Richard founded Debrich Custom Joinery in 1994, specialising in High-End Residential fit outs.

Having a passion for construction, Richard left school to pursue a career in Custom Joinery. He completed an apprenticeship in Shopfitting and Detailed Joinery at North Sydney TAFE, graduating late 1988.

Following stints working through all aspects of Joinery construction, installation and Site Management for several leading joinery companies, Richard founded Debrich Custom Joinery in 1994, specialising in High-End Residential fit outs. Like most, he started small, evolving through the years, and now manages a team of 30 highly qualified professionals.

Recently provided the opportunity to join the ACFA Board in 2021, Richard remarks, “My dedication to training, supporting and mentoring the next generation of joiners drives my passion in representing the industry”.

Darren started his trade in 1996 as a Cabinetmaker Joiner. After completing his trade, he moved into factory foreman roles, then moved into production management before gaining experience in a general management role.

Darren became part of the sales team for a leading board manufacturing company before moving into management positions within that organisation. In 2015, Darren followed his passion of being a business owner and opened Craftmark; a wholesale supplier to the trade, supplying some of NSW’s leading kitchen companies, joiners and builders.

Darren has a Cert III in Carpentry Joinery, Cert IV in Building and Construction, Cert IV in Frontline management, and a Cert IV in Web-Based technologies. Darren is continually working on his personal development, and currently using business advisors to gain experience in the day-to-day running of business practices.

Darren is one of the board directors at ACFA, and has a strong passion for the industry with a focus on making a positive change. His passion is to ensure the future of our industry and secure a strong presence in the manufacturing sector for all cabinetmakers. Darren joined the Board so he could be part of the change and advocate strongly for our industry.

Darren owns and operates The Kitchen Maker, having started the company in 2004. Prior to that, he was involved in a family business within the Joinery industry since he completed High School Certificate in 1993.

Darren also owned Total Polyurethane, a polyurethane business, that he ran in conjunction with a business partner for six years. This business employed 2 apprentices and turned over $800,000 per annum.

The Kitchen Maker employed two apprentices that started in TKMs early formative years. One has been with the company 18 years and the other 14 years. The apprentice that started with Darren 18 years ago is now Project Manager and the other is Foreman. The Kitchen Maker currently employ 2 apprentices which are both enrolled with ACFA.

Darren is passionate about the industry. The plan is for The Kitchen Maker to employ more apprentices as Darren sees this as a way forward to strengthen business and industry while at the same time upskilling and fostering individual personal growth. Apprenticeships are unique in the sense the work is immediate for business, the upskilling takes place both theoretically and practically in real time and feedback on an individual’s performance is immediate. This is a sustainable business model and it is this unique approach that will help strengthen, build and keep manufacturing in Australia.

Darren is also very community minded and through my business, The Kitchen Maker, with Community Sponsorship which has helped Darren build a great network for the business through staff and clients. At a personal level, Darren has also been involved in sail-racing since the age of 10, competing all over the world and recently skippered his own boat across the Atlantic.

Robyn has had a long and successful career as a senior executive at Borg Manufacturing.

An accountant by trade, she has overseen the expansion of Borg as it has developed into a major national building products manufacturer and is now involved with the development of other business interests in the Borg Group.

Robyn brings a wealth of experience in board management, project and financial management, risk control, process improvement and organisational development.

Robyn joined the ACFA board in 2015 to promote the industry and ensure we have a voice in the changing regulatory environment, as well as helping to steer appropriate training for our sector.

In July 2019, Robyn joined the board of First Super; a role where her leadership skills, financial acumen and commercial experience can further support the industry by ensuring the retirement savings of all First Super members are governed well.

Robyn holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting), a Diploma of Management, and is also a Graduate of Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (Adv).

I am honoured to have been a member of the board of ACFA (formerly FIAA) for 18 years.  I served as Chairperson between 2013 and 2025.

My brother, Geoff and I owned and managed HK Joinery Design at Tuggerah NSW. Our work involved providing joinery for single residences, multi-level residential developments, schools, universities, hospitals, and aged care facilities.

HK Joinery Design was awarded Australian Cabinet Maker of the Year 2016 for the Best Commercial Project: the fit out of the ATO Office in Newcastle.

Being the holder of several qualifications from different industries, a Certificate 3 in Furniture Making, and a Kitchen & Bathroom Renovators licence, has provided me with a broad vision of industry in general and allows me to bring a wider view to the board room.

I have strength in Contract Administration and Project Management that has contributed to the successful delivery of many major contracts.

I hold an enduring belief in training not only our youth, but also our adult workers.

A personal goal of mine is to maintain a successful and sustainable joinery manufacturing industry in Australia.

With over 36 years of experience in the industry, Nino Strangio, is an accomplished Tradesman, Managing Director and Business Owner of Betta Style Kitchens & Joinery Pty Ltd.

Nino’s career began as an apprentice in Shopfitting and Detailed Joinery but his passion, determination and commitment to the industry enabled him to successfully complete several more qualifications:  Certificate III in Carpentry, Corian Master Craftsman, KBLR – Kitchen and Bathroom Renovator, Certificate IV in Building and Construction.

A successful Business Owner in his own right, he is an inspiration to the next generation of tradesmen who he mentors. Nino’s strong leadership, analytical skills, initiative and self-motivation have been paramount for all his achievements and success.

In recent times Nino has become part of the ACFA Board of Directors: “Representing the industry is a great honour and a great responsibility but I am up for the task and delighted to undertake these duties”