Our Story
Hardware Australia is a not for profit association that represents independent hardware retailers and suppliers. We provide benefits and value to you as a member through education, association and advocating.
Hardware Australia was formed in 2016 with the merging of state industry bodies who were already working together with a common goal, to support our industry.
In 2019 Hardware Australia formed a strategic partnership with TABMA Australia (Timber & Building Materials Association). This partnership ensures that both associations remain peak industry bodies, and strengthens our voice whilst strengthening our voice and providing greater value to members.
Hardware Australia is run by the industry, for the benefit of the industry. Our committees is comprised of hardware retailers, key industry suppliers and national buying groups all of whom volunteer their time for the benefit of others.
“We aim to support members with resources and skills to grow their businesses and further strengthen the independent hardware industry”
Educate
Through education, we hope to keep our members updated on current industrial relations changes, improve service standards by providing industry-specific training and secure the future of the industry by highlighting industry career pathways.
Associate
Our awards and other events provide an avenue for the industry to come together and connect with industry peers through association.
Advocate
We are passionate about the independent hardware industry and will continue to fight for our future by advocating on behalf of our members. This includes lobbying against inappropriate development and legislation that may impact hardware businesses and secure government funding for industry programs and initiatives.
Our Achievements
Certificate III in Retail Hardware
This qualification has been designed and developed to specially meet the needs of the hardware industry and staff.
Recognising that the hardware is more complex than other retail sectors, this qualification was developed to provide participants with industry specific skills and knowledge that allows them to engage with customers, provide in-depth product and service offerings, sell to customers, organise and maintain work areas and displays, and carry out specific work responsibilities to required organisational expectations and safety.
Industry Rising Star Program
Established in 2016, the Industry Rising Star program aims to support the future leaders of our industry by mentoring and guiding young people through the many career pathways the industry offers.
Our Rising Stars have gone on to become store managers, take on the family business, and are working on achieving their ultimate goals in the industry.
Hardware As A Career
This is an industry wide campaign aimed at increasing the awareness and knowledge of school students, workers, and the general public about the wide variety of career opportunities, roles, and paths available in the hardware industry.
Membership Benefits
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Three modern awards
- General Retail Industry Award
- Clerks Private Sector Award
- Timber Industry Award
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Workplace relations advice
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HR Documents
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Training, development and recruitment
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News and information
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Access to workplace health and safety
Our Team
Alicia Oelkers
Executive Officer
Alicia is a key member of our organisation, working for both Hardware Australia and TABMA Australia. Starting with TABMA in 2007, she has developed a passion for the timber and hardware industries, understanding that people are the key to ensuring Industry success. Servicing members is always at the forefront of her mind, she strives to ensure that both organisations are servicing their members to a high standard.
Liz Weiss
Events & Marketing Officer
Liz joined us in July 2021 with 15 years of event management experience, a background in associations and membership-based organisations and has a wealth of knowledge in logistics, marketing and relationship building skills. Liz is bringing her experience to the role and learning more about the hardware industry.
Our Committees
National Committee
Paul Stewart (Chair) – Barrow & Bench Mitre 10
Clint Spence (Vice-Chair) – Beaudesert Mitre 10
George Demourtzidis (Treasurer) – Trio Australia
Greg Gill (QLD) – ECI Pacsoft
Chris Lavis (NSW) – Scone/Muswellbrook Home Timber & Hardware
Brad Campbell (VIC) – Dulux Group
Ian Cornwell (VIC) – Doncaster Mitre 10
Ian Holdsworth (WA) – Yokine Hardware
Greg Downie – Central Purchasing Services ( WA & CPS)
Julie Murphy (Women In Hardware) – Murphy’s Mitre 10
Karen Fahey – Independent Hardware Group (IHG)
Mike LoRicco – Hardware & Building Traders (HBT)
QLD State Committee
Clint Spence (State Chair) – Beaudesert Mitre 10
Ian Gill – Loganholme Mitre 10
Troy Pfingst – Jeays Hardware
Ben Bourke – James Hardie
Greg Gill – ECI Pacsoft
Peter Mahon – Mayo Hardware
SA State Committee
George Demourtzidis (State Chair) – Trio Australia
Paul Stewart – Barrow & Bench Mitre 10
Lyn Woodruff – Dulux Group
Peter Higgins – Mayo Hardware
Rod Evins – Banner Mitre 10
Vicki Richards – Adelaide Brighton
Vito Nocera – Independent Hardware Group
Brenton Thain – ForestOne
VIC State Committee
Ian Cornwell (State Chair) – Doncaster Mitre 10
Brad Campbell – Dulux Group
Paige Hastings – Diamond Valley Mitre 10
Julie Murphy – Murphy’s Mitre 10
WA State Committee
Ian Holsworth– Yokine Hardware
Lindsay Boladeras – Notchka
Andrew Nash – Dulux Group
Hayley Radalj – Independent Hardware Gorup
NSW State Committee
Rod Bran – Handy Management/Bremick
Chris Lavis – Scone/Muswellbrook Home Timber & Hardware
Mike LoRicco – Hardware & Building Traders (HBT)