On 16 August 2017, further amendments came into effect to the Building Act 1993 which were particularly relevant to local government level. These amendments included:

• Offences relating to compliance with written directions by changes to section 37H of the Act
• Changes to Emergency Orders, including orders to vacate, cause an inspection or require materials used in a building to be tested by changes to Part 8, Division 1 of the Act
• Changes relating to what building notices and building orders can require including prohibiting a person entering, causing an inspection or requiring materials used to be tested
• A new subsection was introduced relating to cancellations or amendments of certain building orders
  Changes to the effect of decisions under appeal via changes to section 146 of the Act;Amendments were made to section 241(7) as to when proceedings can be commenced under the Act
• Responsibilities of local councils were changed - through the introduction of a new subsection 212(A) of the Act – relating to their municipal districts, whether or not a private building surveyor has been appointed 

A copy of the Amendment Act can be found HERE 

SPASA Members are reminded of the Exclusive Member Benefit of One Hour’s Free Legal Advice from SPASA’s specialist construction lawyer, Jeremy Johnson. Call Jeremy on 0418 132 917.

All members are invited to attend the 2017 SPASA AGM to be held at the association offices on Wednesday 8th November at 6pm.

This will be the last major association event for the year and will include a presentation of the 2017 Annual Report and an introduction of the 2017/18 Board.

Don't miss hearing our Treasurer's report, important industry updates and take the opportunity to be part of our Q & A session.

Network! Catch up with industry colleagues. Hear about the latest pool and spa industry developments. Just make sure you're there!

Our Special Guest Speaker will be Greg Johnson, Managing Partner of Ascend Business Partners, who will speak about business succession planning and how building business value is the key to financial freedom.

After the formalities, stay back to share a drink and bite to eat with your industry colleagues.

Please RSVP to rose@spasavic.com.au for catering purposes.

When: Wednesday 8th November from 5.30pm
Where: SPASA Offices, Building 10, 270 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill

Light refreshments from 5.30pm. AGM commences 6pm sharp.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Safe Work Australia's 'National Safe Work Month' is a time to commit to building a safe and healthy workplace for you and your colleagues.

This year's theme is 'Sharing safety knowledge and experience that benefits everyone'.

Throughout October, share the things you do, both big and small, that make your workplace safer and healthier.

• Visit swa.gov.au, access the campaign kit, and run a safety initiative in your workplace
• Share your photos or videos, or tag us and use #safeworkmonth on social 
• Enter the Workplace Reward to win $5,000 for your organisation

Safe Work Australia will be adding items to the campaign kit in the coming weeks and publishing a range of resources and links to activities throughout October.

Keep up-to-date with our activities throughout October by updating your subscription preferences and checking the boxes marked ‘National Safe Work Month’ and ‘Virtual Seminar Series’.

Contact info@swa.gov.au for any enquiries.

New research finds that outdoor living areas rank highly among rooms that resonate emotionally.

You already know that homeowners want livable outdoor spaces, but new research sheds light on what drives that desire and how contractors can better serve the buyer.You already know that homeowners want livable outdoor spaces, but new research sheds light on what drives that desire and how contractors can better serve the buyer.

In a first-of-its-kind study, Napoleon, along with acclaimed architect Wayne Visbeen, conducted a comprehensive examination into the mindset of the home buyer, with the goal to better understand the emotional connections people have with different parts of the home.

We call it the Hot Spots Research Study.

Read this article in full HERE

By Stephen Schroeter

A Geelong pool and spa business has made a big splash nationally.

Leisurescape Pools and Spas has been recognised for outstanding achievements in creativity, innovation and design excellence at the SPASA National Awards of Excellence in Sydney.

Managing director Jack Whitton said he and his staff were proud to receive such an honour, given the competitiveness of the industry. “It’s nice to be recognised for years of hard work and passion in this industry,” he said. “This annual SPASA celebration of excellence is a result of months of tireless work by Leisurescape Pools and Spas, who constantly strive to set new pool and spa industry benchmarks. In this year’s judging, Leisurescape collected the National Award of Excellence in best pre-engineered spa, reflecting our company’s commitment to quality and service.”

Demand for swimming pools and spas across the Greater Geelong region has reportedly increased, despite tough laws introduced by the state and federal governments. “It’s getting busier and busier all the time - despite economic times looking glum,” Leisurescape’s executive manager Liz Whitton said. “Australians are all about leisure.”

Geelong resident Duncan Oliver decided to buy a swim spa last year.He said that while the costs of maintaining it were high, he had no regrets. “The kids love it and it’s great for teaching them to swim,” he said.“It took a while to set the money for it aside, but it’s a great addition to the home.”

'Local Pool of Talent' - Geelong Advertiser, Geelong - 15 Sep 2017

Standards relating to the construction of buildings in Australia should be freely available, building industry suppliers have said.

Responding to the release of an interim report of the Senate Economics Reference Committee into non-compliant building products, the Building Products Innovation Council has thrown its support behind a proposal to make Australian standards freely available online.

“BPIC has long argued that regulatory codes - and especially Australian standards - be free to access and use,” BPIC chief executive officer Rodger Hills said, “and now the Senate Inquiry agrees.”

The latest comments follow a recommendation from the Committee that the Commonwealth Government consider making all Australian standards available online at no charge.

Read this article in full HERE

Amid the Senate Inquiry Into Non-Conforming Building Products, issues associated with the use of materials which do not meet the requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC) have been the subject of considerable attention in recent years.

Whether it's faulty cables, exploding glass, roofing materials containing asbestos or cladding which is used in situations where it is not fit for purpose, non-compliant products are a significant issue.

For architects, this raises questions about any legal or insurance issues which they face where non-compliant products (NCPs) are used on their projects.

According to John Merlo, director and principal lawyer at Brisbane-based construction law firm Merlo Law, issues arise from several areas.

Read this article in full HERE

Whether we are running a department or an entire organization, leading small teams can have its own special challenges.

Long-tenured staff have institutional knowledge and idiosyncrasies, newbies can have a hard time getting into sync with co-workers who finish each other's sentences, and everyone knows the quickest and best way to get on each other's nerves.

To avoid slipping into comfortable, less-productive roles, consider these three secrets to ensure continued success leading small teams.To avoid slipping into comfortable, less-productive roles, consider these three secrets to ensure continued success leading small teams.

Read this article in full HERE

There's now an Airbnb-style service allowing residential pool owners to rent their pools for profit.

Uber connects riders to drivers, and Airbnb lets people rent their homes. Now there’s a sharing-economy service for residential pools.

Pool for U, a Lakewood, N.J.-based online marketplace, allows homeowners to rent their pools. It went live July 4th.

The website currently features approximately 40 pools from homeowners in New York, New Jersey and Michigan. Similar to Airbnb, owners can list their pools with photos, amenities and a rental rate. Customers can also write reviews about their experiences. But unlike Airbnb, Pool for U lists hourly rates rather than daily, so one pool could see multiple renters within 24 hours.

Read this article in full HERE

From Lynne Cox’s feats of endurance to John Cheever’s complacent suburbanites, these titles all explore a kind of life not found on dry land.

1. Barracuda by Christos Tsiolkas 
2. Swimming Lessons by Claire Fuller
3. Swimming to Antarctica by Lynne Cox
4. Swimming Studies by Leanne Shapton
5. Swim – Why We Love the Water by Lynn Sherr
6. Man vs Ocean by Adam Walker
7. Waterlog: A Swimmer’s Journey Through Britain by Roger Deakin
8. Swell – A Waterbiography by Jenny Landreth
9. The Swimmer by Roma Tearne
10. The Swimmer by John Cheever

We have been brought up to live in a very competitive world. During our younger schooling years, we were measured against children who may have better literacy skills, better numeracy skills, better skills in the field of sport, music and so on. Then, as we grow and progress, matters become increasingly intensified. In high school and university, we are told to do all that we can to win and to look after number one (that’s you!).

However, the challenge is, in a business world self-seeking people generally lose.

So, these days with businesses thriving on collaboration and connection, building partnerships and assisting one another to become successful, our traditional mindset must be transformed. For that to happen, you must think a certain (perhaps different) way, by viewing one another in terms of relationships and not as competitors.

As a business owner, often your own survival is front of mind. So every day we have thousands of thoughts, ideas and concepts racing through our minds. Some are brilliant, others are good, however many are not of value and it is the role of our brain to filter what we should listen to, what we act on, and how we act.  The challenge with this is that you can be drawn to focus on activities and thoughts that only benefit yourself, and neglect the power on focusing on helping others to win and be successful.

Below are some key steps you can take to shift your thinking to work for you, not against you.

Think “Abundance”

The key to attracting great quality clients and results to your business is to focus your mind on abundant thinking.

So what is abundance? Well first, let us look at the opposite - scarcity. Scarcity is worrying that everyone else is getting more than you are or, by giving up or saying NO to jobs/work, someone else will benefit. You worry about limited resources and focus on the win-lose concept that if someone else wins, another person must lose. This mindset is characterised by people taking on everything and anything, underselling themselves and keeping clients that are more trouble than they are worth. Ultimately, what ends up happening? We tend to lose sight of our passion, vision and what may be truly possible in business.

So what does a successful business owner do to think differently? They think big, in terms of abundance – and rarely scarcity. Abundant thinking has you inherently believe that there are unlimited opportunities in business. That there is a never-ending supply of quality work; when you focus on quality.

Not only do you want to think big, you want to act as if there is plenty. However, this is not spending beyond your means, rather acting, behaving, talking and thinking as if you are already successful. Present a successful appearance. Always focus on what you can do for others rather than what clients can do for you; which means never view a customer as a dollar sign.

Those who act in this way are ready and able to assist others succeed, and in turn, are ready to be supported in their success. The abundant thinking business owner focuses on helping other people seek opportunities without feeling like they are missing out themselves. They become selfless rather than selfish.

Have an Open Mind

There are opportunities for yourself and others all around you, if you have an open mind.

If you are scarcity-orientated you cannot be opportunity-orientated at the same time, therefore opportunities may not even appear on your radar. Your brain filters them out in favour of survival-based solutions.

Ask Better Questions

The key to changing your thoughts is to ask better questions. Ask questions such as “How can I help you?”, or “How can I assist you to do better?” or “What do I need to do today to be successful?” or “How can I overcome that challenge?” or “Do you have a challenge that I can help you with?”

These questions are in stark contrast to scarcity questions such as “Will this sale cover this week's expenses?” or “If I don't win this project, how will we survive this month?” Quality questions allow you to stand out from those wading through the muddy waters of self-interest.

Your Key Actions

• Start working on your mindset; be aware of your thoughts on a daily basis
• Read, listen, or chat about personal development every day, if possible, for 10 minutes
• Write a list of questions that are empowering that will help you keep focused on the big picture
• Surround yourself with like-minded business owners that are there to support you and keep you focused on what is possible when times are challenging.

For more information on how to improve your business mindset and gain positive results, contact the team at PROTRADE United –www.protradeunited.com.au or call 1300 767 774

Written by Jon Mailer
CEO & Founder of PROTRADE United

Melbourne based pool heating company Supreme Heating requires the services of a competent, experienced and suitably qualified person to fill the position of Solar Pool Heating Technician & Installer.

The successful applicant will join this vibrant and busy National pool heating company located in Bundoora, Victoria.

• Permanent full time position
• 38 hours per week + overtime
• Superannuation

We are looking for an enthusiastic technician for our business in the pool industry. The position involves the installation and service of solar pool heating systems, pool covers, pool and spa heaters and auxiliary pool equipment. The candidate will ideally have experience in the plumbing industry.

The candidate will report to the Construction Manager and will be responsible for duties including:

• Solar pool heating installations and service works on a day-to-day basis
• Pool cover installations and service
• Heat pump installations and service
• Gas heater installations and service
• Liaison with other team members

The job will be full time with hours to be worked between 7am and 5pm Monday to Friday. Extended hours and Saturday's will be required during the summer period.

Successful applicants must:

• Have relevant previous hands on experience e.g. building/roofing/plumbing
• Hold current OH&S induction card (white/red card)
• Strictly adhere to company policies and safety standards
• Hold current manual driver’s license
• Have excellent verbal and written communication
• Be customer service orientated
• Have the ability to perform basic measurements and equations
• Be organised and able to meet deadlines
• Be able to work long hours seasonally
• Not be afraid of heights
• Be on time and organised

Only candidates with a strong commitment to personal growth within the company will be short listed. Experience in the pool industry is advantageous but not essential. Full industry training will be provided.

ONLY PEOPLE WITH A STRONG WILLINGNESS TO LEARN AND PROGRESS NEED APPLY.

If you are interested in this position, please email your resume and cover letter to james@supremeheating.com.au

Rainwise Pools Melbourne is looking for someone highly motivated to join Australia's #1 Pool Shop! 

We are looking for someone with a positive attitude & experience within the pool & spa industry to join our team as a full-time service technician.

Rainwise is a family-owned award winning fibreglass pool builder with a point of difference, offering full water solutions from pools, tanks, pumps & filtration designs out of our stunning interactive pool shop in Coburg North, which was just awarded Australia’s #1 pool shop for the 2nd time. 

Roles will include filtration designs, sales & installations, onsite trouble shooting & repairs, regular pool servicing & much more.

We are looking for someone to help manage & grow our on-site service side of the business.  

The successful candidate will receive:

• Above Award wages
  
• Superannuation
• Fully paid for work vehicle
• Phone allowance
  
• The opportunity to earn generous commissions!!!

To apply please send your resume to jason@rainwise.com.au  

1125 Sydney Road Coburg North Vic 3058 

www.rainwisepoolsmelbourne.com.au

We warmly welcome the following new members to SPASA Victoria:

Trading Name: Leisure Pools & Spas Bendigo
Company Name: EPS RUS Pty Ltd
Principals or Directors:  Daniel Bahen, Michael Long & Simon Rosa
Membership Category: Restricted
http://www.leisurepools.com.au

Trading Name: Wood & Grieve Engineers
Company Name: Wood & Grieve Engineers Pty Ltd
Principals or Directors: Grant Holman & Chris Wessels
Membership Category: Professional
http://wge.com.au/

Miller Pool and Spa Service opened in 2013, run by husband and wife team Dave & Felicity Miller.

Initially we offered pool and spa servicing and expanded into pool installations in 2014. Dave had previously acquired 5 years’ experience in the pool industry prior to opening his business. He also worked as a qualified sign-writer for 15 years. Felicity was employed as a primary teacher prior to having children and now also covers the book work side of their business.

We install Conquest Pools and also offer full service and maintenance of pools and pool equipment. We also service a number of commercial pool set ups around Swan Hill.

We do as little or as much as our clients need. We can do pool installation only, or the complete package including paving, fencing and water features. We offer regular servicing afterwards if our clients want that too. We try to be a one-stop shop!

Our point of difference would be that we go to the client. We have a mobile service set up where we come to you, test your water and then personally deliver the required chemicals and put them into your pool. It’s very convenient for our service clients.

We try to build a strong relationship with our clients right from the start. Initially we do a site inspection and sit down with the client to determine exactly what they want from their pool, for example how much time they want to spend maintaining their pool and what is going to best suit their lifestyle and budget. Next we quote up their pool and hopefully go from there!

Dave is personally involved in every stage of the build. He is on-site when other trades are involved, such as in the excavation stage, and he does much of the work himself. A lot of our clients have commented that they love that we can supply the pool as well as much of the landscaping as well. Dave has completed many fencing and paving jobs as part of his pool projects.

Member Benefits - Available to all Members in 2017

• AB Phillips - SPASA’s Risk Management, Insurance & Financial Services Provider
• Jeremy Johnson & Associates - Free Expert Legal Advice
• Expert OHS Advice - Jim Pashalidis, Australian OHS
• Career Dressing – Preferred Workwear & Corporate Clothing Supplier
• HR Central – Your People Management Professionals
• Online White Card Training with Aveling
• Houzz and SPASA – Free Profile-Building Website

See the full details of your Member Benefits here

Board Meeting – Wednesday 11 October

SPASA 2018 Advertising Offer Close – Friday 27 October

2017 AGM – Wednesday 8 November

Board Meeting – Wednesday 8 November

Board Meeting – Wednesday 13 December

2018

Pool & Spa Show at MCEC (Summer Show) – Friday 2 - Sunday 4 February

Spa & Pool Show at MCEC (Winter Show) – Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 August