Expert Q&A's
Snapshot: Mark Milevski, Co-Director
From collecting rocks as a child to working on some of Australia’s most valued heritage structures, Mark Milevski shares a snapshot of his journey with natural stone. Get to
Snapshot: Kate Tonkin, Co-Director
From netball courts to luxury hotels, Kate Tonkin has evaluated all types of flooring and surfaces right around Australia. Get to know Kate, Co-Director and Materials Testing Spe
Snapshot: Thomas Baggs, Co-Director
With specialisations in failure investigation and mineralogical testing services, Thomas Baggs is a keen problem solver who enjoys a challenge. Get to know Tom, Co-Director and Sci
A new chapter: Founder Jim Mann retires
Jim Mann, founder of Stone Initiatives and one of Australasia’s foremost experts in stone, has made the decision to retire. Since 2003 Jim has been a driving force behind the com
Expert Q&A: Slip testing for netball courts
Materials testing specialist Kate Tonkin answers what you need to know about slip resistance testing for netball courts – from tips on reducing the slipperiness of a co
Engineered stone ban: What does it mean for builders and specifiers?
This expert Q&A with scientific officer Thomas Baggs answers your pressing questions about Australia’s engineered stone ban. What does it mean for builders and specifier
Architect Greg Holman: natural stone in design
Natural stone is a striking and inventive feature across many architectural projects by renowned firm Harry Seidler & Associates. Project architect Greg Holman shares why natur
20 years on: A conversation with Jim Mann
Principal and founder Jim Mann reflects on 20 years of Stone Initiatives, including the influence of fashion on testing regimes, and how the stone industry is becoming more sustain
Slip testing: Expert Q&A
What is a good slip rating? Is there more to slip resistance than identifying slippery surfaces? Here we chat with materials testing specialist Kate Tonkin, head of the finish eval
Get to know Jim Mann, Principal, Stone Initiatives
For Jim Mann, testing is about more than just numbers, and a rock is not simply a rock. The principal of Stone Initiatives says that every piece of natural stone is as unique an in