ARA Fire - Experts & Thought Leaders

As of 1st of May 2019, the ARA Group acquired Thermoscan, a nationwide thermal imaging service provider dedicated to preventative maintenance. Edward Federman, Managing Director and Executive Chair of ARA, welcomes the Thermoscan team to the ARA Group. “We look forward to integrating Thermoscan’s thermal imaging capabilities into our Building Services, Mechanical, Fire and Electrical divisions as part of our property management and preventative maintenance service contracts,” he said of the acquisition. Providing comprehensive condition Thermal imaging of electronic equipment is becoming increasingly necessary for ARA’s clients to ensure the protection of their assets and infrastructure, as well as the safety of building occupants. ARA previously relied on subcontractors to undertake thermal imaging reports and is now able to offer this as part of a comprehensive, in-house service. “By providing comprehensive condition and maintenance reviews, our customers are able to make considerable savings on insurance premiums,” Edward added. For General Manager of Thermoscan, Kelly Alcorn, joining ARA represents a great opportunity for further growth, by building on the synergies between their businesses and being able to service a larger client base: “I am very excited that Thermoscan has joined ARA Group as it is a great strategic fit for both businesses. We look forward to servicing ARA’s clients and building on the capabilities already provided to them by the ARA Group.” Preventative maintenance services Established in 1980, Thermoscan has built a strong reputation for specialist consulting thermography services for businesses Australia-wide. The Thermoscan team is comprised of highly trained electricians with Level 1 or 2 thermography qualification that are dedicated to preventative maintenance services such as electrical and mechanical condition monitoring, power factor correction unit testing and detailed thermography reports. Thermal imaging inspections allow technicians to identify electrical faults before any issues arise, helping clients to avoid the costs associated with technical malfunctions and failures, as well as the potential damage or injury that may occur. Contact ARA to enquire about their property management and preventative maintenance services.

The Historical Novel Society Australasia, in collaboration with the ARA Group, proudly announced the winners of the 2024 ARA Historical Novel Prize at a celebratory event, held at NSW Parliament House, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. 2024 ARA Historical Novel Prize This prestigious award, boasting the largest individual literary prize in Australasia with a total prize pool of $150,000, honors the exceptional talents of novelists who bring historical narratives to life, offering insights into the present and future. The 2024 winning novels span diverse eras, featuring a powerful tale of First Nations resistance and a unique wartime drama. ARA extends congratulations to both winners. Adult Category Winner Melissa Lucashenko for Edenglassie Melissa Lucashenko, an acclaimed Aboriginal writer of Goorie and European heritage, was awarded the Adult Prize of $100,000 for her novel Edenglassie. This epic novel explores Australia’s colonial past and its enduring consequences through dual timelines. It vividly portrays 19th-century colonialism and contemporary Indigenous existence, highlighting the brutal realities of colonization, while celebrating the resilience of Indigenous cultures. Children and Young Adult Category Winner Beverley McWilliams for Spies in the Sky It explores themes of friendship, teamwork, courage, and empathy, making it a thought-provoking read Beverley McWilliams won the Children and Young Adult category with her novel Spies in the Sky, receiving $30,000. This engaging story, inspired by the true history of pigeons used as spies during World War II, offers a gripping narrative from the pigeons’ perspective. It explores themes of friendship, teamwork, courage, and empathy, making it a thought-provoking and enjoyable read for young audiences. Shortlisted Authors ARA would also like to recognize those who were shortlisted for both the Adult and CYA categories. Selected from over 130 entries, the 2024 ARA Historical Novel Prize Shortlists demonstrate the power of the historical fiction genre to recover lost, overlooked or deliberately erased histories, while illuminating what is often hidden and unspoken in society today. Each shortlist received $5,000. Adult Shortlist The Unearthed by Lenny Bartulin Women & Children by Tony Birch CYA Shortlist Two Sparrowhawks in a Lonely Sky by Rebecca Lim Secret Sparrow by Jackie French The night left users with a profound appreciation for the power of historical fiction. The event highlighted the exceptional talent of authors who skilfully weave the past into narratives that resonate with contemporary readers. Congratulations to all the winners and shortlisted authors for their extraordinary contributions to literature. ARA looks forward to seeing these stories inspire and enlighten readers across Australasia and for the new historical novels to be recognized.

ARA Electrical has been engaged by South32 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal to design, supply, and install a 66kV/11kV electrical supply and distribution network. The main purpose of this project is to provide additional ventilation capacity and communication infrastructure to support the development of the mining operation. package and deliverables The contract is scheduled to be completed by December 2024. The project site is approximately 35km North-West of Wollongong, 8km North-West of Appin, and 1.3km to the Southwest of the township of Menangle. This package of works consisted of the following services: Engineering and Design Procurement Supply Installation Connection works Commissioning Project management of the high-voltage and low-voltage electrical supply and distribution infrastructure The detailed deliverables are listed below: Design and supply of 66kV switchyard, including civil works Design and supply 11kV and LV switchrooms Design and supply 66kV ventilation fan electrical and OFC reticulation Design and supply network and control equipment Testing and commissioning reliable and adequate air supply The project involves constructing a downcast ventilation shaft (VS7), and an upcast ventilation shaft (VS8), and installing associated surface extraction fans and electrical infrastructure to ensure a continued reliable and adequate air supply to personnel working underground. Providing the workers within the underground mine with an adequate ventilation system and a functioning communications infrastructure ensures the safest, and most efficient underground working environment. Working in the mining industry for more than 20 years, the ARA Electricals team has a clear understanding of the regulations and protocols to work safely in these environments.