It has been a busy and rewarding few months for the QAA with progress made on the policy front, successful events held, and planning underway for upcoming events in both 2022 and 2023.
Following on from our meeting earlier this year with the Office of the Honourable Grace Grace MP and the Office of Industrial Relations, the QAA was asked to review and submit feedback on Safe Work Australia’s Guide to Managing Risk of Tree Trimming and Removal Work. This document is currently up for renewal to determine if a review of the Guide is necessary and whether it reflects the current situation in the industry.
After consulting with various people within the industry, QAA President Henk Morgans responded on behalf of the Association highlighting a number of concerns. Of particular note was the section around bringing in independent twin line standards for tree climbing, as well as the importance of having industry representatives be part of further discussions before any change in legislation is recommended. We look forward to furthering these discussions with the relevant parties moving forward.
Event recap
Freestyle Climbing Competition and Workshop
The QAA headed to Cairns in July for a weekend of knowledge sharing, climbing challenges and camaraderie.
The weekend kicked off with our Competition Climbing Techniques Workshop on Friday 22 July. During the workshop QAA President Henk Morgans gave attendees an overview of the different events and techniques used at the National Tree Climbing Competition.
The following day, 37 climbers took to the trees to compete in our Freestyle Climbing Competition. All climbers got two runs initially with the top 15 competitors progressing to the Qualifier round where the tree set up was changed slightly and more bells were added to the run. Of these 15, seven climbers made it through to the final where the tree was again changed up.
Congratulations to all those who competed, particularly our top seven who finished as follows:
- Stefano Gentilozzi (69.38 seconds)
- Chris Maata (87.03)
- Shay Williams (88.49)
- James Gigliotti (98.89)
- David Williams (105.47)
- Jayden Haycraft (106.94
- Seb McDonald (118.22)
The Spirit of the Competition winners were Jess Hamer (Overall winner) and Nathaniel Van Pelt (FNQ winner).
Events such as these don’t just happen which is why we sincerely thank the sponsors and supporters who helped make our Cairns weekend possible:
- Event sponsor: Vermeer
- Trade sponsors: Inspiration Trees, Makita, Tree Arrangements, and Teufelberger
- Special thanks to: Advanced Vegetation Management, Cairns Jockey Club, Century Cranes, Global Hire and Services, and Mark and Geraldine Boston who drove the QAA trailer and gear up and back from Brisbane.
Open Conference Call
On Monday 12 September QAA President Henk Morgans hosted an open conference call for both members and non-members. During the online session, Henk took attendees through what is currently happening with the Association before turning the conversation over to them to provide feedback and ask questions.
Thank you to those who attended and gave their thoughts and opinions on the QAA and the state of the industry in general. It was great to be able to bring the community together to share issues and advice.
Upcoming events
30 Year Gala Dinner
Our 30 Year Gala Dinner on Saturday 19 November is fast approaching and we can’t wait to catch up with friends in the industry. Ticket sales have been strong with over 80 per cent of tickets already sold at time of writing. We are thankful and excited that we’ll be rounding out our 30 year celebrations with so many of you.
For more information and to reserve your seat, scan the QR code above.
As part of the dinner, we will be celebrating outstanding efforts by people and organisations within the industry during our awards ceremony. Nominations closed in September with the shortlisted nominees now published on the QAA website to be voted on by the public. Voting closes on Monday 31 October with the winners announced at the dinner.
As is QAA custom, we like to recognise fantastic achievements with a prize or gift voucher. If you would like to donate a prize or become a sponsor of the event, please contact the QAA Office via email or phone.
AGM
The QAA’s 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held at the QAA Head Office on Saturday 29 October 2022. The meeting is open to all members of the QAA who are warmly invited to attend.
At the meeting, members will have the opportunity to find out about the QAA’s operations and finances, speak about any items on the agenda, and vote on any resolutions proposed.
Members will also be asked to vote to accept the minutes of the last AGM, the annual report, the auditor’s report, and the annual financial statements. The 2022-23 Executive Committee will also be elected at the AGM.
Information will be sent to all QAA members this month. If you have specific questions or would like to find out more information about becoming a member of the QAA prior to this meeting, please email office@qaa.net.au or call (07) 3821 1488.
QAA Executive
For info call QAA on (07) 3821 1488, email office@qaa.net.au, or you can go to www.qaa.net.au. Follow us on Facebook (QueenslandArboriculturalAssociation), Twitter (QLD_Arb_Assoc), Instagram (qaa_arborist), LinkedIn (queensland- arboricultural-association) or via the QAA App.