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Issue 43, Feb 2010

Welcome to another year of FMA Online! I hope that you had the opportunity for some relaxation over the Christmas/New Year period and have returned full of enthusiasm for the challenges and opportunities that are before us all in 2010.

At the outset, I’d like to thank all those who have renewed your membership for your ongoing support of FMA Australia and its activities. There is no doubt that the past year has been a difficult one, with the effects of the global financial crisis that struck in late 2008 and continued into 2009 still being felt by many in our industry and across the whole economy.

Nonetheless, signs of recovery are emerging and FMA Australia is doing everything possible to ensure that our industry is well-positioned to take advantage of the return to a more favourable economic climate.

As you will be aware, FMA Australia has been working closely with industry to develop its Diploma of Facilities Management, as a fully accredited vocational qualification. We have engaged Holmesglen Learning, Innovation and Development to advise and assist us with this process, and their experience will be invaluable as we move to seek accreditation.

I’m pleased to report that the first meeting of the steering committee and subsequent focus group discussions have produced substantive, positive outcomes and we have received strong support and engagement from many key industry groups for the development of this qualification, including the Property Council of Australia (PCA), Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), Sustainability Victoria (SV) and the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH), among others. Further discussions will occur during February and March as we move toward the accreditation process.

Another initiative that has been launched since our last edition is the FMA Australia Discussion Board, which is hosted on FMA Australia’s Facebook page. The first discussion has been initiated by our Chairman, Steve Taylor, and focuses on what major challenges will confront the FM industry over the next ten years.

If you’re not already a member of our Facebook group, I’d encourage you to sign up and start having your say on the Discussion Board. Our Facebook page also provides you with another avenue for networking with other FMA Australia members and keeping an eye out for upcoming events.

Speaking of events for 2010, there will of course be none bigger than ideaction10, which will be held in Perth from 12-14 May. An outstanding program of speakers, site tours and social events has been put together for this year’s conference, so I would encourage you to take advantage of the Earlybird special and register now. Further details are provided later in this edition of FMA Online.

However, I do wish to make particular mention of a new feature being introduced for ideaction10—a poster presentation session. This will provide a further opportunity for those in the FM industry to present their ideas and innovations in a creative way. Information on how you can get involved is available in this edition.

Finally, I take this opportunity to acknowledge and warmly thank Dave Brady, who is concluding his term as IFMA President and CEO at the end of this month.

Dave has provided extraordinary leadership for IFMA, and played a crucial role in establishing the ‘Partners in FM Excellence’ between IFMA and FMA Australia, as well as in our adoption of the CFM® and FMP® designations. I was delighted to present Dave with Honorary Membership of FMA Australia last year on behalf of the FMA Australia Board of Directors, in recognition of all that he has done to promote recognition of facilities management worldwide.

We wish Dave and his wife Robin well in their future endeavours, and of course welcome IFMA’s new President and CEO, Tony Keane, to the role.

I look forward to working closely with Tony as IFMA and FMA Australia continue our highly-effective collaboration. Together with our other global partners (including BIFM and ARSEG), we will continue to create recognition and opportunities for those working in facilities management here in Australia.

Until next time…

David Duncan

FMA Australia extends its appreciation to the following companies for their generous support in the development of FMA Australia’s Vocational Diploma of Facilities Management.

The Retirement Village Association (RVA) is Australia’s peak body for the retirement village industry and enjoys a natural synergy with FMA Australia.

With an underlying strength of over 730 village and associate members nationally, the RVA plays a critical role in the ongoing growth and sustainability of the retirement village industry. The industry contributes in excess of $3 billion per annum to the Australian economy and employs a vast number of people, including facility managers.

RVA membership consists of retirement village operators, managers, owners, developers, investors and industry specialists across Australia that are seeking to provide older Australians with great living options in a supported and social environment.

Villages continue to be developed and expanded to meet growing demand driven by population growth along with an increased awareness of the great lifestyle opportunities retirement villages provide.

Industry snapshot

Between 2009 and 2024 the population of people over 55 years of age will grow by more than 2.6 million people – more than twice the rate of the general population.

Of this, those over 75 years will grow by nearly 1 million people. The need for retirement villages is massive given this growth.

In Australia we currently have 1850 villages with approximately 115,000 dwellings and 160,000 residents.

Currently, 5.5% of people over the age of 65 live in a retirement village. There is much we can do to positively influence this statistic. Efforts by the RVA and the industry will see growth in the penetration rate that is likely to mean the number of villages in Australia will need to double over the next 20 years.

The top five private operators control greater than 40% of the retirement market. These include the likes of Aveo, Lend Lease Primelife, Stockland, Aevum and Australian Unity, all of whom are active members of the RVA.

In addition, the church and charitable sector also has around 40% of the market and is currently growing its share through acquisitions and expansions. The RVA continues to work closely with the church and charitable sector to ensure that we can expand our presence and deliver value to this group.

RVA Mission

As the leading industry voice, the principal objectives of the RVA are to:

• lead the building and growth of a sustainable and responsible industry;
• advocate and strengthen our relationships with local, state and federal governments to ensure the best legislative outcomes for the retirement village industry;
• encourage industry excellence and best practice through accreditation and facilitate quality improvement through an effective and relevant professional development program; and
• support and promote the benefits of retirement villages as “the preferred choice of lifestyle for senior Australians”.

RVA Vision

To be valued and respected nationally by all stakeholders for enhancing the viability and excellence of the Australian retirement village industry.

Significant Achievements

• In 1996, the (original) RVA Accreditation Scheme was launched, setting benchmarks for professional excellence and providing confidence to residents, governments and the broader community. This scheme has since been developed into Australian Retirement Village Accreditation (ARVA) and is nationally available regardless of membership status
• The first RVA National Conference was held in Melbourne in 1989, followed by the Gold Coast in 1990. These annual conferences are enthusiastically embraced by the membership and stakeholders
• The Manager of the Year Awards were established in 2004 to recognise the commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in the management of Australian retirement villages. Regional winners were eligible for the national award
• There was substantial increase in RVA membership in the past few years with more than 520 village members (representing more than 900 villages in Australia)
• RVA accreditation continues to be a core focus of the association with all village members seeking to become accredited
• The association continues to provide a range of professional dvelopment and training opportunities including almost 30 executives and village managers graduating from the AIM Diploma in Business for Village Management course since its inception in 2008.

Contact Details

General – National Office
Tel: (03) 9804 0466
Email: bronwyn@rva.com.au
Web: www.rva.com.au
CEO: Andrew Giles

Mark Williamson
Property Manager—Lakes Business Park (NSW) Pty Ltd

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When and why did you join FMA Australia?

November 2009. I joined to expand my network and gain knowledge from other like minded professionals.

What is your background in facilities management?

I was involved in a "hands on" trades capacity in the early days (just before fire was discovered) before moving on to a management role, first with Motorola Australia and now my current position as the Property Manager for Lakes Business Park. I have qualifications in engineering, building and a post graduate certificate in facilities management. Overall I have been in the industry for 15 years.

What does your current role involve on a daily basis?

It’s a mix of lease negotiations, project management, client relations and staff mentoring.

What do you like most about your work?

My passion is building project management and solving difficult problems. Its also very satisfying to me in keeping my tenants happy. I would also like to mention that having a strong team that works well together makes the whole experience that much better.

Can you tell us something about Lakes Business Park?

Its a unique commercial business park, situated in South Sydney. The business is privately owned and managed in house. We essentially lease high tech office space and warehousing. The buildings are set out in a "campus style" arrangement that is blended into a leafy park like setting that creates a relaxed working environment. We are home to some of the worlds most recognisable brands but also cater for smaller businesses as well. Visit our website for more details — www.lakesbusinesspark.com.au.

Do you have any sustainability initiatives in place at your organisation?

We reuse storm water for irrigation purposes, utilise water saving fixtures throughout the estate as well as systematic replacement of existing lighting to more efficient products. We are well into a façade upgrade project that will significantly reduce energy consumption and subsequent emissions but just as importantly, it will improve occupant comfort.

What are some of the significant projects you have been involved with?

Major end of life building renovation and engineering projects including design. The securing of an alternative water resource to maintain our landscape. Adaptive reuse of our buildings and numerous large-scale fit-out projects.

In your opinion, what are going to be the big issues facing the facilities industry over the next five years?

I think there is too much mis-information being floated around the industry with respect to sustainability. The challenge will be to separate the form from substance. Governments and property organisations need to streamline regulations and technologies that will assist property owners and managers to make accurate commercial decisions.

Finally, as a new member of FMA Australia, what are you looking forward to most in terms of your membership?

I want to keep more informed with what is happening within the industry and also share my knowledge and experiences with others.

Branch News — Victoria

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Steve Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Programmed Facility Management on his position as Chairman of the Board of Directors for FMA Australia.

2010 will be a big year for activities in Victoria with the reintroduction of our Breakfast Forums which will have a strong focus on FM topics. Our Committee has been busy finalising our 12 month event calendar to provide our members with interesting speakers and topics, keep you informed of the latest issues impacting facility managers as well as offering you opportunities for networking with colleagues and friends.

We are all looking forward to ideaction this year and I anticipate this event to be even better than previous years, so I hope you all register and join us for what should be our best conference yet!

 

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Victorian Committee Member

Antoni Pisa
Business Development Manager
AE Smith Service Pty Ltd

Antoni Pisa, Business Development Manager for AE Smith has been a member of FMA Australia for the past 3 years.

For the past 10 years Antoni has been involved with building services covering Access Control, Electronic Security, Closed Circuit Television, Building Management Systems, Mechanical Services and Air Conditioning in both Technical and Business Development roles. Over this period Antoni’s professional focus and knowledge have evolved to incorporate long term operational/financial efficiency, essential safety measures compliance and environmental sustainability, which he brings to the Victorian Branch Committee.

Antoni is looking forward to being part of FMA Australia and its members’ continuing evolution and professional growth in the changing world that we live in.

 

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Calendar of Events

Friday, 19 February	Lunch Forum - Crown Disaster Recovery & Prevention David Cameron & Alan Stuart, Company Directors, Johns Lyng Group
Friday, 26 March	Annual Golf Day - Eastwood Golf Club
Friday, 16 April	Lunch Forum – RACV Club Carlton Redevelopment Project Ed David, Director of Housing, Department of Human Services
Tuesday, 4 May	Breakfast – RACV Club
12-14 May	ideaction10 – Burswood Convention Centre, Perth WA
Tuesday, 8 June	Breakfast – RACV Club
Friday, 24 June	Lunch Forum – RACV Club
Friday, 16 July	Lunch Forum – RACV Club
Tuesday, 3 August	Breakfast Forum – RACV Club
Friday, 20 August	Lunch Forum – MCG Cricket Vs Football
Friday, 17 September	Lunch Forum – RACV Club
Friday, 15 October	Lunch Forum – RACV Club
Thursday, 28 October	Cocktail Function – Melbourne Gaol Horse Racing / Casino
Tuesday, 9 November	Breakfast Forum – RACV Club
Friday, 19 November	Lunch Forum – RACV Club
Friday, 3 December	Christmas Lunch

George Stamas
Chairman
FMA Australia—Victoria

 

 

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Editorial Comment Carolyn Journeaux National Operations Manager FMA Australia Often I hear about members who are undertaking personal activities to assist with charities. We had several members take part in Movember who gained support from many of our industry members. This month it was very pleasing to read the Victorian Branch news to see featured in this edition a new committee member Antoni Pisa and I thought this was very timely, as I was in discussion with Antoni last week about a project he is involved with and suggested to him we should inform FMA Australia about this project. Antoni is raising money for the Great Wall of China Trekking Challenge, where all profits go to Diabetes Australia to fund camps for children with Type 1 Diabetes. These camps help children with Type 1 Diabetes to learn the skills required to manage their condition, while introducing them to a network of caring professionals and people their own age who share the same life challenges in a fun and rewarding environment. These camps have proven to be invaluable in helping children adapt to the lifestyle they must maintain for the rest of their lives, however without adequate funding they cannot continue. Antoni has been set a fundraising target of $6,500 to participate, which he has committed to raising by the end of the financial year. Are you or your business able to help Antoni reach his goal? Every cent counts, so if you are able and willing to get behind this great cause in any way large or small, please contact him on (03) 9271 1920. If you are taking part in a charity project and would like to inform our members, please let me know. It is fantastic what people are doing to assist the community, so if a little publicity can help assist a child, a research project or a human life, then let’s spread the word.

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Branch News — South Australia

South Australia’s Facilities Management sector remained relatively unaffected by the global financial crisis in 2009. Although larger projects were stalled, the majority of ongoing maintenance continued, resulting in minimum job losses.

The local state government departments held their purse strings tightly for the first half of this financial year, but with looming projects almost underway, there are more opportunities for candidates with experience in the public sector, especially for those willing to consider temporary options.

With the overall property and construction markets starting to pick up, facilities projects have started to come into play, creating positions for mainstream and specialist Project Managers, as well as the contractors that support these works.

A large movement of staff is expected nationally with institutional contracts such as Telstra and Westpac recently having been awarded to Jones Lang LaSalle and United Group Services respectively. For some of the smaller players in the market, this represents an excellent opportunity to snap up candidates with valuable experience managing demanding portfolios and high value clients.

In South Australia the expected growth areas are likely to be in mining, as the commodity prices rise and with up to 20 new mines developing over the next 3 years, the opportunities are seemingly never ending. Exciting announcements from both the state and federal defence departments indicate a large input of funds into mainstream maintenance projects as well as some large-scale residential and purpose built developments.

Candidates currently in demand are Project Managers both from a mainstream and specialist background (Control and Fire Systems). Trades such as AC/Refrigeration and Control Technicians are still in high demand, and employers need to provide competitive packages and arrangements in order to retain them.

Our next big event coming up in April is the Facility Management SA Expo.

South Australia will be hosting its inaugural Facility Management SA Expo on Wednesday 14 April 2010 at the Adelaide Convention Centre. The expo will provide the industry’s product and service providers with an opportunity to showcase their products and services to building owners, facility managers, other industry professionals, managers and developers.

To reserve an exhibition stand or for further information please contact:
Carolyn Journeaux
National Operations Manager
Tel: (03) 8641 6666
Email: cj@fma.com.au

 

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Upcoming Events

• 15 April — InForM
• June — Lunch Forum
• August — Site Tour
• October — Golf Day

 

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South Australia – Building Innovation Fund

The South Australian Government has established a $2 million Building Innovation Fund, which offers grants for initiatives that demonstrate new and leading edge approaches to retrofitting existing buildings and which significantly reduce building energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Applications are currently being taken for Round 2 funding. Grants are provided under two streams:

1. Capital Works—provides funding towards the implementation of projects that demonstrate leading edge approaches to retrofitting commercial office buildings.
2. Feasibility and Case Study—provides funding towards the completion of feasibility or case studies that demonstrate methods for implementing leading edge approaches to retrofitting commercial office buildings.

Please note, the eligibility criteria for this stream have been amended to better accommodate feasibility studies involving multiple buildings owned by different owners. Consultants are now eligible to apply for studies of this nature.

Applications for Round 2 of the Building Innovation Fund close on 12 March 2010.

For more information regarding the Fund, including eligibility guidelines and application forms, please visit www.climatechange.sa.gov.au

Alex Milner-Smyth
Recruitment Consultant—Facilities Management
Committee Member
FMA Australia—South Australia
Email: asmyt@hays.com.au

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Branch News — New South Wales

It is a new year and it's wonderful to welcome the following new members to our NSW Branch Committee:

• Shane McIntosh — mySmart
• AJ Miller — ATP Innovations
• Brian Venton — Resolve FM

I would like to thank our new committee members for joining and I know that they all look forward to meeting the members at our first event for 2010.

And what better way to kick off the year than to hold our highly successful NSW golf day on Thursday 18 February at Bonnie Doon (Pagewood). We are very pleased to have received over 100 registrations. Now fingers are crossed for a great weather day. A very big thank you to our Major Sponsor Culligan Water, and to our other supporing sponsors, FM Innovations, Leighton Contractors, Express Glass, Kingfisher Property Recruitment, Johns Lyng Group and mySmart.

The year ahead will be a full one, with great speakers lined up for luncheons some unique site visits and the return of the ever popular Melbourne Cup function, once again being supported by FDC and raising funds for JDRF.

 

 

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Upcoming events for your diary

• March 12 — Lunch Forum to be held at L’Aqua sponsored by Programmed Facility Management
• April 16 — Lunch Forum to be held at L’Aqua sponsored by Programmed Facility Management
• May 12–14 — ideaction10 in Perth

If I don’t see you at Bonnie Doon, I look forward to seeing you at L’Aqua on the 12 March. Remember to keep an eye on our website www.fma.com.au for upcoming event details.

See you soon,
Doug Collins
Chairman
FMA Australia—New South Wales

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Branch News — Western Australia

There is no doubt that the government stimulus package or "Pennies from Kevin" has generated a substantial amount of activity in the construction industry over the last few months. As this work draws to a close, serious consideration needs to be given to the next big thing that will need to be a self generated stimulus package.

For example, market forces in the commercial property sector will result in a large portfolio of older properties that will be requiring aesthetic renovation and ‘retro greening’ in preparation for the next inevitable peak in demand.

FMs' focus therefore should not just be on reducing costs but also on reducing carbon footprints. Now would be a good time for up-skilling ourselves so that we are in a position to manage the process.

Skills such as managing consultancy teams, programming, specification production, tendering procedures, contract negotiation and administration are all required to ensure that the project not only meets time and budget requirements but is also sustainable over the long term.

In WA, and Perth in particular, over the next 10 years we will experience one of the biggest labour shortages since the gold rush. As one of the ‘poor relatives’ in the area of desirable careers, Facility Management has no choice but to transform itself from a job where trades people go to take early retirement to become a worthwhile and sustainable industry of choice which attracts and retains young trade and management professionals

Enough of the cloud, let’s talk about the silver lining.

Excitement is mounting in anticipation of ideaction10 coming to Perth 12-14 May 2010 for the first time ever.

It is a great opportunity to not only raise the level of understanding of our industry in WA and the Asia Pacific Region, but also to show the government, property and resources sectors the level of professionalism and sophistication that exists within the industry.

It is also a great opportunity to attract and recruit new members to the industry and the association.

All members of the WA FMA Australia branch are asked to support the conference and spread the word to as many people as possible.

John Monahan
Committee Member
FMA Australia—Western Australia

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Branch News — Queensland

2010 has begun and the branch committee has been busy planning all our activities. To start off the year please join us at:

QLD Branch February Lunch

When you hear or read the words 'Building Codes' … Do you find yourself asking what now?

FMA Australia Queensland Branch is holding an informative briefing on all the changes that are either happening or are about to happen on the 25 February at 12 noon – 2pm.

So for the time you spend having lunch on any given day, this day you will walk away with an updated knowledge on the building codes, presented by the Plumbing Legislation and Standards Branch – Building Codes Queensland – Department of Infrastructure and Planning – Queensland Government.

Areas to be discussed are:

• Certificate of Classification—placement of COCs in buildings and overview of guidelines.
• Alternative water sources—overview of policy regime for water savings within buildings.
• Fire safety maintenance code—installation, maintenance, record requirements.
• Overview of maintenance code and guidelines.
• Changes to classification rules for buildings—using consistent approach, relationship with BCA amendments.
• From 1 January 2008, new water saving measures, aimed at preserving our drinking water supplies apply.

These include:

• expanding the allowable uses of treated greywater
• treated blackwater trials
• Disability access standards—impact on new and existing buildings. Commonwealth soon to finalise new standard.
• Energy efficiency requirements—Section J and Housing, and Regulatory Impact Statement.
• Need for the development of a manual on how to go about maintaining energy efficient buildings.

This is your chance to be kept up-to-date. As they say 'knowledge is power' and knowledge can save you money and time. For further information click here.

FMA Australia has launched a fantastic new Professional Development (PD) series and of course bookings are now open for our industry conference ideaction10 in Perth. Already the news from national office is that bookings from Queensland are coming in for ideaction10, and the PD series.

Please visit www.fma.com.au to find out more about the conference and PD and the updated calendar of events for 2010 in Queensland.

Hope to see you on the 25 February.

Until next month,

Murray Wickham
Chairman
FMA Australia—Queensland

 

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Branch News — Australian Capital Territory

The year is off to a good start with the planning for our first three events well underway.

• 18 March – Site Inspection – 55 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston
• 15 April – Lunch Forum – Commonwealth Property Review and Guidelines – Department of Finance Property Management Review Branch
• 20 May – Site Inspection – Basic Building Services – Location to be confirmed

Of course we will see many of our members across in Perth for ideaction10. It would be great to have a good ACT representation at our industry conference. If you are interested in attending and need more information etc please contact myself or national office.

I have listed below your ACT committee for 2010 with their contact email addresses. If you have any suggestions, or comments, please do not hesitate to contact one of us.
Peter Mollisson - peter.mollison@ausport.gov.au
Alison Daley - alisond@naa.gov.au
Jason Goldsmith - jxgol@hays.com.au
Jordon McCown - jordan.mccown@frontierjobs.com.au
Fiona Motherway - fiona.motherway@ap.jll.com
Ami Sudjiman - Ami.Sudjiman@ghd.com

Until next month, don’t forget to mark our event dates in your diary and I look forward to seeing you there.

Peter Mollisson
Chairman
FMA Australia—Australian Capital Territory

154 Melbourne at South Brisbane has become one of the first commercial buildings in Queensland to achieve Five Star Green Star certification for both Office Design and As Built certification.

Developed by Pradella with joint venture partners Michael Barakat and Raymond George, 154 Melbourne is setting the bar high for green standards and demonstrating that sustainability can extend beyond design.

The 11-level office building is one of only eight buildings in Queensland to receive the coveted Five Star rating for Office Design from the Green Building Council of Australia and is the third office building to be given a five star rating green rating of 'As Built'. It is one of the first commercial buildings in Queensland to achieve both certifications.

Pradella’s development manager, Nick Hinton, said while green ratings for design were becoming increasingly popular, few builders extend sustainability initiatives beyond design, particularly for mid-sized developments.

"To get a ‘design’ rating you need a holistic approach towards being green, however ‘as built’ means following through with those plans and actually implementing them, which is not easy," Mr Hinton said.

"For example we recycled 80 per cent of waste generated on the site and used recyclable content in all our steel and concreting in the building and have implemented the first chilled beam system in Brisbane, which is estimated to save approximately 40 percent on energy consumption."

"South Brisbane has aspirations of becoming a green community so it was vital that sustainability factors were considered from the ground up, from building materials used to internal fixtures and fittings," he said.

Mr Hinton said that most tenants now demand cutting edge sustainability features to reduce ongoing costs and improve their green credentials and 154 Melbourne exceeded expectations.

"The building features zoned lighting, water harvesting, water efficient fixtures and fittings and maximum use of natural light and ventilation," he said.

"These features combined with 154 Melbourne’s outstanding location in the emerging commercial precinct of South Brisbane ensured that the building was in high tenant demand. The fact that the building is now 90 per cent leased is certainly testimony to that."

Located just 800 metres from the CBD, 154 Melbourne offers 11,332 sqm of A Grade high quality office accommodation as well as two levels of secure basement parking, bicycle and shower and locker facilities at the basement level.

"We are extremely proud of 154 Melbourne and the building demonstrates that there is no reason that mid-sized developments can’t be as green, if not greener than the large scale ones."

Message from FMA Australia CEO

This is a message to alert you to an upcoming publication which you may find of interest. It's a supplement to Lighting Magazine called EnergySmart Buildings, and features a comprehensive selection of feature stories and commentary from those working in the 'green' building sector.

It has a focus on energy efficiency and greenhouse gas abatement strategies in commercial buildings including the latest technology, world's best practice in the management and operation of buildings and government policy in this area.

To find out more visit the webpage (linked) at lightingproductshowcase.com

We hope you will participate in this new publication, which is being published for the first time in the April edition of Lighting Magazine.

For more information you can speak to the editor, Paula Wallace, on tel: 0404 088 501 or email: paulamwallace@bigpond.com

Regards,

David Duncan
Chief Executive Officer
FMA Australia

 

"Knowledge is Power" … Sir Francis Bacon

We all need to further our knowledge as our day to day business revolves around us. Every day we now face new issues, concerns, conundrums and what better way to ensure we stay skilled and up to date with trends then to take part in some short relevant Professional Development.

Taking part in a course does not mean we are lacking knowledge, it is the opposite it means we are prepared to continue to learn and grow and by doing so we are ensuring those that work with us are also furthering their knowledge.

FMA Australia is excited to have released the 'Business Finance for Facility Managers' and the 'Smorgasbord of programs developed for the FM industry'. Although these courses are focused toward the Facility Management market, those not necessarily hands-on in the FM field will also benefit.

We are delighted to offer the following programs nationally through until June 2010. Already some courses are filled and new ones have been scheduled. The courses comprise of a mixture of half day, full day, two day and three day sessions.

Click here for more information and a registration form.

Register online.

How would you like to present at a conference without having to stand in front of a room full of people?

This is your chance to tell people about an innovative FM idea or project.

FMA Australia’s 21st annual national conference is going to Perth. To celebrate this milestone we are launching a poster session for ideaction10. We invite you to participate in this inaugural poster session on the west coast.

The current format for presentation at ideaction10 is a forty minute verbal presentation by successful paper contributors. These sessions will be relevant, high quality and deliver valuable information to delegates. However, there is a need to cull many of the submissions to fit the limitations of the conference timetable and many otherwise worthy papers miss out.

There are many innovations and initiatives in the FM industry that in themselves would most likely not qualify as sufficient material for a conference paper. Indeed there are likely to be many practitioners who would like to share their achievements but do not consider these significant enough to be submitted for presentations.

Introducing a poster session to the ideaction10 program provides an opportunity for FM practitioners to share their information with a vast cross-section of the industry.

Message from FMA Australia

Emails are sent to our inbox in vast quantities every day. One of the worst things in our day is sorting out relevant emails from junk. Well FMA Australia is keen to ensure we do not get put into the “Junk” box.

Introducing our “Weekly Branch News Emails”. Yes each week you will receive one branch email highlighting all your upcoming events for the current and following month. These emails will contain hyperlinks to registration forms, online booking facilities and reminders to visit our face book site…

May I suggest between weekly emails you put our website www.fma.com.au in your favorites and keep an eye out for upcoming events?

Your feedback on the new, weekly branch news emails would be most welcome.

Please let me know your thoughts either via my email cj@fma.com.au or call me on 03 8641 6609.

Many thanks and I hope this will assist you with your “inbox”…

Carolyn Journeaux
FMA Australia
National Operations Manager