The AAAG (Architectural Accounting and Administration Group) has been in place in Melbourne for over 20 years. In mid-2020 the AAAG and ACA came together to further strengthen ties between practices and the ACA across the Business of Architecture.

A busy year of advocacy, resource development and online events for the VIC/TAS Committee was celebrated in style with end-of-year drinks and amazing views from high up on the deck at the Macquarie Building.

The ACA – VIC/TAS Branch Committee was delighted to host a special members event on 29 August. The ACA committee, partners, industry figures and ACA members joined CEO Angelina Pillai and National President John Held for drinks and light refreshments, and to hear our plans for the months ahead.

The ACA VIC/TAS branch is pleased to inform its members that the proposed changes to the Architects Registration Board of Victoria, to reduce the number of members and remove the requirement for any member to be a registered architect, have been averted for now.

Join the VIC/TAS branch committee for drinks and light refreshments on Monday 29 August. Hear our plans for the months ahead, and meet the ACA team, industry guests, fellow members and peers.

The VIC/TAS branch of the ACA has made a joint statement with the Victorian chapter of the Institute in response to proposed changes to the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV), stating that consumer protection is under threat.

The ACA sadly advises that longtime VIC/TAS Committee member and dear friend Gary Edwards OAM passed away on 13 January 2022. He will be sorely missed.

Silver Thomas Hanley Business Manager and ACA VIC/TAS Committee member Matthew Tence says good communication and significant IT investment have helped navigate and overcome the challenges of the last two years.

This year, the VIC/TAS Committee concentrated on advocacy to government, industry engagement, mental wellbeing and re-energising our support for Tasmanian members.

Save the date for an end of year get together with the Vic/Tas committee, ACA members and guests at The Leveson’s outdoor courtyard in North Melbourne on Tuesday 30 November.

AMWF Vic/Tas member Kirby Roper reflects on the stresses of regular snap lockdowns and ways of maintaining wellbeing in practice, including the establishment of Innovation Day and being prepared for future disruptions.

The VIC/TAS Committee has prioritised government advocacy, presentations of the ACA Business Toolbox and further development of tools for members in the first half of 2021.

The pandemic demanded rapid adaptation for Kirby Architects, but the experience was also empowering, revealing the possibilities of positive change and bringing the team closer and more determined to do great work.

From 1 February, Victoria will have much stricter prohibitions on ACPs containing polyethylene and expanded polystyrene, writes lawyer and risk manager Wendy Poulton.

The VIC/TAS branch looks back on a challenging but productive year, when member resources, industrial relations and advocacy were at the forefront.

The ACA – Vic/Tas has released the results of the first VicPulse survey. Top level findings reveal worrying levels of work cancelled or on hold. On the other hand, the survey responses are quite positive in terms of wellbeing and many practices have been able to keep staff on due to the support of JobKeeper.

As Victoria hits the halfway mark of Lockdown 2.0, we provide an update of recent activity in the Vic/Tas branch, with the VicPulse survey (still open), the new Mental Wellbeing Forum and a VBA Update of COVID-19 Guidelines.

One week into Stage 4 ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions in Melbourne and Stage 3 restrictions in regional Victoria, key information and resources for individuals and business continues to be rolled out. The following is a summary of useful information and links.

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has issued an update of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidelines for the Victorian building and construction industry, incorporating recent changes to restrictions and government subsidies.

ACA - Vic/Tas President and FFPV Director Paul Viney reflects on his experiences with past and present economic downturns, the need for more government investment in civic projects and social housing, and the challenges of COVID-19 and remote working.

The VIC/TAS Committee has been extremely busy this year with the Industrial Relations Committee's work and several timely new additions to the ACA Business Toolbox.

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has released the latest version of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidelines for the building and construction industry in Victoria.

Existing investment in new digital platforms has meant that dwp|design worldwide partnership was well placed to switch to working mode when the COVID-19 crisis arose.

Hayball has explored varied modes of working and learning over many years, but the rapid shift to remote, distributed workplaces in the era of COVID-19 is a new challenge.

Raise a glass with the Vic/Tas committee and celebrate with end-of-year drinks in Melbourne on Tuesday 10 December.

The ACA – Vic/Tas Committee have had a busy year of advocacy, events and business tool development, with plenty more to come in 2020.

For Melbourne-based Kosloff Architecture, building a positive, healthy practice culture is a key priority, and achieving B Corp status an important step in the evolution of the practice.

The Vic/Tas committee talks events, ARBV nominations and the business toolbox.

As Birrelli celebrates its 25th year in business, Launceston-based architect and former ACA State President Jack Birrell reflects on the challenges and joys of practice on a remote island.

The release of the Victorian Cladding Taskforce Final Report and associated program of work is welcomed by the ACA, but the Federal Government must also take action to ensure a unified national approach.

For emerging practice Winter Architecture, location is no obstacle to team collaboration, with employees located around Australia. Here, Director Jean Graham describes the practice’s origins, ambitions and determination to remain flexible, agile and openminded.

Matthew Tence provides an update on ACA - VIC/TAS plans for the year.

The ACA - Vic/Tas branch has had a busy few months, with elections, a business toolbox seminar and ongoing feedback on the Victorian Schools Capital Works program.

For Bryant Alsop, success comes from building strong relationships - with consultants, builders and suppliers as well as valued employees.