23 September 2005
Issue 37 – 2005
1. Rapid Benchmarking
You may have read that Printing Industries has re-released its benchmarking software. When the software was released in 2002 the feedback we received was that it was the best benchmarking service the printing industry had ever had, but some issues around the time to input data and cost. We have been working on improving the software, and have sought feedback from users about how we could make it better. Full details about the new software can be obtained from Page 99 of the September edition of Print 21 magazine, or from Printnet. In Victoria we are planning two “fast” seminars on Benchmarking. The presenter will be Paul Coronel from Benchmarking Plus. The seminar details are:
Wednesday, 12 October at 7.30 – 9.00 am – including a light breakfast
Monday, 17 October at 4.30 – 6.00 pm
Please register your interest via email to Michelle Eeles or phone 03 9819 6144.
2. Plastic Bags
The Australian Retailers’ Association has released a report on plastic bag usage in Australia. The report shows that in the three and a half years to 30 June 2005, plastic bag usage has been cut by 1 billion bags, or 33.8 per cent. The target is to reduce use by 50 per cent by the end of 2005.
3. Minimum Award Wages - ACTU 2006 Claim
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has lodged a claim with the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) to increase the minimum full-time wage by $19.38 a week. If successful, the claim would take the minimum wage above $500 a week for the first time. The ACTU is anticipating the claim will go before the IRC before it loses its powers to rule on wage cases to the Federal Government's new Fair Pay Commission at the start of next year.
4. Justin Lawson seeks Pre-Press Apprenticeship
Justin Lawson is looking for a Pre-Press Apprenticeship. Justin lives in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, is 20 years old and has some limited industry experience. He has completed VCE and is currently undertaking an Advanced Diploma of Multimedia at Victoria University. If you are looking for a pre-press apprentice and would like to consider Justin, please contact Tony Duncan
5. Print Production Management Training Course
We still have vacancies for our next Print Production Management training course, scheduled for October 5, 6 and 7. This comprehensive training program is designed for people working in the field of production management and the associated functions of production planning, scheduling and control. The course provides a range of practical techniques that will assist in improving on-the-job efficiency and productivity. If you are interested in this course, please contact Elaine Brodie
6. National Design Centre (NDC) – Federation Square, Melbourne
Planning and construction is well underway and the prospect of opening the NDC’s doors to the community is imminent. To start the exhibitions, the NDC has asked for contributions ….
“…. the true home base for the NDC has always been the people – the people that create, use and admire Australian design. Therefore, it seems appropriate that we ask you to help us develop the NDC’s inaugural exhibition. Your contribution may come in many forms. You may nominate a piece you would like to see in the exhibition or loan us an item from your collection. You can write a note about a memory of an Australian design or designer, or you may even have a photo of your family lined up sitting on a much loved piece of Australian designed furniture – or in front of an iconic piece of architecture. Whatever your memory is – we would love to share it with others. The idea of home carries a multi-threaded message. This exhibition of design at home encapsulates all disciplines and reminds us that these designs, stories and memories have always been a common thread in our lives.
The exhibition itself will run for 100 days and be multidisciplinary, changing and eclectic. We are hoping for everything from product, furniture, fashion, textile, architecture, interior, multimedia and graphic design. “
If you have something to contribute, please contact the National Design Centre
7. Lean Print Cluster Training - Set Up Reducation
Often called SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Dies) or COTR (Change-Over Time Reduction) SUR (Set-Up Reduction) is a technique that has been around since the second World War. Find out its relevance to the modern business of today.
Set-up Reduction is a process driven tool used to reduce the time taken between the end of production of one product and the start of production of the next product. The benefits could be increased capacity or increased flexibility in manufacturing. Attendees could include Business Owners, Managers, Production Managers, Schedulers, Practitioners, Supervisors, anyone who wants to increase capacity or flexibility in manufacturing.
The training session will be on Wednesday, October 12 between 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm followed by light refreshments. If you would like to attend, please contact Michelle Eeles.
8. Walk to Work Day – Friday, 7 October 2005
Over the past couple of editions of NewsPrint we have included information about Walk to Work day. I now have some posters. Please contact Michelle Eeles if you would like one mailed. We would encourage you to show and example and walk to work on Friday, 7 October 2005.
9. 'Smart Start' - Website for New Small Businesses
Minister for Small Business and Tourism, the Hon Fran Bailey MP and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, the Hon Warren Entsch MP have launched a new website to help new small business operators understand the importance of protecting their intellectual property (IP). The ‘Smart Start’ website and booklet cover a range of IP issues including different types of intellectual property, strategies for IP management and commercialisation, confidentiality agreements and franchising as well as patents, domain names and trade marks. For further information visit www.ipaustralia.gov.au/smartstart
Print Production Management October 5, 6, 7
OH&S Refresher 1 Day Course for previous 5 day participants October 25
OH&S 5 Day Worksafe Approved Course November 15, 22, 29, December 6, 13
The New Manager February 7, 8, 9 2006
Go to Printnet or contact Michelle for a complete list of our upcoming training courses.
To find out What’s on in the world of print go to What’s On.
See the attachment – for all cricket fans