The ranks of the Institute's Platinum Company members has recently grown with the addition of Husqvarna Construction Products (HCP) to the list of other prominent industry names.
    The scope of the company's product range is extensive and many Institute members are surprised when appraised of HCP's extensive range of quality construction tools, systems and equipment.  HCP is well known amongst concrete sawers and drillers and other specialists who rely on quality diamond tool equipment.
    From early in 2008, HCP will be actively supporting the Institute, particularly at Branch level and will be a welcome addition to the Institute's growing number of active members. 

    A Careers Opportunities section was added to the Institute's web site when it was relaunched earlier in the year.  A growing list of employment vacancies and career opportunities is now available to view at www.concreteinstitute.com.au.
    Listings can be added to the site by forwarding details to the Institute's national office by email to admin@concreteinstitute.com.au.  Members wishing to discuss how their organisation can list vacancies and how easy it is to place a listing can call the national office on (02) 9736 2955.
    Companies that have listed vacancies on the site are reporting strong interest from a targetted audience of potential applicants.
    Listings also include opportunities for graduate development programs and cadetships.

   The Institute has embarked on a program to re-evaluate the way in whch we work with Standards Australia and other organisations in the development of Australian Standards.
    Council has adopted policies which address how representatives to Standards committees are apponted, how those representatives are to receive input from the broader membership through the establishment of reference groups and how reference groups are to be formed.
    Progressively, working standard by standard, Institute staff will work with the Institute's Standards Committee, representatives to Standards Committees and the broader membership to establish appropriate consultation mechanisms which support input from members into the Standards development process and for more effective reporting from representatives on the progress of work by committees to which the Institute enjoys nomination rights.
    Ben Cosson will manage the implementation of the program and three committees have been identified for piloting the implementation of the program.  Ben may be contacted at the Institute's national office on (02) 9736 2955 or by email to technical@concreteinstitute.com.au.

    The Institute's Technical Committee has originated a survey for all members which focusses attention on members needs for technical development activities and information, publications, education and training.  In addition, the Institute is using the survey to gather other relevant information which will help to refine and expand the range of member services offered by the Institute.
    Information has been sent to members by email.  If you missed the email message, you can view and submit a survey at http://esvc001468.wic004u.server-web.com/ciasurvey.
    The survey is also available in print format and has been mailed to all members who do not have an email address recorded with the Institute.

    Details are now available for the Precast for Structural Engineers seminar to be conducted in Hobart on 28 Febrauary 2008.  The seminar, offered in conjunction with National Precast Concrete Association Australia is particularly useful for recent structural engineering graduates, those who wish to freshen up on the latest precast trends around Australia, and those who are new to precast construction.
    Click on the image below for further information.
    Arrangements are being finalised for delivery of the seminar in Adelaide and details will be released shortly.  The seminars are very popular and registrations are limited so we recommend that interested members register early.

Concrete Institute of Australia may be contacted through its national office:

PO Box 3157, RHODES NSW 2138
Phone: +61 2 9736 2955 Fax: +61 2 9736 2639
Email: admin@concreteinstitute.com.au

All Concrete Institute of Australia publications including this electronic newsletter are made possible by continuing support received from our Platinum Company members. For information on these companies, link to their web sites through the Institute's site at http://www.concreteinstitute.com.au/