Dear Skålleagues,

As the cooler weather settles in across the southern parts of Australia, it’s been full steam ahead here in the north. Despite the challenges of weather disruptions and road closures earlier this season, it’s been a busy and vibrant time as we welcome visitors to Australia's North West.

On a more personal note, I am no longer able to attend the upcoming Skål Asia Area Congress in Colombo. While I was very much looking forward to reconnecting with our international friends, work obligations and some very special personal commitments must take priority. With only six weeks to go until we welcome our baby girl into the world, I know you’ll all understand the reason behind this decision. I’m incredibly proud that a strong contingent of Australian Skålleagues will be attending on our behalf – I know they will represent us with pride and enthusiasm. The photos already circulating are making me a little envious… for once, it’s not me spamming the travel pics!

On behalf of Skål Australia, I’d like to extend our warmest congratulations to Ana María Vera from Skål International Head Office on her remarkable 30-year milestone with the organisation. For those who have had the privilege of working with Ana María, you’ll agree she is the heart and soul of our global family – the quiet force ensuring the smooth running of Skål behind the scenes. Her dedication, loyalty, and tireless support have been invaluable, and we sincerely thank her for her ongoing commitment to Skål International. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with Ana María in the years ahead.

Exciting news from the global front – the 2025 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards have received a record-breaking 106 entries from 30 countries! What an extraordinary achievement and testament to the importance of sustainability in our industry. I’d like to give a huge shoutout to the 7 Australian entries this year: Busselton Jetty Incorporated, Monarto Safari Park, Aquila Eco Retreat, Spinifex Brewing Co, Mankind Digital, Chesshill Consulting T/A Stories Unseen, and Willie Creek Pearls. We’re incredibly proud of you and will be cheering you on when the winners are announced at the World Congress in Peru!

Speaking of which, if you haven’t yet registered for the Skål World Congress in Cusco, now is the time! It promises to be an unforgettable event in a truly magical location. We encourage as many Australian members as possible to attend and show our support for our World President, Denise Scrafton. Let’s make sure Australia is well represented in Peru! If you have registered, please send me a message so I can add you to our list of travelling delegates.

On the home front, registrations are open for our 112th Skål Australia National Assembly in Adelaide from 5–7 September. The Adelaide team have done an outstanding job putting together an exciting and thought-provoking program, our focus for our mid-year-meeting will be shaping the future of our clubs. This is an important opportunity to come together and collaborate on the growth and success of Skål in Australia, and of course, to reconnect with our wonderful Skålleagues. Please register your attendance – we would love to see you there!

You will have seen that nominations are now open for the roles of international Directors, Auditors, and Membre d’Honneur. This is a significant moment for Skål Australia, as we will soon be electing an Australian Director to follow in the footsteps of World President Denise Scrafton. Denise’s contribution to our organisation has been immense, and it’s vital we continue that momentum with strong leadership into the future. If you’re interested in nominating or know someone who would be a great candidate, please reach out to the Executive Board. Nominations close on 29th July, and we require at least two applications for the roles of Director and Deputy Director.

Clubs wishing to nominate a truly deserving member for Membre d’Honneur are encouraged to contact our National Secretary, Sandy, so we can assist with any applications and ensure the criteria for nominations have been met.

Thank you all for the continued energy and passion you bring to Skål.

Yours in Skål,

Ash Munn
President - Skål International Australia