Message from the CEO

It’s certainly ramped up at AWCI Australia this March!

After spending considerable time and effort over the past year laying the essential foundations for our unified national association, we're now seeing significant momentum across membership, advocacy, governance, and industry representation. Let me share some highlights of our recent activities and upcoming priorities:

Membership Integration & Engagement

Members from each state have now transitioned seamlessly into our national membership portal, and it’s fantastic to see so many logging in and actively exploring what's available. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive—many members are genuinely surprised by the quality and depth of resources, business solutions, and exclusive "BIG 5" offers available to them.

I’d like to issue a friendly challenge: bring a mate along! Tell your colleagues about our unified national approach and encourage them to become part of AWCI Australia. Membership is not just about being part of a community; it’s about actively shaping the future of our trade, enhancing industry standards, and ensuring plastering is trusted and respected.

If you haven’t logged on yet—check your inbox now, log in, and see firsthand what’s on offer. Be part of something bigger!

Advocacy & Industry Representation

Our advocacy efforts have noticeably intensified at both state and national levels. AWCI Australia is increasingly being acknowledged and trusted as the voice of the wall and ceiling industry, reflected in the rising number of invitations we've received to represent our trade alongside other respected professions.

We recently commenced important discussions with government representatives in Tasmania and Victoria, formally presenting our comprehensive Occupational Licensing Framework. It's crucial our industry, members, and government understand the five key pillars driving our licensing framework:

• Clear Legislative Framework
• Industry Standards and Quality Assurance
• Tailored Education and Professional Training
• Robust Compliance and Enforcement
• Proactive Stakeholder Engagement and Industry Advocacy

We will soon publish our framework with more information on our website, I urge you to visit the website to have a read, so we are all speak from the same script.

The upcoming Federal Election will offer further advocacy opportunities. Immediately following the election, we'll proactively engage the new government to emphasise the importance of occupational licensing and push for harmonisation nationally. Occupational licensing is one way we aim to address pressing industry challenges such as labour shortages, pricing pressures, and quality standards.

Governance & New Leadership Appointments

The AWCI Australia Board recently met in Melbourne for two intensive days to consolidate our strategic direction and confirm leadership positions. Our Directors generously volunteer their valuable time—fuelled by nothing but coffee and sandwiches—to ensure our industry's future is strong and sustainable.

We’re pleased to announce the newly endorsed Board positions:

• Perry Richardson Qld – Chairman
• Michael Langshaw Vic & Phil Cooymans SA – Deputy Chairs
• Clinton Steele Tas – Treasurer
• Paul Sultana WA – Director (WA)
• Kim Prout WA Life Member – Secretary
• Simon Tengende – National CEO

We warmly welcome Paul Sultana to the Board, bringing fresh energy, an incisive business mindset, and determination to achieve occupational licensing harmonisation nationally.

Additionally, the State Advisory Committees (SAC) are now fully operational in four states: VIC, TAS, SA, and WA, led by dedicated Chairs:

• Robbie Hudson (VIC)
• Rob Ferguson (TAS)
• Phil Cooymans (SA)
• Paul Sultana (WA)

A huge thank you to all SAC members. Your commitment, enthusiasm, and volunteer service are immeasurably valuable to the industry.

Technical Knowledge Base – TKB

One area AWCI Australia is committed to is elevating the Technical support offered to our members. The TKB is the backbone of our Contractors association and consists of;

• National Technical Committee
• 1800 Technical helpline
• Technical Guidelines Book (2025 version coming out soon)
• Technical Guidelines online database (AWCI Australia website)
• Wall & Ceiling rules book (In development)

We will continue to develop and evolve our technical offer so our members are supported when they are on the job.

I am also excited to announce the nominees to the National Technical Committee with a clear agenda for 2025. SAC's can nominate a representative to be an observer on the Technical committee. Kim Prout will Chair and convene this committee.

• Aidan Brisbane - CSR
• Ron Bissett – Knauf
• David Rodek – Siniat
• Dane Griffin – Rondo
• William Woo - James Hardie
• Kate Storer – Ramset
• Craig Bietola -NSW
• Glen Pring - Qld
• Jordan Bartlett – Vic
• Kim Prout – Chair/Convener

Looking Ahead – Business & Industry Outlook

The Federal Treasurer delivers the Budget on March 25th. AWCI Australia, through our membership with ACCI, will actively participate in the business committee’s review to evaluate how this budget impacts our members and the wider industry. We also highlight to members likely changes to payrolls soon with the following currently up for consultation through the ACCI. If you have any thoughts on the below, please email me directly or make a submission through the contact form on our website;

• Legislation will require employers to pay their employees’ super at the same time as their salary and wages.
  • Legislation to update penalties and charges for late or missed super payments.

Look out for the Autumn edition of "On The Surface" magazine where we have other industry news and updates likely to impact business and the industry. We also delve deeper into the five pillars that underpin our association’s future strategy.

A Value-Driven Membership

Remember, membership with AWCI Australia is exceptional value. By simply using the AWCI Australia Shell fuel card, many members are already saving enough annually to cover their entire membership subscription—and that’s just the start. There are numerous valuable offers yet to explore!

If you're already a member, now’s the time to bring a mate. Direct them to our website or have them call our 1800 number. We’re always ready to provide materials and information to help you clearly and confidently explain the association’s many benefits.

Final Thoughts

Our mission remains clear: ensuring we are a trusted and respected trade. Let’s all play our part in achieving this goal. Thank you for your continued support and active participation—let’s keep the momentum going and remember to bring a mate along!

Warm regards,

Simon Tengende
CEO | AWCI Australia