As we greet the start of December, it certainly feels like the year is hurtling towards its conclusion. Before looking forward to what the New Year holds, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the significant contribution of the Water Industry Alliance (WIA), it's staff and leadership, to the water industry in South Australia. The services that WIA offered were unique and highly valued. We will certainly miss their presence as a strong collaborative partner of AWA.
In my last message I reflected on the period of change we were facing as an industry, and I think that theme is set to continue with ongoing drought putting water security back into the forefront of public debate. I expect our Ministerial event early next year will be a timely opportunity to explore the implications for South Australia in terms of policy, water resource management and operations, both locally and nationally.
Six months into my tenure as Chair of the SA Branch Committee I have enjoyed getting to know our new committee members and seeing them get involved in our subcommittees. It is great to have their fresh perspective and energy to complement the experience and dedication of our continuing members.
While the Committee gets a well-earned break from our regular meetings, the work continues as we are putting our minds to what activities we will plan to undertake in 2020-21.
I have appreciated those members who have taken the time to contact us with ideas and suggestions about how we can improve our events and activities. One key area I am focusing on is how we can improve in planning for and delivering diverse and inclusive activities throughout the year, embedding the objectives of Channelling Change in all that we do.
We will also be looking at how we can take AWA's Strategy 22 and apply it locally. I would welcome any thoughts members may want to share that can shape our plans for 2020-21.
Thank you to everyone who contributes to the success of our branch – our valued members who support our events through individual participation and sponsorship, our hard working Branch Manager – Caitriona Murtagh, the excellent staff in the AWA National office who support us, and our Branch, YWP and Event Subcommittee members.
I wish you all a restful break over the summer (or a quieter environment for those who will be working to keep our water flowing) and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
