Event Summary
Newcastle Building Blitz
Building Commission NSW recently conducted a Building Blitz, uncovering defects in 12 buildings across Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast, and Wollongong. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to ensure high construction standards and protect future residents.
Guided by intelligence, inspectors targeted 20 Class 2 (apartment) buildings under construction that were identified as higher risk. While the defects found can be rectified and do not pose an immediate public safety risk, Building Commission NSW has acted swiftly, issuing orders to ensure all issues are resolved before residents move in.
The commission will continue monitoring these projects through to completion, reinforcing accountability and quality in the industry. As part of its commitment to safer buildings, the concrete audit program is expanding to target more regions across NSW. Matt Press, Assistant Building Commissioner, and Rumman Waquas, Manager Building Compliance will share updates on the latest changes.
Program
2:00 PM – Entry & Name Tag Collection
2:30 PM – Welcome, Introduction, and Presentations
4:15 PM – Q&A / Discussion
4:45 PM – Networking: Drinks and Light Refreshments
5:30 PM – Close
Registration
$88.00 CIA Member
$44.00 CIA Retired Member
$22.00 CIA Student Member
$110.00 Non Member
Presentations:
Rumman Waquas, Building Commission NSW
This presentation will provide an overview of BCNSW’s operations, highlighting typical concrete defects identified during BCNSW’s on-site inspections. Additionally, it will outline BCNSW’s strategic approach, key priorities, and proactive measures being taken to enhance compliance standards across the sector.
Proudly sponsored by:
Proudly supported by:
Presenters
Matt Press, Assistant Building Commissioner, Building Commission NSW
Matt is the Assistant Building Commissioner and has more than 12 years of working in the building and property sectors. Matt is passionate about championing our industry and has been a key leader in its transformation over the last 5 years. Through Matt’s leadership the Commission established new audit programs, produced research into building defects, delivered major reforms to fire safety and waterproofing and created a new industry- focussed education platform.
Matt’s contributions to industry have been recognised through awards from the Fire Protection Association and Strata Communities Australia, and an Adjunct appointment at the University of Newcastle. He also has a grassroots perspective on housing having previously operated a charity that managed affordable housing across southwestern Sydney.
Prior to working in building Matt had a varied career locally and internationally, including working across Europe and the Middle East as a strategy consultant.
Rumman Waquas, Manager Building Compliance, Building Commission NSW
Dr. Rumman Waqas is a structural engineer and compliance expert with a PhD in Structural Engineering from UNSW and over a decade of experience across industry, academia and regulatory compliance.
In her current role as Acting Manager of Building Compliance at the Building Commission NSW, Rumman leads strategic initiatives to uphold building safety standards, driving continuous improvement through audits, inspections, and complex investigations. Rumman has also held academic and consultancy positions, where she has contributed to the design and development of complex structural solutions while bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Rumman received the Australian Postgraduate Award Industry scholarship for her academic excellence and dedication to advancing structural engineering. Her research has significantly contributed to steel, concrete, and composite structures, focusing on innovative and efficient structural systems to enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability for buildings. Notable areas of her work, including blind bolted flush end plate connections and non-destructive compressive strength evaluation techniques, have been published in top-tier journals and presented at leading international conferences, earning global recognition.
Passionate about advancing building safety and sustainability, Rumman contributes to shaping the future of the construction sector by ensuring regulatory standards evolve to meet emerging challenges and promote societal wellbeing. She also mentors the next generation of engineering professionals, particularly women in STEM, helping to cultivate future leaders in the field.
Christian joined Northrop in 2000, before taking his skills overseas and spending 12 months living and working in Dubai. He returned to Northrop in 2008, assuming the role of Structural Engineering Manager for the Newcastle office before being promoted to Principal in 2011.
Christian has contributed to various developments, including multi-unit residential, industrial, bulky goods, retail, health and education projects.
He is passionate about getting involved early, helping clients shape projects from concept and feasibility to detailed design and construction. Christian is known for his practical approach, collaborative style and ability to spot value engineering opportunities that make a real difference.
CIA NSW Annual Sponsors
Special thanks to our CIA NSW Annual Sponsors for their support throughout the year.
If you are interested in CIA NSW Annual Sponsorship, please email nsw@concreteinstitute.com.au
