HIA Hunter

01/06/2026

are super excited to start another 1st year carpentry apprentice Nathan and welcome to our new host, Quinn from

Taking the time to gain on site work experience so he knew that Carpentry was the trade he desired, Nathan managed to prove a passion for carpentry during our HIA Pre-apprenticeship program, and is already making himself a valuable member if the Mac Made team.

Nathan’s attitude and maturity towards his apprenticeship is already showing signs of what makes a good builder!

Congratulations on this fantastic chance to learn from such a positive host Nathan, and thank you, Quinn, for giving Nathan the opportunity for him to follow a career in the construction industry! We are looking forward to working with you all!

01/06/2026

The last of our May Trade Night series was held at Mitre 10 Scone on a wet Thursday night last week. It was a great opportunity for the HIA Hunter Team to engage with some of our members in the area to provide industry updates and catch up on what's happening in the Upper Hunter. Thank you to Erica, Murray and the team at Mitre 10 for hosting and catering, and another shout out to HIA Insurance Services for partnering with us on this event

27/05/2026

Last night our Forster and surrounds members attended our Trade Night at Reece Forster - thank you to Chris and the team for hosting us.
HIA Hunter Regional Executive Director, Craig Jennion and Contracts and Compliance Advisor, Sam Farrow presented on a range of Key Regulatory issues to bring members up to date with important changes and advocacy issues.
Thank you to our Major Partners CSR Limited and G.James Glass & Aluminium and supporting partners HIA Insurance Services and MidCoast Council - your support of these events enables us to provide a forum for our Mid North Coast members to come together to learn and catch up

26/05/2026

HIA welcomes the announcement that HIA members will lead the construction of Newcastle’s biggest-yet precinct transformation.

The unveiling of the final phase of Honeysuckle’s redevelopment is a standout example of the kind of large-scale, master planned development Australia needs to meet growing housing demand.

The staged delivery of Honeysuckle HQ over the next 15 years not only makes a meaningful contribution to housing supply in the region it provides industry the confidence to invest in skills, capacity, and innovation.

Well done to everyone at Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation who has worked on this, the final pieces of Honeysuckle is finally coming together.

https://hia.com.au/our-industry/newsroom/building-and-renovation/2026/05/hia-welcomes-transformational-honeysuckle-hq-development

25/05/2026

Last Thursday night Reece Rutherford hosted our final trade event featuring Mario Aguilera from sa.global speaking about AI in the building industry. Once again attendees were fascinated by what's already possible and how small, inexpensive steps into this evolving realm can make such a large impact on saving time and money in your business.
Thank you to the team at Reece for hosting and our supporting partners HIA Insurance Services and icare NSW

22/05/2026

From the ground up, Australian-made materials are at the heart of every home build and renovation, and behind them are hardworking businesses driving innovation, quality, and resilience across our industry.

A great local example is Eco Surfaces Australia based in Cardiff, NSW.

It was fantastic to spend time there during Australian Made Week, touring their plant and seeing firsthand the operations of Australia’s only local manufacturer of kitchen benchtops.

We also appreciated the opportunity to speak with Managing Director Rhys Bennett about how we can continue to support and strengthen local manufacturing across the Hunter.

As we celebrate this week, it’s a timely reminder that backing Australian-made products means backing Australian workers, businesses, and communities.

21/05/2026

Forster & Scone Trade Nights incoming!

👉Forster: Reece Plumbing Forster, 5pm - 7pm Tuesday 26/5
👉Scone: Mitre 10 Scone, 5pm - 7pm Thursday 28/5
⭐2 CPD Points
🌭Light refreshments served

HIA Hunter's Executive Director Craig Jennion and Contracts & Compliance Advisor Sam Farrow will break down five key regulatory changes that every building professional needs to know. These sessions are designed to fast track your compliance knowledge, saving you time and helping you stay ahead of the curve with confidence.

REGISTER AT https://hia.com.au/awards-and-events/events?pg=1&ps=12&cr=undefined&f=region=Hunter%20NSW%26next-month

Thanks to our Major Partners CSR Limited and G.James Glass & Aluminium
Supporting Partner HIA Insurance Services

21/05/2026

From the very foundation, Australian-made materials play a vital role in every new home and renovation in Australia.

This Australian Made week, we celebrate the strength and capability of our local manufacturing industry—recognising the building product manufacturers who continue to drive innovation, professionalism, and global competitiveness.

With an industry valued at over $130 billion, Australian building product manufacturers and suppliers are essential to delivering the homes our communities rely on.

Now more than ever, it’s time to back local businesses that keep our industry strong and our economy growing.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

20/05/2026

Our 'AI for Home Builders' trade night presentations continued last night as our Newcastle members gathered to hear Mario Aguilera from sa.global offer practical insights and tips on how AI can start making a real impact on small building businesses right now. Attendees were engaged and asked questions ranging from those just starting on the AI journey, to those already implementing strategies within their own businesses.
Thank you to our Major Partners Dahlsens HazardCo Health & Safety icare NSW and Supporting Partner HIA Insurance Services

Mario will present the same topic tomorrow night (Thursday 21/5) at Reece Rutherford. To register please visit https://hia.eventsair.com/heninf2602/web

18/05/2026

Newcastle & Maitland Trade Nights - THIS WEEK!

👉HIA Hunter Function Room, 5pm - 7pm Tuesday 19/5
👉Reece Plumbing Rutherford, 5pm - 7pm Thursday 21/5
⭐2 CPD Points
🌭Light refreshments served

This focused session cuts through the hype to show how AI is already delivering real value across residential construction—from design and feasibility to estimating, site management, compliance, and customer experience. It’s practical, relevant, and grounded in Australian industry realities.

REGISTER AT https://hia.com.au/awards-and-events/events?
pg=1&ps=12&cr=undefined&f=region=Hunter%20NSW

Thanks to our Major Partners HazardCo Health & Safety Dahlsens icare NSW and Supporting Partner HIA Insurance Services