Terms of engagement

If you’ve called AIRAH over the past few months, it’s likely that you’ve spoken to our new Engagement Officer, Finley Reid.

Fin started at AIRAH in March, and has since communicated with hundreds – if not thousands – of members across Australia and abroad, both over the phone and via email. Already a much-loved member of the AIRAH team, Fin has shown boundless energy and enthusiasm, both in his engagement with our members, and in AIRAH’s weekly forays onto the netball court.

With Fin playing such an active role with AIRAH’s communication to the industry, we thought it was time for Ecolibrium readers to get to know him a bit better.

Ecolibrium: What does your role at AIRAH involve?

Finley Reid: I’m responsible for making sure that our members’ interests are actioned, progressed and completed. I speak with our division committees and other stakeholders across Australia to help keep AIRAH connected to the membership base to make sure AIRAH is kicking goals through our advocacy, education and social events.

What do you love about the job so far?

I have always been an outgoing individual. Working in engagement means that I am continuously meeting new people from different sections of the trades industry. At this point I’ve had hundreds of conversations with members about their experiences and perspectives, which has helped me better understand and hopefully support AIRAH’s vision for a stronger Australian HVAC&R industry.

What have you learnt in your conversations with members?

I think a common thread I have found through my work has been that AIRAH members are concerned about the future of Australian HVAC&R, but also optimistic about its success.

The Australian construction sector is constantly in flux and requires strong partnerships to bring about high-quality outcomes. HVAC&R practitioners know this better than most, as the nature of the work has always required a holistic understanding of the construction process, from start to finish.

I’ve found that while our members have some concerns about what lies ahead, they take pride in the work they produce. More importantly, they’re incredibly generous with their support for the next generation of industry practitioners.

Tell us a bit about yourself outside of work

Outside of work, I spend my weekends helping out at my Mum’s farm in the Otway Ranges, watching my beloved Richmond Tigers lose, and enjoying my very expensive rental apartment with my lovely girlfriend Lilli.

This article appears in Ecolibrium’s Spring 2025 edition

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