What a crazy first half of the year we’ve had in 2022. Between continuing Covid challenges, weather that has impacted several states, workforce pressures and increasing costs, it has been a very busy and stressful time for those in the arboricultural industry.
While we know you all love being busy, we’ve also heard about an increasing number of accidents and work-related injuries as a result of people trying to take shortcuts in order to save time. We work in a dangerous industry and every time you fail to properly focus or try to make things faster, you are rolling the dice with your lifestyle, your financial situation, your professional reputation and your life.
Whether it is missing that final safety check, not going back to the truck or office for the right piece of equipment, failing to use PPE, or just rushing through a job to get to the next one, no one wins when the result is a potential injury and time off work.
Slow down, take the necessary time to do inspections, form a plan, and always put your safety and that of your colleagues, first. Everyone deserves to be safe and go home healthy at the end of each day.
Business resource – true costs
Just like you, the QAA has been impacted by the rising cost of living in 2022. With the price of just about everything going up, businesses are looking for ways to reduce costs to ensure their longevity, but many aren’t sure where to start.
That’s why we’re currently working on a resource that examines the true cost of running a business. It will look at what the costs of an employee versus a contractor are, along with the rules people should know on using each one.
Our aim is to help businesses identify those ‘hidden extras’ that we don’t always consider when planning for future growth and when pricing jobs. The resource will be available on the QAA website later this year; check our social media for updates on its release.
Sponsorship
The new financial year is almost here which means our new sponsorship packages will soon come into effect. Our sponsorship packages were very popular in 2021 and we are excited that most of our sponsors have returned in 2022.
Due to the interest we had in becoming a QAA sponsor last year, we increased the number of available packages in 2022 which means there are still some opportunities available for new sponsors.
If you are interested in finding out more information about our sponsorship packages, contact office@qaa.net.au.
Member price increase
As per the membership review in 2020, membership fees will increase effective July 1, 2022. This increase was due to come into effect in 2021 but we delayed its implementation with the industry being so hard hit by Covid-19 and lockdowns.
QAA is 30 years old in 2022 and, until now, we have not changed or increased our membership fees. This price increase will allow us to better cover operational costs, particularly around the increased number of workshops and events we are now offering.
Effective July 1, the membership fee will increase by 2.5% for General members and 10% for Qualified and Corporate members. The Student member fee will not increase.
Event recaps
Husqvarna Amateur Open
Our first climbing competition for 2022, the Husqvarna Amateur Open on March 19, was an amazing success. It was a great day with climbers ranging in experience level from 12 hours to state champions and we saw some fantastic efforts, particularly from our rookie climbers. Thank you to all those who took part and congratulations to our winners (listed in order of placing):
• Novice – Male: Caleb Pratt, Rory Haydock, Jackson Tom, Jake Nyhouse, Oscar Bamford, Nathan Lang
• Novice – Female: Tammy Brown, Julia Steele, Tanya Devereaux
• Pro – Male: Jamie Boston, Grant Woodcock, Shay Williams, Seb McDonald, Beaver Kindred, James Morris
• Pro – Female: Jess Hamer, Alana Murray
We would also like to thank our fantastic volunteers who helped make the day so memorable. Without your assistance, we simply wouldn’t be able to put events such as these on.
Finally, a massive thank you to our main event sponsor, Husqvarna, as well as our individual event sponsors, Inspiration Trees (Work Climb and Spirit of the Competition), Reecoil (Ascent), Brisbane Tree Experts (Aerial Rescue), PowerClear (Speed Climb), Vermeer Australia (Throwline), and Husqvarna (Volunteers). Your support means ticket prices can remain low which gives more climbers the chance to participate.
TRAQ
In April, the QAA hosted ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) training at MyHorizon in Capalaba, QLD. In total, 26 people enjoyed the beautiful views and great catering while attending the re-certification course on April 19 and full, three-day course from April 20-22.
Participants praised the efforts of Mark Roberts and Ben Kenyon (full course only) on delivering an informative and enjoyable course. Thank you to Mark and Ben for delivering these great courses.
Industry Protection Zone Event (IPZ)
On Friday 29 April we held our Industry Protection Zone event that examined the Skills Gap topic. A lot of issues were discussed including education, longevity within the industry, attracting new people, funding and regulation. Thank you to our Panel Leader, Rod Morris, for leading such an absorbing and thought-provoking discussion.
Thank you also to our awesome panelists, Steve Hayes, Craig Reid, Janis Lamont, Harry Pearce, Ben McDonald, Simon Lonsdale and Nick Smith. Your insight into the topic from your respective roles was very enlightening.
Upcoming events
Freestyle Climbing Competition and Workshop – Cairns After the success of last year’s event, we’re excited to be heading back to Cairns next month. The two-day event kicks off with a Complex Tree Climbing Workshop on Friday 22 July. This will be followed by the Vermeer Freestyle Climbing Competition on Saturday 23 July where we will no doubt see some incredible efforts.
For more information scan the QR code below, visit the QAA website or follow our Facebook event. 30 Year Gala Dinner
Tickets are now on sale for our 30 Year Gala Dinner on Saturday 19 November. The event will be held at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Brisbane and is promising to be a memorable night.
Tickets include pre dinner drinks, a delicious three-course dinner, entertainment including a five-piece band, dancing and the announcement of our latest award winners. Nominations and voting for awards open in July; check our social media pages for updates.
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.