2015 Australian Society of Association Executives Conference and Exhibition

Thank you for your generous welcome, Mr President.

It is a particular pleasure for me to join you all for this morning’s official opening, not only because of the national importance of this conference and exhibition, but because the large number of associations and organisations represented here includes no fewer than ten Queensland not-for-profit organisations of which I am the proud and committed patron.

On their behalf — and on behalf of all Queenslanders — I welcome you all most warmly to our State for this significant event. I trust the weather ‘gods’ look kindly on you so that you have an opportunity to enjoy Queensland’s legendary winter sunshine during breaks in your very busy program.

I have been as Governor these past ten or so months honoured to provide vice-regal acknowledgement to the committed efforts of many wonderful volunteers and not-for-profit organisations and associations – our society invariably depends upon you all.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics tells us there are now fifty-eight thousand not-for-profit entities in Australia, employing more than a million people — more than ten thousand of whom are members of the Australasian Society of Association Executives.

The sector clearly makes a major contribution to the economies of Australia and New Zealand, not least through its commitment to maximising the effective use of assets and resources, both physical and human.

That commitment has been clearly demonstrated by the Society and its members.

You all enthusiastically embrace the philosophy of sharing ideas and being open to a frank exchange of solutions to common problems.

This practical, collaborative approach (through webinars, networking events and major conference such as this) has much to offer the for-profit sector and it is wonderful to see Australia’s and New Zealand’s not-for-profit organisations providing leadership and demonstrating how our communities — indeed the whole of society — can benefit from such an approach.

Your attendance at this conference demonstrates the value placed on learning and networking opportunities like this, not only by the societies and organisations that employ you, but by you yourselves as individuals. I recognise that attending this conference and exhibition has required a commitment of time and funds from organisational and personal budgets which are often constrained, and I congratulate you all on the dedication and passion which has led to your decision to be here.

Australian and New Zealand society would be much poorer in spirit if it were not for the commitment of the wonderful women and men who have chosen to work in this sector.

I welcome you once again to Brisbane and to Queensland, and wish you well for a productive and inspiring two days during which you, and the organisations you represent, can truly Engage, Experience, and Evolve.