NSW Council: At its meeting on Monday, 7 July 2008, Council discussed outcomes of the recent Board meeting, the Institute's current focus on financial services and superannuation, quality review, compliance requirements, members nominated for advancement to Fellow, Council succession planning and Council's participation in the Institute's upcoming strategic planning review. 
 
The August meeting of Council will be held off site at Woolworths, hosted by Peter King, NSW Councillor and General Manager of Supermarket Finance, Woolworths, and will be held in conjunction with an event to enable members in the Hills District of Sydney to meet Council. 
 
Certificate Presentation Ceremony: On Tuesday, 29 July 2008, I had the pleasure of hosting the Certificate presentation ceremony welcoming new members, congratulating Chartered Accountants Program merit winners and new Fellows. This was as usual a well attended event providing members and candidates with an opportunity to celebrate with their colleagues and family. 
 
Joint Accounting Profession Panel: As reported last month a draft IPART discussion document was released for comment. The JAPP has reviewed this document in light of its earlier submission and has provided further feedback to IPART. 
 
AFAANZ: The Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand (AFAANZ) held its annual conference in July. AFAANZ is the premier body representing the interests of accounting and finance academics and other persons interested in accounting and finance education. The Institute both sponsored and exhibited at the event and the NSW Council academic representative Jon Tyler CA, Deputy Head of the School of Accounting at UTS, participated in the conference.  
 
Regional Country Chairmen's Group: The Group met at the end of August, chaired by NSW Councillor, Ian Rodrigues. This group actively supports Institute activities in the regions including careers marketing initiatives, training communities and training road shows. Regional members and the Institute greatly appreciate their ongoing support.  
 
Past Chairmen's lunch: In July it was also my pleasure to host the annual Past Chairmen's lunch. There was an excellent turn out of 17 past Chairmen who were provided with the opportunity to catch up with their peers and listen to an Institute update provided by CEO, Graham Meyer. 
 
Chris George FCA 
NSW Chair 
 
 
Updated: 24.7.08