FireTalk

In This IssueNew Website Nears Completion

FPA Australia in the News

National Office Relocation

Alan Wilson - Broker of the Year

25 Years of the Montreal Protocol

Final Stages of Code of Practice Review

Training: The Competitive Advantage

Countdown to Fire Australia 2012

Advertise in Fire Australia Magazine

New & Upgraded Members

Upcoming Events Wrap

Spring 2012 Edition

Newsletter of Fire Protection Association Australia

New www.fpaa.com.au Website Nears CompletionDevelopment of a brand new FPA Australia website is continuing with the new site scheduled to go live in just a few months’ time.

The design of the site has now been completed and content development work is currently underway.

The new site will feature significant added functionality to benefit members and the public.

One of these enhanced benefits will be a greatly improved ‘provider of choice’ listing that will incorporate greater searching capacity as well as Google Maps integration, radius search by postcode and more.

In preparation for these important changes we have also recently reviewed and refined our products and services categories in order to offer the best service for our members and end users.

All Corporate members would recently have received both an email and hard copy version of the new provider of choice category form. If you have any queries regarding provider of choice categories, or you have not received a form, please feel free to contact one of our friendly membership services team at member@fpaa.com.au or by phone on 1300 731 922.

Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia) Website Home Page - General Public (top) & Logged in (Bottom)

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FPA Australia In The News

FPA Australia has recently been featured in television, print and radio media outlets commenting on the requirements for sprinklers in apartment complexes and related issues, after a tragic fire in Bankstown, Sydney, in September.

One person died and another was seriously injured when the pair jumped from their fifth-floor apartment trying to escape a devastating fire that ripped through one of the apartments.

Although it was only three years old, the apartment was not fitted with residential fire sprinklers.

The tragic fire comes on the back of news that all aged care facilities across NSW will be required to be fitted with automatic sprinkler systems after the Quakers Hill Nursing Home Fire of November 2011.

NSW nursing home operators will now have up to three years to install sprinklers in existing residential aged care buildings, with a possible extension of one year for exceptional circumstances.

This complements the existing requirement since 2002 to install sprinklers in new aged care facilities.

The regulation, which begins in January 2013, will apply to nearly 600 aged care facilities, which care for around 24,000 people across NSW.

The Association has been featured on radio 2GB, Triple M, 2DAY FM, in the Saturday Daily Telegraph newspaper, Sydney Channel Seven News and, most recently, the ABC 7.30 program.

In response to community concerns raised by the Bankstown fire, FPA Australia in partnership with Fire & Rescue NSW and AECOM will be holding a dedicated session on this subject at the Fire Australia Conference & Exhibition, 14- 16 November.

For more information check out the updated Fire Australia 2012 Program Brochure available from the conference website www.fireaustralia.com.au

Links to the recent media coverage can be found on the FPA Australia website www.fpaa.com.au

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In response to community concerns raised by the Bankstown fire, FPA Australia in partnership with Fire & Rescue NSW and AECOM will be holding a dedicated session on this subject at the Fire Australia Conference & Exhibition, 14- 16 November

One person died and another was seriously injured when the pair jumped from their fifth-floor apartment trying to escape the devastating fire.

FPA Australia Announces Relocation of National Office

By Scott Williams CEO, FPA AustraliaExciting developments are occurring at Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia) specifically relating to the location of our National Office.

Over the course of 2012, I have been actively engaged in selecting an ideal new location for the National Office that will provide both the capacity for increased numbers of staff,

as well as delivering additional functionality for the Association and its members, including training rooms and other facilities.

In August of this year contractual negotiations were concluded on our new premises at a spacious existing corporate tenancy located at building 2, 31-47 Joseph Street, Blackburn North, Victoria and construction work on this office facility is nearing completion.

Thanks to the speed of this construction work, it is currently anticipated that FPA Australia National Office will transition to this new address on Wednesday November 7 and will be fully operational from the new site as of Thursday November 8.

Additionally, after much consideration by the Board of Directors, the existing office at Box Hill has now been sold.

This sale was based on FPA Australia achieving an offer well above market appraisal and the funds generated by this sale will now be invested strategically and securely.

These significant changes are, in fact, just the latest of many undertaken by the National Office since the

foundation of the Association.

In 1960 the National Office was located in Melbourne’s CBD, before moving to North Melbourne, Camberwell and finally purchasing its current premises at 13 Ellingworth Parade, Box Hill in 1997.

Our upcoming relocation represents a continuation of the evolution of FPA Australia into a highly relevant, contemporary industry association with capacity to deliver on our vision of promoting the protection of life, property and the environment from fire and related emergencies, for both the industry and the wider community.

Further updates will be provided closer to the relocation date including all new contact information.

Due to the Association’s continued success and ongoing growth in recent years, it has become increasingly clear that FPA Australia has outgrown our existing premises in Box Hill, Victoria.

Our upcoming relocation represents a continuation of the evolution of FPA Australia into a highly relevant, contemporary industry association.

Alan Wilson Wins National NIBA Broker of the Year award Long-time friend of the Association and provider of the FPA Australia Corporate Insurance Scheme Alan Wilson, of Alan Wilson Insurance Brokers, has won the inaugural NIBA Zurich Broker of the Year award.

In selecting Alan as the inaugural recipient of the award the judges were impressed by his emphasis on the need for brokers to work closely with their clients to identify and minimise their risk exposures.

In an emotional acceptance speech, Mr Wilson said becoming an insurance broker was the best decision he ever made.

“I enjoy the challenge of the job, trying to make a difference working for our clients,” he said. “I’m humbled to win this award and all of us on this stage today, we’re all winners.”

The award, which aims to recognise high-performing National Insurance Broker Association (NIBA) brokers was presented at the association’s convention on the Gold Coast.

Alan will receive an all-expenses paid trip for two to the USA next April to attend the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf event on the PGA Tour, as well as attending the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

The Broker of the Year finalists were:

NSW – Spyros Stathakis, Director, Warren Saunders Insurance Brokers

QLD – Peter Roberts, Director, Assurity

SA/NT – Gary Okely, General Manager of Risk Services, Jardine Lloyd Thompson

WA – Ashton George, Regional Director EBM Insurance

VIC – Alan Wilson, Alan Wilson Insurance Brokers

FPA Australia congratulates Alan on this well-deserved acknowledgement of his outstanding and dedicated work over many years.

FPA Australia Code of Practice Review UpdateThe review of the FPA Australia Code of Practice is coming to a close after several months of consultation, editing and revision. The update is designed to ensure that the Code continues to be relevant to members and is highly reflective of the changing nature of the fire protection industry in Australia.

The Code prescribes the principles, standards of behaviour and service delivery requirements of all FPA Australia Corporate members.

As part of the review process all FPA Australia Corporate members will soon be sent a preview of the new Code and given the opportunity to provide feedback on the changes. This feedback will then be fed into the final version of the Code before it is released. This survey will be distributed by email in coming weeks.

As well as reviewing the content of the Code, its design and layout has also received a refresh, in order to ensure the document is modern and easy to read.

For more information on the Code of Practice review, please contact Denise Friend on 03 9890 1544 or email denise.friend@fpaa.com.au

FPA Australia Code of Practice – Concept 2 Cover – Option 1

Code of PracticeFire Protection Association Australia Life Property Environment

The Principles, standards of behaviour and service delivery requirements for all FPA Auatralia Corporate Members

As the annual ozone hole forms over Antarctica this spring, it is worth reflecting on one of the international community’s most significant environmental success stories – the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

This year is particularly important as 16 September marked the 25th anniversary this historic agreement, which is on track to restore the ozone layer to 1980 levels by mid century.

The fire protection industry has played a significant role in this success, including by finding alternatives to halon and HCFCs for most uses. For those uses that still remain for these gases, such as in the aviation or maritime industries, technicians must be appropriately trained and licensed through a national licensing system run by the Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board. Using licensed technicians helps to create a culture of good practice and environmental sustainability.

Chris Orr, Barry Lee OAM and Scott Williams recently attended Canberra and participated in various events related to the Montreal Protocol celebrations and Scott Williams went on to attend a function at Parliament House where FPA Australia was specifically acknowledged by Senator Don Farrell for the Association’s efforts in helping Australia achieve its obligations under the Protocol from a fire protection perspective.

25 Years of the Montreal Protocol

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Training: The Competitive Advantage!Currently at FPA Australia the phones are ringing hot with queries about enrolling and obtaining qualifications, but by far the most interesting question in the industry currently is “how can I gain an advantage over my competitor”. In these times of dollar watching, consumers have become more and more aware of wanting a good return on investments, so for many consumers the choice may come down to which provider is more qualified.

We are all consumers. Who would you rather visit for your personal needs: Someone who claims they can provide a service, or someone who shows you they are qualified to provide that service?

Fire protection is no different. Those who require the services of a fire protection technician are also keen to see if the person inspecting their extinguishers or emergency lighting holds some form of competency. We have received calls from people who want to learn to do their own servicing because the technicians they have had visit their premises were not qualified, or did not instil them with confidence that the job was done professionally.

Another familiar call is the one where a technician requires a competency in order to gain an important contract with a large supplier. More and more, the factor that will give someone the edge over a competitor in this industry is that they hold nationally recognised competencies.

FPA Australia members are catching on to this truth now. Over the past year training enrolments have increased dramatically and the trend is growing for those in fire protection to become professionally qualified.

The assessment workshops we run in every state have grown in size as a result of people getting the message about recognising their professionalism and competence. FPA Australia offers options in self study and assessment-only workshops that are a valuable alternative for those who have sufficient skill and experience to go directly to an assessment without attending training.

We can assess you in a range of units of competency or in an entire qualification within a week and shortly after issue you with a Statement of Attainment in the units you successfully complete. If you complete the right combination and amount of units, you will also be issued with a nationally recognised qualification.

Before the end of 2012, FPA Australia will advertise their 2013 calendar of workshops on the website, where people will be able to identify the workshop that suits their needs and book into one in the month of their choice.

Workshops will be conducted in WA in November and in VIC in December. To book or for more information on how training can become your competitive advantage contact Learning & Development on 1300 731 922 or email training@fpaa.com.au

More and more, the factor that will give someone the edge over a competitor in this industry is that they hold nationally recognised competencies.

If you complete the right combination and amount of units, you will also be issued with a nationally recognised qualification.

Advertise in Fire Australia MagazineAdvertising bookings for the Summer 2012 Edition of Fire Australia Magazine are filling fast so get in soon to place your advertisement before bookings close on Monday November 26.

Fire Australia is the premier quarterly publication for the fire protection industry and is distributed to around 5000 key industry stakeholders.

The magazine is produced in partnership between FPA Australia, Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC) and the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre (Bushfire CRC) .

The magazine’s readers include fire professionals in the private sector and in government, regulators, facility owners and managers, consultants, designers, installers and maintainers of fire equipment, emergency response personnel, researchers, educators and insurance personnel.

To obtain a copy of the Fire Australia Magazine Media Kit, or sample magazines, please email magazine@fpaa.com.au

Countdown to Fire Australia Is OnAustralia’s biggest fire protection conference and exhibition is now only

weeks away. Have you registered yet?

The recent tragic fire in Bankstown NSW has prompted the inclusion of a new presentation on multi-story residential buildings and the current regulations. This will be led by Greg Buckley (Fire & Rescue NSW) and Jonathan Barnett (AECOM) who are both involved in the investigation of the incident.

There are now more than fifty booths to explore at the exhibition, which is free for anyone to attend and peruse. Plus, the first presentations (9:00am - 10:30am) on Wednesday 14 November are also free for anyone at the exhibition to attend.

With pre-conference workshops, single day registrations, network drinks, conference dinner, closing lunch and a partners program there is something for everyone at Fire Australia 2012.

For more information download the Delegate Registration Brochure available from the conference website: www.fireaustralia.com.au

Platinum Sponsors

THE TRUE COST OF FIRELife Property Environment

14-16 November 2012 Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Fire Australia is the premier fire protection industry conference and exhibition attracting key personnel, peers and significant representation from businesses, government and associations.

It offers: • Free exhibition attendance

• Essential products & services

• The latest topics & presentations

• Local & international speakers

• Social networking opportunities.

For more information visit the conference website: www.fireaustralia.com.au

pg 4

New MembersFPA Australia would like to welcome our latest members

Associate NSW

Trevor Alwyn Peisley Helen Daskalakis Norman Theodorlis

TASDavid Mead

ACTSusanne Schmidt

TAS Greg Otto

Individual ACT

Raymond Henness

NSWBecky Southwell Kevin Martin Gregory Pooley Michael Alderton Bruce Charles Bailey Mark Hickey Jeremy Annetts

QLDGreg Loane Kevin Lazarus Yvonne Anderson

SADamien Takats

VICIan Rickard Nabeel Kurban Greg Dunstan

Corporate Bronze NSW

J.A. Crockett Pty Ltd Recon Industries Australia Pty Ltd Cemark Group Pty Ltd NSK Solutions Pty Ltd E.F.E.S (Eastern Fire & Electrical Safety) Avanti Fire Green Forever Pty Ltd Monteath & Powys Pty Ltd Sowdes Pty Ltd Torch Fire Protection Firemasters Pty Ltd Bush Hall Holdings Pty Ltd

NTHancock Industries Pty Ltd

QLDFireaxe Fire Ora CVSG Trade Services

VICPrismatic Solutions Pty Ltd Cool Fire Services Pty Ltd

WALinked Fire & Security Fire Design Solutions Pty Ltd Insperata Integrated Systems Bushfire Prone Planning Response Fire & Electrical Services Pty Ltd

SABushfire Safety and Prevention Solutions Pty Ltd

Corporate Silver NSW

Safewise Security Systems P/L t/as VMC Rockdale

Firesafe Maintenance Apex Fire Pty Ltd Minimax Fire Fighting Systems Pty Ltd

QLD Evac Services

VIC Metropolitan Essential Services Pty Ltd Siemens Ltd

Corporate Gold NSW

Precise Air Group

QLDR.E. Spence & Co Pty Ltd

Organisation Gold WA

Datatel Communications Pty Ltd

Upgraded MembersSilver

NSWEncore Fire Systems Pty Ltd

Bronze WA

DSC Contracting

Organisational Gold VIC

Metropolitan Fire & Emergency Services Board

Gold VIC

Fico Australia Pty Ltd Pertronic Industries Pty Ltd Exova Warringtonfire Aus Pty Ltd

WAEversafe Fire Protection

NSWAdvanced Bushfire Performance Solutions Pty Ltd Prime Pumps Pty Ltd

FPA Australia would like to apologise for incorrectly listing Deltra Fire as Delta Fire in the new member upgrades section of FireTalk Winter 2012.

Organisational Silver NSW

SAI Global

FPA Australia Annual General MeetingTuesday November 13 2012 FPA Australia National Office Blackburn North, VIC

The Annual General Meeting of Fire Protection Association Australia will be held at 4pm Tuesday 13 November 2012 at FPA Australia National Office, Building 2, 31-47 Joseph Street, Blackburn North, Victoria. Following the AGM between 5.00pm - 6.00pm there will be a tour of the new premises where light refreshments will be served.

For more information contact 1300 731 922.

Fire Australia 2012 Conference and ExhibitionWed 14 – Fri 16 November 2012Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Fire Australia 2012 is the premier fire protection industry conference, attracting key personnel, peers and significant representation from businesses, government and associations.

With speakers from across Australia and overseas the organisers aim to ensure all presentations are topical and current, affording everyone in attendance additional knowledge and information.

For more information visit www.fireaustralia.com.au

Hazmat 2013 Conference and ExhibitionWed 1 & Thur 2 May 2013Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh, NSW

Hazmat 2013 is the leading conference for the chemical management, dangerous goods and hazardous materials industries and authorities. The conference brings together topical speakers covering many niches of these industry and authority sectors.

The conference provides valuable information for all levels of personnel and industry types, including researchers, government bodies, corporate entities, community and industry groups.

By bringing together leading experts and relevant speakers Hazmat 2013 offers an essential program for delegates wanting to stay abreast of their respective industries.

For more information visit www.fpaa.com.au/hazmat

Events

FPA Australia Contact Details PO Box 1049 Box Hill VIC 3128 T: (03) 9890 1544 E: member@fpaa.com.au W: www.fpaa.com.au

FireTalk is brought to you by Alan Wilson Insurance Brokers® Alan Wilson Insurance Brokers provide FPA Australia Members with your own insurance facility designed specifically for your industry with affordable premiums and wider benefits. Approved by FPA Australia and ACCC. For more information please phone 1300 888 111 or email fpains@awib.com.au

For more information about FPA Australia events please visit www.fpaa.com.au/events

To register and pay for FPA Australia events online please visit connect.fpaa.com.au