Left to right: Brett, Belinda, Justin, Gareth and Danie

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A message from our directors

Our Austaron journey began with our foundation brand as we became the (Aus)tralian distributors of (Staron) Solid Surface, which introduced Austaron to the building industry in 2003. We have always loved the versatility of Staron Solid Surface which is very evident for anyone that has met us.

We value product education and customer satisfaction, always going above and beyond to do what is needed for the wellbeing of a great outcome. Our team are like-minded people with drive and passion for the construction industry and strive to give their all.

Establishing our Staron brand into the building industry gave us the opportunity to introduce the beautiful Acrylic Couture. Followed a little while after by the very innovative Kaynemaile Architectural Mesh and the latest addition to our range, the very creative Mario Romano Walls. We are grateful to be connected with the people behind each of these amazing products and to be able to represent them. Embracing the opportunity to represent other brands, we became Austaron Surfaces.

As an established company, in 2021, the opportunity to promote our product offering to the New Zealand market, saw the founding of a new company within that region with 3 local partners. Austaron Surfaces is locally owned and operated in both Australia and New Zealand.

We have been able to see many projects go from just a discussion, to the creation that was envisaged by many design sectors. There are very talented people within the building industry and we are privileged to be able to support their vision.

With an ongoing enthusiasm for creativity within our personal lives, we are excited to look forward to seeing what the design future holds.

Australian Company

Brett Worden

Director, Founder

IFA committee member since 2011
My 20 years of surface product experience prior to starting Austaron Surfaces embedded within me a commitment to sourcing only the best quality materials for my own company.

Being highly driven and very passionate about all our brands,  I also strive to support the many layers of the industry.

I believe it is truly important to nurture relationships wherever possible as it is key to being successful.

Belinda Worden

Director, Co-Founder
Our first full-time Specification Manager on the road since the beginning. In 2021 I joined the marketing team and enjoy the different perspective this position allows me to embrace.

Over the many years in my role as a representative, I have found myself more conscious of our natural and built environment.
I do believe that we need to be surrounded by amazing spaces and places to maintain the best health possible.

In my spare time, you can find me in the garden 👩‍🌾.

New Zealand Company

Justin Worden

Director | Upper North Island, NZ

Having been involved within the field of materials and process engineering, I have a deep appreciation for the technical innovation and creativity required to extract and transform raw materials into a finished product.

It’s exciting to now be involved in the next part of the process at Austaron Surfaces. I love seeing our high-quality surfaces fashioned and incorporated into the final design and working with those creative people that make this a reality.

Danie Mars

Director | Lower North & South Island, NZ

I have spent my whole life as part of the construction industry, from working in the trades to management, to design and in sales and marketing. The last twenty years has been mainly in building products and working with specifiers and fabricators alike.

I just love working with people and finding solutions to all sorts of challenges. I also gain huge satisfaction and pride from knowing I was part of a team that brought many buildings and spaces to life.

Gareth Edwards

Director

After finishing my engineering degree I moved on to become a builder, always the tinkerer I am intrigued about the detailed workings of everything mechanical.

With an appreciation for innovative materials I found myself involved with Kaynemaile Architectural Mesh, this fascination has taken me around the world as Kaynemaile engineer on major projects. With the opportunity to partner up with Austaron Surfaces, my background allows me to support the team with technical advice and assistance.

A keen outdoor enthusiast I enjoy riding dirt bikes, fishing, and a good yarn.

Our Team

New South Wales

Barclay Gillett

General Manager

Committee member since 2015
Committee member since 2015

Through my background in interior architecture I developed an extensive knowledge of the built environment. Prior to joining Austaron Surfaces I have spent time in the interior fit out market sector working as a design and project manager for some of NSW’s largest firms.

A key member of the Austaron Surfaces team since 2007, and with a keen eye for detail I have delivered some of the company’s largest and ground-breaking projects.

With a hands on approach, I am involved in all facets of daily and project related operations across our portfolio of innovative, market leading products.

Susy Wilczek

Administrative Manager

After spending over twenty-five years in a variety of accounts and administration roles, I bring a wealth of experience to this exciting new role.

For me, great customer service is all about communication and attention to detail. Building relationships with colleagues and customers to ensure smooth management of the day-to-day operations. I can’t wait to learn more about the exciting products and projects being worked on by our team and customers.

When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my grown up sons and their partners. Especially leisurely weekend brunches.

Carol Tyne

Business Development Manager NSW

From laminates and solid surfaces to sheet metal roofing and tiles, I have been involved within the building industry for many years. My experience as a solid surface fabricator assists me to liaise and communicate across many industry sectors. I enjoy working with Architects & Designers, our Staron fabricators and end-users and love seeing their projects come together.

My passion in having Staron specified is seeing a flat sheet transfer into beautiful designs, either curves or routed patterns. Seeing imagination come to life by way of a finished product is truly beautiful.

In my spare time I’m heavily involved with Surf Life Saving.

Thon Mel

Dispatch Manager

Sometimes known as Thor, on other days, I am the Dispatch Manager at Austaron.

With over 15 years of experience in the transportation industry, I have become the go-to person for ensuring the seamless delivery of goods from point A to point B.

My primary focus is always on achieving smooth and efficient transition of our materials to our customer in the shortest time possible.

When I’m not working, I enjoy wielding my hammer to cast light and illuminate the world.

Queensland

Anthony Farmer

Specification Manager QLD
From as far back as I can remember I have always had a passion for design. Starting from drawing as a youngster, drafting as my first job to 25 years working as a designer.

My path has given me a wealth of knowledge in retail & commercial interiors & the fast-paced designs of the exhibition industry. This background has enabled me to accept challenges, embrace new concepts & provide considered solutions to clients from a wide industry spectrum.

It now brings me to the exciting world of Austaron Surfaces Products where I can share this knowledge with like-minded people who also share a passion for design.

Trish Warmer

Specification Manager QLD

With over 20 years experience in the Building Industry and a flair for interiors, I have developed a deep appreciation for our industry throughout this time. I pride myself on my customer focus and ability to form strong relationships, which has led to working with a diverse customer base and varied projects in residential, commercial & retail.

Representing the premium products of Austaron Surfaces saw me build the SA Business for over 11 years. A recent sea change bought me to QLD early 23’ and enabled an exciting new venture in re-joining the team. This has allowed me to continue my journey in growing in the Building Industry and witness projects through to their outcome, which has always been a highlight for me.

Committee member since 2011 (SA)
Committee member since 2011 (SA)

Madeleine Brennan

Marketing Co-ordinator & Graphic Designer

 

As someone who has always had a passion for creativity, I have been fortunate enough to funnel this passion into a Bachelor of Design majoring Visual Communication.

With a background in working directly with customers I can parlay this experience into an advanced understanding of both sides of design. I am now fortunate enough to bring these skills to Austaron Surface where I am able to put these skills to use showing customers our great products.

Victoria

Manoj Gosai

State Sales Manager VIC

With a background in solid surface fabrication since 1997, I have also had the opportunity to establish my own business in the UK before my move to Australia in 2011. I have seen many interesting projects come to life and been involved in small to large scale applications.

I have extensive knowledge of manufacturing and enjoy being able to assist our fabrication network. I have been fortunate to build some very strong long-standing relationships in the industry and look forward to seeing many great projects come to fruition.

Katie Georgiadis

Specification Manager VIC
B.Des Interior Design (Hons)
With a degree in interior design and over a decade of experience working within the industry, I am a passionate and dedicated member of the design community. Having worked across construction, design, and now specification; I have developed a comprehensive appreciation for all phases of a project from concept to completion, and understand the importance of working with quality materials and craftsmanship. Being part of the Austaron team means I get to meet with other creatives in the A&D industry to help bring their visions to life through Austaron Surfaces innovative product offering.

Alisha Worden

Marketing/Photographer (PT)

Assisting the marketing team gives me the opportunity to see how quality and thoughtful design is carried out within the built environment. Austaron Surfaces is a great place to see creativity come to life. When I’m not working with my Austaron team, I work within costume for film & tv – which is where I first gained an appreciation for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail which assists my photography for Austaron Surfaces.

South Australia & Western Australia

Kriti Gupta

Specification Manager SA
Bachelor’s of Architecture | Masters of Interior Design

My journey in the design industry began with a degree in Architecture where I was introduced to a range of styles of building design. As a creative person, one never stops learning any art form, hence, I pursed my master’s degree in Interior Architecture.

Over the years, I have developed a great appreciation for the A&D industry and have been fortunate enough to work on amazing projects in the commercial, healthcare, and residential sectors. I joined Austaron Surfaces as I was intrigued by the product line offered.

Design requires good understanding of building material specified, and with a perfect fusion of both design and technical knowledge, I consult potential users regarding the product and its design capabilities.

Fiona Parsons

Specification Manager WA

IFA committee member since 2014
KBDi committee member since 2007
With a background in Kitchen Design and the Building Industry, I love surrounding myself with quality materials and enjoy meeting new people and talking about exciting design opportunities.

I joined the team in 2009 and there is nothing that drives me more than delving into a new project and exploring opportunities for our products to come to life.

Tasmania

Ben Parsissions

Tas Cabinetry Supplies
So to introduce myself firstly, my position being with Tas Cabinetry Supplies as the sales representative for the northern part of the state of Tasmania.

Being in the joinery industry for the past 23 years I have gained a wealth of knowledge in this industry, throughout this time I spent 15 of those years manufacturing joinery items.
I have also had the opportunity to not only be able to overlook Staron manufacturing but also been lucky enough to work with this product many times myself.
I can highly recommend this product and the many versatile ways in which it can be used.

I look forward to assisting others to learn about Staron and the additional product range Austaron offers.

Daniel Clegg

Tas Cabinetry Supplies

With almost 20 years of surface product experience, I started my own company in 2019. Having introduced Austaron into Tasmania some years prior to this, I have always been very knowledgeable with their product range.

I am passionate about the Austaron Surfaces range and the mix of premium products is extremely exciting to have as part of our core collection.

With a background in arts I enjoy the opportunity to promote quality and design flexible products and to work with people to make creativity come true.

Austaron Surfaces would like to acknowledge and thank all employees past and present for their contribution to our business growth.

Additionally, we would like to thank past joint founders Sam & Selina Nam and Don & Carol Carruthers for assisting us to bring Austaron Surfaces to the building industry.