Hunter President's report

Our members are the backbone of HIA. They come from all walks of life and contribute to our industry in many ways. In February, we proudly acknowledged the commitment and impact of two Hunter members.

Craig Smythe from Adbuild Constructions received HIA Life Membership for his service to the construction industry. Craig became a member of HIA In 1999 and very quickly became involved with HIA events on the Central Coast. At these events, his enthusiasm for the diversity of issues the industry faces was first apparent.

When the HIA Hunter region was established in 2002, Craig was elected an inaugural member of the Hunter Regional Executive Committee. Over the following 19 years, Craig was twice elected Hunter President and participated extensively on our regional and national committees.

Craig has always conscientiously been dedicated to the Hunter Regional Executive Committee, passionately expressing our industry’s circumstances and strongly advocating for members’ needs.

His colleagues recognise Craig as someone who generously gives his time, knowledge and experience. In all his interactions, he uses his expertise and advice to assist people in becoming future leaders and ensuring a better industry for the next generation.

While Craig’s contribution can be easily quantified in his years of service to HIA and its members, his commitment to support and nurture the industry will ultimately be his greatest legacy.

Craig becomes the third Hunter member to receive this prestigious recognition.

We also acknowledged Greg Elsworthy, who passed away in 2021. Greg was a long-standing HIA member, former HIA Regional President and National Director. For his contribution to the local industry, we named an important part of the Newcastle office after Greg.

Greg was the Owner and Principal of Elsworthy Solicitors. For over three and a half decades, Greg and his team represented the interests of the local building industry, providing support and advice to Newcastle's families and their businesses.

For over twenty years, Greg volunteered his time to both HIA and members alike, providing support, advice, and training. Greg's legal experience helped HIA policy development from the grassroots to the very highest committees within the Association.

Greg became a member of the Hunter Regional Executive Committee in 2006 and was appointed the Hunter representative of the National Industrial Relations Committee in 2007, positions he held until 2017. Greg was elected Hunter President for two terms in 2013-14 and 2015-16.

During this time, Greg rarely missed a meeting, ensuring his legal experience was available for every conversation, policy decision and review of HIA’s policy statements. Greg always engaged in discussions or debates with respect, and his gentle guidance and ability to provide clarity were highly valued.

In 2017, Greg was appointed to the Association’s National Board of Directors. Greg was the first Hunter representative elected to this position, and his appointment was a coming-of-age moment for the region.

With a strong understanding of our industry's daily challenges, Greg complemented the other Board members' skills and experience and built on our legacy by strengthening our capacity and capability.

Greg’s kind and nurturing nature, pragmatic, intellectual and gentle guidance and generous assistance to members and HIA are sorely missed. The naming of the HIA training area, the ‘Greg Elsworthy Education Centre’, is a fitting memorial to his memory.