A message from your National President

In early September ACWA held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Brisbane with several new appointments being made to the National Executive Committee (NEC). The new NEC held its first meeting on 29 September with a commitment to continue the positive action and sense of purpose of the outgoing Committee. Congratulations and welcome to all of these representatives, we have an exciting time ahead!

At the AGM members voted on significant constitutional changes that will allow ACWA to go forward.  These changes permit the Association to introduce policy that allows members to elect people who bring specialised skills and expertise to the National Executive Committee.  The constitutional changes clarify membership categories and eligibility and allow the long-awaited Membership Advisory Committee (MAC) to come to fruition.  The chairperson of this committee, Ben Davison, has extensive experience working with membership-based organisations and his expertise will contribute considerably to building ACWA via membership recruitment and member benefits.

Post AGM has also seen the continuation and establishment of a number of standing committees including the Finance and Risk Management Committee chaired by the Association’s new Treasurer, Ketan Kale, Membership Advisory Committee and the Education Committee chaired by long-term ACWA member Claudia Cunningham.  All of these standing committees meet monthly by teleconferencing and have dedicated staff members to support them in the process.  Our CEO, Lynda Ford, is present at each meeting.  Our Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Jennifer Thompson, resources the Publicity Officers’ Group consisting of branch representatives.

On a recent visit to National Office I was reassured that we have a talented and stable team who are working together to ensure the future direction of ACWA.  This commitment by the staff, lead by our CEO Lynda Ford, ensures a firm foundation from which to work.

Despite the pace required at this time of change within ACWA, I am mindful of the need to involve members and appeal to each of you to provide feedback to your branch or send me an email at president@acwa.org.au at any time. This is our Association and we want to make sure it reflects the needs and vision of our members.

Colleen Blunt
National President