News

It is difficult to ever describe a Victorian weather event as extraordinary.  Still, last Thursday’s 40-degree scorcher really was one out of the box…even for Melbourne!

As the city baked through its equal-hottest November day this century, fierce winds swept across the State, uprooting trees and creating dust storms throughout Melbourne suburbs.  Then, just minutes later, light rain, thunderstorms and a 20-degree temperature drop.

But what may have been uncomfortable for the city’s residents, produced an absolute boon for car wash sites with many operators are still reporting queues and record wash numbers a week later.

With the background above in mind, ACWA would like to thank those who took a time-out from the bustling car wash scene to attend the ACWA State Meeting yesterday.  A crowd of around 40 people participated in the event which was followed by a relaxed counter lunch and an opportunity to enjoy the fellowship of the car wash industry.

The informal affair, held at the Rising Sun Hotel in South Melbourne, was held immediately following ACWA’s November Board Meeting and presented a rare opportunity for all Board Members to attend.

In his presentation, ACWA President Neil Fox was keen to thank members for their support this year, emphasising that without an active and supportive membership base, the task of representing and protecting the interests of the car wash industry is difficult.

In support of this statement, Neil outlined ACWA’s involvement in some of the key issues and opportunities confronting the car wash industry around the country.

High on the agenda was the water crisis facing the industry in NSW and Queensland.  Neil outlined the work ACWA has been undertaking in both States to ensure car washing continues under water restriction conditions.  He highlighted that despite Sydney Water announcing Level 2 Restrictions from 10 December, car washing will continue.

“The new restrictions state you can wash your car, truck, van, using a bucket and sponge or at a commercial car wash,” said Neil.  He went on to say, “this commendation and recognition of commercial car washing is carried across Sydney Water’s communications and website and will encourage consumers to use our services”.  This is a significant achievement considering the position we were faced with just a few months ago.

The crowd was reminded of the need to support the recently announced Water Restrictions Fighting Fund.  “We must remain united in our approach,” said Neil.  “While it is NSW and Queensland most affected at this time, as sure as night follows day, drought will follow in other areas, and we must be prepared to fight for our rights to wash”.

Attendees also received an enthusiastic reminder that Car Wash Show Australia 2020 on the Gold Coast is looming.  The Show will run from 22 to 24 September 2020, and with record numbers of exhibitors almost certain, the event is set to be the biggest and best ever.

Packages and bookings for car wash operators will be released in February.

ACWA would like to thank members once again for their support of the State Meeting and taking time out of very busy schedules to be with us.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has undertaken a first print run of the new banknotes and is making them available for calibration purposes.

All banknote equipment manufacturers with a signed Banknote Loan Agreement with the Reserve Bank should have received an email with instructions for placing orders.

The Reserve Bank has further advised that a second print run will be made available for testing purposes in mid-2020 and this will be accompanied with further information specifically for machine users, including retailers and commercial banks.

The new design of the $100 banknote will be revealed to the public early next year and the new format $100 note will be released into circulation in late 2020.

With the recent announcement that Level 2 Water Restrictions will come into force from December 10 2019, Sydney is facing its harshest water restrictions in more than a decade

In June 2019 and for the first time since the Millennium Drought in 2003, Sydney was placed on Level 1 Restrictions. However, rainfall in catchment areas since June has been minimal, forcing the NSW State Government to announce the introduction of Level 2 Restrictions.

These restrictions will impact all car wash operators in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains and The Illawarra.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said in a statement “Given the rapid rate of decline of our dam levels we have decided to enact the next level of restrictions sooner than planned. We’re experiencing one of the most severe droughts on record, and we expect that by introducing level two restrictions to save 78.5 gigalitres of water per year.”

ACWA has worked tirelessly to get the best possible outcome for the commercial car wash industry and ensure the industry can continue to operate during Sydney’s water restrictions. We are pleased that under Level 2 Restrictions, commercial car washes can access permits to wash via the exemption process.

ACWA will continue to fight for the rights of commercial car washes to operate during restrictions, but we can’t do it alone. Please help us, help you by contributing to the Water Restrictions Fighting Fund at https://acwa.net.au/join-the-fighting-fund/#!form/Levy

Your Association continues to work closely with Sydney Water, and we are currently seeking clarity around conditions accompanying Level 2 Restrictions for car wash operators. A further communication to members will be issued in the coming days.

Sydney Water Level 2 Water Restrictions – Key Points for Car Wash Operators:

• Level 2 Water Restrictions will be introduced on December 10 2019

• Level 2 Water Restrictions apply to car wash operators in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra.

• Car washing can only take place by using a bucket and sponge or in a commercial car wash.

• Car wash operators with businesses under the authority of Sydney Water (Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra) must have a valid Exemption Permit.

• Car wash operators who have a Level 1 Exemption Permit need do nothing at this time. Sydney Water will contact these operators by mid-December and outline the necessary process. In the meantime, these sites can continue using water under the conditions of the Level 1 Permit.

• Car wash operators without a current Exemption Permit, need to apply for a Water Restrictions Exemption online at https://www.sydneywater.com.au/SW/water-the-environment/what-we-re-doing/water-restrictions/water-restrictions-exemption-request/index.htm. A separate Exemption Permit is required for each car wash site.

• Car wash operators can face fines of $550 per day if they are operating outside water restrictions conditions.

Only ACWA Members benefit from the free annual wage rate analysis and calculations provided by the Association’s Industrial Relations experts, Employment Services & Solutions Australia (ESSA).

Importantly, the new wage rates calculations are now available in the Members’ section of the ACWA website

The Fair Work Commission handed down the 2019-20 Annual Wage Review Decision in June 2019 and the 3% increase has effect from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2019. Members are reminded that all car wash operator employers are obliged to comply with minimum wage and/or Award obligations and there are severe penalties for non-compliance.

The new wage rates calculations can be quickly located by login to the Members’ section of the website and clicking on Quick-Find – Wage Rates, Templates, Manuals and Business Essentials in the left-hand navigation panel.

ACWA’s specialist Industrial Relations experts at ESSA, are always on hand to help ACWA Members. It is anticipated that members seeking to clarify wage rates or get general information about agreement making and termination can obtain such advice without charge. So, if you are a paid-up member and require assistance simply call the ACWA HELPLINE and ask for Graham Lilleyman or Monica Vu.

Details of the ESSA service agreement, as well as the new updated 2019 – 2020 login Instructions, providing access to our specialist HR documents, can be found on the ACWA website.

Record attendance at the ACWA State Meeting held recently in Perth saw almost 40 car wash operators and suppliers get together to exchange ideas, expand networks and create business opportunities.

ACWA President and Titanium Car and Dog Wash owner Neil Fox is a devotee to the State Meeting concept.  “When I joined ACWA I thought the State Meeting concept was a ripper.  I could see how valuable it could be to my business, to get like-minded people together and learn something new”

Just 12 months ago Fox ran his first a WA State meeting and managed to get just a few members together.  “I have to admit the response was a bit disappointing at first, but the first meeting went well, and it is pleasing that interest has steadily grown”, said Fox.  “To be here a year later with nearly 40 people, and all of them showing strong interest in our next meeting is fantastic”

State Meetings differ from state to state but Perth’s meeting included an informative visit of one of Magic Hand’s newest sites, in the Perth suburb of Bentley.  Magic Hand is clearly one of Australia’s leading car wash brands and company CEO, Claude Roda, was there to conduct the tour and share his knowledge of the industry and Magic Hand’s approach to business.

The Bentley wash site boasts side-by-side conveyors in the wash tunnel which is located within the primary prep area.  This is a setup adopted by Magic Hand to provide a quick and efficient car wash process.

Of course, an important element of the success of any car wash is the chemicals used and in theme with the site visit, valued ACWA Supplier member, AutoKlene Solutions, suppliers of the chemicals used in the wash, were also on site to discuss their product range.

With the site visit completed, the group headed to the Bentley Hotel where Graham Lilleyman, ACWA’s Industrial Relations Expert, provided an update on the recent National and State Wage Case, which will see the minimum wage rise by 3%.   Graham also discussed the issues surrounding minimum hours payable for casual staff (i.e. 2 hrs).  

Those at the meeting were reminded that all ACWA members can contact Graham Lillyman via the IR Helpline in the members’ only section of the ACWA website.

Acoustic expert, Rebecca Ireland also addressed the group and spoke on the positive impact good design can have on the management of noise. 

Another interesting titbit picked up during the day was the announcement by long-time ACWA supplier member Chris Read, of the sale of Carwash Spares and Repairs to Lovegrove Group.  Ramon Gregory from Lovegrove outlined their plans to put on additional technical support to manage operations in WA.  Chris will remain during an extended hand over period.

Information about ACWA’s State Meetings can be found in the Events Section of the new ACWA website.

ACWA provides members with many benefits but our most important role, is that of an industry ambassador in times of crisis.

Between 2006 and 2008 drought conditions hit Australia and Government authorities moved to stop car washing.  ACWA accepted the challenge and on behalf of car wash owners across Australia, the Association’s tireless work and political lobbying saw the industry avoid a wide-ranging closedown.

After a long, dry summer and autumn again this year and with water restrictions already legislated in areas including Sydney, the car wash industry looks set to face the financial impact of widespread water restrictions.

ACWA takes its role as a voice for the industry seriously and we are already engaged in a fight for the rights of your car wash to operate should the country face another drought and the inevitable water restrictions that follow.

Take the current situation with Sydney Water as an example.  After providing input into Sydney Water’s drought management plan and negotiating for car washing to receive an exclusion, ACWA received a water restriction” Fact Sheet” from Sydney Water.  On the “Fact Sheet”, drive through car washing was listed as a specific exclusion from restrictions.

Subsequent to this, and without warning, the “Fact Sheet”  was replaced with a different publication on the Sydney Water website read here which not only reverses their position on exclusion for commercial car washing, it encourages the environmentally damaging notion of home driveway washing.

On behalf of the car wash industry, ACWA has urgently reengaged with Sydney Water in an endeavour to have the decision reviewed ACWA has been advised there will be a three-month grace period before fines apply. Fines won’t be issued until after 1 September 2019.

This is a critical issue for Sydney and other regionally based car wash operators and ACWA will keep members apprised of the outcome of our negotiations.  ACWA is asking our Sydney and NSW members to bear with us as we attempt to resolve the situation.

At the same time, the ACWA Water Subcommittee is engaged with SEQ Water as well as water authorities in Melbourne, who are also closely monitoring dam levels ahead of considering their position on imposing water restrictions.

We will continue to work on behalf of members but to do this we need continued support through membership subscriptions.   

Of course, ACWA membership is not only about water restrictions and drought, the association provides a host of additional members’ benefits which can be found on the website  

Becoming an ACWA Member or renewing your existing membership is quick and easy and can be done online.

To renew membership, simply hit the renew button, enter your credit card details and you’re done! 

Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much, and the support of members allows us to strive to protect the car wash industry and the thousands of Australian employed in it.

ACWA’s great friends and Supplier Members at PayTech Solutions took time out a little while back to remind us of the impending closedown of Telstra’s 3G service.

As the introduction of 5G gets closer, mobile network operators are advising of their intention to start turning off 3G services and we’re already seeing Telcos wind down parts of their 3G networks.

Telstra for example, have already started phasing out parts of their 3G networks and have advised they will turn off 3G connectivity on its 2100MHz spectrum on March 25 but will continue to operate 3G services on its 850MHz spectrum.

In searching through old news archives, we found that Telstra has previously said it is likely to shut down its entire 3G network in 2020 but we have been unable to locate any specific detail.

The obvious area of impact at car sites is card payment systems which rely on mobile networks to function.

It looks like 3G will be with us for a little while yet but with 2020 just around the corner now might be a good time for car wash operators to check with their credit card device supplier and see if their payment equipment needs to be upgraded or changed.

ACWA appreciates feedback on any issue of importance to the car wash industry and on this occasion, we thank Russell at PayTech Solutions for alerting car wash operators to the 3G issue.

Got an issue you would like to bring to the attention of the car wash industry?  Drop us a line at contact@acwa.net.au.

Car wash owners have been previously made aware of the impending release of a new Australian $20 banknote, known colloquially in Australia as the lobster. 

We trust by now all ACWA Members have taken steps to make sure of a smooth transition to the use of the new currency.  In its June Newsletter, the Reserve Bank of Australia formally announced the note will be released into general circulation in October 2019.

The note celebrates two new faces.  The first Mary Reibey was a convict deported to Australia in 1792 for stealing a horse and who went on to become a successful Australian merchant, shipowner and trader. The second face on the note is that of the Reverend John Flynn, who pioneered the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

The Reserve bank has advised that “further information about the new $20 assurance banknotes for commercial banks, retailers and other machine users will be available closer to issuance”.

New $100 banknotes, sometimes known to those lucky enough to see one as a Bradman, Kermit or Granny Smith, will be introduced and available later this year. 

Whatever you want to call them, let’s hope a couple of them come your way!

Members are advised that the Fair Work Commission has handed down the 2019-20 Annual Wage Review Decision.

ACWA takes this opportunity to remind all car wash operator employers that they are legally obliged to comply with minimum wage and/or Award obligations and there are severe penalties for non-compliance.

The Federal Minimum Wage and all Award based pay scales will increase by 3% and this must be applied to each wage classification in each Award.

The increase has effect from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2019. New pay rates will be added to the members-only section of the website during the first week of July. Members will be advised when they are available.

ACWA’s specialist Industrial Relations expert, Graham Lilleyman of Employment Services & Solutions Australia (ESSA), reminds all car wash operators that “Employers using enterprise bargaining agreements, or the old Australian Workplace Agreements should also ensure they have their arrangements reviewed”. 

Graham explains that “whilst awards do not generally have application to businesses that have agreements, the base rates of pay under Agreement must comply with obligations under section 206 of the Fair Work Act 2009”.

Only ACWA Members benefit from free annual wage rate analysis provided by ESSA and as part of their membership subscription, receive free access to our specialist IR Helpline.  The new wage rates will be available to Members on the new ACWA website as soon as they have been confirmed www.acwa.net.au

New pay rates will be added to the members-only section of the website during the first week of July.

For member’s access to IR advice login at https://acwa.net.au/members/ or go to the new ACWA Website