Aussie Painting Contractor Aussie Painting Contractor Issue 16 January, 2013 Backbones of Business Winners of our Golf Package Being a Boss and a Leader School Program Inspires Safety in Students Training Schedules for 2013 Taking Care of the Most Important Asset in Business Dispute Resolution Commercial Arbitration Paint System Colour Culture in the Pacific
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Aussie Painting Contractor
Aussie Painting Contractor
Issue 16 January, 2013
Backbones of Business
Winners of our Golf Package
Being a Boss and a Leader
School Program InspiresSafety in Students
Training Schedules for 2013
Taking Care of the Most Important Asset in Business
Dispute Resolution Commercial Arbitration
Paint System
Colour Culture in the Pacific
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2013promisestobethemostexcitingyearforusandforyouwhenyoujoinAussiePaintersNetwork.Wehavealotafootandareexpandingourbenefits to you.
Ourpromisetoyouistoensurethatweoffertheindustry’sbestservicebyprovidingbothcontractorsandconsumersinformation,serviceandindustryupdates.Wekeepuptodatewithlegislationupdatesandchanges,andwedo our best to answer queries and questions from ourmembers (andnon-members). Second tonone,AussiePaintersNetwork ishere to stayandthroughourinvolvementwithMasterPaintersandDecoratorsAustraliawegivetheindustrytherespectandattentionthatcontractorsarecraving.Asusual,allfeedbackiswelcomeandtakenintoconsiderationsogiveusabelloremailusyourthoughtsorquestions.
Justjoinforayearandfindoutforyourself,wearenotonlycompetitiveinprice,butalsoinprovidingbenefitsandservicesecondtonone,don’tforgettocheckyourdetails inourFindaPainterarea in thewebsite ‘wehaveheardofpaintersactuallygettingquotesandworkfromit’alsoyoucanputyourownpageonoursitethatwillhelppotentialcustomersfindyou.
Have we ever really given credit where credit is due?
MasterPainters&DecoratorsAustraliahavejustlaunchedanewinitiativecalled Backbones of Business. Designed to support and connect women and business administrators who work hard behind the scenes ensuring thatourpaintingbusinessesarerunningsmoothlyandsuccessfully.In 2013, the Backbones of Business program in Western Australia will bringtogetherwomen(andmen–noexclusivitywiththis)acrossthestate at 21 separate gatherings allowing them to connect with other womendoingthehardyardsintheirbusinesses.SupportedbytheCommonwealth Bank, Backbones will have guest speakers, service providersandopportunitiestobemotivatedandsupportedintheir
daytodayrunningoftheirbusinesses.
Master Painters & Decorators Backbones of Business program supportsthe “LoveAngel Foundation” charity and any funds raised at thegatheringswillbedonatedtothisworthycauseofchildren,helpingchildren less fortunate.
For information about how you can be involved,please contact Angela on 08 9471 6614.
Who Needs To ReportAllthosewhoare inthebuilding industrywhomakepaymentstocontractorsinthebuildingindustry.Yourprimarybusinessmustbeinthebuilding&constructionindustry.
Insummary–Ifpaintingservicesarepartofyourbusinessandyouemployacontractorinthebuildingindustry,thenyouhavetomakethis report. Now, at this stage we have not seen the report or what is being required, but be assured the purpose of the report is to match thepaymentsyoumaymaketotheincomeshownbythatContractor.TheywilldatamatchforthewholeofAustraliatoconcludeaminimumamountthateachcontractorinthisindustrywillshowastheirSalesamount.
SopleasekeepallinvoicesforContractorpayments.Youwillneedthem later. If youuseMYOBoranotheraccountingsystem,makesure you have contractor’s information fully completed and alsohavethemsetupsothatatyearsendyoucanprintareportforallContractorsanditwillshowthetotalfortheyear.
Contactusifyouhaveanyquestions.
Contact us for questions.Telephone: +617 3808 2868
The Lucky members of Aussie Painters Networkwho won our Golf Package!
Being a Boss and a Leader
f someone were to ask your employeeswhatsortofbossyouwere,haveyoueverwondered what the response would be?
Askyourselfhonestly,Wouldyouwanttoworkforsomeone like yourself? When considering waysto optimise your business and its practices, don’tneglect to turn the focus on yourself occasionally,andmakesureyourperformanceisbeingevaluatedand improved, justas youwouldyouremployees.Youmightbemissingoutonvaluableopportunitiestobolsteryoursuccess,withtheimportantbonusofmorecontentedstaff.
If you supervise staff, then you as the employer,owner, foreman; whatever the capacity, shouldinvestigatehowyou’redoingfromyourstaff’spointofview.Yourimpactontheirdaytodaylivescanbefairlyprofoundparticularlyifit’sanegativeone.Andifitisanegativeimpactthenyourbusinesswillprobablybesufferingasmuchasyourstaffare.Itmakesperfectsense that happy and confident employees aremorelikelytobeproductive,takeprideintheworkandfinishajobwell.
You can’t put a price on a well trained and loyalstaff member that wants to stay with their job.Unnecessarystaffturnovercostsabusinessofanysizeanimmeasurableamountofmoneyandhoursin lost training, knowledge and even client good will.
Sohowcanyoumakesureyou’redoingthebestforyourbusinessbythewayyoumanagepeople?Startbyaskingthem;inanopenanhonestforum,givethem a non-threatening environment to express howtheyfeelabouttheirjob,thebusinessandyou!
Dependingonyourrelationshipwithstaffhopefullythiswon’tbetooharrowing,butifyou’reafraidtoask them, you are probably the kind of employerwhomostneedsto!
Overseeing a group of staff is surely easier whenworking as a team, you have each other’s backs,try to problem solve together, and unpack thingsthat go wrong with view to avoiding them again. Maintainingthepositiveapproachsurebeatsacultureofblame, fearandoverwork!Byexampleyouareteaching them skills as valuable as the technical onestheyrequire;howtoplan,deconstructaproblemandrelate.Also,notunlikegettingthebestoutofyourkids,itscrucialtogivecredit,acknowledgementand praise. Ifyouhavethemeans,encouragestafftotakeonstudytoupskill–goodforyou,goodforthem–ifthere’s a cost issue, look into the government rebatesfor training. Perhaps you could allow some shortamountsofstafftimetocontributetotheirchosencommunityprojectorcharity;traderelatedornot.Generositythatcanbeabigtickforyourcompany,andprovidestaffthechancetostepoutofroutineand comfort zones, where personal growth can be greater.
Steeredby a good leader, you can empower yourteamtoexcelgainingconfidenceinthemselvesandtheirabilitiesand theywillbe invested in the job.“A good boss makes his men realize they have more ability than they think they have so that they consistently do better work than they thought they could.” Charles Erwin Wilson
“SEAT came to Ithaca Creek State School today.My 7 year old Grade 2 daughter told me ‘todaywas the best day ever’ and proceeded to describethe presenter, his story, and the tips for preventionfor around 20 minutes. This is clearly a great program. Your presenter must have been beautifully engaging and was obviously very informative. Well done and thanks,” –Jenny(mumofMacyinGrade2)
very day of the school year, theSpinal Education Awareness Team(SEAT) program receives incredible
feedback like this from parents, children and teachers throughout Queensland.
SEAT is an award-winning injury preventionprogram delivered by the Spinal InjuriesAssociation thataims toprevent spinal cordinjuriesinyoungpeople.
“Sinceitsfirstpresentationin1987,SEAThasinspired more than 1.5 million Queensland children from Prep to Year 12 to take care of themselvesandpreventinjuries,”hesaid.
“There is no cure for spinal cord injuries. Once thespinalcord,whichisextremelyfragileandhastheconsistencyofabanana,isdamaged,then it cannot be repaired.
Becauseyoungpeopleagedbetween15and30 are the most common demographic to sustainspinalcordinjuries,SEATisparticularlypowerfulat targeting this at-risk group to give thema reality check of what a life-long disabilitywouldmean to them, their family and theirwidercommunity.
Thanks to the support of major sponsor BHP Billiton Cannington, SEAT is a frEE program
available to all Queensland primary and secondary schools.
Therearesomeopportunetimestoaskyourselfsomeof these trickyquestions, and formany itwill be now, on the precipice of a new working yearwhenyoucansoonapproachthingswithafreshermindbodyandspirit.Breakitdownandletitsimmerinyourmindoverthebreak.Afewkeythingsyoucouldconsiderarewhichthingsareworkingforyou?Reviewandassessyouroutgoingsperyear.Contracts,suppliers,memberships,services;whichonesareworkingforyou?It’sacompetitivemarketplace, take advantage of it.
Youmightwanttothinkcarefullyabouthowyoureachyourcustomerbase-yourmarketingplan.A lot of people have been enquiring about this topic lately. Entirely understandable given the recentmassiveshiftinthewaywecommunicate.
Manyofusarebeingoverwhelmedbytheinfluxofinformationandadvertisingintheirdigitallives(andotherwise) lately, I foronecan justbarelykeepontopofmyworkemails,notnecessarilymypersonalones...Coulditbeagoodtimetogetback tobasicswith reachingyouraudience? Trythegoodoldletterboxdrop,amailout,orcourtesycall to old customers. Offer incentives. In themeantime though, getadviceonagooddigitalor online plan to support your business. StartexperimentingwithSocialMediatoconnectwithyour localarea!Updateyourwebsiteandwriteblogswithinformationappealingtoyourtargetmarket. All can be done with free programs so createasandpitandplay!
Ifbusinessisslow,nowisthetimetogetadviceon some of the newer tools available to you;things you can use on your smart phone likeproductivityappsandtemplates.Newonesarebeingcreatedallthetime,youneedonlylook!
Simple Web DesignHeard the saying“less ismore”?Well it cancertainlyapplytowebsitedesign.Somemightsay that it’s just thecurrentfashion, but a simple, clean website design seems to be more effectivethananovercrowdedone.
The use of space is also an important part of a great website. Whatyouleaveoutofyourdesignisjustasessentialaswhatyouleavein.Theuseofspaceisgreatforemphasizingcertainelementsonyourpage.Spacehelpstokeepawebsitefromfeelingcluttered.Ithelpstheuserlocatetheelementsofyoursitethattheyareafter.
Minimally designed websites are important to help create a clear corporate image for your business. However it does not mean you are stuck with a colourless site. It just means removing needless elements. Have you got too much text? Try and trim it down to the bare essentials. Include images and information that help make your website user-friendly but without cluttering. A simple websitecan still be modern and fresh. A well thought out colour palette can really contribute to the freshness of your website.
20|Aussie Painters Network
Taking Care of The Most Important Asset in Business!Health
vanwhichgetsyoutoeachjob,or is itthetoolsandthetypepaintyouuse?Theanswerisnoneofthem;asmuchastheyarevaluable,thereisonethatisevenmorecriticaltoyourbusiness!
I am talking about You! The irony is that youmayhavespentmoretimemaintainingthecarorensuring thatall your toolsare inworkingorderthanfocusingonyourownhealth.Ifyouareyourbusinessormanageateamthenit’stimetothinkproactivelyaboutbeinghealthy.Justthinkabouthowyourbusinesswouldfunctionifyouwerenotthere?
The Facts are, Painting is a Toxic Profession:•Paintersareatahigherriskofcertaincancers
○BladderCancer(increasedriskwithsmoking)○ Lung Cancer
TodayIwantedtogetyourattention,tohopefullygetyouthinkingaboutahealthstrategy.Itcanbechallengingfittingahealth routine it intoabusylife; however I feel more than ever that it requires seriousattentionnowandnotlater.Weoftenputhealthasideuntilwearesick,whichiswhyIlovethisquote “If youdon’tmaketime forwellness,soonerorlaterhavetomaketimeforillness”.
Thisnotonlyappliestopainters,butanyonelivingthis modern world. Over the coming issues we are goingtosharewithyouhintsandtipstohelpyoubecomehealthierbusinessowner. Fornowyoucanstarttothinkabouthowyoucanstayhealthyforyourbusinessandmoreimportantlyyourfamily.
Tip1-Whiletoxins/solventsmaybethenatureofthe beast for most painters, there are companies
that are helping to reduce the risks with safer products.Youcanfindoutmorefrom
www.greenpainters.org.au
Thefirststepisinknowingwheretostartandwhatyoucandotostrengthenallaspectsofyourhealthand wellbeing. If you are looking to getmoreinformationyoucancontactmyofficeandwecandiscuss a wellness program.
hecontentof thisarticleseeks toalertandexplain how commercial arbitration clausesaffect individuals and/or companies in the
buildingandconstruction industry. It is importantto have this understanding because arbitrationclausesareoftenadefaultprovisioninconstructioncontractsi.e.AS2124,AS4000,HIA&MBA.
The Commercial Arbitration ActThere have been recent developments with respect to the legislativeprovisionsofCommercialArbitration.The Commercial Arbitration Act 1985 (WA) [“theoldact”]hasnowbeenreplacedwiththeCommercialArbitration Act 2012 (WA) [“the new act”]. Thismeans that any arbitration conducted in WesternAustralia will now be subject to the provisions of the new act.We note thatNew SouthWales,NorthernTerritory, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoriaalsooperateunder theuniform newactwith onlytheAustralianCapitalTerritoryandQueensland stilloperatingundertheauspicesoftheuniformoldact.
We note that the paramount object of the new act is to‘facilitatethefairandfinalresolutionofcommercialdisputes by impartial arbitral tribunals withoutunnecessary delay or expense’.1 This means that fromapublicpolicyperspective,arbitrationismeantto be a cheap, fast and final alternative means ofdisputeresolutionandthisiswhatthenewacthopesto achieve.
A Dispute & Giving NoticeInthecaseofCommonwealthofAustraliavJenningsConstructionsPtyLtd[1985]VR586itwasfoundthat“A dispute arises when one party claims somethingand another notifies the other and he rejects theclaim”. Accordingly, when commercial parties haveagreedtoastandardformconstructioncontractwhichincludes an arbitration clause and a dispute arises, itis taken that theparties intended and agreed for thedisputetoberesolvedbycommercialarbitration.
This means there is limited grounds of recourse to other dispute resolutionmechanisms if one of theparties changes their mind. The next point to beawareof is thatcommercialarbitration isacreatureof statute and as such, the process for resolving disputesbyarbitrationisgovernedbystatelegislation.
The typical arbitration process is started as follows.Upondispute,anoticemustbeprovided(deliveredbyhand/certifiedmail)inwritingbetweenthepartieswhichoutlinesthedetailsofthedispute.Bywayofexample,the HIA Cost Plus Contract [“HIA contract”] at clause19(a)ofthesameoutlineshownotice istobegiven2. Then,usually,apreliminaryconferenceisheldtoensurethatthearbitrationisproperlyestablishedandtosetoutthestepstoafinalhearing.
Appointing an ArbitratorAgainbywayofexample,theHIAcontractprovidesat clause 18 the approved method for the appointment of an arbitrator. In that contract it is outlined that a single arbitrator will be appointed by mutualconsent or by appointment from the Presidentof the HIA (or his nominee). Under section 11 ofthenewact,thereisalsoprovisionfortheselectionof an arbitrator in cases where the parties do notagree or the standard contract does not provide for theselectionofthesame.
Under the new act, section 12 provides that theappointment of an arbitrator can be challenged and the procedure for challenge is further outlined in section 13. An example of a viable ground forchallenge is where an arbitrator has failed to disclose any circumstances that raise ‘justifiable doubts’ inconnectionwiththearbitrator’sassumedimpartiality.
The Conduct of Proceedings & Powers of the ArbitratorPart V of the new act provides for the manner and conductofproceedings.Itmustbenotedthatthissectionis fairly fluid and there is discretion in the conduct ofproceedings.Followingapreliminaryconference,whichexplainstheprocess,timeframe,disclosureobligationsand fees etc. a hearing will be scheduled.
Atthehearing,partiescanproduceevidenceforthearbitrator to consider in reaching his decision. It must be noted that arbitrator can accept evidence within a widescopebecausetheyarenotboundbythesamerules of evidence as a Court. It must be further noted thatarbitratorsdonotnecessarilyhavealegalbackgroundnoraretheyrequiredtohavespecificqualificationstobecome an arbitrator.
The AwardPart VI of the new act provides for the making of an arbitralaward.Undersection31(3)anarbitratormuststate the reasons upon which the decision is based. However,anarbitratorisnotrequiredtogointothesamedepthasaJudgewouldingivingreasons.Theawardisthen final and binding on both parties in accordancewithsection35ofthenewact.Further,theawardcanbe enforced in the same manner as a Court judgement.
CostsUnder section 33B of the new act, the costs of thearbitrationaretobeawardedbythearbitratorinhisdiscretion.However,caseauthoritysuggeststhatthesuccessful party or theparty that ends upwith the‘finalflowofmoney’isusuallyawardedtherecoveryof its reasonable costs.3
AppealsThe purpose of commercial arbitration is to providefast,costeffectiveandbindingdecisionsonpartiesasanalternative to litigation. Under the old act, section 38provided limited provision for judicial review or appeals of awards which contain fundamental errors of law.
However, the significant point to notewith respectto appeals is that under the old act an appeal would lie to the Supreme Court in limited circumstances.Thishas changed with the introductionof thenewact which provides very limited grounds for an ap-peal against an Arbitrator’s award . Under sec-tion 34A of the new act an appeal will lie to theSupreme Court if both parties agree4 and the court grants leave 5. We note that it is unlikelythatapartywhoreceivesafavourableawardisgoingto consent to an appeal of the same.
Whilst the new act is more in keeping with the pur-poseofcommercialarbitrationasafinaldetermina-tion, the parties to contracts containing arbitrationclausesmustgivedueconsiderationtoitslikelyfinal-itywhenconsideringwhethertoincludeanarbitra-tionclauseinastandardformconstructioncontract.
This publication is intended to be a topical report on recent cases and legislation in the construction, development and engineering industries. This publication is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, and no liability is accepted. This publication may be reproduced with full acknowledgement.
Maintain your family’s living standardIfyouhaveafinanciallydependentfamily,youshouldensureyouhaveenoughLifeinsurance.
If you have a home loan (or other personal debts), you should consider Life, Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) and Critical Illness insurance.
What are the benefits?Byusingthisstrategy,youcould:•Provide a lump sum payment to clear your debts, and•Pass on the full value of your assets to your dependants if you pass away.
How does this strategy work?Ifyou’relikemostpeople,you’veuseddebttofundarangeofpurchases,includingyourhome.
However, ifyoudie,becometotallyandpermanentlydisabledorsufferacritical illness,theloanrepaymentswillstillneedtobemade,eventhoughthesalaryyourfamilyhasrelieduponistemporarilyorpermanentlyunavailable.
In the event of your death, your lender may even require the outstanding loan to be repaidimmediately,andsometimestheonlywaytodothisistosellthefamilyhome.
To avoid these potential problems, you should consider Life, TPD and Critical Illness insurance.Theseinsurancescanprovidealumpsumpaymentthatcouldbeusedtoclearyourdebts.
24|Aussie Painters Network
Rod and Ian ScanesPhone: (07) 3278 0825Fax: (07) 3278 0894
Insurance Premium FundingA lending facility for business clients who wish to spread the cost on annual insurance premiums over monthly instalments so that they can smooth out their cash flow.
Flexible financing term: terms of 6 – 12 months,smooths out cash flowby breaking one lump sumintoaseriesofpaymentsovertheyear.
Financeavarietyofinsurancetypes:bundleallinsurancecosts together, such as PI,Workers Compensation,general business insurance, motor vehicle fleet registrationsetc.
Oneofthecriticalthingstoremembertoensureasuccessfulpaintjobistomakesureyouutiliseapaintsystemthatguidesthewayyoudeterminecolours,andpurchaseandapplyyourpaints.Itcanbecrucialtotheoverall success of a job to keep in mind a few general rules to avoid pitfallsandinconsistencies,andinturnCustomercomplaints!
• Always consider carefully the full specifications provided by apaintcompany;useandapplythemonlyaspertheinstructionsinthespecification.It’snotworththegambleonthepotentialcoststoyouinrectificationofissuescausedotherwise.
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because, what the world needs, is people who have come alive.” - Harold Whitman.
justlovethissaying….Italkabout‘doingwhatmakesyourheartsing’oftenwhenI am presenting talks and workshops.
AreyoudoingwhatmakesYOURheartsing?
Our passion is what shows when we talk and is in our actions for everyoneyou come in contact tosee.Isyourpassionshowing?
For me, I love helping people build good solid relationshipsandshowing themhowtodowordof-mouth marketing successfully. I feel greatsatisfaction when I know that I have connected twopeople,whomaynothaveevermet,whofindthesynergy thatwillhelp themmove forward ineither their personal life or the business world.
We are so blessed these days that we have theinternet and that social marketing has becomesuchawayof life formanyofus. Ofcourse,weneedtolearnthebalanceofnotgettingtoocaughtupinSMM(socialmediamarketing)thatwefindtimerunsoutforotherimportantthings.Isuggesttopeople that theyfindatimeof theday/weekthattheycandotheSMMwithoutdoingitadhocandwastingalotoftime.Therearepeopleinthemarketplacewho teachhow todoSMM, sofindoutwho theyare and connectwith them in thisareaifyouneedthesupport.
IvaluetherelationshipsthatIhavemadeviaSMM.Manyoftheserelationshipshavebecomepersonaland have developed into one-on-one meetings,supportingusbothtoachievewhatwearewishingto achieve.
Ifyouarewantingsupportwithyournetworking,Isuggestthatyoumakeapointofgettingtoknowanetworkerastheywillalwayssupportyouachievewhereyouaregoingifitisintheirpowertodoso.Enjoywhat you are doingwith your relationshipbuildingandhaveyourheartsing,too!
achdaywhenyougotowork,you’reobligedtocheckonthesafetyofyoursiteandcomply,for the most part, with best practice and
workplacehealthandsafetyregulations.Whentryingtorelaxathomeoraway,it’seasytobecomelessvigilantwithprecautionsorourselvesandfamilies.Iguessourchildrenthinkthey’rebulletproofandsometimeswebelievethem!Alsosometimesit’shardtobelieveinadvance the silly things that our normally brilliantchildrenmightdo!
Summerpresentsuswithawholelotofissueswecanoftenforgetabout inthecoolermonths;thingsthatputour littleonesatrisk,particularly. Small things,
thatcanbecomereallyseriousifnotprevented;fromdehydration and sunburn, to being a few minutesmore than expected while a child sleeps in the car.
Foronewhoseusuallyprettycautiousaboutthesun,ittook a bit of burn in the last couple of weeks to remindme that I can’t skip the sunscreen even if I think I’m not goingtobeexposedmuch.Ittakesonlyminutesforyouor your children to get burnt throughout a goodpartof theday;asAustraliansweallknowtheskincancermessage,butneedtorememberitbetter.Iacquirehatsand keep them around the house so there’s no excuse foranyonenottowearthem,andamnowkeepingalargepumpbottleofsunscreenattheready.
E
byCarolineMiall
2013 January Issue | 33
DrowningstillremainsoneofthelargestcausesofaccidentaldeathinAustralianchildren.It’seasytoassumethatitonlyoccurswhenatoddlerdisappearsfromview,butIoncestayedatahotel,wherealargeweddingpartystayingtherehadjustlostafouryearoldtothebottomoftheresortpool,anditwastragicallynotnoticedasthelargegroupoffamilyandfriendsplayedaround.Atthebeach,public pool or home, in groups of families, Know who’s watching whosonoassumptionsaremadeaboutanyone’ssafety. Andallchildrenshouldlearnhowtoswim.Endofstory.
If youfind yourself holidaying on aRiver or inlandwaterwaydon’tforget to brief the kids on hidden dangers such as submerged objects, crumbling banks, unpatrolledwaterways and currents in seeminglytranquilwaters.ShallowdivingcancausedevastatinginjuriesastoldinourDecemberissuebyDavidfortheSpinalAssociation.
Notforgettingthatslippingandtumblesaroundthepoolcanalsobe a bummer; this I know from personal experience after oneChristmasnightwhenIwasten, IslippedasIchasedmybrotheraroundthepool,landingwithfullimpactonmyfrontteeth!ManyyearsofexpensiveandpainfuldentalworklaterandIhopeyouallstopyourkidsrunningaroundthepool!
Iwassodistressedtohearonthenews,justtoday,thatanotherinfanthaddiedafterbeing left inacar.Thereareobviouslystill thosewho don’t realise how dangerous this is and that It’s illegal for a reason.MypartnerandIafewmonthsagoassistedadistraughtyoungwomanwhosecarselectriclocksfailedtoopenwithasixweekold inside. Roadside assistance saved the day but itwasa few minutes before the baby was clearly in discomfort. Itsnot worth the risk. Plan ahead and don’t leave a child in the car unattended.
Here’smy favourite,easilyprevented, (Summer?)grievance, thatIsawonalatenightrealityshowsetinanER…‘Frozenfoodinjuries!’.Apparentlyquite thecommongenreof triageemergencycausedwhenpryingapartfrozenfoodwithasharpknife(frozenbeefburgerswerealargepercentageoftheoffendingitems).ThenitdawnedonmethatIhadmomentarilyperformedexactlythisverystupidtask,myself,earlier intheeveningforsomepiecesoffrozenmangoes.Fortunately I abandoned the risky behaviour for the microwave.Seeing those injuries now, I vow to always defrost safely! In oursometimesharshcountry,it’snotabadideatoremainreallywaryofthesunanddehydration;learnabitaboutspidersandsnakes-howtoidentify,avoidandtreatanybite;uptodateCPRandFirstAidcoursesshouldreallybeonouragendastoo,especially ifwehave children. Above all, take care of each other have a safe and happySummerwithfamilyandfriends,whilerememberingafewprecautions.
am always amazed at how colour isinfluenced by culture. While trainingstudentsfromdifferentcountries,itwas
an interesting observation to see what colourpeoplepreferredandwhattheythoughtwasat-tractive.
The generalmodel of colour psychology reliesonsixbasicprinciples -Whitfield&Whiltshire,Colorpsychology:Acriticalreview.
1. Colour has meaning2.Colourperceptioncanbelearnedorbiologicallyinnate3.Perception=evaluation4.Evaluation=motivatedbehaviour5.Colourexertsitsinfluenceautomatically6.Colourisaffectedbycontext.
Pacific Islands and Colour
Warning! I am going to elicit generalisations,I know this isoftenmisleadingand inaccurate,butIwillevokecreativelicensehere.
I have found that most Pacific Islanders likebright colours as features. But tend to use more browns, and earthy colours when paintingin general. I think this has to do with the fact thatmostPacificIslandershaveasatraditionalhome,bure,vale,fale,oroatimadefromnaturalelementssuchascoconutbranchesandtimber.Theseareoftenfeaturedaroundthehomewithstones and rocks, these all provide a natural mutedpaletteofbrowns,beiges,withsomeblackorgrey.MeanwhileallPacificIslanders,male&female,loveflowers,andthatisasafeandsuregeneralisation.SothisIbelievegivesthemaninterestinstrongbright clean colours as a trim or feature wall.
Colour in Fiji
Fiji is known for its indigenous Fijian culture and its equal mix with Indian-Fijian people. The IndiancultureofFijistartedoverahundredyearsagowith labour brought from India to work the sugarcane farms. The Indian Fijians are third and fourthgenerationFijiannow,theyareasmuchFijian as European Australians are just Australians.
Howhas this impacted Fijians preferencewithcolours?
Indians love colour! Bright, raging, screaming,and pure extreme colour! This has a lot to dowith their religion and traditions. What I loveabout Indian culture is that it invades all senses, colour is used to arouse the senses of sight as thesmellsofstrongspices,theflavoursoftheirfood, and the noise of their music, arouses the other senses.
When I was first in business, my main concern was to becheaperthanmycompetitors’price.Experiencehastaughtmethat this is not what a client is looking for, which is the reason I wroteabook,“HowToBecomeAReallySuccessfulPainter”.Ifyouareinbusiness,oronedaywanttostartupabusiness,thenmybookcanhelpyou. I canshowyouhow,usingaseriesof8easysteps,yourbusinesswillbeonejumpaheadofyourcompetitorsandmoreprofitable.Itdoesn’tmatterifyouwant to be a one man operator or have 50 people working for you.Theoutcomeisthesame.Successforyourbusiness!
WhatIhavelearntthroughtrialanderror,attendingseminars,observing how others run their business and being in the trademyselffor42years,willbeofhugebenefittoyou.
Iwillshowyouhowto:• Advertiseefficientlywithoutspendingafortune.• Get more exposure.•Increasethenumberofyourpotentialclients.•Winthejobeventhoughyouarethehighestquote.• Improve quote acceptances.•Bemoreofabusinesspersonratherthan‘justapainter’.•Makeyourquotesmoreappealing.• Design graphs to help keep track of calls and clients.• Getandkeepthatcompetitiveedgeoverotherpainters.
MybookhasbeenthoroughlyapprovedbyDulux,MasterPainters,BeConstructiveQld.andTAFE teachers fromvarious colleges around Australia. 1200 books are being givenoutbyDuluxtoeveryfinalstagepaintingapprenticeand Post Trade graduates inAustraliaeachyear. ItisalsobeingusedasareferencebookbyDuluxinNewZealand and a TAFE College in Fiji.
Australian Tax Office www.ato.gov.au Ph.137226/Ph.132865Award Rates www.fairwork.gov.au Ph.131394fair Work Building & Constructionwww.fwbc.gov.au Ph.1800003338Mates In Constructionwww.matesinconstruction.com.au Ph.1300642111