A fitting tribute
Having spent the last 20 years of my working life serving Members of Parliament and Industry Associations, minus a few years in the Army and Peacekeeping, lunch in Parliament House lost its excitement about a decade ago. Indeed the maitre d’ in the Strangers Dining Room, no longer asks who the parliamentary sponsor is, when CCF makes a booking; they just assume we must be picking up some unfortunate MP in the bar on the way through.
However, this familiarity went out the window last month, when I joined our life member and unofficial patron Don Stein, at the special luncheon hosted by the Order of Australia Association on the day he received his ‘gong’ from the Governor.
Two years of representations and references from all over the industry, and collecting endorsements from his many charitable activities, not to mention a nudge from his local member Wayne Merton, finally paid off. As a relative newcomer to the industry, I will never forget the privilege of joining Don and his family on the day the Order of Australia was given to a member of CCF (NSW) for the first time, for commitment to our industry.
We were also delighted that Oamps Insurance Brokers used the opportunity to sponsor and rename the CCF Boardroom “The Don Stein AM Boardroom”. Congratulations Don, a fitting tribute.
Industrial relations, contract law conference
Following in from the success of the various seminars held last year, the Federation will be hosting a two-day Industrial Relations and Contract Law Conference on 17/18 June at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Norwest. We have secured a number of leaders of the legal fraternity and look forward to welcoming members from around the country. Please register early with Sarah Clarke on 02 9009 4000 to avoid disappointment.
Earth Awards
June in Sydney means the Earth Awards are coming. This year we have decided to move venues to the five star Four Seasons Hotel in George Street. At the time of writing we have received acceptances from Shadow Treasurer, Joe Hockey MP as well as Roads Minister David Campbell. With a record number of ‘expressions of interest’ received to date, we are looking forward to a sensational event. The master of ceremonies, Radio 2UE’s David Oldfield will join internationally acclaimed comedian Elliot Goblet for what is sure to be a celebratory celebration.
The new venue will bring a restriction of numbers to 500 so please ensure to register your table early. However, CCF has managed to ensure members attending the dinner can access a special industry rate, if a night on the harbour is in order.
President’s dinner and training awards
We are delighted to report that the guest of honour at this year’s President’s Dinner and Training Awards, will be New South Wales governor Prof Marie Bashir. The dinner will be held on September 24 at the Sofitel Wentworth Hotel in Sydney, so make a diary note!
