Message from the CEO - June 2025

As the financial year draws to a close and the heaters crank up, things are heating up here at AWCI Australia too—on every front.

Licensing & Advocacy

We’ve kept the pressure on. Our occupational licensing framework is now being reviewed in QLD, TAS, VIC, and WA. The message is simple: our trade deserves recognition, structure, and a clear pathway forward. Check out the advocacy section on our website or drop us a line if you’ve got examples from the field—real stories help drive real change.

SAC’s
State Advisory Committees have been on fire lately (figuratively, of course):

• Tasmania hosted a great Industry Night that’s helped shape a submission to their Minister.
• Queensland is looking at seismic design and industry-wide knowledge gaps—more on that soon.
• Victoria enjoyed CSR’s hospitality while digging into licensing, warranties, and more.
• South Australia finalised their Golf Day and are gearing up for the 2025 Apprentice Challenge.
• Western Australia is writing back to the Premier who responded to our letter to him about licensing (as you do) and making sure industry voices are truly heard.

Mission 1000 & Membership
Membership numbers are on the rise—and it’s because of the great work you’re all doing out there. Flyers at resellers, chats on-site, good old word-of-mouth—it all adds up. If you’re not yet a member or haven’t renewed, now’s the time to get on board and help us build a future-proof industry.

Training & Industry Action
We’ve locked in new training partnerships (shoutout to SkillHire in WA!) and short courses are available in Vic through the Wall & Ceiling Institute, Passive Fire course in Qld through our partner NICS. The Wall & Ceiling Institute, led by Kim Prout continues to grow its footprint nationally what with the launch of our Training and Apprentice network. And we’ve just wrapped some great funding applications to support CPD for members & apprentice mentoring—fingers crossed.

New Member Perks (Yes, Perks!)
Launching July 1, we’ve added some awesome new benefits:

• TenderPlus – Need help writing tenders? These pros have your back.
• Revolution Printing – Member-only discounts for all your printing needs.
• AWCI Online Shop – Polo shirts, beanies, gauges and even socks (yep, thick winter socks).

Final Word
The Winter Edition of On the Surface is on its way. Check out the new Young Guns feature—and if you know a standout plasterer, send them our way for profiling.

Thanks for being part of something bigger. It’s your passion, pride and participation that’s helping move this industry forward—you should be proud.

Stay warm, stay connected,

Simon Tengende

Chief Executive Officer

AWCI Australia

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