41 from the regional manager - australian industry group · i was awarded a dphil from the...
TRANSCRIPT
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From the Regional Manager Adrian Price
Welcome to the first edition of our Ai Group Hunter Regional Newsletter for 2017. I hope that the renewed optimism in the region has embraced your business. It is reassuring to see our conventional manufacturing opportunities from mining returning while at the same time new opportunities are developing especially in Defence.
Three related themes have dominated Ai Group Hunter’s activities so far this year – global connectivity, innovation and skills. In an action-packed 3 weeks Ai Group has been involved with the following meetings and seminars promoting Hunter Manufacturing at every opportunity and expressing the industry’s belief in a bright future:
Courtesy of The University of Newcastle, meeting with Antoine van Agtmael &
Fred Bakker authors of the book “The Smartest Places on Earth – from rustbelts
to brainbelts”. The 9 marks of a Smart Region are set out in the Newsletter.
Department of Planning and Environment workshop on developing the Greater
Newcastle Metropolitan Plan – to scale up Newcastle and surrounds as a Global
City.
Our Ai Group Innovation Cluster invited Paul Duggan the Global CEO of TechShop
to speak about this exciting community based machine time-sharing facility, with
a view to establishing one in the Hunter. More details here
Meeting with the Lord Mayor of Newcastle to explore outreaching to other
transformed steel cities such as Pittsburgh USA and Sheffield UK to link business,
university and city levels.
Workshop with Innovation and Science Australia to identify the obstacles to
industry in engaging more effectively with research organisations.
Throughout these meetings the Big Idea of “The Hunter as an international Centre of Engineering Excellence” was promoted on your behalf.
Skills: The skills of our high school students continue to amaze me and keep reminding me of the powerhouse of potential we have here in our young people. Here are some examples (details you will find in this Newsletter):
The address of the Principal of Callaghan College to parents and students at the Awards Presentation in February was
outstanding. The school aims to “assist students to be the best they can be”. It is the largest provider of School Based Apprentices
in the Hunter and it also has a drone pilot course as part of the HSC. Ai Group provides a prize for the best school based apprentice
of the year.
A bionic hand developed by two 16 year old students from St Phillips High School shared in a prize of $20,000 at the University
of Sydney. The hand was displayed at the Hunter Makers Festival. St Phillips students are regular attendees at our Ai Group
Innovation Cluster meetings – our “learning community in technology”.
The amazing students at Mt View High School, Cessnock who also laboured at our Hunter Makers Festival, have won a wild card
placement in the World Finals of the F1 in Schools (model racing cars) Competition in Malaysia. They are in need of our help to
get there to participate.
Overview of Newsletter No. 41
From the Regional Manager New Entrepreneurs Program Adviser Innovation
Dr. Sarah Pearson appointment UoN Smartest Regions
Manufacturing
Australian Manufacturing is Alive
Hunter Trade Mission
Construction Industry Compliance
Mining-METS Foresight Study
Defence
Bringing together business & defence
Ai Group Services
Trade Document Service
Hiring New Staff – HR Resources
Skills
Emerging Hunter trade skills shortage
Apprentice Supervisor Workshops
Academy Sheet Metal Case Study
STEM-ship Students Graduate
ME Program students win Award
Fi in Schools – Cessnock High
Safety
Device to manage operator fatigue
Energy
Battery Storage for Business
Energy prices – what’s going on
Regions
North Coast new Access coach
Central Coast – CCIC
Affiliated Organisations Forthcoming Network Dates 2017
Affiliated Associations
Local Networks
HUNTER NEWSLETTER Servicing Newcastle, Hunter, Central Coast & Northern Region NSW
Newsletter No. 41 – March 2017
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Member Greg Marks from Academy Sheetmetal at Cardiff has his own story to tell about discovering the talents of young
people for apprenticeships.
See also article in this newsletter about possible approaches to condensed trade training form Training Services NSW.
If you would like to see how a US toolmaking company is approaching the skills shortage, this article from Kyocera SGS in
Akron, Ohio has a few tips Working with High School Students, and Other Wisdom from a Super-Trainer
Fostering these talents is already becoming compelling for future employment. It is apparent from member’s reports that a skill shortage is close at hand again as the industry recovers. This calls for some creative approaches about how to fill the gap. Our Ai Group Hunter Skills Development Network will be addressing this issue at an initial meeting on the 4th May. Wow! And 2017 is only few months old.
Regards Adrian Price
New Staff Member – Chris Kelleher Entrepreneurs Program , Business Adviser Want to be more competitive and achieve your business goals? If your business is looking to improve its competitiveness and productivity, then the Australian Governments flagship initiative – the Entrepreneurs Programme can help you. The Entrepreneurs Programme offers tailored support and access to the best advice and networks including an experienced advisor who will work directly with your business to help it grow. Business Evaluation: A Business Evaluation is available at no charge to eligible businesses. It is a complete review and assessment of how your business functions, your business strategy, market conditions and work practices within your business.
A Business Evaluation includes: • an assessment of the direction and strategy of the business together with a market appraisal, • a review of internal processes, and • a financial analysis. After the Business Evaluation is completed, you will be given an Action Plan with recommendations on how you can improve your business. Furthermore Funding through matched grants of up to $20,000 to implement recommended business capability improvement is then available. To find out more and checkout your eligibility contact Chris Kelleher on 0438 562 401 or email: [email protected]
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INNOVATION
Dr Sarah Pearson - appointed Pro-Vice Chancellor & Industry Engagement & Innovation at University of Newcastle I am an internationally experienced Open Innovation practitioner, innovation ecosystem builder, and advocate for collaborative innovation and entrepreneurship in Australia. I drive innovation strategy and practice in both corporate and government arenas, and am passionate about helping Australia benefit from this effective and efficient approach of collaborative innovation in both industrial and social innovation applications. I have had an eclectic career, specialising in innovation and entrepreneurship,
scientific research, strategy, and managing change; and am currently Pro Vice-Chancellor of Industry Engagement & Innovation at the University of Newcastle. As Pro Vice-Chancellor I will be working with both the University, industry and the local innovation ecosystem to support engagement of OUN in economic and social impact through commercialisation and utilisation of university knowledge and expertise and the growth of innovation hubs. Previous roles include Founding CEO of the CBR Innovation Network, management consulting with McKinsey & Co in Sydney, tenured Physics academic at UNE, and global head of Open Innovation at Cadbury plc in Reading UK. My strategic, research, and innovation skills are also currently applied through a number of Board positions; covering manufacturing, industry peak bodies, social innovation, angel investment and STEM support. These include Julie Bishop’s International Reference Group for DFAT’s InnovationXchange, Questacon Advisory Council, The Australian Centre for Social Innovation and ANSTO Nuclear Medicine. My most recent past position was Founding CEO of CBR Innovation Network, an entity set up to transform the ACT economy through innovation & entrepreneurship - connecting, promoting and accelerating an innovation ecosystem in Canberra. CBRIN works with schools, universities, startups, small and large companies as well as government to support and grow innovative ideas into commercial and social applications. This is achieved through its physical hub with co-working, acceleration, and incubation facilities and programs, as well as a range of other programs to build innovation capability and connectivity across the innovation ecosystem. I was awarded a DPhil from the University of Oxford in particle physics, and have published research in the areas of particle physics, medical physics, artificial intelligence, innovation, science communication and science policy. My publishing career has also spanned the media of TV, radio, books, journals, magazines and newspapers, and I am an author on eight international patents, for cancer diagnosis and novel confectionary. For many years I worked with schools and through the media to encourage young people into studying science Postscript: Dr Pearson will be guest speaker at a future meeting of the Ai Group Hunter Innovation Cluster.
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Smartest Regions
Extract from “The Smartest Places on Earth: from Rustbelts to Brainbelts”, Antoine van Agtmael and Fred Bakker, 2016
What Sharing Brainpower Looks Like The brain belts of course look to leaders such as Apple and Google, Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the iconic innovation zones of Silicon Valley and Cambridge for inspiration and models, but each one develops in its own distinct ways. From our two years of research, we learned that every brain belt – including those we visited and the many others we did not travel to – share a number of characteristics. In particular, they:
Take on complex, multidisciplinary, and expensive challenges that could not be handled by any single player (an individual or organisation) alone. The lone, iconic innovator is an outdated concept.
Are driven by a connector, an individual or group with vision, relationships, and energy that is largely responsible for establishing and building the ecosystem.
Operate in a collaborative ecosystem of contributors with research universities at their centre and typically composed of start-ups, established companies with a thriving research function, local government authorities, and community colleges or similar vocational institutions. Health-care institutions, such as teaching hospitals, are often a part of the ecosystem as well.
Focus on one, or just a few, particular disciplines or activities.
Are open to sharing knowledge and expertise. To facilitate openness, the organisations are de-siloed. The walls between academia and industry and public governance have been taken down. The sharp separations between academic disciplines, such as chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology, have been removed.
Contain physical centres, such as incubators and start-up spaces, often within modern factory or warehouse complexes, that house and encourage collaborative efforts.
Foster an environment that acts as a magnet for talent. The area offers not only an existing talent pool in universities, research institutes, and start-ups but also non-work attractions and benefits, such as affordable housing, a variety of cafes and restaurants, good schools and recreational activities.
Have capital available. There is sufficient money available for investment in start-ups and spin-offs, as well as for facilities and incubators.
Have an understanding and acknowledgement of threat. Unlike the days when corporate researchers did not worry much about outside competitive forces, people in brain belts recognise that the region has been hit before and could be threatened again. This leads to a strong sense of identity, regional pride and activities of continuous improvement.”
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MANUFACTURING
Ai Group's National Director of Manufacturing, Mark Goodsell, spoke to ABC Radio Sydney's Richard Glover regarding the health of the manufacturing industry in Australia. Was QLD Senator Bob Katter correct when he said nothing is made in Australia anymore? Listen to the broadcast: https://soundcloud.com/ai-group/australian-manufacturing-is-alive-
and-kicking?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=email
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Proposed Ai Group Hunter Trade Mission to Silverstone Coventry UK and Amsterdam, 26th June – 1st July 2017
Ai Group is seeking interest from members in taking a Trade Mission to these transformed advanced manufacturing regions in Britain. It is an opportunity to gather information on industry transformation and to explore trade links post the Brexit decision. A draft itinerary is offered to seek your interest. It will undergo changes to reflect the collective interests of intending delegates. We have a few places left.
Potential delegates are invited to contact Adrian Price by email [email protected] or call on 02 4925 8304 or 0418 640 447. Could you also let me know if there are any companies or types of companies you would like to visit? This is important for the UK organisers to recruit local companies to host us.
We will also have a partner’s program
Further details on our website: here
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Do you supply into the Construction Industry? The Federal Government has introduced the Building Code for the tendering and Performance of Building Work 2016. The Code requires construction companies and suppliers, in some circumstances, to become compliant with the Code in order to obtain work with the Prime Contractor. You will be asked certain questions about your workplace relations arrangements on the tender application form in order to qualify. Ai Group is running a number of one hour briefings to help you decide if you are impacted by the Code and if so, broadly what that impact might cover, what to do next, and timelines.
The sessions will focus on the new Code for the Tendering and Performance of Building Work 2016. (Building Code 2016):
o Mornings: 5,10,17,31 May o Afternoon: 6th June
The seminars will be by video link to our Newcastle Office from Sydney. For inquiries please email [email protected] or telephone our Advice Line on 1300 55 66 77. To book click here
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Mining
Manufacturship 2017 METS Foresight Study - Export Coal Industry
This foresight study places business opportunities for METS firms in the context of dramatic changes in late 2016 in the Australian export coal industry which will be played out in 2017.
In 2017 executives in mine, rail and port operations will look at all contractual and service agreements with METS firms through the dual lens of cost reduction and productivity gains.
Contents: 1 Coal Market Volatility creates Opportunities and Risks 2 The convergence of Three Trends is boosting Coal Industry Profitability 3 Restructuring of Australian Coal Industry with New Entrants 4 Business Opportunities for Australian METS firms
Contact details Bede Boyle [email protected] +61 [0] 419 213 010 Jason Furness [email protected] +61 [0] 488 337 666 More information at: METS Study
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DEFENCE Bringing together business and defence
The Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC) provides expert advice and funding to develop Australian businesses and help industry, academia and research organisations meet Defence needs
What are the benefits for my business? CDIC business advisers are available to:
o Provide advice to newcomers about what it takes to supply to the defence industry
o Identify areas for your business to become a more competitive supplier to the defence industry
o Identify the support needed to upskill your workforce o Identify new or additional defence export markets and international supply
chain opportunities o Help business develop innovation proposals to submit to the Defence
Innovation Hub.
What is the Defence Innovation Hub It is part of the new Defence Innovation System that will invest around $640million over the next 10 years to develop innovative ideas in Defence capability.
More information here
How can I get involved o Visit the CDIC to find out more about the CDIC and Defence Innovation o Contact a CDIC business adviser o Register for updates about Defence Industry and Innovation Register here o Take part in the Defence industry survey
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TRADE DOCUMENTS SERVICE
Ai Group provides a range of services relating to export of goods. Members receive a discount rate for their Trade Documents.
Documentation Fees
Ai Group Member Non-member
FTA Exporter Registration no charge $60.00
Electronic Processing
Certificate of Origin $16.00 $32.00
FTA Certificate of Origin $26.00 $42.00
Manual Processing (including email)
Certificate of Origin $22.00 $39.00
FTA Certificate of Origin $32.00 $47.00
Other Documents
General Export Documents $22.00 (plus GST) $39.00 (plus GST)
Letter of Free Sale $30.00 (plus GST) $80.00 (plus GST)
Postage
General Postage Charges N/A
A5 Express Post $6.35 (incl GST)
A4 Express Post $7.40 (incl GST)
*Includes certification of attachments such as invoices, packing lists, etc. **Certificates are charged per consignment. ***Payments can be made by cash, EFT, credit card or via cheque made payable to Ai Group.
Inquiries to Ms Eunsel Hwang, Ai Group on 03 9867 0132 or [email protected]
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Hiring New Staff? Do you know as a Member you have free access to our HR Resources page on our website to a whole range of forms and checklists to assist you in the recruitment and hiring of staff? A sample of the main documents and templates include:
Recruitment: Recruitment, Selection and Induction Flowchart Job Analysis Form Job Advertisement Form Job Application Form Position Description Form Selection: Sample Interview Questions Interview Assessment Form Sample Reference Check Questions Reference Check Form Successful Shortlist Notification Letter/Email Unsuccessful Interview Notification Letter/Email
Induction: Induction Checklist Induction/Probation Performance Development Form Induction/Probation Performance Evaluation Form Successful Induction/Probation Letter Unsuccessful Induction/Probation Letter
Visit. HR Resource Centre
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SKILLS How can we address the emerging Hunter trade skills shortage?
The Department of Industry (Training Services NSW) is working with Ai Group to review the current levels of qualified workers in the Engineering space in the Hunter region. The review will take into account current workforce needs - sufficiency of qualified workers, mechanisms to increase the level of qualified workers outside the traditional Apprenticeship model through reviewing:
the current apprenticeship model
fast tracking options for first year apprentices
recognition processes for current skilled but non-qualified workers in the industry
school based arrangements
any other initiatives as identified by our Hunter industries
The rationale of this regional project is to work with Industry to better understand workforce capability issues, the subsequent impact on contract procurement and capacity for the region and more. The review will include face to face meetings with HR professionals within the sector and operations managers, participating in a survey monkey questionnaire and active involvement in the development of pilot programs to address these workforce issues. The first meeting is planned for Tuesday 4th May 7.30am-9.00am at Tomago or Thornton. A program will be available shortly. If you would like to contribute your needs/ideas, please email [email protected] and she will contact you with details.
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Apprentice Supervisor Workshops
Free Supervisor Workshops located in Newcastle, Hunter & Central Coast.
Attendance recommended for those who have direct supervision of trainees or apprentices in your organisation.
WORKSHOP OUTCOMES
How to effectively supervise and coach apprentices & trainees The importance of building effective communication and relationships with your apprentice or trainee in
the workplace What to expect from the training provider - negotiating training that works for you and your business -
what to consider in signing off on- the- job competency Practical ideas to help prevent and address workplace bullying and harassment issues Training Services NSW - who are we and how can we support you and your apprentice or trainee?
Light refreshments will be served
* To register click the BLUE Eventbrite URL link below for your location of interested and then click the green "Register" then click the green "Checkout" Button, enter details and click "Complete Registration".
Great Lakes - 11/04/2017
Kurri Kurri - 20/04/2017
Warners Bay - 09/05/2017
Wyong - 18/05/2017
Port Stephens - 20/06/2017
For Further details contact: NSW Department of Industry Training Services NSW Tel: (02) 4974 8570 | Fax: (02) 4925 2139; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.training.nsw.gov.au
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SKILLS – Member Case Studies Owner and Apprentices are Inspirational Greg Marks is the owner of Academy Sheetmetal in Cardiff. The business was established in 1996 and Greg became the owner in 2002. He started running it personally in 2008.
Greg has an interesting history. One of seven children he grew up in South Granville-a working class suburb in Sydney. He commenced work as an engineering cadet with the Electricity Commission, graduated and then set out to explore the world at age 23. Among other things he owned and managed a Ski Chalet in Austria for 17 years before returning to Australia to work in engineering again.
In recent times, Greg has been on a program of upgrading and expanding his plant with more modern equipment including an Amada laser cutter and 160 tonne break press and a Variobend folding machine. He is planning more equipment purchases incorporating robotics. All of these are computer operated however he found some older workers were apprehensive to operate and train on them.
After receiving constant requests to providing high school students with work experience, Greg decided he would give it a try. First he upgraded and re-evaluated his safety induction process (now 6 hours) and commenced originally with one student a fortnight and then one a week on average. While that is an outstanding commitment in time and resources, Greg has found it paid off in an unexpected way. When students saw the digital equipment, they were intensely interested. Not only could they use the computer controls but they were showing the older workers how to do it. (He did know that the students were using CAD at school). This is not an uncommon experience now.
Greg uses the work experience program to recruit the best performers as future apprentices. He recruited 4 in 2016 and 2 in 2017 for a business that only employs 24 staff. Greg cannot speak about them highly enough and he is very pleased with how they are helping the company to grow and develop - by 100% in turnover in 2016.
Academy Sheet Metal offers apprenticeships in sheet metal, steel fabrication and machining. Greg ensures that all apprentices spend some time in the office to understand the software which controls the whole process from design verification right through to delivery. Despite his significant investment in machinery, Greg proudly states “My staff are my biggest asset.”
Employers who are interested in this pathway might contact their local high school in the Hunter also Youth Express or Career Links
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STEM-ship Students Graduate The first round of students have graduated from their STEM-ship, an innovative new program aimed at preparing students for ‘jobs of tomorrow’. Graduates completed the 15-week integrated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program at Hunter TAFE, with work placements at some of the Hunter’s most innovative STEM-orientated firms, including Varley Engineering, Jetstar, EDC Consultants, AmpControl, Bohemia Interactive Simulations, Boeing Defence and BAE Systems.
The STEM-Ship program was developed by Regional Development Australia – Hunter’s ME Program, the Department of Industry (Training Services NSW) and Hunter TAFE. Sixteen STEM-ship graduates presented their projects and learning outcomes at a graduation event at Hunter TAFE’s Newcastle campus last Monday. Students completed fourteen units of competency with Hunter TAFE which included non-technical employability skills and the design, and manufacture of a product utilising advanced technologies and processes.
Due to the success of the pilot program, the program will expand to two groups in 2017. ME Program (RDA Hunter), Training Services NSW,
and Hunter TAFE are calling for expressions of interest for the 2017 program. 2017 STEMship Student Flyer (3578 KB)
Inquiries Rick Evans, Training Services NSW. Mobile 0477 346 787 or email: [email protected]
First Year Apprentice Karrigan Clark (ex. Kotara high School) and Greg Marks by the 160 tonne break press)
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ME PROGRAM STUDENTS WIN UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY AWARD FOR MIND-CONTROL TECHNOLOGY
Two Year 11 ME Program students who designed and developed mind-controlled prosthetic hands for their iSTEM major work were part of a team that this week won the University of Sydney’s Enabled by Design-athon competition.
St Philips Waratah students, Brandon Love and Thomas Vidler were invited to present their prosthetic hand innovation at an event hosted by the University’s Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning. They were also invited to join a team of six designers to create a device that would enable a person living with a disability to have a better quality of life as part of Enabled by Design-athon. The competition encourages design thinking methodologies to create accessible, usable and desirable technologies.
Applying the same skills and logic that they used for the prosthetic hand project, Brandon’s and Thomas’s team won the competition with an electronic wristband solution they called the SensoryAwareness Monitor. The band is worn by an autistic student to monitor anxiety levels, warning teachers when the student is becoming upset so that timely intervention can occur.
Aspect Hunter Special School in Thornton was also part of the design team which received $10,000 to form a new start-up business, a 1 6-week business accelerator course, and $20,000 for further development of their device by NSW Family & Community Services, Telstra, and ING Direct.
“RDA Hunter is absolutely delighted that its ME Program students are performing at this level. These boys are only 1 6 years old but they’re producing groundbreaking innovations. We congratulate Brandon and Thomas for their foresight and commitment as well as St Philips Christian College for nurturing their interest in STEM projects and careers.” Said RDA Hunter’s ME Program Director, Dr Scott Sleap.
St Philips Christian College iSTEM and Engineering Studies teacher, Mr David Bonzo said, "I wish to extend my sincerest congratulations to Brandon Love and Thomas Vidler for the excellent work they have undertaken in the iSTEM course over the past two years, and now, in Engineering Studies. They have exemplified the College’s core values and it has been my privilege to be their teacher.”
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Fl in Schools – a Cessnock High School goes to finals
At the 2017 Australian National Finals recently Mount View High at Cessnock were placed fourth in the country. This was such a great achievement for them and the final results were so close in the top four (33.1 points between them).
They were then offered a wildcard entry into the 2017 World Finals as an internal collaboration team with Instant Transmission from Tasmania.
The team will be representing Australia at the 2017 F1inSchools™ World Finals which will be held in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia in September.
Great work and a big thank you from the team to every teacher, parent, sponsor, collaborator, mentor and supporter who has assisted them on their journey. “Without this support it would have been very hard to advance this far” says Lian Whitely, Team Manager.
The team is seeking support of $65k to go to Kuala Lumper. Ai Group encourages members to support these current and future champion engineers – business entrepreneurs. With this opportunity comes great responsibility to represent Australia well. Anyone that would be willing to assist the team in their World Finals Campaign, please feel free to contact Lian on email at [email protected] or through the school. In the coming weeks, the team will be collating a prospectus outlining the new team, its brand and all of our support packages.
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SAFETY
Caterpillar launches safety technology devices to manage operator fatigue and distraction risk
Member Company Westrac hosted two meetings of our Ai Group Hunter Safety Leadership Network
to demonstrate their highly effective new safety products
Caterpillar announces the launch of a 24/7 equipment operator monitoring service to provide customers the power to see, mitigate and manage the primary variable impacting their operations―the human factor. Through industry-leading in-cab and wearable safety technologies, Caterpillar now can provide customers with visibility to both machine and operator information. Inside Caterpillar’s 24/7 Monitoring Center, analysts correlate data about the health and productivity of operators and equipment to reveal the magnitude of conditions such as fatigue and distraction and their impact on operations.
“Our customers want better visibility to the interaction between operators and machines, and how behavior impacts
safety and productivity,” said Tim Crane, Caterpillar Safety Services manager. “This innovative solution offers our
customers the opportunity to mitigate risk and improve productivity. No organization is in a better position to provide
customers these sustainable improvement solutions than Caterpillar.”
Caterpillar’s solution leverages industry-leading technologies to gain visibility to risk. The Driver Safety System (DSS™),
developed by Seeing Machines, an alliance partner of Caterpillar, includes an in-cab camera and alert system to notify
the operator the moment a fatigue or distraction event occurs. Events are tracked by analysts who also capture operator
sleep quantity and quality information provided through the wrist-worn Cat® Smartband, an actigraphy solution
powered by Fatigue Science. The enhanced visibility to risks extends beyond front-line employees to expose
improvement opportunities throughout the organization, including education and training, shift scheduling, leadership
coaching and other cultural elements.
The DSS and Cat Smartband are part of a growing suite of tools that assist customers in improving safety by recognizing
that some risks are natural, inevitable and fully manageable, if made visible. Combined with Cat machine data available
through EMSolutions, Cat MineStar™ System and Cat Vital Information Management System (VIMS™), operator
performance data from the DSS and Smartband paints a powerful picture of fatigue and distraction risk and its impact
on productivity and profitability. Property damage, increased fuel burn and tire abuse have all been tied to fatigued or
distracted operators.
“Technology alone is not the silver bullet for a safer or more productive operation,” said George Taylor, vice president of
the Caterpillar Customer Services Support Division. “In fact, most technologies fail without proper consideration of the
organizational culture and a plan to manage change. Caterpillar’s safety solutions bring management and employees
together to achieve excellence, providing customers the greatest opportunity for successful implementation.” Caterpillar has recently released a third product “Cat Detect for Personnel”, which is a perimeter scanning device on large vehicles to detect the presence of people and objects. All of these devices are available for CAT and nonCAT customers http://www.cat.com/en_US/support/safety.html Caterpillar Driver Safety System: More details here
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ENERGY
Battery Storage for Business
Learn how to evaluate the benefits of battery storage systems in your business with an Office of Environment & Heritage training course.
Battery storage for business training will arm you with knowledge, skills and tools for integrating battery storage systems into your organisation. As a regional participant, the course is subsidised where you will have access to up to $3,000 worth of support for only $200 per participant. SESSION 2 - CHOOSE EITHER 3 May 2017 from 9am to 1pm at Lake Macquarie OR 4 May 2017 from 9am to 1pm at Newcastle
Review your site with the trainer
Workshop your project and define next steps
Evaluating market offers and engaging suppliers
What happens next
Enrol online.
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Energy prices What's going on – and what can we do about it?
Prime Minister on energy – Ai Group comment on PM Press Club address "The Prime Minister recently highlighted the critical importance of affordable, reliable, clean energy to Australia's future," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox, said today.
"Industry is deeply concerned about the steeply rising price of electricity and gas and the increasing challenges to reliable supply. The status quo is unsustainable. Only serious, rigorous and meaningful reform to our energy markets and energy and climate policy will keep the lights on, business on shore and emissions goals within reach.” "Initiatives to encourage badly needed gas supply and energy storage are positive but more needs to be done and quickly. While private investment in new coal-fired power stations would be difficult, it is important that energy policy be technology neutral and open to all options that can deliver the reliable, affordable and clean energy we need. Market mechanisms have the greatest potential to meet the test of technology neutrality.” "However, energy and climate policy are only effective and efficient when they are nationally consistent and bipartisan. There is no solution without investment, and investors currently have no basis for confidence and certainty in energy except the Renewable Energy Target. Policy competition between the parties is a good thing, but all sides of politics and levels of government are going to need to compromise if any energy policy is to stick and deliver the investment certainty, guaranteed supply and price affordability that Australia needs," Mr Willox said.
Note: Ai Group will be holding member briefings in Thornton and Ourimbah on a date to be advised. We are very keen to hear how energy shortages and price rises will impact on your business
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REGIONS
North Coast
Contact a NewAccess coach
in North Coast NSW
Take action. Change things.
If life pressures are causing you stress, you can take action and change things.
NewAccess is a FREE service that provides support in the form of a coach. Your Access Coach will guide you in setting practical goals that will get you back on track.
Your Access Coaches can see clients at the following North Coast Primary Health Network offices, and by phone and video conference:
East Lismore: 2a Carrington Street, NSW 2480 Port Macquarie: 53 Lord Street, NSW 2444 Tweed Heads: Level 3, 145 Wharf Street, NSW 2486
If you would like to book your appointment via the phone – call 1300 137 934 from Mon. to Fri. 8am – 6pm
For immediate or crisis support contact the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Further details here
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CENTRAL COAST
Ai Group is a Founder and Sponsor of Central Coast Industry Connect.
To see information and networking events visit click here Event Calendar
Ai Group Hunter’s Affiliated Organisations o Greater Hunter Makers Festival 2016
o Hunter Research Foundation For future events / breakfast dates with HRF click here
o Central Coast Manufacturing Connect o HunterNet o Hunter Manufacturing Awards o NSW Department of Industry o MESCA - Mining and Energy Services Council of Australia o Industry Capability Network Limited o Industry Mid North Coast
o METS NSW www.energyinnovation.net.au/
FORTHCOMING NETWORK / CLUSTER DATES
SUPPORTING YOU AND YOUR PROFESSIONALS: Hunter Networks & Events Ai Group Newcastle office has six member interest groups which meet either monthly or quarterly and are open to members to attend free of charge. Topics of interest identified by the membership are discussed.
If you have an interest in joining the mail list for any of the Networks / Clusters, as listed on our local webpage: Ai Group Hunter let us know by sending an email to [email protected]
Hunter Industry Leaders Council 5.00pm Ai Group office
Meeting dates: 30th May; 8th August; 17th October
Hunter Safety Leadership Network 8.30am–10.30am Ai Group office
Meeting dates: 3rd May; 2nd August; lst November
Hunter Skills Development Network 8.30am – 10.30am Ai Group Office
Meeting dates: 17th May; 2nd August; 15th November
Hunter Employee Relations Network 8.00am – 10am Ai Group Office
Meeting dates: 24th May; 23rd August; 22nd November
Hunter Lean Manufacturing Cluster 8.30am – 10.30am various locations
Meeting dates: 26th May; 25th August; 24th November
Hunter Manufacturing Innovation Cluster 5.00pm – 7.00pm various locations
Meeting dates: 27th April ; 27th July; 14th Sept; 26th Oct.
**NB: The above dates are subject to change. Invitations will be emailed separately for each network event approx. 2-3 weeks prior.
Ai Group office: Suite 1, 265 Wharf Road, Newcastle 2300 T: 02 4925 8300 F 02 4929 3429 W Ai Group Hunter
Workplace Advice Help Line 1300 55 66 77
Ai Group Workplace Advice Line - 1300 55 66 77 Workplace Advisers are ready to take your workplace related enquiries.
Call anytime Monday – Friday, 8.30am-5.15pm.