Dear Skålleagues,

As we prepare for an exciting month ahead, I want to take a moment to extend my thoughts to all our members in Southeast Queensland who are facing Cyclone Alfred. Our Skål family stands together in challenging times, and we hope everyone stays safe and well-prepared as the cyclone approaches. Please reach out to fellow members and support each other where possible—we are stronger together!

Looking ahead, we are very excited to welcome delegates to Broome next week for our Skål International Australia AGM and the 111th National Assembly. The tropical weather has certainly made its presence known—it’s been very hot and humid! Please take note of the dress code for our assembly weekend and pack accordingly to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the events.

I also want to extend a warm welcome to all newly elected Presidents and club committees across the country. It’s always inspiring to see fresh energy and leadership step up, and I look forward to working alongside you all throughout 2025 as we continue to strengthen and grow Skål International Australia.

A special congratulations to Skål Perth for launching their SKIWA mentoring program. Supporting and nurturing young professionals is crucial for the future of our industry, and this initiative is a fantastic step forward. We are eager to learn more about it during their presentation in Broome next week.

On the membership front, we know we have work to do. Our numbers are not where we want them to be, and now is the time to drive recruitment and actively promote the benefits of being a Skål member. I encourage every club to focus on engagement, networking, and outreach—our strength lies in our people, and we need to continue growing our community.

I also want to challenge clubs to go for a record-breaking entry year in the Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards. We have incredible tourism businesses and initiatives in Australia that deserve global recognition—let’s showcase our leadership in sustainability on the world stage!

Finally, a quick reminder: if your club has not yet finalised its administrative duties following your AGM, please do so as soon as possible. It’s essential that we update club boards, email forwarders, and other key details to ensure smooth operations moving forward.

Safe travels to all heading to Broome next week—I look forward to catching up with you all in person!

Yours in Skål,

Ash Munn

National President
Skål International Australia