As we embrace another year filled with challenges and opportunities, I am delighted to share the progress and initiatives that continue to shape our organisation's journey.

One of our primary focuses remains on recognising and celebrating excellence within our community. In response to valuable feedback from our members, we have further refined the Excellence Awards process. The questions and criteria have been adjusted to ensure inclusivity, recognising the diverse roles and contributions within our industry. Additionally, we have maintained the streamlined approach of uniform opening and closing dates for all state awards, ensuring fairness and transparency in the evaluation process. This commitment to recognising excellence fosters a spirit of achievement and inspiration among our members.

Planning for our highly anticipated National Conference in Melbourne is progressing exceptionally well. The Conference Committee is excited about the array of keynote speakers and presentations.  The call for abstracts has been met with overwhelming interest, promising a dynamic selection of thought-provoking sessions. This event remains a crucial platform for knowledge exchange, networking and discussions that will shape the future of our industry.

Professional development continues to be a key priority for the IHHC. Each state is actively coordinating a series of engaging webinars throughout the year, covering vital topics such as customer service, award nominations, aged care standards and emerging innovations in healthcare hospitality. We strongly encourage your participation and welcome any topic suggestions that align with the evolving needs of our members. Your insights help ensure that our educational initiatives remain relevant and valuable.

A heartfelt thank you to our Gold and Platinum supporters for your ongoing commitment and generosity. Your contributions play a crucial role in sustaining the initiatives and programs that define the IHHC. Your unwavering support enables us to continuously strive for excellence and provide invaluable services to our members.

As we embark on this new year with enthusiasm and optimism, let us embrace the opportunities ahead. With your continued support and active participation, I am confident that the IHHC will reach even greater heights of success.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. I look forward to a fantastic year ahead.

LISA CRANHAM National President