WSAA members gathered in Melbourne on Thursday 16 October for an insightful evening exploring design innovation, regulatory change and future-focused industry initiatives. The members-only event brought together fabricators, manufacturers, suppliers and industry partners for a program that blended technical learning, policy updates and strategic Association announcements.
The WSAA Board met earlier in the day, followed by the Association’s 2025 Annual General Meeting. This year’s AGM marked the final meeting for long-serving Director Gilbert Da Silva, with members expressing their appreciation for his seven years of dedicated service to the Association.
Members also acknowledged receipt of the audited financial statements, and approved the election of Jules Di Bartolomeo (Verosol) and Robert Blanch (TWO Australia) to the WSAA Board as Member Directors.
CEO Wesley Fawaz outlined several strategic initiatives underway, highlighting the Association’s continued focus on industry positioning, technical expertise and member value. WSAA Director Jason Lewis also provided an exclusive preview of WincovER, our new member-only energy-efficiency simulator designed to help consumers compare shading options and understand upgrade pathways to more efficient solutions. The tool will undergo retailer focus groups and communication planning ahead of its official launch at SuperExpo 2026.
Peter Skinner (Shade Factor) and Theo Tsalacopoulos (Unique Screens) delivered a compelling design case study from a large-scale residential project that required innovative thinking, new product development and intricate detailing to resolve complex architectural demands.
Their presentation walked members through the journey from early design and tendering, through engineering and fabrication, to on-site implementation. The session highlighted the importance of collaboration, flexibility and technical creativity—skills increasingly essential as architects push the boundaries of performance and aesthetics in modern residential construction.
Members also heard from Steph Dann, Psychological Safety Specialist at Business Solutions Hub, who unpacked the new Victorian psychosocial hazard regulations coming into effect on 1 December 2025.
Steph outlined employer obligations, common psychosocial hazards, and practical steps for identifying, assessing and managing mental health risks in the workplace. Her session emphasised that psychological safety must now be treated with the same diligence as physical safety—prompting robust discussion among attendees about readiness and implementation.
The program also included an update from Steve Quirk (Frontline) on the review of the Certificate III in Blinds, Awnings, Security Screens and Grilles. Members were briefed on proposed updates to better align training with current industry practices, technology and skill needs.
With technical expertise, regulatory insight and forward-looking Association projects all on the agenda, the event provided members with a rich mix of practical knowledge and strategic context. Networking continued over canapés and drinks as members discussed the ideas shared and the opportunities ahead for the industry.
WSAA thanks all presenters and attendees for contributing to a highly successful event.
