Service Award recipients

Susan Phillips

SSAA Service Award recipients

We were thrilled to recognise several members who have demonstrated exceptional service to the self storage industry in recent years.

Shaun Bain

Shaun joined the SSAA Board in 2016 and the Audit, Finance & Risk Committee in 2018. He has been instrumental in guiding the SSAA with his commercial acumen, focus on financial sustainability and reinvesting members’ funds to maximise outcomes. A forward thinker, Shaun’s strategic and well-considered advice and guidance has strengthened the SSAA.

Ryan Coom

Ryan joined the SSAA Board in 2016 and has served his full term, with his final year as Deputy Chair in 2022. Ryan’s strategic advice, particularly around technology and innovation, and his calm and considered approach has helped modernise the SSAA. As the voice of New Zealand members, Ryan has openly shared perspectives and insights for the benefit of both Australia and New Zealand.

Ryan was unable to attend the Convention on the Gold Coast and was recognised at the SSAA AGM in late November.

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For more than six years, Susan led the SSAA with achievements too great to count and too long to list. She took on the role at short notice, and her dedication to SSAA soon became apparent as she moved to Melbourne and set to work, bringing together the team and laying the foundations for the next phase of SSAA’s growth

Her passion and enthusiasm for self storage are second to none. The experience Susan brought to the role, combining her understanding of facility ownership and operations with her strategic business background, saw the association progress to the professional peak body it is today.

Susan’s natural ability to bring people together to achieve a common goal, all with good humour, strengthened the self storage community. She was instrumental in building the governance framework for SSAA, revitalising events programs, developing the help desks, launching SIP, investing in research and supporting members throughout the pandemic.

There is not an aspect of the SSAA today that has not been shaped by Susan, whose attention to detail, high standards and professionalism raised the bar and developed an association fit for a maturing asset class.

She remains a mentor to many and graciously offers her advice and perspective whenever asked, contributing to the success of this industry after so many years. Her sunny disposition matches her North Queensland home, where she has returned with her husband, Geoff, to enjoy a little more time in the garden.

Ivor Morgan

Ivor joined the SSAA Board in 2016, taking on the role of Chair in 2018 and has been a strong voice for independent operators and an advocate for the industry at large. During his tenure, Ivor has overseen significant progression at SSAA.

His invaluable industry experience and focus on practical outcomes has led the SSAA to develop and deliver projects and resources that add value to members’ businesses. A staunch supporter of the association and building connections within the industry. His dedication and commitment to self storage is evidenced by the longevity and strength of his relationships with many in the sector. His care and consideration for the industry and his colleagues saw Ivor hand the Chair to Michael Alafaci last year, remaining on the Board for his final year to ensure support and a smooth transition. Under Ivor’s leadership, the SSAA has gone from strength to strength. l