What do we do?

The Nillumbik Mudbrick Association was formed in 2004 with a vision to promote and preserve mudbrick buildings and heritage in Nillumbik and across Australia and to advocate for the environmental, economic, energy, aesthetic and health benefits of mudbrick. Over the years, the NMA has cemented its position as the peak national body for the Australian mudbrick industry, and can be relied upon for high quality advice to home owners, builders, architects, designers and other industry practitioners. Run by volunteers, the NMA undertakes a raft of initiatives from professional publications through to marketing and teaching projects such as workshops, festivals, house tours and creative arts events. In a time of global climate change, the association’s local focus on Nillumbik as Australia’s principal mudbrick region supports and energizes its national and international ambitions to have mudbrick recognized as the ultimate ‘green’ medium. The NMA welcomes new members, from anywhere, who share its passionate commitment to shaping the future of the earth building industry.

The NMA:

• Formed in 2004, the NMA registered as an incorporated association.

• Formed to protect and strengthen Mudbrick and particularly in Nillumbik

• Started with 70 members and grew this to 300 members

• Built a successful relationship with the local and wider media, receiving front page, page 3 and page 5 prominence covering mudbrick issues and news stories

• Successfully petitioned the Victorian State government to renovate its energy rating program “First Rate” (on three occasions)

• Was successful in receiving a $20,000 grant from the Victorian Building authority to market Mudbrick and rectify any misconception around Mudbrick

• Successfully built a relationship with the Bendigo Bank and gleaned 3x 3 years of sponsorship plus other one off grants

• Successfully petitioned the NSC to provide an alternative building festival (the Practically Green Festival)

• Became a major sponsor and an integral part of the Practically Green festival for over ten years)

• Successfully lobbied the Eltham High School to create a “Mudbrick House Tour”. The NMA became a sponsor of the tour as well as providing other strategic support

• Has been a guest presenter on centre stage at the Melbourne Home Show

• The NMA published a trade guide in the Nillumbik region to advertise Mudbrick trades persons and materials, to create access for people requiring associated works. It has been updated on two further occasions and is in hard copy and on Website

• Wrote and published a Mudbrick guide to achieving the mandatory energy rating required for building permits (now six stars out of a possible ten stars)

• Successfully lobbied the NSC to introduce an award for sustainable housing, both new and retrofitted. Mudbrick homes featured prominently in the awards

• Built a website designed to provide information and the resources/contacts that people may require when considering anything mudbrick

• Built a social media platform (through Facebook) to do same

• Wrote and published a Construction Guidelines book for home owners, builders, designers Architects and building surveyors. The first edition was launched in 2019

• The NMA has a vibrant and capable committee that meets and maintains all necessary responsibilities of an incorporated association