Welcome back to the F&T Time podcast for 2025!

For the first episode of the new season, we are joined by Dr. Alastair Woodard, a renowned expert in sustainable building practices and author of the ground-breaking report Steps Towards a Greener Future.

We dive into critical findings from the report, which outlines a roadmap for reducing embodied carbon in construction while meeting Australia’s urgent housing goals under the National Housing Accord. 

Dr. Woodard shares his expert insights into the pivotal role of timber and other low-carbon materials in creating durable, high-quality homes that support net zero ambitions. We also discuss the 23 practical recommendations introduced in the report, spanning government policy, industry collaboration, and education initiatives that can transform the construction sector.

Whether you're a builder, policymaker, environmental advocate, or simply interested in sustainable housing, this episode is packed with invaluable knowledge and actionable solutions to inspire change. 

You can download the Steps Towards a Greener Future report by hitting the Resources page on ftmanews.com!

As we close out another remarkable year, we’re taking the opportunity to reflect on the key engineering and technical challenges that have shaped our industry over the past twelve months. This episode will shine a spotlight on the vital role offsite prefabrication has played, supported by the unwavering expertise of esteemed professionals from MiTek, Multinail, and Pryda. Our special guest engineers also look ahead and discuss what challenges and/or opportunities lie for the frame and truss industry in 2025.

Episode Guests: 

• Varun Bharti of MiTek
• David Zhang of Multinail
• Nick Cui of Pryda

In this episode of the F&T Time Podcast, we catch up with Christopher Dean, CEO of FTMA Supporting Partner, Choice Energy, to discuss the intricacies of energy management in today's challenging economic environment. With rising energy costs and a shifting market, we delve into effective strategies that FTMA members can utilise to not only manage their energy consumption but also to achieve significant savings. Chris shares insights on innovative solutions and successful initiatives that empower businesses to lower expenses and their environmental impact. 

The episode also explains how you could win a month's FREE electricity!

So, join us as we navigate the path to sustainable energy practices and discover how making informed energy decisions can translate into substantial financial benefits for your business.

In this heartfelt and engaging episode of the F&T Time Podcast, we sit down with two FTMA Member, Dean Kidd and Damien Whitnell, the creators of the upcoming "Fatherhood Unfiltered" podcast. 

Dean and Damo share their personal journeys as fathers and the pivotal moments that inspired them to create a supportive platform for dads everywhere. They discuss their vision and objectives for "Fatherhood Unfiltered," exploring themes of mental health, community-building, and providing practical advice to help fathers navigate the complexities of modern parenting. 

Tune in to hear their passionate mission to make the experience of fatherhood less isolating and more connected, offering valuable insights and encouragement for all listeners.

In this episode of F&T Time, we are joined by Robert Pradolin, Founding Director of Housing All Australians, who reminds us that the fight against homelessness and the quest for affordable housing in Australia, isn't confined to policymakers or builders alone. It's a mission that belongs to all of us. 

Every one of us has a role to play, whether through advocacy, investment, or by simply spreading the word.

We take a closer look at how timber prefabrication is being leveraged to not only expedite the construction process for Housing All Australians' upcoming Marrickville project, but also to significantly reduce costs, making the dream of affordable housing a tangible reality for many Australians. 

Join us for this episode as we explore the vision, the challenges, and the profound social impact of this initiative and why it represents a beacon of hope for the future of housing in Australia. 

Together, we can build more than just houses. We can build a future where everyone has a place to call home. 

Listeners may remember today's guest from season one, however this time he joins us as the Executive Director of International Sustainable Forestry Coalition!

This insightful episode with guest Ross Hampton, looks at the important role sustainable forestry plays in the fight against climate change and the great announcements that came out of COP28 at the end of 2023.

In this enlightening episode of F&T Time, we sit down with Hamish White, a Founding Builder of the Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA). Hamish's dedication to a more sustainable construction industry is truly inspiring, and we delve into the transformative work the SBA is doing to reduce emissions and carbon footprint in construction. 

Born out of Builders Declare Australia, the SBA is driven to revolutionise construction practices for the betterment of our planet. FTMA proudly aligns ourselves with their mission through our Carbon Warrior arm, and as a Gold Sponsor of SBA. 

Join us as we explore the concept of building net-zero sustainable homes, the role of a certified passive house tradesperson, and the significant role timber plays in sustainable construction. Don't miss this compelling discussion with Hamish as we delve into the future of green construction.

FTMA is back again for another season of our podcast series, F&T Time! 

This first episode of the new season looks at the exciting year ahead, including the 2024 National Conference which is the only national conference specifically curated for timber frame and truss fabricators. 

Enjoy listening and remember, this is YOUR podcast! We're always open to topic suggestions or questions, so don't hesitate to connect 📨

Here's to another great year at FTMA! 🥂🎉

Stay tuned, stay informed, and let's frame the future together! 🔊👥

Today, we’re looking into the importance of education and training for the timber, frame and truss sector - a topic that is particularly important for us at FTMA, given our drive and pursuits to deliver courses, to help address the under employment that we are all experiencing, and encourage skilled people into our wonderful industry. 

We are joined by NTHA Senior Trainer and Assessor, Colin Taranto - an inspiring and dedicated man, who has contributed greatly by paving the way for those coming into it. With nearly 40 years in the timber sector, Colin has recently been awarded VET Trainer of the Year, in the NSW training awards. He was also a finalist for this year’s Australian VET Trainer of the Year. A truly magnificent achievement and testament for what he’s contributing to education, and our future.  

For members of FTMA who wish to participate in training, or have employees they would like to enrol, please reach out to us for assistance. Those interested can also directly contact Colin Taranto via email at [email protected]. The training conducted by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), NTHA and Timber Training Creswick, is accessible and comprehensive, tailored to the needs of the timber industry.

Today, we're shining a spotlight on Carpentry Australia’s Helping Hand Day. This isn't just an event; it's a testament to the spirit of community and the craftsmanship that lies at the heart of everything that Carpentry Australia do.

During Helping Hand Day, carpenters from all walks of life join forces to lend their expertise and support to various community projects. It’s a day when chippies roll up their sleeves, pick up their tools, and make a real tangible difference in our communities. Whether it's fixing a home, building structures, or giving a space a refreshing makeover, these talented chippies use their skills to provide a much-needed helping hand to those who require it the most.

To explain more about the celebration of community and craftsmanship during Helping Hand Day, we are joined by Nathan Quinn of Carpentry Australia.

For more information on Carpentry Australia please check out their socials @carpentryaustralia on Insta and FB or email [email protected]