About Stone Initiatives

In 2024, Stone Initiatives celebrated 21 years of providing expert testing, analysis and guidance on the use of dimension stone. We are proud to continue helping clients across Australia and around the world, whether it be to select the right stone for their project or prepare their product for market.

Natural stone is at the heart of our business and we are passionate about ensuring it is used responsibly and sustainably in new built environment projects. We are honoured to have contributed to the care and maintenance of some of the country’s most valued heritage items.

Thank you to our clients, partners and collaborators on supporting us to achieve this 20-year milestone. We look forward to continuing to work with you.

Why Test With Stone Initiatives

Experience and expertise

Our staff have decades of experience in determining slip resistance, having worked on commercial projects throughout Australia. Every team member is committed to providing the highest standards of service, whether it’s in our lab or on site at your project.

NATA Quality Assurance

Stone Initiatives holds NATA quality-accreditation – this external accreditation is recognised worldwide. Our experienced technicians can help to ensure your surfaces meet the relevant Australian Standards, and determine compliance with relevant requirements of the National Construction Code. More here.

Fast response, reliable service

Based in Adelaide, we have teams that can respond same-day to jobs in South Australia (we also respond to testing requirements interstate). Our services are fast, efficient and reliable.

Comprehensive reports, easy to understand

Our reports are about more than just numbers – we provide scientifically backed insights and useful results that are easy to understand. Working with us can save you time, help to reduce risk and enable you to make the right choices for the success of your project.

One-stop shop, assistance with troubleshooting

Once the report is delivered, you’re not on your own. We have the experience and facilities to provide assistance with troubleshooting, and our laboratory can provide additional services to help meet the challenges of your project or product.

Happy clients

At Stone Initiatives we provide our clients with a fast, efficient and reliable service. Our reports are thorough, concise and deliver useful results, formatted in a way that is easy to understand. See what our clients have to say on our testimonials page.

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Meet Our Directors

Our directors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, and together they are committed to upholding the company’s high standards and client-focused approach to physical testing, analysis and problem-solving.

Thomas (Tom) Baggs - Finishes Evaluation Services

Thomas (Tom) Baggs is a geomaterials scientist with an interest in petrology and petrography, involving the detailed study of the composition and structure of rocks. He has a Bachelor of Science (Mineral Geoscience) with First Class Honours from the University of Adelaide. Tom has been with Stone Initiatives since 2017. He specializes in petrographic and mineralogical testing analyses, with a focus on the detection of asbestiform minerals and the evaluation of stone surface finishes to ensure fitness for use in high-end commercial projects. He enjoys fossicking expeditions and has a strong interest in the use of technology and computers for improvements in the testing laboratory environment.

Kate Tonkin - Finishes Evaluation Services

Kate Tonkin oversees the Surface Finish Evaluation department, encompassing slip-resistance, accelerated wear, stain-resistance and sealer selection. She is motivated by seeing how the effective use of dimension stone contributes to outstanding building projects. Kate has been with Stone Initiatives since 2012. She has four children who enjoy sports, and this had led her to undertake research into the slip resistance of outdoor sports court surfaces. Outside of work, Kate likes to spend time travelling, cake-making and running.

Mark Milevski – Heritage Services

Mark Milevski is a geomaterials scientist with an interest in heritage and conservation. He has a Bachelor of Science (Geology, Geophysics and Applied Geology) from the University of Adelaide and a Certificate II in Construction. Mark has been with Stone Initiatives since 2014, and enjoys being a part of “breathing new life” into heritage buildings so that they can have a second chance. Outside of work, you’ll find Mark embracing the outdoors through camping, surfing or hiking.

Our Clients

Client Testimonials

Stone Australia Pty Ltd

I have had many dealings with Stone Initiatives over the years and in all cases, Mark Milevski has taken time to guide me through the various forms of materials analysis that are performed on the sample we sent for testing. He explains the process and results sought for accurate findings on the material, so we can deliver a report to our client which I can confidently discuss with them. Mark has taken the time to assist in each case to suggest best locations for sample extraction and quantity or volume required on projects on which we are working, always heritage buildings. The reports delivered are detailed and comprehensive but done in a way that I and my clients can easily understand – layman’s language. These days it is almost a refreshing change to engage with someone in a highly specialized field who will provide the time and easy conversation.

Kent Roxborough, Director

StoneClip

I’ve had the privilege of working with Tom Baggs from Stone Initiatives, and his professionalism and expertise in the stone industry are truly outstanding. Tom combines a deep understanding of his field with the ability to simplify complex technical details, ensuring that clients always feel well-informed and confident … He consistently goes above and beyond to support every client. I highly recommend Tom, along with Jim and the entire Stone Initiatives team, for their expertise, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to excellence.

Daniel Redhead, Managing Director

Tech Dry SA

We’ve worked with Stone Initiatives on numerous heritage projects, and their expertise in salt testing and masonry analysis has been invaluable. Mark Milevski’s knowledge and professionalism are outstanding, ensuring that each project is handled with care and precision. Stone Initiatives’ thorough reporting and commitment to heritage conservation make them our go-to partner for preserving South Australia’s historic buildings.

Neil Williams, General Manager