wo r d s
WOrds from the chairman
Words from the Executive Director
Words from the Editor
It is my honour to again represent the AWA and its members in the capacity of President . I would like to thank the Board members for their vote and the general membership who graciously accepted my board nominations in February .
Your Board met on 28 April to review its past strategies and to refocus on continual improvement strategies and planning - aimed at maintaining the AWA and its members as the predominant force in the fenestration industry .
The initial Strategic Planning meetings were held in 2008 , resulting in four key areas being identified : Membership , Technical , Compliance , and Training . As a result , plans were created by the Executive Director and her leadership group to meet the Board ’ s objectives through the AWA secretariat . Further reviews were held in 2010 and 2014 , professionally facilitated by Dr Tony Stapleton . The strategies that evolved through this process are what underpins the success of your Association .
Now in 2016 , we are using the skills of the Associations Forums General Manager , John Peacock , to facilitate our latest review and refocus - resulting in an updated Strategic Plan for implementation by management and the Board that will guide us through the next three years and beyond .
I find the process interesting as Board members have a diverse range of skills and knowledge that inevitably feeds diversification into planning . With political lobbying high on the agenda , it will be interesting to see if the Board collectively agrees to additional key elements to meet the Association ’ s objectives for the future .
Have a great read of your magazine and I hope you find it interesting as well as informative . If you have anything of interest that you would like to share with other members , please contact the office with your story .
GARRY THOMSON Chairman of the Board
In April this year , the AWA welcomed the Building Ministers ’ Forum ( BMF ) report on product conformity and commended the Senior Officers Group ( SOG ) for the work undertaken to date in addressing the issues and completing the report .
The AWA generally supports the conclusions and the intent of the recommendations contained in the SOG report and submitted a response to the report on behalf of the industry . The AWA particularly agrees with the conclusion regarding the ineffectiveness of the existing overarching regulatory framework .
One of the recommendations noted the value and importance of existing building industry initiatives , such as industry third party certification schemes , in identifying instances of building product nonconformity .
The AWA suggested that further support be given to the development and expansion of voluntary third party certification schemes ( industry based and otherwise ), such as ours , as a means of providing support for industry professionals specifying products and certifiers responsible for compliance issues . Industry third party schemes should be promoted as part of educational and information processes for consumers and industry .
A crucial part of any third party inspection scheme is the team of independent professionals you select to undertake the factory visits to ensure compliance . Each year the AWA NATA accredited inspection agency auditors join the AWA team for a two day planning and training event to keep the scheme relevant , robust and the best it can be . This year ’ s meeting took place in February and you can read all about it on page 6 .
TRACEY GRAMLICK Executive Director
Here we are half way through the year already and it feels like it has just begun ! Welcome to Windows ’ winter edition .
This edition features your invitation to AusFenEx 2016 , a conference and exhibition not to be missed - great speakers , a huge exhibition and social functions that will blow your mind .
All our regular features are back from David Esler , Stephanie Dale , Bryan Pickard , Maureen Kyne , Geordan Murray and Bob Carter .
Our member profile looks in-depth at Brisbane based manufacturer and supplier of security door and window screens , Prowler Proof , who is providing window manufacturers with a unique approach to screen package solutions for their builder customers .
Tracey Gramlick discusses compliance with a focus on the AWA Independent Auditors . Get to know them a little better .
This edition ’ s case study is on the Ramp House , a stunning architectural masterpiece located in Warragul , reclining elegantly across the rolling hills of Victoria ’ s West Gippsland district .
Our special feature looks at Andrew Cottle ’ s life changing experience during the development of Window WeatherGuards , AWA Design Awards 2015 Highly Commended Most Innovative Component , that led to the creation of the Road to Recovery Foundation .
On page 25 , you will find all the details for this year ’ s Design Awards . If you have supplied a fantastic project , built a new showroom , or designed a fantastic new product , make sure you enter the awards and celebrate your company ’ s achievements . Applications close the end of June .
Relax in front of the fire and enjoy the winter edition of Windows .
GARY SMITH Marketing & Communications Manager
2 Australian Window Association