Association Executive Services
Latest News & Insights for June 2026
Dear Community Member,
Welcome to the June 2026 edition of the Association Executive Services newsletter.
As we reach the end of another financial year, this month’s newsletter is packed with practical resources, upcoming events and fresh
insights for association professionals.
Registrations are now open for our next Special Interest Group - Membership Value
Proposition,
taking place online on 15 July. A strong value proposition remains one of the most important drivers of member acquisition, engagement and
retention, and this session will provide an opportunity to share ideas, discuss challenges and learn from your peers.
We're also highlighting the growing range of AES Special
Interest
Groups available to members. Covering Membership, Information Technology, Leadership, Advocacy and Associations and AI, these peer-led forums
provide valuable opportunities to connect with colleagues facing similar challenges and opportunities across the sector.
In this issue, you'll find a range of new articles exploring topics including independent
returning officers, membership
renewal communications,
association rebrands,
member magazines and what every
Membership Manager should know
before the next board
meeting.
Don't forget to visit the Member Resources area, where you'll find
recordings of recent webinars, including Overview of Payday Super – The Basics for
Associations,
along with a growing library of articles, guides, templates and practical tools.
You'll also find the latest industry news, new opportunities on the Jobs
Board
and
updates from across the association sector.
As always, thank you for your continued engagement and support of AES. We look forward to connecting with many of you through our events,
webinars and Special Interest Groups in the months ahead.
Have a great week,
Nick Koerbin
Executive Director, AES
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AES Exclusive Luncheon: A Valuable Discussion on Brand Transformation
We were delighted to welcome a great turnout of association leaders to our recent Luncheon at the Element Hotel Richmond. Attendees
gained valuable insights from an in-depth presentation
by Dale Gilson, CEO of Funerals Australia, and Darren Taylor, Managing Director of
Taylor & Grace, who shared the journey behind Funeral Australia’s recent rebrand. The presentation explored the process of
transitioning from the Australian Funeral Directors Association to Funerals Australia, highlighting the strategic thinking behind the
change and the positive impact it has had on members, stakeholders and the broader community. Thank you to everyone who joined us for
this
engaging and informative event.
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AES 2026-2027 Event Calendar Survey
We're planning the AES events
calendar for 2026 and 2027 and would like your input before we finalise the program. This short survey
asks what matters most to you — the topics you'd like covered, the event types you prefer, the locations that work best, and whether
you would travel for a high-value event. It should take no more than five minutes to complete. Whether your focus is governance,
membership growth, advocacy, leadership, finance, technology or organisational sustainability, we want to
ensure our program reflects
the real challenges and opportunities facing the sector. As a thank you for participating, complete the survey for a chance to win one
of two $100 gift cards.
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ATO End of Financial Year Resources
With the end of the financial year upon us,
the Australian Taxation Office has a range of resources available for NFPs, including:
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Why Every Association Needs an Independent Returning Officer
Over the years, Association Executive Services has been appointed as the Returning Officer for many association Board elections across
Australia. While elections are often viewed as a routine
administrative task, they are one of the most important governance processes
an association undertakes. The credibility of your Board begins with the credibility of the election process. This is where an
independent Returning Officer plays a critical role.
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Your Renewal Letter is Asking Members to Invest in the Future. Write it That Way
It is renewals season. Across Australia and New Zealand, professional and industry associations are sending invoices to their members right
now. Most treat it as an administrative task. That is the first mistake. A renewal invoice is not a request for last year's
money. It is a
request to pay for next year's benefits. The moment a member — individual or corporate — opens that invoice, they make a decision:
renew, or walk.
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Is Your Member Magazine Worth The Trouble?
Plenty of association leaders are quietly wondering whether their magazine is worth the trouble. It’s a fair question — and usually the
wrong one. A lot of associations produce a magazine — hard copy or electronic — as part of the member benefits package. And for many of
them, pulling together each quarterly edition feels arduous, thankless, and disconnected from any real return. The real question is
whether your magazine does a job worth doing — and
whether you can actually tell.
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What Every Membership Manager Must Know Before the Next Board Meeting
When an association comes to us worried about its membership, with numbers flat, renewals slipping, and a manager
under pressure to turn it
around, the first place we look is not the membership team. It’s the boardroom. Membership growth and retention are not things a
membership manager can manufacture on their own. They are the visible result of a Board that has decided on membership matters, written that
decision into a plan it actually uses, and resourced the people to deliver it.
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When Does an Association Need to Rebrand Itself?
A logo is not a brand. And a rebrand is not a marketing exercise. If your association is thinking about a rebrand because the colours look
dated or a Board member doesn't like the typeface, stop. That's not the question worth asking. The real question is harder: does your
organisation still represent the sector it claims to lead? That gap — between whom you say you
represent and who actually shapes the
sector now — is the trigger for a rebrand. Not the design.
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Unlock
Government Grant Opportunities — Without the Hassle
Searching for government grants can be time-consuming and complex — but not anymore. As part of our Enterprise or Premium AES
Memberships, you now have exclusive access to our in-house Professional Grants Team. Let us do the heavy lifting so you can focus on
growing your organisation.
Enterprise Members
✔️ Get up to 1 hour of customised grant research tailored to your industry
and objectives.
✔️ Identify key funding streams you may be missing out on.
Premium Members
✔️ Enjoy up to 2 hours of in-depth grant research
✔️ Plus, receive a Preliminary Grant Opportunity Report outlining the most promising options.
This is your chance to discover funding you didn’t know was available, without lifting a finger. Whether you're planning a new
project or scaling operations, this
member-exclusive benefit can help you access real dollars to fuel your mission.
Not a Premium or Enterprise member yet? Join today
online.
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Connect Through AES Special Interest Groups
AES Special Interest Groups (SIGs) bring association professionals together around shared challenges and opportunities. They’re practical,
peer-led forums designed for real conversations. Whether you’re tackling operational issues, thinking strategically, or exploring emerging
trends, there’s a group to plug
into.
Membership: For those responsible for acquisition, retention and engagement, this group focuses on practical strategies
that drive sustainable member growth.
Information Technology: A space for digital, data and systems conversations, covering everything from CRM and AMS
challenges to cybersecurity and integration.
Leadership: Designed for senior leaders navigating governance, strategy and
organisational performance in the association
sector.
Advocacy: For professionals shaping policy, influencing stakeholders and strengthening the voice of their industry or
profession.
Associations and AI: Launched in March, this SIG explores how artificial intelligence is impacting associations, from
operational efficiency to member value and governance considerations.
If you’re looking to deepen your sector
connections and stay ahead of the curve, joining a SIG is a simple way to stay engaged between major
events.
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AES Membership: Real Support for Association Leaders
Running an association can feel isolating. The challenges are complex, the expectations are high,
and there isn’t always someone down the
hall who understands the nuances of governance, membership, advocacy and operations in the not-for-profit space.
AES exists to change that.
Membership connects you to a community of peers who are navigating the same pressures and opportunities. It gives you access to practical
insight, experienced guidance and safe spaces to ask the questions you can’t always ask publicly.
Whether you’re refining strategy,
troubleshooting operational issues or thinking about what’s next for your organisation, AES provides
both the support and the sounding board.
Did You Know?
As an AES member, you have access to a wide range of practical resources designed to support the effective management and governance of your
association. Each month, we’ll
highlight a different member resource you may not know is available, helping you make the most of your AES
membership.
This month, we’re spotlighting AES’s extensive library of templates and governance resources. Members can access practical tools including
meeting agenda and minute templates, policy templates, Board resources, expert videos, and regulator guidance. Whether you’re reviewing
your governance framework, updating Board policies, preparing
for meetings, or strengthening compliance processes, these resources are
designed to save time and help build strong governance foundations for your association.
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Special
Interest Group -
Membership Value Proposition
15 July | 12.00pm AEST
Online
A
strong value proposition sits at the heart of member engagement and growth. Join this SIG to exchange ideas, discuss current
challenges and explore ways to ensure your membership offering remains relevant and compelling.
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Overview
of Payday Super -
The Basics for Associations
On Demand - Webinar Recording
AES Member Portal
AES members can now watch the recording of the Payday Super webinar we did with Accru Melbourne. Get the latest information
for Associations regarding the new regulations relating to payday super starting the 1st of July 2026.
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Stay up-to-date with all the latest
headlines from around Australia's association industry.
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Ageing Australia
Vic/Tas
State Director
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BioMelbourne Network (BMN)
Chief Executive Officer
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Australasian Sonographers Association
Education Projects
Officer
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Victorian Men's Shed Association
Executive Officer
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Kevin Heinze
GROW (KHG)
Chief Executive Officer
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Australian Men's Health Forum
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Registrations are now open for our upcoming Special Interest Group - Membership Value Proposition. A strong value proposition sits at
the heart of member engagement and growth.
A compelling member value proposition is fundamental to attracting, engaging and retaining members. Join AES Executive Director Nick Koerbin
and your association peers for a
practical discussion on what members value most, how expectations are changing, and how to ensure your
offering remains relevant in an increasingly competitive environment.
Don't forget that AES webinars are free for members. Even if you can't attend live, we encourage you to register so you can
access the recording at a time that suits you.
Be sure to
explore our latest insights in Member Resources:
-
Recording of our recent webinars:
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New articles available:
Finally, a reminder that membership renewals were due on 31 May. Your renewal invoice
was sent via email.
If you haven't received yours, or have any questions about your membership, please contact Anne on 03 8393 9382.
As always, thank you for your continued engagement and support.
How to Access Your AES Member Resources
To access all the AES Member Resources please log in with your email address and password. If
you have forgotten your password just click “Lost/Forgot
Password”.
Need help navigating? Call Anne during business hours on 03 8393 9382 or email
us
and we’ll respond promptly.
We look forward to connecting with you at our upcoming events and sharing more valuable resources in the months ahead.
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How Can AES Help Your Association?
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About AES
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Disclaimer: The articles in
our newsletters are intended to stimulate interest in the subject matters. All comments and articles are for
information purposes only. Professional advice should be sought on specific matters, and with lawyers under Costs
Agreement and to which Legal Professional Privilege (LPP) applies.
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