Construction costs ease but labour supply problems persist
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Construction costs ease but labour supply problems persist

The handbrake is still on the Australian residential building market as industry remains at a crossroads

By KANEBRIDGE NEWS
Mon, Jul 17, 2023 10:04amGrey Clock 2 min

Last week’s data from the Cordell Construction Cost Index (CCCI) revealed the cost of building materials is finally beginning to slow, but construction woes are not over yet.

Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee said while the cost of key materials such as timber and steel had eased over the past quarter, other factors meant that delays in the building industry are set to continue.

“While cheaper materials are helping things, labour supply remains a problem with too few workers,” Ms Conisbee said. “Over the past quarter there were 33,100 job vacancies in the construction industry. This however is a reduction from the 40,000 vacancies 12 months ago.”

Those hoping that more favourable conditions means that more new housing stock would come onto the market would also be disappointed, she said. 

“While it’s great news that construction costs are slowing, there will continue to be challenges in getting enough homes built over the next two years,” she said. “Building approvals are currently at a decade low and it will take some time for the pipeline to build.” 

Population growth that has seen numbers increase by 500,000 in the past year was likely to put further pressure on demand for more homes.

“That means that in just one year, we need roughly an additional 200,000 homes,” she said. “With 173,000 homes built last year, we are falling short in just one year by 27,000 homes.

“Reaching greater affordability for buyers and renters is unlikely to happen anytime soon with such a shortfall.”



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THE MOTHER’S DAY EDIT: GIFTS THAT FEEL PERSONAL, NOT PREDICTABLE

From elevated skincare to handcrafted home pieces, this year’s most thoughtful gifts go beyond the expected.

By Jeni O'Dowd
Wed, Apr 15, 2026 3 min

Mother’s Day has quietly evolved. It’s no longer about last-minute flowers or safe department store buys. Instead, there’s a noticeable shift towards gifts that feel considered, personal and, increasingly, lasting. 

This year’s edit leans into that idea, bringing together pieces that balance design, purpose and a sense of story. 

At the more elevated end of beauty, Australian-founded skincare label  Bon Elliot offers a future-facing approach grounded in dermatology.  

Bon Elliot

Its Hydrating Performance Serum, priced at $220, is designed to support the skin’s natural balance, working across the microbiome, barrier and repair response for a more refined, luminous finish. 

It’s the kind of gift that feels indulgent, but also quietly practical. 

For something less expected, there’s a playful turn in the form of Tinned Candle’s handcrafted pieces.  

Tinned Candle

Inspired by tinned fish, the Atlanta-based studio has created candles that are as much design objects as they are functional.  

Importantly, they smell nothing like sardines, leaning instead into ocean breeze or champagne notes, depending on the piece . It’s a small, clever way to bring personality into a space. 

There’s also a growing appetite for gifts that give something back.  

Coral adoption programs  offer a more meaningful alternative, allowing you to adopt a coral in your mother’s name while supporting fragile marine ecosystems under threat from climate change.  

It’s less about the object and more about the gesture, which, in many ways, feels more aligned with the moment. 

Homewares continue to hold their place, particularly when craftsmanship is at the centre. 

Tanora’s collection, handcrafted in Madagascar, blends traditional techniques with a modern coastal aesthetic, spanning everything from woven totes to placemats and cushions.  

Tanora

These are pieces that don’t just decorate a home, they add texture and narrative to it. 

For something more personal, Australian lingerie label  Cloud Blvd  offers soft, wearable luxury in the form of robes and camisoles. 

With options designed for comfort as much as elegance, they strike that rare balance between everyday use and quiet indulgence. 

Cloud Blvd

And for the mother who loves to host,  Mesa Collections delivers a playful yet polished take on the table.  

Think colourful linens, sculptural silverware and small details that turn a simple meal into something more considered. 

Mesa Collections

What ties all of this together is a shift in mindset.  

The best gifts this Mother’s Day aren’t necessarily the most expensive or the most obvious. They’re the ones that show thought, whether that’s through design, craftsmanship or meaning. 

Which, if you think about it, is exactly the point. 

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