AEPMA_eNewsletter_May

Welcome

Welcome to the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association May 2020 edition. Please read on below for more details below or visit our website for online version .

AEPMA National Office - Update

Dear Members,

Over the last few weeks we have sent out emails regarding the JobKeeper package. In these emails we have outlined the details regarding this package and hopefully it has helped you navigate through the vast amount of information that has been circulating recently.

The latest communication was an update on the new CovidSafe App. This is an app launched by the Australian government that aims to help track down people who may have been exposed to Covid-19 and contain outbreaks quickly while keeping Australians safe.

Downloading this app is voluntary, but it is something you can do to help protect you, your family and friends. If you would like further information please click here

As part of our response to Covid-19 we are still continuing with our Industry Action Group. We have had great feedback from members who wanted to join the different areas of interest, but please contact the national office if you would like to participate.

This week we had the 2nd Industry Action Group meeting and our 1st Sanitation working group meeting. Both were very successful and the future looks exciting! Thank you to everyone who attended.

As always AEPMA remains open for business and should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Executive Director Stephen Ware on 0418 976 643.

Stay safe

Yours Sincerely

Vasili Tsoutouras
President

AEPMA - Annual General Meeting updates

The AEPMA Victoria branch held their AGM on Wednesday 22nd April via teleconference which was quite successful! Thank you to all who attended.

Rob Boschma opened up the meeting, and gave special thanks to Troy Dawson for his representation of Victoria with the Artibus working group regarding the new National Training Framework.

Branch membership numbers remain strong and every AEPMA member has been contacted by Office Bearers” within the last 12 months.
Congratulations to Emma Mendelsohn who was voted as new Chairperson, Rob Boschma was nominated as Vice-Chair and Michael O’Halloran is the new branch secretary. Thank you to Sam Wood for his service as branch secretary over the last year.
Katherine Smith from DHHS also attended the meeting. DHHS are very aware of Pest Control for the “protection of public health” but Essential Services are not being specifically designated here in Australia but rather non – essential services are being excluded.

Thank you again to everyone who attended and congratulations to our new Office Bearers.

Pest Manager of the Year

Entries are now open for the 2020 Pest Manager of the Year Awards. Organisted by AEPMA and proudly sponsored by both AEPMA and BASF.

“BASF are proud to be supporting the Pest Manager of the Year awards for its 10th consecutive year,” says David Elmouttie, BASF Business Manager for Professional & Specialty Solutions.

“BASF continue to applaud all those whom are nominated for embodying the progressive values which we at BASF share and practice in our own business. Each year, we are a witness to an impressive range of entries, showcasing companies with a genuine commitment to keep raising the standard of service within the Pest Control Business at every level.”

If you would like to nominate for Pest Manager of the Year please click on the link below. The categories are as follows:

A Pest Management Firm employing more than 10 people

A Pest Management Firm with less than 10 people

Micro Business Award - less than 3 people

South Pacific Pest Manager of the year

Further information and entry guidelines are available here

Annual General Meeting Reminder

NSW Branch AGM

New South Wales AEPMA members – The Annual General Meeting of the New South Wales Branch of the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association is to be held via teleconference on Monday 18th May 2020 4pm AEST.

For further information, proxy form and dial-in details (for members only) visit the AEPMA website

QLD Branch AGM
Queensland AEPMA members – The Annual General Meeting of the Queensland Branch of the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association is to be held via teleconference on Thursday 21st May at 9am Brisbane time.

For further information, proxy form and dial-in details (for members only) visit the AEPMA website

Industrial Relations update - Changes to Fair Work Act, Awards Effective Now

As part of the federal government’s business assistance package, for employers who will join the JobKeeper scheme, there have been complementary changes made to the Fair Work Act (“Act”) to facilitate that schemes operation.

Amendments to the Act made by the parliament on 8th April temporarily enable national system employers (this effectively means almost all private sector employers) to issue what are called “JobKeeper enabling directions”.

Click here to read more

Free online training for Professional Pest Controllers

A reminder during these unusual times, that the Bayer Amplify Pest program, which is completely free to join, offers a range of tools and resources to help pest control technicians refine their skills and knowledge. The program offers:

More than 30 free short learning courses with ‘how-to’ videos.
Useful tips and ideas from industry experts.
A range of professionally designed marketing tools, all at no cost, customisable with pest company’s logos and contact details.

More than 1000 pest control companies have taken advantage of the free registration to gain access to these exclusive resources, not only to make their job easier and keep their customers happy but also to help in growing and promoting their business.

Click here to read more

Sentricon - How to turn Covid-19 into a silver lining for your business

Every cloud has a silver lining, some of course can be harder to find than others, but they are there if you look hard enough. COVID19 has had far-reaching implications for every aspect of our life. But how can you turn it into a silver lining for your business? Many homeowners are working from home, with very little time away from the home, staying connected electronically. Now is the ideal time to reach out to them.

Firstly, ensure your website is up to date. Upload current images of your staff, so homeowners can see who you are and feel comfortable in having you attend their home. Even having photos of your office and/or vehicles helps people identify you; they will be more comfortable calling you if they’ve seen your your van in their area. Check your contact details are correct and include both an email and phone contact; many people do not like filling out web forms, so give customers multiple means of connecting with you.

Many sites include a geographical range; this can be help people identify if you service their area.

Click here to read more

A New Dimension in Rodenticide Baits?

Rodenthor® Gel Rodenticide is a totally new concept in rodent baits that exploits Ensystex’s pioneering LipoGel Technology™. Ensystex’s Regional Director, Mr Steve Broadbent, advises, “This technology allows us to blend the finest food ingredients, together with specially derived Lurent Aromatics™, to create a gel bait which retains high qualities of long-term stability, attraction, moisture retention and palatability.

“This is not just another ‘soft bait’; it is a uniquely derived formulation which is produced in a dedicated production line where we blend various vegetable fats and proteins, enriched with cereals and sugars, together with our specially derived Lurent Aromatics, to create a soft, creamy bait. This facility uses a food-grade stainless-steel, hermetically sealed, planetary mixer to blend the ingredients, which also locks in the Lurent Aromatics.

Click here to read more

AEPMA Membership - Save Time, Renew Online

You still have time to renew your membership!

For new AEPMA members please call the AEPMA National Office on 1300 307 114 to speak with one of our friendly staff or email info@aepma.com.au.

If you are a current member, you don’t have to wait for your renewal notice. Renew online for a faster and more convenient way to renew and update your AEPMA membership. Simply follow the steps below or contact our National Office for assistance.

SAVE TIME – RENEW ONLINE!

Go to www.aepma.com.au
Click on Industry Portal
Log in with your username and password
Click on “Manage My Account”, then go to “Memberships”, click on “Renew/Upgrade” button
Fill in the online payment form
Your membership will automatically be updated
IMPORTANT – Check your profile details and amend if necessary.

Snakes Alive! - 19 Eastern Browns, to be precise invade Canberra home

Many Canberrans will recall the hail storm that swept through the capital in January, but for one family, it brought some unexpected and unwelcome visitors into their home.