I am honoured to have been a member of the board of ACFA (formerly FIAA) for 17 years. For 10 years, I have served as Chairperson.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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”

Mathew Dwyer is currently employed in the role of Supply Chain Manager for Polytec (part of Borg Manufacturing), with 33 years experience in the cabinetmaking and furniture industry.

Mathew’s career started in 1988 in internal sales which quickly transitioned to external sales. This led to opportunities as the State Sales Manager, responsible for NSW, then a National Sales Managers role.

Following the sales roles was a three year term in marketing for Polytec, where the business was rebranded and refreshed in line with the business’ changing and developing product offerings.

In 2012 Mathew changed direction and moved into manufacturing roles. He was the Facility Manager for the door manufacturing plant at Charmhaven for two years, before moving to Somersby as the facility manager for the melamine board, benchtop, PUR lamination and components business. Mathew has also developed skills in warehousing, operations and logistics during this time. In 2018, Mathew moved from the Somersby site to take up his current role as Supply Chain Manager for the Borg business.

In 2020 Mathew joined the ACFA board. Like many on the board, Mathew finds the opportunity to represent the industry a privilege with members always top-of-mind for decision making.

Matt is a third generation furniture maker with 31 years experience in the industry.

Matt’s experience is in manufacturing solid timber furniture and joinery for commercial projects. He is passionate about our industry and helping the next generation of furniture makers. Matt has been a board member with ACFA since 2012.

Ben Lamont completed his Cabinetmaking apprenticeship in 1999 and, alongside his wife, launched a successful business in Casino in 2001. Over the years, their business has grown significantly, relocating to Lismore into a purpose-built factory that now employs 12 full-time staff.

With extensive knowledge of the joinery industry, Ben’s business specializes in manufacturing and installing cabinetry, solid surfaces, and solid timber windows, doors, and stairs. Their diverse projects include renovations, new homes, private and government education buildings, healthcare infrastructure, and aged care facilities.

Having navigated significant industry challenges, including the Global Financial Crisis in 2008 and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Ben is deeply aware of the vulnerabilities facing the sector. He is passionate about addressing key issues such as trade shortages, operator burnout, and the increasing complexity of manufacturing and logistics. He is also committed to advocating for better governance practices to help businesses thrive and prevent industry dissolution.

Ben’s goal as an ACFA Board Member is to support businesses in overcoming these challenges, foster a sustainable and resilient industry, and develop strategies to attract and retain a skilled workforce. His experience and dedication make him an invaluable member of the ACFA Board.

Chris Chmielowiec, the son of a cabinetmaker and an interior designer, has been deeply immersed in the bespoke joinery industry for much of his life. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Chris moved to Sydney in 2014, bringing his specialized joinery expertise to the Australian market. Now based in the Northern Beaches, he views joinery as an art form that demands precision, craftsmanship, and perfection.

In 2021, Chris launched his company, Interspec, specializing in high-quality joinery projects, with a focus on the residential market. At Interspec, Chris emphasizes collaboration with skilled artisans to create timeless and beautiful interiors. By utilizing cutting-edge machinery, advanced software, and lean manufacturing practices, his meticulous approach ensures seamless execution and flawless results. This combination of craftsmanship and innovation has been key to Interspec’s success.

Chris is passionate about the joinery industry and is dedicated to advancing its growth and excellence. As a Board Member of ACFA, he brings his wealth of experience, innovative mindset, and commitment to fostering collaboration and sustainability within the trade. His vision is to support the development of the industry while maintaining the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.