Carpentry Australia recently had the opportunity to be part of the Sydney Build Expo, and the energy across the two days was a clear reflection of the momentum currently building within our industry… writes Carpentry Australia Head of Development Nathan Quinn
Following Day One of the expo, we were proud to host a networking event at the Piermont Hotel, bringing together builders, apprentices, educators, suppliers, government representatives and industry leaders for an evening of collaboration and conversation.
With 64 in attendance, the event highlighted the growing appetite for stronger connections across the carpentry sector.
Safety front and centre
During the expo, Carpentry Australia hosted two important industry panels focused on topics that continue to shape the future of our trade.
Our first panel centred around safety; an issue that remains front and centre across every worksite in Australia. We were fortunate to be joined by Chris Outten from TAFE NSW, Charbel Rahme from ARIA Carpentry, and Felicity Pettiford, better known as the Sydney Builder Chick.
The discussion explored the importance of building stronger safety cultures, improving education pathways, and ensuring the next generation of tradies enter the industry with the right mindset around workplace wellbeing and responsibility.
Building a sustainable future
The second panel focused on sustainability and the role our industry must play in driving smarter, more sustainable building practices. We were joined by James Wang from AUSWOOD, Dr. Ulrike Dankermann from the University of New South Wales, and Nick Abraham from HA Build. The panel examined emerging sustainable materials, innovation in construction, and the importance of industry collaboration as we move toward a more environmentally conscious future.
Growing collaboration across the sector
One of the standout takeaways from the expo was the overwhelming level of interest from both industry and government representatives wanting to explore how we can work together more collaboratively. It was encouraging to see so many organisations recognising the importance of supporting tradespeople, strengthening pathways, and investing in initiatives across the sector.
Looking ahead
With all the momentum Carpentry Australia continues to build, we are excited about what lies ahead. In the coming months, we look forward to sharing some exciting news around several major projects that Carpentry Australia will be leading across multiple states.
We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support we continue to receive from industry partners, government, and the broader community. That support allows us to continue creating meaningful opportunities, driving positive change, and ensuring the carpentry industry remains strong for future generations.
The future is bright, and we’re only just getting started.
