NSW/ACT Branch Update EOY 2024
The NSW/ACT Committee have been working hard this year with government advocacy, providing meaningful online webinars to members and staying connected. Branch President Ivana Simkovic takes us through the highlights of 2024.
ADVOCACY
The NSW/ACT Committee have been busy attending meetings and forums with other industry associations in relation to current and proposed industry changes. We canvassed our members and other peak bodies including Consult Australia, the Association of Architecture Schools of Australasia (AASA), ArchiTeam and the Regional Architecture Association to ensure that our NSW Building Bill submission to Government accurately captures the views of our industry. On this occasion I would like to thank our committee member Steve Pearse for his commitment to this submission and extensive time and effort he put into this.
We continue to engage with the Building Commission’s Office, and we are invited with other industry representatives for roundtable discussions over the next few months. We also attended meetings with the Government Architect to discuss how we can work together. We will attend a Pattern Book meeting this month and we will update our members as the information becomes available.
AWARDS
In our awards program for the Western Sydney University, the NSW/ACT branch committee gave two awards – one for undergraduate and one for post-graduate students who excelled in business of architecture subjects in their final years. Cassandra Grass won a cash prize of $2000 for her excellent work in the 2023 undergraduate subject Non-Residential Building (BLDG1017) in the Bachelor of Architecture program. Maryann Aziz won a $3000 cash prize for her work in the post-graduate subject, Architecture Professional Practice (ARCH7018) in the Master of Architecture program. Congratulations to the winners!
EVENTS
We organised eight CPD events this year, with one face to face in Canberra with ACT Government Architect Catherine Townsend. Some presentations covered compulsory CPD formal points for architects in sustainability and First Nations/Connecting with Country. Another NCC update presentation is scheduled for early next year.
Mastering the NSW Land & Environment Court
On 9 October, Steven Griffiths provided a deep dive into critical issues currently shaping development assessment and the development application process. Steven gave us valuable insights into the operation of the Court, with some good dos and don’ts as well as what to watch out for with lodgements and the Portal. The Court is now seen as a legitimate pathway to approval within the industry and it has expanded to meet these needs.
If you missed it on the day, you can still take advantage of this invaluable opportunity to gain expert insights and position yourself at the forefront of the dynamic world of development and planning – simply purchase our On Demand video.
Breakfast discussion with ACT Government Architect
On Wednesday 23 October, the ACA was joined by an enthusiastic number of members and guests in the Artisan Exterior showroom for an early morning breakfast event. Catherine Townsend delivered an insightful perspective into her role as the ACT Government Architect. Of note was the information provided to the group regarding peer review services offered by the ACT Government. This service can apply to a varied range of project scales. Catherine touched on the benefits of this service including providing design insights and guidance, tapping into a broad range of architectural experiences.
NSW/ACT Christmas Drinks
A huge thank you to Macquarie Bank for hosting ACA members for Xmas Drinks and providing a rare opportunity to explore their fantastic new workspace. The amalgamation of the stunning heritage-listed 50 Martin Place with the modern 1 Elizabeth has been beautifully executed. Everything from the multi-level atriums, thoughtfully created artworks, the generous amenities and inclusion of native landscaping throughout were stunning. The ACA provided a wonderful networking opportunity and end-of-year catch up at the conclusion of the tour. It was a lovely celebration of all the members as well as the hard work and dedication the ACA committee has invested this year. A very enjoyable evening. Thank you Macquarie!
The NSW/ACT President, Ivana Simkovic would like to thank the committee, Vice President Farhad Edibam, Secretary Greg Isaac, Treasurer Harry Hamor, and Committee of Management Steve Pearse, David Springett, Fabricio Siqueira, Jennifer Crawford, Justine Money, Agi Sterling, Chris Lal Brent Dunn, Michael Lewarne, and Marie Frost and Denise Widjaja – our amazing Executive officers.
For more information on our Committee members, their roles and goals with the ACA, you can Meet the Committee here.