Happy New Year and welcome to what promises to be an exciting 2016. I’m really looking forward to my first ACE Conference and AGM in Canberra in May. This is the pinnacle event on our calendar, a great opportunity to hear from some outstanding speakers and an ideal chance to network with a wide selection of peers from across our sector. The planning and work that has already gone into ACE 2016 points to something special so if you haven’t registered now I encourage you to very soon.
In addition to our exciting events programme for 2016, AuSAE will be launching a selection of exciting new products and services. These offerings are based on feedback from our members survey that was conducted in November 2015. Some of them will be delivered in partnership with other organisations, and I’m sure there will be something of value for everyone. Watch this space for more information coming soon.
On a sadder note, unfortunately we are losing a key staff member. Kimberley Miller (General Manager Australia) has been with AuSAE for over three years and has been instrumental in the turnaround of the organisation. Kimberley leaves us at the end of January and she will be sorely missed. I sincerely wish her every success in the future and I am certain she will continue to positively influence and champion the sector.
This has provided us with the opportunity to appoint Kerrie Lucas to the role of Events and Communications Manager. Kerrie joined AuSAE in April 2015 and has provided outstanding support in the Events and Communications team and I am extremely confident in her ability to lead this important part of our business. This means there is now a vacancy that AuSAE will be looking to fill. Watch out for the role that will be advertised soon if you are interested in being part of our future journey or know someone else who might be.
At a recent communications planning session we were asked what gets us out of the bed in the morning in relation to AuSAE. In response I stated that my motivation is to contribute to the of building strong and resilient communities. I hope that 2016 leads all of us a step closer to achieving that.
Brendon Ward, CEO, AuSAE
