Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) hosted more than 85,000 visitors on Good Friday for Victoria’s 88th Good Friday Appeal, which raised a record-breaking total of $18,175,467 to support The Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne.

MCEC Chief Executive, Peter King said MCEC was proud to be part of the Good Friday Appeal family.

“At MCEC we’re proud to be a space for the community and the Good Friday Appeal is a highlight on our events calendar,” Mr King said.

“Our team love hosting this event and many of our employees donate their time to volunteer on the day.

“In our sixth year of hosting the iconic Channel 7 Telethon, Kids Day Out activities and evening Super Show, we continue to play a vital role in seamlessly delivering a large-scale event while helping to raise life-changing funds for sick kids.

“As always, it’s a pleasure to work with the major supporters of the Appeal including Channel 7, MiNC Events, Herald and Weekly Times and 3AW,” said Mr King.

MCEC’s chefs created an interactive Ice Cream-o-Rama for the Kids Day Out, serving more than 3000 house-made ice creams for the Appeal.

MCEC’s team has spent the last twelve months planning for the event, with over 500 employees working across the week to ensure the Appeal was again a great success. Many MCEC staff also generously donated their time to volunteer on the day.

Since 1931 the Good Friday Appeal has contributed more than $363 million to The Royal Children's Hospital.

View the original media release here. 

The Australian Sports Professionals Association (ASPA) has been officially launched, at a recent event in Perth, with 25 state and national bodies in attendance. The event kicks off a national launch calendar that will see inaugural events in most states and territories of Australia.

ASPA is an industry body for individuals who work in sport, ranging from administrators of small state/territory sports to chief executives and board members of large national bodies, and provides opportunities to connect, communicate and collaborate with other professionals in the realm of sports management.

Opened by WA Sports Federation Chief Executive Rob Thompson and hosted by Rowing WA, the Perth event headlines an initiative that has seen over 40 organisations in the Australian Sports Industry already signing up as founding members for the benefit of their staff and volunteers.

ASPA has also officially partnered with the NSW Sports Federation (Sport NSW), Queensland Sports Federation (QSport), Western Australian Sports Federation (WASF) and the South Australian Sports Federation (Sport SA) to deliver and promote the network nationally.

The format of the network is that of a member-based subscription for professionals within the sporting industry.

Sports industry professional Alex Mednis addressed the launch event in Perth on behalf of the organisers, stating "everyone in our industry is facing similar challenges. We need to make this easier for ourselves. We need a better, smarter way to connect to and learn from each other.

"Every conference we attend is full of talk, but so short on actionable steps. This needs to change, and the industry acknowledges we cannot do this alone. Every person here has overcome challenges in their sporting careers and has the ability to share that with others who may be facing the same struggles.

"The feedback from the industry as we launch this network from state and national governing bodies has been fantastic. We're excited to be able to introduce an association by the industry, for the industry. The long term goal is to have an association that is self-sustaining."

Sport NSW Chief Executive Darren Simpson added “the Australian Sports Professionals Association has been designed to encourage communication and collaboration between the many passionate and committed professionals working in Sport across Australia.

:Sport NSW is proud to be a foundation partner of ASPA as we truly believe shared resources and collaboration are imperative for the growth of our industry. It is about adding value to existing initiatives and organisations such as ours, rather than reinventing the wheel.”

More information can be found at the ASPA website at www.sportsprofessionals.co.

Originally published by Australian Leisure Management. View the full article here. 

AuSAE Executive Briefing events provide an exclusive environment for motivated association executives to gain insights and advice from other industry professionals. Executive Briefing events enables members to raise and discuss critical issues affecting industry and network with other professionals from the not-for-profit sector.

The Topic

Embracing member journeys is increasingly critical to associations to support their retention, engagement and recruitment strategies but where do you start?

At this briefing we’ll workshop 4 examples of discrete parts of a standard member journey focussing on how technology can support each element.

Even if you don’t have your member journeys mapped, you’ll come away with practical advice you can put to use right away.

Using real life examples we’ll cover:

• Identify where our members sit on their journey through membership
• Drive personalisation by the stage of a member journey
• Using marketing automation to inform and direct the next steps of a member journey
• Using communities so members help themselves through their journey.

With more than 20 years’ experience working exclusively with not for profits on their technology investments, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and practical advice on how technology helps associations achieve continuous performance improvement.

About the Presenter

Managing Director - Advanced Solutions International (Asia Pacific)

Over the last 20+ years Paul has worked with more professional bodies, industry associations, charities and fundraisers than most people would gather in several lifetimes. He is passionate about helping Associations and Not-For-Profits reach their goals, through adopting new and innovative solutions to help them run more efficiently. He is Managing Director of ASI Asia-Pacific which has more than 600 Not-For-Profit clients in the region. Paul enjoys working everyday with great staff and great clients and is rewarded by seeing great things ASI clients using iMIS, Association Online and Donman systems do in and around the community and knowing that ASI is able to contribute to that.

Register Below

Sydney l 15 May 3:00pm - 5:00pm 

Brisbane l 16 May 10:00am - 12:00pm 

Melbourne l 22 May 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Andrea Slattery has announced she is stepping down as a non-executive director from the SMSF Association board, effective from 18 April.

Slattery was Managing Director and CEO when she resigned from the Executive in April 2017 and became a non-executive Director of the Association.

Her decision to resign from the board is to focus on the companies where she has been appointed a non-executive director since leaving the Association’s Executive.

Slattery, who was the inaugural CEO and one of the founding members of the Association, leaves an enormous legacy after 16 years of commitment to the organisation and its goal of leading the professionalism, integrity and sustainability of the SMSF sector.

When she co-founded the Association in 2003, there were about 130,000 SMSFs and funds under management (FUM) stood at $109 billion. Today, it is the largest superannuation sector in terms of FUM ($755 billion), has about 1.1 million members, boasts 596,000 funds, and the Association is recognised as the pre-eminent voice in the SMSF space by government, regulators and the industry.

Slattery says to work with the executive team, other directors and members to build the Association has been a rare privilege.

“From a starting position of where the SMSF sector’s future was in question, we have overseen the emergence of the multi-skilled SMSF specialist to service the 1.1 million people who have opted to take personal control of their retirement savings, whether it be in the accumulation or pension phase. I am proud of what we have achieved, and leave the organisation knowing it is well positioned for its next growth phase.

Association Chair Professor Deborah Ralston says the SMSF sector and the Association owes Andrea an enormous debt of gratitude for her drive, commitment, and enthusiasm over the past 16 years.

“We will not only sorely miss her experience, knowledge and breadth of industry and government relationships, but the unbounded enthusiasm and energy she brought to the task, whether it was as the CEO or non-executive director.

“The fact every major inquiry into superannuation, starting with the Cooper Review in 2010, has largely given the SMSF sector a clean bill of health is a testimony to what she helped achieve over this period.”

Data-driven marketing association chief assumes CEO post across the holding group, which also includes IAPA, DGA and Digital + Technology Collective after Stephen Porges exits.

View the full original article here. 

Melbourne, VIC (01 July 2019) — Advanced Solutions International (ASI), a leading global provider of software and services for associations and non-profits, announced today it has committed to an exclusive, three-year Premium Alliance Partnership with the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE).  AuSAE is the leading association for current and future association leaders in Australia and New Zealand representing more than 12,000 professionals.

ASI’s partnership will help support AuSAE’s educational and professional development programs, including conferences, webinars, and networking luncheons, as well as research and advocacy efforts.

“ASI has supported AuSAE initiatives for many years now and we’ve been impressed with the level of professionalism and the value the organisation delivers to its members by providing a place where they can connect while learning and advancing their careers,” said Paul Ramsbottom, Managing Director of ASI Asia-Pacific.  “We’re thrilled to make this long-term commitment to AuSAE and are very proud to support their exceptional programs and initiatives across Australia and New Zealand.” 

“AuSAE’s philosophy behind securing mutually beneficial partnerships is to enhance and complement the capacity to link our members and industry in an exclusive environment,” said Toni Brearley, AuSAE’s Chief Executive Officer.  “We strive to create a sense of belonging while providing guidance and inspiration.  We’re very gratified ASI believes in this mission and will be providing the support we need to continue our vital work in the years to come.”

About AuSAE

The Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the peak not-for-profit professional society representing more than 12,000 individual leaders working in organisations throughout Australia and New Zealand.  With offices in Australia and New Zealand, AuSAE's purpose is to provide the tools, information, and networks not-for-profit professionals need to achieve the visions of their organisations.

About ASI
Advanced Solutions International (ASI) is a recognised global, industry thought leader that focuses on helping associations and not-for-profits increase operational and financial performance through the use of best practices, proven solutions, and ongoing client advisement. Since 1991, ASI has served nearly 4,000 clients and millions of users worldwide, both directly and indirectly through a network of over 100 partners, and currently maintains corporate offices in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. Learn more at www.advsol.com

CONTACT:

Marla Nelson                                                                                                                                    Advanced Solutions International
Ph: +61 3 9869 7503
Email: mnelson@advsol.com

The tragic events in Christchurch unfolded as I was waiting to return home to Australia following our Future Leaders conference in Wellington. It was impossible not to feel a profound sense of shock and disbelief.  AuSAE in New Zealand is supporting our members and colleagues in Christchurch and beyond whose lives have been either directly or indirectly but irreversibly changed from this event. Kia Kaha Christchurch.

It has also been impossible not to notice the many forms of leadership following this event from the highest levels to those at the heart of the community most effected.  It is neither position nor stature that determines good leadership, rather a set of values, characteristics and behaviours that define a true leader.  I have written some notes that came out of our Future leadership conference which you can read here.

I am pleased to provide you with an update on some of our other activities from around the country:

2019 Member Communications Survey

We were delighted that the Mahlab team could join us for our first round of networking lunches this month and present their research findings from the 2019 Member Communications Survey.  Some startling facts in relation to an association’s attitude to investment in communication and their growth.  If you missed out on attending the lunches, you can still download the report here.

ASAE Membership Benefits

I am hearing great things from our members regarding their ASAE membership, especially in relation to the resources available and the on-line community.  If you have yet to activate your membership, I encourage you to do so and discover some of the great benefits this partnership brings.  If you need some assistance getting started please give us a call and we will be happy to guide you through.

Expressions of Interest:  ASAE Annual Meeting 2019, August 10 - 13, Columbus Ohio

I will be leading a delegation to the ASAE Annual meeting in August of this year to Columbus, Ohio and would love to hear from any members who were thinking of attending the conference. As part of a delegation we receive a special rate (approx. 50% discount) and we will arrange bespoke events for our group and those you would like to interact with.  The program was released yesterday and can be found here. Please email me if you are considering attending and would like to be kept up to date with the delegation offering.

Mentoring & Leadership Program

One of our strategic focus areas is the development of the sector and future association leaders.  The AuSAE Mentoring and Leadership program is a principal activity to achieve this goal.  We are almost fully “matched” for our new cohort of mentees but have a few specific skills we are seeking in mentors.  Firstly, someone who has experience in leading an organisation through the transition to service delivery through the NDIS, and secondly someone based in Melbourne with a strong Association Policy background.  If you fit these criteria and would consider being a mentor, then I would love to hear from you.

As we are about to head into April and the abundance of holidays, I wish you all a very happy Easter and hope you have an opportunity to have a break and refresh.

Warm regards

Toni

The tragic events in Christchurch unfolded as I was waiting to return home to Australia following our Future Leaders conference in Wellington. It was impossible not to feel a profound sense of shock and disbelief. For my many colleagues and friends whose lives have been either directly or indirectly but irreversibly changed from this event I extend my deepest condolences.

It has also been impossible not to notice the many forms of leadership following this event from the highest levels to those at the heart of the community most effected. It is neither position nor stature that determines good leadership, rather a set of values, characteristics and behaviours that define a true leader.

Whilst I did not envision that I would be using this article in this context (I penned this on the plane home) I would like to share with you some of the themes on leadership that emerged from the array of speakers who shared their wisdom, their journeys and some of their mistakes along the way at our recent Future Leaders conference. These include:

Have a vision for where you want to go – but don’t worry too much if you get off track or change tracks entirely, it’s the bumps in the road that teach you the most valuable lessons.

Be who you are. It’s impossible to lead as someone else. Many of our speakers talked about the fact that once they realised they could be themselves leadership came with a degree of ease.

Don’t do what you don’t like. Simple in theory but sometimes it takes courage to say stop or change paths.

Get involved. Many of our speakers found a path to leadership through volunteering, either in their local community or through associations.

Take opportunities as they are presented. Say yes, bite off more than you can chew and then chew like mad.

Surround yourself with good people. You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room.

Have passion. Be clear for what you believe in and argue your case.

Be trustworthy, be present and be consistent.

Leaders can be made and like any craft it takes time, practice and mistakes to grow from good to great.

“We don’t have to be perfect, just engaged and committed to aligning values with actions” Brene Brown.

Kia Kaha Christchurch.

Toni

The Perth Convention Bureau’s (PCB) 2019 Aspire Program is now open to individuals involved with not-for-profit associations in Western Australia, who can apply for the City of Perth Convention Scholarship and the Giving West Conference Scholarship. In addition, the City of Fremantle Convention Scholarship and the City of Mandurah Convention Scholarship are open to individuals involved with not-for-profit associations in the City of Fremantle and the City of Mandurah respectively.

The aim of the Aspire Program is to assist the individual’s personal and professional development through attendance at a relevant national* and/or international* conference. The funding covers travel, accommodation and registration expenses to the maximum value of the award.

Application information and guidelines are now available at http://www.pcb.com.au/aspire. The deadline for applications is the 29th March 2019. Individuals are able to apply for multiple scholarships if eligible. A wide of assistance and advice is available to help you apply, for more information or to enquiry if you are eligible to apply, please contact Malcolm Farrell-Mitchell, Perth Convention Bureau – Email: mfarrell-mitchell@pcb.com.au.

*dependent on individual award guidelines

The UK Railway Industry Association (RIA) and the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see the rail associations work more closely together to help boost each country’s export potential in rail.

The agreement will see:

• The exchanging of information linked to research and innovation (not IP protected) undertaken in either country
• Sharing and exchanging information and approaches relating to skill needs, training and the attraction of career aspirants to the rail industry
• Closer working arrangements in trade fairs and rail exhibitions in either Australia, the UK or in third countries, where appropriate
• Access to meeting facilities in the offices of ARA or RIA by members of either organisation

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, The Hon Michael McCormack MP, said, “Australia and the UK have long been partners in many aspects of our economies and our communities.

“This agreement is yet another partnership which will build upon our strong trade relationship, help encourage even more jobs and opportunities in the rail sector and be mutually beneficial for our economies.

“I know Australia’s regions have many exports – particularly our world-leading food and fibre – which the UK is looking to import and rail is a vital part of the mix to get that premium produce from paddock to port to plate.

“I look forward to seeing how our two countries can share expertise, ideas and insights to help grow jobs and opportunities in the rail sector in Australia and the UK.”

UK Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion, Baroness Fairhead, said, “This agreement between RIA and ARA will further strengthen our trading relationship with Australia so that we can work together more closely on the delivery of ambitious rail infrastructure programs.

“The UK is a world leader in rail and has a particular focus on developing exciting new technologies. Projects including those such as Crossrail and HS2 mean that the UK is well placed to share insights, expertise and knowledge to help build rail industry capability around the world.

“This capability has been harnessed in the government’s recently launched Rail Sector Deal which aims to support yet further innovation and the application of more, new technologies in this growing sector.

“We very much look forward to the enhanced cooperation that this new agreement with Australia can bring and encourage any interested companies to get in touch with the UK Department for International Trade to find out more.”

Danny Broad, Chief Executive Officer of the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), said, “This partnership is of immense value to our industry. We are undergoing a renaissance in rail in Australia, with major new rail projects in our capital cities and regions over the next decade.

“The opportunity to leverage the skills and expertise of UK rail companies will add breadth and depth to our industry, and give Australian businesses valuable insights and partnerships. Working and collaborating with the RIA on common industry challenges will provide consolidation of ideas for possible suitable outcomes for the rail sectors covered by both the ARA and RIA.”

Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the UK Railway Industry Association, said, “We are delighted to support this partnership between the UK and Australasian rail industries, which will see the exchange of knowledge and expertise across the two countries.

“In the UK, rail exports £800 million a year and will play a vital role in achieving the UK Government’s aim of increasing exports to 35 per cent of GDP, as we exit the EU. We look forward to working with our colleagues at ARA to maximise the exporting potential of both industries.”

Original article published by Infrastructure Magazine. View the article here.