PRESIDENT'S REPORT

2008 has been a year of challenge and change for IPAA SA. In April Deb Dickson, our Executive Director resigned IPAA to concentrate on her studies and further her career. On behalf of the Divisional Council, I thank Deb for the tremendous amount of work she carried out during her time in building the business. In July, the Divisional Council appointed Rachel Cooper as our new Chief Executive Officer. Rachel came to IPAA with a background in membership based marketing and project management.

During 2008 IPAA SA sought to offer the sector opportunities to discuss a wide range of issues and hear from speakers who are leaders in their field. As noted in the Treasurers Report this lead to IPAA managing some events that did not meet their expected profit. The Divisional Council and management team worked hard last year, and are continuing to do so, to ensure IPAA’s sound financial success.

Of particular note was the 2008 IPAA SA State Conference – The Ripple Effect. Held in conjunction with the Don Dunstan Oration, where Dr Simon Longstaff was the keynote speaker, feedback from conference delegates showed that the conference was thoroughly enjoyed and that the program provided a forum for discussion and debate. Dr Keith Suter, keynote speaker, Dr Anne Tiernan from Griffith University and the presentation from Adelaide Thinkers in Residence proved to be very popular sessions.

IPAA SA was proud to once again be involved in the Premer’s Awards and Public Sector Week – Inside Out 2008. Both of these events play an integral role in highlighting the success stories of the public sector.

As part of IPAA SA’s commitment to building capacity in the sector, our Learning and Development program expanded to 62 workshops in 2008. Over 1,500 people from the sector attended an L&D workshop or event conducted by IPAA SA.

IPAA SA could not operate to the level that we do without the tremendous support of our members, corporate members and sponsors and I thank you for this.

Anne Howe, President, IPAA SA