2023 CPIA Australian Painting Tour

Following the success of our trip to the United States in 2022 for the Commercial Painting Industry Association (CPIA) Conference, Higgins was presented with the opportunity to host our international counterparts for this year's event. Joining us down under for this years Painting Tour are Bell Group, Caligari Gerloff, Diverse Works, Graco, Heinrich Schmid, Magnum Drywall, and PPD Painting.

16.02.2023 - Soaking in sunny Gold Coast

Gold Coast marks the last stop in what has been a jam-packed tour. The team left no stone unturned in various workshop sessions held throughout the day. To round out proceedings, it was only fitting to get out on the water and enjoy the Queensland sun one last time. We were delighted to host our overseas counterparts and show them what life is like 'Down Under'. Here's to the 2023 CPIA Australian Painting Tour!

Workshops followed by a boat cruise.

15.02.2023 - Day in Brisbane

After touching down in Gold Coast, the crew met with our Queensland team in Brisbane to talk strategy and consolidate on learnings from the trip so far. They then caught a glimpse of our rope access painters in action.

Strategy sessions and rooftop site visit

13.02.2023 - Sydney Harbour Bridge climb

What better way to soak in the history of the Sydney Harbour Bridge than a guided tour from expert climb leaders. The breathtaking view atop Sydney's famous monument made for a Kodak moment we couldn't say no to.

Painting Tour team tackle the Sydney Harbour Bridge

12.02.2023 - Sydney Harbour Cruise

The Painting Tour continued in Sydney where we treated our international guests to a tour of the Sydney Harbour before settling in for lunch. Picturesque weather throughout the day made the already scenic Sydney Harbour glimmer a little brighter.

Sydney Harbour Cruise

09.02.2023 - DuluxHouse tour & Yarra Valley helicopter tour

Our paint partner Dulux began the day with a tour of the facilities at DuluxHouse, including the research and development centre where the group saw first-hand the tricks of the trade Dulux use to produce their specialised paints.

Tour of DuluxHouse

The day proved to be jam-packed for the group as they geared up to experience aerial views of the renowned Yarra Valley via helicopter, along with some great food and even better wine.

Zonzo Estate via helicopter

08.02.2023 - Higgins business overview 

We kicked things off with a high-level presentation on Higgins' safety and sustainability practices. Following this, members from our new construction team held site visits to some active sites, before we reconvened back at our Head Office for lunch.

Victorian New Construction site visit

The afternoon provided an opportunity for members from each organisation in attendance to provide a high-level overview around their operations, exchanging ideas and continuous improvements that promise to be useful for all.

Managing Director Gerard Higgins presenting

In closing the second day of the tour, we hosted the travelling party at Donovan's, where Managing Director Gerard Higgins adopted some fashion tips from the team at German painting contractor Heinrich Schmid.

CPIA members enjoying some drinks at Donovans

07.02.2023 - CPIA team land down under

After some lengthy flights from right across the globe, the CPIA team landed in Melbourne. Keen to begin sharing information with the teams, we hosted site visits across multiple ongoing projects. 

CPIA members enjoying the Yarra Botanical

As the sun went down, we hosted our international guests at the Yarra Botanical for a night of food and drinks. With the weather gods shining on our travelling party, an enjoyable first night was had by all involved.

CPIA members enjoying the Yarra Botanical