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