We’ve gone virtual!

The prefabAUS team have been really excited about seeing you in person this year at our hybrid conference in Brisbane. However, due to the continuing and constantly evolving COVID-19 outbreaks around the country, prefabAUS has made the decision to proceed with fully virtual format for our 2021 Conference.

We are passionate about the growth of prefabrication and the broader construction industry now embracing off-site manufacturing technology and design. This format change brings opportunities to stay connected, share information, knowledge and skills, as well as unique networking sessions with industry professionals and speakers. We have put together the best content for this year’s event and look forward to seeing you all virtually soon.

prefabAUS Digital Webinar Event Recordings Available for Members

Recordings of our digital events are now available online! All prefabAUS members will have the ability to access webinar recordings. To access these recordings simply visit the Member Portal, login and hover over the Webinars tab (in the navigation bar) for a drop-down list of webinars available for on-demand viewing.

ACT COVID-19 Surge Centre Delivered in Record Time with Pre-Fab Steel

In the grip of the global covid-19 pandemic, construction company Manteena and pre-fabrication specialists Austruss delivered a world class covid-19 surge centre in just 36 days. Manteena was engaged by Aspen Medical under a design and construct contract to deliver a 17,000m2 51-bed medical facility for the act and surrounding region. Read more.

EOI for Design and Construct Contractor for the Australian High Commission Abuja

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is seeking Expressions of Interest from potential suppliers for the design and construction of a new chancery and supporting facilities for the Australian High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria. The Project will be delivered through an off-site pre-fabricated construction methodology, with transport and installation of the buildings in Abuja. The works include in-country construction of foundations, supporting facilities and site infrastructure. Read more.

Can bosses legally demand workers get vaccinated? Probably

Scott Morrison refuses to mandate vaccines in all workplaces but the law is still on the side of employers. Here’s what you need to know. Workplace experts say the law is not clear, but believe the paramount duty to provide a safe workplace might outweigh other factors such as privacy or discrimination. Company-mandated vaccines are becoming increasingly common in the United States, with Microsoft, Google and Delta Air Lines among those requiring staff to have the jab. Read more.

Small-home dream can become a nightmare of red tape due to building codes and laws

Jiri Lev and his family are preparing to move into their new home. But they haven't gone down the mainstream path. "We built a small house to try and remain debt free — it's extremely small," Mr Lev, who designed the new home, said. To be exact, it's 7.2 by 3.6 metres. Read more.

Three peak bodies release landmark building design guide

Consult Australia, Engineers Australia and the Australian Institute of Architects have jointly released a landmark guide for design practitioners and engineers – in the wake of major NSW legislative and regulatory reforms to improve building quality and safety. The Guide for design practitioners and engineers is a practical resource, created to help the three peak bodies members tackle the recent NSW Building Confidence reforms. The guide highlights key issues relevant to contracts and professional indemnity (PI) insurance, relating to the recent legislative and regulatory changes. Read more.

Keystone Tasmania Project Funding

Our project funding is allocated based on strategic priority areas and informed by industry consultation. Annual allocations range from $40,000 for the development of new training courses in priority areas, to $250,000 p.a. for major workforce development projects up to 4 years in duration. Read more.

Leadership Development Scholarships now open for female leaders in Building, Construction & Engineering

Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) believes advancing gender equity, especially in leadership, is central to creating a fairer and more inclusive society and, to encourage more women to step into leadership roles, WLA periodically offers industry sector scholarships for three levels of leadership development program.

Through their Industry Partnership Framework, they work with hundreds of Australian associations and professional bodies to increase awareness and action around gender equity. With your support, they can continue to create meaningful opportunities for female leaders across Australia.

The partial scholarships – of between $1,000 - $5,000 per person – are now available and open to applications received by 10th September 2021. To find out more click here.