FTMA and Partners: Tracking Progress and Planning Ahead for 2025

Written By Kersten Gentle

The start of 2025 has been nothing short of remarkable for FTMA Australia as we continue to celebrate the strength of our partnerships and the unwavering support of our sponsors. Through their commitment, we have been able to foster growth, stability, and innovation within the frame and truss industry. Our decision to cap sponsorships has proven fruitful, not only showing our dedication to enhancing the value for our current partners but also drawing interest from those waiting to join our network of esteemed supporters.

Our recent gathering at the Doncaster Mercure showed just how closely the FTMA Board and our partners are working together as we reviewed what we’ve achieved and planned for the future

With a great turn up of partners, we were happy to have Andrew Kidd, the Chair of the Frame & Truss National Safety Council present on how the council is proceeding, the great outcomes Andrew has already achieved for our members, and what we hope the NSC will strive for in 2025.

Tim Woods of IndustryEdge presented on the latest FATSO findings, including a housing update, and a deep dive at the American market, exploring what the possible outcomes will be from the supposed new Trump Tariffs. How will these tariffs impact the Australian market was a key discussion, and given the fluidity of these policies, there were many scenarios to discuss.

Kevin Peachy from FWPA presented on the Future Framing Initiative, which I truly believe will be a turning point for our sector. We need a modernised AS1684, and this project will deliver this plus much more. I’m proud that MiTek, Multinail and Pryda are all contributing to this exciting project, and I thank them for having faith in me to represent the sector on the Project Management Committee.

We presented to our partners our three-year plan, for which we are in the final year. It’s a great reflection to see how much we have achieved in the past couple of years, and best of all, we could identify those few things that have not yet been met, and know that by the end of this year, they will be completed, and we would have delivered everything in our three-year plan.

With so many dates planned for the 2025 State Seminars, and of course our 2026 FTMA National Conference and Trade Exhibition planning being well underway, it was a great opportunity to update our partners on the upcoming events.

The evening finished with a networking dinner with Dr. Alastair Woodard, of Wood Products Victoria being our special guest. Alastair is no stranger to FTMA Members, and throughout the past 15 years, Alastair has been instrumental in his work with FTMA on timber cassettes, mid-rise and he chairs our Strategic Technical Committee. Alastair is beginning to wind back, and whilst full retirement may not be on the cards at this stage, he is stepping back for a while for a well-deserved break and to focus on family, especially his new grandchildren.

Nothing says retirement like a beautiful watch, or in this case and gorgeous timber clock and recognition of Alastair’s 30+ years in the forest and wood products industry. There is no doubt, the industry would be worse off if we didn’t have Alastair, who has truly helped forged a sustainable path for the industry.

We thank Alastair for his passion, his dedication, commitment and for being one of my all-time favourite Carbon Warriors.

FTMA remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering exceptional value and unwavering support to its members. Together, with our dedicated members and partners, we are paving the way for a dynamic and prosperous future. Here’s to a strong 2025 and the continued evolution of our association and industry.