Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries Australia and New Zealand (AWCIANZ)
Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries Australia & New Zealand (AWCIANZ) The Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries Australia & New Zealand (AWCIANZ) represents the interests of member companies and plasterers in Australia & New Zealand.
The Association was formed from the merger of two associations, the Country Fibrous Plasterers Association (established 1924) and the Metropolitan Fibrous Plasterers Association (established 1934). Manufacturers of fibrous plaster products formed these associations as a networking base for their manufacturing and contracting interests and joined with independent contractors to address industry-wide issues. After years of co-existence the two associations merged into a single body and a new constitution was adopted. The stated reason for the merger was to obviate unnecessary duplication. However, it should be noted that production of fibrous plaster lining board had peaked in 1959 and it was losing market share to plaster board, a high-tech, paper-faced plaster-core lining board, capable of high volume manufacture. Fibro was also making its mark as a lining board, following its popularity as an exterior cladding product. Association members saw that combining their resources would strengthen their influence. In consultation with the plaster manufacturers (also known as ‘millers’) a levy was established on each ton of plaster manufactured in Australia for use in industry. With the commencement of plasterboard manufacture the levy continued. The manufacturers formed the Gypsum Linings Council, which oversaw payment of the levy to the Federation to encourage the delivery of Australian made gypsum linings products to the community. The secondary purpose was for developing training initiatives to ensure quality training and trade skills for those entering the industry. Interaction with other States at the federal level had been a strong function of the association from 1945, with the annual national conferences enabling sharing of experiences and addressing technical and other industry issues. The federal body commenced as the Fibrous Plaster Federation of Australia, adding New Zealand to its name in 1961, and in 1980 becoming the Federation of Wall and Ceiling Contractors of Australia and New Zealand. Each of the Australian State bodies followed this national lead and New Zealand joined, to establish the Association of Wall and Ceiling Contractors of Australia & New Zealand in 1990, under a new constitution Registration under the Australia & New Zealand Industrial Relations Acts was as a union of employers. In 1995 to recognise the importance to the industry of the roles of manufacturers, training bodies, consultants, ancillary product suppliers and other service providers, the federal body
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changed its name to the Federation of Wall and Ceiling Industries of Australia and New Zealand, with each of the States agreeing to progressively follow the principles established. The equivalent US body had for many years been known as The Association of Wall and Ceiling Industry, adding some justification to the use of a more internationally recognised association name. Accordingly, in 2007 the Australian & New Zealand body changed its name to the Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries of Australia & New Zealand (AWCIANZ), a truly embracing industry body for all the sections of the industry as it presently operates.
Benefits of Membership Join the Association and have your say on what happens in your industry!
What you get for your investment: The Association of Wall & Ceiling Industries of Australia & New Zealand aims to ensure a stable, ongoing industry with the highest possible principles and standards. Joining the Association provides access to an industry voice on important issues affecting your livelihood. The range of services on offer to members are designed to support the wall and ceiling industry by providing industry backup for the specialist contractor and sub-contractor. Your Association membership package includes access to both courses & services as outlined below: • Technical Advice - We can facilitate access to the latest advice on products, equipment and work methods, technical data, information sessions and displays, and job inspections. • Industrial Relations - We provide advice on award interpretations, rates of pay, certified agreements (formerly EBA’s), unfair dismissals, dispute resolution, employment conditions and assistance for representation at industrial court. • Business Services - Access to information, training and support including legal referrals and advice, GST and tax information, superannuation, insurance services, contractual arrangements, selection and management of employees, workcover and rehabilitation. • Training Advice and Assessment Advice - In relation to the training of plastering (solid and wall and ceilings) apprentices, access to training subsidies, group training companies, assessment, post trade training.