Association Executive Services
Latest News & Insights for July 2026
Dear Community Member,
Welcome to the July 2026 edition of the Association Executive Services newsletter.
This month we're focusing on some of the challenges that many associations are grappling with: managing
difficult association Directors,
ATO resources for the
end of the financial year, and why
people really join associations.
Registrations are now open for our upcoming
Future-Ready Associations: Your Tech Roadmap Masterclass.
Whether you're planning a new website, reviewing your current systems or preparing for a platform migration, this practical
workshop will
help you approach the process with greater confidence and avoid some of the common pitfalls.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the AES events survey. Your feedback will play an important role in shaping
our 2026-2027 events calendar, helping us better understand the topics, formats, locations and opportunities that matter most to our
members. We’re pleased to announce that the winners of the two $100 gift cards are: Courtney West
from ASPA and David
McGowan from Police Veterans Victoria.
Congratulations to our winners, and thank you again to everyone who contributed.
Don't forget to visit the Member Resources area, where you'll find recordings of recent webinars,
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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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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How to Manage the Association Director That Takes Up All Your Energy
Almost every Board has experienced it at some point. One director who seems to consume more time and energy than everyone else combined. The
meeting starts with a full agenda, but before long one
discussion turns into three, decisions are delayed and other directors stop
contributing because they know they won’t get the opportunity. The meeting finishes late and, despite everyone’s efforts, less has been
achieved than expected. The challenge is that the individual is often a respected volunteer, a long-serving director or someone who has
made a significant contribution to the organisation.
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Why Do People Really Join Your Association?
Highlights from our July Membership SIG Discussion
Most associations can provide a long list of membership benefits. They may include professional development, advocacy, networking, industry
information, events, resources, accreditation, discounts and access to specialist advice. However, a list of benefits does
not necessarily
explain why someone makes the decision to join. But, a membership value proposition is not just a list of services. It should explain,
in clear and practical terms, why someone should become a member and what difference membership will make to them.
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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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Find Your Community Through AES Special Interest Groups
AES Special Interest Groups bring members together to share ideas, discuss common challenges and learn from others working in similar roles.
These peer-led groups provide a practical forum for focused conversations, fresh perspectives and useful connections across the association
sector.
Joining a Special Interest Group is an easy way to expand your network, exchange practical ideas and stay connected with the
conversations shaping the sector.
Membership: Explore strategies for attracting, retaining and engaging members, with a focus on building sustainable
membership growth.
Information Technology: Discuss the systems, data and digital issues shaping associations, including CRM and AMS
platforms,
cybersecurity, integration and emerging technology.
Leadership: Connect with senior association leaders to discuss governance, strategy, organisational performance and the
realities of leading in a complex environment.
Advocacy: Share insights on policy, stakeholder engagement and how associations can strengthen their influence and
represent their sectors effectively.
Associations and AI:
Examine the growing impact of artificial intelligence on association operations, member services,
governance and future planning.
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AES Membership: Connection, Insight and Support
Association leaders are expected
to navigate a wide range of responsibilities, from governance and member engagement to advocacy, operations
and long-term strategy. AES membership provides access to the people, knowledge and support that can make those responsibilities easier to
manage.
Through AES, you can connect with experienced peers, exchange ideas, learn from shared challenges and gain practical perspectives from
across the association sector. It is a trusted community where
leaders can test their thinking, seek advice and stay informed about the
issues shaping the sector.
Whether you are addressing an immediate challenge or planning for the future, AES membership helps you feel better connected, better
supported and better equipped to lead.
Did You Know?
As an AES member, you have
access to a program of free webinars covering the latest issues, trends and developments affecting
associations.
Led by experienced industry professionals, AES webinars provide practical insights across areas such as governance, leadership,
membership, compliance, technology and association management.
They are a convenient way to stay informed, build your knowledge and hear from experts on the topics that matter most to
your
organisation. Best of all, AES members can attend these webinars free of charge, helping you continue your professional development and
get even more value from your membership.
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Special
Interest Group - Associations and AI
12 August | 12.00pm AEST
Online Meeting
Following on from our first AI Special Interest Group, we're taking the conversation one step further. This interactive, peer-led discussion
will focus on what is happening now and what associations should be preparing for next.
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Future-Ready
Associations: Your Tech Roadmap
Masterclass
20 August | 10.30am AEST
Online Workshop
This live online workshop, facilitated by Nick Koerbin and drawing on over 30 years of experience, is
designed specifically for
association and not-for-profit leaders responsible for making one of the biggest technology decisions their organisation will face.
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From
Sponsorship to Partnership: A New Revenue
Model
3 September | 12.00pm AEST
Webinar
Securing conference sponsorship is often the most draining task in the association calendar. Build the prospectus. Chase last year's
sponsors. Follow up. Renew. Repeat. It works, but only as a short-term fix. There's a better
model and one association has already made the
shift
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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 that started from 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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Australian Natural Therapists Association
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
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New South Wales Bar Association
Business Systems and Support Analyst
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Australian Primary Principals Association
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Ageing Australia
Vic/Tas
State Director
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BioMelbourne Network (BMN)
Chief Executive Officer
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Victorian Men's Shed Association
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Planning a new website or considering a change to your association's tech? Join AES Executive Director Nick Koerbin for this
practical masterclass
which will help you avoid the common pitfalls of platform selection and implementation, with independent, vendor-neutral advice on scoping
requirements, governance, integrations and managing a successful
transition. Whether you're reviewing your current systems or preparing
for a major digital project, you'll leave with practical guidance to help make informed decisions.
Don't forget that AES webinars are free for members, and there is a member discount for AES Masterclass Workshops. 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:
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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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