Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting several of our valued Timber and Hardware Australia (THA) members in Victoria alongside our committee president, Peter Alexander. Our first stop was DeMar Hardware Timber and Building Supplies in Clifton Hill, where Chris Jepson warmly welcomed us. Chris took us on a tour of their yard, sharing insights into the changes and challenges the timber and hardware industry has faced in recent times. His reflections on market trends and operational shifts provided valuable context for the continued resilience of independent retailers.

Next, we headed to Heidelberg West to meet with Heath Caddy from Lamcal Timber. It was particularly special to connect with Heath as three of this year’s  Frederick O’Connell Scholarship recipients are linked to Lamcal. We discussed the personal and professional impact these scholarships have on the recipients, as well as industry feedback on supply and demand. Heath offered useful insights into how we can continue to enhance our service offerings to members, ensuring that THA remains responsive and adaptive to your evolving needs.

The day concluded with a visit to Hazelwood & Hill, where THA Vice President, Richard Hill, gave us a fascinating tour. Richard shared some of the historic treasures his family has preserved since opening their business in 1931, including vintage signage from the Timber Merchants Association Victoria (TMAV). This remarkable history served as a reminder of the deep-rooted legacy of independent timber merchants and their vital role in their communities.

At THA, we are committed to staying connected with our members, understanding your challenges, and continuously improving our services. We highly value the feedback we received during this visit and remain dedicated to supporting our members through innovative solutions, tailored support, and growth opportunities.

If you would like our team to visit your business or have one of our employment lawyers provide your team with an Industrial Relations update, please reach out to us at MGAIBA contact page.