The year is rapidly ending, and this is the last eConnect for 2021. As I reflect on the year, I am in awe of the way that so many of our members have faced the challenges thrown at us all this year. Who would have thought after the outbreak of COVID in 2020 that 2021 would follow a similar path? I know that it hasn’t been easy and calls to Member Support reflect this.
We have been here for you. Whether it be in our advocacy on your behalf, the information and support provided in the thousands of phone calls and emails to Member Support, direct service provision by our Business Solutions team helping you navigate various stimulus measures at the beginning of the year and doing payroll and bookkeeping so you can focus on the best outcomes for children, or service specific sector support, the team at CCSA are here to support you.
Our webinars and training programs have been well received and we appreciate your feedback. Demand is high and we are launching exciting new initiatives to be rolled out in 2022. Our Training Calendar is on our website, and this is just the beginning. There will be learning opportunities for Committees, Owners, Directors and Administration Officers. We are very excited about launching our Administrators Network Forum. While everyone plays a part, Administration Officers are integral to the effective management of your service. We are reaching out and developing a specialised program to create connections and elevate our level of support. Please consider supporting your Administration Officer to join the network.
The Coffee, Conversations and Connections series will continue next year. We will continue to discuss areas of concern, bringing together sector experts to enable conversations around strategies for success. We know that there are not many opportunities for members to get together in a forum space to talk and share ideas and help each other. The feedback from you about the 2021 Coffee, Conversations and Connections series tells us that you have valued this opportunity to get together albeit in a virtual space.
I am delighted that so many have registered for the Rural and Remote Forum in 2022 at the Fairmont Resort, Leura, in the beautiful Blue Mountains, and I look forward to catching up in person with old friends and new in March. If you haven’t booked tickets yet, it’s not too late.
I hope you will have the opportunity to have a well-deserved break over the holiday period, and that you get to spend time with family and friends. Our office will close on 23rd December and re-open on 10 January. Our Business Solutions team will ensure your staff and bills are paid throughout the Christmas break.
On behalf of everyone at CCSA let me wish you a happy and joyous festive season and extend our best wishes to you and your teams for a safe and happy new year.
Meg Mendham
CEO