From the President

It is with immense pleasure that I bring you the latest eNews. For the past 8 weeks I have enjoyed long service leave in beautiful Italy, including 8 days of trail walking. Walking the enchanting trails of the Cinque Terre along the rugged cliffs of the Italian Riviera is a journey that transcends mere sightseeing. It’s a transformative experience that offers profound insights and life lessons. As I embarked on this adventure, I discovered that the beauty of the Cinque Terre extends far beyond its stunning landscapes; it touches the very essence of our existence. 

During my walk I discovered:

  • Slow Living

In the Cinque Terre, time seems to move at a different pace. As I wandered through the centuries-old villages, I couldn’t help but admire the locals’ dedication to a slower, more deliberate way of life. The lesson I gleaned was the importance of savouring every moment, not just rushing from one destination to the next. We often focus on the destination, but the journey itself can be equally, if not more, rewarding.

  • The Reward of Perseverance

Hiking the Cinque Terre trails can be physically demanding, with steep ascents and uneven paths. Yet, each vista and every village at the end of the trail was a reminder that perseverance and effort are rewarded with breathtaking moments and a sense of accomplishment. Life’s challenges may be difficult, but they can lead to the most rewarding experiences.

  • The Impact of Cultural Diversity

Cinque Terre’s history is marked by influences from different cultures, each leaving their mark on the local way of life. This diversity has shaped the uniqueness of each village. It’s a reminder of the beauty that emerges from embracing different perspectives and celebrating diversity in our world.

  • The Strength of Community

Each of the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre is a testament to the power of community. These tight-knit communities have weathered storms, preserved their traditions, and shared their joys and sorrows. It reminded me that we are stronger when we support one another, whether in our families, or global communities.

During my absence I was reminded of this strength by the VIC/TAS Educate Plus Committee.  Each of these people played a pivotal role in overseeing the VIC/TAS efforts and maintaining momentum. A special mention to Marion Cape who supported my role in many ways during my absence.

It is with sadness that we farewell Roz Holloway as Secretary to the VIC/TAS Committee.  Roz has been a much-valued member of our team and has provided many years of service to the VIC/TAS Chapter committee.

Roz’s role as secretary extended far beyond administrative duties. Roz is a problem solver, and a tireless advocate for our members and our mission. Her warm and welcoming demeanour made everyone feel valued, and her support has been indispensable.

Roz displays a calm and composed presence during the most chaotic moments and her boundless energy has driven our association forward.

We wish Roz all the very best and express our deepest gratitude for her hard work and dedication. Roz’s shoes will be incredibly difficult to fill.

 

Roz Holloway
VIC/TAS Chapter Secretary | Educate Plus

 

Over the last two months the VIC/TAS Chapter has hosted multiple coffee mornings (held in Victoria and Tasmania) and a Regional Networking lunch in Geelong. Recognising the importance of flexibility, Educate Plus has held Webinars across all strategic advancement pillars providing PD opportunities for us all in the comfort of our office or at home. We are certainly a community thirsty for learning and opportunities to come together.

The Tasmanian Day Summit was hosted at the University of Tasmania on Monday, 22 October.  A wonderful PD Day enjoyed by all.  A huge thank you to committee members Rob Blandford, Anna Beattie and Marion Cape for their organisation of this key event.  A special shout out to DMC, Craig Rhoda for his generous sponsorship of this event. 

The Educate Plus Victorian Chapter is not a static member group; it is a dynamic partnership that continually evolves to meet the changing needs of education advancement professionals. You may have ideas or needs that you would like to see from us in the Victorian Chapter. We encourage you to reach out to any of us on the committee if you have thoughts to enhance our network and learnings. Your input is always welcome. 

Please keep an eye out for further activities including our End of Year AGM with festive celebrations.

I look forward to seeing you there!

 

 

Tracey Grobbelaar
VIC/TAS Chapter President | Educate Plus

Director of Development and Community Relations | Siena College
tgrobbelaar@siena.vic.edu.au