wo r ds
WORDS FROM THE
CHAIRMAN
W
elcome to the spring edition
of Windows. I am writing this
having just arrived back from
attending AusFenEx16 held on the Gold
Coast. This year’s joint conference hosted
by the AWA, AGGA, AISF and SIA was a
huge success attracting over 800 delegates
and visitors over the two days. A range of
speakers delivered some great presentations
on a variety o f topics, providing valuable
insights in terms of both industry issues and
business generally. The exhibition, which
was the largest of its type we have seen in
Australia, was outstanding and backed up by
an excellent program of social events that
had something for everyone. A big thank you
to all sponsors, exhibitors and delegates for
your support. Without you, events such as
AusFenEx16 simply could not take place.
A key message coming out of the conference
was the continued buoyant conditions being
experienced in the building industry on the
East Coast. However, mining focused regions
continued the challenge of adjusting to much
lower activity levels. Based on information
provided by experts like Harley Dale, the
Chief Economist of the HIA, although the
new housing cycle peaked in FY16, the
strong pipeline of work created is forecast
to continue for some time. This will provide
ongoing opportunity for our members to
capitalise on the strong market conditions.
As a Board, we continue to focus on strategic
initiatives to strengthen the industry and
create value for all members. Much of the
Association’s activity is communicated
throughout this magazine so please take the
time to read about some of the work being
done by the AWA on your behalf. As you
know, the Association exists to support your
business success so don’t forget to utilise
the many benefits on offer from being a part
of Australia’s peak industry body.
Thanks for your continued support of the
AWA.
WORDS FROM THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
W
A
As an EnergyFit Homes Initiative Project
Partner, I am pleased to announce that
the final report is now available. This
project is publicly known as the EnergyFit
Homes Project - empowering consumers
to recognise and value homes with better
health, comfort and sustainability benefits
and lower running costs. It seeks to develop
a pathway for enhancing the market for
energy efficient homes at point of sale and
lease. The project takes a consumer-facing,
end-user perspective to understand the
most effective content, format, source and
delivery of tools and other resources to
engage the new and existing homebuyer
and lessee market, and drive a new value
proposition in residential real estate. Using
this information, the project will develop
an Australian framework for a best practice
voluntary rating system to measure and
communicate energy efficient home
performance at the point of sale and lease,
and develop the business case and plan for
implementation.
This edition of Windows includes all of
the regular features: David Esler discusses
the challenge of finding talented and
experienced staff, Stephanie Dale reviews
personalised communication to customers
and how under-utilised this marketing tool
is, Bryan Pickard explains performance of
a contract and getting paid, Maureen Kyne
enlightens us on how unconscious bias
affects our decisions, and Harley Dale looks
at construction being the powerhouse of
Australia’s economy.
elcome to this special conference
edition of Windows. I would
like to start by personally
congratulating all of the design award
winners and thanking all of those who
exhibited, sponsored and attended to make
such a wonderful event.
The report sets out the recommended
implementation pathway and cost benefit
analysis for a national voluntary disclosure
system to measure, benchmark and
effectively communicate information on
the energy performance of existing homes,
especially at the time of sale or lease.
EnergyFit Homes research found that
around 90 per cent of housing consumers
surveyed considered it important to have
information on the energy efficiency
of homes as part of the sale and lease
processes, with more than half willing to pay
a modest amount for it. Please download a
copy of the report from the AWA website or
contact the AWA office.
Enjoy the magazine.
BRENDAN O’REILLY
Acting Chairman of the Board
2
Australian Window Association
WORDS FROM THE
EDITOR
TRACEY GRAMLICK
Executive Director & CEO
usFenEx16 has been and gone and
what a fantastic event it was. Inside
this edition, you will find stacks of
photos and all of the design award winners.
Thanks to all of the sponsors, exhibitors,
delegates and speakers for helping make
AusFenEx16 such a memorable event.
Our member profile features Dr Tracy
Wakefield from Plustec. Tracy discusses her
company’s role at the forefront of window
technology.
There is some big news from Capral and
Schüco who are joining forces and Gabbett
Machinery announces its incorporation with
the SCM Group.
We have the regular features, some great
new innovative products, industry news and
the AWA directory.
Also included is a case study on the Advaita
Way House showing innovative use of
Crimsafe stainless steel mesh security
screening.
In our training section, we look at how onsite, practical training is changing the glazier
apprentice game.
We hope you enjoy our ‘jamb- packed’ spring
edition of Windows.
GARY SMITH
Marketing & Communications Manager