Running a small business can be mind boggling

As many AFA Members are small business owners they often don’t have the time or resources to be on top of all of the latest information in regards to legislation, it can be mind boggling! That is where Industry Associations can help. By becoming a Member you...

Understand Fair Work’s leave changes and avoid $63,000 fines

Did you know that from the 29 July 2016, annual leave changes apply to any employee on one of the 112 updated awards or for those who are award/agreement free. Annual leave forms part of the National Employment Standards (NES) which applies to all employees covered by...

Concessional contributions caps to be slashed from July 2017

A reminder to all AFA Members, the Government has scrapped the over-50s concessional (before-tax) contributions cap of $35,000 from July 2017, and replaced it with a $25,000 cap. The government has also cut the general concessional contributions cap (for under-50s) to...

Pallet Made Vertical Herb Garden

Here’s a  unique take on the vertical garden, from AFA Member CrativeAustralia –  all natural and upcycled. Absolutely perfect for small spaces and empty walls. Fill with fragrant herbs or colourful plants for a beautiful, rusticwallscape. The Crative Vertical...

Engaging Women in the Build Environment

If we are going to reach 50% women in leadership roles by 2025 in the Built Environment industries we need to work together in new and innovative ways. Continuing from the success of UNSW’s 2016 initiative, please join them for an evening with 20 Built...

The importance of ergonomics in a potentially hazardous workplace

Manufacturers’ Monthly spoke with Ted Dohrmann, managing director at Dohrmann Consulting based in Melbourne, about the importance of ergonomics in a potentially hazardous workplace in an industrial setting. Ergonomics is the science of fitting work to people....

4th International Green Interior Awards Night in Sydney – Winners

The AFA Congratulates all of the Winners of The International Green Interior Awards for 2017. This Awards program is in its 4th year and is the leading global awards program that is 100% focused on the integration and creation of green interior products, not...

Colour Palette for 2018

Thinking about redecorating next year and don’t know what colours to look for? Here’s a colour prediction for 2018, and if you do it now you will be ahead of the trends!

Australia Post finalises sale of Sydney’s General Post Office

Australia Post has announced that it has finalised the details of the sale of the Sydney General Post Office (GPO). At the same time, it said it would seek National Heritage listing for the GPO, “in recognition of its historical importance and to reinforce existing...

GST- free Threshold removed

Australian retailers will have to wait another year before the GST-free threshold is removed for online purchases bought from overseas, after the Federal Government passed an amendment to the Bill, proposed by the Labor Party, for the Productivity Commission to...

Good news for  Australian Furniture SME’s 

If your annual GST turnover is less than $10 million, you will be transitioned to Simpler BAS reporting from 1 July 2017. The Tax Office has simplified GST reporting for small business by reducing the amount of GST information required in business activity statements...

MX Drawer System from Häfele – Let life come to you

AFA Member Häfele, believe that time and space are two of life’s luxuries and their new concept lets you make the most of both. The MX Drawer System is the forward-thinking alternative to dark cumbersome cupboard spaces. Why? It makes life better by delivering...

Amazon launches in Australia

While Amazon has been selling furniture for years, it has decided to tackle the sector more forcefully in America, which could then flow into Australia. The online retail giant is activating a major push into furniture and appliances, including building at least four...