ANNUAL REPORT 2018

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THE ASSOCIATION’S VISION

To position the Business Administrator as a relevant, forward thinking leader at the forefront of independent issues, a leading advisor within the school and the community in respect to the financial and operational management of non-government schools and school systems, and the promoter of strong and professional management within non-government schools and school systems.

THE ASSOCIATION’S MISSION

To provide support to schools in the form of meaningful services and resources, professional development, collegiality and networking opportunities to the persons who are responsible for or significantly involved with the financial and business management functions of non- government schools or non-government school systems.

CORE VALUES

The core values that the Association expects itself and each of its members to exhibit are:

Integrity

A commitment in dealing with their responsibilities with the utmost professionalism, honesty, confidentiality and integrity.

Stewardship

An awareness that the financial and other resources available are not limitless and, therefore, need to be applied to the organisation in a sustainable and effective way to produce the greatest impact for current activity whilst providing for the future viability of the organisation.

Supporting education

A supporter of the education sector, in schools generally, and a promoter of independent education and the benefits it provides to its students.

Supporting communities

A supporter of community through the education sector, and a promoter of independent education and the benefits it provides to the community.

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ASBA NSW COMMITTEE

The 2018 Committee of ASBA NSW was duly elected at the Annual General Meeting held on 9 March 2018 at SCEGGS Darlinghurst and casual vacancies were filled post-AGM as, and when, required.

President: Michelle Scott

Vice President: Kristy Ahearn SCEGGS Darlinghurst

Secretary: Bryn Gregerson Waverley College

Treasurer: Lorin Livingstone Newcastle Anglican Schools Corporation (resigned October 2018)

Glenn Ollerton Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College (appointed October 2018)

Immediate Past President: David Barker Barker College

Committee: Rita Brissett PLC Armidale Glenn Ollerton Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College (to October 2018) Christopher Redwood Nepean Christian School Hugh Castleden Calrossy Anglican School Beth Ellerman Illawarra Christian Education (appointed March 2018) Danielle Dwyer Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta (appointed August 2018)

Honorary Auditor: Manser Tierney & Johnston

ASBA Ltd Directors: David Barker Michelle Scott

Lorin Livingston retired from the position of Treasurer on 19 October 2018 and this position was subsequently filled by Glenn Ollerton. At the time of writing this report, there is currently one casual vacancy on the State Committee. Following the AGM, another casual vacancy may be created. If any member is interested in joining the Committee, please be in .

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SUB-COMMITTEES

Strategic Planning and Governance: Rita Brissett (Chair) Michelle Scott Bryn Gregerson Hugh Castleden Lorin Livingstone (until October 2018) Glenn Ollerton (from October 2018) David Barker

Professional Development: Kristy Ahearn (Chair) Michelle Scott Glenn Ollerton (until October 2018) Bryn Gregerson Guy Fitzsimmons Christopher Redwood Beth Ellerman Danielle Dwyer

Regional Convenors: David Barker North Shore Bryn Gregerson South East Metropolitan Danielle Dwyer Outer Western Richard Arkell Central Metropolitan Region Lynda Koren Riverina Ron Featherstone (until July 2018) Wal Hopkins (from July 2018) Hunter Central Coast Darren Grant Illawarra Southern Highlands Hugh Castleden New North Shane Oxley Far North Coast Trevor Delbridge Bathurst Region

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Summary of Activities

The ASBA NSW Committee met as required by the Rules of the Association. Committee and Sub- committee members were actively involved in meetings and, as a result of their dedication, I am able to present the results for the year.

The ASBA NSW Committee met:

1) 12 February 2018 AISNSW

2) 9 April 2018 AISNSW

3) 14 June 2018

4) 20 August 2018 AISNSW

5) 12 November 2018 AISNSW

Membership

At the date of this report the Association’s membership details are as follows:

Membership Type 2018 2017 2016 2015

Full Member 288 292 281 282

Life 12 11 11 9

Honorary 0 0 0 0

Guest 0 0 0 1

Total 300 303 292 292

Finance

A copy of the 2018 Financial Statements has been circulated to members and is available on the ASBA NSW website. The Association recorded an Operating Surplus for the year of $83,194 (2017 deficit $26,596) with a deficit of $2,452 to the Membership Fund (2017 surplus $4,192) and a surplus of $95,243 to the Professional Development Fund (2017 deficit $28,677). The Association has Net Assets of $547,133 (2017 $463,939).

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Manser Tierney & Johnston have conducted an audit of the Association and have formed the view that the Financial Statements as prepared are a true and accurate record of the financial activities of ASBA NSW for 2018.

The outgoing Treasurer, Lorin Livingston, provided outstanding service to the Committee and ASBA NSW and the Association recognises and acknowledges her support. We thank Glenn Ollerton for stepping into the role of Treasurer and for preparing the Financial Reports for the 2018 year. We look forward to his continuing expertise and support.

ACNC Governance Standards

The ASBA (NSW) Committee have considered the ACNC Governance standards and note the following:

1. That ASBA (NSW) is a not for profit organisation and all surpluses are reinvested in accordance with the purposes and goals of the organisation, that is for the benefit of all members;

2. That ASBA (NSW) accounts to its members annually through the Annual General Meeting;

3. That ASBA (NSW) complies with applicable Australian laws;

4. That the Committee members are required to disclose whether they continue to be responsible persons; and

5. That the Committee members act in accordance with their duties as responsible persons.

Professional Development

The PD Committee continues to provide relevant and affordable professional development opportunities for members. Chaired in 2018 by Kristy Ahearn, the PD Committee has successfully presented the following PD activities including a well-attended and outstanding Chapter Conference:

Term 1 9 March 2018 Location: SCEGGS Darlinghurst, Sydney

Speakers Nexia Financial Questionnaire & ACNC Urbis State Environmental Planning Catherine DeVrye Shift Happens – Change/Disruption AIS representatives AIS NSW update

75 Attendees National Strategic Partner – Camp Australia

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Term 2 Regional PD Day 15 June 2018 Location: Frensham School, Mittagong

Speakers Dominic Wright - AON Risk Survey Matthew Hassan - Westpac Economic update Sarah Cain - KPMG Technical update Jill Arkell – Altus Q Building high performance teams Cathy Lovell AIS NSW Update

26 Attendees National Strategic Partner – AON

Term 3 NSW Chapter conference – “Future Matters” 2-5 October 2018 Location: OAKS, Cypress Lakes, Hunter Valley (with ISPFMG)

Speakers Paul Teys Principal & Bursar relationship Dean Pearson Behavioural economics Elizabeth Crouch NFP legislation and Sec83C Tracey Cain Reputational risk/Critical incident Peter Sharp Life outside the comfort zone Dan Haesler Leadership, mindset, wellbeing Samantha McGolrick Leading safe workplaces Malcolm Leithhead Fire safety regulations Jonathan Oliver Compliance and risk management Commonwealth Bank Agile schools of the future Tim Oyston Strategic planning/asset mgt

125 Attendees National Strategic Partner – Commonwealth Bank and Alliance 44 Sponsors

Term 4 Breakfast Meeting 24 November 2018 Location: Ricoh, Ryde (with MITIE Group)

Speakers Ricoh representatives solutions and education for collaborative learning

18 Attendees National Strategic Partner - Ricoh

The PD Committee is a busy and active group and their energy, professionalism and enthusiasm is truly appreciated. As always, the quality of speakers and breadth of topics covered is evidence of the Committee’s dedication in ensuring that ASBA NSW members receive up to date and relevant professional development at an affordable price.

The PD Committee have ongoing communication with ISPFMG, the group which represents Facilities and Property Managers in Independent Schools. We were so pleased that IPSFMG members were able to join us for our 2018 State Conference.

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We are keen to continue working with the MITIE group, made up of IT leaders from independent schools. To finish the year off we joined the MITIE group for a networking breakfast, presentations from Ricoh and a tour of the Ricoh facilities. We look forward to sharing more events with MITIE in 2019.

I want to extend a massive vote of thanks to the PD Committee on what was, quite simply, an incredible State Conference – “Future Matters” held at OAKS, Cypress Lakes in the Hunter Valley. The PD Committee worked tirelessly to deliver a program full of fabulous professional development, inspiring speakers and engaging social opportunities. The feedback received from delegates has been overwhelmingly positive. We hope all of you who attended the conference enjoyed the three days of learning, networking, and “escaping” in the Hunter Valley.

The Committee is to be commended on its outstanding work during the year and I thank them wholeheartedly.

We now look forward to our National Conference to be held at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Hobart, Tasmania from 1-4 October 2019. Speakers are being finalised and registration for this conference is open, and we encourage our NSW members to attend – we look forward to seeing you there.

Planning

The Planning Committee led by Rita Brissett has continued its work during the year on the strategic direction for the Committee and the Association as whole. We take great pleasure in releasing ASBA NSW’s Strategic Plan 2019 – 2021.We aim to lead the organisation and its direction by this plan. Its four main goals are:

1. Monitor, maintain and grow membership

Whilst ASBA NSW has had a healthy and stable membership for many years, it seems that not all non-government schools and school systems have an ASBA member. There is an opportunity for ASBA NSW to improve brand awareness, promote the value add of the Association and communicate clearly and regularly with members to thereby increase awareness and thus membership. The aim is to continue to increase the number of ASBA NSW members and member schools.

2. Provide quality professional development (PD) and resources

ASBA NSW has provided relevant quality professional development in the past and needs to remain intentional about it and the method in which it is provided. In particular, there is a need to make best use of technology so that all members can benefit from PD activities. Where possible ASBA NSW will provide members access to PD resources and presentations through the ASBA Limited website.

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3. Provide Networking opportunities amongst members and in particular, support Regional Convenors in their roles

A key distinctive of our Association is the support of the member network that is facilitated particularly through the Regional Groups. As such, it is critical that ASBA NSW supports and equips the Regional Convenors to do this voluntary role well, both in the city and country regions.

4. Ensure ASBA NSW is well managed and governed

ASBA NSW is currently well managed and governed through a broader Committee membership and improved Committee structure, good succession planning, a healthy financial position, and improved strategic use of Secretariat services. This Strategic Plan builds on previous plans and complements the ASBA NSW Governance Documents which we also reviewed and updated this year.

The Association Specialists

TAS (The Association Specialists) continue the provision of excellent administrative and secretarial services for ASBA NSW, allowing the Committee to continue to concentrate on strategy, governance and professional development. Special thanks is extended to Ms Annie Coulter from TAS who looks after the Committee and our members with such professionalism and expertise.

Nexia Australia

Nexia Australia has been engaged by ASBA NSW to undertake the fees survey again this year.

ASBA Limited

ASBA Limited held three (4) meetings during the year:

22-23 March 2018 Canberra, ACT

Attendees: Michelle Scott David Barker

22 June 2018 Melbourne, Victoria

Attendees: Michelle Scott David Barker

10 September 2018 Perth, WA

Attendees: Michelle Scott David Barker

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9 November 2018 Sydney, NSW

Attendees: Michelle Scott David Barker

At the ASBA Limited 2018 AGM, Shaun Sargent’s (Friend’s School Hobart) term as Chair came to an end. Shaun’s commitment to ASBA and to the role was exceptional, he led with humility and integrity. The position of Chair was then filled by Lindsay Bovill (St Peters Lutheran College) who has for many years given wonderful service to ASBA, previously as Deputy Chair. Lindsay was Chair until November 2018 when his path took him away from the world of non-government schooling. We are looking forward to the ASBA Limited 2019 AGM when a new executive team will be elected and the new structure of a nine-member Board will come into play. David Barker continued in the role of Treasurer of ASBA Limited and will do so until the 2019 AGM, when his term on the Board comes to an end. I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the ASBA Limited Board for the last two years and have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and working with highly qualified business administrators from other Chapters and New Zealand.

The Board agendas for 2018 focussed on matters of governance, strategic planning, member services, and planning for the ASBA 2019 National Conference. If you would like to see more details on the strategic plan of ASBA Limited, please go to: www.asba.asn.au.

The vision of ASBA Limited is “To be known as the leading professional organisation for school business administrators promoting and driving improvement and business excellence in Australasian Schools”. There are three strategic pillars:

1. Excellence in leadership and governance

2. Chapter and member engagement

3. Professional development

Philippa (Pip) Thomas continues to provide outstanding assistance to the Board as the CEO. Pip deals with all the day-to-day matters of ASBA Limited including coordination of the ASBA web site, editing The Associate, working with the National Strategic Partners and their sponsorship arrangements, National PD matters and the day-to-day accounting and administration.

The long-standing relationship with Governance Institute Australia (GIA) continues, with 65% rebates offered on their courses. I encourage members to see if one of their courses might suit. Some of them are supported by an ASBA subsidy too.

ASBA is a proud supporter of the Australian Institute of Company Directors' (AICD) excellent courses in governance. Many of the ASBA Board members as well as your School Council/ Board members have completed the Company Directors' Course ™, which the AICD refers to as “the benchmark in director training”. This course is extensive and provides “a thorough understanding of compliance, risk, strategy, finance and the role of the board”. To help newer Business Administrators, AICD also offers the Foundations of Directorship ™ Course, which is “tailored to new and aspiring directors, senior executives and managers”. Membership with the AICD will help you to understand your duties and responsibilities as a Company Secretary and to stay current with access to their up-to- Page | 10 date governance resources to assist your Board. ASBA has negotiated the waiving of joining fees and this will then entitle you to discounted member-only fees for courses undertaken. Again, I encourage you to look into this new initiative.

NSW State Conference 2-5 October, 2018

From 2-5 October, we held our Chapter Conference “Future Matters” at OAKS, Cypress Lakes in the Hunter Valley. It was brilliant!! We broke with tradition and decided to hold our conference at a Resort and Conference Centre and we are so pleased that we did. Much work went into the planning of it but, once on site, the pressure was taken off venue matters (beautifully managed by the OAKS team) and the PD Committee were able to focus on member networking, sponsor engagement, speakers and social functions.

125 Business Administrators and invited Facilities Managers joined us at the Conference. Approximatley 125 representatives from 50 sponsors (platinum - 2, Gold -10, Silver - 38), setup in the exhibition space. Social events included a Welcome Cocktail Party (lakeside), Gala Dinner at HOPE Estate (in the vines) and a Garden Dinner (under the stars).

Feedback from delegates and sponsors has been overwhelmingly positive. Speaker presentations were incredibly informative and engaging (even the more mundane topics!).

Topics presented included: Principal and Bursar – a dynamic duo, Behavioural Economics, AISNSW Briefing, NFP and Sec 83C legislation, Reputational Risk and Critical Incident Management, Life Outside the Comfort Zone, Workflow and Digitisation, Strategic Management and Asset Planning, Leadership – Engagement, Mindset and Wellbeing, Safe and Healthy Workplaces, Fire Safety Regulations, Compliance and Risk Management, Agile Workplaces.

The PD Committee are already keen to start planning our next chapter conference – 2018’s will be a hard act to beat – but we’re up for the challenge!

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WITH THANKS…

And this Report will not be “mine” without a gushing of thanks…

Thank you for your continued support of me this year. I entered this role with much trepidation, and some self-doubt, as to whether or not I could give it due justice. Can I just say that I have absolutely LOVED my time as President for the last two years! You, our members, have been the sole drivers of my love and passion for ASBA in my time as President for the last two years. It has been a true honour to serve with, and for, you. I love meeting and working with many different people and this role has given me the opportunity to get to meet and know so many of you. I know how diverse and busy your business administration roles are, and I hope that you feel proud of what you do in enabling the education of precious, young girls and boys across NSW in such a vast array of schools. Deepest gratitude for all that you do – what you do really matters!

My term as President has come to an end and I’m sure the reins will be handed over, at the AGM, to someone perfect for the role. I’m really looking forward to walking alongside the new President while ropes are learned, and I’m excited that I still get to hang around in the role of Immediate Past President and Regional Group Coordinator – I’ll be coming to visit your parts of the world over the next couple of years.

To the Committee members with whom I have worked so closely this year – we have governed, organised, professionally developed, networked, laughed, given up our time, and worked incredibly hard together. Thank you putting up with my bursts of emotions (whether they be in times of laughter or tears – happy ones usually! Heartfelt thanks for all that you do in serving each other and our ASBA NSW members.

I make special recognition and mention of David Barker. David’s term on the Committee is ending and I want to thank him for his wisdom, mentorship (especially of me), gentle guidance and humility. David represented ASBA Limited and ASBA NSW in so many ways, and I look forward to seeing him out and about as he continues to be a member of our Association

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FINAL THOUGHTS…

ASBA NSW as an organisation continues to expand in what it is trying to achieve for its members. The State Committee is charged with the responsibility of managing the Association but can only do so with ongoing support from members. The new Strategic Plan (2019 -2021) provides a clear direction for the future of the Association and we look forward to providing you with updates on the progress of the goals we have set.

The financial position continues to be robust; underpinned by strong membership, quality PD and the biennial State conference, good events and support from key sponsors, financially and in kind. The continued support from our National Strategic Partners and all our sponsors is invaluable and makes what we do achievable. I encourage all members to spend time with, and thank, all these sponsors when you come across them at conferences and PD events.

Our thanks, as always to AISNSW, for their ongoing involvement with us in providing meeting places for PD, the Committee and Sub-Committee and access to the hubs for some meetings.

A special thank you to the Schools who have provided Committee and Sub-Committee Members for the Association across 2018 and those that have hosted meetings and events.

The success of this Association rests with the membership. Whether it is at the regional, state or national level, members have the opportunity to be involved as little or as much as possible and I encourage you to get involved at whatever level you feel comfortable.

Our regional groups are providing strong foundations for the Association. There are ten regional groups across NSW. Many meet regularly and have strong attendance, some meet occasionally. During the last few years, the Committee has been looking to assist the regional groups to meet and to provide helpful and relevant resources for their local members. In 2018 this continued in under the guidance of David Barker as Regional Group Coordinator.

We understand that it is not always easy to make it to PD Days and events in Sydney, so we deliberately organise a rural PD Day, in different corners of the state, every so often. In 2018, we met at Frensham in Mittagong. In 2019, we hope to meet somewhere in the Parramatta area as we feel it might be more accessible to our members.

I encourage your active participation in your Association – we are a Member based organisation and, by definition, want and need your enthusiasm, involvement and expertise. Collectively and individually, we have great knowledge and experience and we can but only continue to grow professionally if we leverage off each other’s skills and continue to network and develop together. If there is anything, at all, you need from me or your Committee, please make contact.

Michelle Scott President Association of School Business Administrators, 27 February 2019

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