The 22nd annual NESMA Conference, held this year in Hobart, saw a common theme throughout the guest presentations and State reports – the need for a unified approach to improve safety, quality, and resilience across the entire Australian switchboard industry.
In the most successful conference to-date, with more than 65 NESMA members attending, presentations included:
- Standards: Max Carstedt, formerly of the Lane Cove Test Station and member of Standards Technical Committee EL6/8, which is responsible for the AS/NZS61439 series of standards, provided an update on the latest changes to AS/NZS61439. Max advised that a new version of the Standard is likely to be released in December, and detailed the differences between this new version and the old version.
- Apprentices: Phill Dodd, Senior Manager, Technical Training and Skills Standards, Powering Skills Organisation Ltd, spoke about the electrical fitting industry, apprentices, and the potential future directions that would benefit the switchboard industry. In particular, he posited that in the electrical trade courses, there needs to be an overhaul and restructure of the core units and also the electives available to reflect the learning needs of the modern-day electrical fitter (switchboard manufacturer).
- Collaboration: Ramani Mani, Director of COSMA (Control Panel & Switchgear Manufacturers Association), India’s national body representing LV switchboard and control panel builders, spoke about opportunities for collaboration between NESMA and COSMA. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed, focusing on:
- Facilitating the exchange of non-technical information on market trends, best practices, and emerging technologies.
- Creating networking opportunities between members of both associations.
- Exploring future collaborations in areas such as trade delegations, joint industry events, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
A national identity
A major topic at this year’s conference was the formation of a truly national NESMA organisation. The idea was presented by NESMA NSW Honorary President, Scott Emerson, and all State presidents agreed to form a single entity, with each State chapter amalgamated into it.
“There are significant advantages in terms of consistency, identity, regulations, communication, funding, meetings, and efficiencies by having a national organisation,” says Emerson.
“Individual State meetings will still happen so that State-specific issues can be addressed at a local level, but the national organisation will drive the entire Australian switchboard industry forward with a united approach,” he adds.
NESMA State presidents will now work on the details of the national identity, with more information to be shared with members in the coming months.
NESMA State reports
“It was clear from all the NESMA State reports that the industry is facing similar challenges and opportunities across Australia,” said Michael Pereira, Honorary President, NESMA Victoria, the hosts of this year’s conference.
“The exponential growth of AI is creating more jobs, particularly in data centres and infrastructure, with other industries like healthcare, education, and residential remaining strong,” he added.
“A major challenge for the industry is a severe and ongoing skilled labour shortage, which is something that needs to be addressed as an industry, and on a number of levels.”
In the NSW State report, Honorary NESMA NSW President Scott Emerson points out, “while there is no shortage of work, the growing number of players chasing limited skilled labour and contract opportunities risks creating a ‘race to the bottom’ on pricing – something the industry must collectively avoid if long-term quality and compliance are to be maintained.”
Resilience and teamwork
In addition to industry presentations, attendees were also treated to guest motivational speaker, Tony Mowbray who sailed 15 Sydney to Hobart boat races between 1973 and 2001. He is a survivor of the 1998 race where six sailors died, five yachts sank, more than 60 yachts retired, and 55 participants had to be rescued by helicopter.
Using his experiences in sailing and life, Tony spoke about the importance of resilience and teamwork.
Platinum event sponsor, Schneider Electric presented the company’s vision entitled “Powering Progress Together” and all sponsors were able to exhibit their products and interact with NESMA members throughout the day.
NESMA greatly appreciates the support of Platinum sponsor Schneider Electric, as well as Gold sponsors IPD, NHP Electrical Engineering Products, Hi Switch, Modutec, and Tropac, and silver sponsors, Tyree Cable, Austral Wright Metals, CBi Electric, Fimcen, Hager, Phoenix Contact, and Secure Meters.
The Conference concluded with a waterfront gala dinner in Hobart where members could network and socialise while enjoying stunning views. Next year’s Annual Conference will be organised by NESMA, with details to be sent to NESMA members closer to the date.
