Welcome to the September 2026 edition of Zoo NewsThere’s plenty happening at Atherton as we head into the final months of the calendar year. We’re looking forward to seeing many of our customers and industry colleagues at the FSRACA National Conference on the Gold Coast (30 Sept – 2 Oct), where we’re proud to be a Silver Sponsor. It’s always a great opportunity to catch up with people from across the industry, share ideas and look at what’s ahead.
Closer to home, we’ve also been farewelling some familiar faces as two of our long-serving members of the Atherton team move into retirement. While we’ll certainly miss having them around, Shaun and George’s contribution to Atherton over many years is something we’re extremely proud of.
You’ll also notice a fresh look from us, with our new Atherton ‘Australian Made & Owned’ logo appearing across our communications. It’s a small change, but one that reflects where we are today while remaining connected to the company, people and values that have shaped Atherton for more than 137 years.
That idea of balancing change with continuity is also reflected in this edition’s feature, which looks at some of the changes taking place across our industry and why long-term relationships, local expertise and accountability continue to matter.
As always, thank you to our customers, partners and the wider Atherton community for your continued support. We look forward to seeing many of you at FSRACA and continuing the conversation.
If you work across sterile services, hospital engineering, infection prevention or life sciences, the past fifteen years have brought significant change. As we are approaching the end of the calendar year, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on how much the industry has evolved. Acquisitions, discontinued product lines, distributor changes and new ARTG registrations from unexpected sources have all reshaped the market. Combined with broader geopolitical uncertainty, there is little to suggest the pace of change will slow any time soon.
For healthcare and laboratory facilities relying on this equipment, the impact is immediate. It also raises important questions.
Will spare parts still be available, and for how long? Will service agreements continue as expected? Who now holds the technical knowledge that came with the previous arrangement?
When commercial structures change, the equipment may remain on the floor, but the risk profile changes with it.
Atherton has been part of the sterilization industry for 137 years, including designing and manufacturing sterilization equipment to this day, here in Australia. When a question arises about our equipment, the answer doesn’t pass through layers of distribution. We are the manufacturer. The people who designed the systems are the same people supporting them. There is no overseas principal to escalate to, and no restructuring that quietly removes a product line from the market.
That consistency matters, particularly in today’s environment. Many of our customers tell us they value working with a partner that offers continuity, technical expertise and long-term accountability.
The same thinking underpins the partnerships we build. Longstanding relationships with KEN Hygiene Systems and Laoken Medical Technology are built on continuity, shared expertise and trust. They reflect the approach Atherton has taken to supporting customers and industry partners for more than a century.
We stand behind what we make, and what we supply.
If you’re reviewing your equipment partnerships, or simply want to better understand your options, we’re always happy to have a conversation.
Atherton is proud and excited to be a Silver Sponsor of the 2026 FSRACA National Conference, taking place on the Gold Coast from 30 September to 2 October 2026.
Theme – Waves of Innovation, Anchored in AS/NZS 5369:2023.
We look forward to connecting with delegates and supporting an event focused on innovation, excellence, and best practice in reprocessing. Please come and visit us at Stand 17 to meet the team and learn more about our latest solutions.
Shaun Mitchell
Shaun Mitchell retired earlier this year after contributing 22 years of dedicated service to Atherton in NSW.
Shaun was a valuable member of the team, fostering growth and building strong relationships with customers throughout his time with the company. The NSW team celebrated with a farewell lunch.
We’re sure he will be greatly missed, but we hope he enjoys a well-deserved rest and many exciting adventures ahead.
George Karakaltsas
Another employee with 22 years of dedicated service with Atherton, George Karakaltsas from our Victoria team is also retiring and beginning an exciting new chapter.
George started his journey with Atherton as a Service Technician and went on to contribute across many important areas of the business, including as Service Manager, Validation Officer, and most recently on the factory floor in assembly.
With his extensive knowledge as an electrician, George has been a valued source of technical expertise and practical support for both colleagues and customers. He has been fiercely popular with his peers and customers alike, and his contribution to Atherton will be remembered with great appreciation.
Today, we lead the way in sterilisation, heating and precision systems that are designed to meet the highest standards. Our passionate team ensures every product is built for quality, ease of use and long term performance.
A morning tea was held in his honour with Atherton staff.
We’ve heard from many of our valued customers asking about the Atherton CSSD Study Days, so we wanted to provide an update.
In 2026, Atherton has taken a short break from hosting our Study Days.
We’re pleased to confirm that Atherton Study Days will return in 2027.
Dates and further details will be announced soon.
Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to welcoming you back to Atherton Study Days in 2027.
Location: Gold Coast, QLD
Dates: 30 September–1 October 2026
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Dates: 14–15 October 2026
Location: Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, QLD
Dates: 8–11 November 2026
Location: Dubai, UAE
Dates: 25–28 January 2027
Location: Darwin, NT
Dates: 14–16 June 2027
Location: Darwin
Dates: September 2027
Location: Noosa, QLD
Dates: 16–17 October 2027
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Dates: 8 –11 November 2027
For more than 137 years, Atherton has been proudly Australian owned and operated, designing and manufacturing world-class Sterilizers and Disinfectors here in Australia.
Our new Australian Made & Owned icon has been created specifically for Atherton to represent this heritage, and our ongoing commitment to Australian design, manufacturing, skilled local people and the medical equipment industry we serve.
As the only Australian owned and manufactured company in our sector, we’re proud to continue making a difference from Australia, for healthcare professionals around the world.
Location: Gold Coast, QLD
Dates: 30 September–1 October 2026
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Dates: 14–15 October 2026
Location: Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, QLD
Dates: 8–11 November 2026
Location: Dubai, UAE
Dates: 25–28 January 2027
Location: Darwin, NT
Dates: 14–16 June 2027
Location: Darwin
Dates: September 2027
Location: Noosa, QLD
Dates: 16–17 October 2027
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Dates: 8 –11 November 2027
