Chapter President’s Report

Hello VIC/TAS Chapter Members, 

It’s hard to believe we’re already three quarters through the year, and what an exciting year it has been! 

It was a pleasure hosting the Educate Plus VIC/TAS Chapter Summit, welcoming over 340 Advancement professionals from more than 90 schools and tertiary institutions across Victoria and Tasmania. 

Held over two inspiring days (17-18 July), the Summit brought together experts and colleagues working in Admissions, Alumni Engagement, Fundraising, Marketing, Leadership and People & Culture. With nearly 40 Sessions covering everything from school culture to digital storytelling, it was a vibrant celebration of learning, collaboration, and innovation in education. 

I’d also like to shine a light on the incredible support of our volunteers. A heartfelt thank you to the 2025 VIC/TAS Summit Committee, who have worked tirelessly over the past five months to put together an outstanding program and manage countless details behind the scenes: 

  • Anna Beattie, The Hutchins School 
  • Bettina Richen, Melbourne Girls Grammar School 
  • Emma Amory, The Knox School 
  • Grace Phillips, Carey Baptist Grammar School 
  • Julianne Brandon, Carey Baptist Grammar School 
  • Lisa Shimano, Queen’s College, University of Melbourne 
  • Maria Mercuri, Methodist Ladies’ College 
  • Melissa Martin, Brighton Grammar School 
  • Mike Howell, The Geelong College 
  • Murray Osborne, Westbourne Grammar School 
  • Phillip Tascone, Ivanhoe Grammar School 
  • Rob Blandford, University of Tasmania 
  • Sandra Dick, Scotch College 
  • Tracey Grobbelaar, Siena College 

Earlier this term, we also hosted a professional learning webinar on podcasting with media expert and former teacher Ralph Barba. Ralph explored how schools can use podcasting to enhance their brand, connect with their community, and strengthen Alumni relations. The Session was packed with practical tips and left attendees with new ideas on how to harness this powerful medium to communicate with impact. If you missed it, you can view the recording here. 

You Are Invited …
We can’t wait to reconnect with everyone again soon – join us for End of Term Drinks and keep the conversation going!

  • For the Event in VIC (17 September), register here.  
  • For the Event in TAS (24 September), register here.

Warm regards, 

Kaushini Fernando 
VIC-TAS Chapter President 

Alumni and Community Manager
Carey Baptist Grammar School 

 

Celebrating a Successful Summit!

A final shout out to all of our VIC/TAS Summit Sponsors and Exhibitors. Your support enabled us to connect with a record number of Delegates at the 2-day event, providing outstanding Professional Development opportunities for all, and helping to shape the future of Advancement!

 

Principal Summit Sponsors
Summit Sponsors
 
   
 
 
And a special thank you also to our Exhibitors, not already listed above: