It is my honour to bring you the CFASA President’s Report for 2024.
Presidents can’t do their job alone, so I want to begin by acknowledging the CFASA Committee who work hard throughout the year to plan and deliver events that bring Fellows together and showcase SA Fellow’s achievements. I want to recognise the contribution of John Zwar, on his second round with the committee, who continues to lead wonderful botanic gardens walks and share his knowledge with grace and humour; thanks to Monica Diaz who has done a great job taking over the CFASA marketing and promotion role; I’m grateful for the insight and energy of Kylee von Ohle who almost always says ‘yes’ despite career demands; thanks to our enthusiastic annual dinner fundraising auctioneer Peter Bleby, cheers to our very own Energiser Bunny and long term Committee member Christine Morris; I am grateful for the wise counsel and calm insights of
Dr Meredith Frearson, and I have welcomed the energy of new member Victoria Cornell, and lastly, thanks to the unstoppable woman with many hats, Louise Kelly, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. The success of the National Convention that SA hosted this time last year, and all of the events that have been held in 2024, are due to the combined efforts of this committee. My huge thanks to one and all.
Typically, a Presidents report focuses on the past year’s achievements, but you know I’m not one to be restricted by convention. I’ve decided to step down and as this will be my last President’s Report, I’m going to take some liberties, by pondering what the future of CFASA might look like.
Next year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. Time for reflection and change. New Trust CEO Christine Dacey was appointed recently, there have been a number of new staff recruited, and the Board is still working to achieve many of its 2021-26 strategic directions. I believe it’s appropriate for us to honour the many achievements of the Trust and all past Fellows who have, and continue to make an impact on their communities, but we must also remain agile, responsive and innovative.
Fellows Associations across Australia come in many shapes and sizes. South Australia has always been a very proactive Association. Many past committee members and Presidents can attest to that. CFASA is one of the few groups that does not charge membership fees. We are one of the most financial Associations and on several occasions, have been able to co-sponsor (with the Trust) a CFASA Fellowship because of the fundraising we do at our annual dinner and the generous donations received from SA Fellows. Western Australia has recently voted to disband their Association and become a non-incorporated committee. Other States and Territories are discussing their structure and membership and their relationship with the Trust. This is timely and appropriate.
The SA constitution is out of date and needs refreshing. We have made a number of necessary administrative changes that do not align with our constitution; for example, the Committee has endorsed that we move away from using paper committee nomination forms to accepting nominations by email. I have promoted that the Trust take a lead role in reviewing all Association’s constitutions and consider if it’s appropriate, to adopt a consistent National approach.
I think it’s also timely for us to consider what do we want from our own Association, what is our relationship to the Trust and how do we remain true to Sir Winston’s original idea of creating something like the Rhodes Scholarships, but making sure a Churchill Fellowship is available to all people and on a much wider basis (than the Rhodes Scholarship).
The Trust’s mission is to empower people to bring new ideas and approaches to their communities; to support people from all walks of life and to select a wide range of projects that align with emerging changes in society’s values; and to select those projects that can create a positive impact.
Of the 103 fellowships awarded this year, 33% of new Fellows have ‘Dr’ in front of their name, women outnumber men and there were only 9 Indigenous 2024 Fellowship recipients.
The Trust is committed to increasing diversity and accessibility. The ‘subjects’ of projects themselves might be diverse in nature, but how do we attract a more diverse field of applicants? How do we ensure the application process is accessible to all. We have had that discussion at CFASA Committee meetings and also with our Patron ex-Governor Hieu Van Le AC. Hieu and I stood together and looked around the room at the Lord Mayoral Reception for the National Convention in Adelaide last October like two proud parents, and what we saw was a largely Caucasian, ageing, mid or late career professional group, and primarily Metropolitan based. An impressive group? yes, absolutely! But diverse? No….Is this what we want looking forward? How can we be more socially inclusive?
So, with that in mind, the challenge I put to you all, is to consider:
- What do you want your Association to look like, what is its function, what is its future?
- How can you get involved to support CFASA to deliver its objectives?
- How can you help to promote the incredible opportunity of a Churchill Fellowship to different individuals and groups?
- How can we better engage with you and best represent your interests?
- How do we open the door to a more diverse cohort of applicants?
- How can you help CFASA to support all Churchill Fellows throughout their journey and provide opportunities for them to succeed and continue to have impact?
I look forward to watching from the sidelines and seeing what you come up with.
Lastly, let me say what a pleasure it has been to serve as CFASA President. The experience has left me with a few more grey hairs, a lot of great memories, laughs and new friendships. My best wishes to the incoming 24/25 CFASA Committee, to Trust Board and staff, and to all of you.