Jobs for young people in a world of automation

As technology advances and changes our economy, young job seekers will be significantly affected by changes in the labour market. With the increasing automation of jobs traditionally occupied by young workers and professionals, a whole generation could face a...

AFA Members Invest in Your Future Business Leaders

Applications are now open for this industry-leading program for professionals in the built environment.   Highly regarded across the industry, Consult Australia’s FutureNet Business Leaders Course is now in its tenth year, with its alumni sought-after by employers and...

Women in Consulting Leadership

Sydney Breakfast Forum  To bring about change within the upper echelons of the built environment consulting industry would be a significant step in advancing equality in this traditional and male dominated world and these business leaders are taking a big step...

Chinese Move to Certification of Wood Products

The Chinese government is moving to sustainable forest certification of wood products, both harvested at home and imported from other countries, officials told a conference on illegal logging in Beijing recently. That includes a crackdown on countries that don’t...

Axolotl Art Project

AFA Member and AFA partners, Axolotl, are also involved with art installations. As “Axolotl Art Projects” they were recently commissioned to produce this intricate glass artwork, drawn by eminent Chinese pop artist Jacky Tsai. The piece is on its way to be...

Dezeens favourite chairs from 2016

Dezeens favourite chairs from 2016  Designers are always reinventing the chair, and 2016 was no different. Deputy Editor Rima Sabina Aouf from Dezeen shares her favourites, including seats inspired by comics, a granite throne and a chair with its own micro-climate. To...

It’s a car wreck

Studio Job, led by designers Job Smeets and Nynke Tynagel, is known for its fantastical and often autobiographical pieces.They have expanded on their autobiographical Train Crash table with a coffee table version depicting a burning car. The Car Crash coffee table was...

Vale – Wolfgang Schubert (Jan 2017) and Sonja Schubert (Nov 2016)

  On behalf of the AFA Board, Management and Members, we observe the sad passings of Wolfgang Schubert, founder of Burgtec Australasia Pty Ltd, who passed way on 9 January, and of Sonja, his beloved wife of 62 years, 9 weeks earlier, on 6 November.   Wolfgang and...

Business confidence surges to highest level in past six years

Business confidence among SMEs is now sitting at its highest level since March 2010, following an eight point rise to +46 on a net basis, according to the latest Sensis Business Index (SBI)* survey.Sensis Chief Executive Officer, John Allan said, “Businesses closed...

Australian Gaming and Hospitality Venue Operators Beware

Australian Venue Operators beware. Are you buying furniture direct from China? Then you are considered the manufacturer in the eyes of the Australian Consumer Law. The Australian Furniture Association has been made aware of the serious financial and insurance risks to...

Reduction in employment for Cabinet Makers?

At the recent Australian Furnishing Community of Practice Network (AFCoPN) meeting, Chris Arnold, Furniture and Cabinetmaking Department of Melbourne Polytechnic, shared this article from the newspaper, which is at odds with the experience of many AFA Member training...

West Australian Students Welcome Feedback

Furniture industry leaders are invited to check out the work of Curtin University graduating students in product, furniture, jewellery and fashion design. From opening night, Friday 9th December 2016  from 6pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm, visitors are encouraged to...

Aussies made 90 million more trips to the shops last financial year

The latest retail-themed State of the Nation reveals that Australians made 90 million more trips to bricks-and-mortar stores in the 2015/2016 financial year than they did in the year before that. For several years, Australians have been making fewer visits to retail...

Fringe benefits tax (FBT) implications for Christmas parties

When planning your Christmas party, it’s also important to consider any tax requirements.Generally, you won’t have to pay FBT if you host the Christmas party on your business premises, or keep the cost of the party to below $300 per person. Some Christmas parties can...

Workspace and the future

AFA Member ‘Workspace’ held their annual sales conference in Adelaide recently. Run over three-days they conducted numerous events across their home base of Adelaide. The theme of the conference “Future of the Workspace” included (READ MORE) a public event with a...

Repairs Before Home Selling Return Rewards

Taking a break over Christmas?… Looking to sell your house? – well, this is a great time to do some reno’s for a high return. Quick fixes before selling a home always pay off, but which home repairs bring the biggest return? Specific answers to this often-asked...

The Victorian Premier’s Design Awards Winners!

The Victorian Premier’s Design Awards were announced last night at the National Gallery of Victoria. The Awards recognise the best in Victorian Design and Innovation across eight categories, including Product Design, Fashion and Student Design (with two new...

Appliance Trends

Trends in home decor and appliances are constantly changing – silver, gold, copper, brass – the options are limitless. However, for 2017 it seems that sleek black stainless steel will replace the usual gleaming silver appliances around the home. This new...

ACCC talks to furnishing industry stakeholders

At the recent AGM of Furntech-AFRDI, delegates welcomed Billy Brine, A/g Senior Project Officer, Small Business & Industry Codes from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) for his presentation on the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and how it...