Victorian master pool builders to join SPASA Australia

SPASA Australia and SPASA Victoria, trading as Master Pool Builders Association Australia (MPBAA), have announced that the MPBAA members have voted to merge into SPASA Australia.

A vote was put to the MPBAA members at a general meeting on Wednesday at the Hotel Bruce County in Mount Waverley, Victoria.

The evening provided information and answered positive and challenging questions from the members who were satisfied to move towards a collaborative and cohesive association for the pool and spa industry.

Advising that the local team is excited with this new step in delivering more value to members, MPBAA Chief Executive, Chris Samartzis commented "the positive collaboration between the groups over the last few years has led to this positive outcome."

SPASA Chief Executive, Lindsay McGrath thanked “our directors, staff and members both past and present in supporting this achievement.

“We look forward to working together delivering on our mission to protect, promote and grow the pool and spa industry.”

MPBAA members will be both MPBAA and SPASA members for the remainder of the 2023 calendar year with a single membership offering for 2024.

Members who want more information are advised to call their local SPASA representative.

Former SPASA WA Chief Executive Bryce Steele convicted on seven charges
Bryce Steele, Chief Executive of SPASA WA from 2014 to 2021, has been convicted on seven counts of theft from the Western Australian association.

In a statement on the matter, SPASA Australia advised "a former employee of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of WA (SPASA WA) has been convicted of seven counts of stealing as a Director/Officer. Sentencing will take place at a later date.

"Mr Bryce Steele left SPASA WA in February 2021. A thorough internal investigation was initiated after discovering discrepancies in financial records, with all findings handed to WA Police.

"The conviction confirms that Mr Steele abused a position of trust and the members he purported to serve."

Image: Chief Executives Lindsay McGrath and Chris Samartzis after the vote at the Bruce County Country Hotel.