Following a recent ballot of the membership the Australian Stone Advisory Association (ASAA) held its Annual General Meeting at Designbuild. Acting within the terms set-out in the Constitution the Board decided to invite two additional members to join the Board.

The new Board now consists of members whose businesses are located in every State. This accords with the Board’s desire to expand membership, and eventually hold seminars and board meetings in all States.

The new Board is:

• Wayne Blakeney, Absolute Stone (WA)
• Jim Mann, Stone Initiatives & Materials Testing (SA)
• Peter Mitchelhill, CDK Stone (VIC)
• Rolf Offerhaus, Ardex Australia (NSW)
• Bruno Repeti, Stone Concept Holdings (NSW)
• Anthony Sarkis, Gosford Quarries (NSW)
• Carolyn Spralja, Cairns Marble (QLD)
• Michael Steel, BAM Stone (VIC)
• CEO: Anthony Stock, Australian Tile Publications (VIC)

The Board resolved to hold a minimum of three seminars in the next 12 months, two of which are provisionally scheduled for Queensland and Western Australia. ASAA members and other elements of the industry will be canvassed to identify three key topics that the Board wish to present.

The 500 page+ ASAA Natural Stone Design Manual is now available as a licensed digital document or on CD. Over 600 downloads have been made of the ASAA’s new guide to ‘Sealing and Maintaining Natural Stone’.

ASAA has joined forces with the Australian Tile Council to launch a new guide to key factors relating to Slip Resistance.

ASAA continues to supply a comprehensive dispute resolution service which has been a great assistance to members and non-members. We assist callers on a daily basis, including architects, designers and builders in regard to stone selection, installation and maintenance.

In addition, ASAA continues to organize its Architectural Stone Awards with support from the Australian Institute of Architects.

Best regards
ANTHONY STOCK – CEO

Sydney Showgrounds — Tuesday 28 April 2015
Location: Sydney Olympic Park. The Somerville Room which overlooks the Expo floor. Access is available from the entry foyer (after registration) or via stairs located within the exhibition. Simply follow the signs.

Register to attend the seminars by calling (03) 9888 3587 or emailing info@asaa.com.au.

Admission is free but attendees must register to visit the show at www.designbuildexpo.com.au – using the promo code: TILE

Session One – 2:00pm to 2.45pm

Systemic approach to installing and maintaining moisture sensitive natural and man-made stone
Speaker: 
Scott Worthington, Aqua Mix

Both natural and man-made stone can often be described as moisture sensitive. What does this really mean? What impact does this have on the installation and long-term maintenance of these stones? This presentation will discuss the systemic approach required to successfully install and maintain moisture sensitive stone, as well as discussing peripheral issues such as performance expectations and fit for purpose.

Questions from 2:45pm to 3:00pm

Session Two – 3:00pm to 3:45pm

Technical considerations for the conservation and replacement of historic stone elements

Technical considerations for the conservation and replacement of historic stone elements
Speaker: 
Jim Mann, Stone Initiatives

Stone has been used as a building material for millennia. Its variety, strength and durability have provided us with some of the world’s most iconic structures. To maintain the integrity of these structures it is important to ensure that all works are both compatible and sympathetic to the original fabric used, including the masonry and associated materials.

This presentation will introduce issues that should be considered when performing conservation and restoration works on historic stone elements. The topics discussed will include the identification of physical properties that should be taken into account in the selection of replacement stone, and the conservation of existing stone elements and the possible consequences of incorrect selection.

The ASAA Board are delighted to announce that the Annual General Meeting will be held on 28 April 2015 at the following location:
DesignBUILD
Sydney Showground
Sydney Olympic Park

Time: 10:30am to 1:30pm
Location: Partner Meeting Room, accessible from the Interiors section of the Expo floor
Financial members are invited to attend from 11:30am – following the appointment of the new board.

Please call (03) 9888 3459 to confirm attendance.

The existing board will meet from 10:30am until 11:30am.

Note: Financial members only are invited to attend at 11:30.

Correct use of hand tools and latest advances in processing stone

The ASAA, Miller College, NSW and CDK Stone have joined forces to present the following programne on 26 November:

Admission is FREE to all stone & tile industry personnel, including ASAA members, and design and construct professionals.

To register please email info@asaa.com.au or call 03 9888 3587.

Blocchi-Pietre-marmo at Marmomacc 2013

The exhibition is regarded as the benchmark for the industry and is promoted in Australia by the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Melbourne. ICCI is pleased to confirm the 49th Marmomacc annual International Trade fair for Stone, Design and Technology. Presented by Veronafiere, Marmomacc will be held 24-27 September in Verona, Italy. Marmomacc is the showcase event for current evolutions and trends in stone and marble design, materials and machinery and is now co-located with Abitare Il Tempo – Furniture/Design/Project/Trade Fair and Conference.