Editor’s message

AAs I write this piece for the IHEA National Journal, Australia is in the grip of an Antarctic weather event that is bringing early snow-falls to the slopes in the Alpine territories (and to non-alpine areas), flooding and vicious storms in eastern Victoria and much needed rain to other parts of our vast country. So I hope you are all safe, that you can get comfortable, rug up, grab your favourite device and explore the articles, technical information and stories in this edition. A huge thanks to all the contributors, sponsors and partners who have supported this edition. We also look forward to the next publication, the pre-Conference edition, being a real paper hard-copy again, after financial pressures of the recent COVID-challenged period resulted in this publication going ‘all-electronic’. I for one am grateful that we’ve been able to keep this Journal going, as a number of similar organisations have felt considerably greater financial impacts, or in some cases been forced out of operation.

Inside this edition we share a fresh look at leveraging integrated security systems to minimise risks and create a safer user experience, and consider an international perspective on whole of life costings from healthcare facilities in Swaziland in southern Africa. Recently the NHS in the UK also announced a comprehensive road-map to help navigate to ‘zero carbon’ in coming decades, and a webinar was presented in April. The article on p37 is provided by Stephen Lowndes who presented at the seminar in which he outlines the key initiatives and strategies to deliver on this ambitious target.

As we get to the mid-point of 2021, the National Conference in Perth, WA is only a little over 3 months away, which makes it an ideal time to finalise your abstract submissions, register to attend and book travel and accommodation before prices rise. The planning committee has a lot of activities underway, but especially important is the program development and members are encouraged to submit an abstract to share their expertise and experience with others. This year more than ever a successful and safe gathering is going to be an extra-ordinary opportunity after the tumult of 2020, so I encourage you to make a special effort to get to Perth in September. Check out the promotional spread inside to see more details including dates, venue and keynote speakers.

Regards Darryl Pitcher – Editor