September 2024

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NEWS

AWARDS | INDUSTRY CELEBRATES!

Earlier this month, more than 300 industry professionals gathered at Daltone House, overlooking Sydney's Hyde Park, to recognise the 'best of the best' sign and graphics work produced over the past year, and to celebrate with industry friends and colleagues. Winners were announced in 25 categories covering all facets of the sector, and industry identities Michael 'Punchy' Punch and Michael Blazek were honoured with Life Membership Awards. 

READ THE WHOLE STORY HERE

WINNERS | THE BEST OF THE BEST 

The 2024 Currie Group National Sign & Graphics Awards celebrate excellence across all aspects of sign, display, graphics and print. This year, more than 450 entries were received from 61 companies across 25 categories, with the winners announce at Daltone House in Sydney on Friday 5 September.  Judges said the quality was exceptional - 'a true testament to the skill and passion that you all bring to your work every day'. 

DOWNLOAD THE WINNERS LIST HERE

LIFE MEMBERS | LEGENDS RECOGNISED 

Two of the ASGA’s most well-known and respected personalities were awarded Life Memberships at the 2024 Currie Group National Sign & Graphics Awards. Michael 'Punchy' Punch was recognised for his outstanding contribution over 18 years with ASGA, as General Manager and Membership & Events Manager. Michael Blazek was recognised as a leader in his field, who has not only been a major influence on the Australian sign and display industry, but has helped advance the trade and campaign for its future.

READ THE WHOLE STORY HERE

ANZ INDUSTRY GATHERS AT SIGN CHINA

It was great to see so many industry professionals from Australia and New Zealand at the recent SIGN CHINA 2024 exhibition in Shanghai, and to catch up at the ASGA Aussie Get-Together hosted by ASGA President Mick Harrold. While buying from China can be a tricky business, there was certainly plenty to see at the show, held in the financial capital of Shanghai.

 READ MORE AND SEE THE PHOTOS HERE

NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH CHOICE ENERGY  

An exciting new partnership with Choice Energy will assist ASGA members to reduce energy costs and improve efficiencies. This year, Choice Energy has helped over 1000 businesses save $5M+ in energy costs, and now ASGA Members can register for a complimentary, obligation-free energy bill health check to see how you can save. Just call Alex Townsend on 0435 080 646, click here to email him a copy of your recent energy bills or register your interest with Choice Energy here. Check 'What's On' for details of an exclusive, FREE WEBINAR, too!.

READ MORE ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP HERE

LEGEND | PUNCHY'S LASTING LEGACY 

It was only after an outstanding career in education that Punchy came to the sign and graphics industry. He has made an outstanding contribution to the industry by establishing many of the benefits, initiatives and events which have made the ASGA into such a powerhouse and through his wise, astute advice, steadfast support and genuine friendship to so many. 

READ THE WHOLE STORY HERE

LEGEND | NO-ONE BENDS IT LIKE BLAZEK

Michael Blazek has been a major influence in the Australian sign and display industry for more than 30 years. The man with 'neon in his blood' moved to Australia in 1989 andhas been a true leader in his field, helping to advance the sign and display trade, campaign for its future, and continue the legacy that started on the other side of the world.

READ THE WHOLE STORY HERE

YOUR DATA IS SAFE WITH US

Like every member association, we collect and keep details of all our Members and contacts. That's how we send you this newsletter, for example, and let you know about webinars, new resources, member benefits and the like. This data is kept secure in our CRM, and we will never share that data or sell it to any third parties. When you join as a Member, you can tick to be listed in our online Directory, so that people can find your business when they need sign and display services. If you want to change what appears in the Directory, or check to make sure your listing is correct, take a look here.

SPRING CLEAN YOUR BUSINESS

Spring cleaning is a big focus this time of year, so why not take some time to give your business a once-over? There are lots of ways you can refresh your business and ensure you're running as efficiently as possible, and the Government has released a hand guide to help you look at things like inventory and cash flow, environmental practices, staff development and training, and growth strategies, which is well worth a look.  

READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE HERE

NEW TALENT  | HIRE AN APPRENTICE  

With the strong interest in print, sign and graphics careers generated at recent Careers Expos through the Sign & Print Career Connections program, it's time to consider whether an apprentice could be the best new addition to your team. ASGA offers a range of advice and resources which can help you navigate the process of finding, employing, training and managing apprentices, including our partnership with MEGT. So, if you are looking for extra staff, why not have a chat to us about how we can help - get in touch with Damian Nielsen today.

NEWS ROUND-UP

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS!

Karen Nation - Sign & Roadsign Installation (General Member)

Lachlan Granger - Integrity Signs (General Member)

Ryan Hunter - Zoo Agency (General Member)

Aaron McCarthy - Surplus Eco Store (Supplier Member)

Sindy Phillips - Opalescent Pty Ltd (General Member)

Brady Cassidy - Cassign Pty Ltd (General Member)

MEMBER DIRECTORY | CHECK YOUR LISTING TODAY!

As an ASGA Member, you are entitled to a listing in our online directory You can check or edit your listing, including adding your website, by logging in  to your account and updating your details in the member portal. Not yet a member? Apply for a listing here.

 FREE VISUAL IMPACT MAGAZINE

If you're an ASGA Member, don't miss your FREE subscription to Visual Impact Magazine, the leading magazine for the sign, display, engraving, wide-format print and graphics sector. Register for your subscription by sending an email with your contact details to sales@visualconnections.org.au and the subscription team will add you to the list!

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR ASGA MEMBERSHIP

To make sure you're getting the most from your ASGA Membership, check the full list of member benefits here. Not yet a member? Fill out our easy online membership application here or contact Damian Nielsen for more information.

VEHICLE WRAPPER / SIGN INSTALLER

Sign Professionals Pty Ltd, VIC

SIGNAGE PROFESSIONAL - PRODUCTION INSTALLER

Braggs Signage, Sunshine Coast or Brisbane (remote), QLD

SIGNAGE APPRENTICE / TRADES ASSISTANT 

Braggs Signage, Sunshine Coast or Brisbane (remote), QLD

SIGN WRITER / DIGITAL PRINT OPERATOR

Comcut Group, Mulgrave, NSW


SERVICE MANAGER

Roland DG, Frenchs Forest, NSW


SIGN MANUFACTURER - INSTALLER

DA Signs Pty Ltd, Albury Wodonga, NSW

WHAT'S ON

WEBINAR | STAYING AHEAD OF THE PACK

4:30PM AEST on Wednesday 2 October

This FREE workshop from Business Benchmark Group is set to provide on-the-spot learnings you can apply today to help you set milestones, monitor progress and achieve actual results for sustainable, ongoing business growth. As demands on small businesses continue to increase, Stefan Kazakis can give you insights, strategies, and practical advice to take your business to new heights. This coming Wednesday at 4:30PM

RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR FREE

WEBINAR BUILDING LICENSING  

11:00AM AEDT on Wednesday 9 October 

Licensing requirements for signage installation professionals are strict and can vary from State to State. That makes it difficult to know if your business is properly licensed - yet the penalties for non-compliance can be hefty, including jail time! If you install or oversee the installation of signage, you must be sure you have the right license. Find out from expert Charl Taylor from Ci-advantage in this session. FREE for ASGA Members, $30/head for non-members. Don't run the risk - register today!

BOOK NOW FOR THIS VITAL SESSION

WEBINAR | NAVIGATING FUN & FUNCTIONS   

12:00 NOON AEDT on Tuesday 15 October 

Spring Racing Carnival is about to kick off, and end-of-year celebrations are looming, so how do you strike a balance between company culture and corporate hospitality while meeting your obligations as an employer arising from the Respect@Work legislative amendments? In this FREE, one-hour webinar, the ABLA experts will take you through Navigating fun and functions in the age of Positive Duty, with tips on planning and managing events, workplace relationships and how to respond to reports of misconduct. 

BOOK NOW FOR THIS VITAL SESSION

SOCIAL BOWLS | NEW SOUTH WALES

Calling all Sydneysiders! Come along and enjoy a fun, social game of Bowls while catching up with industry friends and colleagues. Get the whole team together and enjoy a night of fun, friendly competition, food, drinks and networking!

WHERE: Rosehill Bowling Club

WHEN: Thursday 24 October

TIME: 5:00 – 8:00PM

COST: FREE for ASGA Members, $45/head for non-members

RSVP: Click below to register by 21 October.

GET ON THE GREEN IN SYDNEY

SOCIAL BOWLS  | WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Hey WA! Come along and enjoy a fun, social game of Bowls in Perth, while catching up with industry friends and colleaguesBring along the whole team for a fantastic night of friendly competition, fun, food, drinks and networking!

WHERE: Mount Lawley Bowls Club

WHEN: Friday 25 October

TIME: 5:00 – 8:00PM

COST: FREE for ASGA Members, $45/head for non-members

RSVP: Click below to register by 22 October.

GET ON THE GREEN IN PERTH

FREE WEBINAR CHOICE ENERGY 

11:00AM AEDT on Thursday 14 November

With energy prices on the rise, there's never been a better time to review your choices and implement strategies to increase energy efficiency and reduce costs. Join us for a FREE webinar at , to hear from a panel of industry experts from Choice Energy, and join in a short Q&A. Don't miss this chance to learn how you can minimise your energy usage and reduce costs for your business.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Please note event times carefully. Daylight Saving starts on Sunday 6 October, all webinars after that date will run to AEDT (Sydney time). Times for local events are quoted in the local time zone.

ASGA EVENTS | CHECK THE CALENDAR!

If you've not already bookmarked it, the ASGA Calendar on our website is the best place to go to make sure you never miss an ASGA networking event, webinar or other important occasion. Events are posted there as soon as details are available, so make sure you check back regularly to stay up to date. If you would like more information about sponsoring or attending any of our events, just contact Damian Nielsen at mande@signs.org.au

LEGAL

LEGAL | WORKPLACE INVESTIGATIONS

How do you strike the right balance between upholding the confidentiality of workplace investigations and affording employees the right to procedural fairness? Luis Izzo, Managing Director - Sydney and Georgia Cluff, Paralegal, are part of the team of experts at Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA), and they tackle this tricky balance in their latest article for ASGA members.

READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE HERE

ASGA WORKPLACE ADVICE LINE

Managing issues around issues like training, pay and penalty rates, workplace relationships, performance management and terminations can be a minefield. The ASGA Workplace Advice Line is designed to help you manage and minimise risk, by putting you directly in touch with the experts from Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors - and it's completely FREE for ASGA Members. Log in to the Member Area at signs.org.au to find out more about this, and our many other Member benefits.

LOG IN HERE...

WH&S

OCTOBER IS VIC HEALTH & SAFETY MONTH 

WorkSafe Victoria’s Health and Safety Month returns this October with the theme, ‘Connect, Learn, Share'. While some of the events are on-site at locations around Victoria, there are also webinar sessions which can be useful no matter where you are in Australia. for a full list of in-person and online events, click on the button below. 

FIND OUT MORE

ASGA WH&S GUIDES & TEMPLATES 

A reminder that if you are an ASGA member, you have access to a range of WH&S guides and templates in the members area of the ASGA website. To access these, and all our member-only resources, visit the members portal or search the website using the keyword search bar.

NEED WH&S ADVICE?

Glenn Hain is ASGA's Risk & Compliance Consultant and can provide members with free general advice on workplace safety, product/signage substrates compliance and building certification. Contact Damian Nielsen at mande@signs.org.au for more details.

INSURANCE

IS YOUR INSURANCE UP TO DATE?

SMIB is our preferred and recommended insurance broker, and will be happy to help you protect yourself and your business by making sure you get the right advice and cover. For more information, contact Damian Nielsen

NEWS FROM OUR SPONSORS

GF INTRODUCES NEW SPARKLE HOLOGRAPHIC FILM 

General Formulations is excited to introduce its dazzling NEW GF 767 Sparkle Holographic film to the graphics industry. The eye-catching 150 mic vinyl film features a clear permanent adhesive and colorful sparkle effect that changes with light and promises to add a whole new dimension of color to graphics. 

GF 767 Sparkle Holographic is a printable media designed to make any graphic stand out. Instantly enhance any product or surface the film is applied to with its rainbow iridescence and sparkling glitter texture that changes with light and perspective. The durable 150 mic thick film makes for easy application and is coated with a permanent acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive. It works great for decals, point-of-purchase, retail displays, packaging, and holiday graphics. The 145 gsm DSPE liner provides excellent dimensional stability for digital printing and delivers consistent printability. The film accepts a variety of solvent-based, eco-solvent, latex, and UV curable inks common to wide format digital printing systems. GF 767 is available in 0.76 x 22.9M - 0.76 x 45.7M - 1.37 x 22.9M - 1.37 x 45.7M - 1.52 x 22.9M and 1.52 x 45.7M sizes. Contact your local GF Distributor for a sample and more information.  

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GF 767 SPARKLE HOLOGRAPHIC FILM

UNLOCK YOUR FULL POTENTIAL WITH HP LATEX PRINTERS!

Unlock the full potential of your large-format printing operations with HP Latex printers. Explore the unmatched print quality, efficiency, and sustainability of these versatile machines. Learn how HP Latex printers can transform everything from signage to posters, and discover advanced features like innovative software and high-quality white ink. Find out how eco-friendly designs can enhance your operational sustainability, and get expert advice on choosing the right HP Latex printer for your needs.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

HVG GRAPHICS SAVE 10% ON GRAPHIC MEDIA WITH 24/7 ONLINE ORDERING

HVG Graphics is excited to offer 10% off your first online purchase and 2.5% off ongoing purchases across their wide range of digital print media products, including popular lines such as VIEWseriesREVolution, and leading brands like 3M3A, and Re-board. This is a great opportunity for businesses to save on top-quality materials for retail, décor, and display needs.

Best of all, these discounts are over and above any customer-specific special pricing, making the savings even greater!

Why Shop Online with HVG Graphics?

  • 24/7 Convenience: Shop any time, from anywhere.
  • Effortless Ordering: User-friendly website with quick checkout.
  • Fast Processing: Orders placed online are efficiently handled for timely delivery.
  • Complete Product Range: Access the full selection of HVG’s premium print media products.

Visit HVGGraphics.com.au and enjoy the convenience, selection, and unbeatable discounts today.

Terms and conditions apply.

BECOME AN ASGA MEMBER!

There are a host of benefits to becoming an ASGA Member, with resources, information, discounts and special offers to support your business success. Click here for more details, or contact Damian Nielsen to discuss how membership can benefit you!

SUPPORT THE COMPANIES THAT SUPPORT YOUR ASSOCIATION

HERE'S WHAT SOME OF OUR CURRENT MEMBERS SAY...

“Our ASGA membership not only gives us access to important resources and expertise, it connects us to a network of like-minded businesses who can help to provide the understanding and support which can be so valuable when you are running a business. 

- Ben Kemp - Sign Effects, Wodonga & Wangaratta

“In my opinion membership of ASGA is a must. We’ve been part of the Association since Day 1, and have used the member benefits on many occasions. In particular, having professional legal and workplace advice and counsel there when we need it is worth way more than the membership fee we pay. Money well spent for sure!”

– Dave, Signarama Redlands.

Amongst everything you are going through, we think you are doing an absolutely brilliant job and we are so grateful to be a part of this organisation, led by you and your team. Thank you for all you do. 

- Sue, QLD

Just wanted to say a big thank you to you and team for all the general advice and updates throughout this year. If this isn’t a testament to being a ASGA member I don’t what is. 

- Justin, VIC

ARE YOU LISTED?

If you are a member and your details are missing, or would like to edit your listing, log in  to your account and update your details. If you are not an ASGA member and would like to list your business, click here.

Access the Directory here

www.signs.org.au

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