FMA Australia Celebrates a Milestone

FMA Australia celebrates 20 Years as an industry association in 2008/2009 and as part of the celebration, WinterComms’ Max Winter compiled the following history from the publications and material available, and spoke to some of the original foundation members who joined when FMA Australia as an association was first launched.

FMA Australia is blessed with having members who have been and continue to be passionate about the association’s reasons for being, and who have contributed their time and efforts throughout the years in furthering the objectives of the association. One of the foundation members was University of Sydney’s Coordinator of Graduate Program of Facilities Management, former FM Action Agenda Recognition Working Group member and perennial FM industry protagonist, David Leifer.

WinterComms: David, am I correct in understanding that in the early developmental discussion stages at least, the precursor to FMA Australia was originally going to be a chapter of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA)?

DL: In 1988 Cemac Commercial Interiors together with their sponsors which included Steelcase, funded a tour series involving Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. The speakers were Franklin Becker, Alan Hedge, and Frank Duffy, and they were introduced by Duncan Waddell, who was in fact a member of the U.S based IFMA at the time.

Following that tour in 1989, under Duncan’s guidance, an Australian chapter of IFMA was considered, but passed in favour of setting up our own association called the International Facility Management Association of Australia (IFMAA).

The first Chairman was Malcolm Campbell from Davenport Campbell, who played an integral part in the initial development of the chapter. Early players included Ian Dove, Bruce Boell from Melbourne, and others, and there were chapters set up in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and possibly one in South Australia -I think set up by Brian Purdey.

In about 1991 Graham Brawn set up the FM Masters degree at Melbourne University, and at about the same time Sydney University also offered a Masters degree, while I was doing continuing education classes up in Brisbane.

Around 1992-1993 the IFMAA and IFMA have been having discussions about where the membership funds should go – whether they should be remitted to the U.S or whether they should be retained within the chapter in Australia, and no resolution was achieved, and so the IFMAA became the Facility Management Association of Australia.

At the time of my membership, Malcolm Campbell from Davenport Campbell Architects, was Chairman.

David Leifer mailed his copies of some early IFMA Australia and subsequent FMA News newsletters, and the following are news snippets from that time (not all were available):

August 12, 1988 Sydney
A meeting convened by some of Davenport Campbell (Architects) and Cemac Office Interiors key people was held at which the idea of forming a facility management association in Australia received support.

August 24, 1988 Sydney
The first general meeting was held at which the first Board of IFMA Australia were elected, comprising:

Chairman Malcolm Campbell (Davenport Campbell)
Vice Chairman Malcolm Harrild (Digital Equipment Corporation)
Treasurer Mark Brackenbury (Nelson Parkhill BDO)
Membership Director Mick Venes (Cemac Commercial Interiors)
Education/Program Director and newsletter Editor
Graham Parry (Office Accommodation Bureau)
Director Ed Schalchlin (Wang Australia)

1989

FMA National Board Members
Chairman Malcolm Campbell
Vice Chair Malcolm Harrild
Finance Director or Treasurer Mark Brackenbury
Director Mick Venes
Director Graham Parry
Director Ed Schalchlin
Director Ron Rigby

February 1989 (IFMA Australia issue 1) - According to the newsletter the following was stated about incorporation:
“Incorporation – The Memorandum of Articles of Association were in place although finding a suitable name to clearly distinguish the Australia Association had been difficult. That is how we have come to be operating as IFMA Australia”.

A series of seminars sponsored by Cemac and co-sponsors (such as Steelcase mentioned earlier) were held in November 1988 in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria to inform practitioners and to gauge and galvanise interest in membership. These seminars proved to be extremely successful in attracting members very early in the development of the association.

At the time of publication of the first newsletter, membership stood at 69, with new applications coming in at the rate of about 10 per month. The Board already strongly supported the forming of local chapters or branches to promote their professional network, as well as “a national and international voice”.

Among the foundation members were Associate member Robert Hopton (David Hicks Peddle Thorp), Associate member David Leifer (University of Queensland), Professional member Sam Ragusa (Griffith University), Professional member Mario Vella-West (ICI Australia), and Professional member John Walter (Australian Directory Services).

The first IFMA Australia member’s forum was held at the Bantry Bay Room at the Hilton International 259 Pitt St, Sydney on 9 March 1989, with Simon Hill from Harlech Property Group speaking on office leasing.

April 1989 (IFMA Australia) – saw Pam Tamplin (Hewlett-Packard) assist with the newsletter, and an acknowledgement of the valuable contribution made by Mike Venes from Cemac who was leaving due to an interstate move. Mention was made of the fact that some members queried the status of IFMA Australia, in terms of acknowledging their professional membership credentials in documentation such as CV’s, letterheads, business cards etc.

Acknowledgement was also given of strong interest in developing a Victorian Chapter from Doug Scott (Shell) and Ron Crewe (ICI), and from David Leifer (Queensland University) in working toward a Queensland Chapter.

July 1989 (IFMA Australia) – saw the membership increase to 120 nationally with new members including Graeme Philpott, Glen Hibberd, and Dennis Beitz. Planning was underway for the National Facility Management Conference in early 1990.

October 1989 – A membership and finance drive was on to fund a secretariat service for the association, some research had already been undertaken such as membership surveys and industry research, including first mention of the Warren Centre (and it’s then current Fire Safety Project).

FMA National Board Members
Chairman Malcolm Campbell
Vice Chair Ron Rigby
Finance Director or Treasurer Mark Brackenbury
Director Graham Parry
Director Robert Hopton
Director Garry Rush
Director Louis Taurian
Director George Logan
Company Secretary John Clare

February 1990 – made mention of the last membership update in October 1989, when membership stood at 132, and announced a further 23 members including Sharon Nowell (Compaq Computer Aust P/L), Susan Brindle (Officemakers P/L), Duncan Waddell (Davenport Campbell), Ian Dove (Davenport Campbell), and James Calder (Woods Bagot). Mention was also made of the new branch development committee in Victoria comprised of John Walter, John Collins, Ken Bradley, Duncan Waddell, Michael Ranger and Glen Hibberd.

The new national Board (which at the time also was the defacto NSW Branch) comprised Malcolm Campbell (Davenport Campbell), Ron Rigby (Tate Access Floors Australia), Mark Brackenbury (Bulkhaul), Graham Parry (Property Services Group, NSW), Gary Rush (Lend Lease Interiors), George Logan (Sydney Office Interiors), Louis Taurian (Davenport Campbell), John Clare (Drover Technologies).

June 1990 – An interview with Malcolm Campbell, national Chairman of IFMA Australia reveals that “the founding group had initially looked at setting up as a branch of IFMA, U.S, but decided against this. We then looked at being part of BOMA (now Property Council of Australia), but this option was also passed up in favour of setting up a fully independent association, IFMA Australia”.

“Not long after Cemac organised an Australia-wide series of high-level facility management seminars featuring top local and overseas speakers including Frank Duffy, founder of DEGW from the UK, Franklin Becker from Cornell University of the US, and Ed Rondeau president of IFMA in the US. Cemac very kindly invited us to participate and we took this opportunity to publicly launch the association”.

Announced was the formation of the Victorian Branch in January 1990 with State Chairman John Walters, while in Queensland their local branch held their first forum on May 9, 1990, with Sam Ragusa as State Chairman and David Leifer as Secretary. New members included Honorary member Hetty Blythe (Building Services Australia Magazine), John Johnson (KMPG Peat Marwick Hungerford), and Kevin Fitzgerald (Hoadley Budge Olphert).

December 1990 – announced an excellent response to the first IFMA National Conference, held on November 16, 1990 at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney, with more than 120 delegates from around Australia. Keynote speaker was Bob Goss, President of IFMA USA. Graham Parry took over as national Chairman at the IFMA Australia Annual General meeting at which the new Board for 1991 was elected. New members included Carmel Dollisson (Mallesons Stephen Jaques), while Bruce Boell becomes a Director at national level.

November 1990- saw Malcolm Campbell, then chairman of IFMA Australia and Dr Geoff Gidley, Chairman of the Association of Facility Managers UK, sign an affiliation agreement between the two associations at BBC House, Shepherds Bush, London. Taking over from Robert Goss at IFMA in the US was newly elected IFMA US President Christine Neldon, Director of Facilities for Arthur Andersen and Andersen Consulting.

1991

FMA National Board Members
Chairman Graham Parry
Vice Chair John Walter
Finance Director or Treasurer Alan Barnes
Director Michale Pizzey
Director Bruce Boel
Director Louise Taurian
Director Sam Ragusa
Immediate Past Chair Malcolm Campbell
Company Secretary Garry Rush

March 1991 – a change in administration structure sees the establishment of the National Board as a separate entity from State Committees, a move which effectively announced the formation of a new committee for NSW.

Mention is made of difficult issue of accreditation, and that IFMA US was only now addressing the issue, ten years after their formation. The Board resolved to review accreditation further once progress made in the US had been monitored.

While the quarterly newsletter will continue to be edited and produced by Mathieson & Mackay, it is intended to have an enhanced national focus, and contributions were welcomed by editor Hetty Blythe. State Branches activities would be publicised through local bulletins. Evidence of the IFMA Secretariat also appears for the first time in the newsletter.

The Victorian Branch would play host to the second IFMA National Conference in Melbourne in late October/early November 1991, with Conference Convenor Duncan Waddell as the contact. Membership had reached 290 by December 1990.

September 1991 – announces the granting of funding for a comprehensive program of facility planning and management at the University of Melbourne including a Graduate Diploma in Facility Planning and Management, a Graduate Certificate of Facility Studies, individual subjects through Continuing Education and for those interested in research supervision for Masters and PhD degrees. The contact at University of Melbourne was Professor Graham Brawn.

December 1991 – announced the success of the second national Conference and exhibition, with close to 200 delegates attending, including 18 members of the Japan Facility Management Association. The inaugural trade exhibition boasted 50 participating companies. The IFMA Annual General meeting also saw the election of John Walter to National Chairman, with Alan Barnes as Vice Chairman/Treasurer/Membership NSW, Duncan Waddell as Secretary, Graham Parry as Immediate Past Chairman and Conference, Regina (Chak) Y Bautista as Research, Bruce Boell as Education/Membership VIC, Lindsay Farrell Publications, Michael Pizzey Membership WA, and Dr David Leifer (Proxy Board Membership) Membership QLD.

New members included Peter Mumme (Arthur Stutchbury) and Kathy Greening (Australian Property Group).

FMA National Board Members
Chairman John Walter
Vice Chair Alan Barnes
Finance Director or Treasurer Alan Barnes
Director Bruce Boell
Director Lindsay Farrell
Director Michale Pizzey
Director David Leifer
Director Regina Bautista
Immediate Past Chair Graham Parry
Company Secretary Duncan Waddell
Executive Director or CEO.

February 1992 – IFMA News goes bi-monthly, and a reciprocal arrangement with IFMA USA magazine Facility Management Journal (FMJ) is reached, allowing IFMA News to reproduce articles with permission. Membership reaches 391.

April 1992 – A call for papers is announced as momentum gathers for the 1992 Conference and Exhibition to be held 18-20 November at Sydney Convention Centre Darling Harbour, and for the first time Australian Trade Exhibitions with Marie Kinsella as Exhibition Manager, take on the job.

August 1992 – introduces new membership categories, with the inclusion of consultants and academics into the Professional member category, and establishes the grades of Associate and Student membership, Corporate membership category and Corporate Sustaining member category for those corporations providing high level of commitment and support. The first Corporate Sustaining Member under the new classification was Melbourne – based Corporate Facility Management Resources.

At an extraordinary general meeting of members held in Melbourne on July 30th 1992, a resolution was passed to formally change the name of International Facility Management Association Limited to International Facility Management Association (Australia) Limited, to avoid any confusion with IFMA in the US.

Peter Verwer, national research and policy director at BOMA succeeds Peter Barda as national director. New IFMA (Australia) members include Mike Rada (Lend Lease).

October 1992 – urges facility managers to register for the IFMA (Australia) Conference (entitled Facilities Management means Business), to be held November 19-20, Sydney Convention Centre Darling Harbour. Keynote speakers are Vice President and Chief Infrastructure Officer for Fitch RichardsonSmith, Duncan B.Sutherland Jr, 1992 President of IFMA USA Samuel E.Johnson and the Executive Director of IFMA USA, Dennis Longworth.

Between October 1992 and April 1994 IFMA (Australia) changed to FMA Australia Limited. No newsletter from this time period was available.

Change of Name
At an extraordinary general meeting of members held in Melbourne on July 30th 1992, a resolution was passed to formally change the name of International Facility Management Association Limited to International Facility Management Association (Australia) Limited, to avoid any confusion with IFMA in the US.

This decision was formalised on October 2,1992 with the registration of the name, and then on December 15, 1993, the registered name was formally changed to the Facility Management Association of Australia Limited.

FMA National Board Members
Chairman Alan Barnes
Vice Chair Bruce Boel
Finance Director or Treasurer Geoff Parnell
Director Lindsay Farrell
Immediate Past Chair John Walter
Director ACT
Director QLD David Leifer
Director NSW Barry O'Brien
Director VIC Bruce Boel
Director SA Stephanie Burke
Director WA Geoff Parnell
Company Sectretary Duncan Waddell
Executive Director or CEO.

FMA National Board Members
Chairman Bruce Boell
Vice Chair Geoff Parnell
Finance Director or Treasurer Geoff Parnell
Director Duncan Waddell
Director Lindsay Farrell
Director Barry Philips
Immediate Past Chair Alan Barnes
Director ACT Bruce Harvey
Director QLD Dave Allen
Director NSW Kevin Fitzgerald
Director VIC Glen Hibbard
Director SA Peter Murray
Director WA Geoff Parnell
Company Secretary Elizabeth McCallum
Executive Director or CEO.

April/May 1994 – Bruce Boell, FMA Australia National Chairman as at April 1994, will take on full-time responsibilities as CEO (or Executive Director) of FMA Australia, commencing June 1994. He was present at the inaugural meeting in Melbourne from which the Victorian Branch of FMA Australia was formed, was elected to the Board at the 1990 Sydney AGM and served for two years as the Victorian Branch Chairman. Last year (1993) he was National Vice-Chairman until the AGM in December when he became Chairman. Geoff Parnell, the current (National) Vice Chairman, will become (National) Chairman when Bruce takes up his new duties in June.

(The position, as Bruce explained in the August/September issue, is an honorary one and he hoped to work himself out of the job and be able to hand over to a paid Executive Director).

According to the newsletter, Duncan Waddell provided the details for International Conferences, the FMA Australia Secretariat was situated at the Professional Centre of Australia in Darlinghurst, Lindsay Farrell (Geyer Design, Sydney) was responsible for Communications and Publications, while Jim Manser, Director of Kaley Manser Communications, was responsible for FMA Australia News (the newsletter).

At the time international events included a Euro FM Congress jointly sponsored by Euro FM and IFMA, the BIFM Conference was yet to be advised, and the Property Council Australia was then known as BOMA.

Bruce Boell and Geoff Parnell had been to Geneva to hold discussions with representatives from FM organisations in Canada, France, Japan, the Netherlands, the U.K and the U.S to explore avenues for future cooperative endeavours, and FMA Australia at the time had branches in Victoria, NSW, Queensland, ACT, WA, and SA.

June/July 1994 - The FMA Australia fifth annual Conference and Exhibition for the year was entitled “The Competitive Advantage – Facility Management” and was held at the Sydney Convention Centre, Darling Harbour Nov30 – Dec2. Some of the speakers presenting at the Conference were Adrian Leaman – Building Use Studies, U.K, Bruce Forbes – CEO ARCHIBUS Inc, William Gregory – 1994 Chairman IFMA, Cathy Argall – GM Australian Property Group, Graham Kirkwood – Corporate FM Resources, Despina Katsikakis – MD DEGW Strategic Consulting Ltd U.K, Duncan Waddell – MD Corporate FM Resources, Geoff Parnell – Chairman FMA Australia Research & Development, and Merryn Cholerton, FMA Australia Conference Co-ordinator.

Greg McManis, Former SA Branch Chair who passed away in recent times, had become FMA Australia member 650 around June 1994, along with Graham Kirkwood, member 655.

Oct/Nov 1994 - Major National corporate supporters at the time were the Australian Property Group and NEC, and Energy Control and a discussion on BREEAM (the U.K based Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) was the major topic of the Oct/Nov issue, with National Chairman Geoff Parnell on the cover.

Garry Sonnberger (then with Geyer Design in Melbourne) reviewed “The Total Workplace”, written by Professor Franklin Becker, while Helen Bergstrom (then with Noble Lowndes Ltd) became member 696, and Stephen Ballesty (Rider Hunt Sydney) became member 698. The “People on the Move” segment featured Glen Hibberd taking up a position with Inter Fleet Management, while Sharon Nowell, Facility Manager at Microsoft, became head of FM and Procurement at Oracle.

1995

FMA National Board Members
Chairman Geoff Parnell
Vice Chair
Finance Director or Treasurer Jay Lomax
Director Duncan Waddell
Director Ross Halfacree
Director Alan Barnes
Director Lindsay Farrell
Director Robert Goff
Director John Walter
Immediate Past Chair Bruce Boell
Director ACT Bruce Harvey
Director QLD Dave Allen
Director NSW Merryn Cholerton
Director VIC John Johnson
Director SA Peter Murray
Director WA Bill Yates
Company Secretary Elizabeth McCallum
Executive Director or CEO. Bruce Boell

February / March 1995 - One of the outcomes of the discussions that Bruce Boell and Geoff Parnell had had earlier in 1994 with their counterparts in Europe, was the announcement (in the Feb/Mar 1995 issue) of the formation of a new international affiliation to be known as Global FM.

Designed to facilitate exchange between FM associations across international boundaries, signatories to the establishment of Global FM were Australia, France, Japan, the Netherlands, the U.K and the USA. Individual membership was open to all members of the existing associations at U.S$30 (AUD$39 at the time). Bruce also resigned in 1995, due to the time constraints imposed on his activities outside of FMA Australia.

It is interesting to note that Disability Access and water conservation were already topics of interest for the branch forums held during 1995. New members included Caroline Burns (750) Woods Bagot, Richard Mayes (754) Reserve Bank of Australia, Brian Purdey (757) Strategic Impact, and Paul Bondin (773) Space Craft P/L.

May/ June 1995 - saw the announcement of the second international Conference of Global FM to be held in conjunction with FMA Australia’s own Conference in Melbourne in 1997. Geoff Parnell became the first Vice Chairman of Global FM, with Keith Pratt of BIFM elected as Chairman for 1995-96.

Interesting to note that the then Board had arrived at the consensus definition of facility management, as follows:

“Facility management is a business practice that optimises people, process, assets and the work environment to support the delivery of the organisation’s business objectives”.

The FMA Australia Conference, entitled “The Management of Change” for the year was held in August 24-25 at the World Congress Centre in Melbourne, with nominations for the Excellence Awards due by July14.

FM Research was very much a focus with the active research committees in NSW, Victoria and Queensland branches contributing toward the research topics identified by a member questionnaire:

1. Australian Glossary of Facility Management Terms (NSW).
2. Benchmarking Methods for Australian Facility Managers (NSW)
2(a) Benchmarking Pilot Study – Occupancy Costs (NSW)
3. FMA/BOMA 1995 Office Space Use Study (NSW)
4. Office Fitout Guide (Victoria)
5. Potential impact of American Disability Legislation on Australian Facility Managers
6. Hot Desking and its impact on Australian Facilities.

Research Co-ordinators at the time were Ross Halfacree (Research Director of the FMA Australia National Board), Chris Marrable (NSW), Peter Mumme (Vic) and Chris Georgio (Qld). New members included George Spink (790).

July/August 1995 - In terms of FM educational opportunities by July 1995, University of Melbourne offered a Graduate Diploma in Facility Planning and Management, as well as a Graduate Certificate of Facilties Studies, and a Masters degree. University of Sydney offered a Diploma in Design Science (Facilties Management), and a Master of Design Sciences (Facilities Management). Outer Eastern College of TAFE in Melbourne (now Swinburne) offered a short course in Facility Management, University of Queensland offered short courses in Facility Management, Deakin University (Melbourne) offered FM subjects as a unit of Bachelor of Commerce undergraduate degree, while Edith Cowan University offered FM subjects as part of a Bachelor of Science (Security) undergraduate degree.

 New members included Sue Pridmore (817 - pictured) CFMR P/L, and Garry Sonnberger (818) Strategic Facility Management Services.

September / October 1995 - saw a change of FMA Australia News format and the Editorship change to Melbourne with Ruth Taylor taking on the role. Moves were also afoot to employ a full-time Executive director for FMA Australia.

FMA Australia National Chairman Geoff Parnell took the opportunity to thank Duncan Waddell, John Johnson and the organising committee for a successful Conference, while Minister for Primary Industries and Energy, Senator Bob Collins announced a Greenhouse Directory on the internet.

The Inaugural Excellence Awards were held at the ANZ Pavillion, Arts Centre in Melbourne on August 24, with the Conference and Exhibition entitled “Management of Change”, held at Melbourne’s World Congress Centre. The Conference boasted 25 speakers, and a 20% increase on the year before with a record 240 delegates and an exhibition attendance increase of 10% on the year before as well.

Having managed the previous five Facility Management exhibitions, the Event Manager, Marie Kinsella was pleased with the attendance and the large international contingent who attended. Sponsors of the event included Steelcase, Australian Property Group, ISIS Interiors, Atlantis Relocations, Unifor, Lend Lease Interiors, ARCHIBUS FM, Godfrey Spowers, NEC, Resolve Engineering, Daschem, Omni Office Interiors, and Shell Australia, with first mention made of the facility management magazine Duncan Waddell founded, sponsoring the Welcome Reception. New members included Craig Cronfors (834).

November / December 1995 - announced the appointment of Sandra Makris as the new full-time Executive Director of FMA Australia, and also saw the national office move from Sydney to Melbourne at Level 1, 40 Market St on December 6.

The Strategic Plan was also announced, with the stated vision, mission and objectives being:

Vision: For FMA Australia to be recognised as the leading professional body governing facility management in Australia by 1998.

Mission: To represent and support members through the development and promotion of the theory, practice and benefits of facility management.

Objectives:
1. Improve human and financial resources
2. Improve marketing of FMA Australia and FMA Australia services
3. Support Special Interest Groups
4. Creation of policies and standards – glossary of terminology, research framework, education, accreditation.

Moves were also afoot to establish a Competencies and Accreditation System, with the establishment of a National Training Board (a private not-for-profit organisation funded by Federal and all State Governments) comprised of eighteen Industry Training Boards (or ITAB’s – separate companies in which the industries are shareholders). The ITAB which most closely represented facility management was the Property Services Industry Training Board Ltd. A sub-committee of this training board representing Property Operators and Developers (PODS) was formed with John Walter, the director responsible for education from FMA Australia as the representative.

The first international conference of Global FM ( a predecessor to the present organisation) was to be held March 26-28 1996 in London.

FMA National Board Members
Chairman Dave Allen (part)
Chairman Duncan Waddell (part)
Vice Chair
Finance Director or Treasurer Jay Lomax
Director Duncan Waddell
Director Rob Goff
Director John Walters
Director Ross Halfacree
Director Stephen Brooke
Immediate Past Chair Geoff Parnell
Director ACT Bruce Harvey/Alan Griffith
Director QLD Dennis Beitz
Director NSW Sharon Nowell
Director VIC John Johnson
Director SA Alister McFarlane
Director WA Howard John
Company Secretary David Rennick
Executive Director or CEO. Sandra Makris

January / February 1996 – Dave Allen is elected National Chairman FMA Australia, and thanks those members of the Board who have finished their appointments as directors and board members for 1995. They were, Merryn Cholerton, Chairman NSW Branch; Lindsay Farrell, Board Member for Communications and Publications; Peter Murray, Chairman, South Australia Branch; and Bill Yates, Chairman, West Australian Branch.

The new national FMA Australia Board comprised Dave Allen as Chairman, and Directors Howard John (Chairman WA Branch), Alister McFarlane (Chairman SA Branch), John Johnson (Chairman Vic Branch), Bruce Harvey (Chairman ACT Branch), Sharon Nowell (Chairman NSW Branch), and Dennis Beitz (Chairman Qld Branch); Elected Directors Duncan Waddell (Conference and Exhibitions), David Rennick (Secretary), Jay Lomax (Treasurer), and immediate Past Chairman Geoff Parnell; and Co-opted Board Members Robert Goff (Strategic Planning), John Walters (Educations and Professionals Affairs Committee), Ross Halfacree (Research) and Stephen Brooke (Communications).

A quote from comedian Elliot Goblet, a presenter at the 1995 NSW Christmas Lunch Forum: “Have you heard? In 1998, the Building Code of Australia will have a special sealed section containing pictures of egresses in very compromising situations!”

Among the new members were Don Hitchcock (901) Cadd West Bureau.

March / April 1996 – announced the introduction of themes for future issues of FMA News, and also the introduction of local newsletters under the banner of “Forum News” for each State Branch, commencing in the new financial year. Also announced was the appointment of advertising representative Lawrie Lawrenson for the FMA Australia News publication.

Atlantis Relocations and Feltex Modular Carpets became major sponsors for 1996, while Tony Lukic, a director at Norman Disney Young (building engineering services) presented an article on electricity procurement with the impending National Electricity Market, a government micro-economic reform initiative.

May / June 1996 – announced the impending 7th FMA Australia Conference and Exhibition, entitled “Winning through Facility Management” at Darling Harbour in Sydney September 4-6. The Exhibition was planned to be twice the size of previous years, with ergonomics a major focus. The Conference itself carried more of an Asia Pacific regional theme, providing delegates with an inside view of the challenges for facility managers wishing to work Asia, said Brian Purdey, Conference Convenor.

Also announced was appointment of Natasha Berisavac as Administration Officer at FMA Australia national office, and the move to appoint Schreiber Public Relations (Janelle Schreiber) to increase media awareness of FM and to enhance communications outside of FMA Australia.

The inaugural Global FM conference, held at Olympia, London March 26-30 1996, was pronounced a success with major themes being International FM, International travel procurement, Benchmarking, Disaster recovery and business continuity, International contracting, and Space planning and design interlinked with two management streams

New members (no membership numbers were now provided) included George Harley (CSIRO), Andrew Angus (Dexion Australia), Laurie Reeves (James Hardie Environ), Franklin Trouw, Ian Young and Rajiv Nagrath.

July / August 1996 – saw the resignation of Dave Allen as National Chairman, and the appointment of Duncan Waddell as acting Chairman for the next six months. An accreditation update was also published, outlining the challenges and progress made, and the identified need to appoint a consultant investigated.

Corporate Sustaining sponsors for the individual State Branches are published in the issue, and among the new members are Professor Graham Brawn, Andrew Farr (Eveready Partitions), and Cornelius Hart (Omni Office Interiors).

September / October 1996 – pronounced the 7th FMA Australia Conference and Exhibition as the largest yet, with 3800 visitors to the exhibition. The interactive office created by Omni Interiors was a primary feature, and the exhibition seminar program also attracted the largest audiences ever.

No further copies of FMA News available.

1997

FMA National Board Members
Chairman Brian Purdey
Vice Chair Dennis Beitz
Finance Director or Treasurer Garry Sonnberger
Director Sam Ragusa
Immediate Past Chair Duncan Waddell
Director ACT Alan Griffith
Director QLD Dennis Beitz
Director NSW Hilaire Graham
Director VIC Tony Mitchell
Director SA Alister McFarlane
Director WA Howard John
Company Secretary
Executive Director or CEO.

June/July 1997 - in the June/July 1997 issue of FM magazine, Janelle Schreiber announces that FM magazine has become the official publication of FMA Australia (a relationship that ended in August /September 2006), and that the magazine will be published five times a year instead of quarterly. Peter Mumme was conducting an FMA Australia series of Risk Management sessions at the time, and in October the FMA Australia Conference incorporated Global FM (a predecessor to the present Global FM).

The Conference organiser at the time was Marie Kinsella Australian Trade Exhibitions co-hosted Facility Management ’97 and Comfia ’97 trade exhibitions as part of the conference. The objectives of FMA Australia at the time included moves to establish accreditation credentials, with categories such as Professional (to facility managers with no less than three years experience), Associate membership, Student membership, and Corporate membership.

1998

FMA National Board Members
Chairman Brian Purdey
Vice Chair Dennis Beitz
Finance Director or Treasurer Garry Sonnberger
Immediate Past Chair Duncan Waddell
Director ACT Ian Wallace
Director QLD Neil Peach
Director NSW Hilaire Graham
Director VIC George Boburka
Director SA Roy Humphries
Director WA Peter Scott
Company Secretary
Executive Director or CEO. Stephen Betros (BDM)

1998 Director NSW Hilaire Graham. Life Member (2001) FMA Australia

February/March 1998 – saw newly elected National Chairman Brian Purdey reflect on the achievement of 1997, including the establishment of the role of Business Development Manager (Stephen Betros), the role of Membership Services Officer, and the appointment of a part-time book-keeper.

Announced also were some new initiatives including a joint venture between FMA Australia, Standards Australia, and SEDA (Sustainable Energy Development Authority, now DEUS), to develop an Australian Building Environmental Assessment Method for commercial offices, the launch of the FMA accreditation & Education scheme, and the expansion of FMA Australia’s national coverage through the holding of the Conference in Brisbane for 1998 and as a joint venture, in Adelaide in 2000.

June/July 1998 – Brian Purdey announces that membership reaches 800, a growth of 30% on the previous year.

FMA National Board Members
Chairman Brian Purdey
Vice Chair Dennis Beitz
Finance Director or Treasurer Garry Sonnberger
Immediate Past Chair Duncan Waddell
Director ACT Ian Wallace
Director QLD Dennis Beitz
Director NSW Richard Mayes
Director VIC George Boburka
Director SA Alister McFarlane
Director WA Howard John
Company Secretary Tony Mitchell
Executive Director or CEO. Stephen Betros

April 1999 – Brian announces that membership reaches the 1000 mark, and the launching later in the year, of the FMA Australia - Arthur Andersen Facility Management Industry sizing study.

June 1999 – Brian announces the launch of the FMA Australia - Arthur Andersen Facility Management Industry sizing study in Sydney in July, the progress on the accreditation system, and the national research strategy with the outcomes of research into Churn Management, FM Contracting and interoperability.

2000

FMA National Board Members
Chairman Brian Purdey
Vice Chair Dennis Beitz
Finance Director or Treasurer Christopher Biggs
Director Steve Gladwin
Director Caroline burns
Immediate Past Chair Duncan Waddell
Director ACT Ian Wallace
Director QLD Dennis Beitz
Director NSW Richard Mayes
Director VIC Ian Gardner
Director SA Rudi Victoria
Director WA Peter Scott
Company Secretary Tony Mitchell
Executive Director or CEO. Stephen Betros

The 2000 FMA Australia national team: Lurline Kelly, Ingrid Divers, Executive Director Stephen Betros, Sandi Selvey and Jane Trevaskis.

June 2000 – Saw significant industry collaboration and support in producing two more reports, firstly Facility Operating Cost Benchmarks, and secondly Service Delivery and Efficiency Drivers.

August/September 2000 – Saw the launch of the FMA Australia accreditation system at the ideaction 2000 Conference, held in Canberra. Duncan Waddell was made a Life Member at the Conference, while Richard Mayes was National Member of the Year.

October/November 2000 – saw the end of Brian Purdey’s reign as National Chairman, and also the availability of the FMA Australia 2000 Salary Survey. Richard Mayes became Chairman in November.

2001

FMA National Board Members
Chairman Richard Mayes
Vice Chair Caroline Burns
Finance Director or Treasurer Christopher Biggs
Director Steve Gladwin
Immediate Past Chair Brian Purdey
Director ACT John Cousins
Director QLD Shaun Kenafake
Director NSW Stephen Ballesty
Director VIC Peter Kavan
Director SA Rudi Victoria
Director WA Peter Scott
Company Secretary Tony Mitchell
Executive Director or CEO. Stephen Betros

May/June 2001 – saw the third lot of candidates move through the FMA Australia Accreditation system, the beginning of the Executive Briefing Series, and FMA Australia approached by Property Services Training Australia to participate in the review and repackaging of property operations and the development of competency standards and qualifications, along with other industry bodies representing the property and assets management industry. The broader engagement with industry also extended to the Australian Building Codes Board and the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science & Resources in establishing various FM industry research proposals.

September/October 2001 – announced the negotiations with Property Services Training Australia in establishing a specific Facility and Asset Management education and training pathway, and the commencement in October of FMA Australia’s Professional Development Workshops.

2002

FMA National Board Members
Chairman Richard Mayes
Vice Chair Steve Gladwin
Finance Director or Treasurer Christopher Biggs
Director Fiona Price
Immediate Past Chair Brian Purdey
Director ACT John Cousins
Director QLD Greg Tenbrick
Director NSW Stephen Ballesty
Director VIC Peter Kavan
Director SA Andrew Pill
Director WA Peter Scott
Company Secretary Marko Misko
Executive Director or CEO. Stephen Betros

March/April 2002 – saw a great response from the launch of the Office Churn Research Report, and also an excellent attendance for the Executive Briefing Series, entitled Managing Uncertainty – Integrated Portfolio Strategies for Dynamic Organisations.

May /June 2002 – Held for the first time in the regional Barossa Valley, the 2002 FMA Australia ideaction Conference hosted over 300 delegates with the theme of Shaping the Future. Chairman Richard Mayes took the opportunity to launch agenda 2007, FMA Australia’s strategic plan containing four key result areas: namely the community, knowledge, advocacy and support agendas.

July/August 2002 – saw FMA Australia achieve a sound financial result for the year and 1300 members for the first time, as well as the launch of the new-look FMA Australia website at www.fma.com.au.

November/December 2002 – FMA Australia move office on December 15, to 60 Leicester Street, Carlton 3053, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability in FM with a green-lease in the iconic building.

2003

FMA National Board Members
Chairman Steve Gladwin
Vice Chair Stephen Ballesty
Finance Director or Treasurer Greg Tenbrick
Director Kerry Lodge
Immediate Past Chair Richard Mayes
Director ACT Alan McGrath (pt)
Director QLD Greg Tenbrick (pt)
Director NSW Chris Marrable (pt)
Director VIC Sue Pridmore (pt)
Director SA Andrew Pill (pt)
Director WA Peter Scott (pt)
Company Secretary Marko Misko (pt)
Executive Director or CEO. Stephen Betros

January/February 2003 – New Chairman Steve Gladwin outlines the challenges posed by the diversity of FMA Australia’s membership and the key initiatives contained in agenda 2007 to address them, as well as the successes of the research publications launched including the FM Sizing Study, the FM Benchmarking Study, Churn Research and the recent launch of the FM Contracting Guidelines.

March/April 2003 – As part of agenda 2007, National Councils have been formed to address the key areas, including Community, Knowledge, Advocacy and Support. Two key areas for the Advocacy Council as the time were Safety and Environmental Sustainability, with submissions made to the Victorian and NSW governments, particularly in relation to the ramifications of the 2000 NSW OH&S Regulations. The Advocacy Council also maintained a relationship with the Barton Group (an alliance of environmental industry leaders charged with the implementation of the Environmental Industry Action Agenda at the time).

June/July 2003 – announced greater access for FMA Australia members to BIFM services, and also a landmark agreement with the Building Services Research and Information Association that allowed the rights to review and modify BSRIA publications to suit Australian and New Zealand markets.

August/September 2003 – announces the eminent release of the Facility Management Risk Management Manual, a ‘how to’ guide to formulating risk management plans from a facilities perspective.

October/November 2003 – FMA Australia joins the Australian Construction industry Forum (ACIF) and takes a lead role in Sustainability, as well as launching the Building Services Community of Practice on September 15.

2004

FMA National Board Members
Chairman Steve Gladwin
Vice Chair Stephen Ballesty
Finance Director or Treasurer Greg Tenbrick
Director Alan McGrath
Director Sue Pridmore
Director Kerry Lodge
Immediate Past Chair Richard Mayes
Company Secretary Stephen Betros
Executive Director or CEO. Stephen Betros

December 03/January 04 – announces changes to FMA Australia’s Constitution that allows for team general membership, and the streamlining of the national board from 10 to 6 directors, with general members having more input into who is elected to govern the association. Announced also is the submission of an Action Agenda to the Commonwealth Department of Industry, an initiative designed to provide the framework for industry and government to work together to maximise the recognition and growth of a particular sector. The Agenda identifies and commits both industry and government to a series of actions that underpin future industry performance, and growth.

February/March 2004 – The Federal Government announces the Facility Management Action Agenda, with its focus on the key platforms of Innovation, Education, Sustainability, and Regulatory Reform under the umbrella of Recognition.

April/May 2004 – saw the signing of the ‘Partners in Excellence’ agreements with FMA Australia and IFMA, BIFM, and SAFMA (the South African Facility Management Association), the launch of FMA Australia’s FM Guidelines to Managing Risk, and the first meeting of the proposed Industry Leaders Group under the Federal Government’s support of the FM Action Agenda.

August/September 2004 – announces a membership increase of 15% on the previous year – an all time high facilitated by the new team membership category. Steve Betros also resigned as Executive Director to pursue his studies.

October/November 2004 – sees the forming of the Strategic Industry Leaders Group, chaired by John McCarthy. At branch level, new sub-branches in NSW emerge with the NSW South Coast in the Hunter region.

2005

FMA National Board Members
Chairman Stephen Ballesty
Vice Chair Kerry Lodge
Finance Director or Treasurer Greg Tenbrick
Director Alan McGrath
Director Sue Pridmore
Director Jon McCormick
Director Steve Taylor
Immediate Past Chair Steve Gladwin
Company Secretary Karen Hill
Chief Executive Karen Hill

February/March 2005 – introduces Stephen Ballesty as the new National Chairman, and Karen Hill as the new CEO.

June/July 2005 – heralds the launch of the FM Action Agenda on April 28, with the release of the publication ‘The FM Action Agenda - Managing the Built environment’. The publication details the 20 Action Steps identified as part of the platforms of Recognition, Innovation, Education and Training, Sustainability and Regulatory Reform needed to further industry objectives.

August/September 2005 – one of the actions identified in the FM Action Agenda, to establish the size and scope of the facilities management industry, comes to fruition with the release of the Access Economics Facilities Management Industry Report. Progress is also reported on another one of the FM Action Agenda’s initiatives with CRC for Construction Innovation as the project managers, the FM Exemplar: Sydney Opera House Project, with its three streams of research of Building Information Modelling (BIM), services procurement, and performance benchmarking.

Project participants included the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, FMA Australia, CRC for Construction Innovation, CSIRO, Sydney Opera House, Transfield Services, Brisbane City council, Queensland Department of Public Works, Queensland University of Technology, Woods Bagot, and Rider Hunt (now Rider Levett Bucknall).

Supported through the voluntary efforts of industry leaders, John McCarthy is again appointed as Chair to oversee the FM Action Agenda’s three year tenure, arguably the most important and ambitious undertaking of the FM industry to date.

October/November 2005 – sees mention of the extensive administrative resourcing, systems upgrading and financial review undertaken by FMA Australia CEO Karen Hill and her team at national office, and the first meeting of the FM Action Agenda Implementation Board in August.

2006

FMA National Board Members
Chairman Stephen Ballesty
Vice Chair Kerry Lodge (pt)
Finance Director or Treasurer George Spink
Director Steve Jones
Director Andrew McEwen
Director Jon McCormick
Director Geoff Parnell (pt)
Immediate Past Chair Steve Gladwin
Company Secretary Karen Hill
Chief Executive Karen Hill

December 05/January06 – Karen Hill and Steve Gladwin receive the IFMA Chairman’s Citation for 2005 for exceptional service to the profession of facility management at IFMA’s World Workplace and Expo in the U.S, while administrative and member services are ramped up with a more effective and streamlined national office approach to the holding of branch activities and functions, professional development offerings such as the FM Master Classes, accreditation delivery and dialogue with educational providers, broader engagement with other industry bodies, and a review of constitutional amendments.

April/May 2006 - announces a new governance structure with national committees sharply focused on Membership, Education & Training, Communication & Marketing, Conference, Innovation & Best Practice, as well as a new category of affiliate membership for young professionals starting up in facilities management. FMA Online monthly e-newsletter is launched with the first edition released in April.

June/July 2006 – announced the launch at the FMA Australia Conference, of the FM Action Agenda website (one of the FM Action Agenda Action Steps identified), and the appointment of FMA Australia’s Education & Training Committee, headed by Richard Mayes as Chair, and Jon McCormick, Bernie Galletti, Craig Langston, Martin Leitch, Graham miller, Geoff Parnell and John Thomson as committee members. FMA Australia’s website also undergoes a revamp, and is launched in June.

August/September 2006 – Stephen Ballesty pronounces the FMA Australia ideaction Conference and exhibition, held in Canberra, an outstanding success, with special mention made of John McCarthy, Chairman of the FM Action Agenda Implementation Board, the recipient of FMA Australia inaugural Honorary Membership. Membership reaches 1700 and special thanks are given to Kerry Lodge, who stepped down after three and a half years on the Board, the last year as Vice Chair. Karen Hill announces her intention to resign as FMA Australia CEO, and also FMA Australia national office’s impending move to Level 6, 313 La Trobe St.

October 2006 – Karen Hill formally announces the end of the agreement with FM magazine, and that FMA Australia’s communication strategy will be announced in the November issue of FMA Online.

November 2006 – The new Board is appointed, with Andrew McEwen as Chairman, George Spink as Vice Chairman, Steve Taylor Finance & Communications, Steve Jones Membership, Jon McCormick Education & Training, Bryon Price Innovation & Best Practice, and Stephen Ballesty as immediate Past Chairman, FM Action Agenda, Conference.

December 2006 – Karen provides her last report as Chief executive, FMA Australia, reporting on the success of the new IMIS (online) membership system, and announces the appointment of David Duncan who commences in the position on January 15, 2007.

2007

FMA National Board Members
Chairman Andrew McEwen
Vice Chair George Spink
Finance Director or Treasurer Steve Taylor
Director Steve Jones
Director Naomi Neilsen
Director Bryon Price
Immediate Past Chair Stephen Ballesty
Company Secretary David Duncan
CEO David Duncan

February 2007 – announces the new FMA Australia magazine, Facility Perspectives, to be launched in April. New CEO David Duncan outlines FMA Australia’s plans for expanding industry engagement, increasing membership and embarking on an organisational strategic plan for the next 3-5 years.

April 2007 – saw the launch of Facility Perspectives, a quarterly national magazine published by Executive Media and endorsed by FMA Australia.

June 2007 – FMA Australia’s ideaction 2007, held in Sydney is pronounced a resounding success, and planning on the strategic plan is coming to a close with Board endorsement expected soon.

July 2007 – FMA Australia and the Tertiary Education Facility Management Association enter into a strategic partnership with joint access to information and attendance at each organisation’s events at member rates.

August 2007 – announces the further revamp and provision of additional services on the FMA Australia website and to FMA Online e-newsletter, including a Recruitment and Careers section. Also the launch of a new series of professional development courses, identified through member needs surveys.

September 2007 – The FMA Australia strategic plan is launched and made available on the FMA Australia website.

October 2007 – sees the commencement of a year-long review of the Facility Management Accreditation System (FMAS).

December 2007 – One of the initiatives of the FM Action Agenda, the FM Exemplar: Sydney Opera House research report ‘Adopting BIM for Facilities Management: Solutions for Managing the Sydney Opera House’, wins the top award of the night at the Association of Consulting engineers Australia (ACEA) Awards, adding to the Awards already received for the project’s first publication, ‘FM as a Business Enabler’.

2008

FMA National Board Members
Chairman Andrew McEwen
Vice Chair George Spink (pt)
Finance Director or Treasurer Steve Taylor
Director Steve Jones
Director Naomi Neilsen
Director Bryon Price
Immediate Past Chair Stephen Ballesty
Company Secretary David Duncan
CEO David Duncan

FMA Australia 2008 Board: Chairman Andrew McEwen, Immediate Past Chair Stephen Ballesty, Bryon Price, CEO David Duncan, George Spink, Steve Jones, Steve Taylor, Naomi Neilsen

March / April 2008 – FMA Australia’s new online e-procurement service, FMA eStore is launched on the FMA Australia website, as well as the availability of a number of operational business publications.

July 2008 – FMA Australia has discussions with the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and research (DIISR) in a move to ensure adequate representation on the proposed Built Environment Industry Innovation Council, along with announcing the Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System Act, which came into effect July 1, 2008. FMA Australia is also involved in Standards Australia’s Technical Committee, SB-000 Sustainable Buildings, as well as having established a contribution to the formation of building regulations through the Building Codes Queensland Division Building Industry Consultative Group.

August 2008 – FMA Australia announces consultation with DIISR in relation to maximising the benefits available from the establishment of the federal government Green Building Fund, which assists organisations in retro-fitting existing buildings to make them more energy efficient. One of the areas canvassed is the training and education of facility managers to comply with the National Greenhouse Energy Reporting System (NGERS). FMA Australia also establish a Policy Advisory Group (PAG), consisting of members of FMA Australia with expertise in areas such as sustainability, energy efficiency, HVAC, aged care and mining and resources, to effectively provide industry-specific information in the formulation of FMA Australia’s policy documents, position statements and submissions to government . The FM Action Agenda reaches the end of its three year tenure, with project outcomes to be announced in the coming months.

September 2008 – saw the introduction of a professional development course designed to address the green retrofitting of existing buildings, further advocacy and engagement with the BEIIC, ASBEC and ACIF, and a successful return to a full year of events and increasing membership for the FMA Australia WA branch. Thanks also to FMA Australia WA Branch members Gerald Stack and Sithu Aung who have worked tirelessly to ensure the introduction of the Graduate Certificate in Facilities Management at Curtin University in WA.

October 2008 – FMA Australia provide input as a member of the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council’s Climate Change Task Group, which was formed to initiate and fund key research projects. It recently commissioned a report designed to stimulate discussion about the complementary role that energy efficiency can play in supporting the federal government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) paper. Known as the Second Plank, the report reviews evidence of the built environment’s potential to reduce the adjustment cost of meeting a national abatement target and concludes that the cost of the CPRS could be reduced by providing incentives for the building sector to introduce additional energy efficiency measures.
December 2008 – saw the consolidation of FMA Australia as a corporate entity, with strong increases in revenue growth from professional development registrations (up 63%), branch events attendances (up 22%), and website advertising.

2009

FMA National Board Members
Chairman Andrew McEwen
Vice Chair Steve Taylor
Finance Director or Treasurer Steve Taylor
Director Steve Jones
Director Kristiana Greenwood
Director Chris Hunt
Immediate Past Chair Stephen Ballesty
Company Secretary David Duncan
CEO David Duncan

February 2009 – FMA Australia adopts the IFMA Facility Management Professional (FMP) and Certified Facility Manager (CFM) credentialing programs, providing FMA Australia members with ready access to a globally recognised system.
Congratulations go to John McCarthy, Honorary Member of FMA Australia, Chair of CRC for Construction Innovation, and former Chairman of the FM Action Agenda, who was awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), and also to Warren Kerr, Health Group Director for Hames Sharley, who was awarded the Order of Australia for his services to architecture and his contribution to the planning and design of major health facilities. Warren was a member of the Strategic Industry Leaders Group which was instrumental in the establishment of the FM Action Agenda.

March 2009 - FMA Australia is actively engaged on all fronts, including membership of the DEWHA Steering Committee for the National Framework for Energy Efficiency study into commercial building energy use, providing advice to the Australian Bureau of Statistics on definitions for FM professionals in ANZSCO classifications, developing submissions for government on mandatory disclosure of energy efficiency in commercial office buildings, the importance of climate change mitigation measures in addition to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and the development of the National VET Sector Sustainability Policy and Action Plan.

Integral to the actioning of all these objectives both past and present is the efforts and input of the management and staff of FMA Australia national office, and they are:
David Duncan – CEO
Carolyn Journeaux – Operations Manager
Tim Farrelly – Membership Advisor
Simon Morgan – Policy Advisor
Carly Jenkins – Administration Coordinator
Murray Hirst – Finance Manager
Belinda Ralph – Executive Assistance to the CEO
Rosie Bennett – Marketing and Communications Advisor
Stacey Vassiliadis – National Events Advisor

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