As November shows wrap up, we are starting to wonder if we schedule shows every week we might see an end to drought conditions.

It is simply unbelievable that rural folk have endured week on week with no rain and as soon as show time comes around we have a week of wet weather, with many shows a washout. It has been tough going, surely there is going to be a break in this pattern soon.

In addition to dealing with contemptuous weather, another problem highlighted during recent shows, is the difficulty in securing staff; a reflection of the country’s low unemployment rate.

Key staff are an important part of our operation, not only for safety, they also make up part of the natural progression and improvement of our businesses.

I know from my own operation that the lack of available staff has severely limited our operation at events and it is an issue that needs to be tabled for discussion amongst industry associations.

Another issue that is a growing concern is the prevalence of mobile phones and our staff’s persistence in using them and texting while in the workplace. I think that these are immediate challenges that need to be addressed and as an industry we are all affected, I would look forward to any input from any AALARA members who have found an effective solution.

The rural shows are winding up for the year and most operators are getting ready for the Xmas carnivals and the short corporate hire season.

I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and also extend my sincere thanks to the numerous people and organisations that I have worked with throughout this year on several issues to help improve our industry. In particular, I would like to thank our colleagues at the respective Work Cover departments around Australia for their assistance this year, it has been great and we have seen a visible impact with our audits.

Phil Durkin

Chair Transportables