PRODUCT RECALLS ON THE RISE   

Product recalls are on the rise as ever increasing consumer protection and new regulations come into play. It does not take much of a defect to fail to meet various legislation and Australian Standards. When a recall is declared by a government agency or a retailer,...

How the workplace affects employee health and wellbeing

The most direct effect that workplaces have on employee health and wellbeing is through the occurrence of injuries or illness due to work. Our workplaces affect the types of risks involved. Workplaces with high levels of physical work (for example, those that involve...

Storm Over Procurement Loopholes

A storm is brewing over government procurement policies within the furnishing sector, with Members of Australia’s peak industry body, the Australasian Furnishing Association (AFA), pushing for reform. It seems that the AFA may have ‘hit a nerve’, with the issue...

AFA Update – Coronavirus – Business, Employee and Health Support

AFA Update CoronavirusBusiness, Employee and Health Support   The Coronavirus will continue to be, one of the biggest challenges facing the furnishing and related industries (AFA) in modern times. As governments and health officials provide us with rapidly changing...

Understanding Digital Marketing Gobbledygook

Blogs. Posts. Likes. SEO. PPC. Analytics. IoT. Is it all gobbledygook to you? Let’s make it short, sharp and simple. An interactive introduction to online digital marketing that won’t make your brain explode. And better still, won’t make you feel like a ‘dummy’. Learn...

Warning on Toppling Furniture following the Death of another Child

NSW Fair Trading and other consumer affairs agencies across the country have launched a campaign to ensure parents and carers know how to protect their children and prevent a serious accident from toppling furniture and TVs. NSW Fair Trading Commissioner, Rod Stowe,...

DO YOU WANT UP TO $50k OF GOVERNMENT FUNDING?

Does this sound like you? · You need to find a smarter way, a quicker way, a better way to grow · You have great ideas but need to translate ideas into products and into commercial success · You have outgrown your current processes or resources. · You need to plan for...

Tipping Furniture Warning

The AFA has been liaising with Government to look into tipping furniture as it poses an ongoing threat to Australians. The AFA is pleased Australia’s consumer watchdog has launched a safety investigation into a popular series of drawers by Swedish furniture...

 Benchmarking by John Clements from hranywhere

Many organisations, regardless of size and structure, will seek to benchmark themselves. Benchmarking helps with improving processes, approaches and technologies to reduce costs, increase profits and strengthen customer loyalty and satisfaction.  Benchmarking is an...

Importing timber, wooden articles, bamboo and related products

All imported furniture that contains timber, wooden articles, bamboo and related products (whether for commercial or personal use) must comply with the import conditions as stated on the Department of Agriculture and Water resources’ Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON).

Looking for an Intern? Did you know you can “Trial a young person”

Through the PaTH program AFA Members can host an internship placement in their business and see if the candidate is a good fit. You will receive $1000 to help with the costs of hosting an intern, and the intern is covered by insurance through the program. Just 200...

Developing an export plan?

Many AFA Members are looking to export their products, but how do you go about it? The first step is to develop an export plan so you and your business and staff have a clear plan to follow. An effective export plan will help evaluate your strengths and weaknesses...

Professional Design Program 3

This week we are very happy to announce that we have launched the Professional Design Program 3 Last month CEO Patrizia Torelli travelled to Malaysia to work with four of Australia’s lead designer makers involved in the international Professional Design Program 3 in...

Creating flexible spaces in the home

Furniture designers are helping in the trend towards more efficient storage options for living rooms and guest bedrooms, such as AFA Member King Living, an Australian furniture manufacturer that has specialised in innovation, quality and design, superior comfort and...

Australia by Design Innovation – Television Premier

Good Design Australia is proud to announce their series partnership for a new television show currently airing on Channel TEN. Australia by Design Innovation aims to bring good design into the hearts and minds of all Australians. Reminiscent of popular shows such...

How to choose the right sofa for your living room

A sofa is central to most living room schemes, but when it comes to choosing the right match for your space, lifestyle and personality, it can be a bit bamboozling. So put your feet up and relax, and let our friends at Houzz run through a few things it’s worth...

International competition to design new Adelaide art gallery

The South Australian government has launched a two-stage international design competition for a new art gallery in centre of Adelaide. Known as Adelaide Contemporary, the proposed 15,000-square-metre gallery will be a new landmark for the city – a “unique art...

Working from home?

We found this great article on furnishing your office at home, as more and more people are spending their time in flexible workspaces. If you read this list, how does your home office shape up? Visit our website for some great office furniture suppliers around...

Heinrich Wolff to speak at 2017 Australian Urban Design Awards

Heinrich Wolff of Wolff Architects, South Africa will give a keynote lecture at this year’s Australian Urban Design Awards titled Network Systems. Led by Heinrich and Lize Wolff, Wolff Architects is an architectural practice interested in the nexus between design,...

16 Ultra Chic Blush Pink Sofas and How to Style Them!

We all know blush pink, rose pink, millennial pink…or soft pink is in at the moment. We love the colour and thought this website might inspire you for furniture ideas for your home. Always good to be on trend! Read More

Are you Spring Carnival Ready?

Former The Block winner, Chantelle Ford has turned her design eye to hats with her business, FORD MILLINERY who she said ” provokes desire in the bellies of women who once shied away from headwear.” Her headpieces are meticulously designed with one eye...