The Master Painter Australia - April 2016 Vol. 1 | Page 14
THE MASTER PAINTER AUSTRALIA
014
STATE REPORTS
New South Wales
Master Painters NSW has had a busy start to 2016. We have
been organising our regular member’s events, Awards for
Excellence and training courses. We also kicked off 2016 with
our first member’s event which was held on the Northern
beaches with the focus being on compliance.
The event was well attended by sponsors, associates and
members. The presentations included Turnbull Bowles Lawyers
who outlined the importance of contracts and paperwork
when disputes arise between contractors and their clients.
MGA Insurance discussed the history of insurance and the
importance of having the correct insurances for their businesses.
ATO and Care Super were also on hand to answer any queries
members had, as well as our staff who assisted with Industrial
Relations matters and apprentices. Wattyl, our platinum sponsor
assisted with members enquiries on their product range. It was
a huge success and more are planned around Sydney and the
regional areas of NSW.
In addition to our regular events we have recently launched
two exciting new programs. The first initiative being a program
calling for nominations from recently completed apprentices to
form part of a Junior Board of the Master Painters Association in
NSW. It is critical we engage with this group as it will assist our
industry in focusing on what the next generation need from their
Peak Industry Body. It will also facilitate in developing programs
for those undertaking their qualification and then entering in to
their chosen profession.
Another new initiative is the Master Painters Business
Services. This will provide members with a complete range of
office support services, to help reduce the headache of office
administration, allowing members to free up their time to focus
on growing their business and making it more efficient. Some
of the services on offer range from a phone answering service,
bookkeeping, collections, invoicing, payroll, business planning,
websites and social media. This service will be a relief for many,
as sometimes the paperwork can become a burden even at the
best of times.
NSW are also very proud of the successes shown by our
apprentices at the Regional Worldskills competition. With 10
apprentices competing in the Ultimo & Granville events. Our
apprentices had their skills tested over a one-day competition
that involved completing a practical project under timed
conditions. At the end of the competition Master Painters
Apprentices took home Gold (Ultimo), Sliver (Ultimo & Granville)
& Bronze (Ultimo). All of the apprentices were proud to take part
in the competition and to show off their skills. The camaraderie
amongst them was refreshing to see even though they were
competing against each other, this attitude should hold our team
in good stead for the upcoming championship.
Master Painters NSW recently responded to a challenge
when contacted by Castle Hill Rotary looking for volunteer
professional painters to paint two cottages. The cottages will
be providing transitional housing to