Message from the CEO - October 2025

AWCI Awards 2025 – Celebrating Our Best

The AWCI Awards 2025 were a huge success. With 150 guests from all states, 80 project entries, and 9 award winners, including the Apprentice of the Year.

Congratulations to the winners: Residential Up to $100,000 - CK Ceilings (WA), Residential Over $100,000 & Commercial Up to $500,000 - Regno Plasterer (NSW), Commercial Over $500,000 & People's Choice Award - Hinton Linings (NSW), Decorative/Heritage - Perth Plaster Mouldings (WA), Facade - Hybrid Linings (WA), Specialist Linings - On Point Commercial Projects (QLD).

The standard of work and professionalism across every project was exceptional — a true reflection of our industry’s strength. Our state winners from the AWCI & Siniat Apprentice Challenge also took to the stage, all of them converging in Melbourne and showing us that the future of our trade is in great hands.

A massive thank-you to our sponsors — CSR Gyprock, Rondo, Siniat by Etex, Pro Plaster, BNE PlasterCo, and F.Vitale & Sons — for making the night possible. And a special thanks to Siniat by Etex for stepping up as the new national sponsor of the Apprentice Challenge. Your support drives the future of our workforce.

Apprentice Challenges – Raising the Bar

This year we ran Apprentice Challenges in five states — a huge undertaking and a fantastic success. Thank you to all sponsors, supporters, and State Advisory members who helped bring this to life. The new format is already proving itself, and we’ll aim to improve next year.

Farewell and Thanks to Perry Richardson

We also farewelled Perry Richardson, who wrapped up more than 30 years of contribution to AWCI. Perry’s leadership and commitment helped build the foundation we stand on today. On behalf of everyone at AWCI — thank you, Perry, enjoy more time for yourself, you deserve it!

Looking ahead, Michael Langshaw and Phil Cooymans will Co-Chair AWCI Australia, Paul Sultana as Deputy Chair and Rob Ferguson as Treasurer supported by Kim Prout as Board Secretary. This team brings strong industry experience and a shared focus on growth and unity.

New Premises, New Energy

This month marks a major step forward — we commence our move from our Springvale training centre for the last 5 years to a new, purpose-built training space for the Wall and Ceiling Institute. Our Port Melbourne training facility, developed in partnership with K8 and Siniat by Etex, gives us a modern, practical space to train apprentices and contractors.

We also move the AWCI Australia head offices to 75 Lorimer Street, Docklands from the shared Springvale space. The corporate offices are modern and conveniently located in Docklands where 3 major Melbourne freeways converge in the city. The offices complement our national profile as well as being the future focused face of our Association. These changes are part of the next chapter in nationalising — stronger, visible, and better connected. The Board and I have been careful and strategic in making sure this move is within the same expense bracket as Springvale. Our partnership with K8 and Siniat has been critical in achieving this. Thank you again.

The Blue Card Program – Lifting Standards

We’ve officially launched the Blue Card Program, starting with a pilot in Western Australia at the beginning of October. Already the top ceiling companies in Perth have signed up to have their workers assessed to take up the blue card.

This initiative is about raising standards and building respect in a trade that remains unlicensed and unregulated in most states. The Blue Card will help us identify who’s working in the industry, what training they’ve done, and where the gaps are. It’s a start, and as an industry body, we are doing something about it. If we want our industry to be respected, we must respect ourselves — and this program is one way of doing that.

State Committees and Member Growth

Across the country, our State Advisory Committees (SACs) are doing great work to engage members and strengthen local networks. Visit the AWCI website to see what your SAC is doing and how you can get involved. As always, we encourage everyone to bring a mate on board. If you know a contractor, supplier, or apprentice who isn’t a member yet — invite them in. The more members we have, the stronger our collective voice becomes.

Looking Ahead

We’ve released a draft 2026 National Events Calendar — with more focus on relevant, engaging, and professional events that bring real value to members and partners. From awards nights to apprentice challenges, golf days to the conference in Cairns, we’re putting forward a full year of activity designed to connect and celebrate our industry.

We’re moving forward, and the energy is building.
To every member, sponsor, and supporter — thank you for standing with us. The changes we’re making now are setting up AWCI Australia for a stronger, smarter, and more connected future.

Stay safe, stay engaged, and as always — reach out anytime. Always happy for a chat.

Simon Tengende
Chief Executive Officer
AWCI Australia

AWCI Australia E - News

What's On at AWCI Australia

📆 30 October

🕛 1pm - 2pm (AEDT)

🎟️ $50.00

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