We are making significant progress towards nationalising with all State members now transitioned to AWCI Australia. Those members that have logged onto the website can now enjoy the benefits and services available including booking all the upcoming events online. I have also begun engaging and discussing with our partners and sponsors the opportunities presented with the national model. If you are ready to kick off these sponsorship chats, please reach out otherwise I am not too far from contacting you.

I also thought I would address some specific questions in this issue that members and industry colleagues have shared. 

Are You a Financial Member? 

I’ve had a few calls asking, “Am I a member of AWCI Australia?” Here’s the simple answer:

✅ If you paid your state membership in 2024, you’ve now transitioned to AWCI Australia’s national membership.

❌ If you haven’t paid your 2024 dues, you are not a financial member. If you’re receiving this and haven’t renewed, go to the website and sign up today to stay connected and access your benefits.

Industry Update – Where Are We Heading To?

The RBA’s recent interest rate cut was a positive step, but many of you have shared that business has been slow to start the year in some States. There’s a definite wash-through effect from last year whether it was picking up or slowing down, and while early-year lulls are normal, we were all hoping for stronger stimulus beyond election promises across the States.

To make sure our industry’s voice is heard and we can influence favourable outcomes for our members, AWCI Australia is actively engaged in key national and state-level policy discussions. These currently include:

✅  Committee member with Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI)

on the following committee’s:

• Small Business Committee
• Workplace Policy Committee
• Employment & Skills Committee

✅ Queensland Government – Building Ministerial Advisory Group.

✅ Victoria Government – Building, Construction, Mining & Property Advisory Group (Victoria Skills Authority).

✅ South Australia – Construction & Mining Skills Council. 

Our goal is to influence decisions that impact your business, industry workforce, industry standards and regulations. If you have concerns or insights to share about any issue or opportunity across the above or other areas, please reach out to me —we’re here to represent you.

How do I get more involved? (Have Your Say!)

As a member to AWCI Australia, you have a number of opportunities to be involved whether it be to contribute to the Industry, network & engage with fellow colleagues or for personal development. Explore the website for these opportunities as well as look out for the Autumn On the Surface edition for what’s happening at AWCI Australia.

We have some events coming up in the next couple of months in each state, these events present an opportunity to hear of the progress in nationalising as well as other updates.

These include finalizing our governance structure, we are still accepting expressions of interest for:

📌 State Advisory Committees (QLD, WA, SA, TAS & NSW)
📌 National Technical Committee, which in 2025 will focus on:

• Delivering updated industry technical information
• Addressing key industry issues
• Informing members through technical articles

If you want to contribute to the future of AWCI and the industry, now’s the time to step up!

Need Help or Want to Refer a Mate?

The AWCI website is your go-to source for updates, training, and membership details. If you know someone who could benefit from membership or training, pass on our hotline: 1800 313 110.

Let’s make 2025 a strong year for our industry. As always, reach out if you have any questions or need support!

CEO, AWCI Australia

AWCI Australia E - News

Big changes are coming to HECS and home loan rules. Here’s what it means for buyers and builders

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has ordered regulators to tweak the way banks assess HECS-HELP debt this week, making it easier for first-home buyers to secure a mortgage... This shift could help smaller developers secure funding to kick-start projects without requiring all apartments to be sold before construction even begins....“This is a sensible first step in encouraging more investment into the industry and tackling housing supply and affordability challenges,” said CEO Denita Wawn, Master Builders Australia. 

Engineered stone is banned, but is it too late for Aussie workers?

It’s now no secret that tradies working alongside engineered stone have been unknowingly risking their lives for years. But a new study from Monash University has exposed just how widespread and deadly the problem has become.

Construction firm fined $200k after dodgy asbestos dumping

A NSW construction company has been hit with a $200,000 fine after being found guilty of providing false information to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) during an illegal dumping investigation.

Hidden danger still lurking beneath the surface for QLD flood victims

After weeks of torrential rain and widespread flooding, the dangers are sadly not yet over for North Queensland homeowners. Experts have now issued urgent warnings to residents in flood-affected areas about the heightened risk of encountering asbestos during the cleanup process.

Five times faster than a bricklayer? Perth’s first 3D-printed home is here

Imagine rocking up to a job site and seeing a robot laying down walls instead of a team of brickies. Sounds like something from the future, right? 

Well, it’s already happening in Perth’s northern suburbs, where a 3D-printed home is going up in Tapping—the first of its kind in Western Australia.

Top grants and programs to boost your business in 2025

Governments at various levels have available a range of grants, subsidies, programs and tax incentives designed to stimulate and support business success.

ATO Due Dates

Key lodgment and payment dates for clients of registered agents for 2024–25, listed by month.

Look out for the next big sales in Australia in 2025!

Governments at various levels have available a range of grants, subsidies, programs and tax incentives designed to stimulate and support business success. 

Look out for your invitation to the upcoming AWCI Australia events, make sure you RSVP!

TAS Annual General Meeting - Wednesday 26 February 2025
10.00 AM at Verge Hotel Conference Room, 50 Tamar St, Launceston, TAS 7250

SA Member Catch-Up -  Friday 28 February 2025
4.00 - 7.00 PM,  Rex Hotel, 172 Richmond Rd, Marleston, SA 5033

QLD Member Catch-Up - Wednesday 12 March 2025
3.30 pm - 7 pm, Fitzy's Loganholme, Bryants Rd &, Pacific Hwy,
Loganholme, QLD 4129

WA Member Catch-Up - Thursday 6 March 2025
3:30 - 6.30 PM, Crown Perth, Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood, WA 6100

Unlock AWCI Wellness Program with Wellness Expert - Kyah O'Connor

Access the AWCI Australia (Member exclusive) Wellness Program by signing into your member account on our website awci.org.au