Highlights from Wednesday, 3 September 2025
Veriu Macquarie Park, NSW — Yesterday, the Scaffolding Association of Australia (SAA) brought together members, partners, and industry experts for the NSW Members Meeting—an engaging morning focused on compliance, safety, training, innovation, and practical business insights.
Opening & Welcome
JB de Wit kicked off the meeting with a warm welcome—acknowledging attendees, supporters, and partners and setting the tone for a collaborative and informative session.
Scaffolding Near Overhead Powerlines
Riley Bryn from Endeavour Energy presented real-world insights into the hazards and compliance obligations associated with scaffolding near live overhead powerlines, offering key safety messaging for scaffolders, supervisors, and business owners.
When Are Scaffold Designs and Engineering Required?
NSW Chair Mark Corkery outlined when scaffold designs and engineering certifications are mandatory under Australian Standards and NSW regulations, and introduced forthcoming SAA guidance material to help members comply.
SafeWork NSW Update
Shish Bhandary from SafeWork NSW provided an update on compliance trends, including PCBU and scaffolder responsibilities, enforcement case studies, and design-related compliance insights.
Scaffold Training – Beyond the Basics
Matt Molloy, Director of Integral Scaffolding and Integral Skills, broke down the limitations of the Basic Scaffolding High Risk Work Licence (HRWL). He offered practical strategies for improving workforce capability through mentorship, structured upskilling, and role-specific training beyond site-level requirements.
Revenue through Branding
Tiffany Stevenson from Sitemax presented on creative ways scaffolders can create new revenue streams through scaffold branding. She demonstrated how using printed vinyl and banner mesh can deliver long-term advertising exposure for clients—at a fraction of what billboards cost. Her talk included real project examples, cost vs. markup analysis, and guidance on adding branding as a value-add in project quotes.
Client Satisfaction and Practical Tips
Scott Butlin, Director at Australian Scaffolds, discussed effective strategies to improve client relationships—how to manage expectations, avoid disputes, and deliver consistent, high-quality service. He shared lessons learned from real project experiences to reinforce practical approaches that members can readily apply.
Why This Matters
This meeting showcased the real value of coming together: it delivered clarity on standards and compliance, offered tools for upskilling teams, presented new revenue opportunities, and reminded us why client service matters just as much as safety and compliance.
Looking Ahead
The NSW Members Meeting was a valuable opportunity for industry professionals to connect, share knowledge, and strengthen relationships. Thank you to all presenters and attendees for contributing to a productive and engaging session. We look forward to welcoming members to the next NSW gathering.
