A fond farewell and a big hello!

First, we need to say a big thank you and good luck for what is ahead to Malcom Rees of Massey University. Malcolm made a strong contribution to AAIR over the years by making presentations and organising AAIR events. His contribution to the Committee was important and added a different perspective from his work-related roles in student engagement and evaluation, and he also added a stronger New Zealand viewpoint to what was being discussed. I would like to formally thank him for all that he did and wish him well for the future, which I understand includes building a new house!

Second, we need to welcome Penny Szybiak, Director of Planning and Performance at Charles Darwin University. Many of you will know Penny for her work recently as part of the forum organising committee for the AAIR Annual Forum held in Alice Springs in November last year. We approached Penny and invited her to join the AAIR Executive Committee until the AGM this year, as not only can she offer a regional perspective, but her involvement with the planning directors around Australia was seen as an important connection.

It appears that we will have several vacancies on the Committee at the AGM this coming November. Being part of the AAIR Executive Committee, from my perspective, is very rewarding and well worth taking the leap. We are a voluntary organisation, and I am forever grateful to all members of the Committee for the work that they put into AAIR while still managing their own busy positions and family lives. If you are thinking about becoming more involved and adding your perspective to AAIR, all contributions will be considered and welcomed. Besides getting to be part of a great group of people and contribute to the future of IR in Australasia, there is always the point about how it will enhance your CV showing that you have taken a leadership role in a professional organisation. If anyone is thinking about becoming involved, do not hesitate to contact me or any other members of the Executive Committee for their perspective and insight on what is involved. Be brave – you won’t regret it, I can assure you.

As an executive, we do meet regularly via conference call and face-to-face at the Annual Forum. If you have any issues you would like addressed or raised, please feel free to contact me before any given meeting. The schedule for the meetings this year is outlined below: