Industry News

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  • Triangles, squares, and rectangles - three simple shapes that quietly govern our lives Monday 
through Friday and sometimes beyond. But are you manufacturing your product the most efficient way? FTMA Tech Talk – Ed.79 28th November 2025 Triangles, squares, and rectangles - three simple shapes that quietly govern our lives Monday through Friday and sometimes beyond. But are you manufacturing your product the most efficient way? ... more
  • 2025 has been a significant and productive year for the Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association of Australia (FTMA). Despite challenging economic conditions, labour shortages, and an evolving policy environment, FTMA has continued to strengthen our representation and support for members. FTMA CEO’s Report – 2025 Annual General Meeting 28th November 2025 2025 has been a significant and productive year for the Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association of Australia (FTMA). Despite challenging economic conditions, labour shortages, and an evolving policy environment, FTMA has continued to strengthen our representation and support for members. ... more
  • How FrameWayz is redefining communication, collaboration and confidence – one project at a time. Opening Doors with MiTek Viewer 27th November 2025 How FrameWayz is redefining communication, collaboration and confidence – one project at a time. ... more
  • As the Australian timber frame and truss sector continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the strength of our industry depends on the strength of our relationships. At FTMA Australia, our Partners play a vital role in helping us advance the interests of manufacturers, lift standards across th... A Stronger Industry, Together: Why FTMA Supporting Partners Matter 27th November 2025 As the Australian timber frame and truss sector continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the strength of our industry depends on the strength of our relationships. At FTMA Australia, our Partners play a vital role in helping us advance the interests of manufacturers, lift standards across th... ... more
  • By Warwick Drysdale – Founder / Managing Director, Programmed Timber.
The piece explores how smarter fibre utilisation, long-life applications and waste minimisation can amplify the carbon benefits of timber across the frame and truss supply chain. It is written as a thought leadership articl... Every Cubic Metre Counts: Why Long-Life Timber Use Matters More Now Than Ever 27th November 2025 By Warwick Drysdale – Founder / Managing Director, Programmed Timber. The piece explores how smarter fibre utilisation, long-life applications and waste minimisation can amplify the carbon benefits of timber across the frame and truss supply chain. It is written as a thought leadership articl... ... more
  • The 2025 National Timber Frame & Truss Manufacturing Census provides a valuable snapshot of the state of Australia’s frame and truss manufacturing sector. This year’s results highlight important trends in workforce, market activity, business confidence, and operational challenges—o... 2025 National Timber Frame & Truss Manufacturing Census – Key Findings 27th November 2025 The 2025 National Timber Frame & Truss Manufacturing Census provides a valuable snapshot of the state of Australia’s frame and truss manufacturing sector. This year’s results highlight important trends in workforce, market activity, business confidence, and operational challenges—o... ... more
  • As the year winds down, the silly season can throw up all sorts of challenges. Any missteps and you could end up with confusion over expectations or an awkward moment at the Christmas party! Don’t stress, we’re here to help. People Matters – with HRAnywhere 27th November 2025 As the year winds down, the silly season can throw up all sorts of challenges. Any missteps and you could end up with confusion over expectations or an awkward moment at the Christmas party! Don’t stress, we’re here to help. ... more
  • FTMA is thrilled to welcome three outstanding leaders to our Board—each bringing decades of experience, unique perspectives, and just the right amount of character to keep meetings interesting. Welcoming FTMA’s Three New Board Members for 2026 27th November 2025 FTMA is thrilled to welcome three outstanding leaders to our Board—each bringing decades of experience, unique perspectives, and just the right amount of character to keep meetings interesting. ... more
  • This year, the frame and truss sector is farewelling a number of its long-serving legends, and now another familiar name is joining the list: Multinail’s Structural Engineer, Dean Ashton, is retiring at the end of 2025. Thirty Eight Years of Service to the Sector 26th November 2025 This year, the frame and truss sector is farewelling a number of its long-serving legends, and now another familiar name is joining the list: Multinail’s Structural Engineer, Dean Ashton, is retiring at the end of 2025. ... more
  • Forestry Australia’s nine-month mentoring program was designed to build meaningful connections across the forestry sector by pairing experienced professionals with emerging leaders. Madilyn Gavin: A Future Forestry Leader in the Making 26th November 2025 Forestry Australia’s nine-month mentoring program was designed to build meaningful connections across the forestry sector by pairing experienced professionals with emerging leaders. ... more
  • The Hyne Group congratulates Air New Zealand and the project team upon official completion and opening of the much-anticipated Air New Zealand Hangar 4 at Auckland Airport. Largest Free Spanning Timber Arch 26th November 2025 The Hyne Group congratulates Air New Zealand and the project team upon official completion and opening of the much-anticipated Air New Zealand Hangar 4 at Auckland Airport. ... more
  • FTMA launched its new members app, with a festive 4 weeks Of Christmas Competition, giving members weekly opportunities to win while discovering the apps new tools - designed to boost connection and communication. FTMA Spreads Christmas Cheer - And Big Prizes - Through New Members App 🎄✨ 26th November 2025 FTMA launched its new members app, with a festive 4 weeks Of Christmas Competition, giving members weekly opportunities to win while discovering the apps new tools - designed to boost connection and communication. ... more
  • Insolvencies spiked again in October after a meaningful drop in August and September. Are these new appointments increasingly driven by current economic conditions, or are legacy issues still being flushed out? Monthly Risk Credit Insights by Alares 26th November 2025 Insolvencies spiked again in October after a meaningful drop in August and September. Are these new appointments increasingly driven by current economic conditions, or are legacy issues still being flushed out? ... more
  • Have you been hit with an unexpected larger-than-normal power bill recently?
Has managing your power bills felt impossible lately? With power prices jumping around like a yo-yo, we can’t blame you. Stay Competitive, Stay Powered. Save up to $15,000 per Year on Your Electricity. 26th November 2025 Have you been hit with an unexpected larger-than-normal power bill recently? Has managing your power bills felt impossible lately? With power prices jumping around like a yo-yo, we can’t blame you. ... more
  • Prevention Is Better Than Cure: Lessons from Truss Damage in Construction... structural damage to trusses during construction remains a persistent challenge, often resulting in costly repairs and safety risks. 
FTMA Tech Talk – Ed.78 30th October 2025 Prevention Is Better Than Cure: Lessons from Truss Damage in Construction... structural damage to trusses during construction remains a persistent challenge, often resulting in costly repairs and safety risks. ... more
  • FTMA is thrilled to welcome Rhianna Robinson to our team as our newest Research Associate, joining us part-time (10 hours per week) for the next year. Welcoming Rhianna Robinson – FTMA’s New Research Associate 30th October 2025 FTMA is thrilled to welcome Rhianna Robinson to our team as our newest Research Associate, joining us part-time (10 hours per week) for the next year. ... more
  • In this FTMA Principal Partner article, Pryda shares how the team is engaging with every corner of the industry; from the offices of architects to fabricators’ factories and builders on site. A True Point Of Difference 30th October 2025 In this FTMA Principal Partner article, Pryda shares how the team is engaging with every corner of the industry; from the offices of architects to fabricators’ factories and builders on site. ... more
  • Vekta Advanced Automation have released 2 video features - see how they're revolutionising their clients' manufacturing processes... An FTMA Team-up of Epic Proportions! 30th October 2025 Vekta Advanced Automation have released 2 video features - see how they're revolutionising their clients' manufacturing processes... ... more
  • In 2025, AKD once again came together in a wave of pink across the country, with sites embracing the colour, the cause, and the fun that comes with raising awareness for an important message. AKD Turns Pink with Purpose and Pride 30th October 2025 In 2025, AKD once again came together in a wave of pink across the country, with sites embracing the colour, the cause, and the fun that comes with raising awareness for an important message. ... more
  • The end of the year is fast approaching, and many businesses decide to ‘close shop’ over the Christmas and New Year period. People Matters – with HRAnywhere 29th October 2025 The end of the year is fast approaching, and many businesses decide to ‘close shop’ over the Christmas and New Year period. ... more
  • As part of the 150th anniversary of South Australia’s forest industries, the South Australian 
Forest Products Association (SAFPA) is proud to release our new video, We Are Forestry. We Are Forestry Video Launch 29th October 2025 As part of the 150th anniversary of South Australia’s forest industries, the South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA) is proud to release our new video, We Are Forestry. ... more
  • What? Sorry, that is not meant to be offensive. But it was deliberately to grab your attention. So now that I have it, I’d like to explain the DISC profile. 
Our personality underpins our decision-making style, how we interact with others, and how we turn up in social situations. Are You a Big D? 29th October 2025 What? Sorry, that is not meant to be offensive. But it was deliberately to grab your attention. So now that I have it, I’d like to explain the DISC profile. Our personality underpins our decision-making style, how we interact with others, and how we turn up in social situations. ... more
  • September effectively saw the completion of the insolvency catch up - the usual number of insolvencies that didn't occur during COVID have now been caught up.
What happens next? Will numbers remain high or continue to drop back to historical levels? Stay tuned to find out. Monthly Risk Credit Insights by Alares 29th October 2025 September effectively saw the completion of the insolvency catch up - the usual number of insolvencies that didn't occur during COVID have now been caught up. What happens next? Will numbers remain high or continue to drop back to historical levels? Stay tuned to find out. ... more
  • Design considerations for extended wall frames... In most residential timber construction, wall frames are laterally restrained at the top via roof trusses or floor joists. However, in some cases, timber wall frames may extend beyond the ceiling level; this is often done to form a parapet feature. FTMA Tech Talk – Ed.77 25th September 2025 Design considerations for extended wall frames... In most residential timber construction, wall frames are laterally restrained at the top via roof trusses or floor joists. However, in some cases, timber wall frames may extend beyond the ceiling level; this is often done to form a parapet feature. ... more
  • Timberlink’s latest quarterly newsletter is hot off the press and available for download! The September edition has a refreshed layout and stories that reflect Timberlink’s commitment to its customers, communities and the timber industry.  Timberlink® Quarterly News 25th September 2025 Timberlink’s latest quarterly newsletter is hot off the press and available for download! The September edition has a refreshed layout and stories that reflect Timberlink’s commitment to its customers, communities and the timber industry.  ... more
  • Find out all about the inaugural Carpentry Australia Expo 2025 FTMA & Carbon Warrior Takes on Carpentry Australia Expo 25th September 2025 Find out all about the inaugural Carpentry Australia Expo 2025 ... more
  • Cutting DindasJoists or any I-Joists for plumbing, electrical, or HVAC should never put your floor system at risk. With engineered I-joists, the rules are straightforward. When you follow the Dindas Australia manufacturer’s hole charts and basic do’s and don’ts. Avoid Costly Mistakes: The Correct Method for Cutting I-Joists 25th September 2025 Cutting DindasJoists or any I-Joists for plumbing, electrical, or HVAC should never put your floor system at risk. With engineered I-joists, the rules are straightforward. When you follow the Dindas Australia manufacturer’s hole charts and basic do’s and don’ts. ... more
  • Porta (formerly Australian Panels) is proud to announce that STRUCTApanel is now officially approved and integrated into Multinail’s Cornerstone software system - a major step forward for frame and truss manufacturers, modular builders, and the wider construction industry. STRUCTApanel Now Integrated with Multinail Cornerstone Software for Bracing Solutions 25th September 2025 Porta (formerly Australian Panels) is proud to announce that STRUCTApanel is now officially approved and integrated into Multinail’s Cornerstone software system - a major step forward for frame and truss manufacturers, modular builders, and the wider construction industry. ... more
  • Recently, a Federal Court decision was announced following allegations of widespread underpayments of salaried store managers at Coles and Woolworths.
How will this impact other companies? Find out more from HRAnywhere... People Matters – with HRAnywhere 25th September 2025 Recently, a Federal Court decision was announced following allegations of widespread underpayments of salaried store managers at Coles and Woolworths. How will this impact other companies? Find out more from HRAnywhere... ... more
  • With your support, Combilift aims to raise in excess of €100,000 to help UNICEF deliver urgent aid to children impacted by conflict and natural disasters Win Combilift’s Landmark 100,000th Multidirectional Forklift and support UNICEF 24th September 2025 With your support, Combilift aims to raise in excess of €100,000 to help UNICEF deliver urgent aid to children impacted by conflict and natural disasters ... more
  • The ARC Advance Timber Hub is inviting professionals across the timber supply chain to take part in a short survey on EWPs. Whether you’re an architect, structural engineer, builder, contractor, investor, policymaker, mill operator, urban planner, researcher, or involved in the EWP supply chai... Help Shape the Future of Timber Construction 24th September 2025 The ARC Advance Timber Hub is inviting professionals across the timber supply chain to take part in a short survey on EWPs. Whether you’re an architect, structural engineer, builder, contractor, investor, policymaker, mill operator, urban planner, researcher, or involved in the EWP supply chai... ... more
  • Energy is one of those expenses that often gets pushed down the to-do list, but with bills rising and fairness becoming rarer than a shooting star, it’s an area where attention really pays off. Spotting a Shooting Star is More Likely Than Paying a Fair Energy Bill in 2025 24th September 2025 Energy is one of those expenses that often gets pushed down the to-do list, but with bills rising and fairness becoming rarer than a shooting star, it’s an area where attention really pays off. ... more
  • August saw the first sign that insolvencies may be starting to decline.  This is almost right on cue as the insolvency catch draws to completion with only 300 additional insolvencies remaining.  Will the August numbers reflect a new Monthly Risk Credit Insights by Alares 24th September 2025 August saw the first sign that insolvencies may be starting to decline.  This is almost right on cue as the insolvency catch draws to completion with only 300 additional insolvencies remaining.  Will the August numbers reflect a new "normal"?  Stay tuned to next month's update to see how this plays ... ... more
  • There’s no question that FTMA members are passionate manufacturing businesses who value the environmental credentials of renewable timber framing. 
However, our shared challenge is to ensure Australian builders know about this too.  They already know the practical, functional benefits of timb... Some Tips & Assistance to Help Fabricators Promote Renewable Timber Framing 24th September 2025 There’s no question that FTMA members are passionate manufacturing businesses who value the environmental credentials of renewable timber framing.  However, our shared challenge is to ensure Australian builders know about this too.  They already know the practical, functional benefits of timb... ... more
  • The aesthetic appeal of a raked ceiling internally or externally can be very appealing to architects & draftsman who often specify scissor trusses as a prefabricated truss solution. FTMA Tech Talk – Ed.76 01st September 2025 The aesthetic appeal of a raked ceiling internally or externally can be very appealing to architects & draftsman who often specify scissor trusses as a prefabricated truss solution. ... more
  • On Tuesday 19 August, FTMA Australia hosted a special Board Dinner in Melbourne, coinciding with National Forestry Day. FTMA Board Dinner – Collaboration on National Forestry Day 01st September 2025 On Tuesday 19 August, FTMA Australia hosted a special Board Dinner in Melbourne, coinciding with National Forestry Day. ... more
  • On Friday 4 July, more than 200 fabricators, staff, media and industry representatives came together at Multinail’s Stapylton head office for our biggest event yet — the Tomorrow’s World Machinery Show. Tomorrow’s World Arrived at Stapylton 01st September 2025 On Friday 4 July, more than 200 fabricators, staff, media and industry representatives came together at Multinail’s Stapylton head office for our biggest event yet — the Tomorrow’s World Machinery Show. ... more
  • At the beginning of August, FTMA Australia arranged a tour of key plants and facilities to showcase the resourcefulness, innovation, and crucial solutions the timber offsite prefabrication sector provides in providing the pathway forward for Australia’s housing and environmental targets. NSW Building Commission Tour Timber Offsite Prefabrication Sector 30th August 2025 At the beginning of August, FTMA Australia arranged a tour of key plants and facilities to showcase the resourcefulness, innovation, and crucial solutions the timber offsite prefabrication sector provides in providing the pathway forward for Australia’s housing and environmental targets. ... more
  • OFFSITE, a Perth-based leader in prefabricated construction, is setting a new standard for efficiency, precision, and sustainability with the introduction of its latest investment - the Hundegger SC480 Saw. OFFSITE Commissions WA’s First Hundegger SC480 Saw, Supercharging Prefab Construction 30th August 2025 OFFSITE, a Perth-based leader in prefabricated construction, is setting a new standard for efficiency, precision, and sustainability with the introduction of its latest investment - the Hundegger SC480 Saw. ... more
  • The half-day, five-hour session went beyond routine board activities, focusing on forward planning across key strategic initiatives. The goal was to ensure FTMA continues to support members by investing in programs that drive sector growth and strengthen member businesses. FTMA Board Charts Bold Course for a Stronger, Safer, and Greener Future 29th August 2025 The half-day, five-hour session went beyond routine board activities, focusing on forward planning across key strategic initiatives. The goal was to ensure FTMA continues to support members by investing in programs that drive sector growth and strengthen member businesses. ... more
  • In August 2024, the Right to Disconnect Bill came into effect for businesses with more than 15 employees. From 26 August 2025, the right to disconnect will apply to employees of small business employers as well People Matters – with HRAnywhere 29th August 2025 In August 2024, the Right to Disconnect Bill came into effect for businesses with more than 15 employees. From 26 August 2025, the right to disconnect will apply to employees of small business employers as well ... more
  • Bendigo's proximity to Melbourne and it’s laid-back, country lifestyle makes this regional city a ‘no brainer’, not only for interstate and overseas visitors to Victoria, but also for those seeking a more permanent ‘tree-change’. GJ Gardner Bendigo, Building Dream Homes with Renewable Timber Framing in a great country community 29th August 2025 Bendigo's proximity to Melbourne and it’s laid-back, country lifestyle makes this regional city a ‘no brainer’, not only for interstate and overseas visitors to Victoria, but also for those seeking a more permanent ‘tree-change’. ... more
  • Equipping Industry with Skilled In-House Training Support Become a Workplace-Based Trainer 29th August 2025 Equipping Industry with Skilled In-House Training Support ... more
  • Insolvencies in July were again at an all-time monthly high, which has become a common trend in 2025. Monthly numbers remain almost double pre-pandemic levels.
Monthly Risk Credit Insights by Alares 29th August 2025 Insolvencies in July were again at an all-time monthly high, which has become a common trend in 2025. Monthly numbers remain almost double pre-pandemic levels. ... more
  • From 1 September, administration fees for most First Super members are coming down.
For members still building their super, the weekly flat fee will drop from $1.87 to $1.65, meaning more of your money stays invested for your future. Lower Admin Fees for First Super Members 28th August 2025 From 1 September, administration fees for most First Super members are coming down. For members still building their super, the weekly flat fee will drop from $1.87 to $1.65, meaning more of your money stays invested for your future. ... more
  • Redefining Shelter: by using a Parapet
Parapets in timber construction have traditionally been viewed as architectural features. However, with increasing complexity in building forms and roof profiles, an innovative approach of integrating parapets into the structural roof system is now being explo... FTMA Tech Talk – Ed.75 12th August 2025 Redefining Shelter: by using a Parapet Parapets in timber construction have traditionally been viewed as architectural features. However, with increasing complexity in building forms and roof profiles, an innovative approach of integrating parapets into the structural roof system is now being explo... ... more
  • Find out about the highlights from principal partner, Multinail's, machinery expo - Tmorrow's World Machinery Show Everyone’s Talking About Optimisation 11th August 2025 Find out about the highlights from principal partner, Multinail's, machinery expo - Tmorrow's World Machinery Show ... more
  • Timbertruss have published their safety video on unloading near overhead powerlines, specific to Victoria. Read all the details relevant to the video, and guidelines for other states Planning Safe Delivery Procedures – Overhead Powerlines. By Timbertruss 11th August 2025 Timbertruss have published their safety video on unloading near overhead powerlines, specific to Victoria. Read all the details relevant to the video, and guidelines for other states ... more
  • With the National Construction Code 2022 ushering in a new era of Livable Housing Design, builders and frame & truss manufacturers are rethinking how they approach internal wall construction – especially when it comes to bathrooms. Future-Proof Your Frames with STRUCTApanel 31st July 2025 With the National Construction Code 2022 ushering in a new era of Livable Housing Design, builders and frame & truss manufacturers are rethinking how they approach internal wall construction – especially when it comes to bathrooms. ... more
  • We have a number of wonderful sector devotees retiring this year - FTMA takes a look at contributions and achievements the industry can celebrate, and how we're honouring our hard workers. Departure of 189 Years of Experience 31st July 2025 We have a number of wonderful sector devotees retiring this year - FTMA takes a look at contributions and achievements the industry can celebrate, and how we're honouring our hard workers. ... more
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