itSMF Bulletin itSMF Bulletin December 2019 | Page 3

FROM THE CHAIR

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Dear Members,

Another year draws to an eventful conclusion and we’re provided with another timely opportunity to look back at our successes and how we’re placed for the, no doubt, challenging year ahead.

One thing I would like to remark on was the considerable success of our National Conference and this sowed the seeds for another outstanding conference in 2020. I can say that with some confidence given we have major sponsors already on board with another one signed up this week.

That is quite remarkable and is a living, breathing testament to our continued relevance in a very difficult environment.

Speaking personally, this year has certainly brought its own challenges, but I have always felt the strength of our community behind me and have in turn drawn strength from it. We are in this respect quite remarkable and quite unique and we work hard as a collective to maintain these characteristics and to nurture both the professional development and social interactions of our members.

Of course, we’re well placed to do so given our seminar program which continues to be a beacon of excellent informal learning while at the same time providing an invaluable social network which is the envy of many other professional associations. This mix of the social and professional, the networking and learning forms the foundations of the seminar

program and we are drawing to an end of another very successful year.

I would like to extend my personal thanks to every committee member across all of the

state and territory branches for your outstanding contributions in respect of the seminar program and I look forward to our close association over the next twelve months as well.

I would also like to offer my vote of thanks to the staff toiling away in the National Office. We run a tight ship and in fact are able to do so because of their commitment and professionalism. So to Sheryl, Alison, Michelle and Yvonne, please accept not just on my behalf, but on behalf of a grateful membership, our thanks and esteem.

Likewise, I have had the pleasure of working with a terrific Board this year and their stewardship of your association has been a credit to them. We are in a sound position and represent what a well-managed association should look like – well done to you all and again, thanks.

Finally I’d like to extend to all members and their families my best wishes for the coming festive season. I hope you all have a fabulous time with your families and loved ones, that you stay safe over the break and that you return to us in the new year refreshed and ready for the exciting times ahead.

Please take care.

Bradley Busch

Chair, itSMF Australia.