SPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSOCIATION INC. Vol 12 No 4July • August 2012
STA member newS | 3D ShADe SAilS | memberS in The SpoTlighT | rTos
STA Life MeMberShip
max brady honoured
STA Expo 2012All the words and pictures
YouNg LeAderS’ chALLeNgeTalent on show
YieLdS froM fieLdSA look at agriculture
Overall AwArd for exceLLeNce wINNEr: Fabritecture
JULY• AUgUst 2012 · 1
6
CONNECTIONS magazine is published on behalf of the specialised textiles Association Inc. by Commstrat Limited.
Publisher Commstrat
editor Nicola [email protected]
Contributors Alan stewart
design & ProduCtion Annette [email protected]
PhotogrAPhY Nicola Card, Frank geremia, gianni Drougas
nAtionAl sAles MAnAger Yuri MamistvalovPhone: 03 8534 [email protected]
CoMMstrAt ABN 31 008 434 802
Level 8, 574 st Kilda RdMelbourne Vic 3004www.commstrat.com.au
sPeCiAlised textiles AssoCiAtionsuite 201, 22 st Kilda Road,st Kilda 3182 VICPhone: 03 9521 2114Local call: 1300 555 787Fax: 03 9521 2116www.specialisedtextiles.com.au
Disclaimer: Except where specifically stated, the opinions and material published in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or the stA Council.
Contents
AssoCiAtion MAtters2 Report from incoming STA
President Lance St Hill4 STA office update32 STA welcomes new members36 State COM reports 46 Industry Leader Max The prolific Max Brady appointed Life
Member of STA
exPo sPeCiAl7 Pictures that captured the Expo’s
flavor and variety 10 The 2012 STA Expo that
sparkled and shone A round up of events and exhibitors’
impressions20 Young Leaders’ STA Sanctuary Super smart relief structures, judged
by the Red Cross
subsCriPtions to subscribe to Connections for just $75.00 inc gst annually contact ruth spiegel [email protected]
A S S O C I A T I O N
sPeCiAl FeAtures38 Yields from Fields We talk to members about the profits
and pitfalls of the agriculture sector42 The ins and outs of 3D Shade Sails Alan Stewart of Structureflex
spells out all the intricacies
sPotlight on MeMbers62 HVG and Ricky Richards
Who and what is new, and where they are
trAining And eVents48 Industry events and RTOs
AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE22 Overall Excellence Winner:
Fabritecture A look at the trendy, head-turning Halo
nightclub
26 Awards for Excellence category winners
EH Brett and Sons seal up a balcony – and stitch up copy-cat orders
Abacus shelters Gung, Taronga Zoo’s cheeky yet productive elephant
Fabritecture’s temporary lecture theatre is here to stay
Clark Shade Sails goes for stripes and earns its stripes
Young achiever Jamie Howard cements his stellar rise
neWs Corner8 Member news A look at some dynamic developments
2 · CONNECtIONs
From the stA office
of planning and running such an event. Being a
joint venture with members and exhibitors from
both organisations, we anticipate that the format
will be a little different to that of the past. Stay
tuned for more information on this Super Expo.
new CoMWe have commenced the new STA year
with two new COM members. I welcome the
election of David Burton from Ricky Richards
and Jamie Howard from Total Shade Solutions
and look forward to their input during my
term. If the first two COM meetings are a
guide, their input shall be very valuable. I
would also like to thank Brendan Hall and
Glenn Barlow for their enormous efforts and
contributions during their terms on the COM.
Brendan served with distinction as President
and then as Treasurer, Glenn is continuing
his association with STA by serving on one
or more sub committees. His enthusiasm in
his role as President was inspirational and
infectious and we are indeed fortunate to
have his continued contribution to STA via his
involvement in sub committees.
The COM has a very large and ambitious
program for the coming year and our
biggest project is of course the roll-out of the
accreditation program. Accreditation is not
something to be feared but rather embraced
by all, as it lends credibility to our membership
and organisation among the wider community.
Marketing consultant Mary Simcic has
been assisting by contacting members to
ascertain the right model to fit our very broad
membership base.
Young leadersWe are of course running another Young
Leaders’ Conference later this year. This
follows the enormous success of the program
and the Young Leaders’ Challenge. (See
pages 11-14 for more on the Young Leaders’
Challenge.)
representationThe COM, and more specifically Ana Drougas
and I, regularly deal with government and
associated agencies such as Manufacturing
Skills Australia (MSA), by attending meetings
and presenting submissions etc. I am pleased to
report that our STA submission to MSA resulted in
a grant of $422,000 for training in the installation of
blind, awning and shade structures. We shall be
working to secure more funding for training and
also dealing with training authorities to develop
and target training applicable to our industry. To
that end we will set up a training sub-committee.
sub-comitteesWe are also establishing a sub-committee to
review the STA Awards for Excellence categories,
judging criteria and entry cut-offs. Also, a sub-
committee will be established to examine the
commercial prospects of the disaster shelter
among various aid organisations.
By concentrating on their particular brief and
reporting back to the COM regularly, these sub-
committees, along with the very successful Shade
Structures sub-committee, will assist the COM
throughout the year.
As is evident, the COM has a very full and
ambitious program, and we hope to gain lots
of feedback and assistance from members,
as well as maximum involvement in member
engagement sessions. With more information
from members’ organisations – and significant
participation – I am confident we can continue
the momentum and positive feeling that has been
generated in recent times.
It is in all our interests to harness that positivity
to drive the Specialised Textiles Association
forward and make it an association that we are all
proud of.
STAMATTERS
As is evident, the COM has a very full and ambitious program, and we hope to gain lots of feedback and assistance from members, as well as maximum involvement in member
engagement sessions … It is in all our interests to harness that positivity to drive the Specialised Textiles Association forward and make it an association that we are all proud of.”
Insights from the President of the specialised textiles Association – Lance st Hill
Welcome to my first Connections report from
the President’s Desk.
It is more than a month since our very
successful Melbourne 2012 Expo. Many
congratulatory emails and phone calls have
been received complementing the Office,
COM and Expo Organising Committee for their
excellent job!
No expo would ever get off the ground
without the enormous efforts of our Specialised
Textiles Association Manager, Ana Drougas and
Administrative Assistant, Mina Geremia. In turn
they could not do without the assistance of the
Expo Organising Committee, ably headed
up by Brendan Hall. Many others helped by
packing show-bags, manning registration
desks, working as ushers for functions etc.,
which proves the success of the Expo is very
much a result of the efforts and dedication of
all involved.
While talking of Expo’s, we announced at our
AGM that the 2013 Expo will be a joint Expo
with the BMAA at the Gold Coast Convention
Centre at Broadbeach. We are particularly
pleased with this initiative and regard it as an
opportunity for a ‘Super Expo’ with many more
exhibitors and many more visitors. Both the
BMAA and STA management are excited by this
development and together we are setting up an
organising committee to handle the huge task
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4 · CONNECtIONs
our 2012 stA expoWhat a truly great Expo we all experienced this
year! Stretched out over three days, I am told the
event excelled from beginning to end. Given the
widespread interest and accolade, the planning over
the past few months clearly paid dividends for all.
I would like to thank all our Gold, Silver and Bronze
sponsors and each individual exhibitor, without
whom the Expo would simply not exist. The pride
and creativity poured into each and every stand do
not go without notice, and the pages of coverage
in this magazine cannot and do not do justice to
all. Many more deserve thanks – the four technical
presenters, the Young Leaders for their commitment
and delivery. And congratulations to all our Awards
for Excellence winners (see pages 15 to 26) as well
as all those who submitted entries of structures that
can only be described as superb.
A trademark of our association is our ability to work
extremely well under pressure while continuing to
produce the necessary high level results.
specialised textiles Association On the go! Office report by Ana Drougas, Association Manager
This year’s Expo brought home to me depth of
fellowship and bonds that exist among our diverse
range of specialised textile members.
Long may it continue!
And next year … exPo 2013!With the 2012 Expo only just behind us, we are
already looking at next year’s event which takes a
different shape with us joining forces with the Blind
Manufacturers Association Australia (BMAA) to stage
a Super Expo. What this translates into is a larger
show with a greater display area, more exhibitors,
more content and of course more visitors.
STA President Lance St Hill says the combined
offerings of the window furnishings and specialised
textiles industries will provide a bigger market
for exhibitors and a more unique one stop shop
experience for attendees. He is on record as stating
“in this economically uncertain environment,
it makes particularly good business sense for
exhibitors to consolidate and redirect their planned
expenditure at both association expos in 2013 to the
Super Expo."
For his part, BMAA President Joe Turner says
the Super Expo “is likely to be the largest trade
exhibition ever staged for the window furnishings
and specialised textiles industries in Australasia.”
The Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre
(www.gccec.com.au) is playing host to the 2013 event.
Put Wednesday June 5 to Friday June 7, 2013 in your
diary now and stay tuned for more details!
MeetingsDuring the time this issue of Connections is being
circulated we are holding a round of information
sessions for members in each state capital.
Along with myself, President Lance St Hill will be
guiding the subject matter which will include the
Accreditation Model and Young Leaders Program.
One of the major topics up for discussion will be the
findings of our 2010 Strategic Review; there is much
to be gained in revisiting this vital document which
presents a great deal of insight into all facets of the
association, seen through members’ eyes.
STAMATTERS
A trademark of our association is our ability to work
extremely well under pressure
while continuing to produce the necessary high
level results. This year’s Expo brought home to me depth of fellowship and bonds that exist
among our diverse range of specialised
textile members. Long may it continue!"
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
We’ve always got you covered!
• Blinds & Awnings • Covers & Tarpaulins • Marquee & Tenting • Banners & Billboards • Shade Sails & Structures
• Architectural Fabrics • Motor & Marine • Solar Protection • Sporting Equipment
• Fasteners, Fittings & Accessories
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6 · CONNECtIONs
STAMATTERS
We are hoping as many members as possible will
participate in these STA meetings which, among
other benefits, foster industry cross-communication.
Please visit www.specialisedtextiles.com.au for
more information and to register.
A rush of new membersI am pleased to report that the Specialised Textiles
Association is currently processing more than a
dozen membership applications. In addition to
the seven who recently joined or rejoined STA,
this surely is testimony to the swag of initiatives
and activities that are underway as the association
revitalises and regenerates.
The process continues, as notified, we are keen to
establish more committees including Editorial and
Marketing. We are hoping that several members will
enjoy playing a more active role in association activities.
Welcome CoMStill on new committees, a big welcome to the two
newcomers to our Council of Management: David
Burton of Ricky Richards and Jamie Howard of
Total Shade Solutions. Jamie is believed to be the
youngest ever voted on to the COM and also earned
the honour of 2012 STA Young Achiever of The Year
(see story on page 18). Jamie entered the industry
in 2005 when aged just 16. Attracted by the stability
it offered, he has remained with the same company
where he has progressed from fabrication to design
to sales and project management. This industrious
young man also took the helm of Team A in the
Young Leaders challenge.
David Burton, meantime, brings well over two
decades of industry experience to the COM, which
is pictured above. Profiles of each were circulated in
STA’s recent e-newsletter.
By tradition the COM meets monthly to progress
all STA matters. If you would like to raise any
specific issues, please email or phone me or any
of the COM.
Young leaders’ Conference There are many highlights on the STA agenda, not
least of which is the upcoming Conference for Young
Leaders on the weekend of 13 -14 October, possibly
in Queensland. We will keep you posted on this.
Who cannot help but feel invigorated by the brilliant
achievements of our talented young leaders. The
concept and delivery has truly regenerated the
sector and bodes well for the future of the association.
The stage has been set for this vital program and
the momentum looks set to continue. Watch this
space!
oFPAnZ Annual Conference and expoCapitalising on the number of international
visitors ‘down under’ for the STA Expo, OFPANZ
staged its annual conference the week after ours,
in scenic Queenstown. I was there to represent
our association, and enjoyed two days with our
counterparts in New Zealand. A highlight for me was
seeing 63 Awards for Excellence project entries,
and meeting Danicia Manning who is the new
OFPANZ Executive Officer.
Although OFPANZ membership is slightly lower
than ours, we share many industry issues such as
declining trainee numbers and a member base
experiencing slow business. In my discussions with
Danicia and Barry Wybrow (President) we agreed
that the synergies between our two associations
warrant the continuation of reciprocal rights.
stA COUNCIL OF MANAgEMENt
SPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSOCIATION INC.Suite 201, 22 St Kilda RdSt Kilda, Vic 3182 Ph: (03) 9521 2114Local Call: 1300 555 787Facsimile: (03) 9521 2116Email: [email protected]
Web: www.specialisedtextiles.com.au
ASSOCIATION MANAGERAna drougas Email: [email protected]
PRESIDENT lance st hill Fabric Solutions Australia Pty Ltd PO Box 6283 Yatala DC Qld 4207 Mobile: 0400 103 534 Ph: (07) 3807 0200 Fax: (07) 3807 8217 Email: [email protected]
COUNCILLORSKent WilliamsonRoyal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)25 Dawson Street Brunswick, Vic 3056Ph: (03) 9925 9182 Fax: (03) 9925 9129Email: [email protected] www.rmit.edu.au
gary smithCampbell & Heeps5/125 Highbury Rd, Burwood, Vic 3125 Mobile: 0419 311 899Ph: (03) 98086911Fax: (03) 9808 3148 Email: [email protected]
tom gastin Pattons—Textile Fabrication80 McDougall St, Kirribilli, NSW, 2061 Mobile: 0414 952 007 Ph: (02) 9955 2563 or 1300 799 980 Fax: (02) 9959 3158 Email: [email protected]
david burtonRicky Richards16 Park Road, Homebush NSW 2140Ph: 02 9735 3333Fax: 02 9735 3311Email: [email protected]
Jamie howardTotal Shade Solutions4 Aldinga St, Brendale QldPh: 07 3889 7200 Fax: 07 3889 8865Email: [email protected]
ConnECtionS MAGAzINEAdvertising submissions: [email protected]: 03 8534 5008
Editorial: Nicola [email protected]
stA Committee L to R: Kent Williamson of RMIt, tom gastin of Pattons, David Burton of Ricky Richards, Lance st Hill (President) of Fabric solutions Australia, Jamie Howard of total shade solutions who is our youngest ever COM member and gary smith of Campbell and Heeps.
STA ExPOWRAP
8 · CONNECtIONs
MeMber neWs
Movers and shakers
steve Busutill (L) of sydney Institute tAFE, Vehicle & Marine trimming, Ultimo with Bob McLaurin of Capron Carter
Grand prize
Later this year Capron Carter is very kindly donating a sewing machine
to a top performing student at Ultimo TAFE in Sydney. The lucky
winner will be selected from the third year motor trimmer course and
announced at the end of the year.
Long-time Sales Manager Bob McLaurin told Connections that the
machine – a Protex TY-3300 single needle walking foot designed for
upholstery - is valued at about $1500. He added that the same machine
has been donated to top performing students at Kangan TAFE over the
past three years.
The generosity of Capron Carter does not end with Ultimo TAFE,
Bob Mac (as he is known to all in the industry) says the company has
donated machines and cash vouchers to students at colleges across
NSW and elsewhere.
“It’s proven a worthwhile promotion for us,” Bob said. “We support
TAFE Australia wide. Capron Carter is an Australian owned company
and we sell our machines to all the larger TAFEs across Australia.”
He explained that the newly opened $100 million Kangan Institute in
Melbourne recently purchased 20 Capron Carter machines.
“That was a big-time order for us; they wanted to update their
machinery into the 21st century.”
Capron Carter sewing machines are imported from the US, Germany
and Japan, and retail from $1500 to $3000.
The Capron Carter Exhibit at the STA Expo proudly promoted the
company’s 100-year anniversary and this major milestone will feature in
an upcoming issue of Connections.
International expansion Proudly showcasing the range of Carr Group goods at STA Expo 2012
were Lee Stebbing and Brendan Traynor, who freighted all machinery
and other display products down to Melbourne from home base in
Sydney’s Pendle Hill.
During the Expo Lee proudly reported that the company has
extended its reach across the Pacific by setting up operations in
North America. Based at Lakeville, Massachusetts, the US office and
warehouse employs two staff who are American citizens and are well
acquainted with the local market.
“These guys are used to selling a similar product range, that is machines
and material,” Lee told Connections. “This development is all very exciting
for us.”
The Carr Group of companies evolved from a manufacturing background
in sheet PVC production and blowing urethane foam in Auckland New
Zealand. The group now boasts operations in four regions including
Haining in China and employs 20 globally.
Just what are Lee’s impressions of the current market? “Judging by the
news from the US things there are a bit slow,” he said. “Here in Australia it is
also a bit slow, it is a bit of a depressed market however there are pockets
that keep on keeping on. For example sign and banner media and window
furnishings continue to do well.”
www.carrgroup.com.au
Family footsteps
Connections through the generationsAs sure as day follows night, at each and every STA Expo is long-term,
prominent exhibitor Wax Converters Textiles. Over the decades it has
become tradition for industry players from far and wide to congregate
at the WCT stand for a chat with Jim Kelman and his loyal, long
standing crew.
This year Connections spotted Jim in deep conversation with Cathi
Buttfield, the grand-daughter of industry icon Ken Major, founder of Sar
Capron Carter’s Brendan traynor and Lee stebbing
(on the right)
Words and pictures by Nicola Card
JULY• AUgUst 2012 · 9
Major Canvas Goods & Trailers in Adelaide. During his address at the
Awards Gala Dinner, Jim remarked how thrilled he was to see family
continuity in the business.
Cathi took over as Sar Major Managing Director back in January
2012, and has comfortably assumed her role in supervising staff and
overseeing orders in the business.
After the Expo Connections managed to catch up with the somewhat
dynamic Cathi Buttifield, who has been a company director at Sar
Major over the past decade while also pursuing a high flying career
with government and raising two children.
“When our existing Managing Director retired at the end of last year
I took over his role and now work with [brother] Todd. My goal is for
the business to reach 100 years – by which time I will be 80,” she said.
“Next year will be a practice run as the company celebrates 60 years!”
Many STA members will remember Cathi’s gregarious grandfather
Ken who, along with his wife Fov, was a popular presence at CGMA and
ACASPA Expos.
“He loved and breathed the industry, he really sparkled but was a
cheeky chap too! All up he was very passionate about the industry,
his company, his country and the military,” said Cathi, adding that the
Majors have known Jim Kelman since his Birkmyre days. “Our Wax
Converter Textiles State Representative is David Seymour-Smith who
was Sar Major Manager in the 60s and 70s and is basically considered
to be part of the Major family.
“In fact that is what I love about this industry – employees, colleagues,
suppliers, other similar or totally different firms – we are all part of
the same supportive family of Australian manufacturers and we are all
passionate about our products, our businesses, our people, our country
and our future.”
Connections can only conclude that Cathi is very much a chip off the
old block. We look forward to hearing more from her about the Sar
Major team – stay tuned.
Arcus Wire Group circles the globe Arcus Wire Group has successfully spread its tentacles across the globe,
exporting goods to Korea, India, New Zealand, South Africa and beyond.
But additional customers are always welcome, and meeting the need
nicely is the STA Expo which acts as a magnet. According to Steve
Morris the company made many new contacts, “People we have not
met before – and that is a good thing. One [expo] visitor from India
wanted a certain specialised wire that we can provide. All up we will
probably add about a hundred new industry customers to our data
base [so] the Expo is definitely worthwhile,” he said.
Prompt follow-up is always important, so new customers would
soon be emailed or sent company catalogues. “We plan to make a
connection with them soon after the Expo to increase our chances
of hearing from them again,” said Steve, whose company is a market
leader in the marine arena.
He explained that Arcus wire undergoes additional processes during
manufacture which prolongs its lifespan. “Also it goes through an
ultrasonic bath procedure which means that, unlike inferior products,
you do not end up with black marks on your hands from the grease etc
when handling the wire.” The process also helps avert rust stains.
Steve explained that all wire products are made in Korea, while
stainless steel fittings are made in a factory in Thailand.
In an upcoming issue of Connections we will take a closer look at
Arcus Wire Group’s extensive involvement in the marine industry.
10 · CONNECtIONs
STA ExPOWRAP
Melbourne dished up some chilly weather but provided a warm welcome for all visitors to this year’s specialised textiles Association Expo. true to form, the Expo delivered something for everyone.
Words by Nicola Card
the vitality of stA expo 2012
In late May, the Specialised Textiles Association was pleased to
welcome Expo 2012 visitors to Melbourne. Expectations were high
but the consensus seemed to be that the annual Expo delivered all that
was expected - and possibly more.
On the business front, each of the four technical presentations staged in
the midst of the exhibition area were very well received, thanks to the ease
and expertise of Chris Nolan of Nolan.UDA, Alan Stewart of Structureflex,
Trevor Scott of Lightweight Structures and John Pierce of Contender.
Also attracting great interest were the two relief shelters that can only be
described as ingenious and most impressive. (See following pages for full
coverage of The Young Leaders’ Challenge instigated by Bob Cahill.)
The three-day Expo offerings also included a wet and windy afternoon
at the MCG witnessing the Tigers maul the Hawks, or for non sports fans
the more tranquil option of a stroll through Melbourne’s laneways.
STA members got right into the spirit of the seventies during the ‘70s
disco themed evening at the Crown Promenade on Sunday evening
and in a warm show of camaraderie, all linked arms to form one large
circle while singing together.
The fellowship continued during Monday evening’s glittering
Gala Dinner with the hilariously irreverent Marty Fields as MC for
the Awards for Excellence; and spotlight on the Young Leaders’
achievements, followed by movement on the dance floor to the
harmonies of Melbourne’s most popular cover band Big City Beat,
fronted by charismatic lead singer Brian Rault.
Presidential transition During his parting speech, STA President Glenn Barlow nominated the
Young Leaders’ Challenge as one of two highlights during his reign;
the other being the member meetings of February. Concluding his
ten-month term, he spoke of his pride in developing a new name for
the association and progressing the accreditation
agenda as well as the Fabric Structures Committee.
“I love the specialised textiles industry and hope
it goes from strength to strength,” were Glenn’s
closing words.
Taking centre stage to a round of applause New
President Lance St Hill paid homage to his wife
Alyson and remarked on Glenn Barlow’s “passion and
commitment which are infectious”.
“I am keen to see the continuation of the Young
Leaders’ initiative and we will continue our round of
roadshows in our concerted effort to encourage more
members to more actively participate in the association,”
Lance said.
He looks forward to meeting and greeting STA
members at the Gold Coast during the association’s 2013
Expo which is being staged in conjunction with BMAA.
For more insights into the 2012 Expo see pages 38-41
JULY• AUgUst 2012 · 11
Young leaders rise to the Challenge
The vision of 500,000 people left homeless following the tsunami of
late 2004 was the impetus for the Young Leaders’ Challenge instigated
by Bob Cahill of TexConnex. In his words, “As an industry we were
helpless, and there have been many disasters since.”
And so the two teams were primed to design ‘disaster’ shelters for
those swept well out of their comfort zone. Their efforts kicked off in
early December 2011 and several months’ work culminated in the
presentation of two awe-inspiring relief tents at the STA Expo. It took
the three judges the best part of the afternoon to deliberate over the
merits of both structures before deciding on the winner. Before that,
let’s take a closer look at the movers and shakers behind the projects.
team A2Z team A2Z comprised Justin esdaile of triax systems; Angela Courie and leisa Manning of ricky richards; sean toohey and Aaron Purdey of nolan udA; robert bull of eh brett & sons; Michael guinea of sail structures; and Chris smith and Zoe smith of Campbell & heeps.
the team was helped by contributions from ricky richards, brett’s, Campbell and heeps, triax, nolan.udA, and sail structures.
Key features of the impressive structure included: provision for
water collection and storage, privacy screens, a ‘slot or push together’
construction method (importantly, avoiding the need for power tools),
large windows facilitating maximum airflow, and ground anchors for
additional stability. The structure makes use of lightweight fibreglass
rods for windows and Velcro at base of exterior windows.
On show at the 2012 stA Expo was the power of collaboration. With one big challenge to deliver two unique disaster shelters, the Young Leaders combined a dash of friendly rivalry with smart, practical designs to deliver outstanding results. Words by Nicola Card, images by Nicola Card & Gianni Drougas.
12 · CONNECtIONs
The lightweight aluminium frame was secured using Triax brackets,
while the flooring consisted of plywood sheets. The PVC mesh was
Hiraoka 254; Nolan’s supplied the generic fabric for the main skin, and
Ricky Richards provided the interior block-out curtain.
“We did the best with limited space, resources and funds, to cover
all necessary specifications,” Team A2Z representative Robert Bull told
Connections. “We included solar panels, guttering, self levelling floors
and modular joints, plus a wardrobe, and the base of flooring doubles
as packaging.”
team A team A included James Formosa and Christopher Field of AbC Products, dan Wright of Pattons; luke goddard of rainbow shade; Albert Malouf, Katherine szczepanska and sarah lavorato of ricky richards; ben thorburn of thorline; and team leader Jamie howard of total shade solutions.
the team was grateful for contributions by: goodearl and bailey, ricky richards, Abs Products, rainbow shade, Aeronaut, hVg, innova and ultracut industries.
Constructed from aluminium, Team A’s relief tent featured multi core
technology unique to the SAS63 extrusion that enables a dual layer
insulation system. Included were flyscreens and internal dividing walls
for three by three metre compartments. The tent also harnessed solar
power for lighting while a large bladder was installed to collect water
for drinking, washing and showering.
The modular structure is such that multiple additions can be installed
adjacently for a variety of applications including accommodation,
field hospitals, mess halls and more, as required during short term or
extended relief demands.
Engineered to withstand 75 km/h winds, the structure requires no
power tools for construction and all materials were recyclable.
YOUNGLEADERS
“I believe that we can take these structures to the next stage; that is register the designs and commercialise the systems.”
Fully adjustable • No welding Spans over 6m
www.triax.com.au(02) 9804 1146
New for 2012Fixed 90° couplingNew for 2012Fixed 90° coupling
red Cross to the rescue STA was delighted to welcome Red Cross International
Emergencies Manager Steve Ray to assist in the judging process.
Steve warned: “There will be an increasing number of
natural disasters due to climate change, both domestically and
internationally”, and he emphasised the need for human comfort
during such circumstances, saying “I think dignity is one of the very
important considerations when it comes to the humanitarian response
as you are talking about people who have suffered through a natural
disaster … they are traumatised and the last thing they want to feel
is exposed.”
Jamie Howard, steve Ray and Bob Cahill
14 · CONNECtIONs
STA ExPOWRAP
“I really liked that bit [that Bob determined] because it brings into
play the human perspective. Most people are resilient in the short
term but then you have a period of uncertainty and that is the time
that can make or break them.
“You also need to consider transportation which may be on the back
of a moped, in a rickshaw or a bus. Or a boat – so you have to think
about size and weight,” said Steve who has been at the forefront of
relief efforts following many emergencies.
He talked about communal space and the impact of cooking in
close confines which can spark respiratory infections, hence the
importance of adequate ventilation.
With all these and other factors in mind, Steve Ray described
the work of both Team A2Z and Team A as outstanding, saying “I
was most impressed, not just with the final products but also the
thinking and design process as well as the level of cooperation and
collaboration among team members.”
Bob Cahill commended all Young Leaders for their outstanding
work, saying “We have shown that technology, collaboration and
coordination deliver an effective response and I am totally impressed
with the amount of thought and research that has gone into both
projects. I also believe that we can take these structures to the next
stage, that is register designs and commercialise the systems. There
is a market niche for structures in the medium term to provide
comfort and shelter.”
And the winner is ….STA’s black tie Gala Dinner was a befitting location for the announcement
of the winner of the Young Leaders’ Challenge, a privilege that fell to then
STA President Glenn Barlow who declared: “The Young Leader groups
have taken Bob’s concept and run with it … the level of detail by both
teams is phenomenal, they have not missed a beat. They have shown
massive work ethics, they have blown us away.”
He then declared Team A2z the winners of the Young Leaders’
Challenge. An elated Team A2Z took to the stage where Robert Bull first
thanked all key sponsors, among them Ricky Richards and Nolan.UDA, and
remarked how great it was to see “old guys pushing the young guys!”
“Our tent looks better than we thought it ever would,” a proud Robert Bull
said. “And the reaction we have had has been fantastic, and for the team it
has been a fantastic experience.”
Bob Cahill revealed “In his seventeen years in the industry Steve Ray
has never seen such application by any association as that of STA. So
impressed was Steve that he is keen to open the door to future discussions,
and this could open up avenues of opportunity.” STA President Lance St
Hill described the results as “nothing short of astounding”.
“I know the Young Leaders’ initiative will last a long time and serve our industry well in the future.”
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