WORDS FROM THE EDITOR

Just as we hit the button to roll the presses on this July 2024 edition of Window Furnishings Australia, a long awaited announcement about a name change for the Blind Manufacturers Association (BMAA) has dropped into my inbox (see Page 19). 

The proposed new name, Window Shading Association of Australia Limited, is intended to be more inclusive and representative of all industry stakeholders, allowing for a stronger industry organisation.

The name change has been long mooted, but as with any legacy institution, many will lament the passing of the old name into the annals of history. However, it is not the first time the association has undergone a rebrand. 

Founded in 1947 as the Venetian Blind Manufacturers’ Association of Queensland, the name was historically updated to reflect its evolution to include all types of blinds and national nature. 

And whether by design, or circumstance, the BMAA finds itself as the peak body of the industry as a whole. Other organisations have fallen by the wayside and it has been the BMAA that has taken leadership in the industry, with a thriving trade fair, energy rating scheme, accredited training programs, and government liaison. 

It now has a professional full time CEO in Wesley Fawaz, and many members who are not manufacturers, but suppliers, retailers and ancillary businesses. 

The name change will assist in bringing all of the industry, from soft furnishing, external products, internal products, home automation, importers, service providers and retail all under one umbrella. 

It will give the organisation greater gravitas when speaking to all levels of Government regarding building codes, energy saving schemes, training, employment and liability issues. 

Finally, it will align with other global organisations such as the European Solar Shading Organisation, the peak body of European and UK industry bodies. The name change still has to pass a 75% vote of members in August but has the support of many of the major manufacturers who see this as an opportunity that can only benefit industry into the future. 

JAMES BOSTON
Editor & Publisher