regardless of policies to boost this, we need skilled trades people.” Bluestar’s long term relationships with their tradesmen have resulted in many industry awards over the 16 years they have been members of the Master Builders of Australia (MBA) and the Australian Housing Industry Association (HIA). “We enjoy being part of their awards program, which recognizes the best in the business,” says Adam. Bluestar’s most recent accolades include: • 2022 Master Builders Victoria Excellence in Housing Awards Winner Best Kitchen over $40,000 • 2022 HIA-CSR Victorian Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards Finalist New Bathroom up to $30,000 • 2021 HIA Victorian Awards Finalist New Bathroom up to $30,000 Adam highly values being a part of associations like the MBA and HIA, and not just because of the awards. Even more importantly, he says those memberships have been helpful in keeping us up to date on what’s happening in the industry. He also recognizes the immense pressure that was put on the associations and their members during COVID, and he appreciates the role those associations played in helping navigate those challenges. “Prices went up overall by 30%. Some materials rocketed to 200-300%! A lot of builders in Melbourne went into liquidation, as did the developers, suppliers and trades. It was an absolute mess. We’re extremely fortunate to have made it through that. No one was prepared for how to manage that crisis,” he says. For Bluestar, he says the key to survival postCOVID is the strong relationships they have with their trades, suppliers, consultants and clients. “That is everything,” says Adam. “The quality of the business’s life is the quality of the relationships it has. That quality goes not only to your direct SEPTEMBER 2024
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