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ACASPA Members News • Training and Events • Members Spotlight • Developments
Marvellous marqueesEye catching structures
Young GunACASPA’s youngest winner
The excellence of the ExpoAll the news, views and pictures
Training and developmentCourses on offer
Brilliant structuresAward winning installations
AUSTRALIAN CANVAS AND SYNTHETIC PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION INC.
AWARDSfor Excellence 2011
Vol 11 No 4 Sept/Oct 2011
GP 2196 SynthesisCommercial95_WP-Connections.indd 1 28/03/11 2:00 PM
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 1
ContentsCONNECTIONS magazine is published on behalf of the Australian Canvas and Synthetic Products Association Inc. by CommStrat Limited. PUBLISHER CommStratEDITOR Nicola CardCREATIVE Timothy HartridgeDESIGNER Odette BoultonCONTRIBUTORS Lawrence De Paoli, Meleah Maynard.SALES Yuri Mamistvalovyuri@commstrat.com.auCONTACT EDITORIAL
nicola.card@commstrat.com.auoffice@acaspa.com.auCOMMSTRAT
ABN 31 008 434 802Level 8, 574 St Kilda RdMelbourne Vic 3004www.commstrat.com.auACASPA
Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Road,St Kilda 3182 VICPhone: 03 9521 2114Local call: 1300 555 787Fax: 03 9521 2116www.acaspa.com.auPage 20
FEATURE: Disclaimer: Except where specifically stated, the opinions and material published in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or the ACASPA Council.
ACASPA MATTERS02 ACASPA officers’ report04 Office report A post-Expo look at the ACASPA agenda
06 ACASPA matters Members’ activities and achievements
48 ACASPA benefits Comprehensive list of association services
49 Membership form
SPECIAL EXPO FEATURE08 Expo 2011 All the news and pictures
20 Excellence Awards: Winning ways Oasis Tension Structures takes the crown
22 Excellence Awards: Raising the bar Category winners and their amazing work
38 Excellence Awards: Young gun Robert Bull of EH Brett shows early talent
BUSINESS MATTERS18 News and views
TRAINING36 TAFE spreads its tentacles Industrious trainer Lawrence De Paoli
makes inroads across the nation
TECHNICAL FEATURE40 Extreme tented weddings Extraordinary structures
SPOTLIGHT ON
TRAINING AND EVENTS52 Trade events across the globe
ACASPA MEMBERS 44 HVG, Shann, Bricos, ATS, Buz
Software and Serge FerrariCOVER: The top Award for Excellence at this year’s awards went to Oasis Tension Structures for their skilfully sculptured inverted cone that was specially designed for a schoolyard.
2 · CONNECTIONS
ACASPAMATTERS
THE AFTERMATH…Ana DrougasIt’s over, it’s done, but the glow
continues to flicker and sparkle
as Mina and I in the office plus the
justifiably proud Expo Committee
continue to receive compliments
about this year’s Expo. Yes, I agree
it was a standout and yes, I am
proud of that, but let’s be realistic —
one Expo is the sum of many, many
people and many, many more parts.
Our 56 exhibitors would be
shaking their heads in furious
agreement at this I am sure!
Their strenuous efforts to deliver
innovative, eye-catching displays —
that in my mind form the heart and
soul of any exhibition — paid off fully:
visitors were effusive in their praise
over the look and feel of the display
hall in its entirety. And I am delighted
the show attracted so many; we
calculate nearly 2000 visitors passed
through the doors.
We are pleased to bring you
a special feature in this magazine
on some of the many highlights of
Expo 2011. We are enormously
grateful to Joseph Dean for so kindly
taking so many pictures — they are
what really capture the true spirit
and character of an event. The
pictures also manage to transport
us back to the fun that was had by
all, don’t you think? Particularly on
the Black and White themed night.
Of course our Awards for Excellence
winners deserve to be very proud
of their achievements, and we are
pleased to showcase their quality
workmanship through the insights
and images on these pages.
To me it shows us for what we
are — one committed collective
working together with a common
purpose. That brings me to the
warm and wise words of Council
of Management newcomer Tom
Gastin of Pattons. I would like
to echo his aspirations for the
association, which can be read
on page 6. He has successfully
captured our essence, our raison
d’etre, and also articulated a vision
of the bigger picture that we
can embrace.
With an eye on the future,
I would be remiss if I did not
sincerely thank Brendan Hall
for so ably taking charge as
President during the past twelve
months, during which time
ACASPA cemented its position
on many important aspects that
carry the association forward.
A firm foundation has been laid
for the very popular Glenn Barlow
who now takes over the mantle
of ACASPA President. Glenn’s
commanding yet cool — and
wickedly humorous — presence
before and during the Expo is his
trademark and we are fortunate
indeed to now have Glenn at the
helm of our great organisation.
Finally, welcome to the new
look Connections magazine.
We hope you enjoy the new layout
that has been designed to provide
an easier and clearer read and
comes with a sharper, more
‘arty’ style that befits our industry,
which, after all, is all about style
and substance.
Style and substance — I think Expo
2011 clearly demonstrated that.
PRESIDENT’S REPORTGlenn BarlowLet me start by saying it`s an
absolute privilege and honour
to have the chance to represent
ACASPA in the role of president.
The past two years on COM have
been a fantastic experience; having
the chance to work alongside such
a group of professional and driven
people with the common goal of
making our industry sustainable
and relevant for many years to
come is something I never take for
granted and always enjoy.
Following in the footsteps of
someone with the credibility
of Brendan Hall is a challenge;
his leadership over the past 12
months has been exceptional and
all members are the better for it,
I personally thank Brendan for his
work over the past year.
On the back of an amazing
Expo in Sydney where Exhibitors,
patrons and the whole vibe were
all at an unprecedented level,
I think the message coming out
was relevancy. It came through
loud and clear that members
realise the importance of moving
the association forward with the
times and combining the amazing
platform that has been set by
our members over the years with
the wave of fresh and new ideas
coming through from some of the
amazing young leaders among us.
This year`s AGM proved to be
one of the most important meetings
in the association`s history, vibrant
debate over a name change led to
a resounding show of passion and
confidence by way of a unanimous
vote of YES to a new name.
This decision along with an
overwhelming support for
accreditation to roll forward is to
me a show of confidence in all of us
to move to another level; COM will
now work tirelessly to present the
name that represents all aspects of
our membership base.
The year ahead will be an
exciting and busy year, on top of
a new name and accreditation,
a re-vamped Shade Committee,
a focus on our young leaders
along with many other issues
all leading into Expo 2012 in
Melbourne where we plan to
enhance our relationship with
Window Coverings Association
and deliver another super event
for our industry.
Finally on a personal note, to all
of you who have wished me well
since my appointment as president,
I thank you and I hope over the
next 12 months I contribute to
allowing your business to move
forward and prosper.
Overall, what a fantastic and positive vibe was generated
by ACASPians throughout the
three-day Expo, what great bonhomie.
From the ACASPA office
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4 · CONNECTIONS
Ringing in the COM changesWe welcome Glenn Barlow to the
role of President; Lance St Hill
to the position of Vice President;
and ‘newcomer’ Tom Gastin to
the COM. At the same time we
acknowledge the wonderful
contribution of Brendan Hall as
President who now assumes the
role of Treasurer. Kent Williamson
and Gary Smith are now in their
second year, and Richard Verboon
has stepped down and carries our
thanks with him.
In the name of cost and efficiency,
the COM will continue to hold
phone conference calls but also
start to meet more via Skype rather
than travelling interstate. This will
save us all time but we anticipate
being just as productive!
Name changeDuring the recent AGM a 30-minute
heated debate took place over
association names put forward
for consideration; those being:
Australian Textile or Fabrics
Association (ATA or AFA);
Australian Industry Textile
Association (AITA), or Australian
Textiles and Fabricators
Association (ATFA).
Several long-time members
argued the current name
represents the association’s
charter. But Chris Smith took the
floor, stating “in this room there are
many ACASPA members who are
young at heart, however, there are
not many who are young members.”
Tom Gastin of Pattons asked:
“Who would not renew if the name
was changed?” while Ron Gottlieb
suggested emotion be removed
from the debate.
To me, these were defining
moments of the AGM. Eventually
the matter went to a vote — with
only one red card held up in a
sea of green cards. Where to from
here? A branding and marketing
company will be appointed to
gain input from members about a
new name in a process that will be
fully democratic. We aim to have
matters agreed and confirmed by
Christmas so we can then carry
that new name in all promotions,
sign writing, stationery, website,
Expo 2012 marketing and more.
Stay tuned…
Other businessAccreditation is very much alive
and well on the agenda. It’s no
simple or easy task, there are
complexities in every quarter
when standards are drawn up and
monitored so we do not expect
immediate progress but in the
long-term it will be based on
commonsense, as well as fair and
workable. Building on the good
work of the previous committee,
we welcome a revamped Shade
Sail Committee. Nominations are
now being called for the revised
committee, which will also undergo
a name change to reflect and
represent all areas of structures
and sails on a national level.
Reflections on the Expo This magazine issue carries full
coverage of the look and feel of
Expo 2011, one that drew many
compliments. Many remarked
too on how quickly the three days
passed, some have suggested
a return to a four-day event! What
do YOU think?
ACASPA business…
ACASPAMATTERS
Our next Expo — being held
in Melbourne in late May 2012
— is now just eight months away,
so it will soon be full steam ahead
for the 2012 organising committee.
This year’s Awards for Excellence
drew a range of superb entries.
Winners feature in this issue and
the remainder will be showcased
in future issues. We hope to receive
more entries next year, particularly
in the awnings, canvas, marine and
basic domestic sectors.
Please do not be shy, surely
the project you are working on is
worthy of an entry?
Global eventI’d like to make special mention
of all the overseas visitors present
at the Expo: Jeff Sponseller of Miller
Weldmaster, Ohio, US; Fabio Rigato
of Naizil in Italy; Tim Keogh of
China Sail Factory, Hong Kong;
and Jamie Nute and Frank Sinclair
of Sinclair Equipment, California,
US. And from Christchurch,
New Zealand: Paul Rutlidge of
Professional Interface Ltd; Barry
Wybrow of Shade Plus In; and
Murray Seaward of Gourock.
New memberWe’d like to welcome Michael
Dascal of Windsor Trading Co,
phone 03 9553 1122, 0412 389 133.
info@windsortrading.com.au
Staffing the officeAnd finally, many of you will know
that I have trimmed my working
week to four days, Monday to
Thursday, however business
continues as normal as Mina
Geremia will be staffing the office
on Fridays.
UPDATE BY ANA DROUGAS
There’s rather a lot to report this time around so I will be as brief as possible covering several matters that provide an overview of the association’s agenda.
ACASPA COUNCIL OF MANAGEMENTAUSTRALIAN CANVAS AND SYNTHETIC PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION INC.Suite 201, 22 St Kilda RdSt Kilda, Vic 3182 Telephone: (03) 9521 2114Local Call: 1300 555 787Facsimile: (03) 9521 2116Email: office@acaspa.com.auWeb: www.acaspa.com.au
ASSOCIATION MANAGERAna DrougasEmail: office@acaspa.com.au
PRESIDENTGlenn Barlow Nan’s Tarps 25 Vaughan Street Lidcombe NSW 2141 Mobile: 0409 273 284 Tel: (02) 9649 2334 Fax: (02) 9646 1361 Email: glenn@nanstarps.com.au
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: lances@fabricsolutions.com.au
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: bhall@bradmilloutdoor.com.au
Kent WilliamsonRoyal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)25 Dawson Street Brunswick, Vic 3056Ph (03) 9925 9182Fax: (03) 9925 9129Email: kent.williamson@rmit.edu.au www.rmit.edu.au
Gary SmithCampbell & Heeps5/125 Highbury Rd, Burwood, Vic 3125 Mobile: 0419 311 899Telephone: (03) 98086911Fax: (03) 9808 3148 Email: gsmith@campbellheeps.com.au
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: tom@pattons.com.au
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6 · CONNECTIONS
01 ACASPA Council’s newest recruit Tom Gastin has great plans and ideals. 02 Chris on left, Gary (centre) and Luke Painter at the ACASPA Expo.
02
02 Lukris hits the ground runningConcurrent with their positions at
Campbell and Heeps, Luke Painter
and Chris Smith have teamed up
to establish a snappy new venture
and what better business moniker
than a fusion of their Christian
names. Buoyed by enthusiasm,
the duo was a dynamic
presence at the 2011 ACASPA
Expo, keen to demonstrate
their smart new ‘overhead’ and
window covering products.
With a factory in Bayswater,
Melbourne’s east, their venture
is an offshoot of Chris’ dad’s
business but by the sounds of
things father and son continue
to confer closely on all matters.
As Chris told Connections,
“Luke and I both still work at
Campbell & Heeps. Myself and
my wife Zoe basically run it
and Luke is an integral part of
the operation.
“The Lukris venture is a new
and exciting development from
the well established Campbell
and Heeps base. My father
Gary and the Lukris team
continue to support each other
in a great combination of
experience and enthusiasm.”
NEWSMovers and shakers…A round up of who is doing what, where
as future leaders in the industry,
and finally
4. To help locate more opportunities
and jobs for ACASPA members
in the ever-growing industry
of environmental sustainability
and other areas of material
development.
“I would love more people to
have the same experience that
I have had as an ACASPA member.
Senior members have offered
mentorship and their advice will
stay with me forever. This generous
culture that members have
developed over the years sets
us apart from other industries.
People are always willing to
work together not against each
other while maintaining healthy
competition for the good of the
industry. The passion shown from
all in this industry is second to
none and must be preserved.”
What warm, positive and
inspiring words from Tom that
nicely set the scene for his position
on the Council. We also inquired
about Tom’s career to date, which
is also characteristically dynamic.
“On leaving school in 1993, and
knowing that university was not for
me, I straightaway set about making
inroads into the construction
industry with an end goal of owning
and running business.
In 1999, following a five-year stint
in the construction industry, I was
lured into this industry by working
on textile fabrication projects for
the Sydney Olympics, Events,
Films and the Rugby World Cup
in Sydney. My experience in
the construction industry led
me to broaden my skills in
Shade Structures, Tensile
Membrane Structures and other
architectural solutions.
I bought Pattons in 2006 with
long-time colleague and friend
Daniel Halse. Back then it was a
small operation specialising in
Residential Awnings and Marine
Trimming. However our broad skill
base led us to grow into a company
with three main divisions: Shade
Solutions; Staging and Events; and
Marine Trimming. Today we design,
manufacture and install out of
three Sydney locations (including
Botany and Cammeray) and we
produce goods for local, interstate
and international clients. We have a
great team of 10 proud fabricators
and installers that love what they do.
I’m pleased to say that to date
we have won two ACASPA
Excellence Awards.
01
01 Welcome to COM —Tom GastinTom Gastin who is Managing
Director of Pattons Textile
Fabrication in Kirribilli is the
newest addition to ACASPA’s
Council of Management.
Connections asked him what
he wanted to achieve on the
committee. And so, in his words:
I am very pleased to now be on
the ACASPA Council, and there are
several things I’d like to contribute:
1. To help ACASPA’s sustainability
well into future generations
through increased value to
members. With current projects
such as accreditation and the
excellent work the Shade Sail
committee has produced to date,
value is ever increasing.
2. To make this industry more
appealing to young kids leaving
school and encourage them to
take up TAFE courses and find
a future in industrial textiles.
3. To leverage off the Young
Leaders Group to develop
platforms for younger members
to build confidence and develop
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 7
Chris Nolan and Fabio in action at the ACASPA Expo.
03 Italian jobFabio Rigato of Italian based
Naizil recently travelled to Australia
to spend ten days promoting
his company’s tough-as-teflon
fabric named Titan W, and he
was in full attendance at the
ACASPA Expo.
Naizil has teamed up with Chris
Nolan of Nolan.UDA to distribute
the increasingly popular fabric,
and the full range of products
was on display at Nolan.UDA’s
eye-catching corner stand.
Fabio was able to meet and
greet customers to the stand
explain the range of Naizil products
displayed on the Nolan.UDA stand,
and is well qualified to do so.
For eight years Fabio who has
qualifications in economics and
a background with an airline has
been in charge of Naizil’s export
market for sales into France, Spain,
Portugal and Belgium as well as
the Middle East, South America,
Australia, China and India.
Half of Fabio’s working life is
spent travelling, but his exhausting
itinerary is made a little easier by
his command of four languages.
Read more about Fabio and Naizil
on page 13.
04 Austech’s newNSW repAt the start of this year Robin
Pethybridge was appointed by
Greg Schmidt as Austech’s NSW
agent. Robin brings with him
four decades of industry
experience, including 14 years
with Elizabeth Machines and four
with Miller Weldmaster.
Connections spoke to Robin who
said “Since taking on the role with
Austech I have found that there
are Sinclair Welders (Triad & Spec
models) out there that have not
been serviced for years. That’s
probably because of a lack of
agents in the eastern states.
“But now both Greg and I are
enthused by my appointment and
the work ahead.”
Robin explained that he was in
talks with a finance provider and
that “paperwork is being sorted
for new premises, a workshop
and showroom in Mt Kuring-gai,
upper Hornsby”.
“Some really good, big, things
will be happening by the end of
year,” he said.
For more information email
Robin at: gosew@optusnet.com.au
or call 0413 744 315.
05 Picture perfectConnections is indebted to
Joseph Dean of Wade Design
Engineers for providing all
the the vibrant photographs
throughout the Expo report pages.
Clearly his design talents extend
to photography, and Connections
readers are the beneficiaries. But
as his wife Cathy will attest, Joseph
rarely managed to finish a meal as
he was frequently up on his feet
‘shooting’ members.
The weekend following the
ACASPA Expo was a big one
in the Wade household, as Cathy
and Joseph proudly witnessed
the marriage of their daughter
Imogen to Peter Stewart.
The beautiful bride and groom
were married at Brisbane’s
Kangaroo Point, and festivities
kicked on later at Eight Mile Plains.
Which begs the question: did
proud father Joseph manage to
finish any of the dishes served
up or was he once more busy
wielding the camera lens?
06 Tying the knotIn early October Lawrence De
Paoli marries his fiancée, aged
care worker Raquel (‘Kel’) Dawson,
in their home town of Lake
Macquarie before jetting off to
Vanuatu for their honeymoon.
Maybe Lawrence and Kel would
like to tune in to the wedding
tents feature on pages 40 and 41.
HAVE WE MISSED YOUR NEWS? Email us at Nicola.card@commstrat.com.au and we’ll run your news in the next issue.
0503
06 Lawrence De Paoli and Raquel Dawson.
04 In his role as Austech rep Robin Pethbridge spans the state of NSW.
Befitting a magazine cover… the picture perfect bride and groom of Imogen and Peter Stewart. Connections is indebted to Joseph Dean of Wade Design Engineers
for providing all the vibrant Expo photographs.
06
04
8 · CONNECTIONS
Right: Joseph Dean with wife Cathy.
Below: Ivy splendour.
Above right: The Kelman and Ricky Richards teams get together.
Far right: Go Heather!
Above: They will never hear the (tail) end of it…
On the following pages we report
on all the action, all the sparkle, the
winners and grinners, the massive
success that was Expo 2011. But to
ease you into the feature, we have
selected just a few of the many
pictures that convey the colourful
character of the very popular
three-day event.
Enjoy…
ACASPA EXPO 2011
A big THANK YOUTo JOSEPH DEAN for all the photos taken throughout the Expo.
EXPO
Above: Stairway to Ivy.
Left: Dracula’s less-than-sinister smile.
Above: Expo Committee extraordinaire.
Left: Funny man Tommy Dean with Ana Drougas.
Below: The Beehive team making a spectacle of themselves?
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 9
Above: Overall winner Dean Spencely of Oasis Tension Structures with
Brendan Hall.
Right: General winner: James Cummins of MakMax with Jim Kelman.
Below: Tension Structures winner (>500sqm): James Cummins of MakMax
with Ron Ferster of HVG.
Left: Awnings category winner: Krisha Naidoo of Horizon Sail Structures with Brendan Hall
Below: Domestic Window Coverings winner: Zoe Smith of Campbell and Heeps with Brendan Hall.
* Absent: Made 4 Shade, winner of Commercial Windows Coverings category.
Above: Geosynthetics/Liners category winner: Max Brady of DDT Liners with Bob Cahill.
Right: Shade Structures winner: Mark Lewis of Weathersafe WA and Eric Moonen of Abacus
with Ron Gottlieb.
Above: Tension Structures winner (<500sqm): Dean Spencely of Oasis
Tension Structures with Mike Chapman.
Right: Young Achiever: Robert Bull of EH Brett with Ron Gottlieb.
A SHOW OF EXCELLENCEAnd the winners are…
10 · CONNECTIONS
This year’s natter was more upbeat
than ever ... the unanimous view:
there has not been a better or
more popular event staged by
ACASPA in a long time.
All of the selected venues —
perfect. Sydney Convention
Centre, excellent — so central,
easy to access, all conveniences to
hand; plus all the shops and cafes
you could hope for a hop-and-
skip away in Darling Harbour. The
monorail close-by for ease of city
access. Novotel and Ibis within
walking distance of all the action.
Not forgetting the all-important
Expo itself. This year’s exhibitors
were particularly pleased by the
numbers passing through the
event — estimated at 2000 — and
the high level of genuine interest in
goods or products on display. All in
all, the perfect recipe, the perfect
setting for a truly successful event.
On the social sideThe rich mix of social events
exceeded expectation, and
although extreme weather caused
the cancellation of the deep-sea
fishing trip earmarked for Saturday,
it did not deter a dozen intrepid
acaspians who braved the elements
to scale Sydney’s iconic Harbour
Bridge. A crowd of more than 200
assembled for Saturday evening’s
Welcome Reception staged at SCC,
with its floor-to-ceiling windows
displaying spectacular city lights
and sparkling water reflections.
Hip-nosis entertained the
crowd while the ‘chef’s station’
churned out plentiful quantities
of noodle and rice boxes. “No one
went hungry that night,” ACASPA
Manager Ana Drougas remarked.
Masters of cuisineParticipants in Sunday morning’s
Fish Markets cooking class
commented the event was “just like
being on masterchef ”; complete
with the big screen broadcast of
their culinary master pieces.
Red Faces comes to the Black and White dinnerThat evening a specially-chartered
Captain Cook cruiser whisked
party goers over the water to
historic landmark Doltone House
which played host to the Black
and White themed karaoke night.
Mingling among the crew were
Darth Vader, Men in Black, Blues
TICKING ALL THE BOXESIf you want to know what people truly think about an Expo, hang around queues of any sort and listen in to the chatter.
This year’s natter was more upbeat
than ever ... the unanimous view: there has not been
a better or more popular event
staged by ACASPA in a long time.
EXPO
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 11
Brothers, Dracula (sporting a touch
of red), 101 Dalmatians, a crew of
convicts, a couple of Naval officers
and a few pirates… plus two brave
ladies sporting curly white locks
(closer inspection revealed they
were Ana and Mina — the grins
gave it away).
Colourful band Jelly Bean Jam
enticed everyone on to the dance
floor, their repartee ranging from
Disco to Swing, Motown to Latin,
Funk and Rock to Pop. The group
has been in high demand since
forming in 1993, clocking up
more than 3000 shows. Hats off
to the talented performers: Ron
Gottlieb of Ricky Richards; Heather
Bradshaw from Bradmills, David
Thorburn from Thorline Products;
Blues Brothers Danny Ashby and
Peter Morecroft from Radins; Joe
de Petro from Defab, and Max
Hayman from Pattons.
Above left: The superb setting of the Ivy for the Awards for Excellence dinner.
Above right: Rick Haggerty and the rest of ‘the gang’ from Elizabeth Machines
12 · CONNECTIONS
Colourful keynote speaker RedBalloon founder Naomi
Simson entertained and
informed everyone during her
Monday breakfast presentation
on the rise and rise of
RedBalloon, the ‘experience’
gift giving service that caters
for a time poor, possessions-
rich society.
The company name’s origins?
A 1950s movie in which a young
boy befriends a red balloon.
“Red balloons remind us of our
childhood and are a symbol of
happiness,” Naomi said.
A bunch of red balloons served
as an eye-catching marketing tool
in the early days when Naomi
spruiked for business in Sydney’s
Martin Place.
But business did not take off
quickly; it was an excruciating two-
month-and-four-day wait for the
first customer order.
The lengthy interval was
punctuated by Naomi’s husband
constantly inquiring how “the
project” was going.
A decade on and success of that
‘project’ can best be described
as runaway: turnover has soared
to $37 million.
Not bad considering just
$25,000 start up capital kick-
started the business — all
of which was absorbed by
web development.
During the GFC sales from the
smorgasbord of 400,000 gifts grew
a healthy 40% and have since
clocked in at 60% annually.
October this year marks the
tenth anniversary of the company
that was launched just three
weeks after the tragic events of
September 11 2010.
But as Naomi said: “I wanted my
business to be disruptive, others
were evolutionary.”
“It is all about facilitating people’s
connections to those important to
them,” Naomi said.
Points of difference abound.
Within 48 hours of an experience
staff members email customers
Above: ’Coolest crooner’.
Above right: Jim and James Kelman at work. Right: RedBalloon’s Naomi Simson engages the audience.
Other business sessions hit the spot. More than 110 people
registered for each business
session, including John Eusson’s
presentation on window
furnishings and Jane Lynch’s very
well received address on social
media. All business sessions
recorded similar numbers.
In his presentation ‘Structures
through time’ Dr Peter Keenan
of LSAA stepped back in time to
Egypt’s pyramids that were built
around 4600 years ago (2630
BCE) on a north south orientation
to align with the sun and stars.
Measuring 230mx230m at the
base and standing 146m high
To accomplish great things,you need to dream, to act, to plan
and to believe.
asking “How was it?”, and each
and every response is noted.
The Chinese recognise the
numbers 11 and 22 as auspicious.
Naomi might too, with a call
received at 11.22am in this year
2011 marking the sale of the one
millionth experience.
Still on numbers: the cost of
staff disengagement to Australian
business each year is estimated at
$27 billion; second highest in the
world after France.
“These are staff who idle away
their days at work as they are not
interested or keen enough in the
tasks ahead,” Naomi said.
“It’s a bad reflection on
employers; in particular given the
cornerstone of business growth is
healthy cash flow.”
By contrast, organisations
sporting highly engaged staff are
26% more profitable. (RedBalloon
has outranked Google to be listed
the Number One workplace.)
Innovation is important for growth
and Naomi says it has the dual
benefit of presenting staff with a
greater sense of purpose.
What distinguishes
entrepreneurs? It’s simply a case of
having grand ideas that are acted
upon, executed. Finishing and
completing are important.
To accomplish great things, says
Naomi, you need to dream, to act,
to plan and to believe.
EXPO
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 13
Austech Welders Pty LtdManaging Director Greg Schmidt
2/10 Hendon way, Kelmscott, Western AustraliaPh – 0418771600 Fax – (08) 94980315
Email – info@austechwelders.comAustech Welders Pty. Ltd. representative for New South Wales
Robin Pethybridge Ph – 0413744315 Email – gosew@optusnet.com.au
Introducing the Textile Super Trim by the Sinclair Equipment Company.
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Complete with pneumatic clamping bar to hold material while cutting.
Cutting widths available 1650mm, 2800mm, 3400mm.
With a faster drive motor and
the unique pre heat roller
system the high speed Spec is capable of welding at speeds
up to 21metres a minute on a
large range of Thermoplastics.
Introducing the Impulse sealing system by the Sinclair Equipment Company.
Ideal for the welding of PVC and Acrylic fabrics the impulse welder is safe and easy to use.
With the programmable memory you can
save settings for all of your different fabrics.
Weld styles of overlap, hem, pocket,backlit
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Available in weld lengths
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2600mm and 3900mm.
Weld widths of 6mm, 12mm and 25mm.
NEW NEW
14 · CONNECTIONS
no fabric was used in construction however
papyrus was a feature.
Fast forward to AD 70 and Rome’s mighty
Colosseum sported awnings that shielded
spectators from direct sunlight. Attached to two
large poles and anchored by rope, the cloth
was one of the earliest examples of tension
structures. The buildings of the Incas of Machu
Picchu in AD 1460 were developed without
fabric but were forerunners to patterning,
Peter explained.
There is lots of evidence that we are keeping
the industry powering on.
Above: The Expo party taking off. “Cheers” to a couple of lovely ladies.
Meanwhile North American tipis were
fashioned from buffalo hide and canvas strips.
Modern tents that allow sun light in but
keep heat at bay are attributed to Frei Otto
who in 1947 used cotton canvas and panels,
also paper strips and ‘broad seams’ on a
patterning model.
Fast forward to 1956, Canberra, and the
dome at the Academy of Science loomed as
a futuristic structure. Hot on its heels was the
somewhat distinctive Sidney Myer Music Bowl
in Melbourne.
Among Peter’s more notable works are
Melbourne University mountaineering club
dome with its membrane appearing as one
continuous structure, complete with a ‘snow
load’ shape that caters for weight.
PVC under tensionFor his part, Bob Cahill of TexConnex covered
three beneficial developments: heat-shielding
structures, semi-transparent cloths and a
special mesh that eliminates odours.
Heat Shielding: Catering for global warming,
abnormal weather and heat patterns, the shield
aims to reduce solar gain but maintain light.
Retrofitting is relatively simple, providing a very
effective heat shield for animal feed lots and
other sheds.
Semi-Transparents: Fabrics for structures fused
with coloured backlight are a big attraction eg
in cafes or in the retail sector.
Mesh to Eliminate Odours: Yes, you heard right.
And it’s opening new markets. Particularly
useful in poultry and pig sheds, also compost
heaps and around fish, the ground breaking
fabric can neutralise ammonia odours, reducing
them from 11ppm to 2ppm to zero, but not by
acting as an absorbent or collecting residue.
Use of the fabric boosts animal health. How
does it work? By manipulating fabric properties.
Green valueAdding green value was the focus of the
captivating address by Mike Lester who is
Principal Engineer with US based Birdair,
a Taiyo Kogyo company. Snippets follow.
With an emphasis on sustainability and
mindful of carbon footprints, the word
‘dematerialisation’ has entered the vernacular,
meaning a reduced amount of material. And the
lighter the material weight, the less supporting
steelwork required.
Tensile membranes are lightweight and
translucent. Tensotherm is a layer of aerogel
(“the world’s best insulating solid”) to insulate
it from silica gell (minus the moisture). It’s
described as inert, stable, water repellent and
porous, easy to handle. Derived from a weed-
like plant that is related to the hibiscus, Kenaf
fabric is a 100% recyclable natural fabric. While
TiO2, alias titanium dioxide, is a powdered
white pigment used in many applications.
MakMax has incorporated Ti02 in the surface
of membrane materials, benefits of which are
the self-cleaning properties and air purification
(protection from nitrous oxide and sulphide
emissions); hence the popular application of
large membranes in smelly/smoggy locations.
Seen in a Munich carport with a generating
capacity of 141kW, PVs contain an invisible
ETFE cushion. Air that is used to inflate
cushions chills and condenses then cooler air
is recycled through the cushion, saving up to
70% on energy costs.
EXPO
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 15
Overseas visitor Connections managed to corner
Fabio Rigati of Italian based
company Naizil (www.naizil.
com) which has teamed up with
Nolan.UDA to market tomorrow’s
products today.
“Architects and design engineers
are looking for a material they can
rely on for mechanical properties
and remain as clean as possible,”
Fabio explained.
“Durability is important so we
have developed new lacquering
— a material that is able to protect
the fabric and prolong its life.”
He was referring to Naizil’s
Titan W which “improves
the performance of previous
lacquering by adding titanium
dioxide which protects the fabric
from UV rays which boost the
ageing process.” The product has
been marketed for about four
years but was under development
for many years before.
“Our R+D department is always
looking for new products to keep
us ahead of the market,” Fabio
said. Based in north east Italy,
Naizil was established as a small
family company back in the ‘50s,
now its tentacles reach around the
globe, with the family still at the
helm and driving developments.
“In conjunction with a Swiss
company we’ve recently
developed a flexible photovoltaic
panel which is sold in modules
to be applied on PVC structures,”
said Fabio. “This converts rays
to electrical energy. The panels
are flexible and light and
protected with a layer of PTFE for
easier installation.”
The modules will be marketed
through Nolan.UDA, which has
collaborated with Naizil for
some time.
“Nolans is well known and
established and we’re happy to
collaborate with them as they are
very reliable,” Fabio said.
Awards spectacularFew would deny that the high
point of the three-day Expo is the
Awards for Excellence ceremony.
This year the event was staged
within the exclusive domain that
is The Ivy on George Street, with
talented funny man Tommy Dean
acting MC. Characterised by
a distinctive, deep throated voice,
he’s described as a “Uniquely
observant stand up comic”.
The US native has performed in
various leading comedy clubs in
the USA as well as New Zealand,
North America, Europe and South
East Asia.
Local TV credits include:
Spicks and Specks, Sunrise, The
Glasshouse, O’Loghlin, (regular
guest and writer), Backburner
(writer), Good News Week,
Thank God it’s Friday and The
Today Show.
After opening with a query on
how to pronounce ‘ACASPA’ —
followed by enunciation that oozed
gravitas — Tommy Dean quipped
“Having been married twice I
understand the term ‘heightened
tension structures’!”
He then launched into a few
‘home truths’ about Australian
devotion to all things sport
and the quirky demarcation
between state residents but
unification of Aussies when pitted
against New Zealanders.
On a more serious note Tommy
acknowledged the presence of two
ACASPA life members: Des Tebb
and Jim Kelman.
But the evening was all about
celebrating talent and honouring
award winners.
Display of ExcellenceDaniel Halse from Pattons
explained that the four judging
criteria were: appearance and
workmanship; complexity; design
and function.
“And there is lots of evidence
that we are keeping the industry
powering on,” he said.
Award sponsor Jim Kelman of Wax
Converters Textiles spoke of his
Above left: The Barlow clan takes centre stage.
Above right: Bob Cahill amuses his colleagues.
16 · CONNECTIONS
company’s abilities in dyeing and
printing and in-house R+D, before
thanking all fabricator patrons.
If Ron Gottlieb’s shoe leather
ever wears out, it’s because he’s
“happy to walk five hundred miles
for ACASPA”. He hailed the Expo
committee “one of the best” for
staging such a variety of events
during the Expo.
“All due credit for a first class trade
show and for all the congeniality
that it has generated. And as for
Ricky Richards staff, they are
awesome… I can never thank you
all enough for helping me do what
we do so our families can do what
they want to do.”
A full report on the awards can be
found on pages 20-34.
The verdict: Expo sparkle and buzz We thought we’d round off this
report by rounding up some of the
many observations and glowing
comments. As follows:
Krishna Naidoo of Horizon,
“The Expo was very enjoyable and
informative… all major suppliers
were represented and we spent
hours going through it.
Celebrations were also very
enjoyable, the Awards Show
was great so was the comedian
and we met a lot of people from
the industry.
All up very impressive — this is
the first ACASPA Expo I’ve been
to so I’ve been missing out! We’ll
certainly be attending next year.”
Gary Smith of Campbell Heeps
observed a “Huge increase
in attendee numbers and the
[SCC] venue was sensational,
everyone raved about it and
said how good it was. Everyone
has been saying it is the best
expo yet. The problem with
that is the pressure for next year
in Melbourne! The standard is
very high and we have a lot of
work to do. And only ten months
to do it.
Up to 1000 people came through
on day one — year prior 1200 over
two days, so everyone — exhibitors
and ACASPA management was
very happy.”
But what was the highlight?
“Simply overall, ran so smoothly
like clockwork, very professional.
Done so well. Good things
happened at the AGM. People got
a lot from RedBalloon. This expo
raised the bar as far as quality
is concerned.
“Mina and Ana were sensational,
just brilliant. It would not have been
the success it was without those
two. They were fantastic.
“The night at the Ivy went very
quickly, it was a good night, the
room was full… great attendance
and Tommy Dean was fantastic,
sensational, brilliant!”
Austech’s Greg Schmidt reported:
“For us the Expo was a chance to
introduce our new agent in NSW
and to show our new machines as
well as introduce staff from the US
parent company.
We were busy on our stand the
whole time, we did not get lunch
or a glass of water the whole
two days!
The Ivy was a very nice venue,
we talked to lots of people there
and the entertainment was great,
a great band.”
Becker MD Anthony Wallace said:
“We’ve just launched a new
range of remote controls that were
exhibited at the show. We’ve only
been in the industry for about
four years and are still forging a
presence in the industry, so it’s
good for us to be a part of shows.
We were as busy on Monday
as the Sunday; it’s definitely one of
the better shows we’ve exhibited
at. The room looked good —
everyone did a really good job
Above: “Ahoy me laddies”.
Left: Hair raising trio.
of their stands and there was a lot
of positive feedback.
The two social functions I went
to were very good as well.
The Expo also provided good
exposure for our company
newcomer; he could learn about
the industry and present himself
to people.”
From Robert Bull of EH Brett’s & Sons:
“We brought a car load of staff
to the Expo, taking advantage
of it being in our home town.
Our staff met many reps they deal
with over the phone.
I’ve been to the last four expos
and there was a real spark about
this — the technology was a step
ahead, the stands were very
well presented, it was exciting
seeing new materials and
technology… some of which we
are considering for our factory.
The social events enabled us to
mingle and put a face to a name,
and swap ideas. All up it was a
really good event, an exhibition
of value. There was a real spark
and a buzz. The bonus was having
coffee baristas on stands!”
Chris Atkins of Atkins Fabrications:
“The Expo was really excellent,
like a mini IFAI. There was so
EXPO
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 17
much happening and such a great
atmosphere in the room.
“Ana and Mina deserve a medal!
Or at least a well-earned rest.”
Dean Spencely of Oasis Tension
Structures: “The Expo was
really quite good, a bit different
to others… it’s always good to
see a different perspective from
engineers and contractors. You
always take something away;
no matter how much you know you
always pick up a bit.
“There was a good momentum
overall, and more people at the
awards night than I can remember.”
The final wordOutgoing ACASPA President
Brendan Hall declared it “A
privilege to serve as president,
I have been both pleased and
proud to help lay the foundation
of many important projects.”
He commended the outstanding
work of Ana Drougas and Mina
Geremia plus Glenn Barlow and
the Expo organising committee of
Tom Gastin, Clare Corban, James
Formosa, James Kelman, Connie
Hellyar and Kirsty Zmisa.
“What a professional team,
they acted on all tasks… we are
indebted, they have produced the
very best Expo.”
Taking the stage, incoming
ACASPA President Glenn Barlow
described Brendan’s aura as
“larger than life”, saying he’d done
wonders for the industry. He then
presented Brendan with the Past
President’s pin, a badge of honour.
Continuing, Glenn said he’d
attended his first Council of
Management meeting two-and-a-
half years ago and it was one of
the best decisions he’s made as
he’s since been working with
“some of the best people in the
industry who collectively are
positioning the association for the
next twenty years”.
“The past twelve months have
seen some exciting things:
accreditation and name change
among them; which will be
used for marketing purposes
and help us reach our potential,”
he said.
“The shade committee is
being revamped and members
will be encouraged to speak up
about what they want and never
be shy of expressing opinion.”
Glenn finished by saying:
“This strong and vibrant industry
will only get more robust; we
need to work together as a
collective to progress and
enhance our standing.
“We can only get bigger
and more powerful.”
The party spirit supported by our local church.
18 · CONNECTIONS
BUSINESS
Business mattersPaying the price for carbonAs Australia moves toward to a
clean energy future, the regulatory
landscape is set to take a major
shift from July 1 next year when
the 500 or so ‘big polluters’ will be
paying permits of $23 per tonne of
carbon pollution.
The strategy: A Clean Energy
Finance Corporation will direct $10
million of the funds raised toward
renewable energy technologies.
By the end of the decade that -
coupled with energy efficiency
measures - will have cut 160 million
tonnes of pollution annually which
is the equivalent of taking
45 million cars off the road.
Half the price paid by ‘big’
polluters will be used to offset the
anticipated 0.7 per increase in the
cost of living during 2012-2013
caused by businesses passing
on the carbon price. The majority
of households will be paying
about $9.90 extra weekly
(including $3.30 more on electricity
and $1.50 on gas) but receive
$10.10 in assistance.
What about small business?
Indirect cost impacts will include
higher electricity bills, gas prices
and freight costs and there are fears
that competitive forces may prevent
the ability to pass on the costs.
Although the carbon price
will impose “no red tape” on
small businesses, the only
specific assistance in the carbon
package, other than reform of
personal income tax, is the small
business instant asset write-off for
businesses with a turnover of less
than $2 million a year.
The threshold will be increased
from $5000 to $6500, providing
a more attractive tax deduction
for new assets, including more
energy efficient ones. Knowledge
of efficiency options will be
boosted by the $240 million being
channeled (during 2014-15) into
advice for small businesses on
energy savings and business
sustainably.
The Government also plans to
establish a $40 million Energy
Efficiency Information Grants
program to provide information
(via industry associations and
non-government organisations)
to SMEs on practical measures
they can take to reduce their
energy costs; and will inject an
extra $5 million over four years
to improve delivery of clean
technology advice and other non-
grant business support programs
to small and medium businesses.
For more information: www.
cleanenergyfuture.gov.au
Call the Small Business Support
Line on 1800 777 275, or visit
www.business.gov.au which
includes a grants finder.
Funds to up–skill the workforceLast month the Government
launched a $558 million fund to
provide 130,000 Australians with
the opportunity to learn new skills
for jobs in sectors suffering from
critical skill shortages.
The National Workforce
Development Fund marks “a new
direction in training Australians
which puts industry at the heart of
the process” to boost workforce
participation and meet the demand
for skilled labour.
Industry can now make bids to
their respective Industry Skills
Councils to secure matched
funding to train its current or
prospective workforce, with
small businesses receiving
more assistance.
The co-contribution model
means that large enterprises will
contribute 66 per cent of the cost
of training, medium enterprises
50 per cent and small enterprises
33 per cent.
In 2011-12 the Government
is also providing $75 million
through the Critical Skills
Investment Fund to boost
the workforce capacity and
productivity, targeted initially
at the resources and renewable
energy sectors. Applications can
be submitted until 30 September
2011. For more information visit
www.deewr.gov.au/nwdf
Mature age workersOver the next three years the
Federal Government’s ‘More
Help for Mature Age Workers’
$30 million program will enable
7500 mature age workers with
trade relevant skills but no formal
qualifications the opportunity to
have their skills assessed and
formally recognised.
The program is aimed at
technicians and trade workers;
machinery operators and drivers
and labourers aged 50+ in a bid
to address skills shortages and
productivity. For more information
email experience@deewr.gov.au
or call 13 17 64.
Strong dollar tough for manyAre recent layoffs in the steel
sector an indication of what’s to
come with the strong dollar and
the accompanying “economic
adjustment” (a euphemism
perhaps for ‘brace yourselves
for worse’)?
As we know, back in March the
Australian dollar hit parity with
the US dollar and has remained
strong ever since. ‘Strong’ of
course translates to not so good for
exporters, maufacturers, tourism
and education. And increasingly
consumers are finding it more
attractive to shop online for
overseas goods.
Particularly hard hit under
this scenario are the retail and
food sectors; staff layoffs pushed
unemployment in Australia to
5.1 per cent in July.
The RBA in early August left
the cash rate unchanged at
4.75 per cent, saying (in upbeat
manner) “Australia’s terms of
trade are now at very high levels
and national income has been
growing strongly. Investment in the
resources sector is picking up very
strongly and some related service
sectors are enjoying better than
average conditions,” but adding
(realistically) “In other sectors,
cautious behaviour by households
and the high level of the exchange
rate are having a noticeable
dampening effect.”
Powering the future.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 19
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AWARDSfor Excellence
20 · CONNECTIONS
Standing out for its function, form
and look, the judges determined
that the skillfully sculptured
inverted cone that was specially
designed for a schoolyard
excelled on a number of levels and
deserved top billing.
Connections caught up with Dean
Spencely of Oasis after the event.
As is so often the case, a myriad
of factors have to be considered
in the design and execution of
a project involving structures
destined for exterior use. Not least
of which are aesthetics, practicality
and longevity. In the case of
the project taken on by Oasis
Tension Structures there were no
exceptions: each of the above
was a key feature in the design of
a structure destined for a school’s
relatively compact courtyard.
Fast forward to project
completion and Oasis not only
picked up the award for Category
8: Tension structures — coated
fabrics less than 500sqm, but also
the top Award for Excellence 2011.
The unique project was
completed on behalf of Melbourne
Girls Grammar in South Yarra.
In the words of Oasis: Conical
structures are among the most
popular form of coated fabric
structure and examples can
be seen in nearly every city of
the world. However, this conical
form is not ‘typical’. It is inverted
and the conical form has been
pushed close to one edge of the
Catenary cable.
The function of the structure
is to provide critical protection
of the school students from the
elements during breaks in their
school day, creating an outdoor
leisure environment that mixes
native plants with modern aesthetic
material technology.
A space where the students
could relax and briefly escape
the physical confines of school.
Even while raining, they can
retreat to this area and have their
senses stimulated by the rain
drumming on the tensioned fabric
while the water is collected and
pushed along the highly strung
cables, creating a cylinder of
rushing water.
Located in suburban Melbourne,
the small portion of school land
was allocated for the final year
students to relax for breaks and
lunch for all seasons.
The client requested a lightweight
structure that would not impact
heavily on the delicate landscape.
This was achieved by attaching
to the main buildings and
distributing most of the load into
the ground through tensioned
cables. So the structure appears to
float above the landscape, drawing
attention to the focal point of
crisscrossing cables.
It’s ACASPA’s night of nights, the industry equivalent of the Logies whereby outstanding talent is recognised; where the best of the best is on display; an opportunity to celebrate the scope and splendor of industry achievements and the people behind them. All that is missing on the night is Bert Newton. More appropriately, ACASPA’s outgoing President, Brendan Hall presented this year’s Top Award for Excellence. That honour went to Oasis Tension Structures.
Jewel in the crown
The fine work of Oasis Tension Structures on the inverted cone at a Melbourne school.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 21
The most challenging thing
about this structure was the form
finding process and analysis to
literally “make it work” due to the
constraints created by the offset
inverted cone.
This structure and its environment
was designed and constructed
during one of the most devastating
droughts Victoria has endured,
where water and its conservation
were paramount. In this project,
the water is gathered in this
giant funnel and collected in
the enormous water tanks deep
beneath the landscaped gardens.
This water is then used to furnish
the plants, ensuring the longevity
of the native flora. The fabric used,
1002 T2, was supplied by Innova.
Representing Oasis at ACASPA’s
Awards night was Business
Development Manager Dean
Spencely. Dean told Connections
that his winning speech was not
prepared because he “gave not
two thoughts about an overall win.
After picking up the category prize
I had just started to relax and was
enjoying a beer or two then came
the announcement — so I had to
get my mind into gear!
“To win the category 8 award
was great, and gain special
commendation for Kilvington
Girls Grammar was good, but to
be named overall winner was
a real bonus.”
Dean took the time to explain the
intricate nature of the work on the
inverted cone.
“The structure had its
complications for example the
cone was offset, that’s where the
complexity was. It was tensioned at
the bottom by stainless steel cables
that were intertwined so all the
rainwater is collected in a tank that
is used to water the surrounding
native garden.
“The Catenary cable that is
positioned around the perimeter
of the rectangle enables fabric
to be folded over it, not unlike
the cuff of a shirt sleeve, and it
can be tightened up to increase
the tension.”
The fabric was sourced from
Innova. “The French-made Ferrari
fabric is one of the best you can
get in terms of quality. It has the
tough T2 coating which gives
it more strength and durability
and being self-cleaning it is low
maintenance compared to PVC.
“T2 has been around for about
six or seven years; because it is a
bit more expensive you do not see
it so much in structures.”
What will Oasis do to promote
their 2011 ACASPA Award for
Excellence win? Dean has already
considered the benefits.
“The award win will be posted
on our website and we’ll create
company brochures and posters
that feature the award win. It will
also be placed at the end of all our
emails, in the sign-off.
“Our main suppliers for the project
were Ronstan (for the cables) and
Innova, both of whom will also
feature news of the award on their
websites. “It all helps cement our
standing in the industry.”
Oasis is no stranger to awards.
Back in 1997 the company picked
up ACASPA’s overall Award for
Excellence and among its many
other awards: 2006 Business of the
Year in the Melbourne business
awards and in 2007 IFAI Award for
Excellence in Structures.
Securing structures underpins strength and longevity.
A space where the students
could relax and briefly escape
the physical confines of school.
AWARDSfor Excellence
22 · CONNECTIONS
Outstanding talentFew events on the ACASPA
calendar are as colourful and
vibrant as the annual Awards for
Excellence. A popular ceremony
that attracts more than 200 members
and guests year after year.
The awards present an
opportunity for members to
showcase their talent and skills in
design, execution and delivery of
world standard structures.
This year, the ceremony
was staged in the sumptuous
surrounds of the Ivy in central
Sydney, with the event attracting
more than 250 Acaspians from
across Australia.
There, on a balmy winter’s
evening in late July, members
gathered under the Ivy’s signature
white art deco chandeliers to laud
and applaud many of the nation’s
finest — and newest — additions
to the architectural landscape.
The judging panel that was led
by Glenn Barlow had carefully
deliberated over the entries
presented from a field of 55
talented contenders before
selecting the top designs. On the
following pages are the outcomes
of their deliberations. And, as
readers can see, aesthetically the
winning structures are as eye–
catching as they are functional.
They showcase the crème de
la crème of Australian talent.
Masterpieces are not confined
to Australia’s shores, two of this
year’s award winners completed
work overseas.
Read on for insights into all of the
winning entries.
Category 1 — Geosynthetics/linersSponsored by: HIRAOKAWinner: Darling Downs Tarpaulins / DDT LinersFabric: 2.00mm LDPE, supplied by GSEProject Title: Floating Cover for Effluent pondLocation: Bomaderry, NSWOur client wanted a floating cover
for his rather smelly effluent
pond, approx 120m x 170m.
ACASPA Awards winners 2011
Display of Excellence
Not surprisingly the neighbours
were complaining of the smell,
as the original cover had failed…
probably due to the chemistry of
the effluent.
However the pond could not be
emptied to allow us to fabricate &
install the cover in the usual way.
We supplied 2.00mm thick
LDPE membrane, which allowed
us to join, then flake-fold several
panels worth of the cover at
a time, on the bank at one end
the pond; flotation beams/gas
escape pathways had to be fitted
to the (black) underside… then
the cover could be launched
progressively onto the pond,
and ballasted to prevent wind
uplift. This was then repeated;
each new section being joined
(welded) to the trailing edge of the
previous one. All up there were
five launch stages. Once the cover
was fully fabricated and placed
in position — and having made
allowance to cater for water level
fluctuations — we could backfill
the perimeter anchor trenches.
Notes:
1. The 21,000 m2 (approx)
completed cover weighs in
excess of 40 tonnes, plus a few
tonnes of ballast tubes.
2. Photo # 2 shows the leading-
edge float that ensured edge
buoyancy during each launch
episode.
3. Four towing cables were
attached to the leading edge,
and four towing vehicles had
to be co-ordinated for an
even pull each time.
4. This entry is as much about the
processes involved as it is about
achieving the very satisfactory
end result!
5. The pond cover is working
well; the odour is no more, the
authorities are satisfied, and our
client gets to stay in business.
6. The effluent is held in the pond
until it can be cleaned up then
released to the environment
(irrigated pastures).
DDT’s award winning effluent pond cover.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 23
Sydney – (02) 9669 3333 • newcaStle – (02) 4957 7766 • Melbourne – (03) 9545 5588briSbane – (07) 3387 8500 • adelaide – (08) 8260 1055 • Perth – (08) 9376 2666
darwin – (08) 8981 1555 • www.NolanUDA.com.au
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• Blinds & Awnings • Covers & Tarpaulins • Marquee & Tenting • Banners & Billboards • Shade Sails & Structures
• Architectural Fabrics • Motor & Marine • Solar Protection • Sporting Equipment
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AWARDSfor Excellence
24 · CONNECTIONS
Category 4: Window coverings, domesticSponsored by: UnilineWinner: Campbell & Heepswww.campbellheeps.com.auFabric: Soltis, supplied by InnovaProject Title: G ScreensLocation: Malvern, Vic
This project required us to come
up with a system that was clean
and minimal, that stopped the sun’s
rays penetrating the windows of
our client’s courtyard.
Inside the home was heating up
and the sunlight was fading the
furniture but our client didn’t want
to lose the view of the courtyard
or feel blocked in. Externally, the
window frames had a decorative
mould that was quite large, framing
the windows and presenting a very
nice look. This was important to
our client and they didn’t want to
lose the look of them, so we had to
come up with a way of positioning
all the blinds off the wall. We
decided to use a screen fabric that
would reduce the heat inside and
allow vision outside. With our client
Category 2 Marine Motor Trim and Transport — no entries received
Category 3 — Awnings: domestic and commercialSponsored by: Bradmill Outdoor FabricsWinner: Horizon Sail StructuresFabric: 802S, supplied by InnovaProject Title: George’s Elevations Location: Burleigh Heads, Queensland
Having a deck that was approx
100sqm and not being able to
use it during inclement weather
was an issue for the client who
believed that a significant amount
of business was being lost.
They wanted a structure that
followed the roof line to ensure
that their customers were able to
enjoy the wonderful water views
from this elevated position. The
design process was hindered with
the many different angles of the
roof line and the limited access
to the site. After a full survey and
measure our designers were able
to overcome these issues with a
simple but effective barrel vault design.
Sunscreen rollup blinds were also
installed to allow some shielding
from the late afternoon sun.
Managing Director Krishna
Naidoo explained that this project
was completed for an up-market
restaurant which is part of a larger
family owned chain.
“The very popular and well-
renowned restaurateur George
Tassis is a long-term client, with up
to 15 restaurants on the Gold Coast
and now in Brisbane.
“He’s been a major client for
a few years during which time we
have refurbished several of his
outdoor areas.”
Krishna added that the newly
launched Elevations is situated
in the lush surrounds of
Burleigh rainforest.
“The two level structure that
features a large function room is
in a nice part of town, on the side
of a hill and beside a river. It has
superb views over the adjacent
rainforest that is part of a
national park.”
The design process was
hindered with the many different angles of the roof
line and the limited access to the site.
Below: Nice, neat and super smart; this white awning blends in brilliantly with the adjoining building.
wanting ease of use and for the
blinds to be relatively strong in the
wind, all the blinds are motorised,
in full cassette head boxes and
running in tracks.
We stood the blinds off the wall
using a 50 x 25 steel tube, this
allowed us to get out in front of
the window frames and gave the
blinds great stability off the wall.
The size also suited the overall
look of the blinds and all tracking
and head boxes were powder-
coated to blend in with the wall
colour, making them almost
disappear when up. Each blind
can be controlled individually or
all of them at once with the push
of a button on the remote.
Our clients were extremely
happy with the end result. They
loved the look of the blinds and the
simplicity of controlling the amount
of sunlight penetrating the house.
The aesthetics and functionality of
the blinds were exactly what they
were after.
Gary Smith of Campbell and
Heeps said despite the fact theirs
was the only entrant for this
category he felt it was “a good job
and was very effective”.
He was very involved in the
initial stages, assessing the tasks
that had to be carried out, and
his son Chris took over on the
technical front.
“The sides jutted out from the wall
which was a challenge, but Chris
worked out the bracketing needed
to pack it out from the wall.”
He describes G screens as a
“revolutionary development”.
On the night daughter–in–law
Zoe who is also involved in the
business accepted the award
presented by Brendan Hall.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 25
Above: A good dose of lateral thinking is behind behind this smart and stylish set of window coverings.
Right: The eye catching and highly functional shopping centre coverings provide cool comfort for customers.
Category 5: Window coverings, commercial (automated and non automated)Sponsored by: IMEX Creative ProductsCompany Name: Made 4 ShadeFabric Name: PolyFX, 3000D PTFE, supplied by Nolan UDA, Poly GlobalProject Title: Sun BafflesLocation: Maroochydore, Queensland
Our commercial customer, being
a shopping centre, has a glass
atrium extending the entire length
of the centre’s roofing, which
throws natural light throughout the
shopping centre.
Centre management over time
received on-going concern from
shop owners located inside the
shopping centre, over sunlight
beaming into their stores. This
often resulted in faded stock
26 · CONNECTIONS
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 27
28 · CONNECTIONS
and frustration for both tenants
and customers from the, at times,
blinding sunlight.
To cap things off, the centre’s
power usage was extreme trying
to keep the centre air-conditioned
and cool for their tenants
and customers.
Our company was approached
by centre management to design
an internal window covering
system that screened sunlight
during the morning (till approx
10am) and afternoon (after approx
1pm), while retaining natural light
throughout the centre.
This would of course keep the
store owners happy and also
provide extensive savings on
electricity usage, keeping centre
management happy!
We had to design a system that
not only worked, but was extremely
minimalistic and easy to maintain.
Our company came up with a
cost-effective design to attach to
existing roofing framework and
to prevent any need for drilling
through steel etc.
This was most important as we
were working at roof height of a
large two-level shopping centre
(15m above ground level). By
developing a system that could
be fixed to existing framework,
there were no metal shavings for
customers or staff to contend with
and also the installation time was
very streamlined and minimised
— no excessive on-site labour!
The custom designed awning
system known as ‘Sun Baffles’
incorporated five sun baffles per
bay over 22 bays throughout the
entire centre. The ‘Sun Baffles’
are located inside the shopping
centre along the centre of roofing,
directly below the glass atrium.
The sun baffles fix to existing
rolled roofing framework while
not penetrating the steel or
compromising the steel coating.
The sun baffles were designed
and shaped so as to ensure NO
sunlight penetrated the shopping
centre tenancies. The Shopping
centre is ‘U’ shaped and therefore
the sun affects each section
differently at different times of the
day. The baffles needed to be very
durable, yet aesthetically pleasing
and non-obtrusive. The baffles
needed to be minimalistic, yet add
feature and value to the shopping
centre and not detract or look like
an obvious ‘add-on’.
Our installers were required to
complete all work from a large
Boomlift and prior to it being
used, structural engineers had
to perform loading tests on the
second level flooring to ensure it
could take the machine’s weight
(1600kg).
The second level floor to the
ceiling is 10m, and the second level
floor to the ground floor is 5m.
Our installers were mainly working
over the large open areas between
the upper and lower level of the
shopping centre, suspended 15m
in the air in a small basket much of
the time.
Each day shift was spent shaping
and making the baffles of varying
size depending on where they
fixed to the existing framework and
all installation work was conducted
out of hours, starting at 6pm and
working through to 4am.
Our project proved to be a raving
success! The installation process
was very streamlined and no
interruption to customers or staff
was ever experienced.
The sun baffles look fantastic,
adding a definite minimalistic,
architectural feature to the atrium
roofing of the centre. Sun does not
penetrate the stores, yet the natural
light is still an important feature
of the shopping centre and
the centre management team
is extremely pleased that the
baffles have significantly reduced
electricity usage.
Attention to detail reduces sun glare and heat.
AWARDSfor Excellence
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 29
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Category 6: Shade structures — Domestic and Commercial Tension or Framed Structures using shade cloth or PVC meshSponsored by: Ricky Richards (Sales) Pty LtdWinner: WeatherSafe WA / Abacus Shade StructuresFabric: Monotec 370, supplied by Ricky RichardsProject Title: Punmu Basketball Court Cover Location: Punmu, WA
Four hundred and fifty kilometres
south east of the north west coastal
town of Port Headland in the
Great Sandy Desert is a small
aboriginal community of Punmu
Rawa, home of the Martu Tribe
of Aboriginal people.
Approximately 90kms from
the Canning Stock Route, the
remote community is home to
approximately 400 adults and
80 school age students.
The local Rotary club of
Margaret River which has
been involved with the Punmu
Rawa community consulted the
community elders who said that
a major redevelopment of the
basketball court would be of the
most benefit to residents. A hand-
drawn A4 sketch was provided of
a basketball court with a dome
cover. Instead of a tin roof they
were interested in a fabric structure
that would be a bit different, blend
into the environment without being
too obtrusive and be truly unique
to the area.
Our company proposed a curved
framed Barrelvault structure with
a series of shade sails off the side,
and the Rotarians subsequently
sought government funding.
A site inspection revealed the
existing basketball court was a
crumbling mess and required
extensive retaining and leveling.
Clearly we would need much
cement to build footings and shore
up the perimeters.
A concrete contractor from Port
Headland advised that the only way
to get the concrete onto site was to
set up a batching plant onsite and
freight in all the equipment along
with all the sand and aggregate,
using two huge semi trailers.
Within one week we had the
footings dug, rag bolt assemblies
set into footings and a new 150mm
concrete slab laid for the new
basketball court.
The building of the structure
posed a whole new set of
problems; firstly we had to get
the structure onto the site.
Fortunately people from the
Newcrest Telfer Gold Mine
which is situated about 120 kms
away and is on Martu land were
very helpful in many aspects of the
project, organising freight, flights
and lending 4WDs.
We hired a semi-trailer to deliver
a crane and two scissor-lifts from
Port Headland.
Although Punmu is only 120kms
from Telfer, the trip takes about
five hours each way in the truck as
the road is little more than a rough
desert track with a top speed of
speed 40 kms per hour.
The equipment arrived two
days late which put the pressure
on to complete the project in the
allotted time, but fortunately a
DET (Department of employment
and training) work for the dole
Special commendation:Advanced Shade Systems Pty LtdFabric: Monotec 370, supplied by Pro-Knit Industries Pty Ltd.Project Title: Brisbane Boys CollegeLocation: Toowong, QueenslandProject: Supply and installation of a curved shade fabric structure over the amphitheatre seating area.
Brisbane Boys College
commissioned a landscape
architect to design a new outdoor
amphitheatre at the school.
We worked with the landscape
architect to ensure that the area
would have sufficient shade, and
that the proposed shade design
would positively contribute to the
aesthetic appeal of the college.
This is a unique design as it
strays from the normal shade sail,
shade structure type of shade
system. The purpose of the design
was to make sure the amphitheatre
seating provided optimal shade
during the hottest part of the day.
Taking into consideration the sun’s
position at specific times of the day
was crucial in the design. A major
focus was a cantilever structure to
reduce the amount of posts and
still provide adequate shade to
the amphitheatre.
We commenced the fabrication
process once the final design had
been approved by the College
and the Queensland Government
Department of Environment and
Resource Management. Additional
holes were drilled into the frame
for electrical cables, then the steel
30 · CONNECTIONS
scheme was in progress, so we
had about six locals on hand to
help us, along with five Rotary
club representatives.
Once the build commenced it
was pretty straight forward, the
problem of access for our scissor
lifts was overcome by assembling
a frame by running the scissors
inside over the court slab.
The dome shaped barrelvault
roof structure was 25m wide
by 36m long. (900m²); we also
incorporated two frames at each
end for the basketball hoops into
the frame installation.
Once the structure was
assembled we simply dragged the
shadecloth cover, which we made
in one complete piece, along the
length of the structure using the
two scissor lifts.
The shadecloth was then
tensioned and secured to the
frame. We then fitted seven 6m
x 6m triangular sails to the side
of the structure to depict the
Aboriginal flag.
The finished structure is a most
impressive sight. The nine metre
height of the centre of the structure
make it by far the largest building
in the community. The structure
covers the entire basketball court
with a 10m x 4m extended annexe
to one side where there is a stage.
The structure has provision to
hang netball hoops on the side
uprights as well as anti-climbing
spikes to deter would-be climbers.
The structure was completed in
September 2010 and in the time
since it has played host to a basket
ball carnival, an official grand
opening by the Minister for Sport
and Recreation, numerous music
festivals, weekly cooking schools
as well as a focal point for the
whole community.
To see the look of delight in
the faces of the locals when the
structure was completed was a
golden moment. Also for us to be
given the chance to experience
the culture of life in the desert for
a week was a life changing event
never to be forgotten.
A week of sleeping in swags,
modest accommodation, no beer
(it was a dry community) and BBQ
dinners in the middle of the desert
made us realise how easy we have
got things back home.
Above: Overcoming challenges presented by extreme heat and remoteness, this desert project is worthy of a short story. The team immersed itself in the aboriginal community for the duration of the project.
AWARDSfor Excellence
Category 7: Tension structures — coated fabrics greater than 500sqmSponsored by: Halifax Vogel GroupWinner: MakMax AustraliaFabric: Sheerfill 2, supplied by Taiyo Kogyo CorporationProject Title: Metricon StadiumLocation: Carrara, Queensland
The original structure built in the
late ‘80s played host to a number
of events however the venue
has traditionally been a football
ground. The decision to redevelop
the site was welcomed by many
sporting fans.
The newly named and revamped
venue is built to accommodate
a professional football oval,
world standard cricket oval,
provision to allow future
installation of an athletics
field and international standard
soccer field including all the
associated corporate, media
and player facilities.
The local state government
funded project secures a future
for sport of all kinds in the region,
opens the possibility to world
class soccer coming to the region
as well as other major national
and international sporting events.
As with any world class stadium
the design incorporated a tensile
membrane roof component.
We were engaged to supply and
install the 16,600 square metres
of PTFE providing cover for three
sides of the structure. Architects
was hot dip galvanised and
powder-coated for longevity and
an excellent finish. The completed
frame assembled very easily as
each component was carefully
engineered and fabricated.
We were employed to construct
the shade structure after the
amphitheatre was completed.
However, during the initial
construction of the amphitheatre
large pier footings were
incorporated into the structure.
These were designed with the
shade structure in mind.
Unfortunately all of the footings
ended up at different spacing and
different angles. As a consequence
the challenge for our design
was that every strut, every cleat,
every cable and every panel in the
fabric top was different. We met
the challenge.
Designing a shade structure
to be installed in the vicinity of
heritage listed buildings will
always be challenging because
there are many stakeholders to
satisfy. The finished product meets
the client’s needs since it not only
provides excellent shade coverage
to the area, but it also blends in
beautifully with the surrounding
architecture and landscaping.
The client has received many
compliments about the structure
and says that “it harmonises so
well the college feels that it has
always been there.”
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 31
The colourful ampitheatre.
specified the overall shape of
the panels providing work points
and a schedule. Our engineers,
drafters, and project managers
made this a reality.
This project was brought about
through necessity. The tensile
membrane component of the
project was brought about by
architects’ want for a flexible,
lightweight solution to long
span, mass roofing. Like most
stadia architects worldwide,
the architects recognised the
lightweight properties of tensile
membrane make it the ideal
choice for this project.
Our scope broadly included
the supply and installation of a
16,000sqm tensile membrane
roof and details requiring our
attention included water run-off
management, waterproofing
in areas where trades overlap,
and the major consideration —
installation methodology on a site
without full access.
Architects were specific about
almost all aspects of this project
other than a few practical details.
We found a solution to water
run-off from the structure in the
form of drainage. The large area of
fabric can collect a huge amount
of water. Because fabric is such a
flexible medium to work with both
physically and in relation to
design constraints we were able to
design a steep reverse cone in the
low point of every panel.
This reverse conic shape acts as a
funnel channelling all water into a
siphonic drainage hub. The system
needs only 50ml of water to begin
siphoning water from the top side
of the fabric making it ultra efficient.
We were also responsible for
closure details between the
tensile membrane roofing and
the perimeter solar panels.
Traditional glass solar panels are
not our product so an amount of
research and understanding went
into how this was achieved, with
our engineers deciding on an
extended flashing arrangement.
Another practical consideration
was the installation methodology
for the 14,000sqm of fabric on
39 panels. Installation of the fabric
roof was the biggest challenge
we faced.
Our project manager devised
an installation methodology that
was both safe and practical. Using
a technique similar to that used
on a previous project we devised
purpose-built work platforms that
were secured to the steel frame
of the venue. These were used at
the inner and outer edge of each
panel, giving workers a safe place
to harness to and continue work.
Great consideration was taken in
designing the methodology; we
sought guidance from government
departments including Workplace
Health and Safety bodies. In the
process we performed an internal
safety audit gaining our own
international safety accreditation.
The most impressive aspect
would be the rear of each fabric
panel, the highly curved shape
is unusual for a stadium roof of
this size and it adds a point of
difference to the overall look of the
venue. The flexibility of fabric as a
building material is clearly visible
by the apparent ease in which
these curved shapes are achieved.
We are confident in the job we’ve
all done here; the result is a striking
addition to the overall venue. I think
the look and feel of the space is
fitting with the region’s atmosphere.
Having a great design helps to
show off our product and I believe
this project achieves this goal.
Special commendation: Atkins FabricationFabric: Sheerfill V, supplied by St Gobain, USAProject Title: SoundshellLocation: California, USA
The collaboration of our architects
and landscape architect created
a 7.9 acre public park, privately
maintained by Playa Capital in
California USA. This park includes
a basketball court, soccer field,
playground, bosque, bocce courts,
berm gardens and a soundshell
with an amphitheatre lawn.
The traditional soundshell has
been given an aeronautical quality
by the architect.
A roughly spherical tensioned
fabric (PTFE coated glass fibre
woven material), stealthily perched
on two steel feet, conveys a sense
of buoyancy. In lieu of traditional
guy wires, two ramps radiate
and extend out. The form radiates
with spatial complexity. The
translucent membrane creates a
solid opaque white shell which
dematerializes visually by night,
glowing like a lantern.
Structurally the design transforms
potentially heavy rings into trace
like ribs. Loads are transferred
through a series of transnodal
struts. The skeleton simultaneously
conveys lightness and dynamic
sculptural depth heightened by a
pleated skirt rather than a simple
surface. One does momentarily
wonder if the soundshell is
spinning or static. This unique
design has been cleverly
incorporated in this design by the
architect and turned into reality by
the project manager and installer.
AWARDSfor Excellence
32 · CONNECTIONS
Above: MakMax delivered its hallmark professionalism in the execution of Metricon Stadium.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 33
Special commendation: Company: Oasis Tension StructuresFabric: 902 T2, supplied by InnovaProject Title: Kilvington Girls GrammarLocation: Caulfield, Victoria
This structure was designed to
provide protection against the
elements so that the students
of this school could enjoy tennis,
netball, basketball or a host of
other activities during any sort
of weather.
The PVC coated fabric structure
is stretched over two large arched
portal frames and tensioned
through catenary cables to a series
of perimeter support frames.
The purpose of the structure
was to create a carnival type
atmosphere for these outdoor
sports, providing a more inviting
environment to play all forms of
outdoor sports.
Some of the unique features of
this project include the 2D truss
column penetrations through the
fabric — this required pin-point
accuracy in procurement and
fabrication of both steelwork and
fabric. The holes created by the
column penetrations were along
high tensioned seams and so
these areas had to be reinforced
appropriately with fabric and steel
support plates.
Due to program restraints,
the surface beneath the structure
was paved prior to Oasis being
allowed access. This meant the
structure had to be installed using
lightweight plant and equipment:
the steelwork was installed using
a 5t crawler crane while access
to most areas was via tiny
boomlifts, the weight of both
machines was distributed using
large marine plywood to avoid
damage to the delicate surface.
Industrial twin ropes had to be
engaged to access the higher
portions that the lightweight
boomlift could not reach.
The client was delighted with
the finished product: it has been
used in all weather conditions
during the day and night. The client
specifically stated how spectacular
the structure looked
at night illuminated by lights,
a beacon that could be seen
for miles.
AWARDSfor Excellence
34 · CONNECTIONS
Category 8: Tension structures — coated fabrics less than 500sqmSponsored by: SynthesisWinner: Oasis Tension StructuresSee full story on pages 21–22
Special commendation: WeatherSafe WAFabric: Ferrari 802S, supplied by InnovaProject Title: Donnybrook Sound Shell Location: Donnybrook, WA
We were approached by a local
council to help design a portable
sound shell to be used for festivals
and functions at different locations
and towns within the shire.
The council already had one
engineer designed structure that
they had submitted to a local steel
fabrication shop for costing but
were not really happy with the
design. The steel fabrication shop
approached us to help design
something that would have more
aesthetic appeal and less cost than
the original proposal.
Between us we set about
designing a portable sound shell.
The steel fab guys designed the
base (stage) and we designed the
structure and cover.
The initial design that we
took back to the Council was
the following:
We had the two different
structures, made by two separate
manufacturers, engineered by two
different engineers so it was very
important that we were continually
in contact with each other to ensure
that the two structures would fit
together once fabricated.
The base, or stage part, was
made in three sections that bolted
together. Each of the three sections
fit neatly together when stacked for
easy transportability. Each section
also had adjustable legs so that
the structure could sit solidly on
uneven ground.
The base was finished with a
wooden decking.
The top structure was a
barrelvault design with a slanted
overhang at the front and rear as
well as either side to give good
coverage if a function was marred
by rain. The six uprights slotted
into a formed slot built into the
stage frame.
The curved rafters were made
in two halves and bolted together
in the centre. This was so that the
framework could be dismantled
into manageable sizes suitable for
packing and transportation.
The top frame was constructed
with support provisions to take
sound and lighting gear.
The frame cover was PVC. It was
secured to the frame with rope
track at the front, and the sides and
Above right: Fun, functional and portable.
Below: Simplicity and style by Oasis Tension Structures.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 35
Category 9: GeneralSponsored by: Wax Converter TextilesWinner: MakMax AustraliaFabric: Polytheme, M7205; supplied by Eclipse Textiles, MehlerProject: Trailfinders Australian Garden Location: London, UK
Our client for this project exhibits
annually at one of the world’s
most prestigious events, often
winning awards for their unique
exhibition stands. We were
engaged to bring an architect’s
design to life in the form of a
unique temporary structure.
Our client engaged an architect
to design their most recent
stand. The architect’s inspiration
included themes of colonisation
and discovery. Natural shapes
and light play a large part in the
design brief. We were engaged to
bring this idea to life through the
architect’s vision. In order
to continue the winning tradition
for our client we manufactured
the structure to the architect’s
request. What is unique or complex
about the project? Although the
concept was the work of the
architect, some of the technical
details of manufacture were not
conceptualised until our engineers
began looking at the design from
a practical point of view. Being a
self supporting structure we had
a fair amount of control over the
manufacture and fixing details of
the project.
One major oversight in the
original design was the absence of
natural light on the inner space of
the dome-like structure. Engineers
and project managers suggested
ports in the outer skin that would
allow natural light to filter through.
These ports were reinforced so as
not to hinder the streams of light.
Three visits from the architect
and two prototypes later we
had a structure that embodied
the architect’s vision and was
structurally sound.
The project is definitely a
success from all parties’ point of
view. Precise engineering and
manufacture has brought this
project to life. Attention to detail
and the perfect simplicity in design
back were made similar to a shade
sail with a perimeter stainless
steel cable and stainless steel
fixing points.
Ideally for a structure such as this
you would attach a rope track front
and back to tension. Due to the fact
that we needed to make the cover
easily removable the shade sail
style of tensioning with turnbuckles
at each fixing point made it a
simple matter to remove and refit
the cover whenever the sound shell
was relocated.
To finish the job off we made a
neat black skirt that clipped all
around the base of the stage.
Once dismantled the whole
structure fits neatly onto an
8m flat bed truck tray for easy
transportation to the next venue.
The finished structure was
a functional and very visually
appealing sound shell.
save this project from being just
another exhibition stand. Tall
enough to walk through but low in
points, the structure engages the
visitor; stepping under and around
the smooth white edges of the
structure may evoke a feeling of
stepping through a canvas tent on a
beach as explorers may have done.
Visitors to this stand are able to
look past a crisp white sail as if
pulled taut under wind out toward
lush green trees. Allowing visitors
to touch and feel will surely be
a crowd pleaser.
We supplied all elements of
this structure from the steelwork,
fixings, fabric manufacture, and
we also trained the special
installation team.
Category 10: Innovation (no entries received)
Note: This does not mark the end
of awards coverage; forthcoming
issues of Connections will feature
all runners up. This popular
ongoing segment puts on show the
creative talents of all ACASPians —
award winning or not.
Above: Worthy of a magazine cover, the elegant appeal of this show garden won MakMax accolade from far and wide.
36 · CONNECTIONS
I want more from them; I don’t
want to sit back and say it’s done
and OK. I have asked industry
for feedback on everything we
have produced. Why? Because if
anything needs to be corrected,
altered, adjusted or whatever,
then industry needs to tell us so
that we trainers keep improving
and moving forward, thus always
meeting industry standards.
Much of our work has been
dealing with new businesses
where workers don’t have a
qualification. In this regard our
Business Development consultant
Mel Kane has been instrumental
and has provided many employers
with necessary information
regarding RPL and government
funding incentives.
Part of our obligation in training
Queensland students is that we
satisfy Department of Education
guidelines. Both Mel and Murat
have met with the DET QLD
representatives to discuss our
training models and processes and
found they are extremely satisfied
with our work and student record
keeping processes, so much so
that TAFE NSW/Sydney Institute is
their preferred Textile Fabrication
training provider.
Motor trimmers in Queensland
have also been deprived of quality
NSW based Lawrence De Paoli who provides training for industry students across many states of Australia presents a round-up of activities across the nation.
Queensland’s re-trainingIt’s been 18 months since we
commenced textile fabrication
training in Queensland. We’ve
met many fabricators in the
industry and all have been very
supportive of our involvement
and efforts thus far.
Initially it was a bit overwhelming
taking over from another RTO;
the big problem was most of the
students were enrolled in the old
training package while Sydney
Institute was offering the most up-
to- date qualification. We had to try
and link old units with new ones for
a massive RPL process.
Long story short — it’s worked
with some guys having to
make up a few units only; many
students have now received their
qualification.
Resource development was
a huge project for us. A new
Under TAFE guidance, students develop technical skills through focus and determination.
Whether a supplier, fabricator or trainer,
young people are our future and without them, we don’t move forward. Raising our
profile and image will assist all and
sundry to survive and grow in the future.
The state(s) of training
TRAINING
qualification meant developing
resources that were valid and
actually meet the requirements
of industry and the training
package. The workload for us
in this project was huge and it
involved more duties for one of
our part-time trimming staff, Murat
Hersli who developed resources
and took them out to industry for
validation. Murat has been a
fantastic asset for our section and
this whole process.
Businesses such as EH Brett’s
and Nan’s Tarps as well as
Barracouta Sails were involved in
this process, and their feedback
was essential and appreciated
in this process. I’ve spoken to
many employers throughout
NSW and Queensland about
our resources and assessment
tasks; all are happy with what has
been done so far. The trouble is,
training in recent years, and this
presents us with further training
opportunities. We’ve had enquiries
from quite a few trimmers and
presented training models to all
concerned. Some have sent their
employees to Sydney for block
release training.
A useful note: DET QLD will pay
return airfares from anywhere
in Queensland and provide a
small living-away-from-home
allowance. This can be arranged by
the employer through the Australian
Apprenticeship Centre that the
employee is registered with.
CoursesWe’re offering Certificate II and
III in Textile Fabrication and
Certificate II and III in Automotive
Vehicle Body (Trimming). We also
offer a 16-week specialised Marine
Trimming program for those with
basic skills in marking/cutting/
sewing etc who want to diversify
their skills into manufacturing all
types of covers for marine craft.
Steve Busuttil is our resident expert
in this field. Our programs are
offered on a block release basis
for apprentices doing Cert III and
weekly night classes for Cert II.
The LMT30407 Training package
(which Textile Fabrication is part
of) has this year undergone a
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 37
review with some minor changes
implemented. Introduced into
the core units is an environmental
unit which falls into line with all
other training packages delivered
throughout Australia.
The selection process for units
of competency is now also a lot
easier. In total, 19 units must be
selected: nine being compulsory
and 10 electives. There are also
other units included as electives
from other training packages i.e.
Certificate II and III in Automotive
Vehicle Body (Trimming).
This is to allow for fabricators
who work with manufacturing
covers for machinery, trailers etc
and those that delve into marine
covers to select units that meet
what they are currently doing in the
workshops. I believe version 2 of
the training package is quite good
and certainly offers employers
more selection on relevant units for
their businesses.
During the past 18 months
inmates at Sydney’s Long Bay Gaol
complex have been receiving
training with us in Certificate II
Textile Fabrication. This enables
inmates to develop skills that will
help them gain employment upon
release. Certificate II is only 12
months’ duration but in that time
they have developed good marking
them — have very kindly donated
seconds fabrics for training.
Nolan.UDA has also been a
tremendous ongoing supporter of
training at Sydney Institute and it’s
only through such goodwill that our
job is made that little bit easier.
Recently, we’ve purchased a
new RF welder for our training
purposes, replacing the pre-1978
model that became a liability in
recent years due to OH&S issues,
the costly replacement of parts and
our inability to deliver some training
programs due to the machine’s poor
performance. We now look forward
to working with the latest and
greatest from C.J. Loftus! Part of our
repertoire is a Triad wedge welder,
kindly donated by Frank Sinclair
in the USA. Students undertaking
PVC welding training now have
access to four styles of equipment:
wedge, RF, motorised hot air and
hand held hot air welders.
ChallengesTo conclude, there are many
challenges facing us as trainers,
among them: funding, human
resources and equipment. We
would benefit greatly if there were
more persons willing to assist us
in part-time teaching. We have two
full-time staff and two part-time
staff assisting us in our efforts.
Phone 02 9804 1146Mobile 0418 270 291sales@triax.com.au
50NB Rafter End Cap
www.triax.com.au
Federal and State Government
funding opportunities are rare,
with restrictions placed upon our
resources ensuring that careful
management is needed to achieve
our goals.
Since commencing training
in Queensland, employers from
far and wide have contacted us.
Together with Ana from ACASPA,
we are negotiating visits to
fabricators in South Australia.
Part of our obligation to DET QLD
is that apprentices must be visited
in the workshops twice a year to
carry out training and workplace
assessments etc and we suspect a
similar scenario awaits us in SA.
Another challenge facing training
providers is creating a bigger
profile of the industry within
society. This would help
entice young people into the
industry, which is urgently needed.
Whether a supplier, fabricator or
trainer, young people are our future
and without them, we don’t move
forward. Raising our profile and
image will assist all and sundry
to survive and grow in the future.
Lawrence De Paoli is Head Teacher
– Autobody Repair, Refinish &
Trimming at TAFE NSW
Sydney Institute.
edu.au www.sit.nsw.edu.au
/cutting/sewing skills. So much so,
the group that finished in June this
year were able to manufacture a
complete set of industry standard,
removable covers for a fork lift
(roof, rear window, front window
and side curtains). The motivation
and enjoyment of inmates made
training for me a real pleasure and
I was very proud of their efforts.
StudentsSimply put: without students we
don’t exist. With them, we have
the opportunity to mould the
tradespersons of the future.The
biggest problem facing employers
is finding suitable young people.
We’ve tried to offer high schools
between Gosford (north of
Sydney) and Wollongong
(south) the opportunity for HSC
students to study units in Textile
Fabrication, in particular aiming
at the yacht sail making industry.
A lack of response prevented the
program progressing.
EquipmentI’ve been told many times that our
workshop is the best in its field. The
large room is fitted out with work
stations (benches) that have sewing
machines on each end. Over the
years industry suppliers — Ricky
Richards and Bradmill among
Images depict Robert Bull’s impressive project.
Hard work pays off. If you just blend into the
crowd and clock-in and clock-off you will not get too far.
38 · CONNECTIONS
The Young Achiever category also
aims to foster interest in the Young
Leaders Group being developed
by ACASPA. This year the award
attracted five grand entries and
among them was a standout project
delivered by Robert Bull of NSE
based EH Brett and Sons.
The brief presented to Robert
Bull of EH Brett was relatively
straightforward: the design and
delivery of a membrane structure
at St Angela’s Catholic Primary
School in Castle Hill, Sydney’s
North West.
However, the project appeared
to present a series of design
challenges and complexities.
Fortunately these were not tough
enough to deter the relatively
youthful Robert, who was confident
about managing all aspects to
deliver a suitable structure.
The school sported an unusual
problem: as part of the school BER
programme, they had commissioned
a new school hall adjacent to a
COLA (covered outdoor learning
area), with the idea that the COLA
would provide overflow seating to
the hall by way of huge vertically
operated folding doors.
However during rainy days,
the six-metre gap between the
structures meant a wet seating area
with the added risk of damage
to the hall’s timber floors. To say
nothing of the OH&S risk presented
by slippery wet floors.
The request was to come up
with a membrane structure which
would effectively join these two
very different roofed structures not
sited squarely next door to each
other — one which created a large
continuous auditorium protected
from weather.
‘Young Achiever’ Robert handled
the project from beginning to
end; the design, fabrication and
installation of a structure to join two
different shaped roofs to provide
a large continuous and more open
waterproof area for the school
students and hall.
Another key aspect was to
minimise the potential OH&S issue
of slippery floors by installing a
6.2m x 22m infill PVC membrane
between the two existing structures
Robert was able to successfully
open up their outdoor under cover
AWARDSfor Excellence
Following on from last year, the special award category of Young Achievers was very generously sponsored by Ricky Richards. This award recognises the impressive achievements by the younger members of ACASPA’s community.
Young gun
Joining two buildings was a complex task.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 39
area, so the school and its students
can now enjoy the quadrangle and
hall area in all weather conditions.
Dealing with complexitiesDevising a structural solution that
was going to be functional and at
the same time visually appealing
was extremely challenging; the
existing buildings were not square
to the variances in degrees of the
slopes in the skillion roof of the
COLA to the hip roof of the hall.
The outcome is a unique
membrane structure with varying
radius curves, lengths and angles
in steelwork that required the PVC
membrane to fit like a glove.
None of these elements was
exactly the same — not one piece
of steel was the same length or
bent to the same radius and not
one seam on the membrane was
straight or parallel to another
member or seam.
To achieve this, Robert first
surveyed the area to determine the
final rafter properties — lengths,
angles & curves; then ensured the
eaves were clear of overhangs, but
at the same time staying as close
as possible to the roof to minimise
any wind driven rain that may blow
in the sides of the structure.
A professional surveyor
examined the structure’s twisted
shape and assessed the amount of
steel required; there was no clear
line of site to the Theodolite and
therefore three different reference
points had to be picked up to take
all of the measurements. Data was
then patterned and converted into
a plot file for welding.
The structure was custom built
on site with the aid of machinery
to work at heights and also to lift
materials into position.
The hall had a skillion with a pitch
of 15 degrees, while the COLA had
a hipped roof with open gable, with
a pitch of 30 degrees. The client
also had an OH&S requirement
on this structure to incorporate
digitally printed warning signs
(‘Danger: do not walk on structure’)
on the membrane.
THE GENESIS OF BRETT’SThe origins of EH Brett & Sons are somewhat colourful: the business was founded in a rowing boat on Sydney Harbour more than a century ago by Edwin Henry Brett.
Over the decades Brett’s has been working with textiles and been witness to the evolution of the industry — the changes and developments in fabrics and methods and ways of working with them.
The team has adapted to embrace new fabrics, production techniques and ideas in all areas of fabrication.
What sorts of fabrics? Canvas sails for clippers to tension membranes for shade; truck tarps and side curtains, roll top tarping systems and prairie covers; also bunting and flags and enormous aerial heli-banners.www.brettproducts.com.au
Result!Robert reputedly displayed
excellent customer service skills.
This project demanded a series
of site visits and concept drawings
as well as quoting; final design;
managing other trades, surveyors,
and engineers; organising,
overseeing and giving guidance
to the work team on site, and the
manufacture of the membrane.
Robert skilfully handled all of this
along with design coordination
and procurement of all materials
and services.
Both Robert and the client are
very pleased with the end result,
with EH Brett, saying “As a business
we are proud of the finished
product which demonstrates the
versatility of fabric in addressing
a unique building challenge!”
Connections chatted to Robert
Bull who described his Young
Achiever award win as “Amazing
— there is a lot of good work and
strong competition out there and
I hoped to be in the top three…
but to win it!”
He went on to explain that
following the initial inquiry in
July 2010 it was a case of going
“Backwards and forwards weekly
between the Catholic Education
Board and school to ensure the
right product and materials would
be used to meet all requirements.
“The actual work order was
received by Brett’s just before
Christmas last year and we aimed
to complete the structure during
the summer school holiday period.
Work involved steel fabrication
and bending as well as transport
of materials etc, so we anticipated
finishing the job by late January or
early February.
“The actual time on site one-and-
a-half weeks. But planning was
stretched over a long time.”
Robert clearly had the depth of
experience to competently take on
the project. Since leaving school
ten years ago he has worked on
shade sails and general canvas
work and gained valuable building
skills by pursuing carpentry
qualifications.“Then I was lured back
into this great industry!” he said.
“I started out sweeping floors
and now I’m production manager
which shows you can start at the
bottom and work your way up.
My daily tasks involve working
with floor staff to ensure proper
standards, taking customer calls
and arranging quotes; you could
say I am wearing many hats.
“Hard work pays off. If you
just blend into the crowd and
clock-in and clock-off you will not
get too far.
“And I say customers are always
right! I meet their needs and
requirements which is necessary
to prove you are the right person
for the job. My general business
skills, trade background and
knowledge help us win tenders
and complete tasks correctly
and on time.”
Working closely with business
owners and brothers Greg and
Ross Penman has enabled Robert
to hone his skills.
Currently he’s working on a
dome canopy that involves digital
printing and “lots of shaping,
cutting and high frequency
welding”. The masterpiece is
destined for the snowfield launch
of a new — and as yet unnamed —
vehicle; all will be unveiled in
due course.
40 · CONNECTIONS
The word “extreme” means
different things to different people.
But when brides and grooms
demand the wedding of their
dreams, regardless or unaware
of the challenges, tents—and tent
professionals—often can and do
save the day. Read on to see how
five tent companies made out-of-
the-ordinary weddings possible.
Wedding on iceSnow and ice are just part of the
job for Eagle River, Alaska-based
Over the Top Tents and Events. So
when a young couple requested a
tented, winter wedding on a frozen
lake in Anchorage, owner Shelby
Johansen didn’t hesitate to take
the job.
“I’ve got a great crew and we
run into these things all the time,”
he says, adding that the biggest
challenge was staking the tent down
without tearing up the surrounding
ice, which was to be used as a
skating rink during the celebration.
It’s not uncommon to have high
winds at the base of the mountain
where the event took place, so
Johansen and his crew focused
on how best to safely secure
the tent to the ice. After careful
consideration, they decided to use
ice screws similar to those used by
mountain climbers.
“We screwed them into the ice
and then poured hot water over
them to freeze them in so they
wouldn’t move,” Johansen explains.
“It wasn’t a very big tent, but it was
still about six or seven thousand
pounds of fabric that needed to be
held down in the wind.”
Installation only took about four
hours because the crew planned
the process well ahead of time,
Johansen says. Everything the
Extreme tented weddingsIce, sand dune, trees and more: Tent pros pull off extraordinary wedding installations, says Meleah Maynard of IFAI’s InTents magazine.
Left: Taking tent design to futuristic new heights.
Above: Over the Top Tents and Events set up a 20-by-20 foot and a 10-by-20 foot tent for a wedding on ice. The tents by Warner Shelter Systems are a good choice for cold weather installations, Over the Top owner Shelby Johansen says. Photo by Sam Barber.
installation team needed was
hauled to the site in a truck and
then offloaded onto a sled that they
pulled with a snowmobile right up
to the lake. “We were concerned
about the wind the whole time,
but the evening ended up being
beautiful for a winter wedding,”
Johansen says.
Accommodating mature treesThe stone terrace at Graydon
Hall Manor in Toronto, Canada,
is home to seven large trees that
needed to be accommodated in
a tented structure for weddings
and other special events. Fiesta
Tents Ltd. of Quebec took on
the project, which required the
design and manufacture of a tent
that could be taken down and
reinstalled whenever functions
were scheduled.
“It was complicated because
each tree had between three and
nine branches that needed to pass
through the top of the tent,” says
Fiesta international sales manager
Alexandre Renaud. Another
challenge was the fact that the
top of the tent was clear vinyl, so
any imperfections would be quick
to show. Because the location’s
main attraction is its spectacular
gardens, the tent needed to
provide shelter from the elements
without compromising the view
It was a team effort to create
the tented structure, which fits
over the entire stone terrace and
incorporates four access points
and two sets of stairs. Toronto-
based JJL Events Inc. designed
the tent and came up with the
plan for incorporating the branches
while Fiesta manufactured the
finished product. “We also
custom built the frame so the
components don’t interfere with
the branching,” Renaud says.
Ongoing installation and removal
of the tent is done by Toronto’s
Regal Tent Productions Ltd.
After preliminary discussions, it
took about five weeks to complete
the frame and tent. Each branch
was measured to ensure the
openings were the right size.
TECH-NICAL
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 41
C O M M E R C I A L S H A D E C L O T H
100% Australian made and owned
Meets AS1530.2, AS1530.3, CSFM Title 19, 1237.1 (1993), NFPA 701, ASTM E84 Class A
• 5 cool colours
• 3.25 metres wide
• Custom widths and lengths available by request
• 10 year UV warranty
• Install and forget – NO retensioning
strongest FRshadecloth on the market
Designed for many applications including:
• Council Parks • Shopping Centre Car Parks• Shade Structures • Shade Sails • Childrens Playground Area • School Outdoor Lunch Areas • Athletic Events • Swimming Pool Canopies• Outdoor Recreation Areas • Truck Tarpaulins • Umbrellas • Nurseries
National Distributor:
7 Tombo Street, Capalaba, QLD 4157Phone: 07 3245 6756 Fax: 07 3245 6955
QLD Distributor:
Made In Australia
Monotec 370 is proudly manufactured in Australia by PRO-KNIT Industries Pty Ltd www.monotec.com.au
Ricky Richards (Sales) Pty Ltd 16 Park Road, Homebush NSW 2140 Phone: 02 9735 3333 Fax: 02 9735 3311www.rickyrichards.com.au
Summit Cream
Precision Grey
Spartan Green
Southern Sand
Thibault Blue
42 · CONNECTIONS
An extra flap of fabric that wraps
around the branches on the outside
of the roof line is held down with
tensioning straps to keep rain from
dripping into the tent.
Creating an upscale visionA wedding in the Hamptons with a
white-on-white minimalist theme
was the perfect opportunity for
Stamford Tent & Event Services of
Stamford, Connecticut, to show off
a new wide plank flooring option.
But to make that happen, the
budget needed to be the opposite
of “minimal.”
Requested by decorators, event
planners and others who want
an upscale look for social and
corporate events, the flooring can
be cut to varying lengths and hand-
finished in pickled birch or English
chestnut, says Stamford owner and
manager Steve Frost.
For the Hamptons wedding,
planned by Elizabeth K. Allen, the
flooring required two things: a level
sub floor and a generous budget,
says Frost. Installation is time-
consuming, and the flooring must
be covered during the process to
protect it from scratching.
The flawless floor was so
impressive that guests wondered
aloud whether their host, an
architect, planned to have it
installed permanently somewhere.
“People like this because it
doesn’t look like a typical rental
flooring option,” Frost says. “It looks
like something they would put in
their own home.”
Perfecting a seaside perchWhen a hurricane swept away a
house on the eastern end of Long
Island, it left behind a 16-foot-tall
sand dune with a breathtaking view
of the ocean—the perfect spot for a
tented wedding. After interviewing
several companies, the groom
chose Starr Tents of Mt. Vernon,
New York, for the job. It was a
challenging installation to be sure,
says owner Christopher H. Starr,
but it was not insurmountable.
“We’re often asked to do
complicated projects and we don’t
shy away from something even if
we haven’t done it before,” he says.
Though a frame tent would have
been easier to install, the event
designer, David Stark Design,
Brooklyn, New York requested a
tension tent. So Starr and his team
created a long staking system to
secure the largest tent, which was
used for the dinner, on the dune.
“We used special ratchet straps
that were made to extend to the
stakes down below,” Starr says.
Though the tent appeared to
be sitting on land when viewed
from the beach, it was actually
constructed atop an elaborate
flooring system. Down the hill
from the dinner tent, Starr’s team
also installed a cocktail tent so
guests could walk up from the
beach after the ceremony for
drinks before moving on to the
larger tent for dinner.
“We built a long ramp that went
all the way down to the beach, and
then the dinner tent had a deck
outside so people could walk
around two sides of it,” Starr explains.
No room for errorThe castle-style estate in Florida
chosen by rapper T. I. (Clifford
Harris Jr.) and Tameka “Tiny”
Cottle provided both the elegance
and privacy they desired for
their wedding reception—but it
came with timeline and technical
challenges for tent installer
EventStar of Miami, Florida.
The impressively designed light and airy wedding marquees bringing the outside in.
EventCouture LLC of Atlanta,
Georgia produced the lavish
event and called on longtime
partner EventStar for tented
options for the reception.
A lakeside design was chosen
that ideally would have required
five to six days to construct, says
EventStar’s Gerry Melendez.
But because the daily rate
for being on the site was cost
prohibitive, the crew was given
just three days for installation.
“We worked more than 12 hours
a day for three days and we got
it done on time,” Melendez says.
Because the terrain was uneven,
EventStar had to level the site
before flooring could be laid, and
everything needed to be measured
precisely so glass panels along the
estate-facing side of the tent could
be inserted.
“Those glass panels would never
have worked if everything wasn’t
perfectly level to within an eighth
of an inch of tolerance,” EventStar
president Alain Perez says. “We
went out three times with lasers to
survey the site to be sure we had
the measurements right. No one
knew we’d had to work so hard to
do the levelling because ultimately
the bottom of the tent was hidden
by a white skirt.”
This article reproduced from
InTents with kind permission
from IFAI.
We’re often asked to do complicated projects and we don’t shy away
from something even if we haven’t
done it before
TECH-NICAL
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 43
Asia 201226-28 June • SingaporeSuntec Singapore InternationalConvention & Exhibition Centre
ifaiexpoasia.com
Asia 201226-28 June • SingaporeSuntec Singapore InternationalConvention & Exhibition Centre
ifaiexpoasia.com
Your gateway to business opportunities in Asia PacificIncluding Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Malaysia, China, and 14 other emerging countries for technical textiles.
Contact Todd Lindemann at IFAI: tvlindemann@ifai.com or +1 651 225 6918
“This was the show we were missing in Southeast Asia.” - Eike Eberle, Sioen Coated Fabrics (Shanghai), IFAI Expo Asia 2011 exhibitor
Organized by:
Co-Managed by:
i faiexpoasia.com
44 · CONNECTIONS
Shann’s new perspective on blinds and awningsThink of summer and invariably
outdoor spaces to enjoy the warm
weather come to mind, whether
that’s relaxing at home, dining
out or enjoying a cool drink
at the local watering hole.
Protection from the sun is also
important as the hot Australian
summer takes its toll. Now, thanks
to Shann, taking advantage
of our great outdoors is easier,
and more affordable than ever.
Launching their latest blind and
awning range, Perspective
by Shann is purpose built
to be affordable without
compromising performance.
Featuring in the initial launch
of the Perspective range are the:
Cantina folding arm awning,
Channel Blind system designed
for alfresco living and dining
areas, pergolas and verandas
and VertiShade, aclever fully
cassetted head box blind system
designed for vertical drop
sun blinds.
“With the domestic market
continuing to follow commercial
trends around café blinds and
awnings, our new Perspective
range offers our clients and their
customer’s affordable and attractive
options to enjoy outdoor living”
explains Martin O’Shannassy,
Marketing Director of Shann.
The Perspective range rivals
expensive European products
and delivers exceptional and
stunning results. Sourced from
respected suppliers using high
quality materials which are further
enhanced and re-engineered
in Australia to suit Australian
The latest offerings from ASASPA members
conditions, the Perspective range
create comprehensive and
perfectly price pointed offering
for a wide range of domestic and
commercial applications.
Martin further explains, “The
Perspective range is absolutely
designed for commercial and
hospitality applications as well as
domestic situations. Because the
products are so adaptable and
engineered for performance they
can be specified and installed
with confidence”.
And true too that the benefits
of the Perspective range carry
through to the winter months,
allowing outside areas to be an
extension of the indoors regardless
of inclement weather. With a further
two new products due for launch
into the range in September, the
Perspective range really does offer
a complete and cost effective array
of window solutions.
Backed by a full-service, high-
energy sales and a comprehensive
range of products from leading
suppliers to a diverse range of
industries. The company’s
commitment to excellence and
superior product sees its staff
constantly travelling to trade
shows and visiting suppliers
to ensure continual product
development and improvement.
The uncomplicated and
reliable design of the Perspective
Cantina folding arm awning
makes it perfect for application
in residential, commercial and
hospitality settings. Available
manual or motorised in a range
of 15 beautiful Planosol® colours
and designs, the Cantina folding
arm awning is practical, stylish
and perfectly price pointed.
The Channel Blind system has
been created for alfresco living
areas, pergolas and verandas.
Designed without pull ropes or
zip closures, the smooth crank
operating mechanism of the
Channel Blind is effective and
easy to use.
VertiShade is a clever, fully
cassetted head box system
designed for vertical drop
sunblinds. Installed recessed into
the window frame, VertiShade
creates a contemporary flush look
to each façade.
For more information, quotes
or images contact Melissa Vine,
National Product Manager —
Industrial Fabrics, Shann Australia
on (03) 8480 0800.
E: melissav@shann.com.au
www.shann.com.au
SPOTLIGHT
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 45
&
The Bricos Group — doing business since 1972Established in 1972, the Bricos
Group has a long and respected
history in the internal window
coverings industry providing
fabricators and retail customers
with outstanding sales support
and a quality range of sales and
marketing tools for expanding
business opportunities in internal
blind and curtain lining fabrics.
Mark Wood, National Sales
Manager for the Bricos Group,
says the company has plenty
to offer ACASPA members. “We
offer our counterparts in the
external window covering industry
and we’d like to partner with them,
to help them grow their business
in the internal side of the window
furnishing market,” Mark said.
The Bricos Group’s display at
Expo 2011 included three quality
ranges of Blind Fabrics, including the
Designer Collection, Sunshadow®
mesh and the Roller, Roman &
Panel Glide Collection as well as
examples of Curtain Linings from
the quality Just Linings range.
“While displaying our fabrics
at the Expo, with the main goal
of showcasing the support and
resources we have available
for businesses, we were able to
discuss the goals of business
owners and how the Bricos business
model can help to expand their
product offering,” Mark explained.
Bricos’ partnering programme
includes technical support, free
educational training for fabricators
and their customers, and retail
point of sale material.
ACASPA members planning
to expand can take advantage
of the Bricos Group’s long
standing expertise and access
to resources which includes a
specially designed Triple-Pack of
fabric swatches in fashion colours
and patterns suitable for every
residential and commercial window
covering requirement.
“Our Triple-Pack is a key
resource that presents fabric
sampling in an easy to manage
format with specially designed
lift out swatches that have been
developed for ease of use when
coordinating colours and fabric
types,” Mark said.
“The Bricos Group is the
Exclusive Distributor for several
Blockout ranges along with the
Designer Collection of decorative
blind fabrics and Sunshadow®
internal mesh in Australia and
New Zealand providing Bricos
customers with competitive
advantages on sought-after window
covering products,” Mark said.
Other benefits include a fast
turn-around Skins and Cut Length
Services which offer a premium
service that delivers economies
in terms of time, and wastage and
eliminates the need to purchase
entire rolls for small jobs.
The Bricos Group has
warehouses in Queensland and
Victoria which store and despatch
fabrics within 48 hours to major
regional centres.
For more information contact
Mark Wood on 0439 743 522.
SPOTLIGHT
46 · CONNECTIONS
Absolute Trade Supplies (ATS) ATS proudly manufactures and
distributes the high quality
Abshade architectural shade
fabrics. ATS is excited to
announce an improvement in the
manufacturing process of the
Abshade product.
Sales Consultant Daniel Tonkin
said “ATS has always been
renowned for offering the lowest
prices for quality shadecloth within
the Australian market. We are now
able to combine with a product
second to none, as our new state
of the art stentoring machine has
come online.”
ATS’s architectural range of shade
cloths have always been heat set or
stentored. However it is clear that
ATS is determined to continually
make developments, and therefore
has invested in the new machine
in order to give their customers
access to the best product
possible. Product development
manager Colin Covill explained.
“Any change made to our
products is like fine tuning a high
performance racing engine. Our
products are technically excellent;
however we have never been quite
satisfied with the degree of flatness
and curl. This machine will not
change the physical make up of
our Shadecloth, however it gives us
the ability to virtually eliminate curl
and reduce shrinkage even further
resulting in a stand out product at
amazing prices. With the ability
to micro manage temperature
settings and the speed the fabric
moves through the heating
chamber, the end result will be a
more consistent product across our
entire architectural range.”
www.absolutetradesupplies.com.au
Successful debut of new Durkopp Adler M-Type model: H867
A change for FerrariThe world renowned Ferrari textiles
brand recently changed the business
name and brand to Serge Ferrari in
honour of the company founder.
Launched in France 38 years ago
by Serge Ferrari, the company has
developed into a global player in
the manufacture and marketing of
composite textiles, now exporting
to more than 80 countries under
the guiding hands of Serge’s sons
Sebastien and Romain Ferrari.
The Australian launch of the
new company name and distinctive
logo coincided with the 2011
ACASPA Expo. In Australia the
extensive range of Ferrari fabrics
are available from Melbourne
based Innova International.
Managing Director Ian Knox
said “there is a new focus and
excitement within the partnership
network and we expect a continuous
flow of product enhancements
in this and future years. Ongoing
success will similarly be
underpinned by Serge Ferrari’s
commitment to producing superior
quality textiles in their integrated
manufacturing operations in France
and Switzerland.”
Both Innova and Serge Ferrari
credit their growth in Australia to
their long standing partnership,
R&D driven technological
advances and genuinely
sustainable practices.
www.innnovaint.com.au
Such is the quality of industry
visitors to the ACASPA Expo,
DASEC and Durkopp Adler
chose that event to debut the
prototype H867. Shown for the
first time outside of Germany, and
in its second only public viewing,
the H867 drew comments and
praise from visitors and industry
delegates alike. It is modelled
from the most successful medium-
heavy duty industrial sewing
machine in the world — the
famous M-Type from Durkopp
Adler AG, Bielefeld in Germany.
After TexProcess the machine
was returned to Durkopp Adler’s
R+D department for final
checking before being
airfreighted to Sydney.
Designed and manufactured
in Europe, H867 will go into
production later in 2011 and ready
for delivery from January 2012.
With features such as: new hook
system with 3XL sewing hook,
largest bobbin capacity; sewing
speed up to 2000spm; robust
thread trimmer guarantees safe
and clean cutting of extremely
heavy sewing thread; full
automatic lubrication system;
self start bobbin winding system;
powerful and effective triple
feed system; modern, up-to-date
construction and operator controls.
H867 brings sewing parameters
previously unavailable in heavy
duty sewing.
For more information on H867
contact DASEC on 02 9645 2500
or visit www.dasec.com.au
A MALAYSIAN COMPANY MARKET LEADER in Malaysia in shadesails
& tension membrane structures with yearly profits is now for sale to
Australians as the owner will be retiring. It is an opportunity for Australians
to tap into Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines.
If interested, kindly email to datojeffteoh@suncoolmalaysia.com.my or
jeffteoh@tm.net.my to receive more information.
BUSINESSFOR SALE
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 47
HVG continues push into fabrics market HVG Fabrics’ investment as a gold
sponsor of the recent ACASPA
Expo was the latest initiative in
an ongoing campaign by the
company to increase its profile and
presence in the decorative and
industrial fabrics market.
One of four gold sponsors for
the expo, the brand also had a
strong presence on the exhibition
floor, showcasing its latest range
of fabric solutions for the domestic
and commercial shade, blind and
awning, agricultural, marine and
transport markets.
Expo-goers got a look at HVG
Fabrics’ full range of industrial
fabric solutions, including the
Tarpee Polyfabric, a premium
Japanese-woven PE fabric for
grain, shelter and structure covers,
dam liners, poultry curtains and
tent flooring.
HVG Industrial Fabrics’ Business
Manager, John Wood said the
Tarpee Polyfabric, sourced from
HVG’s long term partner Hagihara
Industries in Japan, demonstrated
the global connections of HVG.
“With a global reach of suppliers
and products, we do the leg
work to find the right products
for the right applications for our
customers. We’re also confident in
the quality of our product range
and put our reputation on the line
to back these products with a
broad range of warranty options,”
John said.
Other product highlights at the
ACASPA Expo included the Flex
PVC for outdoor, agricultural,
industrial and transport
applications and the Extrablock
Shadecloth for commercial and
domestic shade sails.
HVG Fabrics’ eye-catching stand
at Sydney Convention & Exhibition
Centre also threw the spotlight
on its range of decorative fabrics
and films, including the Visiontex
outdoor awning mesh, EASISLIP
window films and Nautolex marine-
grade vinyls.
A PVC coated, high tensile
polyester, Visiontex is ideal for
outdoor applications such as
awnings, drop blinds, marine
canopies, light weight sails
and umbrellas.
EASISLIP is a high quality
Japanese PVC suitable for both
internal and external applications,
while Nautolex is a patented
seat vinyl with abrasion and stain
resistant properties for outdoor
marine and commercial seating.
“We’re in the midst of an ongoing
campaign to increase our profile
and presence in the fabrics
market and the expo was a perfect
platform to showcase our entire
portfolio of fabric products under
one roof,” said Daniel Gollan,
Business Manager, HVG Decorative
Fabrics and Films.
While the expo was a terrific
opportunity for HVG Fabrics
to display its latest products to
a who’s who of the industry,
HVG CEO Bruce Rayment said
the brand’s strengths also lay
in its experienced staff, network
of locations and extensive
stock supplies.
“With a stable national team
with 130-plus years of combined
industry knowledge, HVG is an
alliance partner with a technical
and commercial instinct you
can trust,” Bruce explained.
“Our national network of sales
specialists, six distribution centres
around the country and large stock
holdings also means we have the
products where and when you
need them.”
He added that Rayment said
HVG Fabrics also had the
marketing resources and advice
to ensure the latest personalised
sampling and marketing
innovations and point of sale
marketing packages to enhance
customers’ company profile.
For more information on HVG
Fabrics’ range of products visit
www.hvgfabrics.com.au
The Buz about tabletsPC tablets are now being released
by everyone: Apple, Samsung,
Motorola and Acer to name a few.
They are powered by different
companies and not all of them will
suit your needs. We at BUZ Software
have decided to design our
software to work on all the tablets.
Buz Software has always offered
online wholesale ordering on the
internet, and this works well for
our wholesale customers. Now we
have enhanced this area and made
it work for retail quoting on any
tablet or portable computer, you
can even do it on your phone if you
are desperate!
Your retail sales reps will have
access to their up-to-date diaries,
be able to do their quoting with
discount options in real time at
the customers home or office.
The orders will be saved to the
office so the office can answer
customer enquiries and be ready
for production and invoicing within
seconds of your customer giving
the go ahead.
BUZ Software has a dedicated
team that is prepared to listen
and grow with your business,
accessing new technologies to get
the best results for your needs.
For more information about Buz
visit www.buzsoftware.com.au
48 · CONNECTIONS
ACASPA Promo Advert (Aug2011).indd 1 17/08/11 12:38 PM
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 49
Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Road, St Kilda VIC 3182Phone 03 9521 2114 Local Call 1300 555 787 Fax 03 9521 2116 Email office@acaspa.com.auWeb www.acaspa.com.au ABN 83 594 171 330 Australian Canvas and Synthetic Products Association Inc
acaspa
Company / Business Name
ABN or ACN # Please supply proof of business registration with this application
Does your business trade under any other name? Yes No If yes, what is the other trading name
Address
State Postcode
Telephone ( ) Fax ( ) Mobile
E-mail Web
Name of Business Owner Position held in business
Name of second business contact/representative Position held in business
Has this business or any other business owned by you (either now or previously) ever been reported to the ACCC? Yes No (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) If yes, please provide details to accompany this application
What area of the industry are you involved in? Blinds and Awnings Marine Motor Trimmer Shade Sails installer Supplier to the industry (specify)Flags and /Banners Sailmaker GeoSynthetics Shade Sail Fabricator Other
What Products do you manufacture, design or supply?
Full Membership Category
n FABRICATOR Construction/Manufacture from prepared components n ASSOCIATE Individuals interested in ACASPA objectivesn SuPPlIER Material/Component/Equipment /Services n AFFIlIATE Organisations affiliated with ACASPA
Do you belong to any other Industry Association? n Yes n No If Yes, please list
Applicants are required to be proposed and seconded by an ACASPA Member – If you do not know of any Members, please contact our Office for further assistance
Proposed by Company Name Telephone
Seconded by Company Name Telephone
I, (name of business owner) agree to abide by the Statement of Purposes and Rules of the Association and its Code of Ethics. I understand that should at any time any of the information supplied by me is found to be false/incorrect, my membership will be immediately withdrawn from the Association.
Signature (of business owner) Date
Payment Details Amount $
EFT - Payments to NAB Account # 50 757 1523 BSB # 083 166
Cheque Mastercard Visa AMEX
Credit Card Number / / /
Expiry Date /
Name as it appears on card
Signature
Date
Annual Membership Fees
Tiered fee structure based on average number of employees (Prices are inclusive of GST)
1 to 5 Employees $510 6 to 15 Employees $855 16 or more employees $1155 Associate $160 Affiliate $190
(pro-rata Rate applies July through to March plus $100 processing fee. This will be calculated by ACASPA office)
Current from 1st April 2011 to 31st March 2012
Membership Application Form
MA
M87
20
ACASPA Promo Advert (Aug2011).indd 1 17/08/11 12:38 PM
50 · CONNECTIONS
Quality Assured Company
Head Office:130 Denison Street Hillsdale NSW 2036PO Box 94 Matraville 2036Phone 1300 13 14 67Fax (02) 9695 3222
www.leister.com.au
TRIAC S
PLASTIC WELDING
Just perfect
The microprocessor-con-trolled, high-performancemachine for extrafast andeconomical tape weldingof industrial fabrics orcoated woven materials.
UNIMAT TAPE40 mm or 50 mm
Follow the Footprints…
Above: Bright green footprints’were a prominent feature of the Innova International display stand.
Bright green footprints surrounding
the Innova International display
stand at ACASPA Expo 2011
proved intriguing for delegates.
What did they signify? Innova’s
strong focus on reducing the
company’s carbon footprint.
Innova International Managing
Director, Ian Knox said “We have
introduced the Remove-Recycle-
Replace concept to the market with
the support of our partner Serge
Ferrari of France. This activity
linked to the patented Texyloop
process makes possible the
responsible reduction of waste or
end-of-life materials.”
He explained there have been
many examples where fabric from
tension membrane structures has
been removed, cleaned and then
delivered to Innova International in
Melbourne. Fabrics are then stored
until there is a sufficient quantity
to fill a container which is then
exported to Europe for recycling.
“Life cycle assessment (LCA)
confirms that the creation of raw
materials from recycling is a
decisive factor that significantly
reduces environmental impacts,”
Ian said. “The Texyloop process
enables recycling of 100% of the
components of coated polyester
textiles and can accommodate
fabrics from various overseas mills,
based on a certified assessment.”
As Expo delegates would attest,
the super-sized Innova International
stand provided a glamorous series
of images covering the diverse
range of Serge Ferrari products
including their architectural fabrics,
Soltis solar protection textiles and
the Stamoid marine collection. Also
featured was a striking montage
of exhibition structures/buildings
from the 2010 World Expo in
Shanghai. In all, 14 individual
country displays showcased Serge
Ferrari materials.
SPOTLIGHT
Unit 12, 7-17 Geddes St. Mulgrave, VIC 3170Tel: 03 9561 8779 | Fax: 03 9562 0017Email: hiraoka@bigpond.net.auABN 74 108 919 615
Unit 12, 7-17 Geddes St. Mulgrave, VIC 3170Tel: 03 9561 8779 | Fax: 03 9562 0017Email: hiraoka@bigpond.net.auABN 74 108 919 615
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 51
52 · CONNECTIONS
QUEENSLAND
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
TASMANIA
VICTORIA
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
SYDNEY INSTITUTE OF TAFEPh (02) 9217 4601 Fax (02) 9217 4963
Contact: Lawrence De Paoli
lawrence.depaoli@tafensw.edu.au
www.sit.nsw.edu.au/sailmaking
NSW & NT
REGISTERED TRAINING ORGANISATIONS
LAWRENCE DE PAOLILawrence De Paoli
Ph (02) 9217 4601 Fax (02) 9217 4963
lawrence.depaoli@tafensw.edu.au
TASMANIA INSTITUTE OF TAFEPh 1300 655 307
Fax (03) 6233 7830
www.tafe.tas.edu.
RMIT UNIVERSITYPh (03) 9925 9182 Fax (03) 9925 9129
Contact: Kent Williamson
kent.williamson@rmit.edu.au
www.rmit.edu.au
25 Dawson Street Brunswick
Vic 3056
LAWRENCE DE PAOLILawrence De Paoli
Ph (02) 9217 4601 Fax (02) 9217 4963
lawrence.depaoli@tafensw.edu.au
TAFE WAPh (08) 9207 4412
Fax (08) 9207 4399
Gary McCormick
Swan College, Balga Campus
Gate 1 Lockswood Road, Balga WA
OCTOBERConference on Collaborative
Design and LSAA Design Awards
Thursday 13 and Friday 14 October
Novotel Sydney Olympic Park
Workshop: Design of Tensioned
Fabric and Shadecloth Structures
Wednesday 12 October
Novotel Sydney Olympic Park
www.collaborativedesign.com.au
www.lsaa.org
IFAI Advanced Textiles
Americas 2011
Monday October 24 to Tuesday
October 25
Baltimore Convention Center in
Baltimore, Maryland (As part of
IFAI Expo Americas 2011)
www.ifaiexpo.com/advanced_
textiles.cfm
IFAI Expo Americas 2011
Tuesday October 25 to
Wednesday October 27
Baltimore Convention Centre,
Maryland, USA
Leading the way in specialty
fabrics: the largest specialty
fabrics trade show in the Americas.
www.ifaiexpo.com
NOVEMBER/DECEMBERCanvas Products Association
Zone 7 2011 Conference
Wednesday November 30
to Friday December 2
Hilton Akron / Fairlawn Akron,
Ohio, US.
Zone 7 trade organisation
comprises fabric product
manufacturers and suppliers from
US states Ohio, Pennsylvania,
Michigan, West Virginia, Western
New York and Northern Kentucky.
www.canvaszone7.com
2012JANUARY2012 MFA National Convention
Friday January 20 to Sunday
January 22, 2012
Hilton Hotel,
New Orleans, Louisiana, US
Described as the premier
convention for the marine
fabrication industry, this event
enables marine canvas delegates
to enhance skills and make new
business connections.
www.marinecanvas.com
FEBRUARYTent Conference 2012
Sunday February 26
to Tuesday February 28
New York, NY Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada
Tent Conference 2012 is the
marketplace for preparing
for the future. New products,
innovative ideas and
networking opportunities
during sessions will address
clearspan installations, fall
protection in tents, evacuation
procedures and weather
challenges. The conference also
features The Idea Factory and
Event Solutions/Catersource.
www.tentexperts.org
MARCHIFAI Expo Canada 2012
Thursday March 29 to Friday
March 30, 2012
Delta Meadowvale Resort and
Conference Centre
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
The annual IFAI Canada Expo
brings together specialty
fabrics manufacturers and
businesses. The event features
dedicated exposition hours
on the exhibit floor, combined
with a compelling and
interactive program.
www.ifaicanada.com
MAYACASPA EXPO 2012
Saturday May 26 to Monday
May 28, 2012
At the centrally located, premier
events venue, Melbourne
Exhibition Centre.
ACASPA Expo 2012 will feature
a two-day exhibition, business
sessions and social events.
The very popular Awards for
Excellence dinner takes place on
Monday evening, May 28.
More details to come, visit
www.acaspa.com.au
JUNEIFAI EXPO ASIA 2012
Tuesday June 26 to Thursday
June 28 2012
Suntec Singapore International
Convention and Exhibition
Centre, Singapore
A dynamic trade exhibition
and conference dedicated to
technical textiles in Asia Pacific.
See the pages of this magazine
for more details or log on to:
www.ifaiexpoasia.com
ACROSS THE GLOBE
EVENTS
SALE/LEASE Rodda Tarpaulins — BordertownIdeally situated within the transport hub of Adel-Melb, upper & lower SE a & Sthn Mallee. 38 year established with large reliable client base of freighters & agriculturists, roll tops, general tarps & assoc. canvas goods. Expansion available for blinds & shade sails with enthusiastic buyer. Exc rural living c/w sporting schooling & medical facilities. Owner to assist transition on sale. Interest invited. Contact Ross Rodda on 0429 809 798
DISTRIBUTORLooking for distributors or agents for the “Street Smart Umbrella” Lightweight, two part rectangular cantilevered umbrella for street dining.This is a unique product and a great opportunity.Please contact James at Yarra Shade Co on 03 9676 2476. jamesmcc@yarrashade.com.au
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 · 53
P: 1300 854 811F: 1300 658 889
www.hvgfabrics.com.aufabrics@hvg.net.au
The FLEX range of PVCs.Muscle in on the value!
Our FLEX PVC range
guarantees absolute strength and durability for outdoor, agricultural, industrial and
transport applications.
VynaFLEX CoverFLEX EnduroFLEX AlphaFLEX >