News - December 2024 - AWCI Australia E-news

Message from Simon Tengende, CEO of AWCI Australia - December 2024

Contractors are the backbone of this industry!

As we wrap up 2024 and look to the opportunities of 2025, I encourage everyone to take a moment to enjoy the blessings of the season.

Over the past three months, I’ve prioritized engaging directly with our members and industry stakeholders. Whether through this letter or face-to-face meetings with contractors, suppliers, and partners, these interactions have provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping our industry. These conversations have sharpened our focus and reinforced the importance of aligning AWCI Australia’s work with the needs of our members.

CEO - Simon and Phil Cooymans (AWCI Australia Director) with Lyndon from Hopkins Plaster

Reflecting on 2024, it’s clear that we’ve been operating in a complex and demanding business environment. Rising costs, labor shortages, and economic uncertainty have tested the resilience of businesses across our sector. At the same time, the economy has highlighted a divide: strong public sector growth buoyed by government spending versus a private sector struggling with tightening margins and reduced productivity. This dynamic underscores the importance of a strong, unified industry voice advocating for your priorities.

AWCI-944 The transition to AWCI Australia’s centralized national model is a pivotal step in how we deliver value to you. By consolidating resources and focusing on unified services, we’re better positioned to provide targeted advocacy, enhance technical standards, and streamline support. At the heart of this effort are the Big 5 Member Benefits: Networking & Events, Technical support, Training and CPD, Industry representation and tailored business solutions designed to deliver measurable value and help navigate contracting challenges.

Simon with Andrew Vale, Wall and Ceiling Institute Trainer

One message has come through loud and clear in my conversations: contractors are the backbone of this industry. Your voice is critical—not just in shaping AWCI Australia’s future but in driving the broader industry conversation. Now is the time to strengthen our collective voice by bringing others into the fold. Our offer is clear, our benefits tangible, and together we can build a stronger, more influential network.

Looking ahead, 2025 will be a year of action. Guided by your feedback, we’ll focus on delivering practical solutions like enhanced training access, updated technical resources, and advocacy to reduce regulatory burdens. These initiatives are designed to improve efficiency, manage costs, and position your business for success. Look out for the Summer edition of On the Surface, enjoy the read and we welcome your feedback.

As we continuously highlight, AWCI Australia is here to be your trusted partner, and I’m excited about the opportunities we’ll create together in the year ahead. Thank you for your ongoing support. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year—let’s make 2025 a year of growth and achievement for you and our industry.

Simon Tengende
CEO, AWCI Australia

SU2412-Summer_COVER On the Surface Issue 64, Summer 2024

Explore Kaine’s Plastering’s award-winning South Terrace House, meet Ross and Cathy Currie from Comcraft Constructions, and relive the AWCI Australia 76th National Conference highlights. Dive in now!

AWCI NZ - Insight Magazine December 2024 Edition Insight Magazine AWCI NZ

New Suspended Ceiling COP! Stay updated with the latest movements in the wall and ceiling industry in New Zealand from our mates AWCI NZ. Read more

Scientists have turned your old carpet into super-strong concrete blocks

It might sound strange, but Australian engineers from RMIT University are turning this surprising idea into reality. By weaving old carpet fibres into concrete, researchers have developed a mix that’s tougher, longer-lasting, and more sustainable.

InfraBuild boosts safety and efficiency through robotic innovation

InfraBuild has installed an advanced robotic system at its Sydney Rolling Mill to improve safety, efficiency and data accuracy. The system automates the process of tagging finished steel products, ensuring accurate specification, certification and manufacturing data.

Could your boss ban drinking non-alcoholic beers on the job?

We all know cracking a cold one on-site isn’t exactly standard workplace practice.

But when it comes to downing non-alcoholic booze on the tools, the debate over whether it’s harmless or out of line is fizzing up more than a poorly poured pint.

Financial incentives needed as apprentice numbers dry up

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the state’s top not-for-profit business organisation, sounded the alarm last week after recently released figures revealed a 38 per cent drop in apprenticeship and traineeship commencements in 2024-25 compared to the previous year.

Frankston Hospital redevelopment reaches milestone

The $1.1 billion Frankston Hospital redevelopment has hit a milestone, with the external façade of the new clinical services tower now complete!

Changes for businesses from 1 January 2025

As 2024 ends and 2025 begins, there are some changes that your business should be aware of.

GRANT: TradeStart Network

The TradeStart network assists small and medium sized exporters to achieve long term success in international markets.

Been drinking and your heart’s fluttering? You may have ‘holiday heart’

It’s the time of year for workplace Christmas parties, and gatherings with family and friends. Maybe you’ll drink a lot in one go. Then you feel your heart beating fast or irregularly. Maybe there’s a flutter in your chest or neck, or you're dizzy or short of breath. You may have “alcohol-induced atrial arrhythmia”.

Falling short on safety won’t keep you secure working at heights

Victoria’s construction industry has been placed under a safety spotlight after a string of serious incidents involving workers falling from heights.

“So clever”: DIY-ers are loving this $2 Bunnings Christmas decoration hack

Check out Burnings's tutorial on Instagram for creating giant candy canes using a budget-friendly item starting at just $2.35.

Twinkle your way to a smart Christmas display with these high-tech lighting ideas

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to finally flick the switch on your home’s festive cheer!

Blokes and the bush: All about the Jerkyls

Want to go racing but don’t have the funds? Race your mates for glory rather than sheep stations? Then head down to a vintage dirt track meeting and talk to the Jerkyls – a crew who know how to get sideways

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December 2024 - AWCI Australia E-news

Message from Simon Tengende, CEO of AWCI Australia - December 2024