From the Chapter President
2026 is already shaping up to be a year of strong momentum for the SA/NT Chapter, with a clear focus on connection, capability and community across all pillars of Advancement.
We kicked off the year with strong engagement at our first Professional Development and Networking Session, Integrated Advancement: Aligning Strategy, Teams and Leadership, with high participation and genuine cross-pillar collaboration setting the tone for the year ahead.
Following the Chapter AGM in November, we welcomed a refreshed and highly engaged Committee. I would like to acknowledge the outstanding leadership of outgoing Chapter President, Helen Karapandzic, whose contribution over the past two years as President has positioned the Chapter for continued success. My thanks also to all Committee members, both continuing and new, for their ongoing commitment to our community.
As many of you know, I will shortly be relocating interstate to take up a new Advancement role. While this transition was not anticipated at the time of accepting the Presidency, I am confident in the strength and continuity of the Committee. I am delighted that Belinda Mears, Director of Marketing, Communications and Advancement at St Peter’s Girls’ School, will step into the role of Chapter President, supported by Victoria Richardson, Communications & Engagement Manager at Nazareth Catholic College, as Chapter Vice President.
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Belinda Mears |
Victoria Richardson SA/NT Chapter Vice President |
Looking ahead, our 2026 Professional Development Program has been deliberately designed to deliver a high-impact, integrated offering. In Term 2, we turn to Video-First Storytelling, followed by practical sessions across Enrolment, Engagement and Pre-Conference Networking.
A defining moment this year will be the educate+ International Conference in Brisbane this September. This is a significant opportunity to connect nationally, strengthen networks and bring leading practice back to your institutions. In the lead-up, the Committee will create opportunities for members to connect through coffee catch-ups. With the ‘Grace Period’ for Early Bird registrations closing on 17 April, I strongly encourage you to secure your place!
I also encourage members to participate in the State of the Sector Survey, currently being conducted, in partnership with McCrindle Research. This work will strengthen our collective understanding of the Advancement landscape while also providing valuable benchmarking data that members can take back to their own organisations to support planning, conversations and strategic decision making. To complete the State of the Sector Survey (which closes on Friday 10 April),click here.
It is also pleasing to see membership continue to grow, now reaching a record 260 members across 59 institutions.
Finally, thank you to our Chapter Sponsors, Advancedlife and EnrolHQ, for your ongoing support. Your contribution enables the delivery of high-quality programs and experiences for our members.
Thank you again for being part of this community. I encourage you to stay engaged and take full advantage of the opportunities ahead in what promises to be an exciting year.
Kind regards
Rebecca Healy
SA/NT Chapter President | educate+
(Outgoing 31 March)
Director of Philanthropy
Scotch College Adelaide