Message from the CEO

    Welcome to 2025!

   I hope the holiday season allowed you to reconnect with family, indulge in some well-deserved rest, and soak up those summer vibes that help in setting the tone for a great year ahead. As we welcome 2025, I encourage you to fill your cup with positivity and optimism-we’ve got an exciting year in store!

Quick recap - 2024 

Last year marked significant progress here at AWCI Australia. Here’s a snapshot of our achievements:

• Transition to National model: We incorporated and set up AWCI Australia ltd as the peak national body for the industry. There was overwhelming consensus for this direction by the Board representatives of the states, manufacturers and industry partners over a long period of time.
• Vote to be part of the National model: After consultation with members – Vic, WA, SA, Qld, and Tasmania voted to join AWCI Australia. Members from these states are now being transitioned to the national membership – visit awci.org.au to view the new AWCI Australia website and our offer. Contractors from all states are welcome to be part of the national model – become part of something bigger today.
• National Conference: As the united voice of the wall and ceiling industries, we were able to deliver a conference at SeaWorld in November. We can only build from our first effort, so look out for information on the 77^th Conference in 2026.
• Apprentice Challenge: The 2024 apprentice challenge proved again that this is one of the centrepieces of Industry event. Not only did we interact with and observe the future of the industry, but we also had the opportunity to truly appreciate what a great trade plastering is. 

 Looking Forward to 2025

Member Jungle: We are excited to announce the launch of our new Member Jungle CRM and Website in February, however, the website is live as of now. Member Jungle is designed to be your one-stop shop for all AWCI Australia services and products, offering a seamless and user-friendly experience. 

As we transition all members from the states to this system, I encourage you to log in as soon as you receive your welcome email. Take a moment to explore the platform and its many features. Most importantly, please ensure your personal and company details are up to date. This will ensure you don’t miss out on key updates, event information, or member-exclusive offers tailored to your needs. Member Jungle is here to make engaging with AWCI Australia members easier and more effective than ever—so take full advantage of what’s on offer!

Federal Election: This year promises to be a pivotal one for the industry, with the federal election providing a critical opportunity to influence policy decisions that directly impact our members. AWCI Australia has already commenced discussions with both sides of politics to ensure our industry’s voice is heard and our priorities are addressed.

Our advocacy efforts are centred on key issues, including:

• Funding for Apprenticeships and Skills Development.
• Passive Fire Protection.
• Suspended Ceilings.
• Seismic Requirements.

These priorities reflect our member sentiments, if you feel that an area of our industry or issue is not represented, please get in touch with me through my email ceo@awci.org.au

State Advisory Committee’s: I am also delighted to share that we have officially launched the Expression of Interest process for representatives on the AWCI Australia State Advisory Committees (SACs). These state-based committees will play a vital role in shaping the future of our industry by providing strategic guidance, fostering collaboration, and addressing the unique needs of our members and stakeholders at both state and national levels. The SACs will act as a crucial bridge, ensuring that state-specific concerns and priorities are effectively communicated to the National Board for consideration and action.

Please find the letter of invitation to nominate and the Expression of Interest to be emailed to ceo@awci.org.au. Below are the key dates for the first SAC meetings:

• Victoria: 31 January 2025
• Tasmania: 26 February 2025
• South Australia: 28 February 2025
• Western Australia: 6 March 2025
• Queensland: 12 March 2025

I look forward to receiving your nomination and seeing you at the first SAC meeting in your state.

Looking ahead: As we step into 2025, I encourage you to make the most of our BIG 5 member services to ensure a successful and fulfilling year. The 1800 313 110 helpline remains your essential connection to technical support and member services, providing expert guidance whenever you need it. Whether you’re planning for personal growth or professional success, our tailored business solutions are here to support you every step of the way.

Finally, I encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities and services we’ve worked hard to provide. Whether it’s engaging through the Member Jungle platform, connecting with your State Advisory Committee, or benefiting from the BIG 5 member services, this year is all about supporting your success and strengthening our industry. Here’s to a prosperous and impactful year ahead!