FTMA Australia

16/06/2026

Change is on the horizon for Super!

FTMA Supporting Partner, First Super, has developed practical guidance to help businesses understand and navigate the upcoming Payday Super reforms, which will require super contributions to be paid at the same time as employee wages from 1 July 2026. Contributions must also reach an employee's super fund within seven business days of payday.

In a recent article for FTMA News, First Super outlines three key areas businesses should review now:

✔️ Cash flow and payroll approval processes

✔️ Transitioning from the ATO Small Business Superannuation Clearing House before its closure

✔️ Employee data and onboarding processes to reduce payment delays and errors.

These changes represent a significant shift for employers, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, but support is available.

As a valued FTMA Partner, First Super is committed to helping members understand the reforms, prepare their systems, and ensure they remain compliant ahead of the changes taking effect.

Read the full article, watch the webinar, and access First Super's resources…

https://www.ftmanews.com/index.cfm?module=news&pagemode=indiv&page_id=5960019

12/06/2026

FTMA Board Member Jacqueline Goodwin, of AG Trusses met with Matt Keogh, Federal Minister and MP, last week, hosting him at their WA site, to evidence advanced manufacturing, innovation, and the important role expanding local manufacturing capacity can play in increasing housing supply.

12/06/2026

As we continue reflecting on the incredible success of the FTMA 2026 National Conference & Trade Expo, one message stands above all others: this industry is stronger when we come together.

With a record 264 delegates and 43 exhibitors, this year's event was our largest and most successful conference to date, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, researchers, educators, industry leaders and partners from across Australia to share ideas, challenge thinking and shape the future of our sector.

None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our Annual Partners, Conference Sponsors and Trade Expo Exhibitors. Your investment in FTMA extends beyond sponsorship. It helps us deliver industry advocacy, technical resources, education pathways, research initiatives, networking opportunities and member support programs that strengthen the frame and truss industry every day.

The conference also provided an opportunity to celebrate remarkable individuals and businesses through our 2026 Industry Awards.

Peter Taylor, inaugural recipient of the FTMA Industry Icon Award.

Gary Walker, recipient of the 2026 Clive Martella Service to Industry Award.

AAA Advanced Trusses and Windows, recipient of the 2026 Jackson Kidd Wellbeing Award, for the second time.

Versace Timbers, recipient of the 2026 FTMA Community Award.

The generosity of our industry was on full display during the conference dinner, with delegates, partners and exhibitors helping raise $10,268 through our silent auction in support of SunnyKids, assisting women and children impacted by domestic and family violence. We thank everyone who donated, bid, and contributed to such an important cause.

To every delegate, sponsor, partner, exhibitor, presenter and supporter - thank you for helping make FTMA 2026 a record-breaking success. The conversations, connections and collaborations formed throughout the event will continue to strengthen our industry long after the conference doors have closed.

MiTek Australia Ltd. Multinail Australia Pryda Australia AB Phillips AKD Softwoods Meyer Timber Porta Tilling Timber Timberlink Australia & New Zealand Vekta Automation Vida Wood Australia AGrade Fasteners Baumann Sideloaders Australia BeA Group Bliss & Reels cadwork Australasia Choice Energy Pty Ltd Combilift Australia Ezequote First Super Hundegger Australasia Hyne Timber

09/06/2026

Today, FTMA Australia's CEO Kersten Gentle and National Research & Technical Manager Rhianna Robinson are attending the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) meeting in Melbourne, joining leaders from across government, industry, research, and the sustainability sector.

The agenda covers some of the most significant issues facing the construction industry, including building electrification, skills for the clean economy, climate resilience, circular economy initiatives, productivity, housing delivery, decarbonisation, and updates to the National Construction Code.

For frame and truss manufacturers, these discussions matter. “This morning was brilliant and highlighted the importance of the Lightweight Timber Framing Standard, and reassured us that we are on the right path,” Kersten said.

The policies, regulations, workforce strategies, and sustainability initiatives being explored today will directly influence how homes are designed, built, and renovated in the years ahead. From embodied carbon and circular economy principles to energy efficiency requirements and housing productivity, our sector has an important role to play in delivering Australia's future built environment.

FTMA remains committed to ensuring the voice of frame and truss manufacturers is represented in these important conversations, helping to shape practical outcomes that support both industry growth and environmental responsibility.

Here are Kersten and Rhianna with ASBEC Chair Tanya Cox, and Alison Scotland CEO of ASBEC.

04/06/2026

Running a successful frame and truss business requires far more than producing quality products.

From leadership and team development through to marketing, sales, business strategy and operational performance, today's manufacturers are navigating an increasingly complex business environment.

That's why FTMA Australia is excited to launch our new Pilot Webinar Series, designed specifically for the frame and truss manufacturing sector. These webinars will deliver practical, real-world insights from industry and business experts, helping manufacturers strengthen their businesses, improve performance, and prepare for future growth.

We’ve partnered with; Julia Hall from Twenty Nine Ideas George Prothero from Chrisdar Consulting, and Damien Lacey from OE Partners.

Whether you're looking to sharpen your leadership skills, improve business processes, strengthen your marketing, or gain fresh perspectives on industry challenges, this series has been developed with you in mind.

The future of our industry relies on strong, resilient and innovative businesses. We encourage members to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in themselves, their teams and their organisations.

Watch the video for highlights of what to expect from Julia Hall.

Registrations are now open. Places are limited! Secure your place today, click the link below.

https://www.ftmanews.com/index.cfm?module=news&pagemode=indiv&page_id=5969829

Thanks to the beautiful Yarra Ranges Museum for accommodating our team to create the video!

03/06/2026

FTMA is pleased to share this new video promoting careers in Timber Systems Design.

Many of our members will know these roles as Estimators and Designers. As we continue to build a clearer career pathway for the next generation, we have adopted the term Timber Systems Design, as it better reflects the broad range of technical skills and knowledge required in the role.

Timber Systems Designers play a critical part in our industry, transforming architectural concepts into practical, engineered timber systems that are manufactured and installed across Australia every day.

We encourage the sector to share this video with local schools, career advisors and students, promote it through your social media channels, and consider placing it on your website. If we are serious about attracting more young people into our industry, we all have a role to play in showcasing the rewarding careers available.

A huge thank you to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) for funding this initiative through the Forestry Workforce Training Program, delivered through ForestWorks.

This video has been created as part of the development of new online training for Introduction to Timber Systems Design.

To learn more about the training program, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgplFDiZUUs

We hope you enjoy the video and encourage you to share it with anyone looking for a rewarding and long-term career in Timber Systems Design.

FTMA would like to thank MiTek Australia Ltd. Multinail Australia, Pryda Australia, Dahlsens National Timber & Hardware Association - NTHA Timber Training Creswick Ltd., cadwork Australasia and of course the amazing team at ForestWorks and Purple Infinity for their support in creating this online training.

Hey future Timber Systems Designers... want a career that build the...

01/06/2026

Machinery Listings Just Added…

We've seen another wave of new machinery hit in the last several days, with equipment becoming available across the frame and truss sector. This year so far, FTMA has assisted members sell well over $1m worth of machinery.

And while we’re on the Machinery For Sale, if you’re an FTMA Member, did you know that you can receive instant notifications of new listings, if you’re on the Members App?

Members with the app will get notified whenever new machinery is listed or pricing is updated, giving you a head start on opportunities before they reach the wider market.

Why does that matter?

· Be first to know about new listings.

· Get immediate alerts on price reductions.

· Secure sought-after equipment before it's gone.

· Access opportunities wherever you are.

Stay connected to the industry's only dedicated machinery marketplace… all from the comfort of your phone.

Check out the latest listings today… https://www.ftmanews.com/machinery

29/05/2026

The May edition of FTMA News has landed, and what a month it has been for Australia's frame and truss industry.

Leading the charge is the incredible success of the 2026 FTMA National Conference & Trade Expo, which officially became the largest event in FTMA history, bringing together 264 delegates and 43 exhibitors from across the country. The event showcased exactly what makes this industry so unique - innovation, collaboration, resilience and a genuine willingness to share knowledge and ideas for the future.

The inaugural Trade Expo was a standout success, creating a dedicated space for manufacturers, suppliers and industry leaders to connect, explore new technologies and strengthen relationships across the sector.

This month's FTMA News includes:

🔹 FTMA 2026 National Conference & Trade Expo breaks records and reinforces the strength of Australia's offsite timber prefabrication sector.

🔹 Recognition of industry leaders through the 2026 Industry Awards, Gary Walker receiving the Clive Martella Service to Industry Award, Peter Taylor becoming the inaugural FTMA Industry Icon Award recipient, AAA Trusses and Windows receiving the Jackson Kidd Wellbeing Award for the second time, Versace Timbers taking out the Community Award.

🔹 The launch of FTMA's new Introduction to Timber Systems Design online training program, helping build the next generation of timber systems design professionals and strengthening future workforce pathways. Timber Training Creswick Ltd. National Timber & Hardware Association - NTHA

🔹 The introduction of FTMA's new Pilot Webinar Series, designed to provide practical business, leadership and operational support tailored specifically to frame and truss manufacturers. Features Twenty Nine Ideas, George Prothero, Damien Lacey.

🔹 Continued industry advancement through digital innovation, highlighted by features on timber design technologies, compliance pathways and the growing role of software solutions in modern prefabricated construction.

This month's edition highlights an industry that continues to evolve, invest in its people and embrace the opportunities ahead. As governments, builders and communities increasingly look towards offsite manufacturing, modern methods of construction and renewable building materials, Australia's frame and truss sector is demonstrating that it is ready to lead.

Packed with all things conference, and all the regulars...

Read the latest FTMA News here: https://mailchi.mp/55d8739485e9/i1496p20p2-14192477

25/05/2026

Access to Australian Standards has long been a challenge across the construction industry, particularly for small and medium businesses trying to balance compliance, productivity, training and rising operational costs.

The Federal Government’s support for sponsored access to mandatory Australian Standards is a significant step forward for the broader building and construction sector, including Australia’s frame and truss manufacturing industry.

For frame and truss manufacturers, access to Standards is not optional, it underpins the design, manufacture and supply of compliant structural building components every single day. From engineering and product specifications through to safety, installation and quality assurance, Standards play a critical role in supporting confidence across the building supply chain.

Improved accessibility has the potential to:

• Reduce barriers for smaller manufacturers and regional businesses

• Better support apprentices, trainees and workforce development

• Improve consistency and understanding around compliance requirements

• Assist manufacturers navigating ongoing regulatory and NCC changes

• Support safer, more efficient building outcomes across the housing sector.

At a time when industry is under pressure to deliver more housing, faster and more sustainably, improving access to essential technical information is a practical reform that can help strengthen capability across the entire construction supply chain.

FTMA Australia welcomes initiatives that support education, compliance, safety and productivity for our industry and the broader built environment.

https://www.standards.org.au/news/standards-australia-welcomes-federal-budget-support-for-sponsored-access-to-mandatory-standards
Standards Australia

Visit our website and read more about Standards Australia welcomes Federal Budget support for sponsored access to mandatory standards .