Welcome to the April edition of the AWCI Australia fortnightly E-News for 2025!

At AWCI Australia, we've laid the foundation for a strong future. With our Board, State Advisory & Technical Committees firmly in place, and our member value proposition clearly established, we're now finalising key national initiatives including the Excellence Awards and the Apprentice Challenge.

An important change this year: all Excellence Awards entrants must now be financial members of AWCI Australia, and apprentices must hold a current (and free) apprentice membership, easily available via our website. We also encourage TAFEs and training institutions specialising in wall and ceiling trades to engage actively in our Apprentice Challenge.

As Australia's peak body for plastering and the broader wall and ceiling industry, AWCI Australia has begun discussions with governments in Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia to introduce industry-wide voluntary CPD and apprentice mentoring programs—essential steps toward achieving national occupational licensing.

Finally, we warmly welcome new members to join our growing community, and we encourage our current members to "bring a mate" to strengthen our collective voice. Together, let's build a respected, trusted association that ensures our trade receives the recognition and respect it deserves.

Welcome to Project X AWCI Partnership Program – A New Era in Business and Life

  We are excited to introduce Project X AWCI Partnership Program – Business and Life Less Ordinary, Without Doing Extraordinary Things, a game-changing coaching program designed specifically for AWCI members like you. This program is built on the core principles of the 1000 Days to a Life Less Ordinary framework and Project X’s Cash Mechanic program, both of which have already helped hundreds of business owners transform their work, life, and freedom.

Here’s what makes this partnership program different:

Simple. Real. Proven.
This program isn't about fluff. It’s about building a business that gives you freedom, profit, and a life you actually want. We teach real-world business mechanics in a way that makes sense for plasterers and wall/ceiling contractors – no suits, no jargon.

3 Days a Week, 300K Profit Model

We aim to get you working just 3 days a week while generating $300,000 profit per year. It's bold – and it’s possible. It’s already happening for others in our program.

Tiered Coaching Access – You Choose Your Pace
Whether you’re just getting started or you’re ready to scale, we’ve got a level that suits you. From foundational support to elite leadership training, each tier builds your skills, systems, and confidence.

AWCI Members Get VIP Access

This isn’t just another coaching program – it’s a full toolkit and support system to help you build a business and a life on your terms. Because AWCI members are doers. You don’t need more noise. You need a clear plan and someone who’s got your back.

We’re Launching With a Bang

Our first official PX x AWCI partnership intake opens soon. You’ll get access to the best tools, the best coaches, and a no-BS plan that works.

You’ll also get invited to our live launch event and community welcome night. Bring your questions, your challenges, and your ambitions.

Let us help you build a business that works for you – not the other way around.

Yours in business and life,

Peter Wrench

Founder, Project X Academy

Official Coaching Partner of AWCI Australia

Find more information on Novated Leasing HERE or visit our website at awci.org.au

If you are taking a break during the easter holidays, the Board and staff of AWCI Australia wish all our members and industry partners in the wall and ceiling industry a joyful and relaxing holiday with family and friends 🌸🐰 

AWCI Australia E-News

We calculated how much Dutton’s excise cut would save you on fuel – and few will save as much as promised

The opposition has unveiled its response to Labor’s A$17 billion “top-up” tax cuts outlined in Tuesday night’s federal budget: cheaper fuel for Australians.

Shuttered car factories in Australia could be repurposed to make houses faster and cheaper

Australia is in the grip of a severe housing shortage. Many people are finding it extremely difficult to find a place to live in the face of rising rents and property price surges. Homelessness is rising sharply. Tent cities are becoming more common.

Save even more on fuel with a Shell Card - AWCI Member exclusive offer!

• 8 cents discount per litre for the first 6 months
• No card fee’s for the first 12 months
• Streamlined fuel tracking for business expenses.
• Easy online account management to monitor your fleet’s fuel usage.

28 April is World Day for Safety and Health (World Day) and Workers’ Memorial Day

On this Workers’ Memorial Day, we honour the lives lost from work-related injuries and illnesses with solemn remembrance. 

We also honour those lives by ensuring our WHS system remains relevant and flexible in a changing WHS landscape. Workplace safety must be at the forefront of designing work around climate change

Managing Fatigue in the Workplace

Fatigue is a major workplace safety risk that can impact productivity, decision-making, and employee wellbeing. Small businesses, where employees often juggle multiple responsibilities, are particularly vulnerable to fatigue-related risks.

Why do I get headaches when I exercise, even when I drink lots of water?

Getting a headache during or after exercise can be seriously frustrating – especially if you have kept hydrated to try and stop them from happening.

Menthol cigarettes will be banned from April 1. Here’s why – and what else is changing

New laws come into effect in Australia today that change the look, ingredients, and packaging of tobacco products.

Prevent disputes by staying within the law

The best way to manage disputes is by preventing them. By maintaining an honest reputation, you'll not only safeguard your business, but save yourself time, money, and unnecessary headaches.

Non-compete clauses make it too hard to change jobs. Banning them for millions of Australians is a good move

The Labor government used this week’s budget to announce it plans to ban non-compete agreements for employees on less than A$175,000 per year, a move that will affect about 3 million Australian workers.

Protect your business and staff from cyber threats

Protecting your business from cyberthreats is crucial. Scams, email attacks, and malicious software can cost a lot of time and money. They can also compromise your sensitive data and reputation.

Free advice on how to manage your debts

The Small Business Debt Helpline is a free service for small business owners to help manage their debts.

AWCI Australia acknowledges that the articles included in the e-news are sourced from industry partners and industry publications

Your Industry. Your Association