news

Change in Directorship
The JAA is pleased to welcome Jay Bartlett, owner of Bartlett Master Jewellers in Townsville and Stephen Schneider, owner of Stephens Jewellers in Shepparton and Echuca, as our newest board members. Together they bring more than 55 years of distinguished service in the jewellery industry, with Jay and Stephen bringing a wealth of knowledge and insight that will enhance the Board’s collective knowledge and support the ongoing work of the JAA in serving and strengthening the Australian jewellery industry.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to Meredith Doig, who is embarking on an exciting new chapter overseas, and to Cameron Marks, whose term has ended and steps down for personal reasons. Both have left an indelible mark on the JAA. We extend our deepest gratitude for their dedication and exceptional service, wishing them every success in their future pursuits. These changes have occurred in line with the recent JAA AGM.

The JAA Board is also pleased to announce the formation of a dedicated Supplier Subcommittee, established to better represent and respond to the evolving needs of Australian suppliers. This initiative will provide a structured platform for open dialogue, feedback, and collaboration on key industry matters — including trade fairs and other shared challenges. Initial discussions have been productive, and the Board looks forward to building on this momentum to drive positive outcomes for the supplier community. 

Membership Structure: Your Voice Matters
The 2023 updates to the JAA Membership Structure have been in effect for 3 years now. We note the differences in membership fees reflect varying administrative arrangements and levels of service, not preferential treatment. All membership categories are available to eligible businesses, and the structure is designed to accommodate the diverse needs of our members. We are committed to transparency and fairness, and information regarding membership types and fees is openly available to all members and prospective members.

As part of the JAA’s commitment to continuous improvement, as always, we seek feedback from our current membership and industry regarding simplicity and accessibility of the changes. Please direct all comments and questions to info@jaa.com.au or phone 0490 236 334.

Media Engagement Policy
To streamline communication, all media inquiries and requests for comment must now be submitted in writing to info@jaa.com.au. The Board will strive to respond to all requests within 48 hours. Requests for expedited replies will not be accommodated.

As a not-for-profit organisation, led by a volunteer Board, the JAA’s mission remains steadfast: to represent, protect, and advance the interests of our members and the Australian jewellery industry. To preserve our focus on this core purpose, the Board has decided to limit engagement with external media going forward, particularly in response to sustained sensationalist and misleading coverage. Allocating further resources to this engagement offers little value to our members and wider industry.

We warmly encourage direct inquiries from our membership at any time.

Looking Ahead: Events and Initiatives
Mark your calendars for the JAA biennial Jewellery Awards in 2025 - the program is a prestigious celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and excellence within our industry. Details for the 2025 program will be announced very soon, offering an exciting opportunity for jewellers to showcase their talent on a national stage. Winners will be announced in late September 2025. Plus, stay tuned for the launch of several innovative initiatives later this year. Keep an eye on our website and social media for the latest updates.