MC DAVE HUGHES LIT UP THE STAGE ONCE AGAIN WITH HIS PRESENCE HIA AMBASSADOR SCOTT CAM WAS A POPULAR GUEST again with his presence, with many citing the says, is due to the excitement shared by all comedian as a particular highlight. Peter Fry, who members and sponsors around the country. has attended a number of HIA award ceremonies ‘Builders and designers from all over Australia agreed. [come] together to celebrate their achievements at ‘Dave Hughes does a great job – I think he’s the state level awards, with the possibility of walking been a great [MC] for the past few years – he away with a national award.’ certainly knows what to do and how to do it. I think Domenic went on to say he feels the main he fits in well with what we as builders and the enjoyment of the night comes from ‘seeing each audience look for,’ Peter explains. state rally behind each other and cheering for their Another guest that meshed well with the builders local entrant wholeheartedly’. was HIA ambassador Scott Cam. Known in ‘At home they are competitors in the market, yet Australian households for his laid-back television the national awards night pulls everyone together personality, Scott Cam has always spoken highly of into a close-knit unit.’ his apprenticeship days, talking about completing The 2018 HIA–CSR Australian Housing Awards SAMANTHA JADE his apprenticeship at his brother’s business before brought members together, showcasing their WRAPPED UP THE starting his own company and becoming an high-quality work and dedication to the residential CELEBRATIONS Australian Apprenticeships Ambassador for the building industry. Celebrating winners and finalists in Australian Government. an exciting new destination every year is always an This level of appreciation for training Australia’s event to look forward to – this year’s award night did next group of builders gave him the opportunity not disappoint. to assist with presenting the HIA Jim Brookes Australian Apprentice Award. Standing alongside Mary Brookes, wife of the late Jim Brookes, Scott presented the award to winning apprentice Simon entering Russell for his commitment to the residential HIA awards building industry. Following on from the entertaining and relevant contributions of Dave Hughes and Scott Cam, Start thinking about which projects you will enter into next year’s awards now. singer Samantha Jade wrapped up the Just remember: celebrations with a performance that had • proects must have been completed within the 24 months prior to close of entryj everyone out of their seats dancing. Ending the date night with an energetic performance of her most • hi-res images of your project need to be supplied along popular songs, she put a spring in everyone’s step with items such as your plans, contract details and energy rating. after the inspiring awards presentation. Entries will open early 2019 for HIA’s regional housing and kitchen & bathroom Sharing a sense of suspense and celebration with awards, and are only open to HIA members. Major winners from the regional other attendees at the national awards, Domenic awards progress to the HIA–CSR Australian Housing Awards for the following year. Nardelli noted that the national housing awards are Visit www.hia.com.au/Awards different to the regional awards. This, as Domenic SEPTEMBER 2018 HOUSING 95