Step into the season with our Autumn edition! Celebrate the success of our 2026 Gifted Melbourne event and explore the highlights — plus access our exclusive directory to stay connected. Get ready for upcoming Member Connect & Showcase events, experience our inspiring Royal Selangor factory visit, discover must-have seasonal essentials, and gain key HR insights on casual employees and employer best practices.
IN THIS ISSUE
10. Behind The Scenes Gifted Melbourne 2026
12. Royal Selangor Visit World-Famous Pewter House
26. Easter & Mother’s Day Seasonal Retail Planning
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TIME | 3pm – 7:30pm From 3pm - Tabletop Exhibition 5pm – 6:30pm - Networking Drinks & Exhibition 6:30pm – 7pm - Guest Speaker: Jason Egan - Beyond Blue From 7:30pm - Dinner (Self-Paid)
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AGHA INDUSTRY MAGAZINE
Australian Gift & Homewares Association, agha.com.au ABN 49 061 196 290 Unit 58, 11 - 21 Underwood Rd, Homebush NSW 2140 PH 02 9763 3222 membership@agha.com.au sales@agha.com.au
CONTRIBUTORS
Mickey Lau, Joanna Chan
Dora Nagy, Sam Bassil
Publishers’ indemnity: This publication is published by Australian Gift & Homewares Association (AGHA). Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, AGHA accepts no liability for materials created by others. AGHA further excludes all rights, remedies, guarantees, conditions and warranties in respect of goods or services from your use of any of the publication to the extent permitted by law. AGHA does not warrant the accuracy of the content in this publication. The content is provided to you “as is” and on an “as available” basis and on the condition that you undertake all responsibility for assessing the accuracy of the content and rely on it at your own risk.
from the ceo.
Welcome to the Autumn Edition of the AGHA Industry Magazine!
As we move into Autumn, it’s hard to believe we’re already well into another exciting year for AGHA. The energy across our industry continues to inspire me, and if the start of 2026 is anything to go by, we’re in for a strong and vibrant year together.
By the time you’re reading this, our very first event of the year — Gifted Melbourne 2026 — will have wrapped up. What a fantastic way to begin. The halls were buzzing, the product was outstanding,
and the connections made were exactly what our community is all about.
With almost 1,500 buyers coming through the doors across the event, the floor was alive with conversation, discovery and meaningful business being done.
From over 600 prizes up for grabs on the spinning wheel — thanks to the incredible generosity of our exhibitors — to two well-attended speaker sessions that sparked
fresh thinking and valuable insights, there was a genuine sense of engagement and momentum throughout the fair. It was a wonderful reminder of the strength, creativity and resilience within the gift and homewares industry.
If you’d like to relive the vibes, we invite you to revisit the highlights and experience the colour, creativity and connections once again. Revisit the Highlights.
And we’re only just getting started.
Our Member Connect and Showcase events remain a key focus this year. Our next gathering will be on the Gold Coast on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, and we look forward to coming together again in Adelaide on Monday, 20 April 2026. These events are intentionally designed to be intimate and practical — giving members the opportunity to connect locally, discover product, share ideas and strengthen relationships within their own regions.
I also encourage you to take a few moments to complete the 2026 AGHA Member Survey with Australian Gift & Homewares Association 2026 Survey by Friday, 6 March. Your feedback genuinely shapes our priorities, events and advocacy work. We want to ensure we’re delivering the programs, support and opportunities that matter most to you — and your voice is a critical part of that.
Across 2026, AGHA will continue delivering a calendar filled with opportunities — from networking events and education to our major trade fairs. I encourage you to explore our full events calendar and mark the dates that matter most to your business.
Every
initiative is built around one purpose:
Supporting you, our members, to grow, adapt and thrive in a constantly evolving retail landscape.
Thank you for being part of AGHA. I look forward to seeing many of you throughout the year as we continue building momentum together.
Anita Campbell
Behind the Scenes at Gifted Melbourne 2026
Energy, creativity, and a closer look at how we make it all happen.
BY SAM BASSIL
I’ll never forget one moment at the Dubai Boat Show over a decade ago, when I was the editor of a yachting magazine.
A superyacht exhibitor had a last-minute technical issue with his display, and the whole floor was buzzing. Somehow, with a mix of nerves and creativity, he turned it into the most talked about moment of the show. Watching that mix of careful planning and improvisation was fascinating, and it stayed with me. I felt that same energy again at Gifted Melbourne 2026.
Launching 2026 was a big moment for AGHA, and seeing our members preparing themselves, from months of planning to last minute ideas that became real showstoppers, was inspiring. I saw that same real magic I witnessed in Dubai a decade earlier
happening again before our eyes, when pressure, creativity, and timing collide and something unexpectedly great comes out of it.
And just as impressive as the members preparing themselves was the AGHA team working behind the scenes. Countless calls, last minute tweaks, logistical problem solving, and a hundred tiny details all came together to make the show run smoothly. Personally, I got to work with the team and members, not just making things run smoothly, but also thinking through the strategy behind it all, which ideas will really connect with buyers, and how to bring the whole show together so it flows seamlessly.
Gifted Melbourne has set a high bar for 2026, and with AGHA’s busy calendar ahead,
from Brisbane and the Gold Coast to Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, I’m excited to help our members make this their most creative, successful, and fun year yet. Watching ideas come to life, seeing connections being made, and knowing the AGHA team will be there to bring it all together makes me even more excited for what’s next. If the start of the year is anything to go by, 2026 is shaping up to be impactful.
Oh! and if you’re wondering what happened in Dubai, it was a tech meltdown minutes before opening. Screens died, plans changed, he ditched the visuals, talked people through the yacht like a storyteller, and somehow it worked better than the original plan. It’s a reminder that when things don’t go to plan, clarity, confidence, and creativity usually win.
“Watching ideas come to life, seeing connections being made, and knowing the AGHA team will be there to bring it all together...”
Royal Selangor Visit
An Immersive Visit to the World’s Most Celebrated Pewter House.
BY ANITA CAMPBELL
I know it feels like a lifetime ago now, but I hope you all enjoyed a peaceful and restorative Christmas break with your families.
Over the holidays, I was fortunate to take a short family trip to Malaysia and, even more fortunately, to visit the iconic Royal Selangor factory in Kuala Lumpur. I am incredibly grateful to Andrew McLean, General Manager Australia and AGHA Board Director, who generously arranged access for me.
As many of you know, Royal Selangor is the world’s foremost name in quality pewter, a brand synonymous with exceptional design and craftsmanship. On arrival, I was warmly welcomed by Muzani from the International Sales team and treated to an immersive tour of the museum, factory floor, workshops and beautifully curated gift shop.
What struck me most was learning how such a globally recognised brand began so modestly. In 1885, a young pewtersmith named Yong Koon arrived in Malaya from the Chinese port of Shantou with little more than a set of tools and an extraordinary determination to succeed.
From those humble beginnings, Royal Selangor has grown into an international brand with standalone stores in leading retail capitals including London, Hong Kong and Singapore. Its products are also stocked by some of the world’s most prestigious
department stores, including Wako in Japan, Harrods in London, Hudson’s Bay in Toronto and, of course, David Jones here in Australia.
The on-site museum is a treasure trove, housing many of Yong Koon’s original tools and early pieces, alongside an extensive display of pewter collections ranging from elegant tableware and intricate figurines to striking decorative and artistic works.
We were taken through the step-by-step process of transforming raw pewter into finished pieces, with live demonstrations bringing the craft to life. Pewter, composed primarily of tin with small amounts of copper and antimony for strength, has low heat conductivity— making it ideal for drinkware as it helps maintain hot or cold temperatures for longer. Rather than tarnishing, pewter
develops a soft, distinctive patina over time, adding to its character and appeal.
On the factory floor, we watched skilled pewtersmiths at work, many still using techniques and tools remarkably similar to those employed by Yong Koon more than a century ago. I even had the opportunity to participate in a hands-on workshop, crafting a pewter bowl using traditional methods—a wonderful reminder of the skill and patience behind every finished piece.
There were also lighter moments: photos with the world’s largest pewter tankard, a stunning installation of the Petronas Towers created from
“In 1885, a young pewtersmith named Yong Koon arrived in Malaya from the Chinese port of Shantou with little more than a set of tools...”
7,000 tankards, and an original Royal Selangor–branded Combi van. We finished the visit browsing the gift shop and enjoying a relaxed lunch at the on-site café.
It was truly a memorable experience and an incredible learning opportunity.
My sincere thanks to Royal Selangor for their warm hospitality, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to visit if you ever find yourself in Malaysia.
seasonal essentials.
Dejo Imports - Distinctive Creations
Family-run importer of handcrafted giftware, offering unique, detailed pieces that delight and inspire.
Thread the Word
Thoughtful, timeless and beautifully crafted — Thread the Word creates personalised 100% cotton baby blankets.
Wednesday Lulu
Playful, curated and lifestyle pieces style for every wardrobe.
Lulu and Rosa Jojo accessories pieces offering wardrobe.
24 Palms
Luxury Australian-made candles blending fine fragrance, sustainable ingredients, and minimalistic design for every home.
Unique contemporary jewellery crafted with timeless elegance and organic inspired Australian design.
AHHA - Waterproof Jewelry
Sustainable, handmade Australian jewelry celebrating individuality and mindful gifting with eco ethos.
The Daily Rabbit Eco-friendly, 3D-printed homewares from, blending playful design, durability, and vibrant functionality.
Yisu Design
seasonal essentials.
Charlie Bears
Collectables Australia
Handcrafted collectible bears and plush companions with charming personalities
Gemajesty
Handcrafted statement jewellery, blending elegance and everyday wearable style.
Kinoko by Alexter Au
Elegant, quality-crafted hair accessories and fashion pieces blending standout design with lasting style.
Wheelers Hill Soaps
Natural, hand-made soaps and skincare crafted with simple, nourishing ingredients.
Paradox Collections
Curated homewares fusing old-world charm with modern style for standout interiors.
Romantic, thoughtfully crafted apparel and creative pieces for imaginative, joy-filled style.
Handwoven bags merging vibrant heritage patterns with modern elegance, each telling a story.
Miss Rose Sistser Violet
Wildhank
2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show
Thursday 2 April – Tuesday 13 April
The Sydney Royal Easter Show is Sydney’s best value family-friendly day out over Easter, held annually at Sydney Olympic Park.
With 12 hours of entertainment, farm animals, rides, showbags, live shows and diverse food, it brings the country to the city with hands-on Australian farming experiences, making it one of Australia’s most iconic events.
New for 2026, the Show comes alive After Dark, with a spectacular light parade, 70 glowing animal lanterns,
new food experiences and expanded nighttime entertainment to make this the greatest Show yet.
Proudly presented by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), the Show helps fund the RAS’s mission to champion Australian agriculture and vibrant rural communities across the state. By visiting, you’re not only enjoying an unforgettable day out – you’re supporting agricultural education, youth programs and year-round initiatives that keep Australia’s farming future strong.
Find your happy place at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, running 2–13 April 2026. Plan ahead and buy tickets at eastershow.com.au.
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Casual Employees: The Importance of WellWritten Contracts and Casual Conversion
Understanding Legal Obligations and Best Practices for Australian Employers.
BY BELINDA MCLEAN
Casual employment is a common arrangement in Australia, offering flexibility for both employers and employees. However, it also comes with distinct rights and obligations that businesses must understand to remain compliant with the National Employment Standards (NES) and relevant awards.
Two key areas of focus for employers are the proper drafting of casual contracts and the requirement to offer
casual conversion under certain circumstances.
Defining Casual Employment
Casual employees are typically engaged where there is no firm advance commitment to ongoing work or a fixed pattern of hours. This means employers can vary or end shifts with minimal notice, and employees have no guaranteed hours each week. Despite this flexibility, casuals
are entitled to a higher hourly rate—known as a ‘casual loading’—to compensate for the lack of paid leave entitlements such as annual and personal (sick) leave.
The Importance of Well-Written Casual Contracts
Having a clear, comprehensive casual contract is essential. A well-drafted contract should explicitly state the casual loading (usually 25%), detailing
both the percentage and the dollar amount added to the base rate. Importantly, it must also include an ‘offset clause’—a statement that the casual loading is paid in lieu of leave entitlements and any other award benefits.
If a business fails to use clear contracts or does not specify that the loading compensates for leave entitlements, it risks claims from employees for unpaid entitlements, which can be costly and timeconsuming to resolve.
Casual Conversion: Legal Requirements
Under the NES, employers with 15 or more staff are obliged to proactively offer eligible casual employees conversion to permanent parttime or full-time employment. This applies if the casual has worked with a regular pattern of hours for at least six of the
past twelve months and is expected to continue in this pattern. For small businesses with fewer than 15 staff, there is no obligation to offer conversion, but employees retain the right to request it.
Employers may only refuse a conversion request on ‘reasonable business grounds’, such as where the role is genuinely seasonal or if there is a known reduction in hours or business activity coming up. Refusals must be provided in writing and clearly outline the reasons.
Why Compliance Matters
Complying with these obligations protects both the business and its workforce. For employers, well-drafted contracts and adherence to the NES reduce the risk of disputes, legal claims, and penalties.
For employees, clarity around pay and entitlements builds trust and ensures fair treatment, supporting a positive workplace culture.
Best Practice Recommendations
• Use clear, up-to-date contracts for all casual employees that specify the loading and its purpose.
• Regularly review employee work patterns to identify when a conversion offer is required.
• Document all communications and decisions about casual conversion, including the reasons for any refusals.
• Stay informed about changes to awards and NES requirements to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Business are required to provide a copy of the Fair Work Australia Casual Information Statement to casual employees on commencement of employment.
Ultimately, treating casual employment with the same care as permanent arrangements helps businesses avoid pitfalls and provide fair, transparent conditions for all employees.
CURATED & FOCUSED SETTING
PARTNER WITH AGHA
Join the AGHA Business Partner Program to align your brand with Australia’s leading gift and homewares industry body. Gain access to key decision makers through our various communications, major trade events like the AGHA Sydney and Melbourne Gift Fairs, and reach 1,000s through targeted marketing. Choose from Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum packages — all while supporting a not-forprofit association that reinvests in the industry. Let’s grow together! Call 1300 441 384 or email contact@agha.com.au to learn more. Connect With 1,000s Of Industry Professionals
Seasonal Moments, Lasting Insights
What Easter & Mother’s Day Reveal About Retail Planning
BY DORA ALLIN
In the gift and homewares industry, timing is everything. While Easter and Mother’s Day may seem like brief calendar moments, the buying behaviours behind them offer valuable insight into how retailers plan, purchase and merchandise year-round.
For wholesalers, retailers and industry partners, these autumn occasions act as practical case studies — revealing when consumers engage, how they shop, and which categories perform strongest. The value lies not just in what sells, but in understanding why and when it sells.
As a quarterly publication,
the lessons these moments provide and applying them to the next opportunity.
Why Easter & Mother’s Day Matter?
Despite cautious consumer spending, both remain significant retail drivers in Australia. While food and florals retain their place, gifting behaviour continues to evolve.
Recent patterns show:
Growing demand for nonedible, longer-lasting Easter gifts — décor, tabletop, toys and keepsakes.
Resilient Mother’s Day spending, with homewares, lifestyle and self-care categories performing strongly.
Together, these events reflect a broader shift toward
meaningful, functional and giftable products — a trend that continues to strengthen.
When Do Consumers Start Shopping?
Across major gifting events:
• Many consumers begin browsing three to six weeks prior
• A surge occurs one to two weeks out, driven by last-minute buyers
• Emotional connection — not just price — heavily influences decisions
This reinforces the importance of early visibility, strong merchandising and clearly presented gift solutions — principles equally relevant to Father’s Day, Christmas and beyond.
Easter: Beyond Chocolate
While confectionery remains central, Easter is expanding into:
• Decorative home accents
• Seasonal tableware and entertaining pieces
• Children’s gifts and keepsakes
• Craft and familyfocused products
Retailers embracing “Easter beyond chocolate” are meeting demand for longerlasting, reusable gifts. For wholesalers, this underscores the value of flexible ranges that transition easily into autumn entertaining and everyday home styling.
The value lies not just in what sells, but in understanding why and when it sells.
SONO GROUP
ELIZABETH SCOTT
CINNAMON CREATIONS
PARADOX COLLECTIONS
FRAMEWELL
FRESH BALLZ
KAISERMAN JEWELLERY
Mother’s Day: Home & Lifestyle Lead
Mother’s Day continues to move toward more personal, considered gifting. Strong categories include:
• Home fragrance and wellness
• Decorative accessories
• Kitchen and tabletop
• Soft furnishings and comfort-focused homewares
Importantly, many of these categories are not datebound, making them valuable year-round additions that reduce reliance on highly seasonal stock.
What This Means for Future Buying Cycles?
The real value lies in applying these insights forward: Planning must start early. Strong campaigns are built well before peak periods.
Giftable homewares are central. Packaging, bundles and display support drive sell-through.
Flexibility reduces risk. Products that move across occasions minimise markdown exposure.
Emotional storytelling converts. Celebration, comfort and connection resonate.
Using Seasonal Insights Year-Round
The behaviours seen across Easter and Mother’s Day repeat throughout the retail calendar — from Father’s Day to Christmas and beyond. By treating seasonal events as strategic learning moments rather than one-off spikes, the industry can plan smarter, curate more effectively and better meet evolving consumer expectations.
Easter and Mother’s Day may pass quickly, but the insights they provide can shape buying decisions long after the season ends.
GIFTED MELBOURNE? Missed
Couldn’t attend AGHA Gifted Melbourne 2026? We’ve prepared an A–Z listing of AGHA members who exhibited at the trade event, making it easy for you to connect and catch up.
Browse the list to discover quality wholesalers and fresh product ranges for your store.
Exhibitors
24 Palms
AHHA - Waterproof Jewelry
Exhibitors
Major Tones
Mia & Talbot
Miss Rose Sister Violet Akacia Candles
Bamboozld
Blue Scarab
BPM Australia
Charlie Bears Collectables
New Love
Nuovo Group
Optimum Brands
Paradox Collections
Quantico Media Design Australia
Cinnamon Creations
Rosdale Handkerchiefs & Scarves
S.H.E Jewellery Colour Me Kids
Cotton Village
Dawn Publishing House
Dejo Imports - Distinctive Creations
DIGIWHIZ
Direct From Factory
Scott Bros Candy
Serenade Leather
Sita’s Fusion Flavours
Sono Group
Super Amazing Jewellery
Taizhou Nine’s Import & Export Trading Easy 2C
Elizabeth Scott
The Daily Rabbit
The Essential Candle Fame Well Enterprise Ltd
Free Spirit Australia
FRESH BallZ
GEMAJESTY
Thread The Word
Tibet House
Tilley Soaps Australia
T-Star Footwear Gen Z Diamonds
Velvoras Get Posh
Vintage World Australia Jonglea
Kaiserman Jewellery
Kinoko By Alexter Au
Koala Kiss Honey
VOLCANICGLOW
Wednesday Lulu and Rosa Jojo
Wheelers Hill Soaps
Wildhank Le Panier
Leather Club Australia
Woodstock Australia
YiSu Design Loona
NEW STARTS HERE
The AGHA Sydney Gift Fair at Sydney Olympic Park is Sydney’s gift and homewares sourcing event created for buyers looking for discovery, curation, and newness.
Join now! AGHA MEMBERSHIP
The Australian Gift & Homewares Association (AGHA) is the leading and peak industry body representing the interests of both wholesale and retail businesses in the Australian gift and homewares sector.
AGHA provides its members with a range of dedicated services, support and opportunities to assist the running of their business. Choose more than a trade fair. Choose an association. Choose AGHA! BECOME
EXTENSIVE MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
AFFORDABLE EXHIBITION RATES AT AGHA EVENTS
INDUSTRY NEWS
Access to relevant industry news, updates and critical business information.
BUSINESS PARTNERS
Access to discounts and offers through AGHA Business Partners and Affiliate Partners.
NETWORKING EVENTS
Networking opportunities with like-minded colleagues.
MBERSHIP
SUPPORT & EDUCATION
Access to knowledge, support and resources to help your business grow.
AGHA provides its members with a range of dedicated services, support and opportunities to assist the running of their business. Choose more than a trade fair. Choose an association. Choose AGHA!
PLATINUM
AGHA RETAIL MEMBER
EXTENSI VE MARKETI NG OPPORTUNI TI ES
Wholesale Only
AFFORDABLE EXHI BI TI ON RATES AT AGHA GI FT FAI RS
I NDUSTRY NEWS
Access to relevant industry news, updates and critical business information.
BUSINESS PARTNERS
Access to discounts and offers through AGHA Business Partners.
NETWORKI NG EVENTS
Networking opportunities with like-minded colleagues.
SUPPORT & EDUCATION
Networking
Access to knowledge, support and resources to help your business grow
PLATINUM UPGRADE
Upgrade to Platinu status at AGHA Gif you access to even Retail Only Only
Designed for Retailers & Buyers
– Not Open to the Public.
Flexible Stand Options.
Multi-Fair Exposure = Greater ROI.
Trusted Logistics, Proven Delivery.
New Events = New Markets.
• Homewares & Décor
• Fashion & Jewellery
• Kitchen & Dining
• Kids, Lifestyle & Technology
• Gifts & Wellness
• Sustainable Products
Explore new collections, build lasting supplier relationships, and stay ahead of the retail curve.
TOP TRADE STARTS HERE
While some trade events focus on size, AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair prioritises quality, effectiveness, and real results.
