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.
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
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
Laboratory Technical Manager
Heritage Services & Dimension Stone
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.
THOMAS BAGGS
Laboratory Quality Manager
Mineralogy & Failure Investigations
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.
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).
Client Feedback
Our Trusted Clients
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
