The timber and hardware industry’s best came together at Adelaide’s historic National Wine Centre on Friday, October 30, to celebrate the businesses, people and rising talent making a difference across South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
From standout retail stores and leading suppliers to dedicated employees, safety champions and the next generation of industry talent, the awards recognised achievement across 12 categories.
NTHA CEO David Little was unable to attend due to illness. The evening would have been Mr Little’s last NTHA Awards dinner as CEO, and NTHA Chairman Peter Hutchison thanked him for his work over the past eight years.
Addressing guests, Mr Hutchison also delivered a strong message about the importance of supporting independent businesses, acknowledging the pressures they face from rising costs, squeezed margins, complex regulations and challenging construction conditions.
He reminded the room that independent timber merchants, hardware stores, importers, wholesalers, frame and truss plants and manufacturers do far more than sell products. They employ local people, train apprentices, support communities and bring generations of knowledge and customer relationships to the industry.
“They are genuinely the heart and soul of what we do,” Mr Hutchison said.
He urged suppliers and industry partners to get behind independent operators, stressing that their success strengthens the entire supply chain.
“They need your support, and frankly, we need your support to keep the industry healthy,” he said.
South Australia’s next generation steps up
The night kicked off on a high note, with NTHA General Manager, GTO & RTO, Melissa Clark, taking to the stage to celebrate the latest graduates completing their qualifications in South Australia.
Ms Clark congratulated the graduates on their achievements, recognising the hard work behind their qualifications and the important role they will play in the timber and hardware industry’s future.
Graduates recognised were:
- Nicole Bampton and Teodora Velea – Certificate III in Business-to-Business Sales
- Ryder Grinsted – Certificate III in Bricklaying
- Cooper Falco – Certificate III in Cabinetmaking
- Jordan Dunn – Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations
- Thomas Banks – Certificate III in Timber Frame or Truss Manufacture
SA Skills Commissioner, Cameron Baker and AEN SA E0 Matt Lowe also attended to support and congratulate NTHA’s trainees and apprentices.
Who took home the trophies?
This year’s outstanding award recipients represented the best of the timber and hardware industry across South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Retail and trade businesses
Retail Store of the Year – Over 2500sqm: Balhannah Mitre 10
Simon Hendersen accepted the award, thanking his family and staff and saying he would present the trophy to the team in recognition of their contribution.
Retail Store of the Year – Under 2500sqm: Port Lincoln Mitre 10
Fiona Rosalia accepted the award alongside several staff members, paying tribute to the people behind the business.
“Without these people and our family, we would not be here, so my heart is right here. Thank you.”
Trade Store of the Year: Franz Building Supplies (WA)
Franz Building Supplies was unable to attend, with the award to be passed on to the team.
Best Frame & Truss Operation: Worldwide Truss & Frames (WA)
Clinton Wells accepted the award, presented by Leon Rayner of ITI Australia, and thanked NTHA for the event.
“It’s a special honour just to be nominated,” he said.
“We’re a family business. My dad and brother are on holidays somewhere in Australia currently, so we brought out the rest of the team – a special thanks to them all.”
Leading suppliers
Trade Supplier of the Year: ITI Australia
Leon Rayner accepted the award, thanking NTHA for its support, particularly around its care program, and recognising the dedication of ITI’s staff.
“Without your hard work and dedication every day, we wouldn’t be in a position to accept awards like this. So, thank you very much.”
Retail Hardware Supplier of the Year: Sunrise Hardware & Garden Products
Anthony McDonald and Nikki Stabskyi accepted the award. Anthony said the 43-year-old business owed its success to its people and customers.
“The staff are like-minded people where our customers are the priority. They’re our number one – without them, we’re nothing. Thank you to everyone who voted for us.”
Supplier Sales Representative of the Year: Carly Mattner – Brunnings Garden Products
Carly, who has held the role for seven years, said she enjoyed working for Brunnings and valued her customer relationships.
“I have some wonderful customers, and I really enjoy the job,” she said.
Developing the next generation
Trainee/Apprentice of the Year: Jordan Dunn – SmartFrame by Tilling
Presented by SYC’s Rose Caon, the award recognised Jordan’s achievements. He thanked Tilling for the opportunity it had given him.
Host Employer of the Year: Tilling Timber
Tilling Timber was recognised for its commitment to mentoring and developing trainees, with special mention of Simon for his ongoing support and guidance.
Student of the Year: Lucas Sculfer-Baldwin – ITI Australia
Lucas thanked ITI Australia for its support.
“They are really great and helpful, and I am looking forward to the future,” he said.
Recognising outstanding people
Safety Champion: Melanie Pink – Pink’s Mitre 10
Melanie was recognised for championing physical and psychosocial wellbeing, introducing practical training for high-risk tasks, strengthening incident reviews and promoting WHS e-learning.
Her contribution also extends across the industry through the NTHA SA Committee, TTHG Village Meetings, Women in Hardware and industry mentoring.
Outstanding Employee Award: Emma Isaac – Adbri Cement
Adbri Cement Customer Service Officer Emma was recognised for her professionalism, resilience and commitment to customers through a challenging year of stock shortages and operational disruptions.
“Thank you for the award. I’m very honoured to receive this one. I really want to thank my team – I can’t be anything without them,” she said.
Industry backing makes the night possible
Behind a great night of industry recognition is the support of partners who believe in the people, businesses and future of the timber and hardware industry.
NTHA extends its thanks to the sponsors and partners whose backing helped bring the awards to life:
- Platinum Partner: ITI
- Silver Partners and Sponsors: Big River and Total Tools Hardware Group
- Category Partners: First Super, NCI, SAGE and Sympac
- Bronze Sponsors: Adbri Cement and HBT
- Trainee/Apprentice of the Year Sponsor: SYC
Their support plays an important role in celebrating industry achievement, recognising emerging talent and strengthening the independent timber and hardware channel.
Mr Hutchison also acknowledged the NTHA Board, state and national committees and the NTHA team, with particular thanks to Events Manager Tahlia Belotti for bringing the evening together.
Paul Stewart of Barrow & Bench also stepped in to present awards on behalf of Mr Little. A former Hardware Australia chair, Mr Stewart played a key role in bringing Hardware Australia and TABMA together to form NTHA in early 2023. He has since served as joint chair and vice chair.
With all 12 winners celebrated and a group photo capturing the night’s award recipients, guests continued the celebrations over dessert and music.
Congratulations to all the winners and to everyone recognised for their contribution to the timber and hardware industry.
Photos supplied by NTHA – photography by Peter Andrinopoulos
