Skål Australia AGM & 111th National Assembly Wrap Up
Broome, Western Australia
The Skål International Australia AGM & 111th National Assembly – Broome, 2025
From March 14-16, Skålleagues from across Australia and beyond gathered in beautiful, balmy Broome for an exceptional weekend of networking, learning, collaboration, and celebration. The 111th Skål Australia National Assembly created an outstanding platform for industry leaders to meet, engage in important discussions, and recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions to our Association.
Our destination Broome, the western gateway to the stunning Kimberley region, provided the perfect backdrop for our weekend. Renowned for its spectacular sunsets over Cable Beach, striking red cliffs, and vibrant multicultural heritage, it was the warmth and genuine hospitality of its people that really stood out.
Early arrivals were treated to an elegant Pre-Assembly Prosecco & Pearls event on Thursday evening, hosted by Willie Creek Pearls. Guests sipped Prosecco while admiring Broome’s world-renowned pearls (and sampling pearl meat!) —a rather exquisite way to set the tone for an unforgettable assembly.
Day One
On Friday, delegates were warmly greeted by the Broome Committee upon registration and gifted with a tote bag and souvenir fans (a beautiful and practical gift that certainly came in handy over the weekend). There was a packed house for the Tourism Panel, which featured seasoned North-West Australian industry leaders giving their insight into Regional Tourism. The discussion delved into the challenges and opportunities operating in a regional area, highlighting innovation, sustainability, and most of all collaboration.
Alongside the Panel, the B2B Expo, provided members a wonderful chance to meet and greet with a diverse group of suppliers and explore potential business opportunities.
The energy continued into the Welcome Cocktail Reception at Moonlight Bay Suites, overlooking Roebuck Bay. Guests were greeted with specially made “Pride” gin and tonics on arrival and enjoyed flowing beverages courtesy of Matso’s Brewery (if you haven’t yet tried their Ginger Beer, you don’t know what you’re missing!) Friendships were rekindled, new connections formed, and a breathtaking lightning show across the western sky added to the magic of the evening.
Day Two
Saturday got to the core of Skål business, with the AGM and National Assembly held at the Mangrove Hotel. With the key recurring theme of “Lead Today, Shape Tomorrow,” Skålleagues participated in dynamic discussions focused on driving forward the future of travel, tourism, and our Association.
We were honoured to welcome several prominent Skål International leaders, including World President, Australia’s own, Denise Scrafton, whose insights underscored the strength of our global network and our commitment to growing and modernising our Association. We are very grateful for the distinguished company of:
Denise Scrafton – Skål International World President; Andres Hayes – Vice President & 2026 President-Elect; Mohan NSN – Deputy Vice President; Kevin Rautenbach – Region 11 Director; Graham Mann – Region 13 Deputy Director; Keethi Jayaweera – Asian Area President; Victoria Wales – President, Skål International New Zealand.
Key discussions included updates from the international Technology, Congress, Finance and Training Committees, and a round table session on strengthening membership across the Skål community with a focus on member retention. We also gained valuable insider perspectives with updates from our international Skål leaders representing the USA, India, Thailand, New Zealand, and Asia. Keethi Jayaweera captivated us with an inspiring preview of the upcoming Asia Congress in Sri Lanka. With a stunning video showcasing the beauty and hospitality of Sri Lanka, there were certainly many hands up in the air when he asked who is planning on attending in June this year!
The room was uncharacteristically quiet as we took in Skål Perth’s presentation of their SKIWA Mentorship Program. This wonderful initiative is aimed at guiding the next generation of tourism and hospitality professionals—reinforcing the importance of leadership and industry development, as well as highlighting the immense knowledge and expertise of our seasoned Skålleagues and their willingness to ‘give back’ to the industry. Huge thank you to Perth President, Michael Collins, SKIWA co-coordinator Jack Sherry and the strong contingent of Skålleagues from Perth in attendance.
A further highlight on the day was a presentation from His Excellency, Mr. Jose Ortiz, Consul General of Peru, who inspired delegates with insights into Peru’s vibrant tourism landscape as we plan for the upcoming Skål World Congress, to be hosted in Cuzco in late September.
Excitement built with confirmation of our next two National Assembly destination hosts! We encourage you to mark the dates in your calendar now:
Adelaide – September 5-7, 2025
Gold Coast – March 13-15, 2026
Following our lively and productive Assembly, and a relaxing Past Presidents’ Shout on the Mangrove Hotel sundeck, delegates embraced the spirit of Kimberley Formal, dressing up for our Gala Dinner at the iconic Cable Beach Club Resort.
This Gala held added significance as Skål International Broome marked its 30th Anniversary—a ‘Pearl’ milestone perfectly befitting the pearling capital of Australia! Guests indulged in a superb menu (including a divine pearl meat and tuna tartare) and enjoyed some heartfelt speeches and special presentations. Congratulations to our outstanding award winners:
Michael Collins (Skål International Perth) – Skål International Australia Skålleague of the Year
Skål International Darwin – Skål International Australia Club of the Year
Skål Australia President Ash Munn presented our special international guests with a symbolic gift—beautiful Broome pearl mementos of their time in this extraordinary part of the world (which also happens to be our President’s backyard) before we danced the night away - in true Aussie Skål style!
Day Three
The Assembly concluded with a Farewell Brunch at Spinifex Brewing Co., where we reflected on an extraordinary weekend of networking, collaboration, professional and personal development and fun!
A heartfelt thank you to all who attended, especially our international Skålleagues who made the journey to (a very remote part of!) Australia to support us.
Our National Assemblies are a huge part of what it means to be an Australian Skålleague— offering the chance to forge deeper connections with fellow members, to explore new business opportunities and to embrace the culture, hospitality, and camaraderie that define our Association.
To those who couldn’t attend this time, we look forward to welcoming you in Adelaide in September!
