NATIONAL PRESIDENT – WELCOME 2020

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It is back to business this week for some of our members and sadly the Australian holiday period sees much of the country in the grip of a catastrophic fire event. Many members are either directly impacted or involved around the country either fighting fires, or supporting family and friends who need urgent and useful help. I would encourage AIB members to also consider donating to trusted agencies at this time.

The AIB wants to support the people directly impacted, and we would recommend support in the form of donated funds; as experience tells us that money is much more effective and provides more flexibility than the donation of material items or pre-loved goods. Money can be used in the affected areas to purchase goods and services locally to also restart the rebuilding process for businesses within communities.

Trusted Appeal Partners would include:
Salvation Army – Support Australian Disaster Relief – Donate here
Red Cross – Helping Communities Recover – Donate here
State Fire Services – Donations can be made to the state-funded rural fire services. Some states allow pledges to individual brigades and you can search for areas where you want to support.
In a practical sense many of our AIB members will also have a future part to play in the safety assessment and rebuilding phase that will follow this fire season. So I would call on members to register their interest and expertise by email on a dedicated address fireresponse@aib.org.au so we can have a short list of skills ready when we are contacted to provide support.

The schedule for institute activities has commenced with the AIB continuing with our consultation meetings with the NSW Government recommencing next week.

The AIB still has a significant role representing all building professionals; in recent meetings with the NSW Building Commissioner it is clear a large program of reforms is planned specifically address construction needs in NSW. We will shortly need our NSW members to assist in both feedback and representation. An outline of the NSW Building Commissioners work plan can be found here.

Our AIB network is the platform that allows industry leaders and specialists to share and mentor back to the wider industry and government through involvement with the Institute at a Chapter level around the country. If you are still enjoying holidays, please travel safely and I look forward to meeting with you at a future AIB event.

David Burnell FAIB