2009 National Members Directory
For copies please contact your State office, or click here for the link to the e-book.
Welcome to the official website of the
Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors' Association of Australia
NATIONAL TRAINING 2010
Enrolments for the Managing Finances, Leadership and Contract Law for Managers Programs can now be accepted.
Please forward all booking forms to Lisa at the AMCA office lisa@amca.com.au
A course confirmation letter will not be issued until 60 days prior to course commencement. Upon receipt of this confirmation letter, participants should then arrange flights, accommodation and payment.
We are pleased to announce that AHI Carrier will once again be our principal sponsor for the 2010 National Conference.
We are also pleased to announce that Fantech, Holyoake and Victaulic are also continuing their sponsorship of the National Conference.
A copy of the brochure and registration form can be found on the National Conference tab on this website.
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE BRIEFING SERIES
The AMCA Technical Committee has released its 'Heads Up' briefing series to keep members informed of industry wide technical issues that may impact on the contracting side of the industry.
The annual prize awarded for the AMCA Australia Project Management Course was awarded to Phillip Calvert of AG Coombs Group Pty Ltd in Melbourne.
Phil was presented with his prize at the conclusion of the 2009 Managing for Profit course. The prize will enable Phil to attend the Mechanical Contractors Association of America Advanced Project Management Course in Houston, Texas, next January. Congratulations Phil.
NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING HELD
AMCA’s National Council met in Canberra in late November.
A range of important policy issues were discussed which included the carbon pollution reduction scheme and its likely impact on industry.
Council received a briefing from Daniel Whyte from the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts on the elements of the mandatory disclosure requirements of energy consumption in commercial buildings that is anticipated for introduction in mid 2010. The power point presentation used to support the briefing is available through this link.
AMCA President, Mark Lowe, said this development in government policy is important to AMCA members as they will be required to “tune up” the existing buildings in response to tenant and owner demands.
NATIONAL COUNCIL
There has been a change of the guard at AMCA Australia.
At the annual general meeting held last week Mark Lowe from NSW was elected President and he replaces Andrew O’Connor. Mark Lowe will occupy the position for the next 2 years. Earl Sakareassen from Victoria was elected as National Vice President.
The largest number of delegates and partners ever attended the 2009 annual AMCA national conference. Contractors from all around Australia were joined by some from the United States and New Zealand.
Many of the delegates have completed an evaluation of the conference. These evaluations are very complimentary of the event and provide some valuable comment that will help provide an even better conference in 2010.
AIRCONDITIONING CAREERS
Visit the virtual careers expo site for information about all of the career options that are available in the airconditioning and mechanical services industry. LINK
CCIA PRESENTATION TO DEWHA
AMCA is one of the 3 partners in the Climate Control Industry Alliance group.
CCIA bid for all 6 projects placed out for tender as part of the Commonwealth government strategy to reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings. CCIA has been successful with the tender and will now enter into discussions with the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts about which projects it will undertake.
On 3 December 2009, the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) requested that the CCIA present to the Department on the following two projects:
a code of Best Practice for Maintenance and Operation; and
Measurement, Monitoring and Metering.
DEWHA has requested that the presentation be delivered on how CCIA will approach each project, how deliverables will be met and resources allocated. The presentation will occur during the week beginning 14 December 2009.
For further details please contact Sumit Oberoi, Policy Analyst, AMCA on 8831 2815, or alternatively by email: sumitoberoi@amca.com.au.
AMCA CONTINUES ITS CHILD CANCER RESEARCH
AMCA is continuing its financial support of the Oncology Children's Foundation.
At the 2009 AMCA Australia Annual National Council meeting, outgoing National President, Andrew O'Connor presented the Foundation's CEO, Ross Lewis with a ceremonial cheque recognising the $50,000 AMCA has provided to the Foundation in the course of the past year.
A further $10,000 will be presented to the Foundation by AMCA Australia before the end of the year.
Ross Lewis said the support of the Association meant more than the valuable money provided. He said it represented a real partnership in helping to change the lives of children who are afflicted with cancer.
The Oncology Children's Foundation is based in Sydney at the Westmead Children's Hospital.
AMCA States have taken on a range of activities during the past year to achieve this outstanding outcome.
FAIR WORK ACT COMMENCES
The workplace relations system will change from 1 July when the Fair Work Act 2009 comes into operation.
AMCA intends to conduct information briefing sessions in all states over the coming months. In the meantime a summary of the key provisions and the changes that will come into effect is available through the Fact Sheets that may be downloaded.
TWO SPEED COMMERCIAL SECTOR
A two speed commercial sector is developing according to the ACIF Construction Forecasting Council industry forecasts that were released in June.
Those parts of the commercial sector that rely on private sector funding are forecast to decline over the next two years. Office and retail sectors expect to fall by 25% and 33% respectively. Schools and hospitals which have much greater funding from governments will continue to grow. Visit the CFC website to review the latest forecast data. www.cfc.acif.com.au You can download the power point slides that were used at the industry presentation at the half yearly forecast update by clicking on the image to the left of screen.
RISK WITH PRE PURCHASING EQUIPMENT
Pre purchasing of equipment by head contractors and clients can look attractive.
At times this procurement method has been used extensively in the United States and Canada. The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada has issue a guidance note to its members outlining the pitfalls and risks to those who seek to use this strategy and pointing out the risks to specialist contractors who participate.
AMCA continues to place the safety and health of their employees at the top of their priorities.
This is why we continue to collect and publish statistical data to members and the industry generally.
The latest data is now available through the accompanying graphs. AMCA also has developed comprehensive policies on key OHS issues. These are also available on the web site.
Monitoring industry OHS and sharing information is a priority matter on state council and management groups agenda.
AMCA believes there are no secrets when it comes to employee safety.
AMCAViews Current Issue
Click the image to download/view the current issue of our periodical publication 'AMCAVIEWS'
Specialist Contractors Handbook
AMCA's latest publication, an update of the previous Mechanical Contractor's Handbook, is now available.
This handbook has been revised by Pilley McKellar Solicitors with input from Hank Laan and Steven Zorbas, and is an essential tool for all those involved in the subcontracting industry.
Handbooks are now being distributed to all AMCA State offices and will be available by contacting your local office directly.
SEMINAR
Gordon Holness, current ASHRAE President, will be guest speaker at a Seminar to be held in Melbourne on Wednesday 14 April. The topic of the seminar will be "Sustaining our Future by Rebuilding our Past" Bookings are essential. Please click on the image to download a booking form.
(03) 9888-8266
(03) 9888-8459
