Dear members,
I'd like to start this month's report by congratulating the
FPA Australia executive and team for their excellent work bringing
Fire Australia 2022 to life.
The event was very successful, with a world-class program
and a tradeshow that continues to impress.
I look forward to seeing what can be achieved for Fire
Australia 2023 and hope to see you at the International Convention
Centre in Sydney next May.
The FPA Australia Board has also been working very hard this
year, and the directors are to be congratulated.
We have set ourselves a demanding agenda for this year,
encompassing some changes to our constitution, director education,
and a new strategy.
Constitutional reform
Earlier this year we commissioned a review of our
constitution and by-laws, and we have set up a Constitutional
Review Committee to oversee the recommendations and proposed
changes.
These amendments are intended to place better structures
around the election and operation of the Board and the management
of the Association.
Our Constitution has not substantially been changed in many
years, and is based on a template used by other organisations, such
as the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association. It has
been a useful document to date, but it does not adequately reflect
the needs of FPA Australia.
It is time that we develop a governing document that is
relevant to our own circumstances.
Director education
To ensure that directors are able to carry out their
responsibilities effectively, the Board has agreed to participate
in a series of governance workshops.
These forums will detail the roles and responsibilities of
directors, emphasise the difference between strategy and operation,
and increase the Board's understanding of governance issues, so
that we can best represent the interests of the
members.
In addition, we will be taking part in training about the
latest legislation governing not-for-profit and charity
organisations, including a refresher on our responsibilities to the
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
With these insights we will be able to provide better
leadership and guidance to the FPA Australia team and help them to
increase member value.
FPA Australia's strategy
Many of you will have seen the member survey we sent out
around the time of Fire Australia 2022, and I hope you have taken
the opportunity to complete it.
You may remember that there was an iPAD on offer for one
lucky respondent, and I'm pleased to announce that the winner
is Luke MacDougall
from Fire Safe Australia & New Zealand Pty
Ltd. Congratulations, Luke - the team will get your prize out
to you soon.
The Board and Executive are currently working on a strategy,
with the help of consultants Acutus, that will serve the
Association well for the next five years.
This includes a review of our membership structure and
benefits, and opportunities for partnerships and increased
engagement.
We look forward to revealing the results of this work
soon.
Other initiatives
During Fire Australia 2022 we conducted workshops discussing
the future of the Association and the industry.
Surveys were conducted during these workshops, and were
distributed after the event, seeking the views of members and
stakeholders about solutions for the future of the
industry.
Over the next couple of months, I hope to be able to advise
of a new initiative for FPA Australia, informed by that
feedback.
Until then, kind regards,
Bob Grieve
President