The Gillard Government has announced that the 2011-12 Budget measure "Better Targeting of NFP Tax Concessions" will now commence from 1 July 2014. "The Government is committed to working closely with the NFP sector to ensure that any taxation or regulatory changes are designed effectively and with a strong focus on the future of the sector and the needs of the community," Assistant Treasurer, David Bradbury MP said. Click here for more information.

AuSAE Victoria has taken the first step in meeting the career needs of Young Association Professionals (YAP). An informal networking function was held in the Melbourne CBD at the Coopers Inn on Thursday 29th November 2012 to launch the new initiative. With its own function space, the 30 registered attendees enjoyed a few drinks while expanding their network with other professionals from a wide range of careers within the Association sector.  

“It’s a great initiative to start the Young Association Professionals. I met some fantastic people at the event who I have since been back in contact with who have been invaluable when I’ve needed specific industry advise. You could sense on the night that everyone is happy to network and help each other” said Liana Slussareef of the Australian Booksellers Association. 

AuSAE Victoria is now developing a YAP taskforce committee to structure regular YAP events throughout 2013 and members will be informed of the next event shortly. AuSAE is dedicated to bringing together the new generation of Association professionals to lead in the development of professional, competent association managers and has recently added a Young Association Professional category to its membership structure. AuSAE will be working to expand the geographic regions of its YAP events.

Over the next few weeks AuSAE will be running networking lunches in Melbourne, Perth, Wellington, Hobart and Adelaide. We invite you to join other senior management professionals from associations, charities and other non-profits for a scrumptious meal, high level networking, and a presentation from our guest speaker. Click here to download the offline booking form.

Membership is Dead?

A number of powerful generational, cultural and economic forces are colliding to create a perfect storm that will make the next 5-20 years some of the toughest ever faced by associations. Associations who don’t adapt face a slow decline into obscurity as they are replaced by newer, more innovative, less bureaucratically challenged, less change resistant competitors. While the idea of membership will continue, the antiquated models of recruiting, retaining and engaging members cannot survive in an increasingly challenging and ever-changing operating environment. Belinda Moore, Australasia's top membership specialist, will provide insights into the forces creating this change and how to adapt to them.

Better Boards Australasia is undertaking the 2012/2013 Non-Profit Board Member Remuneration Survey in order to better understand the prevalence of Board Remuneration in the non-profit sector, as well as the thoughts and opinions that exist on this topic within the sector. We encourage your board to participate in this survey irrespective of whether they are paid or un-paid as the goal is to map trends emerging in this area. The closing date of the survey is 28 February 2013. Click here to participate.

BDO is undertaking a survey to give not-for-profit organisations the opportunity to have their say about the tax concession reform options proposed by the Government, and join their peers in giving the sector a strong and united voice to drive meaningful reform. The survey closes on 8 February 2013. Click here to participate.

Brisbane Marketing is running an event to showcase Brisbane to association event planners on March 14-15. If your role includes arranging or influencing conferences, and you are interested in checking out what Brisbane has to offer, then we invite you to register your interest today. Successful registrants will receive: return economy class airfare from your home city to Brisbane, overnight accommodation for one night, all meals and transfers as part of the famil itinerary (two days) and a site inspection of various hotels and venues. Click here to register your interest.

IMEX is the exhibition that will save you time and expense by enabling you to see all your suppliers under one roof. Every year since 2003 IMEX has brought buyers like you into the heart of the meetings industry. The event takes place in Frankfurt 20-23 May 2013 and if you meet the criteria you will find that IMEX will cover your flight and accommodation costs. AuSAE have appointed Roy Palmer to act as Intermediary in 2013 and if you are interested in attending please contact Roy by email at roydpalmer@gmail.com and he will send you an official invitation to register.

Working in conjunction with the Canadian Society of Association Executives, AuSAE have been delivering Leadership Training Courses in India, China and Thailand for the past several years. We are looking for an experienced association executive who is fluent in Mandarin to deliver the session in Shanghai in conjunction with former AuSAE President Simon Pryor in April. If you are interested in more information please contact Belinda@ausae.org.au.

ACU Executive Education are offering a professional qualification which provides valuable strategies for navigating the new third sector landscape. The Graduate Certificate in Management of Not-for-Profit Organisations aims to equip participants with real-world skills to succeed in the face of ever-decreasing budgets and a major government reform. ACU are offering a new iPad Mini to all AuSAE members who enrol in the program during 2013. Organisations who nominate 4 or more participants will also receive a 25% scholarship. Click here to learn more.

AuSAE is looking for volunteers to get involved with their local city chapter. Meetings with current and interested committee participants will be held in conjunction with the networking lunches. If you are interested in getting to know other association executives, sharing insights and influencing the professional development activities in your area then please email Belinda@ausae.org.au.