CEO’s Foreword

Dear Members,

Iam honored to have been appointed as the interim CEO of Master Builders Victoria (MBV), and I am excited to work alongside each and every one of you as we continue to advance the interests of our members and the wider building and construction industry in Victoria.

At the heart of our organisation is a commitment to supporting our members, and I am dedicated to upholding this principle as we move forward.

Our organisation is built on a strong foundation of values and behaviours, and I am committed to upholding these values and behaviours as we move forward, and to ensuring that our members have access to the resources, information, and support that they need to succeed.

I am deeply dedicated to promoting safety, quality, and professionalism in all aspects of our work, and to embracing innovation and technology as powerful tools for improving efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. I believe that by working together and sharing our knowledge and expertise, we can continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in our industry and create a brighter future for all.

At the same time, I recognise that our industry is facing a number of challenges, including shifting economic and regulatory landscapes and changing consumer demands. Additionally, our industry is currently facing a significant skills shortage, with many employers struggling to find qualified workers to fill key positions. This shortage is due in part to a lack of new entrants to the industry, as well as an aging workforce and increasing competition from other sectors. The shortage is particularly acute in certain trades, such as carpentry and bricklaying, and is expected to persist in the coming years unless concerted efforts are made to attract and train new workers. To address this challenge, MBV is working to promote careers in the building and construction industry, provide training and apprenticeship programs, and advocate for policies that support the growth and sustainability of the industry. As we navigate these challenges together, I am confident that we will emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.

To achieve this goal, I am committed to fostering open and transparent communication and putting members first, all the time, every time, so that we can work together to address the challenges facing our industry and seize new opportunities as they arise.

I also intend to collaborate with industry partners and stakeholders to promote policies that support our members and advance the interests of our industry as a whole.

As we look to the future, I am confident that we will continue to build on the success of our association and make a positive impact on the industry by being brave enough to be different. Together, we will drive innovation, push boundaries, and build a stronger, more resilient construction industry.

To all of our members, I want to express my gratitude for your continued support and dedication to our organisation. As we move forward together, I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead, and I am committed to working alongside you to continue to build a stronger, more vibrant, and more successful building and construction industry in Victoria, to empower people to build a better future.

Sincerely,

Michaela Lihou Interim CEO, Master Builders Victoria