The Australian Window Association
The aims of the AWA are:
• To PROMOTE and ADVANCE the awareness of windows as a major architectural component in building design.
• To ESTABLISH and SELF REGULATE minimum benchmark standards throughout Australia. To facilitate the education and marketing of these standards throughout the industry and wider community.
• To provide a NATIONAL VOICE when representing the industry in discussion and negotiations with government, local authorities, business and trade associations and organisations, and the private sector.
• To PROMOTE and ENCOURAGE ethical conduct and sound business practice in the industry.
The AWA has established strong links with the window industry in the United States of America, United Kingdom and New Zealand and regularly exchanges information on the latest developments affecting the industry.
The Association originated in New South Wales in November 1988 as the Residential Window Manufacturers Association. The RWA was incorporated on 9th January 1992, becoming a registrable Australian body with the Australian Securities Commission. The AWA was founded by window manufacturers and has always been run by window manufacturers.
The name was again changed in June 1999 to Australian Window Association to more clearly communicate to consumers and the building industry that the Association is the peak national body for window manufacturers.
The AWA is intended to be a co-operative of window manufacturers whereby all members are encouraged to be involved in the decision making process.
The AWA operates through a committee system which allows for the views of the smallest manufacturer to be heard. Large Australian window manufacturers have the same voting rights as the smallest. The Association's elected Board of Directors is the AWA's only decision making body and it oversees the Executive Director in the implementation of the Association's objectives. Although there are State representatives on the Board Member, any Member or Associate Member can at any time liaise directly with the Executive Director or the Board of Directors.