our history
In 1977 a small group of approximately 5 companies joined together in NSW to discuss common concerns in operating their businesses. The following year, a group of Victorian companies joined together for the same purposes. These two separate groups, the Importers, Wholesalers and Manufactures Association (NSW) and the Victorian Giftware Association, grew slowly through word of mouth and began to develop trading policies, a system of credit control and some discounted prices for members.
The Australian Gift & Homewares Association was formed on 1 July 1987 with the amalgamation of these two bodies. Formal incorporation as a new entity under that name took place in September of that year (both bodies having been previously incorporated separately).
In August 1993 the Association changed legal entity to that of a Company Limited by Guarantee.
In May 1988 the Association moved to its own offices at Crows Nest, having previously used premises provided by the Administrator of the time. In July 1990, the office was moved to bigger premises in Clarke Street, Crows Nest and in 1993 a search commenced for a building to purchase as a permanent home.
In August 1995 the Association moved into the premises at Cleg Street, Artarmon which was purchased as a permanent home to provide boardroom facilities and space for offices, storage and general meetings as well as to provide Members with individual trade displays and sales meetings.
As of July 2001 the Australian Gift & Homewares Association changed its trading name to Gift & Homewares Australia.
In January 2005, the Association sold its Artarmon premises and purchased new office and warehouse accommodation at Homebush, near the Sydney Showground where one of its annual trade fairs is held. The Association’s present premises are at Unit 58, 11–21 Underwood Road, Homebush.
On September 1, 2011 the Association launched the new brand identity for Australian Gift & Homewares Association (AGHA) with aims to deliver not only a new brand identity, but more importantly, a new attitude aimed at improving and expanding the current member service offering.
These goals will be achieved through a renewed energy and a refreshed knowledge base underpinned by the experience gathered over the past 35 years.
