Dear Members,
As we move into 2026, I wanted to share an update on where things are at across AICCM and the work underway to deliver our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan.
After the transformational energy and momentum of 2025, this year is very much about putting the foundations in place, the systems, structures and partnerships that will allow us to deliver on what we have committed to as an organisation.
We are tracking strongly against the F26 Business Plan, with the majority of projects and activities either on track or already completed. Importantly, this work is directly aligned to the objectives of our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, and we are now seeing that alignment translate into real delivery.
Some of this work happens behind the scenes, but it is critical. It’s about making sure AICCM is set up properly, so we can support our members, represent the profession, and grow sustainably into the future.
Strengthening governance and financial foundations
One of the key areas of focus has been governance and financial management. Through our business planning process, it became clear that a number of our policies and procedures were either missing, out of date, or not fit for purpose. Since then, a significant amount of work has gone into building this out properly.
We now have a suite of financial and governance documents in development, including financial delegations and responsibilities and an investment policy and strategy. We are also establishing a Finance, Risk and Audit Committee, which will provide a much stronger level of oversight and accountability going forward. This is foundational work, but it is an important step in strengthening how AICCM operates as a national organisation.
Improving how we work: IT and systems
We have also started a full review of our IT environment. At the moment, AICCM operates across a number of different platforms, finance systems, CRM, website and communications, and they don’t always connect well. This creates inefficiencies and makes it harder than it should be to operate day-to-day.
We have engaged an external consultant to review this, and we are now progressing options to move towards a more integrated system, including a transition to Microsoft 365. This will allow us to streamline how we work, improve communication across National Council, State Divisions, Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Working Groups, and reduce reliance on multiple disconnected systems. We are also exploring not-for-profit grants to support this transition.
Working Groups and SIGs shaping the next phase
A really positive shift has been the growth of Working Groups and SIGs aligned to our strategic priorities. Several key pieces of work are now underway:
- Development of ISO standards, through a working group with Standards Australia
- A Code of Ethics and Code of Practice Review and Cultural Safety Framework, building on advice from First Nations adviser Caroline Martin and sector leader Veronica Pardo.
Alongside this, many of our SIGs are actively progressing their own programs of work, including professional development activities, webinars and in-person events.
The Disaster Committee is progressing a draft National Preparedness and Response Framework, which will be an important resource for the sector. We are also seeing continued growth across our SIGs, including two emerging SIGs focusing on Natural History/Sciences Conservation and supporting our colleagues in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
These are important pieces of work for the profession. They go directly towards how we define good practice, how we work responsibly, and how we support each other across different areas of conservation practice. It’s been fantastic to see members stepping into these spaces and contributing their expertise – this is exactly how AICCM delivers its strategy.
Partnerships and what’s ahead in 2026
Partnerships continue to be a strong focus. We are continuing our work with the Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA), including planning a conservation session at the AMaGA National Conference in November 2026.
We are also partnering with the South Australian Museum, Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium, Artlab, and our Natural History/Sciences SIG to deliver the ICOM NATHIST Conference in Adelaide in November 2026.
These are two significant opportunities for our profession to share the incredible work we do with both national and international audiences. They also reinforce what we saw through the 2025 AICCM National Conference, that when we are connected, collaborative, and clear in our purpose, we can attract strong partnerships and sponsorship across the wider sector. This is something we will continue to build on as we strengthen our financial sustainability in the coming years.
First Nations leadership
We are developing a partnership between Artlab, the South Australian Museum and Ku Arts, and continuing to build on the leadership of Caroline Martin. This includes progressing knowledge sharing, collaboration, cultural safety training and broader frameworks that will support AICCM members and First Nations communities.
We will also be planning for Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week in 2026, exploring how we can share elements of the 2025 National Conference more broadly with members as part of ongoing professional development and resource sharing.
I encourage all members to engage with Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week activities in your workplaces and communities. These are important opportunities for reflection, learning and action, and a meaningful way for us to continue building culturally informed and respectful conservation practice.
Looking ahead: National Council planning and member input
National Council will be coming together face-to-face for two days in early May. This will be an important milestone where we:
- Review progress against the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan
- Agree on priority areas and projects for the F27 Business Plan
- Begin development of the F27 Budget.
To support this work, we will also be circulating our 2026 Membership Survey. This is a key opportunity for members to provide feedback and help shape the direction of the organisation. I strongly encourage you to take part when it is released.
Get involved
There is a lot happening across AICCM at the moment.
- State Divisions are delivering events and reconnecting with members
- Our national calendar of professional development is active and growing
- Working Groups and SIGs are engaged and progressing important work
- Partnerships are strengthening across the sector.
This is a very active and positive time for AICCM, but it only works if we are all involved. AICCM is not separate from its members. It is all of us.
There are many ways to be part of this:
- Join a SIG or Working Group
- Encourage colleagues and institutions to become members
- Attend events
- Contribute to and participate in professional development
- Present at upcoming conferences
- Develop partnerships
- Share your work and advocate for conservation.
We are in an important phase. This year is about building the foundations, governance, systems, partnerships and our financial and professional frameworks, so that we can deliver on our strategy in a meaningful and sustainable way. That work is well underway and it’s happening because of all of us. I encourage you to get involved and be part of it!
Best wishes,
Sam
Dr Samantha Hamilton
President, AICCM