2021 APSAA ANNUAL REPORT Leadership. Learning. Leverage.
FROM THE PRESIDENT
From the President
A Marion Bayley, President, APSAA
s I produce this annual report and reflect on the year that was, I am experiencing a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Back in May 2021 when I delivered my last report, it felt like we were stuck in the depths of this pandemic and recovery was a distant hope. The concerns of the previous year seemed to just continue in the first months following our AGM (Annual General Meeting) as borders remained closed to international arrivals and state / region regulations were polarizing and restrictive even for those not mandated to endure lengthy lock downs. Much work was done with state governments discussing pilot programs to allow a select number of Internationals to be able to arrive, whilst the local focus was on vaccinating our communities to allow the easing of restrictions. It was almost inconceivable to imagine that by January 2022, International borders would begin to reopen in parts of our region, and our amazing residents would be ready to flood back to our shores in numbers that we were all too scared to wish for. There is still a long way to go, and a huge effort needed to recoup the losses of the past two years, however 2022 has already shown that recovery is happening and at a faster rate than we had allowed ourselves to hope for. Throughout this constant flux of external impacts, the APSAA Board of Directors focused on ensuring the ongoing viability of our association so that it can continue to deliver for our members well into the future. Connectivity and the need to maintain relationships have been pivotal during this past year, so we were delighted to be able to solidify our relationship with Acuho-I and commit to a 3-year MOU (Memorandum Of Understanding) highlighting the importance and strength of this partnership for our region. Last year the Board also reviewed its membership fee structure and aligned this to a calendar year. In the short term this gave members a six month membership option at a time where they were experiencing the most significant financial pressure. Furthermore it will also improve the timing of AGM/ Board nominations and ensure that the annual conference and the yearly awards nominations will be held towards the latter part of the membership period. We all continue to face uncertainty in our organizations. As financial risk to business may begin to ease, staff recruitment and retention loom as the critical risk of
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2022 and we see the great resignation play out across our industry. It is sad to see the loss of experience, knowledge, and guidance, however we have gained and attracted wonderful new people that are ready to build a career in student accommodation. It is now more important than ever to invest in our people to develop them and retain them as professionals of our industry. The need to educate, train, and develop people is a core function of our association and APSAA (Asia Pacific Student Accommodation Association) continues to offer exceptional value to institutions that otherwise may have been lost. The PD (Professional Development) committee report outlines the amazing work done even under the most challenging of circumstances. Much of the work done by all the Directors of the Board and Sub-committee members during 2021 was to support and not overwhelm members and they went about this without fanfare. The time commitment and passion these individuals and all professionals that are part of it, show for their industry is outstanding; I could not be prouder to share a table with these colleagues and I thank them for everything they have given over the last year. Excitingly, State-based events and the return of our much-anticipated annual conference are now back to being business as usual for 2022 and we are so looking forward to getting out into our community and reconnecting with members both old and new. I look forward to the opportunities the next 12 months will bring as we commence the creation of the next five-year strategic plan and thank you, our members, for the work you do in all your amazing residential communities around our region.
“We are so looking forward to getting out into our community and reconnecting with members both old and new”
Marion Bayley President, APSAA
CONTENTS
Our Vision APSAA is the peak industry body for accommodation which is provided for the exclusive use of students in the Asia-Pacific region. Setting Industry Guidelines, APSAA also advocates on relevant issues to government and key stakeholders on behalf of the industry. We do this through our annual conference, networking and education events held throughout the year, our training institute and collaborative partnerships. We publish a quarterly Student Accommodation journal for all members and industry professionals, a monthly newsletter, and we regularly update members via social media campaigns. We provide a range of resources for our members to access, and are sought out by the media to provide statements to the press on behalf of the industry.
About APSAA APSAA is the peak industry body representing individuals, staff and providers of accommodation designed for students, providing a safe living and learning environment managed by professionals to support educational outcomes in the Asia-Pacific region.
Contents From the President
2
Our Vision
3
About APSAA
3
APSAA Board
4
Our Strategic Plan
5
APSAA Aotearoa Advisory Group Report
6
APSAA Communications and Engagement Committee Report
6
APSAA IAC Report
7
APSAA PD Committee Report
8
APSAA 2020 Professional Development Overview
9
2022 APSAA Conference
10
APSAA Journal Student Accommodation
11
APSAA Virtual Symposium
12
APSAA Awards
13
APSAA Benefits
14
Membership Types
15
Affiliations
16
Our large and diverse membership includes universities, private residential colleges, commercial providers and individuals. There are more than 120,000 students living in Colleges, Halls and Residences across the Asia-Pacific which are either owned or affiliated with Universities or privately run. A large professional student accommodation workforce exists to support these students – APSAA supports this workforce through its strategic plan: Leadership-Learning-Leverage.
APSAA Annual Report 2020 3
APSAA BOARD
APSAA Board Board members have a broad range of skills and expertise and provide their time and knowledge to APSAA on a voluntary basis. It is the intent of APSAA that the Board comprise of minimum of two representatives from each sector – University, College, and Corporate, as well as representation from each Australian State and Territory, New Zealand, and other countries within the membership. All Board members are proactive in initiating new activities and identifying new strategic opportunities for the benefit of APSAA members.
At the Annual General Meeting held via Zoom on Tuesday, 18 May 2021 we welcomed Jack Thomson, University of Sydney and Jodie Lawer, University of Wollongong as new Directors to the APSAA board. We thank past Board members Gemma Edgar and Alasdair Murrie-West for their contributions, and Jodie Lawer who resigned from the Board in November 2021.
President Marion Bayley, Deakin Residential Services, VIC
Vice President Jacob Waitere, University of Auckland, NZ
Cameron Bestwick, University of Melbourne, VIC
Paterson Boyd. Emmanuel College, QLD
Simone Gallo, Australian Catholic University, NSW
Tomas Johnsson, UniLodge, QLD
Andre Lee, Curtin University, WA
Daniel Lee, The Purple House, Malaysia
Carolyn Mee, Aquinas College, SA
Jack Thomson, University of Sydney
Jodie Lawer, University of Wollongong, NSW
APSAA Sub-Committees Aotearoa Advisory Group
Conference Committee
Jacob Waitere (Chair) Tara Baker George Connolly Melissa Leaupepe Misako Okawa Abigail Spencer Martin Thomas
Jacob Waitere (Chair) Marion Bayley
Communications & Engagement Committee Jacob Waitere (Chair) Simone Gallo Sam Johnstone Areti Metuamate Jack Thomson
Finance & Risk Committee Andre Lee (Chair) Marion Bayley Paterson Boyd
Industry Advancement Committee Susan Helyar (Chair) Bradley Brown Sue Fergusson Simone Gallo Tomas Johnsson Andre Lee Alasdair Murrie-West
Company Secretary Melinda Caspersz, Association Professionals
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Laura Roberts Go Wee Shian
Professional Development Committee Cameron Bestwick (Chair) Carolyn Mee Misako Okawa Shana Kerlander Tony Andres Daniel Lee Abigail Spencer
S T R AT E G I C P L A N
Our Strategic Plan
Leadership, Learning, Leverage.
D
espite the unprecedent disruptions caused to our industry by the COVID-19 pandemic, implementation of APSAA’s 2017-2022 Strategic Plan continued throughout 2020. To better fulfill the Association’s strategic goals, two new committees were established to address priority areas of our operations.
Engagement Committee is all about helping members to tell their story and promoting the amazing work they do for students.
• APSAA Aotearoa Advisory Group: The purpose of the Aotearoa Advisory Group is to provide advice to the APSAA Board of Directors on activities and matters relating to Student Accommodation in New Zealand, to increase presence and membership of the Association. • APSAA Communications and Engagement Committee: The primary role of the Communications and Engagement Committee is to provide the Board with advice and guidance on member engagement, as well as bestpractice approaches for utilising our APSAA communication channels. The Communications and
APSAA continued to maintain strong membership numbers despite the financial impacts of the pandemic on the industry. This has been achieved through the Association continuing to provide strong advocacy and representation on behalf of members, as well as rapidly increasing our digital professional development offering via our webinar series. APSAA continues to be the peak industry association for student accommodation across the region and worked tirelessly throughout 2020 to support our members through the challenges of the pandemic. Central to this work was the development of our COVID-19 Industry Guidelines, as well as partnerships with several industry bodies to promote the interests of our members to government and the wider community.
APSAA Member beds
Total:
107,964 Leadership
Learning
Leverage
Driving strategy, promoting best practice, and celebrating excellence.
Facilitating high quality learning, access to resources, and development opportunities.
Building our profile, enhancing our reputation, and creating a unified voice.
Industry Guidelines
Annual Conference
Member Representation
Networking Events
Professional Development
Industry Advocacy
Quarterly Journal
Training Institute
Policy Guidance
Board and Sub-Committees
Online Courses
Affiliate Associations
Research Projects
Member Resources
Benchmarking and Statistics
Annual Awards
Study Tours
Corporate Partnerships
APSAA Annual Report 2020 5
APSAA COMMITTEES
APSAA Aotearoa Advisory Group Report Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi - With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive
T
he APSAA Aotearoa Advisory group had a strong second year of supporting members. The primary role of the Aotearoa Advisory Group is to provide the Board with advice and guidance on issues involving the student accommodation profession in Aotearoa/New Zealand
Jacob Waitere, Chair, Aotearoa Advisory Group, Communications and Engagement Committee
Across the last 12 months we have worked on the following initiatives: • COVID-19 Working group meetings • Supporting the APSAA COVID-19 Industry guidelines • Supporting members around the new Code of Practice • Engaging with NZ Government and Universities NZ around industry matters
• Signing an MoU with ISANA NZ • Recruiting new members from across the country • Finalised the NZATEAP Merger • Awarded with first Fred Johnson award for service under the APSAA banner • Planned an Auckland conference, which had to be cancelled, but we are now planning for a Canterbury summit! • APSAA Supported the Accommodation application managers meeting The committee has taken on some new members, and very special thanks each and every one of them for their hard work. Martin Thomas, George Connolly, Melissa Leaupepe, Abigail Spencer and Tara Baker, our amazing committee.
APSAA Communications and Engagement Committee Report
F
or the Communications and Engagement committee, 2021 was an exciting time. We launched several exciting new initiatives in our publications for members and our journal in particular continues to grow with member driven content.
• We launched APSAA Bites in our newsletters, drawing time pressured members to awesome bite sized material that you can “Watch, Listen or Read”
The primary role of the Communications and Engagement Committee is to provide the Board with advice and guidance on member engagement, best use of communication channels and content for APSAA communication channels. As we come together following extended COVID-19 isolations, we are excited about our growing content.
• Grew our committee numbers
Throughout 2021 we worked on a number of subtle projects to review and then enhance our communications. • We launched our new flagship September journal theme. This year we were so humbled and privileged to feature the first indigenous student support across Australia and Aotearoa
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• We featured some of our largest member told stories in the journal • Featured content from around the Globe and the three regions APSAA represents It is important to acknowledge the hard work for our amazing, hardworking committee members. Simone Gallo, Jack Thomson and Monica Bordignon, Areti Metuamate, Sam Johnstone – thank you! Your work is ensuring our members are well communicated with. Mauri Ora! Jacob Waitere
APSAA COMMITTEES
APSAA IAC Report
T
he 2021 year was very much a continuation, though with a variation, of the previous year’s issues, coupled with a steady approach towards the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’. While it remained very challenging there was a perspective it was moving to new business as usual approach in a changed environment. The changing rules and restrictions throughout the year added a further layer of processes to the operation of student accommodation. Adding to the complexity was the difference in Australian state-by-state, which also impacted movement of students across the country. This further flowed to changes in management with confirmed issues of COVID-19 within residences and colleges. In a year still dominated by the impact of the COVID-19 infections across the world there was considerable work and optimism in both supporting students continuing to reside in accommodation as well as planning initiatives for a gradual progression in the return of international students. Consistent reporting from all of the Industry Advancement Committee (IAC) members at meetings was the dominant focus on COVID-19 related support activities within residences and colleges. With representation on IAC from Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, there were similarities in studentfocused approaches in understanding the impact of stress and isolation on residents’ wellbeing. IAC also discussed perspectives raised on the continued inability for international student to travel to Australia diminishing the attractiveness of the country as a study destination, which could have a longer-term reduction on occupancy.
Throughout the year APSAA’s perspective was represented on a number of state and national committees by IAC members. APSAA had input into the various approaches by state-based groups in Australia to propose trialling pilot programs of limited groups of international students travelling into Australia. However, these were not supported by the federal government for a relaxation of the imposed travel restrictions. A successful return of a group of international students to New Zealand was noted during 2021. The relevant state based Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) legislation continued to be of issue where they applied to specific residences. Representation was made by IAC members to advisory boards in seeking to clarify the actual application of changes in the RTA.
André Lee, Industry Advancement Committee Member
Input was sought from IAC members on state government incentives for rental accommodation, including student accommodation. The level of support varied across the different Australian states and added to support already being provided by universities for students. Contact continued with the state based ‘Study’ organisations established by Australian state governments to promote their relevant location as a destination for international students. This further enhanced the level of support for international students. Members of IAC were involved in both the revision as well as the review of the COVID-19 guidelines. These were released as the APSAA COVID-19 Industry Guidelines Version 2.0 in November 2021.
APSAA Annual Report 2020 7
APSAA COMMITTEES
2021 Professional Development Committee Report
I
could hardly have believed it was possible to start and end this past 12 months on more different notes than we did.
Cameron Bestwick APSAA PD Committee Chair: Manager, Student Accommodation, University of Melbourne
At the beginning of this past APSAA year, it was beyond most us to focus on any more than enduring the ever more rounds of Covid-19 variants, outbreaks, lockdowns, ‘pilot programs’, restructures and, perhaps worst of all, false dawns. But now, at the end of the year, and following some remarkable nimbleness on the part of APSAA members everywhere, we are at full throttle serving our regenerated student communities. It has been quite a transformation. In a similar fashion, the Professional Development (PD) Committee has delivered different learning opportunities throughout the past 12 months that mirrored the shifting focus of our members over the period. The popular monthly webinar series once again provided relevant, accessible, just-in-time learning which was attended by hundreds of members. The series covered topics as far-reaching as e-safety for university students, student perspectives, design of voice-of-the-customer programs, a briefing on the second National Student Safety Survey, furniture selection, cultural intelligence (CQ), and career paths in the accommodation sector. And as excited as we are to resume major face-to-face PD opportunities, the webinar series is likely to remain a staple of the APSAA Learning program for some time yet. Since the decision to increase the number of webinars in the professional development mix in 2019, APSAA has amassed a remarkable amount of video resources – which now exceeds 50 hours of content! This past year, those videos were compiled and made available to all members on-demand on the website under APSAA Streaming. This is a brilliant new resource for members to complete self-paced PD in their areas of interest. Another key change in the past year was to the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program, where the underlying point allocation system was
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revised to include more recognition of informal learning experiences and strengthen the CPD credential as a meaningful signal to employers and other stakeholders about your knowledge of the sector. Best of all, a verified digital badge was introduced which gives members who reach full CPD status a chance to proudly display their accomplishment on LinkedIn, email and other digital channels (pictured below). And of course, the PD Committee has been planning a resumption of face-to-face professional development opportunities. We understand that the return of treasured learning opportunities like the annual conference, industry guidelines workshops, and the Global Housing Training Institute (GHTI) are eagerly anticipated by members, and the committee welcomes any feedback to enhance these experiences in the ‘new normal’ we find ourselves operating in. Finally, and most importantly, the APSAA leadership would like to acknowledge and thank the members of the Professional Development Committee: Steve, Daniel, Shana, Misako, Carolyn, Tony, Abigail and, in particular, the enormous contribution of the previous chairperson Laura, who led the committee for several years. The lifeblood of this committee is the ideas and hard work of these membervolunteers and not a single one of the outstanding achievements over the past 12 months mentioned above would have been possible without them.
APSAA JOURNAL
APSAA Journal Student Accommodation
N
ow in its fifth year, Student Accommodation is the official journal of APSAA. It is the professional journal for the student accommodation industry in Australia, New Zealand, and the wider Asia Pacific region. The journal is produced quarterly and features news, insights, and resources relevant to members working in all areas of the sector. The journal is created collaboratively by APSAA’s Communications and Engagement Committee.
We encourage contributions from members – opinion pieces, research articles, political insights, team and member profiles, resources, photos, and news of planned and upcoming building developments. We offer a range of advertising opportunities for our journal, and welcome enquiries from organisations and suppliers relevant to the Student Accommodation Industry.
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF
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December 2021 Volume 5, Issue 4
STUDENT ACCOMMOD ATION
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APSAA Annual Report 2020 9
APSAA AWARDS 2021
APSAA Awards 2021 Each year, APSAA offers a range of scholarships and awards that recognise outstanding performance and innovative ideas from our members. These awards are presented on an annual basis at the APSAA Conference. Categories are as follows: • Fran O’Brien Award for New Professionals • Joes Massingham Award for Meritorious Services
The Association may award up to three recipients for each area of excellence (one in each of the below endorsements). The Association may also choose to award none, one, or all three in a year.
• Michael O’Leary Award for Innovation
In 2021 one additional Excellence Award was introduced:
• Business Partner of the Year Award
• Excellence in Sustainable Development Goals
• The ‘My Favourite Student’ Best of Program Award
The 2021 Award recipients in the following categories were:
• ACUHO-I Scholarship • APSAA Scholarship
• Fran O’Brien Award for New Professionals Monica Bordignon, Australian Catholic University
Benefits for Recipients
• Excellence in Facility Development or Management University of Canterbury
Recipients of an APSAA Award receive national and international peer recognition, official acknowledgment (in the form of trophy or certificate), publication of their details in APSAA’S Student Accommodation Journal, E-News bulletin and APSAA webpage and public acknowledgement at the official Awards Gala Dinner at the APSAA Conference.
• Excellence in Student Experience University of New South Wales • Excellence in Marketing and Communication University of Southern Queensland
APSAA
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2021
University of New South Wales received the ‘Excellence in Student Experinece’ award.
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The ‘Excellence in Facility Development or Management’ award went to University of Canterubry.
MEMBER BENEFITS
Member Benefits Working in the student accommodation industry is a unique and rewarding experience. Industry professionals typically specialise in areas such as leadership, business management, residential life, administration, event management and counselling. Applying these skills to a student housing environment makes for a job that is never dull, and can sometimes throw challenges our way.
Members attending these events share ideas and discuss the latest industry developments and innovations. Many of our members return to our annual conferences and events each year which has resulted in a valuable culture of camaraderie amongst APSAA members. The networks formed are lasting and there are opportunities to meet major equipment and service suppliers and to broaden your knowledge of the whole accommodation industry.
The importance of the role and the contribution that student accommodation professionals make to a student’s life and their overall university experience cannot be underestimated. Many students will cite their days at “college”, as the best and most memorable ever!
Members obtain access through both individual and group/network development activities and access to a wide network of experts that can assist them with any problems on which they may need advice. Access and advice on various training facilities is also available to members.
APSAA recognises the broad skill set that student accommodation professionals need and the importance of industry support. Through our regular networking events, professional development opportunities and services and affiliations with other Australian and International professional associations, APSAA can provide members at any level with a valuable range of benefits not available anywhere else in Australia.
Member Benefits • Professional Development program including access to 34+ hours of video content • Networking opportunities with 1200+ industry professionals • Access to Industry Guidelines • An annual conference which is internationally recognised • A study tour which visits student residences and colleges throughout Australasia • Quarterly industry journal • Board/committee membership opportunities • Monthly newsletters • Access to job listing opportunities • Access to post job listings to APSAA website (Institution and Corporate members only) • An online resource centre including past conference papers • Information and exposure to industry specific suppliers • Scholarships and awards which provide international travel opportunities and recognition of new professionals to the industry • Local/National/International networks • Information on upcoming local and international events
If your role is in the student accommodation profession, then APSAA is for you! A major benefit of being an APSAA member is the opportunity to come together and meet with other members employed in the student accommodation industry at various conferences, workshops and other forums.
9,343
997 15,183 4,803 4,985 25,830 10,687 20,665
APSAA Member beds
2,240
13,231
Total:
107,964 APSAA Annual Report 2020 11
MEMBER BENEFITS
Membership types Individual Membership
Voting membership types Institution Membership Any tertiary education institution in Australia, New Zealand or South East Asia that provides Student Accommodation facilities may apply to become an Institution Member. Membership includes one complimentary* conference registration, for the following year’s conference. Institution membership provides membership for all staff working within student housing in the Institution.
Corporate Membership Any organisation that is a Student Accommodation provider with multiple facilities across Australia, New Zealand or South East Asia and does not have affiliation to any one tertiary education institution, may apply to become a Corporate Member. Membership includes one complimentary* conference registration, for every 3,000 beds, for the following year’s conference. Corporate membership provides membership for all staff working within student accommodation in the Corporate’s operations.
Any individual working in the field of Student Accommodation who does not already receive benefits via an Institution or Corporate membership may apply to become an Individual Member. Where an individual is working at an Institution or Corporate in student accommodation, they may apply for individual membership for a maximum of 1 year during a 5-year period.
Non-Voting Membership types Industry Affiliate (Individual) Any individual with no commercial interest in the Student Accommodation industry, nor an employee of an organisation with a commercial interest in the Student Accommodation industry. Industry Affiliate (Individual) members receive member rates to APSAA events, receive e-newsletters, and a copy of our quarterly journal – Student Accommodation.
Industry Affiliate (Corporate) An organisation with a commercial interest in the Student Accommodation industry. Industry Affiliate (Corporate) members receive member rates to APSAA events, receive e-newsletters, and up to five (5) copies of our quarterly journal – Student Accommodation. * Conference attendee to be nominated prior to early-bird registration; Institution/Corporate member must have paid full year membership fee
APSAA Life Members Life membership may be awarded to members who have given outstanding service to the Association. The following members have been recognised with this honour: 2000
Joe Massingham, Wright College
2016
David Holmes
2011
Gary McLaughlin, Flinders University
2016
Edwina Ellicott, University of Wollongong
2015
Colin Marshall, Federation University
2016
Cate Macnamara
2015
Simon Scott, University of Queensland
2019
Vincent Wilson, Deakin Residential Services
2015
Sean Brito-Babapulle, Mannix College
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Affiliations
Chinese Association of Real Estate Management in Higher Education
Phone: +61 3 9586 6055 Email: admin@apsaa.org.au apsaa.org.au APSAA Annual Report 2020 13