As we move forward into 2025, it has been a productive and dynamic start to the year, with several key initiatives taking shape. The Institute continues to prioritise efficiency, collaboration, and professional development, with February bringing significant progress on multiple fronts. Here’s a look at some of the important activities and developments over the past month.

Council Launches ‘Beyond 45’ Modernisation Program
The Council has commenced work on a transformative modernisation program, Beyond 45, a name chosen to reflect the Institute’s journey beyond its 45-year history and its ambition to position itself for future success. This initiative is focused on ensuring that the Institute remains agile, forward-thinking, and well-structured to meet the evolving needs of its members and the profession.

A key component of Beyond 45 is the restructuring of the committee framework, aimed at creating a more cohesive and efficient structure that better supports our strategic goals. To ensure that these changes are well-informed and beneficial, we are undertaking a comprehensive consultation process with members, committees, and key stakeholders. These insights will be instrumental in shaping the future structure, and we encourage active participation in discussions as we refine the design of these changes.

Further details will be shared in an upcoming feature article in The Filter magazine, where we will outline the vision and key milestones for Beyond 45.

Committee Training and System Enhancements
In our continued effort to enhance operational efficiency, the office has commenced a structured training rollout for our committees on our new systems. These upgrades are designed to streamline workflows, improve accessibility, and ensure consistency across all facets of the Institute’s operations. By equipping committee members with the necessary tools and knowledge, we aim to enhance overall productivity, strengthen member and volunteer engagement, and create a more seamless experience for all involved.

Key Submission to Safe Work Australia
A significant highlight this month was the collaboration between the External Affairs Committee (EAC) and Workplace Exposure Assessment Committee (WEAC) on a critical submission to Safe Work Australia (SWA) to provide feedback on a review of the air and health monitoring requirements in the model WHS laws. This joint effort reflects the Institute’s commitment to evidence-based advocacy and ensuring industry best practices are well-represented in regulatory discussions.

Professional Development Series Kicks Off
Our Professional Development Series is now underway, with the first event featuring an insightful webinar presented by our President-Elect Dr. Kelly Johnstone, Peter Knott, and Azrin Akram. These sessions are a valuable opportunity for members to gain industry insights, expand their knowledge, and engage with thought leaders. We highly encourage all members to take advantage of these learning opportunities and participate in the upcoming events throughout the year.

Welcoming Our New Marketing and Communications Manager
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Xavier Poynton as the Institute’s new Marketing, Communications, and Sponsorship Manager. Xavier brings a wealth of experience in strategic communications and stakeholder engagement, and his expertise will be instrumental in strengthening our outreach efforts, enhancing member engagement, and driving sponsorship initiatives. Please join us in welcoming Xavier to the team – we look forward to his contributions.

Annual Member Survey – Your Voice Matters
As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we encourage all members to participate in our Annual Member Survey which will be released in the coming weeks. This survey provides an essential opportunity for you to share feedback on your experiences, expectations, and priorities. Your input plays a crucial role in shaping the Institute’s direction, and we strongly encourage everyone to take a few moments to complete it.

Looking Ahead
With momentum building across multiple initiatives, we are excited for what lies ahead. Thank you to all members who continue to contribute to the Institute’s success through your engagement and support. We look forward to sharing further updates in the next edition of Prez Sez.

 

Sincerely,

Aleks Todorovic
President 2025