{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA Tradepass Advertise jobs Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Maintaining your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program Get to know us Our members Our people
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2025 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Hunter President's report

{{ tag.label }} {{ tag.label }} $vuetify.icons.faTimes
As the Hunter region continues to grow it is great to set our future direction by recognising our developing workforce and advising our existing. The inaugural Hunter Apprentice awards and the first issues of the HIA Building the Hunter Interview series takes us on a journey across the sector here in the Hunter region.

Greg Doodson

HIA Hunter President

The future of our industry revealed

As we begin to enter HIA Awards season I wish to congratulate all the winners and finalists at the inaugural 2023 HIA-Stratco Hunter Apprentice Awards, that was held on the 18 August.

For the first time the HIA-Stratco Hunter Apprentice Awards expanded from a single award to a significant event that recognised outstanding apprentices and office based trainees across multiple year levels, along with their hosts.

In total 6 awards were handed to the following winners:

  • 1st Year Apprentice - Thomas Marc from HIA Apprentices, hosted by Thunderstruck Tiling
  • 2nd Year Apprentice - Lachlan Freer from HIA Apprentices, hosted by Sullec Electrical Solutions
  • 3rd Year Apprentice - Bo Anderson from Sam Horn Building
  • 4th Year Apprentice - Callan Burgess from HIA Apprentices, hosted by Hama Constructions
  • Office Based Trainee - Danielle Soper from Approved
  • Apprentice Host - East Elevation Construction

Congratulations to Nicholas Cridland from HIA Apprentices, hosted by Yarrum Designer Homes who was also presented with a 4th year highly commended certificate from the judges.

I take my hat off to all of the winners and finalists. Apprentices and trainees are the future of the residential building industry, and with winners of the calibre recognised by these awards, the future is very bright indeed.

The overall Hunter Apprentice of the Year Award will be announced at the HIA-CSR Hunter Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards in October. The winner will represent the HIA Hunter region at the 2024 HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards, where our apprentices of the year will compete for the national title against winners from all other HIA regions.

Congratulations also to Hunter members Home in Place who recently won the HIA Australian GreenSmart Multi Dwelling Development at the 2023 HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards.

Announcing our new podcast

The HIA building the Hunter interview series was recently released for listening across a range of podcast platforms.

Hosted by HIA Hunter Executive Director Craig Jennion, you’ll hear from industry experts as they share their insights, personal experiences and tips and tricks to running a successful business.

Recorded interviews have been released with:

  • Episode 1 - Hamish Geddes, Partner at Hamilton Locke
  • Episode 2 - Madi Sorensen, Business Manager of Sorensen Design and Planning
  • Episode 3 & 4 - Colin Robards, Managing Director of Kingston Building
  • Episode 5 - Laurence Antcliff, HIA's Northern NSW Apprentice Manager
  • Episode 6 - Brayden Burgess, HIA Apprentice of the Year and host employer Paul Blowes from PB Quality Constructions.

The HIA Building the Hunter Interview series takes you on a journey across the residential building industry right here in your HIA Hunter region. This is definitely a series not to miss!

View podcast

 

Find out what's happening near you

Visit your region

You might also like

View all $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
People Business operations Mental health Wellbeing
Heading in the right direction
You can’t escape your past, says HIA member Jarrod Bone. But you can learn how to deal with it better.
May 25
5 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building approvals Building developments In Focus Medium rise construction
Unlocking the missing middle
When it comes to solving our housing crisis, gentle density is an approach that would help create vibrant, sustainable and future-proofed communities.
May 25
4 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Host an apprentice Time management Mental health In Focus
The master of apprentices
The recently retired general manager of HIA Group Training has spent a quarter of a century leading the teams that have helped produce thousands of trades, builders and businesspeople in the Australian housing industry.
May 25
3 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
President's report Insight Business structure Building developments
Hunter President's report
Giving back to the industry is, and will continue to be a rewarding and fruitful experience says the HIA Hunters 8th Regional President.
May 25
2 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Livable Housing Affordable Low rise construction In Focus
It’s time to rethink the ‘forever home’
Let’s move past the out-of-date ‘forever home’ concept and build a housing system that reflects the dynamism of modern life. It’s time to use land in a way that meets today’s needs while making room for tomorrow’s generations.
May 25
2 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Design Inspiration Projects
Preserving the past, building for the future
Find out how Fortem Projects brought together heritage charm and modern living at a historic home in Melbourne.
May 25
3 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Business plans Business systems Compliance
Secure the final payment upfront
Designed by a tradie for tradies, Witzer is a must-have app when running your own business. In an instant, you’ll be turning your smartphone into a combined project management and payment tool.
May 25
3 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Design Innovation Projects Inspiration
Siblings Alice and Joey: Making lemonade
This brother-and-sister duo are a building dream team: pooling their complementary talents to consciously deliver impeccably finished homes and an ‘extraordinary’ building experience for every client.
May 25
4 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
National Construction Code (NCC) Silica Work Health and Safety (WHS) In Focus
HIA's industry leaders come together on major housing issues
Increase in red tape, the ongoing complexity of NCC 2022 changes, silica issues and WHS reforms were just some of the key topics at HIA’s recent National Services Committees meeting.
May 25
3 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Design Inspiration Energy efficiency Products
International Builders’ Show: Trends and takeaways
After visiting the recent NAHB International Builders’ Show in Vegas, HIA’s Fiona Nield couldn’t wait to share trends, breakthroughs and business ideas from around the world.
May 25
3 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Apprentice Business and digital Education Wellbeing
It's never too early
How do we inspire, educate and promote diversity in the residential building industry? HIA has joined forces with MiTek to deliver a new program, She Builds The Future, offering inspiration and career tips to young females.
May 25
2 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Fees Regulations In Focus Tax
First 15 years of a mortgage are taxes
Australia has an acute housing shortage due to government taxes, costs and delays. So it’s time for policymakers to be ambitious and introduce significant reforms.
May 25
2 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight