Although I have not attended as many conventions as some of the more seasoned legends, this is my 15th. Simone and I thoroughly enjoy the Annual Convention; we enjoy the friendships, the camaraderie, the fun and laughs, as well as the networking opportunities at the exhibition and functions. We both look forward to catching up with you all at some stage throughout the Convention.
Once again it is time for the members to consider who they want on APIA’s Board. The elections will be held at the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 16 October, before the second day of business sessions at the Convention. The Board plays a vital role in providing guidance for and oversight of the Secretariat. The Board works well together and it’s always good to see new appointments helping to make sure there is enough renewal to keep the ideas and the discussions fresh, as well as maintaining diversity on the Board. I am now halfway through my term as President. It’s a challenging and time-consuming role, but one that I enjoy immensely. Like the team at the Secretariat, I also welcome comments and ideas from the members.
As some of you are no doubt aware, I have recently changed employers. This does not in any way change my commitment to APIA. I am here as your representative for the whole industry. Whilst I am now an owner’s representative on the Board, I have a unique position in that I bring a construction background to that sector, and therefore a great understanding of how the industry sectors work together. I look forward to the second half of my term as President with my new employer, APA Group.
Another new appointment is that of our own Chief Executive to the International Gas Union’s (IGU’s) Executive Committee. This is a prestigious appointment that brings Cheryl – and therefore APIA – into the international scene. This development came about at the World Gas Conference in Kuala Lumpur in June. Cheryl attended in her role as a director of the Australian Gas Industry Trust (AGIT), Australia’s representative body on the IGU. Australia was one of twelve countries nominated for six positions on the IGU’s Executive Committee and Cheryl was the AGIT’s nominee. The Executive Committee oversees the work of all the working and program committees of the IGU and I am sure Cheryl will bring her unique insight to the group. She has the APIA Board’s full support in this new role, which will expand her gas and pipeline industry challenges.
Our Chief Executive has mentioned the continuing success of the Young Pipeliners Forum. The new ideas are very refreshing, and the Board certainly enjoyed being “˜hijacked’ in Perth after its meeting for a speed mentoring session. It was well run and gives us great faith in the next generation of pipeline professionals. However, we wouldn’t be here today, nor would we be planning for the future, if it wasn’t for the tremendous work and dedication of the earlier generation of pipeliners. This is highlighted in the Pipeline Industry Legends of Australia book that Great Southern Press has compiled. There are many lessons to be learnt from this hallowed group and we are grateful that many have used their retirement to share their knowledge and experience.
In the meantime, I hope that if you are in Brisbane for the Convention that you make the most of the exhibitions and the business papers. I also hope that the networking events are of benefit to you all. If you are unable to attend this year, I hope that you will be able to join us next year in Adelaide. The APIA Annual Convention and Exhibition is the highlight of the APIA year. It is an event of which we can all be very proud.