textiles Association to ensure it continues to be current
and relevant to all members of the association.
“A survey of members conducted in 2010 confirmed
that a significant number of members, particularly young
members, no longer related to the terms ‘canvas’ and
‘synthetics’,” said association president, Glenn Barlow.
“The name ACASPA was chosen at a time when canvas
and synthetics dominated end product manufacturing,
but the industry has moved on. While canvas and
synthetic materials will continue to be important,
members wanted a name that would more accurately
reflect the amazing products and structures currently
being manufactured and constructed in this country
using advanced and specialised textile products and
processes.”
With the new name taking effect on 28 February
following a special resolution of the association’s voting
members, the name change is also underpinned by new
branding.
“We wanted a visual identity that would simply and
effectively communicate what our industry and members
do,” said association manager Ana Drougas.
“The icon at the centre of the logo, symbolising a
cover, is designed to express what we do in the simplest
of terms,” she said. “Although the industry boasts an
extremely diverse product range, we are all involved in
manufacturing a protective cover of some type, be it an
awning or blind for a window, a shade sail or structure for
a patio, courtyard or stadium, or a liner for a pool, tank or
dam, to name just a few.”
The association’s new visual identity also features new
colours. “We wanted a modern, fresh and vibrant colour
palette, so we chose graduated lime green and bright blue,”
Ana said.
Already successfully introduced to members of the
association, as well as key partners and stakeholders, the
new identity will be officially launched to the industry at
Expo2012, the Specialised Textiles Association’s annual
trade exhibition and conference, being held at the
Melbourne Convention Centre from 26 to 28 May.
Maintaining currency and relevancy is at the heart of an association’s name change. Here we take a look at the evolution of the name change which at its core reflects the dynamic enterprise of members.
We wanted a visual identity
that would simply and effectively
communicate what our
industry and members do.”
A S S O C I A T I O N