President's Update - Feb '25
Ash Munn
President - Skål International Australia
Ash Munn
Partnerships & Technology
Dear Skålleagues,
As clubs across our organisation hold their Annual General Meetings, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and sincerely thank the outgoing Presidents and committee members this year. Your dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment - given voluntarily - have been instrumental in strengthening your clubs and supporting the travel and tourism industry. Running a club is no small task; it requires time, energy, and passion, and we greatly appreciate the incredible effort you have put in. I sincerely hope that you remain engaged as valued members of our organisation and I hope to reconnect with you all again soon somewhere at a Skål or industry event.
At the same time, I warmly welcome the incoming Presidents (and those returning) and their committees. Stepping into or returning into these roles is both an exciting opportunity and a great responsibility, and I look forward to working alongside you to build on the legacy of those before you. In the words of our World President Denise Scrafton's Presidential theme of Leading Today, Shaping Tomorrow, together, let's continue to grow, inspire and make a meaningful difference to our members, clubs, and our organisation.
As clubs across our organisation hold their Annual General Meetings, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and sincerely thank the outgoing Presidents and committee members this year. Your dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment - given voluntarily - have been instrumental in strengthening your clubs and supporting the travel and tourism industry. Running a club is no small task; it requires time, energy, and passion, and we greatly appreciate the incredible effort you have put in. I sincerely hope that you remain engaged as valued members of our organisation and I hope to reconnect with you all again soon somewhere at a Skål or industry event.
At the same time, I warmly welcome the incoming Presidents (and those returning) and their committees. Stepping into or returning into these roles is both an exciting opportunity and a great responsibility, and I look forward to working alongside you to build on the legacy of those before you. In the words of our World President Denise Scrafton's Presidential theme of Leading Today, Shaping Tomorrow, together, let's continue to grow, inspire and make a meaningful difference to our members, clubs, and our organisation.
It's not too late to book your attendance to our upcoming AGM & 111th National Assembly to be held in Broome next month. The Broome Club and I are very excited to be welcoming delegates to the pearling capital of Australia, and the Western Gateway to The Kimberley.
Our National Assembly promises to be an incredible weekend filled with exciting networking events, an engaging business expo, and a tourism panel that will showcase the best of Broome. It's a fantastic opportunity to network, connect and collaborate with fellow members, do business amongst friends and create business opportunities.
We are very honoured to be welcoming some very special guests to Broome - Our Skål International World President Denise Scrafton, Skål International Vice President Andres Hayes and International Directors Mohan NSN from India and Kevin Rautenbach from Thailand. In addition, we welcome Skål International Asia President Keethi Jayaweera and Skål International New Zealand President Victoria Wales.
It's important for our members Australia-wide to attend our National Assemblies and actively participate in shaping the future of Skål International Australia. Your insights and contributions are vital as we come together to strengthen our organisation and unlock new opportunities for growth. Only by experiencing a National Assembly first-hand can you truly appreciate the value of your membership – the connections you build, the knowledge you gain, and the impact we create together.
A huge thank you to the Broome Local Organising Committee - Sarah Dudek and her team and the Broome members have been working very hard to ensure that the weekend will be meaningful and memorable as we welcome visitors to our stunning part of the world.
If you haven’t yet decided whether you’re attending, picture yourself soaking in a Cable Beach sunset with a cocktail in hand, cruising through the turquoise waters of Roebuck Bay, exploring the rich history and culture in Chinatown or shopping for shimmering pearls all whilst you immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and natural beauty that make Broome truly unforgettable. What are you waiting for?
We look forward to welcoming you to the pearl of Australia’s Northwest.
Yours in Skål,
Ash Munn
National President
Skål International Australia
