About Stone Inititatives

Who We Are

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.

NATA Accreditation

Stone Initiatives is the only NATA-accredited laboratory in Australia that specialises in dimension stone.

NATA (the National Association of Testing Authorities) is the national accreditation body for the accreditation of laboratories throughout Australia.

At Stone Initiatives, we are regularly audited by NATA to ensure that we operate an effective laboratory management system in accordance with recognised good business and laboratory practice, including the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. NATA accreditation is formal recognition that a facility produces traceable, reliable and repeatable technical results.

For more information about NATA visit the website

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.

KATE TONKIN

Laboratory Operations Manager
Finishes Evaluation & Slip Resistance

MARK MILEVSKI

Laboratory Technical Manager
Heritage Services & Dimension Stone

THOMAS BAGGS

Laboratory Quality Manager
Mineralogy & Failure Investigations

Meet The Team

The team at Stone Initiatives brings together a diverse range of expertise in natural stone, materials testing, and technical consulting. With a collaborative approach led by three co-directors, the team combines hands-on industry experience with scientific analysis to deliver practical, evidence-based solutions. Their work spans investigation, testing, consulting, and project guidance, supporting clients with informed decisions across the lifecycle of stone and surface materials.

EMILY TONKIN

Scientific Officer - Interior Designer

TED SCHMAAL

Scientific Officer - Geologist

BENJAMINE ROWE

Laboratory Technician

CHARLIE SHEARER

Laboratory Technician

COOPER LYNN

Laboratory Technician

FIONA VAN DER ZWAAG

Accounts

CADE TONKIN

Technical Assistant

Our Founder
Jim Mann (now retired)

Jim Mann is the founder of Stone Initiatives. He started the company in 2003, guiding its growth and development into a leading international dimension stone and materials testing company. Jim was the principal and chief consultant of Stone Initiatives for more than 21 years, before retiring in January 2025.

Jim specialised in the forensic examination of stone material failures, including floor finishes and building facades, for both heritage and new buildings. He has a continued interest in the history behind heritage projects and is fascinated by the hidden aspects of a structure that can be uncovered during the testing and evaluation processes.

Jim was a director of the Australian Stone Advisory Association and a technical committee member of the ASTM Committee C18 on Dimension Stone. He was also a member of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

Download Jim’s CV

Read ‘A new chapter: Founder Jim Mann retires’

Client Feedback

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.