Advocacy update
Earlier this week, I distributed an Advocacy update to our members. This update encompassed an outline of the steps taken during the Migration review specifically toward Recommendation 30 related to English proficiency levels for student visas, our efforts in lobbying against the Subclass 408 visa, and the noteworthy highlights from recent Ministerial announcements. There is a lot happening across the policy and regulatory landscape at present, and English Australia has been actively representing our member’s views.
In case you didn’t have a chance to review it, here’s the link for your convenience.
English Australia Conference
The 2023 English Australia conference has commenced, featuring captivating pre-conference workshops yesterday. This morning, the Hon Patricia Forsythe AM delivered a delightful welcome address on behalf of Study NSW, followed by an invigorating opening plenary presented by Mike McQueen. I am excited about the upcoming Gala dinner tonight, where we will celebrate our 40th Anniversary in style. Thanks to all our members who are attending the conference, the amazing array of speakers, and the sponsors who have supported the event.
English Australia 40th Anniversary: 40 Voices campaign
To help us celebrate our 40th Anniversary, English Australia along with our creative agency partner Zoubakin undertook a project to capture the essence of our past and present through the voices of 40 influential figures within our sector. Through interviews and reflection, we have captured their insights, experiences, and visions for our future. I would like to extend my thanks to the countless individuals who have contributed to the growth and success of English Australia over the past 40 years. Your dedication and efforts have been invaluable. I encourage you to take a moment to watch the videos and hear the perspectives presented as a glimpse into the diverse experiences and journeys that have shaped our associations’ history.
Congratulations 2023 English Australia Award winners
I’d like to extend my personal congratulations to all the winners who have been acknowledged during the conference so far. To those who will be recognised tomorrow, on the conference’s final day, your dedication and hard work deserve every bit of recognition. We will send out a separate email to recognise the 2023 English Australia Award winners.
English Australia Conference post-conference workshops
Please be reminded that we are running free post-conference workshops for teachers in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane with our conference plenary speaker Mike Mayor.
Run in partnership with Pearson, these workshops are an opportunity for teachers who did not attend the main conference to have a taste of the English Australia Conference.
Austrade LATAM Market Briefing Webinar
I am very excited about the upcoming Austrade webinar on Tuesday 12 September, which is offered free of charge to our members. This webinar will delve into market development prospects in one of our most important ELICOS source regions – LATAM. This is our inaugural Market Spotlight collaboration with Austrade, and we look forward to providing you with further webinars in the upcoming months, focusing on various crucial source regions. Register now so that you don’t miss out.
Please also be advised that Austrade’s Market Information Package (MIP) and Study Australia Partner Hub have been re-launched as Education Data Insights (EDI). You can view their new LinkedIn page here.
English Australia Board meeting
Earlier this month, the English Australia Board convened for a meeting. During this meeting, the Board dedicated their time to considering the association’s position in relation to the ongoing reviews and reform initiatives taking place within the accreditation and regulatory landscape. The Board reviewed the results of the association’s performance against our strategic plan, with insights from the data collected through our annual member survey. Thank you to all our members who contributed to this important process. English Australia is in the final stages of developing our new Strategic Plan for the years 2024-2027. The official release of this plan will occur at the hybrid Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for October 19, 2023.
Board Elections
As highlighted in the newsletter, the Call for Nominations for the four General Delegates on the English Australia Board officially commenced today. All English Australia Board member terms are for a two-year period. The Board plays a pivotal role in overseeing the association’s strategic direction as well as ensuring crucial governance and risk management functions. I encourage you to take the opportunity to review the available resources related to the role of the Board, and English Australia if you are considering nominating. Nominations close Thursday 14 September 2023 at 5:00 pm AEST.
We will be undertaking the Call for Nominations for three State/ Territory Delegate positions once the General Delegate election is completed.
Please reach out to me should you have anything you would like to discuss.
