November 2024 - AWCI Australia E-news
25th November 2024
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Message from Simon Tengende, CEO of AWCI Australia |
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I want to thank everyone who attended the 76th Annual Conference! I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to connect with members, partners, and industry colleagues from across Australia, New Zealand, and the United States in the first few months of being in this role. These interactions reinforced the importance of Industry connections, collaboration, and vision as we continue our journey toward building a unified and robust national association. |
During the conference, I had the privilege of addressing attendees about the significance of focusing on the little things that form the foundation of a thriving national organisation. These "little things" are often what define who we are and what we stand for as an organisation. They include cultivating the right culture within our team—one that reflects inclusivity, openness, and mutual respect. By fostering these cultural elements, we ensure that our interactions with members are grounded in genuine care and understanding of their business challenges and needs. |
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A cornerstone of this approach is the commitment to having the conversations—even the difficult ones. Open dialogue is key to building and sustaining great relationships with our members, partners, and the wider industry. Our goal is to ensure that every member feels valued, heard, and supported as part of this association especially considering the challenges of the last few years. |
Valuing life-work balance is another small yet critical aspect that enables us to serve you better, we hope this extends to our members as it is critical to our mental and physical wellbeing. By maintaining balance, we create a predictable and consistent working environment that enhances our ability to deliver reliable services to you, our members. We have partnered with Wellness Guru Kyah O’Connor from Everything in Balance to develop a wellness program informed by common injuries and challenges faced in the trade including Musculoskeletal injuries. The program will focus on 5 key pillars of wellness– Mindfulness, Nutrition, Movement, Breathwork and Social supports. |
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As we approach the final stages of transitioning our state members to a national membership model, the excitement is palpable. The calibre of partners joining us to enhance our member proposition is truly inspiring, and their involvement further validates the strength and potential of our organisation. Some of you might have had the opportunity to listen and interact with our member services partners Marsh Insurance and Doyle’s construction lawyers at the Conference, these are just some of the service providers who stand ready to deliver business solutions to our National members. Keep an eye out as we will begin to introduce some of these services as members are transitioned to the national model. |
Look out for your State President’s final report to members too, which will detail the transition phases to the national structure. As always, if you have any questions or wish to discuss any industry subject, my door is open—your input is invaluable as we navigate this exciting phase of consolidating the foundation of our national Association for growth. |
Finally, as we approach the holiday season, I want to extend my warmest season’s greetings to you, your teams, crews, and families. Please take this time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the company of loved ones. Look after each other during this festive season, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the new year. |
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A quick reminder: our offices will be closed from December 23rd to January 6th. While you’re enjoying those hot summer days, don’t forget to check out the latest edition of On the Surface—a great read for the beach! |
As always, I’m open to any suggestions to make our industry and your association stronger. Thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to what we will achieve together in 2025. |
With Compliments of the Season, Simon Tengende |
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E-News |
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In this DIY video, you'll learn the Gyprock three-coat jointing system for setting Gyprock Plasterboard joints including internal and external corners. Watch the video. |
Can hot, dry weather increases the risk of plasterboard cracks? Dry, hot weather can lead to a variety of concerns, including higher energy bills and devastating bushfires. It can also lead to cracks appearing in built structures, sometimes overnight. Read more. |
Specifying the best glass for noise reduction explores the role of glazing in acoustic design and how different types of glazing products compare in terms of sound reduction performance. Read the report. |
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Rebuild of apprenticeship pathways vital to reach housing goals Experts say a major overhaul of the nation’s apprenticeship programs is essential to attract more young people into trades if Australia has any chance of solving the housing crisis. Top financial tools to build a successful small business Starting your own business is a lot like tackling a big job; you need the right tools, a solid blueprint, and a reliable team to get it done. A home-building recovery is in sight – if the government doesn’t screw it up As demand continues to grow and building activity picks up, experts are hopeful that residential construction can get back on its feet – if state policies get on board. Can a five-day week fix construction's work-life balance? Working practices in the construction industry have been labelled a relic of a bygone era – 64% of employees work more than 50 hours per week. Tradies lose ‘rain pay’ perks in government cost crackdown CFMEU members have had their union benefits suspended in an unprecedented crackdown on cost blowouts in Queensland’s major construction projects. |
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Your myGovID is now simply known as myID. Claiming tax deductions on client gifts Giving gifts to clients at the end of the year is always popular and may help you retain high value clients and generate more income for your business. |
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Warning as falling object risks send job-site safety plummeting Falling objects are a known risk on any job site, but health and safety regulators have come crashing down with a major warning about how dangerous these incidents can be. Homeowners urged to beware of ageing and deteriorating asbestos The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA) is calling on Australians to recognise the increasing dangers posed by ageing and deteriorating asbestos materials hidden within homes. National Asbestos Awareness Week This year, 25 November to 1 December is National Asbestos Awareness week, and every year, we are reminded of the crucial risk associated with asbestos exposure and the steps you need to continue to take to protect yourselves and your workers. Download checklist. |
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