ACBC National Update

Message from National President David Olsson

As organisations look to recover from the pandemic and respond to geo-political disruption, they must all adjust their approach in order to be better prepared for future impacts and improve their resilience. ACBC is no different. Over the last year, our Branches across Australia have stepped up and managed change, lockdowns and uncertainty. Our Board recognises, however, that if we are to remain a vibrant and sustainable organisation, we need to adapt. The risks we face are multiple, complex and interconnected, and the environment dynamic.

For this reason, we have taken the decision not to appoint a National CEO for the time being, but instead to create a new National Leadership Group from amongst our ranks. This group, to be chaired by a National Executive Officer, will manage the organisation over the coming 12 months while we take stock of the changing environment.

On behalf of the Board, I am therefore pleased to announce the appointment of Virginia Birrell as our National Executive Officer.  As of 1 September 2021, Virginia will hold the role for 12 months. As chair of the National Leadership Group, Virginia will work alongside myself as National President, and our executive teams around the country, to bring out the best of our national operation for the benefit of our members and stakeholders. Virginia will be well known to many of you. She has led (and will continue to lead) the Victorian Branch with distinction over the last seven years. She brings a wonderful depth of experience and relationships with members, sponsors and stakeholders.

I would also like to thank Michael Clifton for leading the organisation as interim National CEO over the last six months. Michael stepped up at a critical time and has provided outstanding leadership, including the delivery last week of our successful Canberra Networking Day. Michael now returns to his role as Branch President of the NSW Branch.