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Members of the Window Shading Association of Australia (WSAA) gathered in Melbourne on 16 October for an engaging evening of presentations and networking, held in conjunction with the WSAA 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Chaired by co-President Chris Parkinson, the event set an energetic tone as WSAA’s ongoing transformation took centre stage. CEO Wesley Fawaz and co-President Jason Lewis shared exciting updates on the association’s strategic direction, spotlighting five key projects driving industry progress:
Economic contribution study
WSAA has engaged a consulting firm to deliver an Economic Contribution Study to quantify the size and importance of the Australian window shading industry. The project will measure the industry’s total contribution to the national and state economies, including output, employment, and value-added activity.In addition to measuring economic impact, the study will explore key challenges and opportunities within the industry through member consultations and stakeholder interviews. These insights will help shape a practical policy platform to strengthen government engagement and raise the industry’s profile.
Inaugural Awards Program
Celebrating excellence, leadership and innovation in Australia’s window shading industry, the inaugural WSAA Awards are now open for entries (see pages 10 & 11 in this issue of Window Furnishings Australia for further details), with winners announced at the WSAA Gala Dinner on Thursday 11 June 2026 on the Gold Coast, during SuperExpo.
The Awards will recognise those who are making meaningful contributions toward a more sustainable, responsible, and forward thinking industry. From advancing local manufacturing and sustainable practices to championing community initiatives and innovative product design, the WSAA Awards aim to shine a spotlight on those driving positive change and setting new benchmarks for the industry.
Window Covering Energy Rating Simulator
With a revamped Window Cover Energy Rating strategy, the WSAA earlier this year modelled – via third party energy efficiency data consultants – the energy and cost savings possible with different indoor and outdoor window shades in various residential building types across Australia.
With the goal to allow consumers to compare existing energy performance of their window shadings with an upgrade path to more energy efficient solutions based upon their personal living situation, Jason Lewis offered members a glimpse into a new WSAA web-based tool which will help consumers make informed decisions.
This member only resource is set to launch in 2026.
SuperExpo 2026
With SuperExpo, the industry’s three-day trade show now just months away, a new working committee comprising of volunteer members has been established and is planning ways to maximise attendance for exhibitors as well as optimising the experience for attendees. Exhibition sales are strong with limited stand spaces available, and sponsors have shown great support too, including RolleaseAcmeda as the Platinum sponsor.
Everyone in the industry should be planning to be on the Gold Coast for SuperExpo on 10-12 June 2026. Visit www.superexpo.org.au for more details.
Membership Growth
Driven by these strategic initiatives, WSAA has recorded a 22% growth in membership over the year to date. With continued growth and member value a key focus, members were encouraged to support this momentum by engaging with non-member businesses and promoting the value of belonging to a united and progressive industry association.
Following this WSAA update were the formalities of the AGM, where members passed four resolutions, including the election of Jules Di Bartolomeo of Verosoland Robert Blanch of TWO Australia onto the WSAA Board as member directors.
Chris Parkinson formally acknowledged and thanked retiring director Gilbert Da Silva for his seven-year tenure on the Board (four of which as President) who led the Association through major change in recent years.
WSAA members Peter Skinner of Shade Factor and Theo Tsalacopoulos of Unique Screens shared details of a complex residential development from the design and tendering process through to implementation and how they collaborated across the project.
Members were also updated on the Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) regulations coming into effect in Victoria on 1 December, by Steph Dann of Business Solutions Hub. They also received an update on the recent review of the Certificate III qualification in Blinds, Awnings, Security Screens and Grilles from Steve Quirk of Frontline.
