Building WA: Recent Episodes
HIA WA
If you’re a tradie, builder, designer, manufacturer, economist - or someone who just likes to keep up to date with the residential building industry – the Building WA podcast brought to you by HIA, has you covered.
We’ll keep you up to date with the latest news and insights so that you have all the tools you need to stay informed and stay safe.
HIA WA Executive Director Michael McGowan discusses the state of play in the housing industry, providing a review of the first quarter, and what's in store for the second.
Safety in the workplace is front of mind for everyone in the building industry.
Recent changes to the Work Health and Safety Laws in WA has seen greater harmonisation of laws with other states across the country.
HIA WA Manager for Workplace Services Libby Pracilio sits down with the Hon Bill Johnston MLA ( Minister for Industrial Relations) to discuss the changes, management of falls, and what will be the biggest adjustment for industry.
For further information about anything you've heard in this episode, please contact HIA.
By now the majority of our industry have had the chance to process some - or most - of the changes to the Work Health and Safety Laws (WHS) that recently came into effect here in WA.
These changes affect the building industry in a number of ways – Darren Kavanagh, WorkSafe Western Australia Commissioner provides insight into the way these changes came about, the impact they will have on the industry and what you need to know about high risk work licences.
This is the first of two episodes dedicated to the new WHS Laws.
For more information please contact HIA.
Trigger warning:
This episode references suicide and experiences with a mental health condition.
If you are feeling impacted, please contact beyondblue.org.au/get-support/-get-immediate support, Lifeline on 13 11 14, headspace.com, or your local GP for support.
Or
Contact Lifeline 1300YARN or Welcome to Head to Health | Head to Health.
‘Sadness is not always depression, worry is not always anxiety’ – but what’s the difference? And how do you know when to seek help for mental health issues?
Huge demand, ongoing constraints and no clear answer as to when the current challenges facing the residential building industry will end – there’s many reasons as to why members of our industry may be experiencing feelings they haven’t before.
This episode is an invaluable listen for everyone involved in the industry, as Dr Grant Blashki ( Lead Clinical Advisor for Beyond Blue) talks through ways to recognise a mate in need, how to recognise when you’re feeling more stressed than usual, and what are the steps to take when help is required – especially with COVID having lingering impacts on many businesses and the industry as a whole.
HIA’s partnership with Beyond Blue is proudly brought to you by the HIA Charitable Foundation thanks to the generous support of HIA members.
When Cath Hart became WA's Executive Director, she would have no idea that concerns around low levels of building activity in WA would soon become just one of many challenges, with COVID threatening the livelihoods of those within the industry.
While there was plenty of obstacles, Cath reflects on the strength of the residential building community, the pride in being part of the launch of HIA WA's Building Women Program, and the team motto that was never far from her mind when approaching Government at the peak of the pandemic.
For further information about any of the news updates in this episode, please head to the HIA website.
HIA’s latest forecast is in – and while there’s some storm clouds lingering, the skies will eventually clear.
Tune in to hear HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon join us down the line from Canberra to delve into what the remainder of 2022 will look like in WA.
From the housing market, the inevitable increase of interest rates, material shortages, the return of interstate migration and more – it's all covered.
And if you were wondering what’s on the horizon for WA in 10 years time, Tim offers his prediction with exclusive insight into how well the State will be placed in the years to come.
It's all covered on Building WA.
While there may still be many unknowns about how 2022 will play out with WA's hard border coming down, one thing remains certain.
Keystart continues to play a pivotal role in providing an affordable pathway to home ownership for many West Australians.
With a greater emphasis on the definition of 'home' since the beginning of the pandemic, and with a variety of deposit barriers, tune into this episode to hear from Keystart Chief Operating Officer, Lindsay O'Sullivan, as he talks through what is on the horizon for WA, provides insight into how income limits may look beyond 2022, and gives some helpful hints for those struggling to lock down that home deposit.
Air conditioning, quality lighting and home technology - you wouldn't compromise on any of this when building a home - so what if you could have it all working together to bring the ultimate level of comfort and security?
Tune in to hear James Balfour from Living Technology Australia talk through every aspect of home automation from cost, ease of installation, adding value to your home and much more.
It's a must listen for anyone who has ever wondered how it all works and wants to know why it should be at the top of your list when building that new dream home!
If you want to find out more about anything James mentions in this episode and want to learn more about iZone's latest products, head to:
iZone Smart Home Technology Products - Smart Home Solutions - Home Automation
A special thanks once again to James and iZone.
“…And the winner of this year’s HIA-COLORBOND® steel Perth Home of the Year is…. Averna Homes!"
Listen to Averna Homes General Manager Paul Spatara as he recalls their recent success, talks through the process of designing and building the stunning award winning home in Applecross, and discusses the pride that comes with delivering more than just a remarkable house – it’s the family home of their client’s dreams.
Plus hear the latest industry news and find out more about the remaining HIA WA events for 2021 - there's plenty still to come for the rest of the year and you won't want to miss out.
This episode is bursting with key industry updates that you need to know - for you and your business.
We have exclusive insight from WA Premier Mark McGowan, having spoken recently at the HIA Cockburn Cement Premier's Breakfast.
If you want to hear what the Premier had to say when asked about everything from vaccines, to borders, to skills shortages, you'll want to settle in and not skip a second.*
Plus hear from Keystart CEO Paul Graham as he discusses the crucial role Keystart plays in helping more West Australians gain home ownership, offering unique insight into how big an impact this help can have for people who thought owning their own dream home was out of reach.
It's a huge episode, so what are you waiting for? Play and download now.
- Please note this audio was recorded prior to the WA Government's announcement of mandatory vaccinations for workers in building, maintenance and construction.
"I wanted to do a job that's going to give me a future."
This was 2021 HIA Stratco WA 1st Year Apprentice of the Year Elizabeth Eaton's response when asked about why she chose to take on a concreting apprenticeship.
Committed to getting the best out of herself and showing other females how rewarding it is to take on a trade, Lizzie speaks candidly about everything from her 4am alarm each morning to exercise, to her transition from the police force to the building industry, and what keeps her motivated each day.
You would be hard pressed to find a builder, trade or manufacturer at the moment in WA who isn't carrying a heavy workload.
In this episode, our Executive Director Cath Hart sits down with HIA WA President Dean Humphrey to discuss the current pressures on the industry, breaks down the misconceptions about the 'winners' during a housing boom, the day-to-day stresses for small businesses not discussed in the office or onsite, aswell as reflecting on how the past 18 months has re-shaped our industry with some positive takeaways.
We also recap the latest industry news ( including a weather forecast for all the tradies out there who have been packing their wet weather gear each day!).
HIA WA Assistant Director Building and Planning Aaron Sice also gives a holistic overview of what you need to know about the latest NCC 2022 update.
In this episode, HIA WA Executive Director Cath Hart sits down with WA Minister for Planning, Rita Saffioti.
With plenty of questions around planning, Medium Density Code, social housing stock, this is a chat that addresses many of the issues on the minds of our builders in the current climate here in WA - especially with the State Budget just around the corner.
And if you happened to miss the WA winners from this year's HIA CSR Australian Housing Awards, we've got it covered in our latest industry news.
For further information about anything you've heard in this episode, please contact HIA WA.
"You are your business"...
Struggling with the ongoing stress of managing a small business in the wake of a global pandemic? You're not alone.
Many of our members at HIA are small business owners and we know all too well that they have been dealt many challenges in recent times.
In this episode we speak to Small Business Engagement Manager at Beyond Blue, Mel Novak.
Mel discusses everything from signs to look out for early when you sense either you or someone you know may be struggling, the mental strain that has weighed down many small business owners since the beginning of the COVID pandemic, and what steps you can take to ensure you're not neglecting your mental health.
If you want to enquire about Beyond Blue's New Access program targeted at small business owners, please click here:
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess/newaccess-for-small-business-owners
Carpenter Mitch Bell knew there would be challenges while working as a mature age apprentice - but he could always see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Having gained invaluable experience as an HIA apprentice, Mitch is now carving his own path in the building industry.
In this episode we hear more of Mitch's journey, his best advice for those considering take up a trade, and how he came to realise that this was not your standard 9-5 job, but a job that was the perfect fit for him and many others.
So you might be wondering what our industry is doing to attract more apprentices - young, mature age, and everyone else in between?
With trade shortages a key focus now more than ever, it begs the question - how can we expand our workforce both for now and the long term?
We chat to Construction Training Fund CEO Tiffany Allen to hear her views and discuss current initiatives and future plans.
Plus listen for a sneak preview of what will be addressed at the upcoming NCC 2022 Proposed Amendments Seminar happening soon in WA.
Downturns, booms, and working through a global pandemic - Dean Humphrey has seen it all during his time in the building industry, and now it's time for him to take the next step - representing HIA WA as the region's new President.
Dean explains how it all started for him in his career and what brought him back to WA after venturing overseas in pursuit of new opportunities.
Hear his thoughts on the the current conditions in WA, what's different compared to our state's previous boom period, and what are the key outcomes he hopes to achieve during his time as President.
Plus - Tune in to hear the latest industry news including an important change to HomeBuilder*
*For more information about this, please head to the HIA website.
With a huge spike in building activity on the back of last year's building grants - every builder and consumer wants to know how it will affect them in terms of shipping delays and material shortages...
HIA Chief Economist, Tim Reardon, speaks to us in this episode to not only explain what's happening - but also why.
Tune in to hear Tim discuss where the industry sits one year on from the beginning of the global pandemic and much more!
In today's episode, we focus on two leaders...
One is the current WA Premier, and the other, our outgoing HIA WA President, Phill Theunissen.
Listen as Phill reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic has re-shaped the industry, while also gaining a unique perspective into the upcoming WA Election through Lenda Oshalem from Newgate Communications, as she breaks down who is best to lead WA and further strengthen the residential building industry beyond 2021.
Despite the threat of bushfires becoming more apparent in the warmer months, there's a lot you need to know in order to protect your property all-year round.
The recent Wooroloo bushfire in Perth caused devastation for many residents, and it's important in future emergencies like the one we've recently seen that you know what you can do to better prepare your property.
In this episode we speak to HIA Assistant Director for Building and Planning, Aaron Sice, to break down the process of returning to a fire-affected property, measures to put in place when designing a new home in bushfire prone areas, rules for workers using power tools during total fire bans, and much more.
HomeBuilder and Building Bonus - by now everyone knows there's at least a few differences between both building grants - but do you know the exact requirements? And do you know the consequences if your application contains false information?
Hear from Commissioner of State Revenue for WA Nicki Godecke as she answers common questions about the building grants and suggests what you can do to help the process.
If you need further information based on what you've heard, please visit: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/homebuilder
At one point in 2020, the residential building industry didn't know how it would cope with the challenges presented by the pandemic.
In the first episode of Building WA, hear from HIA WA Executive Director Cath Hart, as she reflects on the industry's biggest fears following initial COVID restrictions, and what's on the horizon in 2021.
Unsure exactly what a safety moment looks like? There's no better time to talk safety, so tune in to find out what you can do to keep you and your workmates safe on a building site.
Music credit: Purple Planet Music & Pixaby