demand quality framing
NEWS & EVENTS
2011 Annual Conference/AGM
Workplace Relations Update
2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCE and AGM (back to top)
The Annual Conerence was held on Saturday July 30th and included the following activities:
- Guided Tour of the Australian Print Workshop, Fitzroy
- Afternoon tea at the Australian Print Workshop, Fitzroy
- Complimentary drinks preceding the AGM
- The AGM at the North Fitzroy Star Hotel in North Fitzroy (Click here to see who is on the new committee)
- A three course dinner at the North Fitzroy Star Hotel in North Fitzroy
- After dinner presentation by John Payne (Senior Conservator National
Gallery of Victoria) - "The History of Picture Framing Since 1300"
On Sunday there were the following activities:
- A private guided tour of the Heidi Museum of Modern Art, Bulleen
- Sunday lunch boxes by Vue Cafe at Heidi Museum of Modern Art, Bulleen. After lunch you are free to continue viewing the extensive galleries and gardens at Heidi until close.
This report has been submitted by Sandra Ker.
We began our excellent program with a visit to Fitzroy’s AUSTRALIAN PRINT WORKSHOP, an operational hub of creativity, celebrating a new take on the 450 year old printing heritage. Here we saw the latest young artists who were proficient in the old techniques of aquatint, dry point etching, etching and lithography while developing it further, applying new pigments, styles and attitudes. With the a collection of antique cast iron workhorses, the handmade presses crafted by returned servicemen, alongside the modern versions, it was a study of what is old is new again! The studio was both a hive of industry and a museum of technology before “designed obsolescence” and power sockets!
The Annual General meeting was another triumph of enthusiasm with the injection of new Executive members with volumes of experience and dedication to carry the PFGA through the 2011-12 year. Certainly the President’s report highlighted the significant progress of our National founding member’s dreams, notably the fruiting of the Certificate in Picture Framing III, the foundation stone of a National Accredited Apprenticeship Scheme that will integrate and grow with the PFGA giving the Australian Picture Framing industry a solid foundation for the future.
Notwithstanding the enthusiastic welcome of such news, John Payne, the Head Painting conservator of the National Gallery of Victoria, gave us a journey of mystery, deduction and discovery of famous frames of iconic masterpieces of the NGV collection. The highlight was a call from a WA monastery regarding the puzzle of a dilapidated frame they had in storage, apparently once own by the NGV. It seems many of the many delights hanging in our state and regional galleries would have similar tales to tell. We are fortunate indeed to have such dedicated conservators, restorers, collectors and historians giving dignity and context to such pieces. Such talks gives credence to the efforts the PFGA executive puts in to pushing knowledge of sound framing practises out public, member and suppliers through our websites and our own workshops. It is so important to consolidate this tangible network of support of knowledge and encouragement.
Gallery of Victoria) - "The History of Picture Framing Since 1300"
On Sunday there were the following activities:
We began our excellent program with a visit to Fitzroy’s AUSTRALIAN PRINT WORKSHOP, an operational hub of creativity, celebrating a new take on the 450 year old printing heritage. Here we saw the latest young artists who were proficient in the old techniques of aquatint, dry point etching, etching and lithography while developing it further, applying new pigments, styles and attitudes. With the a collection of antique cast iron workhorses, the handmade presses crafted by returned servicemen, alongside the modern versions, it was a study of what is old is new again! The studio was both a hive of industry and a museum of technology before “designed obsolescence” and power sockets!
If Sunday’s sparkling sunshine was not delightful enough after a drizzly winter Saturday, our next outing was to the Heidi Museum of Modern Art which was indeed “an inspiring, educational and thought-provoking experience of modem and contemporary art, architecture and landscape”. We reflect on the wondrous artistry of the not too distant past and how the patronage of John and Sunday Reed, two of Australia’s most significant benefactors has enriched the Modern Australian Art Landscape!
WORKPLACE RELATIONS UPDATE (back to top)
ANNUAL WAGE REVIEW 2010-2011 - MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE
On Friday 3 June 2011, Fair Work Australia handed down its decision increasing Award rates of pay. (This is the first increase in the Award rates of pay since 1 July 2010).
- Adult rates of pay for each Award classification are to be increased by 3.4% per week. This equates to an increase of $22.60 per week for the Award Tradesperson classification rate of pay from $663.60 to $686.20, ($0.59 cents per hour). Lesser increases are applicable for non trades classifications.
- Junior and apprentice rates of pay will increase proportionately.
- The minimum weekly adult rate of pay has been increased by $19.40 to $589.30 per week.
The pay increase is operative FROM THE FIRST PAY PERIOD TO COMMENCE ON OR AFTER 1 JULY 2011. - These increases are absorbable against over award payments and rates of pay increases provided for in Enterprise Agreements, Collective Agreements, ITEA’s and AWA's.
- HOWEVER, ALL EMPLOYEES MUST BE PAID AT LEAST THE NEW AWARD RATES OF PAY FOR THEIR CLASSIFICATION.
- Copies of Award Rates of Pay schedules were forwarded to Members on 28/6/2011.
- Fair Work Australia also determined that the Award Casual loadings are to be set at 25% for all Awards. Where Awards are currently providing for 21%, the Casual Loading will be increased to 22% from the first pay period on or after 1 July 2010 and will increase to 25 % by 2014.
- Award allowances, (e.g. Leading Hand, meal and first aid) will also be increased.
- The minimum weekly rate of pay for Adult apprentices has been increased to $589.30 per week.