FROM OUR
PAST CHAIR
What a Conference! What a Community!
Our 26th National Conference was nothing short of spectacular — and still proudly recognised as one of the best on the global stage! It brought together brilliant minds, bold thinkers, and speakers who weren’t afraid to shake things up. I loved every minute of it!
One of the most heartwarming moments of the conference for me come from Lucas Patchett who shared the incredible story of OrangeSky — a social enterprise that’s turning laundry and conversation into life-changing experiences for people doing it tough. Who knew washing machines could be so inspiring?
In a world that often moves too fast, Lucas reminded us that human connection and dignity are at the core of wellbeing. It’s easy to get swept up in the daily grind — meetings, deadlines, emails — but the OrangeSky story was a powerful reminder that sometimes we need to slow down and reflect on what really matters.
So as you navigate the whirlwind of work and life, I encourage you to take a moment to think about how you’re living — not just working. A little kindness, a little connection, and a little perspective can go a long way, and for me it is connection that makes the itSMF Australia community so special.
The conference also once again saw an incredible wave of support from our sponsors — some of whom have already started to lock in their spot for next year! That’s a huge vote of confidence in our team and the exciting future ahead.
Speaking of teams, a massive shoutout to our Chair and amazing Conference Director, Janet Holling who captained the ship with style, grace and just the right amount of cheeky humour. She was backed by the powerhouse crew at the National Office and our dedicated Conference Committee. Together, they delivered an event we can all be proud of. Job well done team — and thank you!
Our National Awards once again shone a spotlight on the best and brightest in the Australian Service Management community. Huge congratulations to all the winners — and to everyone who put their hand up. You’re all champions in my eyes!
And guess what? By popular demand, we’re heading back to Brisbane next year! This ‘usually’ sunny city always welcomes us with open arms and seems to spark that wonderful sense of community we value so deeply.
I can’t wait to see you all there.
Cheers
Brendan
What a Conference! What a Community!
Our 26th National Conference was nothing short of spectacular — and still proudly recognised as one of the best on the global stage! It brought together brilliant minds, bold thinkers, and speakers who weren’t afraid to shake things up. I loved every minute of it!
One of the most heartwarming moments of the conference for me come from Lucas Patchett who shared the incredible story of OrangeSky — a social enterprise that’s turning laundry and conversation into life-changing experiences for people doing it tough. Who knew washing machines could be so inspiring?
In a world that often moves too fast, Lucas reminded us that human connection and dignity are at the core of wellbeing. It’s easy to get swept up in the daily grind — meetings, deadlines, emails — but the OrangeSky story was a powerful reminder that sometimes we need to slow down and reflect on what really matters.
So as you navigate the whirlwind of work and life, I encourage you to take a moment to think about how you’re living — not just working. A little kindness, a little connection, and a little perspective can go a long way, and for me it is connection that makes the itSMF Australia community so special.
The conference also once again saw an incredible wave of support from our sponsors — some of whom have already started to lock in their spot for next year! That’s a huge vote of confidence in our team and the exciting future ahead.
Speaking of teams, a massive shoutout to our Chair and amazing Conference Director, Janet Holling who captained the ship with style, grace and just the right amount of cheeky humour. She was backed by the powerhouse crew at the National Office and our dedicated Conference Committee. Together, they delivered an event we can all be proud of. Job well done team — and thank you!
Our National Awards once again shone a spotlight on the best and brightest in the Australian Service Management community. Huge congratulations to all the winners — and to everyone who put their hand up. You’re all champions in my eyes!
And guess what? By popular demand, we’re heading back to Brisbane next year! This ‘usually’ sunny city always welcomes us with open arms and seems to spark that wonderful sense of community we value so deeply.
I can’t wait to see you all there.
Cheers
Brendan
What a Conference! What a Community!
Our 26th National Conference was nothing short of spectacular — and still proudly recognised as one of the best on the global stage! It brought together brilliant minds, bold thinkers, and speakers who weren’t afraid to shake things up. I loved every minute of it!
One of the most heartwarming moments of the conference for me come from Lucas Patchett who shared the incredible story of OrangeSky — a social enterprise that’s turning laundry and conversation into life-changing experiences for people doing it tough. Who knew washing machines could be so inspiring?
In a world that often moves too fast, Lucas reminded us that human connection and dignity are at the core of wellbeing. It’s easy to get swept up in the daily grind — meetings, deadlines, emails — but the OrangeSky story was a powerful reminder that sometimes we need to slow down and reflect on what really matters.
So as you navigate the whirlwind of work and life, I encourage you to take a moment to think about how you’re living — not just working. A little kindness, a little connection, and a little perspective can go a long way, and for me it is connection that makes the itSMF Australia community so special.
The conference also once again saw an incredible wave of support from our sponsors — some of whom have already started to lock in their spot for next year! That’s a huge vote of confidence in our team and the exciting future ahead.
Speaking of teams, a massive shoutout to our Chair and amazing Conference Director, Janet Holling who captained the ship with style, grace and just the right amount of cheeky humour. She was backed by the powerhouse crew at the National Office and our dedicated Conference Committee. Together, they delivered an event we can all be proud of. Job well done team — and thank you!
Our National Awards once again shone a spotlight on the best and brightest in the Australian Service Management community. Huge congratulations to all the winners — and to everyone who put their hand up. You’re all champions in my eyes!
And guess what? By popular demand, we’re heading back to Brisbane next year! This ‘usually’ sunny city always welcomes us with open arms and seems to spark that wonderful sense of community we value so deeply.
I can’t wait to see you all there.
Cheers
Brendan