In our industry, we talk often about value, vision, and validation — but there’s another “V” word that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: Volunteering. Recently at the AWCI Awards to members present, I thanked our members noting they were the lifeblood and heartbeat of an association, I meant this.

For, behind every thriving association, every well-run event, and every evolving industry standard, you’ll find the beating heart of volunteers — people who give their time, experience, and energy not for money, but for something greater: the good of the trade, the growth of their peers, and the pride of being part of something meaningful.
At AWCI Australia, our volunteers are the unsung heroes who shape the direction of our industry — from our Board and State Advisory Committees to mentors, inspectors, and event helpers. Yet, the spirit of volunteering itself runs far deeper than any committee role. It represents one of humanity’s oldest traditions of shared responsibility, generosity, and community-building.

This edition of the CEO Bulletin is dedicated to exploring the history, meaning, and modern-day importance of volunteering — and how each of us can play a role in strengthening AWCI Australia through our own acts of service.

A Brief History of Volunteering
Volunteering is as old as human civilisation. Long before the concept had a name, communities worked together to survive and prosper. Neighbours helped neighbours harvest crops, build homes, and care for the sick — not out of obligation, but from a shared understanding that the wellbeing of one contributes to the wellbeing of all.

In ancient Rome, citizens volunteered to maintain roads and public buildings; in medieval guilds, craftsmen gave time to train apprentices and care for members in hardship. In the 19th century, the idea of philanthropy and civic service began to take institutional form — through the creation of hospitals, libraries, and charities funded and staffed by volunteers.
During the world wars, volunteering took on new meaning — from women in munitions factories to the Red Cross and countless local efforts supporting soldiers and displaced families. After the wars, the idea of volunteering evolved from emergency aid to social contribution — the concept that individuals could shape society not only through work, but through service.

By the 20th century, volunteering had become part of the global social fabric — from service clubs like Rotary and Lions, to community organisations, sporting clubs, and professional associations like AWCI.
Today, in an era where time is scarce and attention fragmented, volunteering remains a powerful act of connection — a counterbalance to isolation, and a reaffirmation of what binds communities and industries together.

Why Volunteering Still Matters
In a world of algorithms and automation, volunteering stands as a deeply human act — a reminder that progress doesn’t happen only in boardrooms or apps, but in communities built by people who care enough to show up.

In our industry, plasterers, manufacturers, and suppliers face new challenges — regulation, cost pressures, and skill shortages. Yet, the solution doesn’t rest in a single office or government program. It lives in collective effort — members who choose to lend their expertise, share insights, and mentor the next generation.
Without volunteers, associations like AWCI would struggle to stay connected, relevant, and responsive. Volunteers form our committees, advise our strategies, and guide our culture. They ensure that our policies reflect the reality of the trade, not just the theory.

Volunteering and Low-Resourced Organisations
Associations like AWCI Australia operate in a delicate balance — we are small in staff size but large in purpose. Every day, we advocate for Licensing, standards, deliver training, run events, and connect members nationwide.
But no matter how capable the staff, an association without active members is just an office. True industry representation comes from the voices, time, and wisdom of members who step forward. Volunteers extend our capacity. They are the engine behind our reach and credibility — whether it’s a committee shaping technical guidance, a board member providing governance, or an experienced tradesperson mentoring a young apprentice.
Volunteers also bring real-world experience. When members participate, they ensure AWCI’s work stays practical, grounded, and relevant. They bridge the gap between policy and practice. In short, volunteers are not “extra hands” — they are the lifeblood and heartbeat of an industry organisation-of AWCI Australia.

The Personal Benefits of Volunteering
While volunteering benefits the organisation, it also rewards the individual in countless ways. Research — and lived experience — shows that giving your time can profoundly impact your personal and professional growth.
Here are seven key benefits of volunteering, particularly within professional and trade associations like AWCI Australia:

1. Fulfilment and Purpose

Few things feel better than knowing your time and expertise are helping others. Whether you’re guiding an apprentice, contributing to a committee, or helping at an event, volunteering delivers a sense of satisfaction that no pay cheque can replicate.
Volunteering reminds us why we started in this industry in the first place — to build, create, and contribute to something lasting.

2. Building Relationships and Meeting Like-Minded People

Volunteering is one of the best ways to expand your network naturally. When you volunteer, you meet people with shared values, goals, and experiences. These connections often evolve into lifelong friendships, business partnerships, or even mentorships.
Within AWCI, volunteers form a powerful community of professionals who care deeply about the craft, the standards, and the people behind the walls and ceilings of Australia.

3. Contributing to Something Bigger

In a trade where most work away from the spotlight, volunteering gives visibility to your contribution in shaping the industry itself. You’re not just building walls; you’re building an industry legacy.
Every contribution — from helping review a technical document to speaking at an apprentice challenge — adds a brick to the collective structure of our profession.

4. Developing Leadership and New Skills

Volunteering isn’t just giving — it’s growing. Through AWCI roles, you’ll learn governance, public speaking, event coordination, strategic thinking, and teamwork.
Many of our most effective board members and business owners trace their leadership confidence back to early volunteer roles — moments when they stepped up, spoke out, and discovered new strengths.

5. Enhancing Career and Business Credibility

Being active in AWCI shows commitment to the trade and professionalism. Clients, builders, and peers notice when you’re involved in improving the industry.
Volunteering positions you as a leader and role model, not just a contractor or supplier. It demonstrates integrity, credibility, and contribution — traits that build trust and open doors.

6. Sense of Belonging and Community

The trades can be isolating — long hours, tight deadlines, and dispersed job sites. Volunteering reconnects you with a community of peers who understand the same challenges and victories.
In AWCI, volunteering means belonging to something bigger than your own business. It’s being part of a movement that celebrates craftsmanship, safety, and pride.

7. Achievement and Recognition

Volunteers don’t do it for applause — but recognition is a natural by-product of contribution. From award nominations to leadership roles, many of AWCI’s most respected members started by simply raising their hand to help.
Whether it’s seeing your ideas influence policy or watching an apprentice you mentored win an award — the sense of achievement is immense.

How Volunteers Strengthen AWCI Australia
Let’s be clear — AWCI’s success is directly tied to its members’ willingness to contribute.
Every national initiative — from the Apprentice Challenge to the Awards, from advocacy submissions to member services — relies on the collective energy of members who step forward.
Volunteering at AWCI isn’t about meetings for the sake of meetings. It’s about creating real outcomes that shape the future of our industry. Here’s how our volunteers make an impact:
1. Board Members
Our Board is made up of volunteers who guide the organisation’s direction, uphold good governance, and ensure AWCI’s decisions reflect member priorities.
Board service is one of the most powerful ways to influence national strategy, represent your peers, and ensure the voice of the industry stays strong and unified.

2. State Advisory Committees (SACs)
Each state has its own SAC — a group of industry leaders, contractors, and suppliers who discuss regional challenges, share insights, and provide advice to the AWCI CEO & Board.
These committees shape our advocacy priorities and inform decisions that affect licensing, compliance, training, and more.
Joining a SAC gives you a voice in how AWCI represents your state and the broader industry. Look out for nominations to the SAC on our website.

3. Mentors/Mentoring
The plastering industry is only as strong as its apprentices. Our volunteer mentors will play a crucial role in guiding the next generation — offering advice, sharing experience, and providing encouragement when it matters most. If you are interested in mentoring apprentices or other contractors stating in business or help them on their way, please contact AWCI Australia and register as a mentor.
Mentoring is a direct way to leave a legacy and ensure our craft remains respected and relevant.

4. Event Volunteers
From the AWCI Awards and Apprentice Challenge to golf days, conferences, and local events — volunteers bring the energy, organisation, and community spirit that make these gatherings possible.
Every smiling face at registration, every interview at the Blue Carpet, and every organised table setting — all come from members giving their time to make AWCI events memorable.

Volunteering as a Two-Way Street
One of the most beautiful aspects of volunteering is that everyone benefits. The organisation gains capacity, energy, and diversity of thought — while the volunteer gains personal growth, recognition, and connection.
Volunteering is also contagious. When members see their peers involved, they are more likely to join in. This ripple effect creates a culture of participation — one that keeps AWCI dynamic, relevant, and forward-looking.
We’ve seen it time and again: members who start by helping with an event go on to join a committee, then the Board, and ultimately become national leaders shaping the industry’s future.

Volunteering in Modern Times: Why It’s Needed More Than Ever
Today, we live in an age of busyness. Everyone is stretched thin, balancing work, family, and constant digital noise. It’s easy to assume someone else will step up — but that’s how opportunities are lost.
Associations worldwide are facing the same challenge: fewer people volunteering, despite more people needing the benefits that associations deliver.
At AWCI, we’re changing that narrative. We’re making volunteering simpler, more flexible, and more rewarding. Whether you can give an hour a month or take on a structured leadership role, your contribution counts.
Volunteering today doesn’t mean long meetings or endless commitments. It means lending your experience when and where it matters most. You might help judge an apprentice challenge, share insights on a pricing survey, or join a short-term working group.
The future of volunteering is adaptive — and AWCI is proud to lead by example.

How You Can Get Involved
Volunteering opportunities are open to all AWCI Australia members — from apprentices to business owners.
If you’re interested in contributing, here are some ways to start:

• Join your State Advisory Committee (SAC) and share your insights on regional industry issues.
• Express interest in becoming a mentor for apprentices or early-career tradespeople.
• Offer to assist with events such as the Awards, Apprentice Challenge, or state golf days.
• Apply for a Board or working group position as vacancies arise.
• Share your expertise through technical input or member education initiatives.
• Participate in AWCI’s new Benchmarking and Industry Wellbeing Program — helping shape data and insight for the future of the trade.
• If you have an idea of how you can volunteer or are looking for an opportunity to that’s not listed here, reach out to me and we can expore other opportunities.

To express interest, simply email ceo@awci.org.au or call our 1800 313 110 number — we’ll connect you with opportunities that match your skills, interests, and availability.
There’s a role for everyone — from seasoned veterans to those just beginning their plastering journey.

A Personal Reflection
Having worked in associations and industry bodies for years, I’ve seen first-hand the power of volunteering. The most resilient organisations are those where members don’t just consume value — they create it together.
The same applies to AWCI. Our greatest strength lies in members who believe enough in the future of the trade to roll up their sleeves and get involved.
Volunteering is an act of optimism — it says, “I believe this industry has a future worth investing in.”
It’s also a form of leadership — not through titles or pay, but through action and example. Every volunteer, no matter the role, contributes to a stronger, more united, and more respected industry.

The Invitation
Volunteering is not a relic of the past — it’s the foundation of our future. It builds bridges between people, strengthens organisations, and fuels purpose in individuals.
As we look ahead to the next chapter of AWCI Australia — our 2026 Conference, the growth of our Blue Card program, and the continued evolution of our member services — we’ll need volunteers more than ever.
So here’s the invitation: be part of it. Join the conversation, lend your expertise, and help shape the future of our industry.
If you’ve ever thought about contributing — as a mentor, committee member, or event helper — this is your moment. We welcome you. We need you.
Because at the heart of AWCI Australia, behind every success story, there’s always someone who volunteered.
And maybe next time, that person will be you.