VMBSG’s first in-person Professional Development Seminar for 2026 was held last Friday 20 March at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre (GPAC), Traralgon, hosted by Latrobe City Council. It was a fantastic afternoon and a real milestone for VMBSG, our first regional event in several years, with a great turnout of members and supporters from across Victoria.

The program delivered timely, practical content that attendees could take straight back into their day-to-day work. Highlights included an update from the Office of the State Building Surveyor (OSBS) and the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC), a comprehensive Municipal Building Control Plan (MBCP) and reporting update (including engagement outcomes, early findings, delivery of results and the purpose of monthly reporting), and important fire safety and compliance insights from Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV).

We also heard from Paul Horton, Commander, FRV (Community Safety | Fire Safety | Inspection and Compliance) on the final part of the Rooming Houses Project, and Ben Wain, Fire Safety Officer, FRV (Regional Fire Safety Unit) on how the Regional Fire Safety Unit works with Municipal Building Surveyors to achieve compliance in the built environment. The day was rounded out by Russell Kennedy’s highly relevant case study on a section 16 prosecution involving building work carried out without a permit, and the responsibilities of practitioners, body corporates and directors under the Building Act 1993 (Vic).

Just as importantly, it was wonderful to see so many people stay on afterwards for drinks at The Crown, with plenty of conversation, catch-ups, and the kind of networking that strengthens our profession. Thank you again to Latrobe City Council for hosting, and to all presenters and attendees for contributing to such a successful event.

Presentation slides have been sent to everyone who registered. If you would like a copy of any of the presentations, please contact VMBSG.