President’s Welcome

 

Welcome to 2024! This is the first newsletter I write as the new NSW/ACT Chapter President – a role that I am truly honoured to have. Having been a member of Educate Plus for over 10 years, I have experienced how our Chapter network so generously shares knowledge, expertise and experience and I value the opportunity to lead such a wonderful group of colleagues. This year, our volunteer Committee Members represent various roles in different institutions and businesses across nearly all geographic areas of NSW/ACT. I thank them for their collegiality and expertise as they deliver amazing opportunities for our members. I take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Chapter President Lyn O’Neill for her time as President and I am grateful she remains on our Committee to continue to share her experience.

When we look at the latest education news making headlines in NSW/ACT at the moment – there are a number of issues and key trends that will likely impact our various roles this year, whether they are in Admissions, Alumni and Community Relations, Fundraising, Marketing and Communications as well as Leadership and People & Culture. A number of our webinars and SIGS will address these issues and key trends, and they include

  1. Co-educational vs single sex education
  2. The rise of generative AI technology
  3. Government funding changes
  4. The Productivity Commission’s draft report of its once‑in‑a‑generation review of philanthropic giving in Australia.

In January, the NSW/ACT Committee met to determine our strategic priorities for the year and to plan the Chapter learning and networking opportunities. This year we are focussing on providing opportunities for all members and in particular our regional members. We are excited to introduce Coffee Catch-Ups this year, an opportunity to meet with colleagues before work in a casual environment. We will kick this off in Crows Nest on Thursday 29 February, followed by Hunter Valley Grammar School on Monday 4 March, the Southern Highlands on Friday 8 March, and Armidale on Thursday 14 March. For our Canberra members – Welcome Drinks will be hosted on Wednesday 27 March in Manuka. 

Finally, I invite you to have a look at the awesome program just released for the Empowering Success International Conference in Perth later this year, where you are invited to connect with industry experts, thought leaders and fellow practitioners to build connections and ignite new ideas. Support packages are available to assist delegates in attending, and I encourage you to check out the streamlined Awards program and submit a submission.

Looking forward to a successful and collaborative year ahead!

 

 

Yvette Graniero
NSW/ACT Chapter President

Director of Community Relations
Santa Sabina College