Lalith graduates in “Advanced Course in Surface Coatings Technology”
Western Australian Section member Lalith Gunaratna recently graduated in “Advanced Course in Surface Coatings Technology” with excellent results and in record time.
Lalith is a graduate in chemistry and started work as an Analytical Chemist at Ceylon Glass Company before moving to ICI Paints (Sri Lanka) in 1994 as a research and Development Chemist. At ICI Paints Lalith had the opportunity to gain an extensive knowledge in a wide range of coatings including decorative and high performance industrial coatings.
After migrating to Australia in 2006, Lalith joined Bondall Marketing as a Research and Development Chemist. His current activities include development of waterproofing and low VOC water based sealants coatings.
Lalith is regularly attends Western Australian monthly technical meetings. He is married and has three children.
Congratulations Lalith.
Lalith was presented with his certificate by Mike Beresford at the recent SCAA Conference in September and is below shown being congratulated by WA Section Chair Melissa greaves at the October SCAA Section meeting.
Member News July 2012 : SCAA WA Treasurer and SCAA Conference 2012 Treasurer - Tim Smith - AFL Masters International Champion
Here amongst this motley crew is our very own Tim Smith, SCAA WA Treasurer (front row at far right), celebrating international footie fame on his team achieving Bali 9's AFL Masters 2012 International Champions recently.
In Tim's words:
Travel to Bali for a holiday, all sounds normal but then to go there and play AFL football? You must be crazy!! But thats what we did, 11 guys ventured to the island of the gods of a good time and joined up with 17 other teams from around the globe to play in the Bali 9's AFL Masters Championship's. Two days of hot, gammie weather we ran, we sweated, We kicked and confused the locals but after many ice cold beverages and a little bit of night life the Wembley Vets from Perth came home with the Championship Cup.
A great time was had by all on and off the field. Back again next year to defend the cup, keep posted...
Tim Smith
Biscuitator*
2012 Bali Int'l Champion Backliner
*negate / dominate / terminate!
April technical meeting - Andrew Peek, Principal Materials Scientist, GHD
Andrew Peek, second from left, is well supported at the April SCAA WA meeting by colleagues from GHD.
"TIME, GENTLEMEN. PLEASE"
21 members and friends met to listen as Andrew Peek, Principal Materials Scientist, Materials Technology Group, GHD gave WA section a presentation “Time, Gentlemen. Please”
Time is probably the least acknowledged facet of achieving a quality coating project, so where do we invest our time to achieve the best possible coating outcome?
The painting component of any project is often at “the bottom of the food chain”. It’s compressed to meet time schedules when projects run late, or deleted from a maintenance program when money is tight.
Asset owners and construction companies need to understand that inadequate allowance for “painting time” at all stages of a coating program will impact their bottom line at some stage.
It all starts with understanding the project and taking time to ask the right questions. This includes considering the size and scope of the project and understanding the environments and micro-environments that the coating will be exposed to.
Andrew gave numerous photographic examples to illustrate failures caused by poor design, inadequate preparation, poor application or simply the wrong product specified.
For a chance to see Andrew’s excellent presentation come along to the SCAA Conference at the Vines Resort, Swan Valley, WA on September 12-14 2012!
February 2012 Wine Tasting
About 20 SCAA WA members and friends met at Mount Lawley Golf Club for our first event of the year, the Wine Tasting.
A representative from Taylor's wines brought along a selection of whites and reds, including a luscious desert "sticky" wine. The wine tasting was accompanied by a host of delights from the tapas menu, beautifully selected to complement the wines.
The evening had a casual air, allowing our members to reacquaint after the Christmas break.
Chairman Melissa Greaves won the Door Prize and took home some extra wines in a Taylor's cool bag.
And no! Of course it wasn't rigged!!
WA Bowls Night 2011
SCAA WA 2011 Bowls Night was another roaring success with close to 60 attendees including 14 travellers from interstate.
A big turnout for the WA SCAA section included many interstate visitors
We were blessed with a beautiful night with the usual “Fremantle Doctor” keeping competitors cool. The organizing committee was particularly pleased with how well everyone embraced the Mad Hatter theme. There was an amazing variety of headwear on display, including blue wigs, Rastafarian dreadlocks, animal heads, sequinned caps, police hats, etc
Well deserved prizes went to the following:
Best Male Hat: Andrew Fisher of Permalux who decorated his hat with brightly coloured used paint rollers & solidified paint brushes – Classic and so fitting for the occasion!!
Best Female Hat: Melissa Greaves of Crommelins with a black top hatinator number and matching outfit – Stunning as always!!
Early Bird Attendance: Tony Knox of Thor
Early Bird Sponsor: Duncan Hossack of Nuplex
Inaugural Colin Sanfilippo Booby prize: James McAllister of Recochem for restraining himself from unnamed assaults on Chef Colin’s apron (??)
We would like to thank all those who helped on the night: Master chef Colin Sanfilippo and his helpers Bruno Mentesana and Elaine Aldridge (see picture below) kept the hot food coming. Ivy Greaves pre-dinner nibbles and scrumptious salads were a delight. Tracey O'Connell was ever present and smiling when things needed to be done.
Master chef Colin Sanfilippo (right) with assistant chefs Bruno and Elaine
SCAA WA also gratefully acknowledge the generous support of all our sponsors for this event. CLARIANT again was our major sponsor but 35 other companies also contributed to the success of the night.
Thanks again to all sponsors and participants and helpers for ensuring another great SCAA WA Bowls night.
Now bring on the Extraordinary conference 2012…….
Eduardo Tineo (left) of Clariant (MAJOR SPONSOR) with Melissa Greaves (WA Chair) congratulate Andrew Fisher (centre) of Permalux as winner of Best hat.
Organising committee:
Gary Ker
Nola Burns
Melissa Greaves
Mike Tomas
