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CEO’s message
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Iremember way back in the 1990’s there was this ultimately over-used notion in business and economic circles – “the only thing that is certain today is uncertainty” or variations on the theme. Well, never has that been truer than the past year or so and probably the past decade.
‘Case in point’ emphasising this must be the recent Federal Budget handed down. Usually quite predictable, but not this time. What many commentators have referred to as a classic Labor budget being delivered up by a Liberal government. Who would have thought that a year ago? All the reasons are well understood given the world’s circumstances and Australia’s continued challenges and risks with a dramatic global backdrop. Extraordinary times clearly continue. Various State Budgets now irrespective of party politics are following similarly with incredible commitments the like we have not seen before. A generational shift in the political landscape taking place perhaps?
For all organisations, large or small, commercial or NFP it means looking forward to another fiscal year ahead and our own budgets being prepared and set in stone – a promise for the coming year.
The IHEA National Board has been working on the organisation’s 2021-22 budget, as well. This work has been happening in earnest since December last year with a clear intent to overcome the financial short-falls of the past couple of years with the pandemic preventing us having a national conference or other regular events. The budgeting approach has been all about how we continue to deliver services and value to members, but doing this differently than we have in the past. This requires a somewhat different operating model to recent years.
Substantial cost reductions have been targeted, with some already implemented or underway, increasing revenue where possible whilst at the same time preserving and improving member benefits as our core objective.
The National Conference this year in Perth is a key component of our budget with the Perth organising committee fully activated and delegate registrations now open. Sponsors and exhibitors are jumping at the opportunity to be part of an in-person event after the hiatus of recent history. This will be an important opportunity for members to re-engage on a truly national level and for our sponsors and other industry interests to have a complete audience from across the sector at this apex event.
Participation at the conference on every level and in every way will deliver positive impact to members, socially, financially and professionally. I therefore urge everyone involved with IHEA to not only plan to attend, but also to make opportunities to promote the event and invite others in your workplace and industry colleagues.
Our commercial stakeholders are critical to our future success and growth of the association, and we are grateful for their continued support.
I would particularly like to thank and acknowledge our current Premium Sponsors, Honeywell International, Tristel & Ascom Australia.
All are valued Corporate Members of IHEA and have made special commitment to and provided additional support through our Quarterly Sponsorship Program.
Best regards,
