30 South AUSTRALIA The year that was... it has been one that has produced many positives following on from the base set by the previous year’s Board, especially the vision to move forwards in a positive manner. Our new accounting system offered the challenges one would expect but with the incredibly hard work and expertise from within the Board, by February/March we were able to deliver monthly reports to the Discipline committees that offered transparency and the detail they had been asking for. The Strategic Plan that was finalised last year, has been reviewed with many outcomes already nearing completion. It has also been through a yearly review, which has indicated some things may not be achievable until the National body, Equestrian Australia, has also stabilised and reviewed their direction. As a Board member, I attended my first board meeting in early December and was welcomed into a very hard working and united group of volunteers who were all willing to get the tasks at hand done. In late December the Board was asked to hold an urgent meeting with a group of members, both current and ex-Chairs of discipline committees, and some other members that had been on committees. The Board obliged this group, and met within a very short time frame, having to forgo many pre-Christmas commitments to accommodate this request, and we made a commitment to consider their views, and review some of the historic events that were presented. We as a Board may not be perfect, however we have had one common goal, and as Directors are required to provide good governance to achieve this. This has not been popular in some circles, especially where we have had to act within legal boundaries, which are in the best interests of all members and the Association. Our Disciplines and working parties have continued to hold their own and run the Championships that are expected by the membership, and to those volunteers who have done this I say ‘Thank You’. The Board delivered many positives that you, the membership, asked for. I will list these below, however we have much more to achieve for our members, and we are willing to work with you all to achieve your desires. This is a short list of the delivered achievement, and some of the improvements implemented by the current and previous Board. We have continued with a new accounting package, and sought auditor input into financial management practices by increased financial accounting expertise and I thank the FARMC for their strong input in this matter. We offered, and were pleased by the Disciplines support, at an open training session for Disciplines on the new system; accounting principles and financial requirements; and standardised and increased transparency in monthly financial reporting to Disciplines. We identified a need to appoint an independent investigator to review member complaints and concerns, and then acted on the outcomes of these investigations. It was obvious that clear guidelines and expectations for the office staff on behaviours, customer service and support services to members needed review, and we have appointed an Industrial Relations Partner to review employment and office policies. We are currently undertaking a strategic review of the structure, staffing and resourcing required to move the organisation forward, but it all takes time and valuable resources. We have upheld a zero-tolerance policy of any form of bullying, ensured all complaints received have been taken very seriously and thoroughly investigated by the independent investigator. These investigations have been completely impartial, and the Board has undertaken appropriate action upon completion of investigations with review measures put in place to ensure any disciplinary action is consistent, reasonable and fair. In very early July I was asked by the Board to take on the role of Chair, in an extremely turbulent time. Through guidance, I believe we as an organisation have come through this a little wiser, but also much stronger in listening to our general membership. Before I close, as only having held the Chair position for short of 3 months, I thank every member, every staff member and all that have worked tirelessly to make ESA a better place. But to the current Board I just say thank you. You all know I do not need to say more, as to have represented you has been an absolute privilege. I, and your Board are looking forward to working with you all in the coming years. Peter Graham Executive Officer, Equestrian SA