Dear Members and Colleagues,

It is with a heavy heart that I reach out to you today. Recently, our industry suffered an unimaginable loss when a valued worker tragically lost his life in a workplace accident. This devastating event is a sobering reminder of the inherent risks in the work we do every day, and the critical importance of making safety our highest priority. This matter is now in the hands of the authorities, and we won't be commenting any further.

As we come together to mourn this loss, I encourage us all to take a moment to reflect on the seriousness of the situation. This is a time to support one another, to stand with our colleagues, and to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and co-workers who have been impacted.

October is National Safety Month, and this tragedy underscores just how vital it is for each of us to play our part in ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in our industry. Whether you are on a job site, managing a team, or overseeing a project, I urge you to take a close look at your current safety practices. We must continuously ask ourselves: Are we doing everything we can to protect ourselves and those around us?

Let’s remember that workplace safety is not just a set of rules—it's a shared responsibility. It’s about making sure that every worker returns home safely to their loved ones at the end of the day.

Let’s get around each other in the days and weeks ahead. Share your experiences, support your peers, and be mindful of the risks that surround us. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that we remain vigilant and proactive in promoting a culture of safety within our industry.

Let’s honour those who have been affected by this tragedy by redoubling our commitment to safety.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

Warm regards,

Perry Richardson
President, AWCI Australia