AWCI Australia E-News - November

Book your spots for the AWCI Australia Christmas Party in your state!

NSW - Friday 14 November, Blackbird Cafe

SA - Friday 21 November, The Brickmakers Arms

WA - Friday 5 December, Gloucester Park Trots

VIC - Friday 5 December, AWCI Australia New HQ - Docklands

QLD - Friday 5 December, Felons Barrel Hall

TAS - Friday 5 December, TBC

What's on @AWCI Australia

AWCI Australia AGM (Virtual) - Wednesday 3rd December

AWCI Australia National Conference 2026 - 4-6 August 2026, Cairns

When Renovation Costs More Than Starting Fresh

More than 60% of renovators spend 20-30% beyond their planned budget. That’s not a small margin. 

The Hidden Killer in Bushfire Building Regulations

The flames aren’t what kill your build. Embers are, they travel forty kilometres ahead of the fire. Research shows that approximately 90% of homes lost during bushfires are destroyed by ember attack, not direct flame contact.

Two birds, one stone? Green steel could tackle Australia’s housing crisis and cut emissions

Australia is currently facing twin crises: housing and climate change. A lot more homes are needed, fast. Australia’s housing crisis isn’t just an affordability issue. It damages mental health over the long term.

But building more houses contributes substantially to carbon emissions.There’s one material that sits squarely at the centre of both the housing and climate crises: steel. Steelmaking is one of the world’s biggest industrial emitters, responsible for 7–9% of carbon emissions globally. It’s essential for housing, from single houses to larger developments and apartment towers.

Planning staff celebrations for your NFP? Your staff parties, recreational activities or gifts to employees could attract FBT.

If you're planning an end-of-year workplace celebration, consider if the benefits you provide attract fringe benefits tax (FBT).

Baby Priya’s law: New protections for employer funded parental leave

The Australian Government has introduced additional protections for employer funded paid parental leave as part of the Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya’s) Act 2025.

These changes ensure that employees planning to take, or who are receiving, employer funded paid parental leave can’t have this leave refused or cancelled if their child is stillborn or dies. These changes don’t apply if an employee requests to cancel the leave or an exception applies.

How Australian Backyards Are Beating Water Restrictions This Summer

The backyard trends landing this summer solve real problems using less water, More living space, all with zero compromise. Australian summers keep getting harsher.

Build Your Own Outdoor BBQ Area in 7 Steps

Your backyard can become Australia’s best outdoor kitchen. Here’s exactly how to build it. The barbecue grill market in Australia keeps growing because outdoor cooking isn’t a trend. It’s part of how we live.

Should I kick my diet soft-drink habit? Where do I start?

The average Australian drinks almost 60 litres of soft drink a year. Many people see diet soft drinks as a “healthier” choice than regular ones, and when it comes to sugar, that’s true.