What an extraordinary experience it was to attend the Skål International World Congress in Cusco, Peru — a city that truly takes your breath away with its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was alive with colour, music, and friendship — the perfect setting for Skålleagues from across the globe to come together in the true spirit of Doing Business Among Friends.

It was wonderful to reconnect with so many familiar faces, to share ideas, laughter, and inspiration, and to see once again how strong our global network truly is. The Cusco organising committee, led by Maria and Elizabeth, delivered an outstanding congress filled with warmth and professionalism. And for anyone travelling to Peru, Elizabeth’s restaurant, UCHU, is an absolute must-visit — arguably the best dining experience in the country!

The energy of Cusco — its people, its cuisine, and its breathtaking heritage — made this congress unforgettable. From cultural performances to vibrant gala evenings, every moment reflected the diversity and unity of our organisation.

I was deeply honoured to be elected to the Skål International Board as Director for Region 12 (Australia). It is both humbling and exciting to serve our members at an international level and to contribute to shaping Skål’s global future. At the next Skål Australia Executive Board meeting, I will tender my resignation as National President, effective 31 December, to begin this new international role 1st January. Taylor, as Senior Vice President, will step into the role of Interim President until our national elections next March. It has been an incredible honour to serve as your President, and I am deeply grateful for the support, friendship, and trust shown to me throughout my tenure. Congratulations also to Director Melinda (my exceptional campaign manager), elected International Deputy Director, we will make a formidable team and I look forward to working with you.

A huge congratulations to Skål International President Michael Collins, who was recognised as International Skålleague of the Year. To achieve both national and international honours in the same year is an outstanding accomplishment and a testament to his leadership, dedication, and unwavering contribution to the Skål movement worldwide. Congratulations Michael!

Congratulations also to Skål International Mérida, Mexico, the very worthy winner of the 2025 Skål International Club of the Year Award — a fantastic recognition of their engagement, creativity, and excellence within our global network.

And of course, heartfelt congratulations to World President Denise Scrafton and her Executive Board on a highly productive and successful Annual General Assembly in Cusco, and on the announcement of Skål’s new global strategic plan. This forward-looking framework promises a renewed, revitalised organisation — one that embraces innovation, inclusivity, and modern governance while staying true to our founding values. The energy and unity displayed by Denise’s team are truly inspiring, and we look forward with great optimism to the exciting evolution of Skål in the years ahead.

As we approach the end of the year, now is the time for all clubs to connect with your members, talk about renewals, and begin planning your 2026 programs. While we often see a slight dip in membership during renewal season, let’s all do our utmost to ensure every member feels valued, engaged, and motivated to renew. Every conversation and every act of connection helps strengthen our Skål community for the future.

Finally, as discussed at the Adelaide National Assembly, we have now transitioned to Humanitix as our preferred event booking platform. This move allows us to modernise event management, streamline administration, and deliver a smoother booking experience for members. Importantly, Humanitix donates all profits to educational programs for disadvantaged children — perfectly aligned with Skål’s values of community, sustainability, and social good. We encourage all clubs to sign up and begin using Humanitix for upcoming events and functions as soon as possible.

Finally, Cusco reminded us of the power of connection — that through friendship, unity, and collaboration, we can continue to grow, evolve, and make Skål even stronger.

Skål!

Ash Munn
President, Skål International Australia