Networking Lunch (Perth): How to Reinvigorate your Association in an Environment of Change
This event is now closed for online registrations, if you are interested in attending please email events@ausae.org.au.
The Networking
We invite you to take a couple of hours out of your day to connect with others in the industry to discuss high level topics of real importance, develop new relationships and gain critical information. This is a rare opportunity to network with other CEOs and senior management professionals from charities, associations and other non-profit organisations. Ample opportunity will be given for you to discuss issues and network with others.
The Topic
During this session, our guest speaker will provide a high level assessment of the performance and position of St John Ambulance over the past five years, and the significant challenges the organisation will face in years to come. A key factor in its success is St John’s highly integrated model which allows the achievement of their vision of service to humanity. You will hear how the organisational model of a not-for-profit, non-government, is able to deliver an additional net benefit to the community.
St John Ambulance faces that classic challenge, the need for an organisation that has enjoyed considerable success in terms of achieving its purpose and mission to reinvigorate and reinvent itself in order to continue to grow. In today's society, the need for associations to reinvigorate themselves is critical in order to grow and prosper in this environment of change.
With this in mind, this session will focus on how an organisation with a long rich history and heritage goes about achieving this re-invigoration and reinvention, utilising St John Ambulance as a live example.
The Speaker
Tony Ahern, Chief Executive Officer, St John Ambulance West Australia Ltd
Tony Ahern joined St John Ambulance in 1973 as a 15 year old cadet. In 1980 he moved from being a first aid volunteer to career ambulance officer. Initially based in Albany, he later moved back to Perth and spent the majority of his paramedic career working from the Perth Central depot. During his time on the road Tony was an on-road tutor, Station Manager and also spent time in the state operations centre.
In 1989 he made a career change moving into accounting and computing services taking a lead role in modernising St John’s administrative and financial systems over more than a decade. During this time he also completed his Master of Business Degree in Information Systems. In 1995, Tony was appointed to the position of Finance Director on the Executive, was made Deputy Chief Executive Officer in 2000 and Chief Executive Officer in 2006.
With over 9,000 staff and volunteers and annual revenues of $280m, St John Ambulance in Western Australia is the second largest “Order of St John” entity in the world today and rapidly moving towards being the largest. It is one of only two “non-government” ambulance service organisations in Australia.
Tony has played an integral role in keeping the organisation at the forefront through implementing practical new technology. The Computer Aided Dispatch system which enables ambulances to respond quickly is one of Tony’s success stories.
At a national level he led the Strategic Business Advisory Committee of the Council of Ambulance Authorities coordinating data which is measured by the Productivity Commission. In 2010 he became the Chairman of the Council of Ambulance Authorities Inc. (CAA). Tony is also a Board member of the WA Primary Health Alliance and Chairman of the Emergency Services Volunteer Hardship Fund.
Tony completed the London Business School Senior Executive Program to further develop his leadership skills and in 2004 was awarded the prestigious Ambulance Service Medal as part of the federal government’s Australia Day Honours.
Please register here online or click here to download an Event Registration form
