Scaff25 Conference Wrap-Up: Driving Excellence and Collaboration in Access & Scaffolding
The Scaffolding Association Australia proudly welcomed 120 members, partners and industry leaders to Sydney for Scaff25, our largest and most energised conference to date. Held at the Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour, this year’s theme, “Driving Excellence and Collaboration in Access & Scaffolding”, captured the spirit of the day: a united industry, committed to lifting standards and building stronger national alignment.
Attendees included scaffolders, business owners, engineers, safety specialists, training providers, international guests and regulators. Engagement was strong from the moment the doors opened. Every session generated thoughtful questions, discussion and genuine participation, showing just how invested our industry is in shaping what comes next.
Below is a full recap of the presentations that made Scaff25 such a defining moment for the Association.
Built from the Ground Up – Julio Black, AT-PAC
Julio Black, Head of Marketing & Communications, AT-PAC
Julio delivered a powerful and honest keynote titled “Built from the Ground Up: From Small Business Struggles to Global Strength.”
He took attendees through AT-PAC’s origins as a small family business navigating cashflow pressure, market volatility and operational growing pains. From there he described the company’s long journey toward scaling internationally through:
- investment in systemisation and manufacturing
- advancing design technology
- professionalising workforce capability
- creating global partnerships
- embedding safety and compliance into every layer of the business
Julio spoke openly about the realities of growth; what worked, what didn’t, and how resilience, adaptability and cultural awareness ultimately created a business capable of competing on the world stage. His presentation resonated strongly with Australian companies looking to grow without losing their identity.
SAA Memberships, Partnerships & Structure – Danny Zarb, SAA Vice Chair
Danny Zarb, Vice Chair, SAA
Danny delivered a comprehensive update covering membership, strategic partnerships, policy development and the strengthening of governance across the Association. He highlighted:
- the success of the SAA Insure facility
- expansion of corporate and strategic partnerships
- growth in national engagement and social media reach
- progress on the AI-Adaptive Learning Basic Scaffolding VOC
- the scheduled review of all SAA policies
Introduction of Industry Committees – A Major Structural Change
Danny also unveiled one of the most significant developments the SAA Board has been working on: the introduction of national Industry Committees.
Beginning in early 2026, applications will open for SAA members to join national committees across the following specialist areas:
- Commercial Scaffolding
- Industrial Scaffolding
- Residential Scaffolding
- Technical & Engineering
- Scaffold Safety
- Aluminium Scaffolding
- Scaffolding Training
- Mast Climbers
- Swing Stages
These committees will bring together people who work in these sectors every day. They know the challenges, they see the gaps and they understand what needs improving.
For the first time, we will have groups focused purely on advancing the areas of the industry they specialise in. Their insight will help shape guidance that is practical, relevant and aligned with real on-site realities. They will also strengthen the Association’s technical capability as we prepare for the publication of the Best Practice Guidelines and future Technical Guidance documents.
The Journey to a Scaffolding Apprenticeship – David Crowley, President, SARNZ
David Crowley, President, Scaffolding & Rigging New Zealand (SARNZ)
David Crowley delivered an eye-opening session on New Zealand’s structured scaffolding apprenticeship pathway. He explained the framework in depth, including:
- how scaffolding qualifications sit within the NZQF
- the use of unit standards, block courses and logbooks
- the moderation and verification process overseen by SARNZ
- the funding and employer support model
David spoke frankly about the challenges that impact completion rates — lack of mentoring, learning-style mismatches, personal barriers and workplace culture. His central message was clear: technical training alone won’t fix industry capability. Leadership, coaching, soft skills and supportive supervisors are key to producing competent scaffolders and future leaders.
His presentation made a strong case for a formalised apprenticeship pathway in Australia.
Stop Scaffold Tampering – Three-Month National Campaign Recap - Erryn O’Brien, SAA
Erryn O’Brien, General Manager, SAA
Erryn delivered a detailed breakdown of one of the Association’s most successful safety initiatives to date: the Stop Scaffold Tampering campaign.
Using a structured three-month approach, Erryn walked through:
Month 1 — What Is Scaffold Tampering + Legal & Financial Consequences
- Unauthorised adjustments and their legal implications
- Fines, shutdowns and legal action for non-compliance
- Increased insurance premiums and risk of legal liability
Month 2 — Scaffold Collapse
- How minor, unplanned modifications affect structural integrity
- Overloading a weakened scaffold increases collapse risk
- A collapsing scaffold can injure or kill multiple workers at once
Month 3 — Falls From Height & Falling Objects
- Missing guardrails or platforms increase the risk of worker falls
- Missing toe boards or netting allow tools and debris to fall
- How both hazards can result in life-threatening injuries
Erryn then stepped through the LinkedIn campaign results:
- 40,502 impressions
- 3,383 clicks
- 12.08% engagement rate (well above industry average)
- 52 reposts
She also outlined upcoming SAA safety initiatives including the Scaffold Safety Guide and the SAA SWMS Template, both due for release in 2026.
From Subcontractor to Partner – Meeting Tier 1 & Government Standards - David Mackie, Safety Industry Expert
David Mackie, Safety Industry Expert
David Mackie shared four decades of major project and safety leadership experience, offering practical guidance for subcontractors wanting to work with Tier 1 and government clients.
His presentation covered:
- Pre-qualification criteria and capability requirements
- EBA and Fair Work compliance
- ISO 9001 / 14001 / 45001 and OFSC accreditation
- HSE performance tracking
- Innovation through modular systems and digital tools
- Environmental responsibilities and sustainability expectations
- HVNL and Chain of Responsibility
- Social inclusion and Indigenous engagement
David’s message was clear: subcontractors who invest in systems, safety culture and transparency shift from being “hire-in labour” to valued project partners.
Mast Climber Committee Update – Damian Beausang
Damian Beausang provided an update on the rapidly expanding mast climber sector and the committee’s work on safety, competency and consistent practice across states. He highlighted current challenges and the need for national guidance that reflects modern equipment and user expectations. Damian took us through the structure and goals of the Mast Climber committee including providing public comments on the 2 Australian Standards currently under review and the creation of an SAA Guideline for the Safe Use of Mast Climbing Work Platforms.
Best Practice Guidelines & Technical Guidance – Rob Thiess, SAA Chair
Rob Thiess, Chair & Managing Director, SAA
Rob delivered an update on the progress of the Best Practice Guidelines for Scaffolding, a multi-stage project set to become the most comprehensive scaffolding guidance ever released in Australia.
He outlined the development timeline:
- November: site management, scaffold erection, safety, design
- December: scaffold use and system types
- Legal review underway
- Full online publication scheduled for early 2026
Rob then spoke about the critical role of the Industry Committees, which focus individually on:
- Commercial Scaffolding
- Industrial Scaffolding
- Residential Scaffolding
- Technical & Engineering
- Safety
- Aluminium Scaffolding
- Scaffolding Training
- Mast Climbers
- Swing Stages
He also discussed the upcoming Technical Guidance (TG) documents, which will provide deeper detail on specific system types, design principles, and other specialised sections of our industry.
The Evolution of NASC – Past, Present and Future - Clive Dickin, CEO, NASC
Clive Dickin, CEO, National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC)
Clive Dickin gave attendees a clear and practical overview of how NASC has shaped the UK scaffolding sector over more than 80 years. He explained how NASC represents around 80% of the UK industry, with a strong mix of contractor, supplier, training and international members.
Clive highlighted NASC’s focus on both corporate competence (management systems, RAMS, insurance and design processes) and individual competence through CISRS training and carding. This dual approach has helped build a consistent, high-quality workforce across the UK and internationally, with more than 100,000 active CISRS cardholders worldwide.
He also stepped through NASC’s audit process, which reviews company systems, equipment quality and onsite practices across head offices, yards and live projects. NASC’s design standards: TG20 and TG30, were another key focus, with Clive explaining how compliance sheets and performance standards ensure scaffolds meet minimum strength and stability thresholds.
Clive closed by reinforcing why NASC membership is recognised by major UK contractors and regulators as a badge of quality, and how the SAA’s own work on guidance, training and governance is moving Australia toward a similarly unified national framework.
A Strong Step Forward for the Industry
Scaff25 brought together every corner of the scaffolding and access sector, showing the strength of an industry that is aligned, collaborative and ready to lead. With the upcoming Best Practice Guidelines, the introduction of Industry Committees, strengthened partnerships and deeper international collaboration, the future of scaffolding in Australia has never looked more promising.
We’ll see you on the Gold Coast for Scaff26!
