CHAIRPERSON REPORT

It is a great pleasure to sit as Chairperson of the Board for SPASA Australia, working alongside a team of dedicated and highly accomplished individuals within our industry who give of their time and knowledge to help steer the Association to achieve outcomes that benefit the whole industry – from back door to boundary.

The unique circumstances of 2020 saw the Board meet formally online bi-monthly, but lots of subcommittee and informal discussions continued behind the scenes to navigate the rollercoaster that is a global pandemic, whilst still advancing the Association in line with our Strategic Plan. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every member of the Board, as well as all of the SPASA staff, who worked tirelessly throughout 2020 to ensure that business could continue throughout these uncertain times. COVID-19 showed the value of a united national body, advocating at all levels to promote the value of our industry. SPASA Australia advocated that the pool and spa industry be recognised as an essential service delivering important health and safety benefits to the community. SPASA Australia continues to advocate for one united body across Australia and New Zealand and stands by its assertion that our greatest impact can be achieved by working in unison.

The 2020 AGM saw several Board members retire, as part of the biannual renewal process. I would like to thank outgoing members John Daniel, Neil Davey, Elena Gosse, Garth Jackson and Andrew Jakovac for their commitment and dedication to the SPASA Australia Board.

The Board realised many achievements in 2020, including:

• Merger with Pool and Spa Covers Alliance of Australia (PASCAA) • Commencement of ‘Resurg Benchmarking Research Project’ • Launch of Institute of Research and Learning • Execution of New Zealand expansion plan • Commonwealth approved Pool and Spa Building Certificate IV

I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome our new Board members Tom Boadle, Matthew Galvin, Steven Humphris and Jacqueline Patterson. Thank you for stepping up to your new positions and for the invaluable insights and experience you contribute to our Board.

Finally, I would like to end by thanking you, our Members. Your continued support of the Association and the work that we do is unwavering. We would not be able to deliver the magnitude of work we do for our industry without your support – both financially and intellectually. We strive to continually improve our Association with Members at the centre of everything we do and trust you recognise the value delivered to you as a Member of this Association.

Stefan Ossenberg

Chairperson The Board is a group of volunteer individuals that govern, control, direct and manage the Association in accordance with its constitution. They are responsible for the overall management, strategic direction and for delivering accountable performance in accordance with the Association’s goals and objectives. The day-to-day operations of the organisation are delegated to the management team via the CEO, but the board remains accountable to the members for the Association’s performance. They monitor and support management through regular meetings and the establishment of subcommittees where required, ensuring the Association develops and implements strategies and supporting policies to enable it to fulfill the objectives set out in the constitution. The Board also ensures systems, processes and procedures are in place to enable the Association to comply with legal, regulatory and industry obligations and to protect assets and operations by not exposing the Association to undue risk. Boards therefore need to have a broad mix of competencies, knowledge and experience. It is ideal to have board members with a complimentary range of experience, skills and attributes to represent members, and the industry.