connections feb-march 2013

SPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSOCIATION INC. Vol 13 No 1February • March 2013

Striving for SUSTAINABILITY

CAmpINg and CArAVANNINg

FABrIC STrUCTUreS CommITTee sets the standard

www.pathfinderaus.com.au

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO CUTIN YOUR BUSINESS TODAY?

MADE IN AUSTRALIA

LIghT WeIghT STrUCTUreS’

powerful grip

STA member newS | innOVATiOn | SUPerb STrUCTUreS | rTOs

Chino (Cream)

Graphite (Charcoal)

Sheba (Dark Blue)

Lime Fizz (Lime)

Karloo (Sand)

Marrocan (Terracotta)

Koonunga (Green)

Mellow Haze (Yellow)

Bubblegum (Pink)

Bundena (Blue)

Abaroo (Red)

Domino (Black)

Sherbet (Orange)

Jazzberry (Purple)

National Distributor:

Ricky Richards (Sales) Pty Ltd 16 Park Road, Homebush NSW 2140 Phone: 02 9735 3333 Fax: 02 9735 3311www.rickyrichards.com.au

7 Tombo Street, Capalaba, QLD 4157Phone: 07 3245 6756 Fax: 07 3245 6955

QLD Distributor:

Made In Australia

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

• 3.25 metre and 6.5 metre widths

• 14 cool colours

• 10 year UV warranty including removal and replacement

• Manufactured using 100% round monofilament yarn

• Custom colours, widths and lengths available by request

• Install and forget – NO re-tensioning

Monotec 370 is proudly manufactured in Australia by PRO-KNIT Industries Pty Ltd www.monotec.com.au

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

superior in strengthand performance

For a shadecloth that is superior in strength and performance characteristics, Monotec is the unsurpassed choice!

RR Monotec 370 ad.indd 1 29/08/11 2:15 PM

FEBRUARY • MARCH 2013 · 1

CONNECTIONS magazine is published on behalf of the Specialised Textiles Association Inc. by CommStrat Limited.

Publisher CommStrat

editor & Writer Nicola [email protected]

design & Production Annette [email protected]

national sales Manager Yuri MamistvalovPhone: 03 8534 [email protected]

contributors Barb Ernster, Jamie Howard, Roger La Salle, Beatrice Moonen and Lucille Scott.

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 Vic 3182Phone: 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

A S S O C I A T I O N

association Matters2 Report by STA President 4 STA office update Presenting a local and global overview 26 Young Leaders’ Challenge Jamie Howard on the next gen’s

progress 32 Fabric Structures

Committee report By Beatrice Moonen 43 STA welcomes new members

neWs corner8 Members' news 45 Aussie Quality

suPerb structures18 Recreation related structures Showcasing member talent

sPecial Features12 Sustainability Industry initiatives and developments

16 What’s this year’s plan? Roger La Salle’s sage advice 28 Camping and caravans A snapshot of the market and

emerging trends36 Stainless story board Miami Stainless and Sydney TAFE join

forces37 Light Weight Structures,

heavy hitters Lucille and Trevor Scott’s professional

supremacy 40 Spotting tent quality IFAI reviews superior shelters

sPotlight on MeMbers27 First class canvas

training and eVents48 Industry events and RTOs

subscriPtions to subscribe to Connections for just $75 inc gst annually contact ruth spiegel [email protected]

37

188

4528

Chino (Cream)

Graphite (Charcoal)

Sheba (Dark Blue)

Lime Fizz (Lime)

Karloo (Sand)

Marrocan (Terracotta)

Koonunga (Green)

Mellow Haze (Yellow)

Bubblegum (Pink)

Bundena (Blue)

Abaroo (Red)

Domino (Black)

Sherbet (Orange)

Jazzberry (Purple)

National Distributor:

Ricky Richards (Sales) Pty Ltd 16 Park Road, Homebush NSW 2140 Phone: 02 9735 3333 Fax: 02 9735 3311www.rickyrichards.com.au

7 Tombo Street, Capalaba, QLD 4157Phone: 07 3245 6756 Fax: 07 3245 6955

QLD Distributor:

Made In Australia

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

• 3.25 metre and 6.5 metre widths

• 14 cool colours

• 10 year UV warranty including removal and replacement

• Manufactured using 100% round monofilament yarn

• Custom colours, widths and lengths available by request

• Install and forget – NO re-tensioning

Monotec 370 is proudly manufactured in Australia by PRO-KNIT Industries Pty Ltd www.monotec.com.au

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

superior in strengthand performance

For a shadecloth that is superior in strength and performance characteristics, Monotec is the unsurpassed choice!

RR Monotec 370 ad.indd 1 29/08/11 2:15 PM

2 · CONNECTIONS

From the office of the President

STAMATTERS

For some, sustainability

is seen as a catchword of the lunatic fringe but

it is an issue for us all and one

where we all can play some part.

For example reduction of waste

in all its forms can have a very

positive impact in our business.”

Hello all. It is now time for belated good wishes for the

New Year, and let us all hope that it is a good one for

everyone. In what seems like the blink of an eye, we are

well into the second month of 2013. The festive season is

just a dim memory and we are all hard at it again, many

hoping for a better year than last.

We have commenced the year with some extremes

in weather ranging from devastating bush fires to

more catastrophic flooding in many parts of the east

coast. That is Australia for better or for worse. The hot

summer (while it lasted) has been positive for many in

the shade and covering sectors of the industry, and not

unhelpful for many in the water storage area. Of course,

once the rains started, much of that work ceased. I

think that overall the industry is a little slower than what

we would like.

And now, on top of the extreme weather events, we

have to endure a seven month election campaign. Many

of us will be approaching our candidates to outline what

we consider sensible policy to help or bolster, rather

than impede, our industry. To help us progress.

Talking of progression, the article in this issue on

sustainability may be useful, timely and interesting in

these current times. In essence sustainability is the

capacity to endure and essentially is a melding of

environmental, economic and social dimensions. For

some, sustainability is seen as a catchword of the lunatic

fringe but it is an issue for us all and one where we all

can play some part. For example reduction of waste

in all its forms can have a very positive impact in our

business.

Waste does not have to be something we put in the bin

but can be as simple as wasted effort or thoughts. It is

often said that we should not dwell on the past but rather

concentrate on today and the future. We cannot change

the past, but what we do today can affect the future. As

Mother Teresa said “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has

not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”

super expoI am pleased to announce that all of the June 2013 Super

Expo exhibition booths have been sold. That is, covering

each of the four halls in the Gold Coast Exhibition

Centre.

This is an excellent achievement and suggests that the

broader industry, including BMAA and STA members

and individuals, have been hoping for an event

such as this. In addition to the massive support from

exhibitors we urge all other industry players to support

the exhibition by attending all or part of the event.

We will soon be circulating information on exhibition

registrations and the social events that form part of the

overall exhibition.

Suppliers to the industry have shown their support, we

need “YOU” to show your support by attending, and by

sending some of your staff as well.

Member sessionsAs you are aware STA member sessions are being

held in state capitals towards the end of this month and

in mid March. These sessions present an opportunity

for all members, and interested non-members, to

hear about STA initiatives and to have their say. I urge

you to come along for an update and then benefit

from networking with others in your state. Check

our website or the member newsletters for more

information regarding session dates, times and venues.

While I am talking about members and getting

involved, I would like to suggest that you consider

filling a vacant position on one of the various sub

committees or nominate for the STA Committee of

Management. There will be three COM vacancies

this year in June. Working with the COM is extremely

rewarding and I commend it to anyone considering

it. While there is some work involved, the sense of

achievement - of putting something back into the

industry - is most worthwhile. We can all criticise

from the sidelines. If you have ideas, let us know, get

involved, provide suggestions and positive solutions.

Welcome back all. Enjoy this issue of Connections

and keep an eye out for the member newsletters from

STA Manager Ana Drougas and myself, stay involved

in the association. After all, you only get out what you

put in.

lance st hill

Australia’s Best Selection of Industrial and Commercial TextilesCombining 30 years of experience with Australia’s best selection of industrial and commercial textiles, Ricky Richards is the most trusted source for a variety of products.

For fabrics for tarpaulins, caravan and camping, tents and marquees and agriculture and horticulture, to sports equipment and window furnishing, we have the expertise and inventory to get you what you need, when you need it.

Take comfort in our experience and talk with our friendly team.

Explore the Ricky way, today!

Ricky Richards (Sales) Pty Ltd 16 Park Road Homebush NSW 2140 Phone: 02 9735 3333 Fax: 02 9735 3311 www.rickyrichards.com.au

PVC

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Industrial ad.indd 1 12/02/13 1:48 PM

4 · CONNECTIONS

Welcome to our first issue of Connections for 2013.

As I am writing, I am trying not to reflect too much on

the year that has passed but rather look forward with

optimism for the year that is already passing us by so

very quickly!

So far this year, reports are showing that

Australian manufacturing has ensured a slow start

to the year, natural disasters have continued to

plague our country, unemployment figures are

continually rising, our skilled workforce is reducing

… all of which leaves me wondering what 2013

will actually bring with it. Will it be as challenging

as 2012?

Manufacturing employs nearly one million

Australians and is a central part of a resilient, diverse

and broad-based economy. It faces challenges from

the high Australian dollar, economic weakness in

Europe and intense global competition.

The September Federal electionWith our Prime Minister having called an election for

14 September this year, I wonder how much hope we

are placing on the election to bring about necessary

changes to our industry and country. I would be

interested to hear what your thoughts are on the

election and your predictions for the year ahead and

its effects on our industry.

While the months ahead may not bring about the changes

we would like to see in our country, I am certain of one

thing. Change is about to take place within our association

and industry. Our year ahead looks to be an exciting and

positive one. 2013 will bring to fruition the release of our

industry Accreditation Program, a combined SuperExpo

(BMAA and STA) and commencement of specific industry

training just to name a few of the great things we have in

store for this year!.

We anticipate introducing a basic accreditation

program for members on April 1 to coincide with the

new membership year. Members have contributed over

the past few months by providing feedback on the draft

STAMATTERS

A recap on recent and upcoming association activities.

COMING UP IN CONNECTIONSEach issue of Connections features two or more specialist articles that focus on an industry sector. Upcoming features are as follows:

April/May 2013 Blinds and awnings, Transport and tarpsJune/July 2013 Tents and marquees Sail makers and tension structuresIf you would like to be involved in any of these features by providing commentary or insights please contact the editor [email protected]

Our year ahead is

looking to be an exciting

and positive one. 2013 will

bring to fruition the release of our industry

Accreditation Program, a

combined SuperExpo (BMAA and

STA) and commencement

of specific industry training

just to name a few.”

specialised textiles association The STA diary

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

Looking for a supplier to solve your industrial fabrics requirements...

the answer is

6 · CONNECTIONS

STAMATTERS

questionnaire which has now been

finalised and will become the basis

of the accreditation application

form. If successful, applicants will

become either a Level 1, Level 2

or Level 3 accredited member.

Accreditation will only be open to

current financial STA members and

will target businesses rather than

individuals.

SuperExpo 2013Another major item on our agenda

for the year is the June 5 to 7

SuperExpo 2013 - a collaborative

trade event between STA and BMAA.

Trade Exhibition space for this event

is now full and work is underway

for the conference program for the

event. The SuperExpo will bring

together industry professionals

looking for information on industry

trends, research, technology and

product advancements in all areas of

our industry.

Mark the dates in your diary

to attend the Australian textile

industry's largest traded exhibition

showcasing the latest trends and

innovative designs, products and

services on display by industry

leaders. Further information can be

obtained on the SuperExpo website

at www.SuperExpo2013.com.au

Training initiativesAfter a tremendous amount of work

and time invested by STA, NSW

TAFE and a hard working group

of member volunteers, the first

round of trainees enrolled for the

Certificate II Blinds Awnings course

which took place on Thursday

February 21.

The Certificate II in Blinds and

Awnings (targeting Shade Sail

installation) consists of fourteen (14)

Units of Competency with 6 Core

and 8 Elective units required to be

satisfied, to receive the qualification.

If your company has identified

a training need in the installation

of blinds, awnings and shade

structures and wasn't part of this

round of funding, please contact

our office as additional training

positions have become available.

Awards for Excellence 2013Before I sign off, I would like

to remind you that Awards for

Excellence categories and entry

criteria have been revised. By the

time this issue has been mailed, all

members will have received relevant

information on how to enter this

year’s Awards for Excellence.

The STA Awards for Excellence

offer members the opportunity

to showcase their technical skills,

design excellence and innovation to

the entire industry.

This year's Awards for Excellence

dinner will be taking place on

Wednesday June 5 on the Gold

Coast. So members, get those

entries in!

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]

Below: The SuperExpo 2013 will be held at the gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre from June 5 to 7.

8 · CONNECTIONS

MeMber neWs

Looking for a colourful addition to your

backyard barbecue? You need go no further

than Color my Barbecue, the fledgling business

launched by Newcastle resident turned

entrepreneur Sarah Thomas. If her dreams and

efforts come to fruition, BBQs across the nation

could well take on a bright new look.

Many months ago, after coming up with an idea

to create and market a colourful range of covers,

Sarah approached her friend and fabricator Dan

Hunt of Macdiarmid Sails in Belmont, Newcastle.

“I told him about my ‘want’ for a colour outside

the square and he loved it! I also mentioned that

I wanted to source a quality material that could

withstand strong winds and storms,” Sarah told

Connections. “Dan immediately recommended a

tough Wax Converters Textiles’ product, saying it

would fit the bill perfectly.

“I set to work cutting the covers which are

available in two sizes, one for hooded four burner

barbecues and the other for larger six burners as

my research indicated these are the most popular

sizes, however others can be made to order.”

Sarah manages all measuring and cutting of

covers before passing the material on to Dan

for stitching.

brand-tastic “Our first cover was ‘tomato sauce’ and

everyone who saw it said it had the ‘wow

factor’ so I had to go for it. I later rang Dan

to ask about the availability of other colours

and originally chose 11, including beetroot,

sunflower, grass, lagoon, ocean and gumleaf,

but have since added lollipop pink and

purplicious – suggested by my five year old

niece! – to the range. I just changed the names

to reflect Aussie culture.

“I have been granted a license to use the

‘Australian made’ logo in my advertising and

since my family owns ‘Waratah park/Skippy’ I

am really keen to keep it all Australian made.”

Home grown expertise and quality is close

to the heart of the crew at WCT.

James Kelman said “This fabric is a stock

line item available in 23 colours – and

Sarah is offering every single colour for the

barbecue!”

He explained that fabric construction is

so tough that “When tested to regular tear

method it cannot be torn. It is a unique

construction, very strong.”

spice up your barbecue

Sarah proudly models the very popular Tomato sauce cover.

ArchitecturAl

Solar protection

marine / automotive

SPECIALITY FABRICATIonS

geomembranes & linings

ph + 61 3 9551 8722 email [email protected] web innova.com.au

Innova International Pty. Ltd. Distributors in all states.

our brands, your future

10 · CONNECTIONS

While many people were relaxing at the beach or in backyards during the festive season of

late last year, hard working staff at Wax Converter Textiles were on the move, relocating their

distribution centre from Lidcombe in Sydney’s west to Rutherford in the Hunter Valley.

James Kelman explained that after many years spent operating one business across two

locations, they decided the time was right to consolidate the burgeoning textile business.

“All Wax Converter operations – manufacturing and distribution – are now at the one site in the

Hunter Valley where we have installed a new warehouse and distribution centre. The Valley’s hub

is in nearby Newcastle and its large freight companies so we can now get to the market faster

and more effectively than before.

“It makes a lot of sense and it is much easier to control operations on one site,” said James, who

then had to forfeit time off over the Australia Day long weekend to move his young family from

Sydney to the Hunter Valley. No small feat, given James is now proud father to four children under

seven, with the youngest Kelman born in November 2012.

Wax converter’s consolidation

MeMber neWs

Known as Endeavour 600gsm the tarpaulin

quality fabric is UV stabilised, waterproof

and anti mildew with an easy clean finish.

Appropriately too, it is flame retardant.

“The fabric has a five year warranty as a

fixed cover material but not as a tarpaulin

which can be flapping around in any

environment. Due to the large colour range it

has picked up many uses in sporting goods

such as goal posts, tackle bags and shields,

and of course barbecue covers, but most of

our Endeavour 600 is taken up for tarpaulins

and covers.”

Back to Sandra who currently runs a well

established home cleaning business but now

holds a dream for Colour my BBQ to enable

her to move on.

“I've dribbled it onto Facebook on the quiet

this week only to be overwhelmed by 386 hits

already with 15 orders in the wings waiting for

me to hit the green light, hopefully a sign of

things to come!” she enthused.

To help turn her dream into reality Sarah

enlisted the marketing expertise of well known

industry identity Connie Hellyer of One Link

Agencies.

For more information: www.

colourmybbqcovers.com.au

www.waxcon.com.au

Connie Hellyar of One Link Agencies can be

contacted on 0404 086 158 or at connie@

onelinkagencies.com.au

For more member news see page 45

Just some of the colours in the WCT Endeavour 600 swatch.

Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

5-7 June 2013 Visit Australia’s largest trade exhibition and conference for the window furnishings & specialised textiles industries.

Showcasing the latest trends and innovative designs, products and services on display by industry leaders.

Networking events and business sessions will also be taking place during SuperExpo2013.

Check out the full program online atwww.superexpo2013.com.au

Inspira t ion in design & tex t i les!EXPOSUPER 2013 A S S O C I A T I O N

BLIND MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

INVITATION

Platinum Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Presented by

12 · CONNECTIONS

A series of industry initiatives are aimed at creating more sustainable practices. Here we look at some “greener” textiles … and some nice looking urban walls. By Nicola Card.

sustainability and green-ability

The word ‘sustainability’ is bandied around a fair bit, but as someone

said, “A universally accepted definition of sustainability remains

elusive”. Taking up the challenge, we checked various references to

present ‘sustainability’ thus: the ability for endurance, for planet earth

to continue maintaining quality of life and well being in environmental,

economic, and social spheres without compromising the future well

being of the planet or its people.

A good example of what is not sustainable is Beijing’s atmosphere: smog

levels recently rocketed to the suffocatingly high 886 micrograms per

cubic metre. Putting that in context, the “acceptable” level of fine particles

in the air is no more than 25, and once the dial hits 300 the air is described

as hazardous. “Officially 886 is off the charts for dangerous air quality,”

someone commented. “This is the worst ever air pollution in history …

more people now realise sustainability is a matter of life and death.”

Leading the chargeBeijing seems a long way from Australia but a wave of diverse activities

in the textiles industry underpin sustainable development, and Technical

Textiles and Nonwoven Association Executive Manager Kerryn Caulfield

told Connections that ‘lightweighting’ was a focus of efforts.

“Lightweighting covers all textile technology including fibre and

yarn production, knitting, weaving and non woven production across

all synthetic and natural raw materials,” she said. “It has profound

application in many areas including the military, and in other areas they

are using textiles as the solution for [reducing] energy usage.”

Late last year TTNA announced that ‘lifecycle thinking’ was being

applied to identify areas important to lightweight and to determine other

design strategies to reduce material use and the embodied energy

within products.

The organisation is conducting an analysis of fibre and textile

lightweighting technology on manufactured componentry that will

conclude with recommendations for integration into fibre and textile

industry and eventually be applied to the manufacture of commercially

viable lightweight products, Kerryn told Connections. “Mindful of meeting

stringent carbon emissions target and reducing fuel consumption.”

SPECIALFEATURE


TTNA is taking the reins by providing technical

training aimed at helping manufacturers to better

understand the changing marketplace and moves

toward lightweighting.

The trend is no stranger to Wax Converter Textiles

which, through its network of industry contacts and

intelligence and R+D efforts outcomes, is at the

forefront of advances in lightweight materials destined

for a range of applications.

James Kelman cited an example, saying “Ten years

ago most tents were made using a 12 ounce roofing

fabric which was also used in walls. This progressed

to 8 ounce walling … and these days it had reduced

again to 8 ounce roofing and 6 ounce walling.”

Quality has not diminished; with technological

advances fabrics are more durable than ever.

“These tents are much lighter weight, and larger

tents can fold into a same sized area. They fabrics

are also used for flip-out, off-road camper trailers.

This area has undergone a boom in the past ten years

and most manufacturers are now using lighter weight

materials.”

James added that in other PVC developments, WCT

has a capability to produce a 10 kg psm security

screen which is in demand at airports.

He also revealed that in mid march WCT is

launching a new, lighter weight fabric weighing just

440gsm called Duralight 440. Stay tuned for more

details on this, once distributors and suppliers have

been notified.

A salient reminder that once Nylex closed its doors,

WCT became the only Australian manufacturer of

outdoor industrial PVC fabric.

But like it or not, the spotlight often lands on PVC/

Polyvinyl chloride/ ‘vinyl’, which dumped in landfill

poses environmental threats due to its chlorine and

other contents. The good news is that given its long

lasting, durable nature, around 80% of PVC is destined

for use in products which notch up a lifespan of

between 15 and 100 years.

But what of PVC waste in off-cuts in the factory or

plant? More efforts to curb and contain are being

initiated, such as the European PVC industry’s

VinylPlus, a 10-year sustainable development program

complemented by awareness and understanding. And

Europe is home to PVC recycling plants

Cleaning up PVCDeveloped by Solvay, the Vinyloop© process is a

mechanical recycling process using an organic

solvent to separate the PVC compound from other

types of plastic waste or from the other materials in

a PVC composite. Solvents and separation enable

recovery of all the components of the original PVC

formulation in a suspension and eventually the humid

PVC compound is dried with hot air and ready to be

reused. Meanwhile the solvent is regenerated by a

multi-step condensation and separation process, and

is entirely recycled.

The first Vinyloop© plant was built in Italy in 2001 to

treat post-consumer PVC cable waste. More recently

a specific recycling technology called Texyloop®,

based on the Vinyloop© process has been developed

and a recycling plant is now operational in Europe.

Aussie first - Texyloop: Innova Ferrari recycling plant

During the past 12 months, Innova International

has invested considerable time promoting the

Texyloop® recycling process to architects, specifiers

and fabricators. To date in Australia 9000 square

meters of ‘retired’ architectural fabric has been

collected from projects nationwide and is being

stored and awaiting transfer at Innova’s Melbourne

collection depot, with more material being collected

during 2013, Chris Arkell told Connections.

green wall design by Patrick Blanc: Vertical garden Trio at Camperdown,

courtesy of Frasers Property.

14 · CONNECTIONS

Innova plans to return containers with recyclable materials to Europe in

the next few months, once target fabric quantities have been collected.

The company is also investigating methods of increasing packing

efficiency for shipping by using bailing and shredding equipment to

reduce the environmental impact of the transportation.

Those attending the 2012 STA Exhibition in Melbourne will have

noticed a series of Texyloop® recycling bins placed throughout the

Expo hall. Innova supplied Serge Ferrari® recyclable fabric to exhibitors

Elizabeth Machines, Pathfinder, Aeronaut and Ultracut, for demonstration

on cutting equipment and welding machinery. More than 200 square

meters of used fabric was collected for Texyloop® recycling, instead of

simply ending up in landfill.

“This was the first time an environmentally responsible disposal

method was made available to exhibitors,” Chris said. “And in another

Australian first, Helioscreen Australia in NSW became the first blind and

awning manufacturer to adopt the Texyloop® recycling program for

production waste and replaced fabric. Helioscreen started segregating

and collecting Serge Ferrari® Soltis® fabric offcuts for return to Innova in

October 2012.”

Innova has commissioned prototypes of clearly identifiable Texyloop®

bags for customer use in their premises for the collection of REACH

compliant production waste.

Recycle, re-useMelbourne based The Banner Lady proudly promotes its Satin Skins as

100% eco-friendly, with all their satin being recyclable.

In late 2011 the company started collecting satin banner off cuts, over-

runs and discontinued client banners, and supplying these to Reverse Art

Truck which provides schools, kindergartens and playgroups with a large

variety of affordable art and craft materials for various creative programs.

And that means less material is destined for landfill.

Banner Lady CEO Richard Gill told Connections “We encourage our

corporate and other customers to return old banner skins and we pass

these on to Reverse Art Truck, in turn school students and other groups

use the material for drawing or painting on, some even turn scraps into

carry bags or shopping bags.

“It gives us a good way of recycling our satins and other off-cuts that would

otherwise not be used for anything, just be dumped and end up in landfill.”

Eco-friendly satin banners and inksThe company prides itself on its range of high quality satin banners

which, using 70% less material, weigh just one third of their vinyl

counterparts and reduce energy in production and transportation.

SPECIALFEATURE

MSA saysThe Manufacturing Skills Australia’s Sustainability Issues in Textiles guide focuses on the manufacture of fabric from natural and man-made fibres – processes such as stripping, blending, dyeing and weaving or knitting. Among other things the guide illustrates how some of the processes relate to specific sustainability issues including water consumption and chemical use. Using a risk rating system the guide details some of the potentially high impact

sustainability issues.

Above: Innova Texyloop recycling in action


greener walls, better life styles a green or “living” wall which is either free-standing or integral to a building is partially or completely covered with plantations that effectively reduce overall temperatures of the building (insolation/absorption of solar radiation). and let’s face it – the back-to-nature soft look is much easier on the eye than stark grey concrete.

Matt gisler of Miami stainless told Connections about his company’s interest and development of green walls, saying that stainless steel trellis, also known as Vertical garden Mesh, green Wall garden Mesh or green Façade, is stainless steel wire in lines or patterns across an existing surface or between uprights such as walls or posts.

there is a difference between a green wall – often built with bucket like structures – and a cable trellis using stainless steel wires. the latter is not an entirely new concept, it is based on a mesh arrangement used in gardening for years but a reinvention of sorts.

“stainless steel trellis can be placed in the same green technology basket as solar panels or wind turbines as they can reduce the ‘urban heat island effect’ held by development materials such as concrete, which retain heat.

“the major advantages of green Walls over other green technology are their beauty and regulation of interior temperatures created by shading,” Matt said. “When applied specifically to vertical structures, green Walls create an insulating layer of air between the vegetation and façade which evens out temperature fluctuations and noticeably reduces heating and cooling costs.”

Matt commented that another major benefit of green Walls has been identified through psychological research. dr rachel Kaplan’s research into the impact of nature on people’s mental functioning explains the mental and physical restoration derived from nature, which has important implications for how we build our homes, work environments and cities.

“even a glimpse of nature from a window helps. in one well-known study, for instance, rachel Kaplan found that office workers with a view of nature liked their jobs more, enjoyed better health and reported greater life satisfaction!” Matt said.

types of stainless steel trellis include horizontal or vertical single wire systems or a combination of both horizontal and vertical wire to form a grid pattern which can be installed as horizontal or diagonal and a home for leaf-stem climbers, leaf climbers and scrambling plants.

green Walls and façades are increasingly popular among government entities, architects, planners, green specialists and diYer’s to create vertical gardens for decoration and to provide shade, privacy and space dividers. in some cases, even animal enclosures.

“Miami stainless is driving product innovation in cable trellis and by 2014 we will be working more with the government and councils and will have cost effective offerings for consideration,” Matt told Connections.

Further, the company uses non-solvent, vegetable based inks that

are water based and used in the printing process, are environmentally

friendly compared with oil based solvent-based inks. Dye-sublimation

printing technology ensures they can fully use the benefits of water

soluble inks which are transferred to satin fabrics using pressure and

temperatures of around 200°C.

Banner Lady stands are manufactured from high quality “100%

recyclable” lightweight aluminium which reduces emissions levels in

transportation.

Further information

Texyloop®: Innova International, ph 03 9551 8722 or email texyloop@

innova.com.au.

www.reversearttruck.com.au

www.compositesaustralia.com.au

Vinyl Council Australia’s Findings on Life Cycle Assessment

The Manufacturing Skills Australia’s Sustainability Issues in Textiles

guide

Left: Lightweight satin, used by the Banner Lady

16 · CONNECTIONS

What’s this year’s plan?

BUSINESS

Following is an adapted version of a Roger La Salle article produced in 2012.

It’s the start of another year and many businesses will be reflecting on the past 12 months and measuring their progress. As Roger observes, “In this economy … if we remove the mining States, the businesses that are prospering are lawyers overwhelmed with litigation, receivers and administrators trying to make sense out of failing businesses, accountants, and the child care sector”

three vital questions need to be addressed1. How are you tracking compared with last

year?

2. Are you going to weather the storm or

simply “shut up shop”?

3. If you are in for the long haul, what are you

going to do differently in the coming year?

the business cycleIf we look at any business that is at some stage

extremely profitable, unless there is protection

of sorts or huge barriers to entry others will

enter the market as competitors. You can be

sure over time that, as more competitors enter

a lucrative market, profits will soon be eroded

to make the business just an “also ran”.

Petrol stations, convenience stores and

coffee shops may fall into this category.

Indeed as profitability falls with market

saturation, one thing is sure, when the tough

times come, only the fittest survive. Further,

when the good times inevitably return, the

landscape is far more hospitable as the

weak have disappeared and are no longer

competitors. In this regard there is definitely

“light at the end of the tunnel”.

going the distanceIf you have made the decision to stay the course

and be around for the good times, then

questions one and three above

need to be addressed.

Question 1 Compare your results and

assess the weak areas and decide how to

address them, if indeed you believe they are

worth saving;

Question 3 Ask yourself, “What am I going

to do differently this year in order to get a

better result?”

We all know the old saying, if you keep doing

what you have always done you will keep

getting the same result. Perhaps it may be

time to embrace a new approach and look at

the opportunities afforded by systematically

innovating your offering and searching for the

next opportunity for your business.

some examplesTake Microsoft for example. Ten years ago

who would have thought Microsoft would be

in the hardware business with mobile phones

and gaming machines. And who would

have thought Nokia, formerly in the lumber

business, would have become the number

one cell phone maker until quite recently. And

could you have foreseen the Apple iphone a

decade ago?

Each of these companies have embraced

innovation on a grand scale and so far been

extremely successful.

how about You?The “big boys” if you like, had the

financial capacity and brand presence

to take some risk, but what of your

business? The small local foundry,

the machine jobbing shop, the

powder coating service or even the

suburban Milk Bar, what of these micro

businesses, what can be done for these?

The simple answer is Innovation.

Find out what people are doing that is


working and do it better. Not everybody in

your industry is “going to the wall”, some will

be great survivors. What is it they have that

you don’t, what are they doing differently or

better?

You can embrace innovation by

changing products to add improvements,

“channel enhancement” by leveraging

your existing customer relationships,

“complementary products” by fulfilling

the entire customer needs or by adding

accessories to platform products you

have already sold.

There are huge opportunities available

if you are systematic and strategic in your

search.

Further, do you have a systematic

opportunity search mechanism? An

opportunity is simply “An Observed

fortunate set of Circumstances”. Do you

know how to position yourself to find this set

of circumstances?

"Find out what people are doing that is working

and do it better. Not everybody in your

industry is 'going to the wall', some will be great

survivors. What is it they have that you don’t,

what are they doing differently or better?"

is it all doom and gloom?Most definitely not. Embrace innovation

and opportunity, and remember, only the fit

survive the bad times, and good times always

follow bad. If you are a survivor the way

ahead will soon be clear for you to prosper

like never before.

This article is reproduced with the kind permission of Roger La Salle

Roger La Salle is the creator of the "Matrix Thinking"™ technique and is widely sought after as an international speaker on Innovation, Opportunity and business development. He is the author of four books, Director and former CEO of the Innovation Centre of Victoria (INNOVIC) and involved with as a number of companies in Australian and overseas. He has been responsible for a number of successful technology start-ups and in 2004 was a regular panellist on the ABC TV’s New Inventors. In 2005 he was appointed to the Chair of Innovation at The Queens University in Belfast. Roger also chairs two Syndicates of the National organisation The CEO Institute. Matrix Thinking is now used in more than 26 countries and licensed to Deloitte, one of the world’s largest consulting firms. www.matrixthinking.com

18 · CONNECTIONS

neWs

coalition on carbonThe carbon tax is less than popular among a large number of STA

members, whose views are echoed by the Australian Industry Group

(Ai Group) which found business costs had increased by an average

of 14.5 percent “as a direct result of the carbon tax”.

Meanwhile the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) found 80% of

retailers felt their business had been negatively impacted since the

July 2012 introduction of carbon tax.

In the ARA survey of late 2012, 98% of respondents declared they

were unaware of government compensation programs, and 60% said

consumers had spent less since carbon pricing was introduced.

ARA members listed a string of price hikes: increased costs in raw

materials (hence merchandise); increased cost of product, greater

expenses, and rising electricity bills (some to the tune of 10%). A

familiar scenario, no doubt, to STA members.

But with a federal election date now fixed, the landscape could

change.

In his address to the Shadow Cabinet in early February, Opposition

leader Tony Abbott stated unequivocally the importance of giving

Australian people “… good government …” saying “there are real

solutions for the Australian people in Real Solutions Plan. The carbon

tax [has] gone because that’s the best thing we can do to ease the

pressure on cost of living …”

This follows his mid-2012 statement: “As soon as an election is

called, the Coalition will take immediate and concrete steps to repeal

the Carbon Tax … to ease cost of living pressures on families, help

small business and restore confidence to the economy.

“On the day the election is called, I will write to the Secretary of the

Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to make it clear that, if

elected, the first priority of a Coalition Government will be the repeal of

the Carbon Tax.

On day one, the Environment Minister will instruct the Department

to commence the implementation of the Coalition’s Direct Action Plan

on climate change and carbon emissions … Within the first month, the

Cabinet will approve legislation to repeal the Carbon Tax.”

The message could not be clearer.

When we canvassed Sydney TAFE’s Steven Busuttil about the

forthcoming election, he stated: “The Liberals (coalition) may get

things back on track and spend more …”

STRUCTURESSUPERB

Several entries to the 2012 STA Awards for Excellence focused on the great outdoors – entertainment, relaxation and leisure. Here we showcase several of these superb structures that were designed, developed and installed by members.

Fun constructions for leisurely pursuits

Stylish, comfy leather lounger Person and company: erin grant of e h brett & sons P/lProject: leather lounge for up-market campers Fabric: san diego leather supplied by shann

Our client, a well established high-end camper trailer company, prides

itself on its lightweight campers that ease the load on their customers’

vehicles. They were keen to present customers with an option to

upgrade from their cloth lounge; to offer a more luxurious, elegant yet

practical leather lounge which was being incorporated in an innovative,

up-and-coming camper about to be launched to the public.

They approached us to design a curved leather lounge which would

feel comfortable and present an allure of sophistication and class.

The plush leather lounge – which was to be no thicker than 100mm –

needed to accommodate weight and size restrictions where the bed

slides in on top of the lounge when not in use.

The lounge was to be manufactured in four separate pieces in our

factory to enable easy installation and we had to ensure the design and

dimensions were 100% correct without having a physical unit in the

workshop for fitment as the client’s camper was located 300 kilometres

from our workshop. The camper’s unique curves were catered for by

working off a fibreglass mould.

The leather lounge also had to be created relatively fast to minimise

costs; Erin Grant simplified the cushions to enable a streamlined

manufacturing technique and pattern, and he cleverly designed the

lounge pattern in a series of smaller panels to mask the imperfections

of cow hides.

Another challenge was presented by the different densities of foam

for the cushions and backs, affecting the curve. The special design

features our nominee recommended to the client was the plush shape

of the cushions, with the creation of gathers in certain areas to create

a more luxurious style. He also recommended a firmer foam density

for the base cushion and a lower density for the back to ensure there

would be plenty of support and comfort.

All up, a very elegant look and feel.

20 · CONNECTIONS

STRUCTURESSUPERB

Top job Company: horizon sail structures P/lProject: Mermaid beach residence at Mermaid beach in Queensland Fabric: Monotec 370 supplied by Prorange Wholesale

The client was renovating two beach front units into one prestige

residence; the building featured a roof top pool and entertaining area

that required protection from the elements.

The client and architect had very specific ideas and there was to

be no compromise on quality. The rooftop area had to be protected

from the sun throughout the day, with sufficient headroom to prevent

a claustrophobic feeling and enable residents to appreciate the

spectacular water views.

We custom fabricated and installed 316 stainless steel posts and

wall mounts. Great care was taken to reseal the posts and wall mounts

after fitting, to prevent ingress of water into the building. The sail was

designed to create the greatest coverage possible over the entertaining

area and servery; strop wires and extra plates were required to facilitate

the coverage of the sail.

Shaping of the sail accentuated the design to provide a stunning

outcome that was in sync with the overall ambience of the renovation.

Bowling them over Company: abacus shade structuresProject: austral bowling club in sydneyFabric: settler 648 supplied by Wax converters textiles

The project involved a 90sqm waterproof cantilevered structure for a

lawn bowling club in Austral, Sydney, as part of a major redevelopment

of the bowling club.

The client wanted a large continuous structure that enabled

weather protection for bowlers and offered clear views of the

bowling greens. Seating and lighting was added to provide

additional amenity.

The shade structure is located between the club house and along

a bowling green, and members can walk from the bowling green to

the club under shelter.

It is rewarding when experts in shade structure and architecture

collaborate on a project to achieve a common goal. The initial

concept of several independent sails was not as suitable as one

continuous structure. The agreed design was a shade structure with

quality refinements and practicality and which blends seamlessly

into the overall club redevelopment.

Bowling clubs have made a big push to improve shelter around their

greens, showing interest in the comfort and health of members and

as a drawcard for new members. Bowling greens that offer adjacent

shelter are preferred by members – they send a clear message to the

clubs to increase the amount of shelter around greens.

The quality of the shade structure, lighting, decor and colour

scheme are very high and are now an impressive part of the

bowling club. The shade structure is integral to this. So much so

that the client’s website highlights membership of the club for

the “availability of outdoor alfresco areas as perfect places to

unwind”.


Made for shade Company: advanced shade systems P/lProject: broadwater Parklands at southport, Queensland Fabric: Monotec 370 supplied by Prorange Wholesale

Gold Coast City Council wanted to upgrade a playground facility by

installing a jumping pillow for additional entertainment and shade fabric

shade structures for sun protection.

The location generated some challenges that called for innovative

engineering and construction methods, for example the design and

installation of footings for the shade structure had to be specially

engineered and scheduled around the prevailing tides, with the sub-

structure consisting entirely of sand. This uniquely revised construction

method enabled us to deliver a completed product that would withstand

the harsh environment and fully meet the client’s requirements.

Situated between the Gold Coast Seaway and Gold Coast highway,

Broadwater Parklands is highly visible to passers-by. The structure has

received many favourable comments from the public and the pillow has

proven an outstanding feature in the parkland environment.

Perfectly portable Company: Weathersafe shadesProject: Portable shade sail structures, various locations Fabric: abshade supplied by absolute trade supplies

To date shelter at large scale events has been limited to marquees,

pop-up tents and umbrellas – simply put, structural requirements for

contemporary shade structures have been too great to offer any viable

alternatives.

After significant R&D, we have developed a portable shade sail

structure that is 100% removable with no remaining footprint, and

requires no backstays or supporting roof framework. Using a patented

footing system, the structure has revolutionised the event hire industry in

SA, providing the first genuine large-scale alternative to drab, traditional

marquees.

It is expandable in all directions, offering significantly more flexibility for

event organisers, and is simple to erect and dismantle. It is also extremely

cost effective. Since its creation in November 2011, it has been used for

the Adelaide Oval test match and one day internationals, the Clipsal 500,

the Adelaide Festival and Writers Week, the Womadelaide Music Festival,

the Melbourne Cup, and Adelaide cup race day carnivals, and various

school and community events throughout Adelaide.

This product has opened up market opportunities for us that were

previously non-existent, and to the best of our knowledge this is the first

and only structure of its type in the world.

22 · CONNECTIONS

STRUCTURESSUPERB

Winds of change Company: FabritectureProject: Four Winds sound shell at bermagui, sapphire coast, nsWFabric: sheerfill ii PtFe supplied by saint gobain

Situated along the sparkling Sapphire Coast is the coastal town of

Bermagui, a secluded area of surf beaches, estuaries, wetlands and

coastal lagoons. Bermagui is also home to the biennial Four Winds

Festival of classical, cultural and world music.

In preparation for the 2012 Four Winds Festival, a new ‘Sound Shell’

was constructed to replace the previous amphitheatre. The project

outsourced the design, supply and installation of a four-cone conical

structure for the event’s amphitheatre.

The Four Winds Sound Shell is a cultural venue that has been

partly funded by the Government. The Sound Shell will be used as

a community facility for the arts with the aim that Four Winds, and

Bermagui, will continue to attract visitors and talented performers and be

seen as a cultural hub of New South Wales. The structure was designed

to take advantage of the spectacular natural setting and to incorporate

elements of the previous structure such as the lily pad pond in front of

the stage. Attention was given to the acoustics of the event and to ensure

full visibility for audience members.

Specifications included: weather protection to the stage area for the

Festival; improved sound quality with acoustic properties to enhance

performances and visually complement the idyllic setting; design in

keeping with the surrounding natural environment and the artistic and

cultural theme of the Four Winds Festival; and good audience visibility.

It also had to act as a purpose-built stage designed to optimise sound

quality and enhance the audience experience.

The Sound Shell has a structural steel frame with a three-coat paint system.

We worked with architects who developed the initial concept and we then

finalised the design, engineered and modeled it to ensure it worked. The

design of the four cone conical structure has limited steel with the only steel

components to be the four columns and two lighting beams.

The remaining structural support is achieved by the use of under

fabric cables and guy cables. Water runoff was also considered in the

design with the structure built to enable rainfall to fall to the back of the

structure; this was achieved through design modeling and on-site final

adjustment of the under fabric cables.

The most complex part of this project was achieving the 3D form put

forward by the Architect. While the form appears simple to the untrained

eye, achieving the rather flat ridges from cone to cone was extremely

difficult and required the use of highly tensioned under fabric cables to

manipulate the fabric into the required shape.

These under fabric cables and shallow ridges also meant that the

patterning could not be completed using the typical conical approach

of strips meeting at the peaks, instead patterns had to be run at about

45 degrees to normal to ensure that no warp edges were welded to weft

edges and instead were welded along the bias (45 degrees to weft or

warp direction).

The main project challenges included achieving the required form

as put forward by the architect and coming up with a seam layout that

worked from an engineering standpoint and that created an aesthetically

pleasing look. Access to the remote site was restricted – a single and

narrow access point proved an issue during the wet weather and with

heavy equipment such as cranes, boom-lifts and other machinery.

The first musical concert was staged during March 2012 to rave

reviews. The final shape was perfectly in tune with the original concept

and the seam layout works perfectly. Facilitating a broader range of

performances, the Four Winds Sound Shell will be available for use

year-round.

Pho

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Eye catching swimmers’ sanctuary Company: oasis tension structures and atkins FabricationProject: glen eira sports & aquatic centre, VictoriaFabric: Fabsorb 2aPtFe glass acoustic membrane; Fibertop t400 PtF glass membrane; Filbertop c1008 PtFe glass membrane, supplied by st gobain and Fibertech

This project involved solving a complicated design brief that no other

building cladding could achieve – an anticlastic form sealing a complex

eclipse that dampens noise while sustaining a heated environment

through its insulated, inner acoustic lined structure.

The structure encloses two intertwined waterslides with support tower

and maintains the heated environment within a chlorinated water activity

space with a fully insulated conical structure. The hyperplasic fabric

surface aims to nullify the noise that evolves from such water activities

through an acoustic inner liner.

The client requested a long lasting, stand out feature from an otherwise

ordinary building façade/cladding, something exciting that would

symbolise the excitement within – and Oasis produced a sporting

facility big top that dominates the streetscape during the day and, when

illuminated inside and out, creates a lighted beacon during the night that

can be seen for kilometres.

Located approximately 20 kilometres South East of Melbourne CBD,

the Glen Eira Sports & Aquatic Centre is one of the largest indoor and

outdoor sporting facilities in Australia and is on a similar scale to the

Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre. The longevity of a PTFE coated

fibreglass outer skin and PTFE coated fibreglass acoustic inner liner

sandwiched an inert, highly insulated commercial building material.

This is the first fully insulated coated fabric structure in Australia. It

was complicated to pattern, extremely difficult to fabricate and equally

unaccommodating to install – add a waterslide penetration in a highly

stressed zone and that would make it the most intricate fabric structure

in Australia.

Ensuring the inert insulated material maintained its position with the

outer and inner liner during fabrication yet was able to stretch and move

once the structure was in a tensioned state presented a challenge. The

large penetration did not make anything simpler. The structure was

fabricated in three large sections, spliced together on site and then

crane-lifted and tensioned into design position – the splices were then

also insulated and sealed using a combination of rope access and large

boomlifts. Similarly the penetration was also sealed once the structure

was completely tensioned.

The Tender Documents specified an American produced aerogel

insulation substance enclosed by PTFE coated fibreglass materials: that

translated to only one contractor being able to conform to tender! Oasis

drew upon its engineering ingenuity to research and develop “InTeMs”

– Insulated Tension Membranes – the very first insulated tension

membrane material. Atkins Fabrication was the only fabrication facility

Oasis was prepared to engage to fabricate the solution that satisfied the

demanding Tender Specification. Not only that, the Oasis solution was

much cheaper than the monopolised option specified.

The structure was locally designed, patterned, fabricated and

constructed. Every contractor and consultant associated with the project

has commended Oasis and Atkins Fabrication on the “staggering”

solution to a very complicated problem.

“The client requested a long lasting, stand out feature from an otherwise ordinary building

façade/cladding, something exciting that would symbolise

the excitement within …”

26 · CONNECTIONS

YOUNGLEADERS II

In this report Jamie Howard provides a sneak peek on the flavour of the challenge presented to STA’s younger set. However, Jamie is unable to reveal too much information as that would ruin the surprise nature of the challenge, in which designs are kept under wraps until the STA Expo.

So, without giving too much away but by way of the general theme …

The brief presented to the young leaders in

this year’s challenge is aimed at fostering

innovative ideas and turning these into

practical, material constructions.

First up, we told the young leaders that the

challenge was to find an organisation that

is worthy of a product that our industry can

provide … this was not limited to a type of

structure or a product; it was designed to

allow for innovative thinking.

Participants were encouraged to ‘think

outside the box’, in other words to find a

project that rates highly in the categories

listed below - and on which they will be

judged:

Wow factor The end product should be innovative and

unique - areas in which the youthful ideas of

the participants are the strongest. The ‘wow

factor’ can also be seen in the marketing

activities of the product, or the publicity it

gains.

Purpose effectivenessThe suitability of the end product is crucial to

the overall success of the teams. Strong ideas

may guarantee the winning design is used for

years to come, so it is critical that the teams

carefully consider this aspect.

Marketing to greater audience Here is where exposure to the greater

public is the key. Our young leaders need

to get the wider community involved to

give exposure to their project and also to

give exposure to the industry. How will they

achieve this?

A budget was provided to enable young

leader challenge participants to work within

set parameters. A total figure of $20,000

was allocated for the cost of raw materials,

external services, approval documents,

certification documents, freight costs and

donations of materials from team companies.

Items of the budget not restricted by a

dollar value include marketing, research

and development, sponsorship and media.

Also included is: in-house engineering,

fabrication and install labour, along with

personal logistics (if sponsored), so team

members who are situated in different states

may be able to meet to discuss ideas or

install products.

The budget will be checked to ensure the

playing field is fair. Let’s not forget $20K is

a substantial amount of money, this could

translate into one large structure or 100

smaller items. The possibilities are only

limited by the innovative thoughts of our

young leaders!

The Young Leader teamsTeam A

Team name: Greentextiles

Project Manager: Ben Thorburn

Team members: Alberto Del Arco, Samantha

Duggan, Dwayne Rickard, Brendan Saunders,

Amanda Saunders and Michael Young

Project Location: Wynnum West State School

in Brisbane

Team B

Team name: Shade A Cause

Project Manager: Brendan Allen

Team members: Justin Esdaile, Max Hayman,

Michael Guinea, Scott Bartlett, Chris Smith,

Brad Clark, Linda Bester and David Splatt

Project Location: Blacktown PCYC (Youth

Club) in Sydney

Both teams are busily finalising designs

and specifications for their respective

project. Design work is likely to be

completed by the end of February, paving

the way for fabrication works to commence.

After speaking with both team leaders, it is

evident that a great deal of thought is being

put into how the project will be marketed to

the local community. Marketing plans and

strategies have been developed on the basis

of getting the message out to a very large

audience. This will bring valuable publicity

to the industry and will be very rewarding

for all team members.

Without giving too much away I can say the

teams are very much on track to construct

something to be proud of. The next few

months will be very busy for all involved;

and I am absolutely certain everyone will

rise to the challenge.

Watch this space …

Young leaders ramp up activity


SP36 Pedestal Digital Graphics Triad

SP36 Side Arm 6 inch Pole Pocket Triad

SP36 Quick Arm Acrylic Triad

Austech Welders are proud to announce being appointed as the Australian distributor for the Smartseal by Seamtek range of hot air welders and seam tapers.

For more information on the new Seamtek call Greg on 0418 771 600.

Austech Welders Pty Ltd Managing Director — Greg SchmidtPh: 0418 771 600 Fx: (08) 9498 3015Email: [email protected]

www.austechwelders.com

NSW Rep – Robin Pethybridge Ph: 0413 744 315 Email: [email protected]

Vic Rep – Mick Jewel Ph: 0417 352 130

Seamtek are industry leaders in rotary hot air welding and seam sealing. Their welders/tapers feature Smartseal digital control technology. As the fi rst rotary hot air welder to use a touch screen controlled PLC (a standard feature for over 10 years) the Seamtek welder/taper makes it easy for the operator to control on the fl y speed adjustments and differential wheel speeds, repeat complex shape patterns and precisely control production variables.

For ease of use and the ability to change from one type of weld to another quickly and easily nothing beats the SP range of welders. The one welder can be confi gured with a pedestal, side arm and quick arm. The operator can change between these by simply swinging one out of the way and swinging the new one into place.

truckin’ alongNathan Ennor of First Class Canvas may have only been in business for two years but he is already making a big splash in ute covers. Here Nathan showcases vehicles sporting his smart looking buttonless tonneau system.

More information: www.firstclasscanvas.net

Have you developed a unique product,

or designed or installed a unique structure?

If so, we would love to hear from you and see

the photos, email: [email protected]

28 · CONNECTIONS

Most Australians have been camping at some stage in their life, and for many it’s an annual ritual. Others are packing up and setting off indefinitely into the sunset. All of which is good news for businesses supplying goods and services to the camping sector. Here we talk to some STA members about industry trends and developments.

By Nicola Card

enjoying the great outdoors

For six days from March 7 the roads

surrounding Caulfield Racecourse in

Melbourne will be more congested than

usual, with thousands of visitors swarming

to the very popular Caravan, Camping &

Touring Supershow to admire – or drool

over – the latest and greatest in all things

camping related.

On show will be caravans, pop tops, tent/

camper trailers, campervans, off road

and touring accessories, tents, camping

equipment and more, pretty much everything

related to the great outdoors.

Camping is big business: nationally there

are around 450,000 caravans and 51,000

campervans, and the overall growth rate of

the fleet is estimated at 4.6% pa. Businesses

supplying camping accessories and

goods, parts and accessories post average

annual revenues of $400,000. Just some of

the findings of the Victorian Caravan and

Camping Industry’s 2012 Blueprint.

And according to the CRVA almost nine

in ten people have stayed in a caravan

park; predominantly young middle income

families or grey nomads seeking a relatively

inexpensive holiday, though the later group is

swelling faster as more baby boomers retire.

The nation boasts 2350 caravan and camping

parks, but they are on a decline due to rising

land values. In the seven years to 2010 the ABS

estimates around 3.4% of the total amount of

sites were lost. While that sounds bad, it still

leaves enormous choice and scope in sites

located across Australia: from the steamy

tropical north and hot dry centre to cool,

windswept Tasmania and all in between.

But what is it that campers are demanding

these days? In a nutshell, bigger, better

- and lighter. In many cases that means

enhancements to the caravans basic

features and characteristics; custom made

additions. As someone put it, caravan

owners are not unlike boat owners who are

always on the lookout for extras, accessories

or upgrades in the bid for greater comfort

or looks or simply to gain one upmanship.

Either way it is good news for the likes

of STA member EH Brett whose specially

designed and tailored leather lounges for

up-market campers feature on page 18.

What campers wantToday, innovations in the field (pardon the

pun) are focused on packing in as much

folded out external space as possible into

the minimum amount of folded volume for

minimum weight. Also installing “as many

of the creature comforts of home into the

smallest space and lowest weight possible”.

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James Kelman of Wax Converter Textiles could not agree more,

saying “A decade ago most tents and annexes in flip-out, off-road

camper trailers had 12 ounce roofing and wall materials whereas

today we manufacture 8 ounce roofing and 6 ounce walling. Larger

tents can fold into the same size area as their smaller predecessors.”

Today’s camping customers are demanding more features and

better products! For example they want easier access to bedding so

they do not have to take ladders which means steps are now more

commonly designed into the fold-out unit. Campers also want larger

living areas and LED lighting, just like at home.

“They also want bathrooms and hot water, which is why some towed

units alone now sell for up to $100,000! When campers arrive at a

destination they can simply detach the unit and use their car as a

regular vehicle. Not like the massive lumbering Winnebago home-on-

wheels seen in the US that need the space of a Bunnings car park!”

(Thoughts of Meet the Parents spring to mind, with Robert De Niro

behind the wheel of the mighty machine.)

“A decade ago most tents and annexes in flip-out, off-road camper trailers had 12 ounce roofing and wall materials whereas today we manufacture 8 ounce roofing and 6 ounce walling. Larger tents can fold into the same size area as their smaller predecessors."

30 · CONNECTIONS

Good looks, fine structure, smart brandingWith an emphasis on portability and

convenience of pitching, dismantling and

transportation, today’s tent and annex PVC

materials are generally longer-lasting,

waterproof and light-weight. Australia’s one

and only manufacturer of these PVC materials

is Wax Converter Textiles, whose R+D crew

under the direction of Jim and James Kelman

have devoted countless hours over the years

developing lighter, more durable materials.

WCT has smartly chosen popular – indeed

iconic – Aussie names for its products, and

among these is Coolabah. Boasting eight

colours, Coolabah is described as a superfine

polyester/cotton “Japara” quality tenting fabric

that WCT specially designed and developed

for the continental and family-style frame tent

roofs and walls. It is also used as walling for

campervans where a large amount of fabric

can be folded into a tight compact area.

Meanwhile with a dozen colours to the

swatch, Billabong is the high quality, light-

medium weight, blended polyester/cotton

canvas tent fabric. Woven from fine yarn

counts, Billabong is a very tightly constructed

fabric that is designed specifically for higher

quality family frame tents and campervan

roofing and walling.

Sturdy enough for the militaryCaravan and camping products represent

a significant business portion of WCT,

which is market leader for waterproofed

(Dynaproofed) canvas. Manufactured to

tough military standards it is designed to

withstand Australia’s unique environmental

conditions which means waterproofing,

weathering, colour fastness, and resistance

to UV breakdown, mould and mildew growth.

The canvas is also made available to the

commercial market.

WCT is also Australia’s only manufacturer

of PVC mesh fabric for insect screening

products. The insect proofing Multi-screen

250 keeps flies and mosquitoes at bay when

installed on camper trailer windows while the

heavier grade Multi-screen 440 is popular for

screening caravan and annex sections.

Australian madeUnderstandably, WCT takes every opportunity

to display the ‘Australia Made’ logo on all

manufactured goods. “All our branding and

packaging – it is a huge point of difference to

us,” said James who is mindful of the number of

consumers stung by cheap inferior imports.

Still on local matters, caravan and camping show

goers will notice a brand new logo on display,

that of the newly formed Australian Manufactured

Camper Trailers Guild whose members provide

guarantee of workmanship. (See related feature

on the AMCTG on page 45.)

Camping trendsSetting up in business two years ago, Nathan

Ennor of Toowoomba based First Class

Canvas fabricates annexes and awnings.

We asked him if he had observed any

developments in that time.

“One small thing I have noticed is most

people get a caravan and they have a roll

out awning and they have the full annex for

when they set up for a week or two, but a lot

of people don’t stay in one spot for very long

– they arrive and want to put up their annex

and not have a full heavy one – they just want

to slide in a few shade cloth walls for a bit of

privacy and as a wind break or sun shade,”

Nathan said. “So more people are getting

lighter weight shade cloth walls that are fast

and easy to put up and take down, especially

convenient when they are just stopping for a

night or two.

“Most people get shade cloth for that factor

as it’s nice and lightweight and comes in a

range of colours. It does not block out the

view totally – you can see out and take in the

surrounding water, outback or beach view.”

ChallengesPaskal General Manager Tom Frame has a

slightly different take on the market, saying

over the past five years the camping market

has trended away from traditional materials to

semi-permanent on-site structures. “And they

are not using the traditional camping textiles,

that is canvas or vinyls, instead they are using

polystyrene with a metalized ‘sandwich’ sheet, a

building structure made by the likes of Alcoa.”

Did you know? Eucalyptus Coolabah - sometimes spelt

Coolibah - is found throughout Australia from

arid inland to coastal regions. The name

is derived from the Indigenous Australian

Yuwaaliyaay word ‘gulabaa’.

Less certain is the origin of the word

‘billabong’; some say it stems from Scottish

however others are convinced it derives from

the indigenous Wiradjuri term bilabong,

meaning ‘a watercourse that runs only after

rain’. ‘Bila’ meaning river and ‘bong’ or

‘bung’ meaning dead.

The two words feature in Banjo Paterson’s

true blue, evocative Waltzing Matilda:

Oh there once was a swagman camped in

the billabong,

Under the shade of a Coolibah tree,

And he sang as he looked at the old billy

boiling,

Who'll come a'waltzing Matilda with me

Economic impactsThe post-GFC boom in caravan and

camping popularity over the past few years

is only just beginning to stabilise. “The GFC

of 08-09 significantly impacted overseas

travel and the resorts and hotels took a dive

while caravan and camping increased,”

James Kelman said. “Today the grey

nomads are the biggest consumer group.”

SPECIALFEATURE


Paskal’s involvement in the camping industry

includes supply of accessories: zips, threads,

eyelets, fasteners and camping pegs as well

as some PVC for caravan annex walls and for

pop-up campers.

“We’ve recently been speaking to a few

customers and one company was trending

toward more permanent PVC structures

and tensiles – Ferrari and Hiraoka products

– for use in permanent camping structures.

Instead of using canvas products they are using

structurally oriented PVC fabrics

which have a higher tensile strength and better

stability,” Tom said. “And they last longer, they

do not need the same degree of maintenance

compared to tents made from canvas.”

To illustrate the point he mentioned the rise in

permanent camp sites in Kakadu, catering for

tourists in the Top End.

“There is a boom in this more permanent,

less mobile market; there is an increasing

number of these sorts of facilities across

Australia. Tents that look like a tent but

are five star accommodation. These are

becoming the norm.

“Moving from poly-cotton canvas to acrylic to

high tensile PVC … it is all changing,” Tom said.

Market innovationAccording to the camping industry’s 2012

Blueprint the industry is slow to change or

adapt to the times and innovation, with the

market taking up to five years to tap into

emerging trends and overseas advances.

One of the more notable recent advances is

solar panels atop tents.

The article 'Solar ambition: tents powered

by the sun' published in IFAI’s InTents in June

2012 shone the spotlight on the development

of a mobile solar-powered structure by Scott

Gibson of New Sun Productions in Highland,

New York. He spent around seven years

developing the mobile structure and tested a

solar tent in 2006 before developing the ‘Alpha’

Tent which housed a stereo system, lights and

television that ran on batteries charged with

solar power generated by thin-film arrays.

The article explained that Phase II involved

breaking down the structure into a smaller

unit and using an upgraded silver reflective

material, the tent skin on the interior of the

frame creating a buffer zone between the solar

panels (generating heat along with power) and

the tent interior. The silver material acts as a

thermal barrier reflecting heat.

Young leaders tune in to renewable energySolar power was very much on the agenda of

the 2012 STA Young Leader teams. Both of the

innovative relief structures designed and built

by the groups factored in solar panels as a

means of tapping into an abundant free natural

resource. In that context, the power could be a

life saver.

But for happy campers wanting to make the

great escape and finding themselves in remote

areas, well off the power grid, portable home

grown energy could not be more convenient.

And of course Australia is blessed as a ‘land

of sunshine’.

We are just wondering if the ‘Australia Made

logo’ could be attached to those rays!

In any event, portable power could be the

next big thing.

Camping show and other images supplied by Adriana Manson of CD Media.

32 · CONNECTIONS

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What’s happened to our standards?

Over the past five years shadecloths have been bombarded by

a magic number of 94% UVR which is considered the minimum

ultra violet block level for obtaining the shadiest of shadecloth. But is

this correct?

This number has become so entrenched that it is often the only

characteristic specified on shade projects by architects, builders

and the public. No one denies shade levels are critical in the shade

industry but have you ever encountered a tissue paper shadecloth

sail – having a 94% UVR but the strength of tissue paper?

In the shade industry, installers, suppliers and designers know

that 94% UVR does not ensure the best shadecloth. Just look at the

massive range of specifications that are being promoted by suppliers

of shadecloth. It’s a minefield with fabricators and the public alike

confronted with conflicting information.

How did this happen?

94% UVR is too simplistic and has misplaced origins. UPF is the basis

to calculate UVR. The Australian Standard that tests for UPF is AS/NZ

4399: 1996 Sun Protection Clothing. It also tests shadecloth. Funnily

94% UVR equates to a fair UPF level of 15. Today clothing looks

for UPFs of 50 as the norm. Where does this leave shadecloth with

only 94% UVR? Something is wrong.

Further, AS/NZ 4399: 1996 Sun Protection Clothing is far removed

from shadecloth which is not worn clothing. Shade structures are built

two to six metres above people’s heads, are exposed to the sun for

years on end, are placed under tremendous tension and are custom

designed to suit the site. It is a completely different animal to clothing.

And what happened to the ‘slip slop slap’ campaign? It still holds

true. Shade structures, though highly effective, remain one part of the

mix to maximising health benefits when outdoors.

What is the standard for shadecloth?

Well the original standard is now obsolete! AS/NZ4174:1994-Synthetic

shadecloth became obsolete in 2011 without consultation with STA

or any other stakeholders. The reason could be in the dominance of

AS4399. The Fabric Structure Committee of the Specialised Textile

Association wants a standard specifically to test shadecloths used in this

industry. And we are not alone.

The FSC is working with the Australian Radiation Protection and

Nuclear Safety Authority (ARPANSA) and the Cancer Council to put

forward a proposal to Australian Standards to re-open and review this

standard to suit this industry and the shadecloths used in this industry.

The Fabric Structures committee considers shadecloth standards

should

•Testshadelevelsofshadeclothundertensionandload,

•Testforqualityandlongevityofshadecloth,and

•Recognisedesignasacrucialfactorinmaximisingshade

We have until mid March 2013 to develop a case to open AS4174.

There may be more considerations to explore. The Fabric Structures

Committee seeks written contributions from suppliers and

manufactures of shadecloth and STA members.

If we do not act our industry standards risk becoming obsolete at

the hands of decision makers who do not consult our industry.

Take action!

Send your comments or papers to the Fabric Structures Committee

at [email protected]

“We have until mid March 2013 to develop a case to open AS4174 … The Fabric Structures Committee seeks written contributions from

suppliers and manufactures of shadecloth and STA members. If we do not act our industry standards

risk becoming obsolete at the hands of decision makers who do not consult our industry.”

FABRIC STRUCTURESCOMMITTEE

Report by Fabric Structures Committee Chair Beatrice Moonen


neWs

can shade sails save the reef?

An interesting news item caught our attention last

year: the prospect of giant shade cloths spanning

the Barrier Reef to protect the fragile underlying

eco-systems.

A leading climate change scientist had reported

that it was time for Australia to investigate “novel”

ways of protecting the Barrier Reef, and one

possible option was giant shadecloths.

Issuing a warning, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg

who is with the University of Queensland's

Global Change Institute, said time was

running short to save the reef via global

action on climate change.

His paper in Nature Climate Change today

called for studies into solutions to address the

damage already caused to the region famous

the world over for the colour and beauty of its

aquatic life.

One of those solutions, according to Professor

Hoegh-Guldberg, is the installation of massive

spans of shadecloths in a bid to protect coral

from heat stress.

Another was to apply low-voltage electric

currents to stimulate coral growth.

A third suggestion was genetic engineering

(modification) in a bid to help marine life

cope, or the application of base minerals

to the waters surrounding the reef to partly

offset higher levels of acidity which is harmful

to the coral.

Professor Hoegh-Guldberg is reported as

saying “We should be ready to investigate what

might be called non-traditional solutions …

we're not promoting one idea, but we do need

to evaluate them so that we can see their value

or disregard them."

In the ideal scenario the generic solution is

to prevent higher global temperatures which

in turn cause harmful ocean acidification and

upset the eco systems..

The professor acknowledged that engineering

fixes are enormously expensive and work only

at the local scale, and he added that research

was necessary “because we are looking at

a future which is pretty grim for coral, and if

we don't do the research no amount of local

solutions will work."

At some point down the track if shade sails

are deemed the most suitable remedy – not too

far-fetched, given their primary purpose is to

filter out the sun’s harsh rays – it would put STA

members in an entirely new light.

Specialised Textiles AssociationSuite 201, 22 St Kilda Road, St Kilda Vic 3182

Phone 03 9521 2114 n Fax 03 9521 2116 www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

Learn, share and network with others in the industry who have a similar passion for our industry at national and state based events held throughout the year.

Have your say about the direction of our industry and association through involvement on Council of Management, industry focus groups and special interest groups.

Connect with buyers and suppliers by exhibiting, presenting or attending one of the premier exhibition and conference events in this region.

Be acknowledged for your great work by entering your projects into the Awards for Excellence, an annual competition, designed to recognise excellence and innovation in our industry.

Take advantage of event discounts by enjoying reduced fees on a variety of events such as the annual trade exhibition and advertising in Connections Magazine. Your membership also gives you access to IFAI bookstore at discounted rates.

Educate and inform others using Connections Magazine to communicate to a niche market hungry for knowledge and news about our industry. Members can use Connections to advertise their products and services to their target markets.

Get listed in our comprehensive member and product directory - published in hard copy and searchable online.

Differentiate yourself from non members by making use of the Specialised Textiles Association logo on your stationery and other collateral.

Access expert information and advice by accessing the specialist knowledge and expertise of our member fabricators, installers and suppliers. Specialised Textiles Association is also a member of Australian Industry Group with access to comprehensive range of information and member advices on employee and industrial relations, occupation health and safety issues and much more.

The advantages of becoming a member

Manufacturers, installers and suppliers. Together we cover the world.

A S S O C I A T I O N

Specialised Textiles Association Inc.

Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Road, St Kilda Vic 3182Phone 03 9521 2114 n Local Call 1300 555 787

Fax 03 9521 2116 n [email protected] 83 594 171 330 n Registration Number A0010895W

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

MAM8919

STA Promo Advert (August12).indd 1 15/08/12 11:06 AM

Specialised Textiles Association Inc. Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Road, St Kilda Vic 3182

Phone 03 9521 2114 n Local Call 1300 555 787 Fax 03 9521 2116 n [email protected]

ABN 83 594 171 330 n Registration Number A0010895Wwww.specialisedtextiles.com.au

Company / Business Name

ABN or ACN # Please supply proof of business registration with this application

Does your business trade under any other name? n Yes n 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? n Yes n No (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) If yes, please provide details to accompany this application

What area of the industry are you involved in? n Blinds and Awnings n Marine n Motor Trimmer n Shade Sails installer n Supplier to the industry (specify)

n Flags and /Banners n Sailmaker n GeoSynthetics n Shade Sail Fabricator n Other

What Products do you manufacture, design or supply?

Full Membership Categoryn FABRICATOR Construction/Manufacture from prepared components n ASSOCIATE Individuals interested in STA objectives

n SuPPLIER Material/Component/Equipment /Services n AFFILIATE Organisations affiliated with STA

Do you belong to any other Industry Association? n Yes n No If Yes, please list

All membership applications are required to be proposed and seconded by 2 existing Specialised Textiles Association Members –

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 $

n EFT - Payments to Westpac BSB # 033047 Account # 549608

n Cheque n Mastercard n Visa

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)

n 1 to 5 Employees $510

n 6 to 15 Employees $855

n 16 or more employees $1155

n Associate $160

n Affiliate $190

(pro-rata Rate applies July through to March plus $100 processing fee. This will be calculated by STA office)

Current from 1st April 2012 to 31st March 2013Membership Application Form

MA

M87

20

STA Membership Form.indd 1 11/04/12 4:57 PM

36 · CONNECTIONS

In mid-February Sydney TAFE received a very important delivery

despatched from Miami Stainless: a purpose-made display board

featuring a range of super shiny Miami Stainless tools and fittings.

Measuring two metres by 1220 millimetres, the vinyl display board

will sit alongside six other specialist boards on show to students

attending textile training courses in the workshop.

Matt Gisler of Miami Stainless who has overseen the production

said “On our board will be all types of stainless steel hardware used

in installations and on structures. We hope students attending textile

training courses at the TAFE college will find it useful and instructive.

“We at Miami Stainless believe that all installations should be done

expertly and that involves education. That is why we have teamed up

with Sydney TAFE. Further, we believe that there is an art to shade

structures and installation, for example if wire balustrades are incorrectly

installed they become very dangerous in high winds and if you cop a big

storm there will be broken posts. Correct tools are very important.”

To find out more, we contacted Steven Busuttil. Having been a full-

time textile fabrication teacher at Sydney TAFE for 28 years working

in the areas of textiles, vehicle and marine trimming, Steven is very

well known in industry circles.

STA participants He explained that Sydney TAFE textile training workshop houses six

company show boards including Innova, Stayput fasteners, Nolan.UDA ,

Ricky Richards, Velcro and Bradmill.

“Each does their bit to contribute. When Brendan Hall of Bradmill

visited the TAFE campus he noticed we had no heavy canvas on show

and a few days later a ‘canvas fairy’ turned up! This was great for us

as we work to a tight budget and cannot afford to buy it,” said Steve,

who at last year’s STA Expo spotted Miami’s glistening display.

“Expos and shows are a good sounding ground for this activity.

At ACASPA – now STA – shows we are always looking around for

ideas and for industry related donations. We spotted the Miami stand

and thought it looked very professional, Miami Stainless is a quality

product, and we knew their board would also look good in the TAFE

workshop where we offer suppliers space to exhibit their products.”

Steven subsequently chatted to Matt Gisler of Miami Stainless. “The

introduction actually came through Connie Hellyer. When I explained the

situation to Matt he immediately agreed to be a part and asked us what

we needed or wanted. ‘Just anything you can spare’ was my response!”

Voila – the Miami Stainless board is the latest addition to the fold,

and the well stocked display sits gleaming and ready for the next set

of students to see and learn from.

“Through this display board students can see the quality and variety

of hardware in lots of applications,” Steve said. “And it will help us as

it is a valuable teaching and demonstrating aid, it will enable students

to see and feel hardware as an extra dimension.”

Sydney TAFEAbout 100 students a year across various courses including Certificate

II evening classes (for those in allied industries wanting to expand their

skills), (ship) sail makers, textile and fabrication trainees attend

Sydney TAFE.

Steve explained that their workshop was the only trimming institute

in NSW and “We want to promote ourselves as widely as possible; we

also want to provide students with as much information as possible

about quality materials.”

Participating companies update their boards when they source

new products or want to showcase a certain fabric or item, and that

presents an opportunity for Steve to discuss new materials with them.

All goods are fully donated.

Needless to say, the college is delighted by the latest acquisition.

“All of the team at TAFE NSW Sydney Institute at Ultimo want to

thank Miami Stainless for supplying the board which will be a very

practical and useful resource for use in training in the textile industry,

in textile fabrication courses and marine trimming,” Steve said.

Each year STA members engage in hundreds of different initiatives. One that caught our attention concerns the Miami Stainless product display board which is now on show at Sydney TAFE.

Miami on show

TRAINING

Do you produce quality goods that would look good displayed at Sydney TAFE? If so, email [email protected] or call him on 02 9217 3657 or 0414 590 840.

Additional contacts:Connie Hellyar of One Link Agencies

Ph 0404 086 158 [email protected]

Matt Gisler [email protected]


The Macquarie dictionary’s definition of lightweight is: “A person of

little mental force or of slight influence or importance”. Something of a

misnomer for Light Weight Structures Advisory Service senior design

engineer Trevor Scott who is a master of design and harnesses cutting-

edge software technology to develop engineered forms previously

considered unachievable.

When Connections asked LWS to nominate its top design projects

there was no shortage of dazzling illustrations; among them shade

structures in Abu Dhabi and the Australian Embassy in Jakarta; a

saddle shaped roof at Florida’s Sarasota Yacht Club and the triple

conic curved rafters adorning Bahrain’s Military Academy.

Eye catching, game changing designs all of them yet despite the

exotic locations of some projects, Trevor rarely makes site visits,

having established “Systems and processes whereby we are able to

extract the data we need from the people on site and can complete

our scope of work then project manage it from Australia,” he said.

One site he is familiar with, however, is nearby Mooloolaba Bowls

Club, which boasts the feather in the company cap: a wishbone

structural steel configuration featuring two of the strongest building

elements which can be incorporated into a structure: arches and

triangles. LWS completed all facets of design and engineering in-

house, after which Stanfast fabricated the canopy and Made for Shade

carried out installation.

“Installation was quite streamlined and the folding plan of the fabric

had to be thoroughly thought out and then correctly implemented in

the factory, so on site the fabric could be unfolded to fit the canopy

with minimal manpower.

MEMBERPROFILE

Design guru Trevor Scott of Light Weight Structures Advisory Services combines his knowledge of European trends with powerful technical tools to deliver eye-catching, functional fabric forms destined for all quarters of the globe.

trevor scott - design mastermind

“The selected fabric was Ferrari 1002 T2 due to its warranty and the

surface coating, its ability to resist dirt build-up. The fabric is at the top

end of the market and the best quality PVC,” Trevor told Connections.

He added that prevention was the best way to reduce maintenance

so the wishbone shape was developed to overcome problems

associated with trussed steel, namely visual pollution and

maintenance issues relating to pest management (spiders, birds

nesting) and dirt build-up on the flat surfaces.

“We also selected protective coatings for structural steel work

appropriate to the site environment to ensure long-term corrosion

protection … all these features require greater upfront investment by

clients but in turn boost longevity of the structure,” Trevor said.

“All structures need to be cleaned and budgeted for but as our wide

span structure is designed to require minimal cleaning this is a selling

feature against other products.”

A wealth of experienceIt was back in 2001 when Trevor and his wife Lucille established LWSAS.

Earlier on in his career Trevor owned a steel fabrication business in north

Main image: The multi award winning project at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The selected fabric was a combination of Australian made Monotech Shade Cloth and Fibetrtop PTFE

Inset: Master of design and engineering principles, Trevor Scott holds a long list of qualifications: M.Eng Membranes Light Weight Structures (First Class); Diploma Building Design; Fitter and Turner; Crane Operator 60 tonne; BSA Medium Building Designer; and BSA Builder (shade sails).

38 · CONNECTIONS

Spotlight on Europe

Tensile membrane architecture originated in Europe, the main

influence and development of the form stemmed from German

architect and structural engineer Frei Otto. To understand the

European influence on tensile membrane design, the Master’s

program places emphasis on the architectural design criteria,

the theory, tools and software technologies to deliver the most

creative, and structurally efficient, tensile form.

On course completion, Trevor formed a network of tensile

structure professionals, including software developers, architects,

engineers and suppliers and says the informal knowledge

exchange between experts in different but related fields

facilitated his evolution in professional design and analysis

processes.

Trevor master’s course exposed him to architects and engineers

who have worked through the evolvement of the Tensile

Membrane from “pen and paper” beginnings to the technology

driven 21st Century. However Europe does not hold the

monopoly in expertise – Trevor’s academic supervisor actually

hailed from NSW.

Queensland, specialising in the development of cane transporters with

hydraulic lift mechanisms, before relocating south to the Sunshine Coast

to manage Shade n Net for eight years. There he developed relationships

with software developers and expanded the product range to free form

membranes, aided by RPEQ engineer Jeremy Hunter and greater

knowledge of tensile form. Trevor grew the company to a peak of 37 staff

before leaving in 2001 to launch Light Weight Structures with wife Lucille.

Over the years Lucille has successfully capitalised on opportunities

presented by the internet and steered product export. “Lucille's

successful marketing efforts gave me the opportunity to get involved

in creative larger projects located in the USA, UAE and Hong Kong,”

Trevor said. “Her managerial contributions enable me to focus on

project design and engineering as well as research and development.”

High degree of satisfactionToday Trevor’s well-stocked toolkit includes a strong working

knowledge of design tools including CAD, Tensile Membrane

Patterning, Structural Steel Fabrication, Architectural Fabric fabrication,

project management and installation of Tensile Membrane Architecture.

Skills that come in handy working with clients on the development of

project design to meet a functional, aesthetic and budget outcome -

conceptual presentation, engineering analysis, working drawings, fabric

patterns and engineering certification for council submission.

MEMBERPROFILE

“The minimalist style of the structural support to the roof canopy, the expanse of fabric and the billowing effect achieved with the use of valley cables creating an undulating ridge and valley effect was developed using my own creative process inspired by my exposure to the European process.”


He commented on the warm glow of satisfaction seeing designs evolve

from 2D documentation to a 3D built reproduction, and explained that the

Mooloolaba and Yas Island projects were designed using Computational

Fluid Dynamics linked to Finite Element Analysis.

“When linking these technologies to design software Form Finder a

very powerful creative process can be harnessed and forms can be

achieved with an understanding of budgetary constraints,” he explained.

Capitalising on European expertiseTrevor has another trick up his sleeve: having studied for his masters

in Vienna, he is tuned in to European trends in tensile membranes and

drew on this knowledge when designing the Mooloolaba structure,

saying “The minimalist style of the structural support to the roof canopy,

the expanse of fabric and the billowing effect achieved with the use

“Looking to nature for inspiration, architects [in Europe] consider tensile structures an art form.”

of valley cables creating an undulating ridge and valley effect was

developed using my own creative process inspired by my exposure to

the European process.

“In Europe projects have a lightweight appearance - the key design

feature is the fabric and its form. Supporting members are minimalist

in appearance with slender columns and stabilising guy cables

transmitting loads to the ground. In Australian projects you rarely see

guy cables. European structures are designed for wind and snow load;

snow is a significant consideration. Looking to nature for inspiration,

architects consider tensile structures an art form.

“Typically architect designed projects are larger in size which

is in contrast with the smaller projects typically seen in Australia.

Many design professionals hold dual degrees in architecture and

engineering and they embrace technology, using it as a driver in

creating more challenging tensile forms. Their larger projects come

with bigger budgets enabling architects to devote time and resource

to developing a tensile structure to suit client requirements, hence the

more creative outcomes.”

Winning waysGiven Trevor’s breadth of expertise, it is unsurprising to hear that

LWS has proudly picked up a string of IFAI Outstanding Achievement

Awards for design of the Mooloolaba Bowls Club; Florida’s Lake Eola

Shade Sails project (using Monotech Shade Cloth) and the Port Douglas

Central Hotel Sail Structures. In 2011 LWS was recognised by LSAA for

the iconic structure gracing Yas Island.

“In preparing material for award entry LWS staff take a day or two

to source information and images and compile project descriptions,”

Trevor said. “The process is time consuming but rewarding, in general

awards are a great way to enhance your profile at very little cost.”

Now that the STA Awards eligibility has been amended, keep a look

out for multi award winner Light Weight Structures.

For more information: www.LTWSAS.com.au

do You have a story to tell? email connections editor [email protected]

Below: Spanning 43 metres the leaning arch sections create a triangular configuration from the centre attachment point to the outside edges of the arch members, a departure from standard engineering practices for webbed truss members.

40 · CONNECTIONS

Knowing how to spot superior shelters can save the day, says Barb Ernster

spotting tent quality

John Crowley can spot a quality tent just

by looking at it. “You get a feel for a good

tent when you see it. It looks structurally

superb,” says the general manager

of ProEm Distinctive Tents in Denver,

Colorado. He sums up a tent’s quality in

three words: aesthetics, engineering and

craftsmanship.

Cutting-edge technology, ease of

installation, fabric performance, seams and

stitching, wind load capacity, value-added

features and manufacturer support all factor

into a tent’s quality, according to rental

companies and manufacturers.

ProEm focuses on high-end structured

tents and is willing to pay more for top-notch

performance and looks, suitable for the

grade-A catered events, golf tournaments

and car racing clientele that it serves.

Crowley contends that value is also

important in today’s economy, as well as the

supplier’s service and support track record.

“You always want the best product for the

least amount of money, but sometimes there’s

a tradeoff,” he says. “I used to own a company

and I would pay a little bit more just knowing

that I had [a tent manufacturer] behind me.”

Rental companies also look for construction

and design, supporting engineering

documentation, marketing support and

cost-reducing features, which may include

labor, transportation, inventory management,

insurance and permit cost savings, says

James Reyen at Eureka! The Tent Co., Division

of Johnson Outdoors Inc. in Binghamton,

New York.

In his mind, quality tents are well designed,

manufactured with appropriate raw materials

that meet the needs of the tent type and can

be installed safely and securely.

Value-added qualities may include a double

valance (making it easier to gutter the tent or

use sidewalls), the ability to “button up” a tent

for better climate control and the ability to

light and accessorize it.

The cost of qualityA quality tent will look better, but it can add

to the cost, Reyen says. “It’s more difficult to

manufacture a tent with a lot of curves and

arches. When you get into larger peak tents

and tension structures, companies have to

put more resources toward the design and

manufacture of the tent.”

Anchor Industries Inc. in Evansville, Ind.,

measures a tent’s quality by its excellent

IFAIFEATURE

EXPECT QUALITY- EXPECT SERVICE - EXPECT VALUE

One of Australia’s largest ranges of stainless steel shade sail hardware

High quality stainless steel fittings and wire rope

Large stock holdings with same day dispatch and efficient delivery Australia wide

Extensive range of hand and hydraulic swage tools, cutters and accessories Professional staff to help choose the right components for your project

SHADE SAIL FIXINGS


workmanship, consistent stitching, good

weld seams, straight line seams and

quality hardware that meet or exceed

code standards. John Fuchs, regional sales

manager, says the company follows a safety

factor of x2—if a web requires 10,000 lb.

break strength, the company uses 20,000 lb.

break strength.

“Quality is a tough thing to pin down,”

Fuchs says. “For us, it’s not deviating from the

specifications that we set and no shortcuts

taken in building the tents. Being that tents

are temporary structures—extremely

susceptible to the elements—we’ve got to

build them [to be] safe and provide a good

event for the rental company. We like to build

tents [as if we were building them] for our

own families.”

Demand for engineered tents

An increasing number of municipalities

are enforcing stricter codes for tents and

temporary structures, driving customers

to seek engineered tents that meet certain

ratings. While still offering traditional pole

and frame tents, Anchor has developed and

continues to develop these style tents that are

engineered to code.

“Traditionally, engineered tents were required

for larger venues but we’re seeing a trend of

certified tents for almost every type of event,”

Fuchs says. “To meet these codes, [we must]

utilize components strong enough to meet the

criteria, driving the cost of the tent up.”

Carol Lee Cundey, marketing

communications manager at Eureka!, says

engineering is at the top of the list when they

begin designing new tents and clearspan

structures.

EXPECT QUALITY- EXPECT SERVICE - EXPECT VALUE

One of Australia’s largest ranges of stainless steel shade sail hardware

High quality stainless steel fittings and wire rope

Large stock holdings with same day dispatch and efficient delivery Australia wide

Extensive range of hand and hydraulic swage tools, cutters and accessories Professional staff to help choose the right components for your project

SHADE SAIL FIXINGS

42 · CONNECTIONS

“Anything that’s engineered will require

heavier duty aluminum, stronger fabrics

and raw materials, and come with stamped,

engineered blueprints that guide how the

tent must be installed safely,” Cundey says.

Eureka! designs to the ASCE/SEI 7-05 code,

which requires a wind load capacity of 70 mph

sustained wind and gusts of up to 90 mph.

“Engineered products are typically

stronger because there’s more substance

to them. They take longer to set up and

are more expensive, but you get what you

pay for,” acknowledges Richard Nealon,

senior event manager for ProEm. The trend

in Phoenix, where he is based, is to use

structured-style frame tents with kedered

channels to slide in ceilings and sidewalls,

which eliminates wind flap.

“Once you put a structure up on a site,

the client really likes it. It’s one step closer

to a building,” Nealon says. “As a tent rental

company, I feel a lot better when the wind

starts blowing, knowing I have a structure up

rather than a pole tent.”

The downside, he adds, is that an

engineered structure takes longer to install

because of additional staking and anchoring

requirements, and can look less stylish and

more building-like. Manufacturers are starting

to address those issues by introducing more

design features in their engineered tension

pole tents and clearspan structures that are

suitable for weddings and special events, as

well as making them easier to assemble.

That’s good news for rental companies like

B.C. Tent & Awning in Avon, Massachusetts,

which is embracing more engineered tents,

including hybrid models with keder frame

systems. Owner Bob Costa says more and

more of his customers don’t want to deal with

staking and interior poles, but favor track

systems that are more user friendly and tents

with greater wind-load capacity. Topping his

list is ease of installation because it saves him

labor costs.

Fabric is another important factor for

Costa. “We’re choosing more coated fabrics

because of the life expectancy, ease of

cleanliness and minimal blemishes,” he says.

The company is also buying more blockout

tents to eliminate the “pinhole” effect of

laminated vinyl and allow more lighting

control.

Coated or laminated vinyl

There is a range of fabrics in the market

and all have a niche, says Drew Nelson,

awning product manager at TriVantage

LLC in Cleveland, Ohio. Some have more

sophisticated performance features, such

as cold weather durability, solar reflection

and UV protection, cleanability, dimensional

stability and varying weights depending

on the requirement of the product. “Good

inexpensive fabrics are available,” he says.

“Fabrics with enhanced performance

characteristics are in a higher price range.”

Coated vinyl, typical in clearspan structures,

is mildew resistant, sheds dirt easier and

is heavier weight to withstand long-term

exposure to wind and extreme temperatures.

Lighter weight laminated vinyl is commonly

used in other tent designs because it is

durable, strong and good value for the price.

“Weight alone doesn’t determine quality,”

Fuchs says, “but the quality of the scrim, how

well it holds up to ultraviolet rays, the integrity

of the vinyl and the type of glue used are some

of the components that make up a good vinyl.”

Ranch Busch, president of Value Vinyls Inc.

in Grand Prairie, Texas, says more fabric

products have come to market that haven’t

been designed well, and that will be notable

in strong storms and windy conditions. “Wind

load is significant in a fabric’s performance,

as well as having a lower crack code and

being able to withstand more extreme heat

and cold temperatures.

With a laminate, you get two layers of film

laminated with yarn in the middle. When

poorly done, the film separates from the

yarn (due to wind).” Busch adds that there

hasn’t been a test or quantifiable way to rate

the product for wind resistance, but it will

continue to be a focus in the performance of

the fabric.

In the end, a quality tent is one that is made

with fabric and components that are tried

and true, and meet the needs of the type of

tent. As Cundey says, “A basic one piece

lightweight canopy for your backyard may not

be a wind-rated engineered tent, but so long

as it’s manufactured properly, pieced together

and sewn together properly, it’s a quality tent.”

Barb Ernster is a freelance writer based in Fridley, Minnesota.

This article is reproduced from InTents

magazine with kind permission of IFAI.

IFAIFEATURE


Paskal’s industrial fabrics and accessories: one-stop shopPaskal has come a long way since starting out in

wetsuit zips two decades ago. Today¹s range is

extensive, encompassing commercial industrial

fabrics and accessories for a series of markets:

awnings, canvas tent, canvas and PVC tarpaulins,

PVC and canvas annexes plus swags. But the

list does not end there: apparel, horse, filtration,

caravan and camping, tensile structures, printing,

advertising, geomembrane, geotextiles, commercial

buildings, umbrellas, grain tarpaulins and the

mining industry complete the market round-up.

NEW MEMBERS

In this section we learn about the products and services offered by members who are new to the Specialised Textiles Association.

Paskal’s company ethos: ‘Stay true to providing quality products with exceptional service at competitive prices’

44 · CONNECTIONS

NEW MEMBERS

If you have a product that needs to be welded, we have the complete range of standard and automated custom models to meet your needs.

VERSATILITY AND RELIABILITY, THAT’S WHY MILLER WELDMASTER IS THE FIRST CHOICE!

Elizabeth Machines are the authorised Australian distributors for Miller Weldmaster equipment.

Victoria

9A Lakewood Boulevard,

BRAESIDE, VIC, 3195

P: 03 9588 8800

F: 03 9587 0062

E: [email protected]

Queensland

4 Aranda Street,

SLACKS CREEK, QLD, 4127

P: 07 3440 7000

F: 07 3208 0171


Western Australia

14B Port Kembla Drive,

BIBRA LAKE, WA,

P: 08 9236 3400

F: 08 9418 2122


Established 20 years ago as a supplier

to the industrial fabrics and accessory

industries, Australian owned and

independently run Paskal has evolved to

include warehouses in Melbourne, Brisbane

and Perth from which the company services

its network of distributors across Australia.

The company also has a long standing

relationship with QCD in New Zealand.

Not many people are aware Paskal

Australia is part of a global alliance

incorporating Israel, Hong Kong, America

and India.

“Paskal’s success stems from our ability to

provide quality products at competitive prices

and by offering customer service at a personal

level based on our long standing associations

with our customers. Also, the senior

management have extensive trade experience

with a broad depth of knowledge for all

customer enquiries,” said Managing Director

David Clota who has been with the company

since inception. “We have also developed very

strong relationships with all our local suppliers,

including Innova, Polyfab and Nolan.UDA as

well as our overseas suppliers.”

Are you a new member with a story to tell? Contact Connections editor [email protected]

“We first try and work with local

manufacturers and suppliers but there are

very few locally made products and canvas

is one of those last bastions of Aussie

manufacturing,” David explained.

He went on to say that Paskal offers its

customers complete packages including

fabric and sewing thread, and the efficiency

of the ‘one stop shop’ has enormous appeal.

Well known in the industry is General

Manager Tom Frame, whose industry

background dates back to Birkmyre. He

notes the fragmentation of the industry, with

importations growing continuously every

year. He says the industry is changing at an

extremely rapid rate and the old business

models used by companies will hinder

growth in the future.

We were a little curious about the origins

of the company name, finding that it reflects

the Israeli roots; Apparently, Pas in Hebrew

means “to go easy” and kal “to go in a

straight line” … just like that of a zip. Zip also

means ‘to go fast’ and in that sense the name

is also befitting.


MeMber neWs

When a regulatory loophole throws up anomalies

concerning imported goods, consumers and

manufacturers can end up the losers. They

have two options: to put up and shut up, or to

take action. The latter is the path chosen by a

committed group of Australian manufacturers

who in 2012 forged an alliance to create the

Australian Manufactured Camper Trailer Guild.

Treasurer James Kelman told Connections

“A couple of years ago a group of local

manufacturers got talking at camping shows and

everyone agreed that the strong Aussie dollar

was causing an influx of cheaper imported trailer

parts and tents. The problem was these went

through customs and straight to warehouses

without any safety checks by engineers, and

because these items were assembled here

in Australia they were incorrectly declared

‘Australian manufactured’. In some instances

these products are inferior in quality and

performance or faulty – and dangerous.

“This is our industry’s biggest problem.”

James went on to explain that imported

trailers weighing less than 4.5 tonnes are

exempt from approval by the Federal Transport

Department, and become ‘legal’ once

importers apply a compliance plate stating the

trailer conforms to ADR.

“Some importers claim their products are

Australian made on the basis the overseas

manufactured tent and trailer parts are

assembled or bolted here. It’s a bit like an Ikea

shopper buying a flat-pack chest of drawers,

assembling it then declaring themselves a

manufacturer!

“Many families have had disastrous camping

experiences … leaking roofs and unattached

parts, and in one instance a drawbar broke

sending a trailer running off at 120 kilometres

and hour. It’s the stuff of nightmares,” James said.

“Gas tanks can cause problems and injuries and

we heard someone died when one blew up.

“We decided it was time to take action and

form a Guild whose members can assure

customers about the genuine Australian made

nature of their trailer.”

Today AMCTG boasts a membership of 60

Australian camper trailer manufacturers and

suppliers who each provides a stamp of quality

– and reassurance – to camping consumers

by guaranteeing their entire manufacturing

processes are conducted in Australia.

As Guild members undergo stringent annual

audits by a professional independent engineer

to ensure the chassis, body, suspension, tent and

canvas are Australian made and fully comply

with Australian Design Rules.

Among the group are STA distributors

Goodearl and Bailey, Bradmill, and Nolan UDA,

while Australia’s sole manufacturer of outdoor

industrial PVC fabric, Wax Converter Textiles,

plays a prominent role.

To help contain costs Wax Converter Textiles

carries out all Guild administrative functions

and has been a proactive lobbyist. “We have

approached the Department of Fair Trading and

the Minister and Shadow Minister for Consumer

Affairs, challenging them to a level playing

field for safety and regulations,” James said.

“Because why have regulations for Australian

manufacturers but not all imported products?

Bruce Billson has been very supportive and

Fair Trading is investigating imported camper

trailers with gas tanks, which when improperly

installed can be deadly. ”

Befittingly, the AMCTG logo will be proudly

displayed at Caravan and Camping Shows

being staged throughout Australia this year.

“We liaise with all relevant state caravan

groups and the peak body the CCIA, and are

successfully spreading the message,”

James said.

The overriding message is that the Guild

commands the moral high ground and is

confident that, with concerted effort, common

sense will eventually rule the day.

More information: www.

australianmanufacturedcampertrailers.org.au

badge of aussie quality

Flying the flag for Australia

ifaiexpo.com

Mark your calendar!PROGRAMMING BEGINS

Oct. 22, 2013, Advanced TextilesOct. 23, 2013, Specialty Fabrics

TRADE SHOW DATES & LOCATION

Oct. 23-25, 2013, Orlando, FL

Advancing ideas Promoting products Connecting people

3 DYNAMIC DAYSValuable networking and eventsPowerful business growth sessionsExtensive industry sources and

exhibitors—Co-location with SGIA

ICL (SA) pty Ltd 3A WIrrIgA Street, regenCy pArk, SA 5010 ph: 08 8352 9400 fx: 08 8352 9494 e: [email protected] www.iclsa.com.au

Distributed in Qld,Vic and WA by PASKALPh: 03 95888 8800E: [email protected] in New Zealand by W. WigginsPh: 9282 2771E: [email protected]

BACK TO BASICSAuTO ArmS

AuTO guIdeSl BrACKeTS

unIverSAl BrACKeTS5 SIded endCApS

pulldOwn rIngSSprIngS

KeywAy TuBehOOdIng

SplIne

STrAIghT drOp BlInd STAInleSS FITTIngS

4.0mt BOTTOm BArSpeCIAl BulK prICe On Any Order

CHANNEL - ITTM

Side Channel Awning System

ADVERTISTERS'INDEx

ABC Products 14

Austech 27

Bartlett 45

CJ Loftus 33

Darling Downs Tarpaulins 15

Dasec 31

Elizabeth Sewing 44

Hiraoka 19

ICL 47

IFAI Expo 46

Innova 9

Miami Stainless 41

Nolan UDA 5

Pathfinder Front Cover, Outside Back Cover

Plastral 32

ProKnit Industries Inside Front Cover

Quick Shade 29

Radins 7

Ricky Richards 3, 47

Sewing Perfection 43

SuperExpo 2013 11

Triax 8

Wax converters 24-25

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Industrial Textiles

At Ricky Richards we currently have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Account Manager to take their next career step and join our fun & friendly team who are passionate about the development and distribution of industrial textiles.

As an integral member of the sales team, you will be responsible for establishing and building on relationships with new and existing customers, identifying and developing new business opportunities, in addition to meeting sales objectives and territorial budgets.

To be successful, you will have experience with industrial textiles, or selling into the industrial market.

If this is your next role and you would like more details, please contact Kristy Haynes, [email protected] or 0466 110 496 for a confidential discussion.

• Great Company Culture & team• Homebush location

EVENTS& RTOs

REGISTERED TRAInInG oRGAnISATIonS

nSW, nT, SA & QLDvia Sydney Institute of TAFEPh (02) 9217 4601 Fax (02) 9217 4963Contact: Lawrence De [email protected]/sailmaking

TASMAnIATasmania Institute of TAFEPh 1300 655 307 Fax (03) 6233 7830 www.tafe.tas.edu

VICToRIARMIT UniversityPh (03) 9925 9182 Fax (03) 9925 9129Contact: Kent [email protected] 25 Dawson Street Brunswick Vic 3056 www.rmit.edu.au

WESTERn AUSTRALIAPoLYTECH WESTTextile Fabrication TrainingPh: 08 9207 4412Fax: 08 9207 4399Gary McCormickBalga Campus Gate 1 Lockwood Road, Balga WA

March 2013STA Perth Members Session

Wednesday March 13, 4-6.30pm

Polytechnic West

STA Adelaide Members Session

Thursday March 14, 4-6.30pm

Oriental Hotel

April 2013 Geosynthetics 2013

Monday April 1– Thursday April 4, 2013

Long Beach Convention Center

Long Beach, California

IFAI’s biannual geosynthetics conference is co-locating with the annual Southwest Geotechnical Engineers Conference. The event is sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and state transportation departments from the southern and western US.

The Geosynthetic Research Institute’s conference will be incorporated as two half-day sessions.

May 2013Smartex-2013

Tuesday May 14 - Thursday May 16

Sharm Elsheakh, Egypt

The 3rd World Textiles Conference will be held in Sharm Elsheakh, Egypt, sponsored by the Textile and Apparel Branch of Kafrelsheikh University and North Carolina State University.

Participants from textile teaching, research and industry will discuss the latest developments in textile materials, technologies, fashion and marketing.

www.kfs.edu.eg

Hightex 2013

Wednesday May 29 – Saturday June 1

Tuyap Fair Convention and Congress Center

Istanbul, TurkeyThis year the Tuyap Fair Convention and Congress Centre in Istanbul, Turkey will host The Technical Textiles and Nonwovens and Weaving Technologies Trade Fair. This show is staged every three years.

For information, email [email protected].

June 2013 | Super Expo 2013STA and BMAA have joined forces to

stage one big Super ShowWhen: Wednesday June 5 to Friday June 7

Where: gold coast convention and exhibition centre

this is shaping up to be the biggest and best expo yet … more exhibits, more delegates, more visitors, more variety than ever. awards for excellence night, social

events, the Young leaders’ structures. lots to see and do!

www.superexpo2013.com.au

october 2012IFAI Specialty Fabrics Expo 2013 and Advanced Textiles Conference & Trade Show

Wednesday October 23 – Friday October 25

Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida

The IFAI Specialty Fabrics Expo and Advanced Textile Conference & Trade Show is co-locating with the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) show under one big roof in Florida. The event takes place over three days. The Expo tagline is ‘Experience the future in Orlando, Florida.’

(for more details see advert on page 46)

www.ifaiexpo.com

october 2012 The 2013 Young Leaders Conference

STA event

saturday october 12 to sunday october 13

For the third year in a row STA is holding the very successful Young Leaders’ Conference. The event welcomes those aged 35

or under with a minimum of two years’ experience and who demonstrate passion and initiative for the industry and

the work in which they are involved.

… and spreading the word about your business

Did you know? By advertising in Connections you are reaching as many as 10,000 people who are actively involved in the specialised textiles industry.

Featuring the latest and greatest industry developments, Connections is the voice of the specialised textile industry and enables all who are involved in the industry to showcase their business developments, news and views.

Circulated to thousands in all facets of the textile industry, Connections casts a wide net by encompassing the geosynthetic, awning, shade sail, blind maker, and marine and motor trimmer sectors. It does not stop there: also covered are flags and banners, caravan and camping, canvas, cutting equipment, umbrellas, tarpaulins, side curtain and more … distributors of industrial fabrics and all related components suppliers.

Just the ticket for reaching more potential customers …

6

2500

10,000

Number of issues each year

Circulation

Readership estimated at

To ADVERTISE Call Yuri at CommStrat on 03 8534 5008 or 0419 339 865 to secure your place in Connections.

CHoICES Your advert can be a quarter page, half page, full page, front or back page, horizontal or vertical – you call the shots.

Yuri would be happy to email you the Connections Media Kit outlining all specifications and prices.

Located at 8/574 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne Vic 3004, CommStrat is the publisher of Connections on behalf of the Specialised Textiles Association.

“Connections magazine is the key communications tool for a large and diverse range of businesses encompassing the specialised textiles industry”

Untitled-2 1 1/03/2012 2:31:14 PM

Are you cutting materials to create products and haven’t yet implemented advanced cutting technology to improve your business outcomes? Then isn’t it time to ask yourself… why not?

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It doesn’t matter if you are cutting; Single Ply, Low Ply or High Ply, small volume or high volume, this is the one cutting system that can handle it all.

For two decades Pathfinder has been designing and building in Australia the most productive cutting machines on the market today. These machines feature a small footprint and yet deliver the benefits of flexibility and big production outputs.

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connections feb-march 2013

Documents

sta council

sta president

contentsa s s o c

st kilda road

st kilda vic

australiac o

sta office update

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