At the opening of Grow. Promote. Protect. 2026, Patrizia Torelli, Group CEO of the Australian Furniture Association, delivered a clear message:
We’re here to help you
- Save money
- Make money
- Stay out of jail
The below audio is of the opening remarks from day one, given by Patrizia Torelli, Group CEO of the Australian Furniture Association.
This week we will be publishing further sessions from the event, so be sure to visit this website and our LikedIn page (linked here) to stay updated.
Episode guide
0:02 – Welcome to the event.
1:29 – Work so far between the Australian Furniture Association and RMIT University.
2:10 – A brief history of the AFA and some of the forces shaping its work.
3:10 – The program ahead.
5:18 – A few thought-provoking points on government support, furniture industry waste, imports, and chemicals of concern to set the scene.
6:30 – An introduction to keynote speaker, Professor Oliver Jones.