Dear ACA Members,
As we approach the end of another remarkable year, I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering commitment to the Australasian Corrosion Association (ACA). It has been an honour and privilege to work alongside the dedicated individuals who make up our Councillors, Board members, Branch presidents, ACA CEO, staff, and the broader community of volunteer members. I would also like to express my gratitude to Scape Consulting, for their sustained support throughout the entire year, enabling me to actively contribute to the Association.
Throughout the year, we have engaged in fruitful discussions, participated in Technical Groups, attended Events, and collaborated in Council and Board meetings, all with the overarching goal of building a more sustainable future and positively influencing our Society. It has truly been a fantastic year for the ACA, marked by progress, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence.
I am delighted to announce that this year saw the election of four new Board members, including the re-election of Kingsley Brown, Scott Gaebler, and Wayne Burns, as well as the appointment of our new Board member, Nick Birbilis. My heartfelt congratulations go out to each of them, and I extend my gratitude to all the Board nominees who, while not elected this time, continue to be vital contributors to the ACA through their work in Branches and Technical Groups.
I am pleased to share the exciting news of the appointment of Raed El Sarraf as the new Senior Vice-President for the term November 2023 – 2024. Raed brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, and I am genuinely looking forward to collaborating closely with him during this period. His dedication and passion for our shared goals will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the continued success and growth of the Australasian Corrosion Association. Together, we aim to elevate our initiatives and further strengthen the bonds within our community. Here’s to a dynamic and fruitful collaboration with Raed!
I take immense pride in having bestowed the Corrosion Medal upon Nick Birbilis and recognising the outstanding contributions of our recently awarded Life Members Fikry Barouky and Philip Fleming, as well as presenting the Young Corrosion Award to Amanda Chen. These accolades are a testament to their dedication and impact on our field.
The ACA Council has been actively engaged, meeting on four occasions this year, with plans to continue providing feedback to the Branches and Membership throughout 2024. The Corrosion and Prevention event in Perth was a resounding success, and I was personally inspired by the group of volunteers and professionals working diligently in the field of Corrosion mitigation. Together, we can achieve great things, and I am proud to support such collaborative efforts within the ACA.
Looking ahead, the Council, in its advisory role, will continue to provide vital support to the Board, Head Office, and Branches, ultimately benefiting all ACA members. Our core role as the interface between Branches and Members and the ACA Board remains pivotal. We will continue fostering discussion, providing advice, and acting as a sounding board on key industry issues.
I also want to take this opportunity to extend a special invitation to all ACA members to actively participate in the various voluntary roles within our Association. Your expertise, passion, and commitment are invaluable assets that can contribute significantly to our collective success. Whether you are interested in serving as a Branch Committee member, joining one of our Technical Groups, or exploring other avenues for involvement, your contributions make a real difference. The ACA thrives on the diversity of perspectives and experiences within our community, and I encourage each of you to consider taking on a role that aligns with your interests and skills. Together, we can continue to build a stronger and more vibrant ACA community. If you have any questions or wish to express your interest, please reach out to our dedicated team, and let’s work together to shape the future of our Association. I look forward to seeing our community grow through your active engagement.
As we approach the festive season, I extend my warmest wishes to each of you. May you enjoy this time with family and friends, relishing the holiday break and welcoming a joyful New Year in 2024. I look forward to our continued collaboration and shared endeavours for the betterment of the Association.
Yours in Corrosion,
Isaac Isakovich Castillo
President of the Australasian Corrosion Association