History in the making as SPASA and MPBAA propose merger
The final piece in the national puzzle is nearly in place with the boards of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia (SPASA) and Master Pool Builders Association Australia (MPBAA) signing an historic Heads of Agreement to merge.
The Heads of Agreement proposes amalgamating the associations under one group to better serve members and the industry with a merged entity. The proposed amalgamation is subject to the results of a due diligence process and to the terms agreed by both associations.
MPBAA members will vote on the proposed merger at a general meeting on Wednesday, 28 June 2023 at 5pm, Bruce County Country Hotel, 445 Blackburn Road, Mount Waverley, VIC, 3149.
Members will be asked to vote in favour of the resolution and there will be a presentation on the night outlining the benefits. The MPBAA is encouraging members to attend the meeting to hear from the directors and management of both parties, ask questions and have the opportunity to vote on what is deemed a historical milestone for the industry.
SPASA Australia unified with SPASA NSW & ACT, SPASA SA and SPASA Queensland in 2016, and with SPASA WA in 2022. This means the merger with the MPBAA (formerly SPASA Victoria) will bring all previous SPASA state bodies together in a single peak body.
The MPBAA has a distinct focus on Australian pool builders and will continue to champion this segment of the industry. SPASA will be the parent organisation, continuing to enhance the broader industry profile with particular emphasis on strategic elements that add value.
The combined resources will add focus and strength to advocacy, research, training and financial stability.
“It is time to take the next logical step and join forces for the betterment of the industry,” says MPBAA CEO Chris Samartzis.
He says that recent collaboration between the two organisations in jointly putting together the highly successful Melbourne Pool & Spa Show, as well as sitting side-by-side on various Australian Standard committees, has already led to positive outcomes.
“This is an exciting proposal and it will be a big step forward to expand the support and protection for Victorian and national members. We ask that all members take an active interest in this matter,” he says.
Some of the benefits of the merger
Samartzis says the merger is a great opportunity to combine resources and work on the strategic elements of the industry to future-proof members’ interests. He also says the merger will enable the promotion of the industry as a united force when advocating to government and other bodies.
“The saying goes, there is strength in numbers and I see this opportunity as a step towards galvanising our efforts and initiatives to further enhance the position of our industry with government ministers and regulators,” he says.
“For many years now I have been lobbying government at various levels and to be able to have the combined resources of both organisations will help deliver positive outcomes to members across Australia,” he says.
Additionally, he points out that the merger will allow for more seamless industry-focussed training programs, will aid stability and will eradicate unnecessary competition.
“Undoubtedly, having a focused body that can deliver on planned strategies across a range of pillars that unify the industry and support the aspirational objectives of members and the wider community is a step in the right direction,” he says.
More benefits into the future
SPASA CEO Lindsay McGrath says the amalgamation will be a positive result for all members and will allow SPASA to deliver more benefits now and into the future.
“Amalgamating resources will add efficiencies to our services, which in turn will increase the value to our members,” he says.
“We encourage all members to vote positively to help both associations thrive in promoting the pool and spa industry.”
Since its formation, SPASA Australia has achieved considerable success across its Five Pillars: empowering and developing members through improved skills and knowledge; promoting the professional trades; advocating for responsible outcomes at all levels of government; providing exclusive products, services and networking opportunities to all sectors of the industry; and consistently striving to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
More information will be distributed in the coming weeks with both associations saying they hope members will embrace this exciting development.
IMAGE: Chris Samartzis and Lindsay McGrath at the highly successful combined Melbourne Pool & Spa Show
