SPARKS+PARTNERS Twenty Eighteen: 30-years in review

5-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
2018
Providing quality engineering
services since 1989

TWENTY EIGHTEEN
30-YEARS IN REVIEW
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD
A message from Garey: Grow and forge ahead 05
THIRTY
1980s: Inspiration and experience 06
We Get Around: On the move in Parramatta 08
Why Parramatta: Ripe with opportunity 10
Timeline: Jobs that changed the game 12
PEOPLE
Our Foundation: Quality first at Sparks+Partners 18
Junior Journey: Joshua Frew [ Staff Survey Snapshot ] 25
Every bit Counts: Causes close to our hearts 30
Marketing Makeover: Enter Miriam Alexander 36
CAPABILITY
AFR Top 100 Fast Starters 2018: Ranked No. 52 37
Civil Engineering Showcase: First Estate 38
Hello Hydraulics: Welcome Fadi Taouk 45
Fire Systems Design and CFSP: FPAS Accredited 50
Fire Services: How Sparks+Partners can help you 53
PROJECTS
The Marsden: Marsden Park Hotel & Brewery 21
Fujitsu: Green Star Head Office and Distribution Centre 27
Presbyterian Ladies’ College Hamilton Precinct 33
Fire & Rescue NSW: Emergency Service Academy 47
Illume: Lifestyle Apartments 55
REVIEW
From Leon: Celebration multiplied 58
REGARDS
Thank you: For thirty years... so far 62

TWENTY EIGHTEEN
GROW AND
FORGE AHEAD
A MESSAGE FROM GAREY
Twenty nineteen will usher in the 30th birthday of our excellent
engineering consultancy. This anniversary calls for a special
edition of our Sparks+Partners Annual Review, affectionately
known in-house as the SPAR.
We want to take you on a journey. A snapshot history of how we
have come to be celebrating thirty years in the industry.
Before we begin the journey I want to highlight a milestone.
Specifically, five years ago, at the business’ 25-year mark. After
a fortunate crossing of paths, a few lengthy discussions and
much deliberation G. J. Sparks & Partners was all of a sudden
on the market.
I had actually been searching for an engineer and instead found
new blood to energise the business and determinedly lead
it forward. An advantageous proposal was made that would
propel the company toward further success.
The trio who approached me with the offer was familiar with the
G. J. Sparks name, had spent time in Western Sydney, especially
Parramatta and most importantly they saw potential.
In mid-2014 a dynamic deal was finalised between Leon Dimino,
Bruno Lara-Alvarez, Morgan Walter and myself. The new
directors and I worked diligently together to develop a solid plan
for the future. Galvanising a secure and smooth transition for
our fresh venture.
On the first day of August in twenty fourteen, the business was
renamed Sparks+Partners Consulting Engineers.
The name change reflected the merging of the new directors'
vision and drive plus (+) the reputation and standing I had
created over the years.
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 04

FOREWORD
Regardless of any name changes, the
foundations on which this business was
built remains steadfast. It has always
been and will always be about delivering
quality engineering. A legacy of quality
is what I wish to preserve and carry on
for many more years to come.
For those who did the calcs, 2019
will also be the 5th birthday of
Sparks+Partners Consulting Engineers,
so a year of double celebration awaits.
The team and I would now like to wish
you, our clients and colleagues, a very
safe and happy holiday, and an equally
festive and prosperous new year.
GAREY
SPARKS
PRINCIPAL
Garey Sparks
Company Founder and Trusted Advisor
DIP ENG
(HYDRAULIC)
LICENSED
PLUMBER &
GAS FITTER
AHSCA FULL
MEMBER
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 05

SPARKSANDPARTNERS.COM.AU
1980s
NINETEEN
EIGHTIES
INSPIRATION AND EXPERIENCE
I commenced my design career with a major
builder called Civil and Civic which eventually
became ‘The Lend Lease Group’. Starting
low on the ladder as a junior engineer by day
attending TAFE by night to gain qualifications
and engineer status.
During my 16 years with the Lend Lease
Group, I always thought it would be great to
start a business to employ staff and achieve
a position in the industry of calibre that the LL
Group had and currently still holds.
In the late 1980s inspired by my years with
the Group and a short stint as a Director of a
medium size hydraulic consultancy, I decided
to start up a new business.
FRIDAY
THE THIRTEENTH
JANUARY 1989
In the new year of 1989, I started working at my home.
Spreading drawings across the dining room table and taking
on any job that came my way. It very quickly came time to go
official, and the business, G. J. Sparks & Partners Pty. Ltd.
was first registered and commenced on the thirteenth day of
January in nineteen eighty-nine with one Director and one
Company Secretary at the helm.
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 06

THIRTY
Feb '89 we got a second-hand ammonia
printing machine and photocopier and it
was high! It had to be in an isolation room.
1989
As the workload
increased it was time to
invest in the latest and
greatest technological
advances; the first
purchase was a fax
machine, next was a
mobile 'car' phone (also
known as the brick).
Both were a revolution...
Unaided by any promotion
or advertising those
who knew me started to
give me work, and in the
space of 6 months, we
had to employ two new
designers, two tracers
and a part-time secretary
slash receptionist.
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 07

TWENTY EIGHTEEN
1989
Our first office was 15 Phillip Street,
Parramatta in a small office suite on the
second floor. We purchased a second-hand
ammonia printing machine and photocopier.
By the end of 1989, we had expanded to
seven staff, and the adjoining office site was
leased to accommodate everyone. We got
permission to knock a hole in the wall to
create a doorway connecting the two offices
and integrate our growing team.
PARRAMATTA
PARRAMATTA
PARK
Three years in and we
outgrew our dual office
suites in Phillip Street. In
1992 we moved to level
6 of 91 George Street,
Parramatta; a newly built,
air-conditioned office.
We spilled across the
whole sixth level and grew
incrementally in staff
numbers taking on a new
Director, installing new
technology and increasing
our work output.
1992
During our five years on
level 6, we expanded to
a tight team of 13 staff.
Equipped with six drawing
boards, three computers
and a single AutoCAD
licence. Our team now
encompassed a fulltime
receptionist and a
dedicated accounts person
plus new printing/copier
machines. Over this time
word rapidly spread about
our thriving business.
WESTFIELD
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 08
PARRAMATTA RO

THIRTY
WILDE
VICTORIA
ROAD
CHURCH STREET
By 1998, our reputation for performance,
accuracy and completing work on time and
on-budget was solidified. Guess what?
We needed even larger premises. It was a big
step moving one block to 107 George Street,
Parramatta where we leased a 300 square
metre office to accommodate our now
22 strong crew; that included eight drawing
boards, eight computers with eight CAD
programs, and Civil and Fire sections.
PHILLIP STREET
STREET
GEORGE STREET
RIVER
1998
MACQUARIE STREET
SMITH
PARRAMATTA STATION
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 09

SPARKSANDPARTNERS.COM.AU
In 2003 the owner of
107 George Street sold
up to a developer, and the
building was destined for
demolition. In a stroke of
synchronicity, our previous
premises at number
91 George Street had
recently undergone a
complete refurbishment
and was up for lease. We
returned to occupy 278
square metres on level 1.
The reduction in floor
space prompted a review
of our whole set-up, and we
condensed eight drawing
boards down to three and
boosted our computers up
to 14. The upgrade freed up
plenty of space and readied
us for future expansion.
Level 1 has remained our
office for a decade and a
half, except for these days
we have NO drawing boards
and have more than double
the computer power. We
complement our operation
with a host of technologies
and applications alongside
refreshed equipment, to
keep up with contemporary
industry demands.
2003
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 10

THIRTY
WHY
PARRAMATTA?
RIPE WITH OPPORTUNITY
The opportunity to
start up a new business
with low overheads,
amongst the action and
positioned at the gateway
of burgeoning Western
Sydney development was
absolutely unmissable:
+ + In 1988 Norwest
Business Park was
announced as being a
significant development
and growth area.
+ + Parramatta was next
named as the business
capital of NSW.
+ + Parramatta was and is
Sydney's second CBD.
+ + Commercial space was
abundant and value per
square metre.
+ + There were no other
hydraulic consultants in
Western Sydney's heart
of Parramatta.
+ + Most of our staff lived in
around the west.
+ + Parramatta offered great
amenities and a bustling
local community.
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 11

TWENTY EIGHTEEN
NUMBER ONE
36-40 ABBOTT ROAD, SEVEN HILLS
Our first project, Job Number 89001
was for services provisions for an
industrial site in 36-40 Abbott Road,
Seven Hills. This was promptly
followed by 89002 which was a new
factory unit complex in Waitara.
CYPRESS LAKES RESORT
HUNTER VALLEY
Cypress Lakes Resort, clubhouse and
accommodation units overlooking a
championship golf course in Pokolbin
were completed over 7 stages to 2004.
SKYGARDENS
SYDNEY CBD
While these projects were in the west,
we picked up 17 stories with the
Skygardens project in Sydney CBD
and by the end of 1989 had completed
designs for 72 projects.
VICTORIA APARTMENTS
AND CITY CATHOLIC CLUB
Victoria Apartments on Elizabeth
Street, Sydney with the City Catholic
Club located within the lower levels.
1989 1992
1993 1994
RAILWAY SQUARE HOTEL
RAILWAY SQUARE AT CENTRAL
Design documentation for new hotel
located adjacent to Central Station.
FEIKO BOUMAN
PENRITH CIVIC CENTRE AND LIBRARY
Architect, Feiko Bouman designed the
bold Penrith Civic Centre and Library, to
house the City Council in a centralised
administration building complex.
CULTURAL CENTRE
WESTERN SAMOA
Our first overseas design project which
was for a substantial Cultural Centre,
church and prestige accommodation
complex in Western Samoa. The tiny
island nation was in recovery after a
series of devastating cyclones, which
triggered an ambitious rebuild and
development program to rehabilitate
the community and it's peoples.
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 12

THIRTY
IMAX
DARLING HARBOUR
The Imax Theatre in Darling Harbour
which has been demolished recently to
make way for new development.
LATITUDE TOWER
WORLD SQUARE
World Square's Latitude Tower was a
50 storey building for Ernst and Young,
now EY plus Coles supermarket and
retail centre on the lower street levels.
FRESICO FOOD INDUSTRIES
SHANDONG PROVINCE CHINA
China's first factory producing
cooked frozen chicken products, in
Weifang Fenghuangshan High and New
Technology Industry Zone undertook
an expansion of it's nugget processing
plant to increase production from
8 to 10 tonne per day.
1995
1996 1998 2001
2002
WONDAKIAH
WOLLSTONECRAFT
Wondakiah Wollstonecraft was
comprising 11 high rise apartment
complexes and a dedicated marina.
BLACK&DECKER
SUZHOU CHINA
Black & Decker China custom designed
a new small hand tools assembly,
packaging and warehouse facility over
a 60,000 metre square area.
HARRY SEIDLER
HAMILTON ISLAND APARTMENTS
This development added a new level
of style and sophistication to Hamilton
Island. 16 prestigious multi-level
apartments designed by iconic, awardwinning
architect, Harry Seidler offered
stunning views across Dent Passage.
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 13

SPARKSANDPARTNERS.COM.AU
FEIKO BOUMAN
PENRITH CIVIC CENTRE AND LIBRARY
1989 1992 1993
RAILWAY SQUARE HOTEL
RAILWAY SQUARE AT CENTRAL
Design documentation for new hotel
located adjacent to Central Station.
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 14

THIRTY
IMAX
DARLING HARBOUR
The Imax Theatre in Darling Harbour
which has been demolished recently to
make way for new development.
WONDAKIAH
WOLLSTONECRAFT
1995 1998
CULTURAL CENTRE
WESTERN SAMOA
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 15

TWENTY EIGHTEEN
CABRINI RACF COMPLEX
GAZEBO HOTEL
ELIZABETH BAY
The Tower was the original Gazebo
Hotel, built in the late 60s. In the early
2000s, the Gazebo was transformed
into luxury apartments, offering a high
level of style and comfortable living.
WESTMEAD
A new residential aged care facility
with 120 beds in 104 rooms to cater
for both high and low care residents.
The project required demolition of the
existing smaller facility but the historic
‘Deskford’ House had to be preserved
as a condition of the development.
BONG BONG HORSE STUD FARM
BOWRAL
Bong Bong Horse Stud Farm Bowral
was a new bespoke mare and foal
breeding, training and exercise facility.
2003 2007
2009
2011 2012
NORWEST PRIVATE HOSPITAL
STAGE ONE
Stage 1 was the new Norwest Private
Hospital building construction and,
included all back of house facilities and
provision for Stage 2.
GRAND HOTEL ROCKHAMPTON
QUEENSLAND
Grand Hotel Rockhampton redeveloped
an existing site with a new hotel and
integrated retail commercial facilities.
BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE
BRAEMAR
Braemar was the first new store, and
we are currently documenting our 25th
hardware store at Bennetts Green.
LINFOX
DISTRIBUTION CENTRE
The Linfox Warehouse in Erskine
Park was new 40,000 metre square
temperature controlled warehouse and
general despatch facility.
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 16

THIRTY
BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE
MORE THAN A DECADE OF STORES
Our first Bunnings Warehouse project
was in 2007 and we haven't stopped
producing them since then.
TOYOTA
OAKDALE CENTRAL
Toyota Warehouse Oakdale Central
consisting of a new spare parts
warehouse and office facility.
2014
JOHN SMITH MURDOCH
HOTEL KURRAJONG CANBERRA
Hotel Kurrajong Hotel in Barton was
designed by the Commonwealth
Chief Architect, John Smith Murdoch,
who is also famous for designing
Old Parliament House. The Hotel's
corridors are steeped in the capital’s
political history. Prime Minister Ben
Chifley lived at the hotel throughout
his parliamentary career, including his
term as Prime Minister from 1945-1949
and up until his death in 1951. Originally
opened in 1926, a time when personal
style was celebrated, the hotel was
refurbished to it's original grandeur,
with 21st century comforts carefully
incorporated, alongside an extension.
+ + Narellan, store with carpark on grade
+ + Braemaer, store with on grade parking
+ + Taree, store and on grade parking
+ + Campbelltown, store and parking
+ + Seven Hills, elevated store with car
parking underneath
+ + Morisset, store fitout within
existing warehouse
+ + Ashfield, extension to old biscuit
factory and conversion
+ + Chatswood, store and parking
+ + Castle Hill, new two level store with
two levels of car park
+ + Rouse Hill, elevated store with parking
+ + Greenacre, store with parking below
+ + Alexandria, 2-level with 2-level car park
+ + Tamworth, store and on grade parking
+ + Bankstown, extension to existing,
refurbishment and services upgrade
+ + Wallsend, store with on grade parking
+ + Rydalmere, store and on grade parking
+ + West Gosford, store on grade parking
+ + Tuggerah, extension, refurbishment
and services upgrade to existing store
+ + Blacktown, new store and parking
+ + Gungahlin, ACT, two level store with
two level car park below
+ + East Gardens, elevated store with
parking underneath
+ + Victor Harbour, SA, new store with
on grade parking
+ + Caringbah, store and parking
+ + Padstow, store with carpark on grade
+ + Bennetts Green, new store within a
retail precinct
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 17

SPARKSANDPARTNERS.COM.AU
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 18

PEOPLE
OUR
FOUNDATION
QUALITY FIRST AT SPARKS+PARTNERS
In the early days, our company serviced a niche in the market.
We delivered quality hydraulic solutions to contractors and
builders on small, unique and boutique projects. Projects
that the major city consultancies did not want to touch. The
business grew based on this service strategy, progressing
naturally to take on larger and more complex jobs. Regardless
of how many large works we took on, we continued to look after
our loyal clients' small, unique and boutique projects, providing
sketches, as-builts and block plans. Always with an over-arching
commitment to quality first engineering.
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 19

TWENTY EIGHTEEN
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 20

PROJECTS
THE MARSDEN
MARSDEN PARK HOTEL & BREWERY
SYDNEY BUSINESS PARK NSW
A highlight of a career spanning more than five decades, Arthur
Laundy has commenced construction on his ‘dream’; the
Marsden Park Hotel & Brewery.
‘The Marsden’ will host diverse spaces; from family-friendly
dining areas and kids’ playgrounds, public bars and lounges, to
a beer garden, outdoor sports and gaming areas. Thoughtfully
incorporated into the expansive 5,900 square metre site.
The upper level of the Hotel includes a function area featuring
an in-house bar and kitchen, for weddings and corporate events.
This unique venue will have to capacity for up to 400 guests.
The design by Altis Architects incorporates an exposed steel
structure and an expanse of operable glass walls bolstering the
indoor-outdoor spaces and premiering district views.
Distinctive to the development is a bi-level brewery producing
up to 15,000 barrels of beer per year. The design carefully
integrates a large atrium offering an interactive experience
where the brewery operations and tasting bar can be viewed
from all areas of the establishment.
The build follows several years planning with FDC and Sydney
Business Park, and the token turning of dirt represented a
significant milestone for all involved.
“With the sheer volume and diversity of growth in Marsden
Park and Western Sydney, this development will become a
destination venue for a rapidly growing region, a region that is
playing an increasingly important part of Sydney’s future,” says
FDC Project Manager, Peter Stait.
Sparks+Partners liaised with brewery specialists and FDC to
deliver the workshop documentation and detailed industrial
trade waste design tailored to ‘The Marsden’s’ innovative site.
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 21

SPARKSANDPARTNERS.COM.AU
HIGHLIGHTS
+ + Greenfields brewpub
+ + 5,900 square metres of
indoor and outdoor spaces
+ + Two-level brew house, brewrey
operations and tasting bar
+ + Specialised brewrey industrial
trade waste design
+ + 400 person capacity function
area and catering facilities
+ + Exposed steel structure and
large operable glass walls
TEAM
+ + Leon Dimino –
Project Director
and Hydraulic Engineer
+ + Paul De Las Alas –
Fire Services Engineer
+ + Alison Power –
Hydraulic Designer
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 22

PROJECTS
PROJECT
DETAILS
‘The Marsden’
Marsden Park Hotel & Brewery
Sydney Business Park
Marsden Park NSW 2765
North Western Sydney
Laundy Group
Altis Architecture
FDC Construction & Fitout
Danny Hall Plumbing (DHP)
5,900 m 2
area
$45 million
construction
100%
complete
Image source: FDC Construction & Fitout
SPARKS+PARTNERS 23

TWENTY EIGHTEEN
STAFF
SURVEY
SNAPSHOT 2018
27 RESPONDENTS
ACTIVELY ENGAGED
81%
8
EMPLOYEE NEEDS
RESULTS
WERE
POSITIVE
OUR NEW
POOL TABLE
IS A HIT!
ENGAGEMENT
[ ALL NEEDS COMBINED ]
=
BASIC
[ EXPECTATION AND ENVIRONMENT ]
INDIVIDUAL
[ OPPORTUNITY, RECOGNITION, VALUED AND DEVELOPMENT ]
TEAMWORK
[ OPINION, PURPOSE, QUALITY AND TEAM ]
GROWTH
[ PROGRESSION AND GROWTH ]
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 24

PEOPLE
JUNIOR
JOURNEY
BY JOSHUA FREW
After being with Sparks+Partners for
18 months, I would like to contribute a brief
report of what the journey has been like from
working full-time as a plumber to working
full-time as a hydraulic designer.
The transition was a leap of faith considering
I had no real experience using AutoCAD or
Revit design programs. However, I am happy
to say Sparks+Partners have been tremendous support when it comes
to educating me in our field. My background knowledge and experience
in plumbing has also enabled me to approach designs from both a
practical and realistic perspective. Completing my Certificate III and IV
in Plumbing Services has delivered the skills needed to get my foot in
the door of hydraulic design.
The opportunities Sparks+Partners have given me are wide and
varied from 2D AutoCAD designs on large residential and commercial
projects to 3D Revit modelling designs on large industrial and
residential developments. The skills I have learnt along the way such
as project management, hydraulic design and fire services design have
contributed most to my personal growth.
Alongside design and project management, I have acquired better
problem-solving and coordination abilities working with plumbers and
builders on construction jobs. Exposure to different consultants and
liaising with authorities such as Jemena and Sydney Water has helped
shaped me into a determined and professional hydraulic designer.
During the year, I have worked in a very professional and organised
hydraulic and fire team, equipping me with a solid understanding of the
engineering design and construction industry. The experience I have
gained at Sparks+Partners has shown me that with a great support
team and a positive attitude it is possible to transition between either
side of hydraulic and fire plans. I look forward to many more years
within Sparks+Partners growing not only as a professional hydraulic
designer but as an individual overall.
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 25

SPARKSANDPARTNERS.COM.AU
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 26

PROJECTS
FUJITSU GREEN STAR
HEAD OFFICE AND DISTRIBUTION CENTRE
EASTERN CREEK NSW
What is Green Star?
Green Star assesses the sustainable design, construction
and operation of buildings, fit-outs and communities. Choosing
Green Star can help save money, create a healthy place for
people, minimise environmental footprint and build a better
future for all.
Fujitsu General Australia makes a big move into an ambitious
space. Relocating their national headquarters and associated
buildings to the bumper Western Sydney suburb of Eastern
Creek. The new HQ is a 5-star Green Star energy rated building.
Designed to provide space and resource for Fujitsu General’s
continued growth in the local air conditioning market.
Fujitsu General signed a ten-year lease with Jacfin and appointed
Vaughan Constructions to complete the construction of their
multi-million-dollar development. Sydney based designers,
ODCM completed the initial design concept in conjunction with
Fujitsu General and Vaughan Constructions.
The facilities will include a showroom, on-site gymnasium,
auditorium and outside green areas spanning 11,093 square
metres to encourage a community of innovation and creativity.
The state-of-the-art facilities are nestled around Fujitsu General
Australia’s head office, Fujitsu General Assist and an 8,500
square metre distribution warehouse. The offices and warehouse
will improve operational and distribution efficiencies across the
Fujitsu General network, nationally.
Sparks+Partners joined the Green Star project to provide
hydraulic services design and documentation along with the D&C
fire sprinkler system package. The fit-out was complex due to
many internal Green Star features. However, the challenge only
improved the quality engineering solutions our team provided.
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 27

TWENTY EIGHTEEN
TEAM
+ + Leon Dimino –
Project Director
+ + Milly Mi –
Project Engineer
+ + Paul De Las Alas –
Fire Services Engineer
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 28

PROJECTS
PROJECT
DETAILS
Eastern Creek Drive
Eastern Creek NSW 2766
Western Sydney
Fujitsu General Australia
Vaughan Constructions
Bell Architecture
ODCM
11,100 m 2
area
$90 million
construction
95%
complete
Image Source Vaughan Constructions
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 29

SPARKSANDPARTNERS.COM.AU
EVERY
BIT COUNTS
CAUSES CLOSE TO OUR HEARTS
In April, The Property Industry Foundation (PIF) announced
the construction of the next home for at-risk young people in
Toongabbie. The 6-bedroom house built by Strongbuild will
accommodate five young people and Marist180 will provide
therapeutic care services (live-in house-parents).
This is the second home that the Foundation has built for
Marist180 and will support higher needs young people who
require transitional accommodation with tapered support.
The young people who would live at PIF House Toongabbie will
be those aged 18-22 who are currently couch surfing or living in
cars or who are living in short-term crisis accommodation.
Sparks+Partners jumped on-board to help with the hydraulics.
In addition to offering our skills to charity, this year we have
focussed on raising awareness and donations for the following
causes. Causes that are close to our hearts:
+ + World Blood Donor Day group outing.
+ + Australia's Biggest Morning Tea for the Cancer Council.
+ + Shake It Up Australia for research into Parkinson’s.
+ + Endure for a Cure for children and adolescents with cancer.
+ + NSW RFSA, supporting the members of the Rural Fire Service.
+ + Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation supporting children
and their families on their hospital journey.
+ + Plus our own Director, Morgan and team Spartans cycled and
finished the 82 km MS Sydney to Gong Ride on 4 November to
raise funds for people living with multiple sclerosis.
Thank you to everyone who nominated a charity and helped
raise funds and more importantly awareness for good causes.
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 30

PEOPLE
AUSTRALIA’S
BIGGEST MORNING TEA
IS ON ITS WAY
Get your tea trolley ready!
Biggest Morning Tea
SPARKS+PARTNERS 31

TWENTY EIGHTEEN
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 32

PROJECTS
PLC
HAMILTON PRECINCT
CROYDON NSW
The Gateway Project encompassed the rebuilding of the
Hamilton precinct of the College, where Years 3-6 learn and play
and engage in activities. In 2015 Presbyterian Ladies’ College
(PLC) demolished the old Hamilton buildings as they were tired
and in serious need of repair. They had served the College, and
it’s students well for over 60 years.
The innovative Gateway Project incorporates the Hamilton
precinct (new classrooms and large breakout spaces for
Years 3-6); specialist science and technology innovation labs;
invertebrate house, turtle pond; food gardens; native (nonstinging)
bee hotel, nature walkway and playground; as well as a
new reception and administration centre for the College.
The new gatehouse has also given the school a new Meta
Street entrance addressing and integrating with the community
village of Croydon. The gatehouse accommodates the school
administration and reception, enhancing the streetscape and
creating a fresh yet familiar identity for PLC.
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 33

SPARKSANDPARTNERS.COM.AU
HIGHLIGHTS
+ + Three classrooms with
large break-out spaces
+ + Four classrooms with extralarge
break-out spaces
+ + Science laboratory
+ + Technology classroom
+ + A much larger remodelled
playground complete
with playing equipment,
invertebrate house, pond,
food gardens, native
(non-stinging) bee hotel
and nature walkway
+ + Easy access ramps and
undercover areas
+ + Gardens and amphitheatre
+ + Reception and staff rooms
plus offices for Archives,
Bursar, Enrolments and
Technology Services
+ + Car park for up to 30 cars
TEAM
+ + Leon Dimino,
Project Director and Engineer
+ + Alison Power,
Project Hydraulic Designer
+ + Morgan Walter,
Stormwater Engineer
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 34

PROJECTS
PROJECT
DETAILS
PLC Sydney
Boundary Street
Croydon NSW 2132
Inner Western Sydney
Presbyterian Ladies’ College
Total Construction
NBRS Architects
100%
complete
Image source: NBRS Architects
SPARKS+PARTNERS 35

TWENTY EIGHTEEN
MARKETING
MAKEOVER
ENTER MIRIAM
In twenty thirteen I took a phone call.
Three guys needed a logo (one of these guys
I knew pretty well). They were engineers,
and they had left their regular jobs to start a
business. The guys gave me free rein on the
design brief, and the result was a modern
brand for a blossoming business called
River Consulting Engineers.
This very scenario is how many of my best
working relationships have begun. Word of
mouth. A phone call. A design request. Voilà!
We are still working together.
The logo I created, lead to some stationery
and then a website. It became clear early on
that myself, and the directors had a similar
approach and attitude to business. Work hard.
Deliver the goods. Keep people happy, and
those people will keep coming back to you.
In mid-2014 I took another phone call.
The same three guys needed another logo?
They had quickly purchased a well-known
engineering consultancy and needed a brand
refresh to reflect the change of name and
ownership. We repeated the above process
and Sparks+Partners Consulting Engineers as
you know it was born.
This is how our relationship continued
for about 4-years, each year escalating in
commitment. We graduated from ad hoc
requests to me contracting one day a month,
then two, then whatever I could do. As the
days grew so did the breadth of work.
MIRIAM
ALEXANDER
MARKETING
MANAGER
DIPLOMA
OF GRAPHIC
DESIGN
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 36

PEOPLE
In 2016 after encouragement and
several drafts we submitted an
entry into the WSABE Awards.
We could not believe it when
Sparks+Partners took out
Business of the Year. This marked
a real turning point for both the
business and the strength of our
working relationship.
In late 2017 I took a call from
Leon. The guys had a proposal.
The business had the capacity
and resources to support a
permanent marketing person.
They wanted to know if I would
accept the position. It was a
resounding... Yes!
In April of this year, I moved
in-house as Marketing Manager
(and anything in between). It
has been an excellent transition,
joining a company I have grown
alongside and absolutely
believe in. I have been able to
transfer and apply the insight
and experience built-on with the
Sparks+Partners directors and
team over the years. Together
we continue to collaborate and
deliver growth for the business,
and this is the game plan we
are sticking too.
Exciting changes are afoot for
twenty nineteen, and I look
forward to sharing them with you
as we get to know each other.
PS: take the call, it could be the
start of something wonderful.
AFR TOP 100
FAST STARTERS
RANKED NO. 52
Sparks+Partners
hesitantly re-applied
for The Australian
Financial Review's
(AFR) Fast Starters
lists, in AFR's search
for Australia's fastest
growing companies.
Fast Starters are ranked
by revenue for the most
recent year with their
growth over the current
and previous years
noted as well. Now two
years running, we have
made the AFR Fast
Starters Top 100 list.
In 2018 we are ranked
at number 52. In 2017
we were in the Top 50,
ranked forty two.
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 37

SPARKSANDPARTNERS.COM.AU
FIRST ESTATE
LEADING TRANSPORT LOGISTICS
ERSKINE PARK NSW
In twenty sixteen, private equity real estate firm Altis Property
Partners were given the green light to develop 245,000 square
metres of idle Erskine Park paddocks into a bustling jobs hub for
upward of 600 workers.
The NSW Government approved the re-zoning of around 47
hectares of predominantly vacant rural land, fronting Mamre
Road — from rural use to industrial employment to enable the
progression of the development.
Beginning in the late winter of 2016 for Sparks+Partners,
Altis' First Estate transport logistics centre in the now named
Orchard Hills is moving toward its third year of construction. The
overall project is predicted to span five years, to 2021.
Sparks+Partners have been engaged to provide civil engineering
solutions for five out of the seven primary lots. Coordinating
services for more than 70 per cent of the lots and sub-lots has
made the design process relatively seamless and meant we
could predict challenges and optimise opportunities between
sites across the bulk of the estate.
We have continually worked toward maintaining harmonious
and constructive relationships with multiple clients on each
individual development. Working in strong collaboration with the
main construction contractors, Hansen Yuncken.
Despite a straight-forward(-ish) coordination process between
sites and lots. The First Estate development has pushed
Sparks+Partners out of our comfort zone both in terms of
workload and design elements.
Our Civil team has rallied together to pool resources and ideas
to deliver outstanding, quality engineering against tight timeframes
and competing specifications.
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 38

CAPABILITY
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 39

30
Client
Project
49
6m FIRE TRAIL
Client
TRUCK
ENTRY
Project
30000
7000
3m AWNING
16260
143 0
5 0
32 CA
CRANE
OF
250
50300
6
LA
1
11300
25m
TWENTY EIGHTEEN
First Estate provides a leading location with easy
entry off Western Sydney's main arterial roads.
Boasting close proximity to several major transport
routes, including the M4, M7 and Great Western
Highway. First Estate provides efficient access in
all directions to the Sydney metropolitan area and
the Eastern Seaboard.
AREA SCHEDULE LOT 6A
12,056sqm
LANDTAKE AREA
WAREHOUSE 6A 5,000sqm
OFFICE (1 level)
500sqm
AWNING 350sqm
HEAVY DUTY
4,700sqm
TOTAL 5,500sqm
LIGHT DUTY
1,270sqm
CARS REQUIRED (RMS)
CARS PROVIDED 48
BUILDING 6A
FUTURE WAREHOUSE 6A
83750
WAREHOUSE
6m FIRE TRAIL
LANDTAKE
10,257 sq
WAREHOUS
9m RSD
4,575 m
INWARDS
12m WIDE DRIVE WAY
926 0
WAREHOUSE
LOT 8C N&A GROUP
COLD STORAGE, PACKING AND
DISTRIBUTION FACILITY
DA submission, detailed design and
construction phase with Hansen
Yuncken for N&A Group and a
speculative warehouse.
+ + Stormwater drainage design
+ + WSUD elements
+ + Bulk earthworks design
+ + Pavement grading design
LOT 3 DATS
DISTRIBUTION FACILITY
DA submission, detailed design and
construction phase with Hansen
Yuncken for DATS.
+ + Stormwater drainage design
+ + WSUD elements
+ + Bulk earthworks design
+ + Pavement grading design
LOTS 8A AND 8B IMCD GROUP
DISTRIBUTION FACILITY
DA submission, detailed design and
construction phase with Hansen
Yuncken for IMCD Group including a
speculative warehouse.
+ + Stormwater drainage design
+ + WSUD elements
+ + Bulk earthworks design
+ + Pavement grading design
+ + Detailed 3D modelling (LOD350)
Apr 30, 2018 - 10:09am N:\10844-Voestalpine\6 Sketches\108 4_SK 01.dwg
N:\10273\AutoCAD\_Graphic\ALTIS-LOGO-STACKED-2016-ART.JPG
AREA SCHEDULE LOT 8A1
LANDTAKE AREA
19,961sqm
WAREHOUSE 8B 11,720sqm
OFFICE (1 level)
400sqm
AWNING 530sqm
HEAVY DUTY (38m HARDSTAND) 3,840sqm
LIGHT DUTY (CAR PARKING) 2,030sqm
TOTAL 12,120sqm
CARS REQUIRED (RMS)
CARS PROVIDED 49
585-649 Mamre Rd, Orchard Hills
SSD 7173
40' CONTAINERS (7 No.)
30m WIDE HARDSTAND
4m LANDSCAPE SETBACK
7.5m BUILDING SETBACK
LOT 8B1
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
15m AWNING
7,000 m²
ROW FOR FIRE TRAIL ACCE S
585-649 Mamre Rd
SSD 7173
109350
5No. PROVISIONAL CARS
D/O
May 29, 2018 - 5:22pm N:\10868-IMCD\6 Sketches\10868_SK003.dwg
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 40

R SPACES
²
²
0
54 0
REC
CRANE
TRUCK
ENTRY
TRUCK
EXIT
ENTRY
CRANE
REC
11300
CRANE
ENTRY
11300
45000
ENTRY
T
P
TANK
PUMP
TRUCK
ENTRY
TRUCK
EXIT
TRUCK
EXIT
114360
TRUCK
EXIT
3m AWNING
/ / / / / / / / /
TRUCK
ENTRY
15000
17600 5000
60000
PALLET DOWNLOAD
HIGH BAY 32m
13500
Jan 29, 2018 - 5:08pm P:\4648\08 - AutoCAD\Sketches\4648_SK513A-Snackbrands-ST1.dwg
CAPABILITY
LOTS 6A, 6B AND 6C
WAREHOUSING
DA submission with Hansen Yuncken.
Detailed design and construction phase
with Richard Crookes Constructions.
LOT 7 AND 9 HB+B PROPERTY
0 7.5 15 37.5 75m
FICE
m² (2 lvls)
m
9m RSD RSD RSD RSD RSD
6m AWNING
35m WIDE HARDSTAND
CAR
ENTRY/EXIT
+ + Stormwater drainage design
+ + WSUD elements
+ + Bulk earthworks design
+ + Pavement grading design
6m WIDE FIRE TRAIL
PUMP
SPRINKLER
TANK
20m BUILDING SETBACK
10m LANDSCAPE SETBACK
20m WIDE ROAD WIDENING
SPECULATIVE WAREHOUSE
SSD Submission with HB+B Property.
+ + Stormwater drainage design
+ + WSUD elements
+ + Bulk earthworks design
+ + Pavement grading design
© copyright nettleton ne tleton tribe tribe partnership partnership pty pty ltd ltd
SKETCH NUMBER4648_SK510A
Site Plan
1:1500@ A3 or 1:750@A1
E 6B
TRUCK
ENTRY/EXIT
DRIVE-THRU
NDTAKE
2,056 sqm
WAREHOUSE 6A
9m RSD
5,000 m²
OFFICE
500 m² (2 lvls)
DRIVE-THRU
O FICE OVER
182 0
O FICE - GROUND
28 0
O FICE - LEVEL 1
6m AWNING
9m RSD
DESPATCH
48 CAR SPACES
DATE MAR 2018
CARS
ENTRY/EXIT
35m WIDE HARDSTAND
20.6m WIDE ACCESS ROAD
Site Plan
lot 6a - Voestalpine + Spec
1:1000@ A3 or 1:500@A1
SKETCH NUMBER 10844_SK001
© copyright ne tleton tribe partnership pty ltd
20.6m WIDE ACCESS ROAD
TEMPORARY CAR
ENTRY/EXIT
0 7.5 15 37.5 75m
M A M R E R O A D
Snack Brands - Option 2
LOTS 1 AND 2 FRNSW
4.0m LANDSCAPE SETBACK
FUTURE MULTI-DECK CAR PARK
STAGE 2
LOT 7
LANDTAKE - 109,515m²
MAINTENANCE
WORKSHOP & PARTS
STAGE 2
FUTURE WAREHOUSE
(MANUFACTURING)
24,536 m²
216800
102200
137500
10m ROAD WAY
43200
DATE Jan 2018
ADMINISTRATION AND TRAINING,
PROPS AREA SIMULATION TRAINING
AND LOGISTICS FACILITY
SSD submission, detailed design
and construction phase with Hansen
Yuncken for FRNSW.
+ + Stormwater drainage design
+ + WSUD elements
+ + Bulk earthworks design
+ + Pavement grading design
LOT 8B2
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
11,646 m²
6m FIRE TRAIL
11300 11300 11300 11300 11300 11300 11300 11300 11300 12460
LANDTAKE
19,961 sqm
WAREHOUSE 8A1
11,720 m²
CAR PARKING 37No.
60m WIDE HARDSTAND
STAGING AREA
Project
585-649 Mamre Rd, Orchard Hills
PARTS STORE
OFFICE UPSTAIRS
90900 44300
TEMPORARY CAR PARKING
119 CARS
178400
DISPATCH OFFICE
HIGH BAY 32m
SSD 7173
STAGE 1
AS/RS AREA
11,817 m²
8 x 6.6m WIDE RSD'S
STAGING AREA
HIGH BAY 32m
HIGH BAY 32m
32m AWNING
LANDTAKE
12,815 sqm
WAREHOUSE 8A2
5,500 m²
102610
D/O
25m²
4 x rece sed docks
5 ON GRADE DOCKS REC
OFFICE
400m² (1 lvl)
TRUCK
ENTRY/EXIT
NEW
TRANSF.
ELECT.
CTRL RM
10m ROAD WAY
20.6m WIDE ACCESS ROAD
130000
143500
CAR PARKING 12No.
Client
13350
OFFICE
600m² (1 level)
CAR PARKING 29No. 38m WIDE HARDSTAND
7.5m BUILDING SETBACK
4m LANDSCAPE SETBACK
CAR
ENTRY/EXIT
10m AWNING
20.6m WIDE ACCESS ROAD
/ / / / / / / / /
/ / / /
/ / / /
STAGE 1 - WAREHOUSE 23,550sqm
LOT 2
STAGE 1 - OFFICE (2 LEVELS) 1,522sqm
STAGE 1 - DISPATCH OFFICE 93sqm
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
CAR
ENTRY/EXIT
TOTAL 25,165sqm
AWNINGS 2,020sqm
HEAVY DUTY (HARD STAND) 7,465sqm
LIGHT DUTY (CAR PARKING) 3,525sqm
CARS REQUIRED (RMS) 119 cars
CARS PROVIDED 119 cars
0 7.5 15 37.5 75m
109,515sqm
LOT 3
EXISTING WAREHOUSE
14,945 m²
AREA SCHEDULE
lot 8a1 - Speculative Warehouse
DATE May, 2018
STAGE 1
Site Plan
1:1000@ A3 or 1:500@A1
SKETCH NUMBER 10868_SK003
© copyright ne tleton tribe partnership pty ltd
LANDTAKE AREA
, Orchard Hills
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 41

SPARKSANDPARTNERS.COM.AU
A44
ROAD
4km
(6min)
M4
5km
(7min)
EASTERN
CREEK
INTERCHANGE
THE NORTHERN ROAD
M4
MAMRE
ROAD
ERSKINE PARK
O L D
ERSKINE PARK
W
A
EASTERN CREEK
L L G R O V E R O A D
M7
LIGHT HORSE
INTERCHANGE
GREAT
7km
(11min)
M7
MAMRE
HORSLEY PARK
THE
HO
ROAD
11km
(14min)
BADGERYS
CREEK
ELIZABETH
DRIVE
WETHERILL P
KEMPS CREEK
ROAD
28km
(26min)
PARRAMATTA
ROAD
M7
COWPASTURE
ELIZABETH
DRIVE
47km
(45min)
SYDNEY
CBD
BADGERYS
CREEK
DEVONSHIRE
WEST HOXTON
50km
(40min)
PORT
BOTANY
BRINGELLY
ROAD
CIVIL TEAM
+ + Morgan Walter,
Civil Engineering Manager
+ + Benjamin Barrett,
Civil Engineering Team Leader
+ + Lylac Chau –
Senior Civil Designer/Modeller
+ + Simon Kapsis –
Civil Engineer
+ + Daniel Drewitt –
Civil Engineer Graduate
+ + Danya Leiva –
Civil Engineer Graduate
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 42

CAPABILITY
F1/M3
TO NEWCASTLE
PROJECT
DETAILS
M4
WESTERN HIGHWAY
PARRAMATTA
A44
First Estate
Distribution Drive
Orchard Hills NSW 2748
Greater Western Sydney
Altis Property Partners
RSLEY DRIVE
ARK
SMITHFIELD
WOODVILLE
ROAD
Hansen Yuncken
Richard Crookes
Constructions
Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW)
DATS
HB+B
CBD
IMCD
N&A Group
Snack Brands???
$450+ million
construction (total)
LIVERPOOL
60%
complete
Images source Altis Property Group
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 43

TWENTY EIGHTEEN
HELLO
HYDRAULICS
WELCOME FADI
In late twenty eighteen, we welcomed
Fadi Taouk to the Hydraulic team. Fadi
is a hydraulic and fire engineer with
an exemplary academic record. He
graduated from UTS on the Dean’s list
receiving full Honours
Certifying at TAFE in Building and
Construction, and Plumbing and
Services he entered into the workforce
as a fully qualified mechanical engineer
with extensive hydraulic knowledge.
Fadi brings to Sparks+Partners a slew
of industry experience in a number of
key sectors, both public and private,
excelling in health infrastructure.
As the Project Lead on the pioneering
Victor Chang Innovation Centre’s
Cardiac Research Institute, a new
cardiovascular focused facility funded
with a $25 million grant from the
NSW Government. Fadi worked
on speciality room designs to
accommodate the installation of
sensitive world-leading 9.4T MRI PET
medical imaging technology.
Fadi was Lead Designer on the NSW
Ambulance Sydney Ambulance Metro
Infrastructure Strategy (SAMIS) and
the Rural Ambulance Infrastructure
Reconfiguration Program (RAIR).
FADI
TAOUK
LEAD
HYDRAULIC
ENGINEER
BE
MECHANICAL
(HONS)
DIPLOMA OF
BUILDING AND
CONSTRUCTION,
PLUMBING AND
SERVICES
DIPLOMA ENG.
PRAC BUILDING
SERVICES
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 44

CAPABILITY
Later, he was involved in the redevelopment of Mudgee and
Wyong regional hospitals and the extensive St Vincent's Sydney
Hospital upgrade and expansion.
He has also delved into aged care with the development of
Hammond Care Facilities, Uniting Care Ageing commissions,
and Garden Village in Port Macquarie to name a few.
Staying within the public domain portfolio the Ultimo/Pyrmont
Public School development which introduced contemporary
concepts around the future of education was a flagship project
for Fadi. The overall design dismantled the divide between the
classroom and the playground. Creating flexible learning spaces
that expanded into playgrounds, verandahs and walkways to
enhance sensory experiences and promote activity.
Apart from his substantial experience in health infrastructure,
Fadi has collaborated on some other unique projects from
a 'pipeless' carpark for Parramatta Leagues Club, custom
food preparation design for McDonald's Australia to the fully
integrated Northern Beaches Bus Rapid Transit (B-Line)
transport system improvement.
Sparks+Partners is already tapping into Fadi's in-depth
knowledge and expertise to encourage, enrich and lead our
skilled Hydraulic team.
SPARKS+PARTNERS WERE GAIN FINALISTS IN THE 2018
WESTERN SYDNEY AWARDS FOR BUSINESS EXCELLENCE,
IN THE BUSINESS CATEGORY.
Proud Finalist
Excellence in Business
www.wsabe.com.au
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 45

SPARKSANDPARTNERS.COM.AU
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 46

PROJECTS
FIRE & RESCUE NSW
EMERGENCY SERVICE ACADEMY
ORCHARD HILLS NSW
The Fire & Rescue NSW Emergency Service Academy was
launched on-site at First Estate in Orchard Hills. The new stateof-the-art
Training Academy consists of an indoor teaching
area, amenities, and recreation space, as well as activity-based
administration offices. The FRNSW complex additionally
integrates a 'props area' and simulated buildings that emulate
realistic fire-fighting environments and conditions for interactive
training. Please continue over...
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 47

TWENTY EIGHTEEN
According to the architects
nettletontribe the built form
maximises transparency and
access to daylight through
careful space planning.
A focus on creating a fit-out
that actively supports health,
knowledge and awareness,
were pivotal to achieving a
successful workplace design.
As the first block to be
developed on the First Estate
logistics hub connecting to
infrastructure provided a few
teething problems with getting
the site up and running.
Perseverance and careful
communication by the team
at Sparks+Partners eventually
resolved the infrastructure
connection allowing the
hydraulic services to be
finalised for the Academy.
TEAM
+ + Leon Dimino –
Project Director
+ + Milly Mi –
Project Designer
+ + Morgan Walter –
Civil and Stormwater Engineer
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 48

PROJECTS
PROJECT
DETAILS
1-5 Distribution Drive
Orchard Hills NSW 2748
Greater Western Sydney
Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW)
Hansen Yuncken
nettletontribe
$22 million
construction
100%
complete
Image source: nettletontribe
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 49

SPARKSANDPARTNERS.COM.AU
FIRE SYSTEMS
DESIGN
FPAS ACCREDITED
In July 2013 the Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA
Australia) launched the Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme
(FPAS). The FPAS is designed to recognise the skills and
competencies of individuals working in the fire protection
industry and is the only nationally harmonised accreditation
system covering all state and territory jurisdictions.
After the launch of the FPAS, changes to the Environmental
Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 (EP&A Regulation)
was introduced in July 2017 and came into effect on 1 October
2017. The revised Regulations require an accredited Fire
Safety Designer to design fire safety systems. To become
an accredited Fire Safety Designer, you must successfully
undertake relevant training and assessment carried out and
certified by an approved industry organisation.
FPA Australia is the country’s major Government approved,
technical and educational fire safety industry organisation. FPA
Australia offer recognised Fire Systems Designers accreditation
via their FPAS. FPAS accreditation requires that potential Fire
Safety Designers undergo a strict application process and
assessment to ensure compliance with the organisation's code
of conduct, insurances, and CPD policies.
What is the difference between the NER and the FPAS?
A Certifier may ask you to engage a designer who appears on
the Engineers Australia National Engineering Register (NER).
Although the NER assure that individuals meet the high standards
of professionalism expected in the engineering profession, not all
individuals in the NER have designed fire safety systems or are
versed in the intricacies of designing such specialised systems.
FPAS accreditation assures you that individuals have designed a
multitude of fire systems across a diverse range of sectors.
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 50

CAPABILITY
Who is an accredited
Fire Systems Designer?
The Fire Systems Design class
accredits individuals who perform
design activities relating to selected
essential safety measures in the fire
protection industry (in NSW and VIC)
in accordance with the Building Code
of Australia (BCA). Initially, the Scheme
focuses on three essential fire safety
measure categories:
1. Fire Hydrant and Hose Reels
2. Fire Sprinkler Systems
3. Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
When do I need an accredited
Fire Systems Designer?
You need an accredited Fire Systems
Designer when you are dealing with
new buildings that require a fire safety
system to be designed or an existing
building with a fire safety system that
needs to be reviewed and assessed.
What services are covered by
fire systems design?
Fire safety design currently covers three
essential fire safety measure categories
or what we commonly refer to as wet
and dry fire services. The three focus
categories (see page 52) split into the
following two fire services types:
I. Fire hydrants, hose reels and sprinkler
systems are wet fire services
II. Fire detection and alarm systems
are dry fire services
PAUL
DE LAS ALAS
SENIOR FIRE
SERVICES
ENGINEER
FPAA MEMBER
AHSCA-FIRE
FPAS FIRE
SYSTEMS
DESIGNER
(FSD18570)
COMPETENT
FIRE SAFETY
PRACTITIONER
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 51

TWENTY EIGHTEEN
What are Wet Fire Services?
Wet fire services consists of fire hydrants, fire hose reels and fire
sprinkler systems and commonly use water for fire suppression.
Wet fire can also include active fire protection systems that
are used to suppress or control a fire event. The BCA generally
requires hydrants and hose reels in most buildings that exceed
500 square metres. Fire sprinkler systems, are required
depending on the following factors:
+ + Height, volume and use of the building
+ + Type, the height of storage, and content of goods being stored
+ + Number of cars parked in a basement.
Wet fire systems are required to interface with dry fire systems.
What are Dry Fire Services?
Dry fire services relate to fire detection and alarm systems, which
is equipment connected to and monitored by a Fire Indicator
Panel (FIP). The BCA primarily requires dry fire systems to:
+ + Detect smoke or fire in an area;
+ + Activate an alarm indicating smoke and/or fire, and;
+ + Alert any occupants that there is a smoke or fire and to
evacuate so they can get out of danger!
+ + Initiate smoke control and fire safety systems to make it safe
for escaping occupants and attending fire brigade personnel.
In a building, you will see equipment such as smoke detectors,
emergency speakers, thermal detectors, and red WIP phones.
Emergency lights and exit signs are also safety systems except
are considered to be part of electrical lighting.
I have fire services that need assessment, what do I do?
Sparks+Partners have Competent Fire Safety Practitioners;
listed on FPA Australia’s Interim Fire Safety Assessor Register.
Our registered fire and hydraulic engineers have no less than
three years of experience in designing and assessing fire safety
systems. We can inspect and assess existing fire safety systems
to ensure they comply with the standards and performance
required for your building. Your fire contractor can then issue
your Annual or Supplementary Fire Safety Statements.
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 52

CAPABILITY
COMPETENT FIRE SAFETY
PRACTITIONERS
CFSP
The NSW Government has introduced reforms to fire safety to
strengthen the state’s building regulation and certification system.
The changes to the EP&A Regulation were updated to enhance
requirements relating to the fire safety in new and existing buildings.
New regulations started on 1 October 2017.
Who is a Competent Fire Safety Practitioner (CFSP)?
The Regulations consider a 'competent fire safety practitioner' to be
an individual who has successfully undergone fire safety practitioner
related training and assessment certified by an approved industry
organisation, such as the FPAA. FPA Australia has rolled out the FPAS
accreditation scheme to demonstrate and assess the competency of
fire designers. CFSP guidelines are also available through the NSW
Department of Planning and Environment.
When do I need a CFSP?
Under the requirements of the EP&A Regulation Sparks+Partners'
competent fire safety practitioners are able to:
+ + Endorse plans and specifications for relevant fire safety systems, and
+ + undertake annual fire safety statement building assessments.
How can Sparks+Partners help you with fire services?
Sparks+Partners guarantee an accredited Fire Systems Designer will
design your fire system. Paul De Las Alas is our Fire Services Team
Leader, an FPAS accredited Fire Systems Designer and a member of
Engineers Australia. He is a Senior Fire Services Engineer and was
one of the first rounds of people to receive Fire Systems Designer and
Competent Fire Safety Practitioner accreditation with FPA Australia
in June of this year. Paul is an accredited under all three categories
outlined by the FPAS with jurisdiction in NSW and VIC.
Sparks+Partners are current Gold members of FPA Australia and
Corporate members of the AHSCA. We also hold Quality Assurance
System Certification ISO 9001.
Please note: QLD and other state jurisdictions are not currently covered under the FPAS.
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 53

SPARKSANDPARTNERS.COM.AU
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 54

PROJECTS
ILLUME
LIFESTYLE APARTMENTS
LITTLE BAY COVE NSW
Illume defines the art of living by offering a holistic blend of
lifestyle inspired luxury apartments. Set amidst the serenity of
the eastern suburb of Little Bay, Illume is part of a larger Sydney
community nestled in the south-east.
Situated just 14 km south of Sydney CBD and less than 9 km
to University of New South Wales. Westfield Eastgardens and
Pacific Square Shopping Centre are less than 10 minutes, and
Prince Henry retail village is next door.
Surrounded by golf courses and moments to the crystal clear
waters of Little Bay and Maroubra Beach.
Illume is part of a super-lot destined for further multi-unit
residential developments of a similar scale and design. Design
and construction of three 5 storey multi-unit residential
buildings comprising of 179 dwellings, shared basement parking
for 226 vehicles and associated landscaping including a through
site public pedestrian link.
Sparks+Partners were involved with several aspects of the
Illume development. From a Civil perspective, we delivered
stormwater design. On the hydraulics front, we provided sanitary
drainage, recycled rainwater reuse design to service amenities
and an irrigation system for the surrounding landscaped areas.
Hydraulic pressure services covered hot and cold water plus
natural gas, along with a wet fire hydrant system.
The in-ground stormwater design proved to be a unique
challenge on the project due to the presence of in-ground water
across the entire estate.
Sparks+Partners custom designed a special seepage collection
system had to remove the groundwater to divert and prevent
excess water leaching into the untanked basement carpark.
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 55

TWENTY EIGHTEEN
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 56

PROJECTS
PROJECT
DETAILS
Galaup Street
Little Bay NSW 2036
South Eastern Sydney
Meriton
TA Global Berhad
TA Little Bay Pty Ltd
Charter Hall
Richard Crooks Constructions
MAKO Architecture
Planet Plumbing
$77 million
construction
100%
complete
TEAM
+ + Bruno Lara Alvarez –
Project Director
+ + Glenn Comedoy –
Project Engineer
+ + Benjamin Barrett –
Stormwater Engineer
+ + Leon Dimino –
Quality Assurance
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 57

SPARKSANDPARTNERS.COM.AU
FROM LEON
CELEBRATION MULTIPLIED
WHAT WE HAVE WE HOLD
Despite any talk of a 'downturn' in twenty eighteen,
Sparks+Partners have ignored the rumblings and instead
concentrated on a mantra of what we have we hold.
We have built a reputation on providing quality engineering
services complemented by our technical advisory and
consultation. We support our clients and make sure they get
what they want when they want. A good reputation has been our
constant companion this year, and we have slowly, but surely
kept growing in staff numbers and project prestige.
So how have Sparks+Partners kept this growth up during an
economic decline?
Well, over the course of the year we have focussed our energies
on two main strategies that are about what we have, we hold.
They are as follows:
ONE: Recruit, train, mentor and entrust a senior management
team that can holistically contribute and sustain the high skill
and service of the Sparks+Partners team.
TWO: Meet, encompass and address our clients' needs and
requirements to safeguard service excellence and continually
perform to our customers' expectations.
We've dubbed these combined strategies our 'Nurture Promise'.
What is our Nurture Promise?
Our Nurture Promise is Sparks+Partners' program to get better
at what we do for you. We want to achieve this equally with
you, our existing customers alongside our fledgling clients. It
is a promise we make to our loyal customers: we will always
strive to provide quality engineering solutions and service at an
exceptional standard, consistent with your expectations.
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 58

REVIEW
How does the Nurture Promise work?
It's simple. We talk to our clients and ask them about their
experience and expectations. We assess how to ensure they
are satisfied both technically and practically with service and
resources tailored to their ongoing needs.
Why did create the Nurture Promise?
In the past 12-months, our senior management identified a gap
in our service model and had stepped up to the challenge of
keeping our clients happy and returning for more.
In 2018, starting with our recruitment process and permeating
through each area of the business the management team
have enlisted in-field experts. These experts have helped us
to develop and undertake in-depth marketing and human
resources training and programs.
We have re-evaluated what we look for when we are recruiting
new team members. Technical adeptness is no longer the main
attribute we seek. We know we can increase skill with in-house
training and education. We want people who consider the client
and are dedicated to quality service.
We instil customer-centric thinking from the outset across all
levels of the organisation. Junior through senior, our team is
unified in their thinking. They are joined by their attitude and
approach to our clients, support them and make sure they get
what they want when they want.
We have added several new people to the team this year too,
each bringing a positive client-motivated outlook. Welcome
Lylac Chua, Miriam Alexander, Adeline Lee, Rodney Moore,
Fadi Taouk, Vladimir Gazarek, Scott Finucane and Glenn Rulli.
I am incredibly proud to call Sparks+Partners my work home.
We have dug deep to foster a culture where EVERYONE (clients,
designers, engineers, support staff, management and directors
alike) share the same clear vision. A vision to improve and learn
from each other and every project and impart the benefit of this
learning to our work and clients.
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 59

TWENTY REVIEW EIGHTEEN
I would like to echo Garey's sentiments
about reaching 30-years in the industry.
It is a truly great achievement, and we
will be celebrating together, the three
decades of hard work poured into our
top engineering consultancy.
In 2019 we will be dually celebrating
Sparks+Partners Consulting Engineers
fifth birthday. A few birthdays short of
thirty, however still a huge milestone for
the trio who decided to take a leap of
faith and make an offer to G. J. Sparks
& Partners back in 2014.
On reflection, I don't think any of us
could have foreseen the success
and fulfilment such a decision would
deliver only five years on. A year ahead
brimming with reasons to celebrate is
a source of immense delight for myself
and the whole team.
Signing-off twenty eighteen with a great
big resounding 'thank you' to each and
every person involved and associated
with Sparks+Partners. It is your terrific
contribution that makes this workplace
more than just a place to work.
May the festive season bring joy and
happiness to you and your loved ones
and I look forward to seeing you back
for more in twenty nineteen.
LEON
DIMINO
MANAGING
DIRECTOR
DIP ENG
(HYDRAULIC)
CERT IV
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT
CERT IV FIRE
TECHNOLOGY
AHSCA FULL
MEMBER
COMPETENT
FIRE SAFETY
PRACTITIONER
30-YEARS IN REVIEW PAGE 60

REVIEW
SPARKS+PARTNERS PAGE 61

THANK YOU
FOR THIRTY YEARS... SO FAR
SEASON'S GREETINGS
As twenty eighteen comes to a close, the time has come for
Sparks+Partners to thank our loyal clients, both long-term and
new, for helping us to achieve the levels of quality and success
you expect from us.
The year ahead will bring exciting celebrations; a 30-year
birthday and a 5-year birthday, plus some we don't know about
yet. All of which we hope to share with you.
We value deeply the relationships we’ve built with you, as they
allow us to thrive and innovate, and to build upon a strong
foundation of trust, reliability and excellence.
We would like to thank our hard-working, brilliant staff and
colleagues for the dedication you deliver, the knowledge you
share and the passion you bring to the team.
And of course, to our family and loved ones, we wish gratitude
multiplied for your ongoing support, and for inspiring us to work
towards a better place for all.
Here’s to a magical festive season, Christmas, new year and
another exciting year ahead.
Morgan Walter
Leon Dimino
Bruno Lara

TWENTY EIGHTEEN
30-YEARS IN REVIEW
SPARKSANDPARTNERS.COM.AU
This is the fourth edition of our annual review, giving you a
light and useful insight into the year that has been and with a
focus on our people, capabilities, technologies and projects.
GJ Sparks & Partners and River Consulting Engineers merged
in early 2014 to create Sparks+Partners Consulting Engineers.
Our strengths lie in our rich history and expertise in quality
engineering, blended with innovation, technology and drive.
We have fused seasoned practice and youthful energy, with
each team member bringing their own unique skills and
strengths to the company. Guiding the company is a fresh,
resourceful and qualified leadership team.
We specialise in hydraulic, stormwater, environmental
engineering, civil engineering and fire services, underpinned
by next-generation 2D AutoCAD and 3D BIM/Revit design.
Our professional team has experience across a range of
engineering and construction projects. Combined with a
proven track record in documentation and support, this
equips us to handle any type of development.
Sparks+Partners adopt a hands-on approach from concept
to completion. We only allocate the highest-calibre people
to suit our client needs, with the aim to meet the individual
requirements and challenges of every project.
LIKE US ON INSTAGRAM @SPARKSANDPARTNERS
CONNECT WITH US ON LINKEDIN /SPARKSANDPARTNERS
PO BOX 979 OR LEVEL 1, 91 GEORGE STREET, PARRAMATTA NSW 2150
CONTACT 02 9891 5033 OR EMAIL ADMIN@SPARKSANDPARTNERS.COM.AU