President's Update - Sep '24

Ash Munn

President - Skål International Australia

Ash Munn

Partnerships & Technology

Dear Skålleagues,

What an incredible mid-year meeting we had in Cairns! It was a joy to be back in far north tropical Queensland, where the lush landscapes and warm climate provided the perfect backdrop for our mid-year gathering. The tropical rain, although unexpected for this time of year, brought a real tropical vibe to our experience and thankfully held off for the amazing gala dinner at The Sugar Shed. Our mid-year national assembly was more than just a meeting; it was a meaningful reconnection with fellow Skålleagues, and an opportunity to explore the best that Cairns has to offer.

First and foremost, on behalf of Skål Australia, a huge thank you to the wonderful club of Cairns for co-hosting this unforgettable event. Your hospitality and stunning locale made our time together even more special. I also want to extend our deepest gratitude to all the members who travelled from near and far to join us, especially those who visited from New Zealand and Thailand.

The workshops were as engaging as they were informative, thanks to the active participation of our delegates. Your enthusiasm and willingness to engage in discussions and activities made each session vibrant and meaningful, we are looking forward to seeing some positive outcomes at our next assembly in Broome. A special thanks to my fellow Executive Board for their hard work in bringing this event together and for hosting the interactive and insightful workshops.

Networking among peers remains one of the most beneficial aspects of our gatherings. The opportunity to share experiences, exchange ideas, and build professional relationships is invaluable. These connections foster a sense of community and collaboration that continues to strengthen our organisation, and this is why attending our national events is of great value.

Looking ahead, we cannot contain the excitement for the upcoming World Congress in Izmir. The anticipation is palpable as we shortly prepare to travel and experience another enriching international congress. This congress promises to be a highlight of the year as we support and celebrate our very own Denise Scrafton who will ascend to the role of World President (officially on the 1st of January). This is an incredible achievement, Denise has worked exceptionally hard over many years for Skål International and will no doubt be an exceptional World President and we wish her all the very best!

Attending world congresses is an incredible experience, as it allows members to form business connections and friendships with a diverse array of international members while also experiencing the rich history and vibrant culture of the host country. If you haven't attended a world congress before, please consider joining us for a congress in future, if not Türkiye this year, pencil in Peru next year! 

We look forward to seeing everyone in Izmir. Travel safely and get ready for another incredible world congress.

Thank you once again to everyone who contributed to making our mid-year meeting in Cairns a resounding success. Here's to many more opportunities to connect and thrive together.

Safe travels and see you in Türkiye!

Ash Munn

National President - Partnerships & Technology

Skål International Australia