From the Chapter President

Celebrating Achievements and Looking Ahead: Reflections from 2024 VIC/TAS  

It is hard to believe we are already in Term 4, nearing the end of another year. After serving as President for the past two years, my term is now drawing to a close. As we celebrate the end of the 2024 year I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and pride. I reflect on the achievements of the past two years of dedication and hard work by the VIC/TAS Committee. Together, we have navigated challenges, seized opportunities, and set a solid foundation for the future. 

Achievements and Milestones 

The past two years have been a testament to the VIC/TAS Committee’s commitment, leadership, and passion. Since COVID, we have seen a resurgence in our Chapter’s activities, beginning with a highly successful 2023 Summit. This event welcomed over 275 delegates, featured 33 Professional Development Sessions, and attracted 15 Partners alongside 22 Exhibitors, showcasing the vitality and resilience of our community. 

Our Committee’s work didn’t stop there. We organised regular coffee mornings, professional development sessions, and, for the first time, a VIC/TAS Sponsor/Supporter event at the Tay Creggan, Strathcona Campus. This event not only acknowledged our Sponsors but also strengthened the relationships that are essential for future growth. By encouraging members to promote EducatePlus to their suppliers, we have expanded our dynamic network, opening doors to new Partnerships. 

This year, we hosted our People & Culture Professional Development event at Siena College, featuring Steven Troeth as our guest speaker. This initiative is a source of particular pride, as it has led to the addition of two dedicated People & Culture advocates who will be joining the Committee in 2025. The VIC/TAS Chapter’s participation at the International Conference in Perth also saw record attendance, and our Chapter evening event there was a resounding success. It was a privilege to see so many VIC/TAS members recognised for their outstanding contributions to the sector. 

The strategic vision and tireless efforts of the committee have fostered a sense of unity, innovation, and resilience, ensuring that the VIC/TAS Chapter continues to flourish. 

Acknowledgements 

Our successes are the result of a collective effort, and I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our committee members for their hard work and dedication: 

• Vice Chair Maria Mercuri: Your unwavering support and expertise in securing and stewarding our sponsors have been invaluable. Thank you for your dedication. 

• Marion Cape, Treasurer and Summit President: Your creativity and constant encouragement have been a wellspring of inspiration for us all. 

• Catherine McVean, our Secretary: You’ve kept us organised and on track, championing Alumnae engagement and organising the first VIC/TAS Alumnae reunion for our schools in Perth—a fantastic achievement. 

• Rob Blandford and Anna Beattie: Your efforts in Tasmania have been crucial in ensuring that our members there fully benefit from the Educate Plus network. 

• Mirella Busso-Lee: Your skill in communications, eNews, and membership coordination has been outstanding. We are truly grateful. 

• Emma Amory, Mandy Andrews, Imma Boubouras, and Murray Osborne: Your creativity and passion have made our Alumnae and Admissions events engaging and impactful. 

• Hayley Galloway: Since taking over as Events Champion, you’ve ensured that our events have been seamless and well-executed. Thank you for stepping up. 

• A huge thank you to our retiring Committee members, Marion Cape, Imma Boubouras, and Mandy Andrews 

Special thanks must also go to our Head Office team who work diligently behind the scenes to promote our events and handle registrations. 

A special note of appreciation goes to the Educate Plus CEO, Mandy McFarland for her unwavering support of our Chapter. Mandy, your responsiveness and encouragement have been instrumental in our success. 

To our Strategic Partners, Blueboat, Digistorm, Giving Architects, ToucanTech and Firefly, thank you for your generosity and support.   

A massive thank you to our valued Chapter Sponsors who promote and enhance the VIC TAS Chapter offerings thank you —Spectrum Analysis, Anzuk, and Blueboat—thank you for your generous support. You truly enhance our Chapter, and we are incredibly grateful. Thank you also to our Chapter Promotion, Event and Professional Development Partners, My World Jewellery, Eastern Press and Anzuk Education, who have also supported us this year, enabling us to enhance the experience we have provided our members.

Looking Forward to 2025 

• As I step down as President, I do so with immense pride in all that we have achieved together. I am excited for the future of the VIC/TAS Chapter, and we look forward to an exciting year with the 2025 Summit planning already underway. The Summit will take place at Carey Baptist Grammar on the 17-18 July 2025.  

• For our Tasmanian and regional members, we are committed to ensuring that each member feels valued and supported in their professional journey, regardless of location. We plan to host a PD day in Tassie in 2025. 

Special congratulations goes to our incoming VIC/TAS Chapter President for 2025, Kaushini Fernando, and to our new 2025 Committee Members: Melissa Martin, Laura Bird and Phillip Tascone. 

While I am stepping back from my role as President, this is not a farewell. I will continue to serve as Deputy Chair on the EducatePlus Board and look forward to supporting our incoming VIC/TAS President, and the VIC/TAS Committee. I remain deeply grateful to those who have come before me and grown this Chapter, and I am committed to continuing my work in championing this remarkable organisation that has provided me with such personal and professional growth. 

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. 

No doubt everyone is caught up in the busyness of Term 4, but I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the achievements and moments that made this year special. As the term comes to an end, I wish you all a restful holiday and hope you experience the joys of the festive season. Take care and enjoy this well-deserved break!