G'day $FirstName!

It's been a huge year and if you are anything like us, you are wondering where the heck it all went. Chrissie is almost upon us and as we look back on the year that was, there have been a lot of ups and downs.

Right now some of us are feeling the pinch, but by all accounts, things should start to look a little better in 2009. And even if they don't, the National Tradesman's Expo will still be here, bringing you all the best deals on the latest tools and equipment for your business. And much more than that - in 2009, your local Tradesman's Expo will be even bigger than before, starting with Brisbane in March. This will be your last chance to see the Brisbane expo in its original home before they gut the old Industrial Pavilion at the RNA Showgrounds to build a brand spanking new exhibition hall. Exciting things are also in store for Melbourne and Sydney, so be sure to watch this space and keep checking back at our website at www.ntx.com.au for the latest info.

As always we have some special deals, competitions and more for you later in this newsletter, but firstly, on behalf of all of us at the National Tradesman's Expo, we would like to thank you for your patronage in 2008, and wish you and your families a very merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous new year. We hope to see you again in 2009!

COMPETITIONS

2009 sees the launch of a brand new competition to find Australia's next Tradie Lady. We have long thought that tradies have the uncanny knack of picking up the hottest girls, so to prove that point, the National Tradesman's Expo, TRADIE Magazine and Woodstock Bourbon are giving our lucky subscribers the chance to score hot prizes and a grab at stardom for the RATE MY.... TRADIE LADY Competition! Just nominate your gorgeous missus, girlfriend, partner or (female) workmate and not only could you win yourself some great prizes, but you will give her the chance to win her own photo shoot in The Tradie, along with a weekend for two in Sydney and a star signing appearance at the Sydney National Tradesman's Expo.

Now's the time to show off your girl, but remember boys, tasteful pics only, and make sure she gives you the OK! For more information on prizes, terms and conditions, click on the link below.

BE SAFE

Recently we were sent this cautionary video highlighting the dangers of the workplace and some simple rules to keep safe leading up to Christmas. Take some time to check it out by clicking on the picture below - we are sure you will get a kick out of it!

NATIONAL TRADESMAN'S EXPO 2009 DATES

Dates for next year's round of shows are now confirmed and we are pleased to announce them as follows:

Brisbane	RNA Showgrounds	Friday 27 - Sunday 29 March 2009
Adelaide	Adelaide Showgrounds	Friday 15 - Sunday 17 May 2009
Melbourne	Melbourne Showgrounds	Friday 29 - Sunday 31 May 2009
Perth	Burswood Dome	Friday 19 - Sunday 21 June 2009
Sydney	Hordern Pavilion	Friday 28 - Sunday 30 August 2009

SPECIAL OFFERS

Do You Want To Be On TV?!
Channel Nine's What's Good For You program is constantly on the lookout for people who are willing to be part of our show and appear on national TV. With so many health-based stories covered, no matter what your fitness level, age, size or occupation, you never know what you might be suitable for! We're looking for people with a great personality, the confidence to be on TV and an enthusiasm to be part of something that is good for you.

To have your contact details placed on our database, email your full name, the area that you live in, your age, profession, phone number or email and a recent photo to What's Good For You at wgfy@nine.com.au

Defence Force Recruiting
Come and see the exciting Defence Force Careers display during the 2009 NTX.

Navy, Army, and Air Force tradesmen will be on hand to talk about the exciting jobs. This financial year there are over 1500 technical trade and apprenticeship positions available for people wanting to experience adventure, and excitement. 

The benefits available for anyone ready to take up a challenging career in the Australian Defence Force are many, including subsidised housing, travel opportunities free medical and dental, to name just a few. Feel free to stop and talk with the people in uniform about the many  exciting  opportunities the ADF offers. For more information call 131901 or visit www.defencejobs.gov.au

Star Marquees
Do cool & dry Tradies do better work?
The $299  SHADE MATE has been designed as the perfect offsider for outdoor workers and tradies. The SHADE MATE will set up in just 60 seconds and is perfect for worksites, home, BBQs and camping. Accessories like walls and flyscreen walls are also available. As a Christmas special the  $299 SHADE MATE will be delivered FREE of charge Australia wide for orders received by 20th December
Call 1300 721877 to order NOW- tell us you saw us in Tradie talk www.starmarquees.com.au

Construction Skills Queensland
The Construction Skills Queensland Training Excellence Awards 2008 were announced last Friday 14 November. The sold out event, held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, was supported by Leighton Contractors, Northern Region and recognised the outstanding achievements of trainers, workers and employers in the building and construction industry.

Four new categories, the Stars of 2008, were announced this year and all received a large number of nominations. "This year the Training Excellence Awards attracted over three times last year's nominations," said Rod Camm, Construction Skills Queensland CEO.

The Training Excellence Awards included the inaugural Judge's Outstanding Achievement Award as well as the Phil Boron Memorial Award and the Special Recognition Award, making the night one full of celebration. Visit www.csq.org.au/awards for more information on the awards.

Spitwater Australia

The largest manufacturer of pressure cleaners in the Southern Hemisphere. Products are made in a state of the art 18000 square metre factory at Albury from where they are distributed to our extensive national network of branches and agents as well as exported globally. The products are made to a high quality and are supported with world-class parts/after sales service.

The hardworking range of Spitwater High Pressure Water Cleaners, Vacuum Cleaners, Jetfire LPG heaters/dryers and the Spitfire Diesel heaters/dryers have over many, many decades proved their quality and reliability across the Australian market place.

Proskill Australia
Proud distributors of Skillers Swedish Workwear and Flexi System continues to push the boundaries of looking after Tradies most important tool, your bodies, decreasing time on the job and looking professional while doing it. Below are images of our most popular gear. We can't wait to launch our new products at the Brisbane trade show adding further value to the very popular Skillers gear already in the country. Look forward to seeing you there to check out our latest innovative gear!

Go to www.proskill.com.au for our latest live product demonstrations!

Regards

           the Tradie's Expo team