World Standards Day 2025: Productivity through partnership

This World Standards Day, October 14, we’re celebrating the role of standards in driving productivity through collaboration. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our focus is on how partnerships, enabled by standards, help organisations work more effectively across borders, sectors, and disciplines.

Standards Australia has long championed the value of collaboration. Through our work with contributors, nominating organisations, and international partners, we support initiatives that demonstrate how standards streamline processes, share knowledge, and scale solutions. From regional programs to strategic projects, these efforts show the real-world impact of standards in action.

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Honouring the people behind the standards

Standards cannot exist without people. Behind every document, every technical specification, and every revision are individuals who bring expertise, passion, and commitment to the process. This World Standards Day, we’re highlighting just a few of the countless contributors who help bring standards to life.

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John Furbank – Championing consumer protection

With over 50 years of experience, John Furbank has been a driving force in consumer safety and product standards. His work spans everything from organic products to trampoline park safety. John’s leadership in developing ISO 21041 Guidance on Unit Pricing has had global impact, empowering consumers with clearer, more transparent information.

John was awarded the W.R. Hebblewhite Medal in 2025, recognising his outstanding contributions to standards development and consumer advocacy.

“Standards empower consumers by ensuring products are safe, reliable, and clearly labelled,” says John. “It’s been an honour to contribute to this work and see its impact on everyday lives.”

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Dr Kala Senathirajah – Innovating for a sustainable future

Dr Kala Senathirajah, a Fellow of Engineers Australia, is a leader in environmental engineering and sustainability. Her work on standards related to microplastics, biodegradable plastics, and water flow measurement is helping shape Australia’s response to environmental challenges.

Kala has contributed to key committees including ME-009 Microplastics and EV-017 Degradability of Plastics, supporting the development of standards for the analysis of microplastics environmental matrices and biodegradable plastics for composting.  

Her efforts have earned her the Innovation Award from Standards Australia and recognition as WA’s Professional Engineer of the Year in 2023.

“Standards are a powerful tool for environmental protection,” says Kala. “They provide the framework for harmonisation, innovation, and accountability, which are essential foundations for building a more sustainable future.”

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Nayan Das – Industry voice to standards leader

Nayan’s journey with standards began during university, where he regularly referenced Australian Standards in his academic work. As he transitioned into his professional career, Nayan engaged with Standards Australia through the public consultation process – bringing forward industry perspectives. This experience inspired him to get more involved, leading to his role on the BD-099 Committee on Wind Loads for Housing. There, he applied industry knowledge to help revise AS 4055, improving the standard’s resilience and usability in the housing sector.

Nayan credits the NEXTgen program for providing a structured introduction to the world of standards. “NEXTgen gave me a foundation in how standards are created and why they matter,” he says. “As a participant, I learned the principles and processes. As a committee member, I applied that knowledge to help shape robust standards for the net benefit of the Australian community.”

Now, Nayan has come full circle. He recently joined Standards Australia as Engagement Manager for Building & Construction Sector. He works closely with stakeholders to support the development of relevant, high-impact standards – demonstrating how collaboration and shared purpose drive safety, efficiency and progress.

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These three contributors represent just a small sample of the thousands of individuals who help shape standards in Australia. Their work reflects the broader mission of Standards Australia: to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and support a safer, more sustainable future.

As we celebrate World Standards Day 2025, we thank all our contributors, members, and staff for their dedication. Together, we’re building a better tomorrow – one standard at a time.