The WMRR Board met for the first time this year on Friday 6 March 2026 with a full agenda including a review of the feedback from the 2025 Member Survey, and a strategy focused session, which included a reveal of the recommendations for the WMRR brand refresh and preliminary discussions ahead of the review of the Strategic Business Plan for the 2027-2029 period.
I am pleased to report that the “business as usual” matters are tracking well. WMRR remains in a strong financial position enabling the start of delivery of several key initiatives that will be completed in 2026, including the State of Industry report.
The Board reviewed the feedback from the 2025 Member Survey which assessed perceptions of WMRR’s value and effectiveness across events, training, communications and advocacy, as well as members’ industry priorities. The results show continued strengthening of WMRR’s impact, with a record 98% of respondents indicating they would recommend WMRR membership, event participation increasing to 87% (up from 80% in 2024), and 92% agreeing that WMRR represents the best interests of the industry.
Members identified networking opportunities, policy and advocacy updates, events, webinars, training and information sharing as the most valuable aspects of membership. Feedback on event timing and locations is already informing new initiatives, including plans to trial a regional forum (i.e. Cairns) and lunchtime networking events.
Looking ahead, this year will see WMRR continuing to deliver a strong calendar of events and professional development initiatives across Australia. The first event of the year, the SA Women of WARR Leadership Breakfast attracted more than 140 attendees — a record for the event in SA. Planning for the Tasmanian Forum and the WA Women of WARR events in May 2026 is now well underway.
Nominations are now open for three (3) director positions, including the Vice-President, with candidates needing to lodge their nomination by 11.59pm on Wednesday 25 March 2026. The new directors will take office for a term of two (2) years, commencing at the WMRR AGM on Monday 22 June 2026 ahead of the ENVIRO Conference in Adelaide.