FAREWELL BOARD MEMBER CHRIS LANCASTER OAM

It is with sadness that we say good-bye to Chris Lancaster OAM JP (Qual), one of the Directors of the QJA Board. Chris was elected to the Board in 2017 and again in 2019 but due to competing priorities he is unable to complete the second term. Many of you will know Chris as one of our high performing Trainers and Assessors as he has delivered numerous QJA pre-appointment courses over the years. We know from feedback that many of you hold him in very high regard. He will continue to undertake professional development training sessions for the Maroochydore Branch (where he will retain his role as Branch Chairman) and for other branches if needed. The QJA is grateful to have had someone like Chris with the passion for the training and quality processes to ensure that the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) arm of the QJA meets and exceeds accreditation requirements. During 2018 – 2019 ASQA implemented numerous changes to RTO standards and practice and Chris, along with the QJA office staff, spent many hours on weekends upgrading and checking that our programs met these new standards. Chris was also responsible for developing and producing a number of role play videos which were originally designed to complement the pre-appointment course. However, the Board agreed to make these videos available to all members free of charge. You can access these videos here

Chris Lancaster OAM JP (Qual) wears many hats and juggles work, training and Branch Chair responsibilities. When asked about his time on the Board Chris responded as follows.

“It has been both a privilege and pleasure to have been a Director on the Board of QJA for the last few years.

During this time, I have seen many innovative changes to enhance the benefits of the thousands of members across the state of Queensland. I strongly believe that it is so important for all Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations to belong to the professional association to ensure accurate updated information, ongoing support and professional development. I’m a great believer that if you are going to do something then you should do it properly and give it 100%. This is why I have decided to stand down in the role of Director as I am now providing training in a Business College in both Diploma and Advanced Diploma levels which is taking up a considerable amount of my time and not enabling me to give QJA Board membership the time required. I will continue as Chair of the Maroochydore Branch and to be an active member of QJA. I have a high regard for all JPs and Cdecs who give of their time willingly and voluntarily to help those who need their services. I will also continue to provide professional development workshops for branches as required (providing they are held on a Saturday). This year has been a difficult year for all of us with the global pandemic limiting what we can and cannot do and affecting the health and livelihood of many Australians. QJA however has stood the time for over 100 years going through both bad and good times and still going strong. We can all be proud that we belong to a great and strong organisation that is continuing to improve its services to all of its members. My role on the Board revolved mostly within the training arm of the association ensuring the RTO met the standards necessary of it regulator, ASQA and helping to give the many students the best possible training course that we can offer. The world is changing rapidly and we need to be innovative, creative and flexible with the changing times. COVID-19 has made it necessary to change the way the training courses are delivered. Some are now being delivered via a combination of online self-paced learning coupled with virtual classroom sessions. These have proven very popular and QJA will continue with this delivery mode. In conclusion, I would like to pay tribute to the members of the Board who work tirelessly to ensure the organisation meets the members’ expectations. Special appreciation goes to Board members Brooke Batley, President John Carpendale, and immediate past President Keith Revell, as well as the Business Manager Wendy La Macchia. I have worked closely with members in improving the training resources and professional development opportunities for our members. Thanks also to Board member Joan Kennedy who helped organise the 2019 State Conference on the Sunshine Coast. Thank you all for the opportunity to serve on the Board - it has been an absolute pleasure”. Chris Lancaster OAM JP (Qual)