Case Study

A strategic step towards industry leadership 

From the outset, certification was approached as a long-term strategic initiative rather than a short-term compliance exercise. Internal discussions began almost two years before the audit, with the goal of building a structured, resilient operating model that could scale across multiple states and meet the increasing demands of clients in public and corporate spaces. 

The decision to pursue ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications was driven by several key factors: 

• A desire to strengthen client trust through third-party assurance 

• A need to differentiate from less-established operators in the space 

• A commitment to raising industry standards in high-risk, high-visibility environments 

• A focus on internal alignment to bring structure, consistency, and clarity to growing teams 

Certification has since positioned Dec the Malls as a leader in its field. The team believes they are the first company in the commercial installation sector to achieve triple ISO certification. 

Certification as a cultural catalyst 

Beyond external validation, the certification process played a significant role internally. Staff were engaged throughout, from refining procedures to shaping new ways of working. The process helped embed a culture of quality, safety, and environmental responsibility across the business. 

Rather than being seen as an administrative task, certification became a source of organisational pride and cohesion. Employees saw themselves as contributors to something more purposeful, with clearer systems and expectations. This engagement also created space for team members to raise improvement ideas and feel confident that their input would shape future operations. 

The audit experience with Southpac Certifications 

Dec the Malls selected Southpac Certifications to assess and certify their systems following a chance encounter with a LinkedIn webinar. From the initial enquiry through to certification, the process was smooth, professional, and constructive. 

Their Southpac auditor, Leslie McChesney, was praised for her clarity, practical approach, and collaborative style. The business already had well-developed systems in place, and the audit offered an opportunity to formally recognise that maturity while fine-tuning details through informed suggestions. 

The team appreciated Southpac’s consistency and the ability to work with the same auditor over time, which they believe will continue to add value in future surveillance audits. 

We’re proud to be ISO certified. It gives our clients confidence, strengthens our internal culture, and raises the bar for the whole industry.

– Kieren Colville, General Manager – Dec the Malls

Tangible benefits already evident 

Since certification, the benefits have been felt across the business: 

• Client confidence: Certification offers assurance to procurement teams and senior stakeholders, particularly in government and corporate sectors where accountability and risk management are essential
• Tender advantage: It provides an edge in competitive bids, particularly when dealing with clients who may not be familiar with the business
• Growth enablement: As the company expands into the eastern states, ISO certification supports entry into new markets and partnerships
• Internal structure and clarity: Systems are now more consistent across locations, allowing for smoother operations and onboarding
• Industry influence: The team hopes their achievement will inspire others in the sector to pursue certification, raising the bar for public safety and service quality across the board 

Looking ahead

Dec the Malls’ certification marks a significant milestone in their growth journey. It also sets the tone for what comes next. With a structured foundation, committed team, and growing national presence, the business is well positioned to continue leading both in creative delivery and operational excellence. 

Southpac Certifications is proud to have assessed and certified Dec the Malls’ systems and looks forward to continuing to work with the team as they build on this achievement.