Scaff25 Welcomes Leading Industry Voices to the Stage
The Scaffolding Association Australia (SAA) is proud to announce four outstanding guest speakers for Scaff25, our annual conference and awards night being held at the Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour on Friday 14 November 2025.
This year’s conference theme — Driving Excellence and Collaboration in Access & Scaffolding — brings together some of the industry’s most respected leaders to share insights from Australia, New Zealand, USA and the UK. From international collaboration and training reform to meeting Tier 1 standards and advancing global best practice, each presentation will deliver real-world lessons and inspiration for every delegate.
Julio Black – Head of Marketing & Communications, AT-PAC
Presentation: “Built from the Ground Up: From Small Business Struggles to Global Strength.”
Julio Black brings deep experience in global scaffolding operations and brand development, currently leading marketing and communications at AT-PAC, one of the world’s largest scaffold system suppliers and Advanced Partner to the SAA. Over his career, Julio has helped shape AT-PAC’s international growth across major infrastructure, industrial and energy projects, while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, innovation, and customer partnerships.
In his presentation, Julio will trace AT-PAC’s remarkable journey from a small family-run business to a global enterprise. He’ll explore how the company navigated the challenges of scale, built a trusted culture, and aligned its brand with the evolving needs of the construction sector.
David Mackie – Safety Industry Expert
Presentation: “From Subcontractor to Partner: Meeting Tier 1 and Government Project Standards.”
David Mackie brings extensive on-site and safety management experience from major civil and infrastructure projects across Australia. David works closely with contractors and scaffold providers to ensure compliance and collaboration on some of the country’s most complex builds.
His presentation will focus on what it really takes to meet Tier 1 and government project expectations, from documentation and communication to culture and accountability. Attendees will gain valuable insight into how scaffold companies can strengthen their relationships with principal contractors and position themselves as trusted delivery partners.
David Crowley – President, Scaffolding Access & Rigging New Zealand (SARNZ)
Presentation: “The Journey to a Scaffolding Apprenticeship: From Unit Standards to Trade Pathways.”
Recently appointed as President of SARNZ, David Crowley has been an active contributor to the association’s work over many years, particularly through his time as a committee member. With a strong background in scaffolding operations and industry leadership, David has been part of New Zealand’s evolving approach to training and competency, including the introduction of a national scaffolding apprenticeship that has lifted standards and strengthened the workforce.
In his presentation, David will outline how SARNZ and its industry partners worked together to establish this structured trade pathway, what challenges were faced along the way, and the outcomes now being seen across New Zealand. He’ll also share insights into how a similar model could support Australia’s push for higher skill levels and safer, more consistent scaffolding practices.
Clive Dickin – National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC), UK
Presentation: “The Evolution of the NASC: Past, Present and Future of Access and Scaffolding.”
As Chief Executive Officer of the UK-based NASC, Clive Dickin leads the national trade body for access and scaffolding contractors, suppliers and manufacturers. The NASC was founded in 1945 and now supports over 800 firms, working closely with government agencies, standard-setting bodies and the construction industry to raise and maintain safety and technical standards.
In his Scaff25 presentation, Clive will walk delegates through the NASC’s journey, from its early post-war formation to its current position as a global benchmark for scaffold practice and safety. He will share how the organisation’s auditing, guidance production and industry partnerships have contributed to major improvements in contractor performance and client confidence. Looking ahead, Clive will discuss emerging challenges and opportunities for our sector: changing regulation, cross-border collaboration, innovation in access systems and the role of trade associations in shaping future workforce competency and site safety.
A Day of Collaboration, Insight and Recognition
The Scaff25 Conference will also feature key updates from SAA leadership, including the Stop Scaffold Tampering Campaign, Mast Climber Committee Project, Best Practice Guidelines and much more.
The day concludes with the Australia’s Best Scaffolding Projects Awards Night onboard the Starship Aqua Darling Harbour Cruise, celebrating excellence in scaffolding projects across Australia.
Date: Friday 14 November 2025
Venue: The Galleries, Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour
Tickets: Register here
