As 2024 draws to a close and we’re all frantically preparing for a variety of Christmas events, it is a time to reflect on not only the past few months but the past year. The SA Branch has had another busy and eventful calendar hosting a variety of events including breakfasts, tours and dinners and looks forward to the same in 2025.

Industry Breakfast
The final industry breakfast of the year took place on Friday 22 November at the AJ Baker showrooms where our guests heard from two insightful speakers. First was Joanna-lee Tan, an APA Titled Gerontological Physiotherapist and Chair of the National Gerontology Committee for the Australian Physiotherapy Association, who shared valuable insights into Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) and their vital work supporting innovation in the aged care sector. ARIIA, an independent not-for-profit organisation, aims to advance the aged care workforce by promoting research and innovation to improve the quality of aged care across Australia. Our second speaker, Tina Marie Aghiana from the food safety and regulation Branch of SA Health, provided an update on the upcoming online food safety training package specifically designed for food handlers working with vulnerable populations.

On behalf of the committee and our members I would like to extend sincere thanks to Ellis Wilkinson and his team for hosting this event, as well as to Moffat Group and PFD Foodservices for generously supplying the equipment and breakfast.

SA planning meeting 2025
Our annual planning meeting for 2025 will be held on 21 January and we welcome any ideas, suggestions or initiatives you may have to enhance our upcoming program of events. Please feel free to reach out to any committee member with your thoughts. 

National Awards
This year we were thrilled to see South Australian state winners represent us at the IHHC National Excellence Awards in all categories. Congratulations to Nutritional Professionals Australia, Remar Cipriano, RSL Care SA and Linda James from Alwyndor Aged Care, all of whom went on to win national awards in their respective categories. A special congratulations to Linda James who was also the recipient of the Rosemary Anne Pirie OAM Award, the highest honour the IHHC can bestow.

National Conference
It was inspiring to see such strong participation from South Australia at the National Conference in Perth. Having had WA as a sub-branch of SA for many years, it was a proud moment to attend the first conference run by the now independent WA committee led by Cheryl Hughes. On behalf of the SA Committee, congratulations to Team WA for delivering such a successful conference. You did us proud.

Life Membership
On a personal note, I was both surprised and humbled to receive Life Membership at the recent conference dinner. I joined the IHHC in 1996 and over the years I’ve had the privilege of holding several positions, including SA State Chair and National President. I can honestly say that I’ve cherished every moment of my involvement. A heartfelt thank you to the current board, especially to Lisa, for ratifying my nomination.

Passing of Brian Heinrich (Life Member and Former SA Committee Member)
Finally, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of Life Member Brian Heinrich, a former SA Committee member. Brian was an inaugural member of the SA Committee when formed in 1989 and a valuable contributor to the IHHC and hospital support services industry. Apart from work, Brian was respected by his peers and his affable nature endeared him to many people. Brian’s contributions to the IHHC and the industry will always be remembered with great respect.

As we look ahead, on behalf of the SA Committee I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. 

JOHN BOLAND SA Chair