QLD/NT Update 2020
The QLD/NT branch offers a summary of an extremely busy year, with a full event schedule and many priority issues to address through their advocacy.
This year the QLD/NT branch has engaged with the Queensland Government Architect, the Australian Institute of Architects, the Board of Architects Queensland and other industry representatives on a regular basis to discuss the impacts of COVID-19. This regular meeting has since evolved into an opportunity to discuss a range of issues that impact our profession.
Back in March, the ACA – QLD/NT ran a successful lunch forum with Bronwyn Weir on the Architect’s Role in Industry Reform, which was a highlight of the year. The event program then needed to be adapted to suit the changing needs of the members – both by developing appropriate topics and alternative forms of delivery. We are very pleased to have been able to maintain strong strong connections with our members and Corporate Partners during the challenges of this year.
Events
Traditionally, we have conducted face-to-face activities such as lunch forums and site tours; however, with COVID restrictions the 2020 program has been delivered by a series of webinars enabling us to reach members throughout Queensland, the Northern Territory and nationally. The program has included:
- 1 x Site Tour – Brisbane North State Secondary College, Fortitude Valley
- 1 x Lunch Forum – The Architect’s Role in Industry Reforms presented by Bronwyn Weir, Founder and Managing Director of Weir Consulting Pty Ltd. Bronwyn is also the co-author of a report for the Building Minister’s Forum called Building Confidence – Improving the effectiveness of compliance and enforcement systems for the building and construction industry across Australia.
- 1 x Seminar – NCC Training for Architects (2 sessions, offered nationally)
- 6 x Roundtable Discussions – Post COVID-19, WHS returning to the Office, Corporate Partner ‘State of Play’, Resilience and the Road to Recovery, Conversation with the Queensland Government Architect, Corporate Partner Roundtable
- 6 x Webinars – Know Your Award Update, Risky Business 2020, Making Carbon Matter, Section J Understand the NCC requirements, Succession Planning – prepare for the unexpected, Cracking the Code by Board of Architects Queensland
The ACA – QLD branch also established the QLD/NT Architect’s Mental Wellbeing Forum back in April, and has facilitated monthly meetings since then. Brian Clohessy, Head of People and Character at Architecture BVN Sydney, was an exceptional guest speaker. See the AMWF Updates for more information.
Advocacy
Raising the standing of the architectural profession in the broader community is an ongoing issue. Priority issues include stimulus packages, procurement, BAFO, the National Registration Framework, and risk allocation.
We have representation on various committees including:
- Office of the Queensland Government Architect – Robert Wesener
- AACA Expert Reference Group – Charmaine Kai
- AACA Pathway to Registration Project – Denis Waring
- ACIF / APCC Allocation of Risk Working Party – Robert Wesener
Corporate Partners
We would like to sincerely thank our Corporate Partners for their ongoing commitment and support of the ACA throughout this year. Because of their support, we have been able to continue to offer members a range of activities increasing our reach from local to regional and national participation.
- Ardex Australia
- Ashburner Francis
- ASSA Abloy
- GWA Bathrooms & Kitchens
- Interface
- James Hardie
- Kennedy’s Timbers
- Stokes Wheeler
- Stramit
We appreciate the camaraderie that has developed between our Corporate Partners and facilitated roundtable discussions to enable them to share their insights into how their companies have been travelling through the challenges of 2020.
The QLD/NT Branch has continued to work with our CEO, Angelina Pillai, to facilitate opportunities for a couple of our Branch Corporate Partners to take on a Partner relationship at national level. Both Armstrong Flooring and Deltek became National Principal Partners during the year and Ardex Australia will join them in January 2021.
Kudos
I would like to thank each of the QLD/NT Committee members for their contribution and ongoing support throughout this year.
- David Brian – Events – dwp
- Carl Brooks – Sponsorship/Events – ABM Architects
- Gilda Donegan – GHD Woodhead
- David Frost – Industrial Relations – Cottee Parker
- Kerri May – Membership – Bickerton Masters Architecture
- Steven Huntingford – NT Representative – Huntingford Architecture
- Charmaine Kai – Treasurer/Education – 8i Architects
- Brett Hudson – Peddle Thorp
- Denis Waring – Secretary/Education – PW Architecture
- Mark Williams – Immediate Past President – Mark Williams Architects
In June, Kevin Gerrard, resigned from the Committee and his vacancy was filled by Kerri May. Kevin contributed significantly to membership and the activities of the Branch.
In November 2020, David Porgand retired from Peddle Thorp and from the Committee with his position being filled by Brett Hudson. I would like to thank David for his significant contribution over many years, in particular, as Branch Treasurer and as our ACA representative on the AIA Practice Committee.
I would also like to thank Natalie Bush for her contribution to the ACA’s response to the National Registration Framework discussion paper published by the ABCB.
I am also sure our Committee, our members and our Corporate Partners would join me in thanking our Executive Officer Louise Street for her untiring efforts to ensure the wheels of the ACA in QLD and NT continue to turn. This year has required all to think on our feet and make adjustment along the way. Louise continues to ensure it all runs smoothly.
It is pleasing to see that we currently have 106 members in Queensland and the Northern Territory, an increase from 93 this time last year.
Finally, from all of us in QLD/NT, we offer our best wishes for a very happy festive season, as well as good health and prosperity in 2021!
Robert Wesener,
President, ACA – QLD/NT branch