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s I present the Association’s work and finances for the 2020–2021 financial year, I reflect on how this has been another truly turbulent year. Sonographers, like all healthcare workers, have had to navigate the difficult scenario of PPE and COVID-19 risk, and I want to congratulate and thank all our sonographers for this important work.
Ian Schroen, President, ASA
Again this year the ASA has been well-managed throughout these external pressures and has continued to grow, increasing our financial reserves while providing significant resources and educational opportunities to members. I encourage you to review the financial statements, along with the key achievements presented within the annual report, as they do confirm the financial strength of the Association, along with the efforts made to support all members. Thank you to all members of the Association who make up our dynamic and valued sonographer community. This is reflected in achieving a terrific new milestone of over 7000 members. The continued increasing membership highlights the significance and connection the ASA provides to all our members. My thanks also to all our corporate partners who continue to invest in ASA activities despite the continued changes to our online virtual education program and uncertainty around face-to-face engagement.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT The ASA has adapted in many ways to the changed working environment, some of which are obvious to members, such as the focus on health and wellbeing and the increased online activities. This changing dynamic with city lockdowns has placed significant strain on our office team who have continued to provide extensive ongoing education opportunities, along with comprehensive personal wellbeing and COVID-19 information. Thank you to Jodie and the entire office team for your hard work during this time. The Board is ultimately responsible for the health and wellbeing of all our staff, and we recognise the difficult working arrangements that COVID-19 continues to impose.
A huge highlight of the past year was the 27th Annual International Conference held in Brisbane and online as a hybrid meeting. While I missed the face-to-face conference due to the lockdown restrictions, I was amazed again for a second year how well the presentations transfer to the virtual meeting format, and the learning continues. Congratulations and thank you to the convenors, the presenters, volunteers, and especially to the office events team for their dedication and hard work in making this such a success. A special part of the conference was the Awards event, where we were able to award the Pru Pratten Lifetime Achievement Award, along with the Awards of Excellence and recognise the new Fellows of the Association. Congratulations to this year’s Pru Pratten Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Mr Greg Lammers, who was recognised for his outstanding commitment to sonography throughout many years of service. Congratulations also to all award recipients.
4 | ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21
