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...

Transferring your family business

Are you planning to pass your family business to the next generation? Check out these tips to ensure a smooth transition. Did you know family run businesses account for 70% of all businesses in Australia! However, many people don’t know how to successfully hand over...

Productive Palette: How colour can influence workplace behaviour

For many offices, a lot of thought goes into design elements like desk and cubicle layout and lighting. But when it comes to colour, many companies default to white. Studies show colour can significantly influence our mood. Certain colours can excite, depress,...

2017 Victorian Premiers Design Awards open for entry

The search is on for the best in Victorian design and creativity. The annual Victorian Premier’s Design Awards celebrate Victorian designers and businesses that use design to create better products, services, businesses and ultimately a better state of Victoria. The...

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...

Do you know where your wood products come from?

  Does your furniture have PEFC’s Chain of Custody certification? This certification is a mechanism for tracking certified material from the forest to the final product to ensure that the wood, wood fibre or non-wood forest produce contained in the product or...

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...

Safety in Design Course

Consult Australia’s Safety in Design course is an intensive two-day seminar which addresses safety issues relating to design and provides practical tools on how to eliminate hazards at the design stage. Examples from practitioners will be provided and the...

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...

Green Interior Awards Celebration

The AFA is proud to be a partner with Green Living for the 4th International Green Interior Awards Celebration, Thursday. 27th July 2017 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm AEST at Brickworks Design Studio 50 Carrington Street Sydney. Enjoy an evening of celebration with your team and...