Here is Rory McEwen’s message to all in Ryder-Cheshire Australia. He calls his message ‘Moving On’.
We are saddened to see him ‘move on’ as President – Chairperson of Ryder-Cheshire Australia, but do understand.
Rory came into the role as a change maker as you can read in his ‘Moving On’ message below.
We thank him for all his dedication and absolute commitment to the mission ‘for the relief of suffering without discrimination’.
At the inaugural Annual General Meeting of Ryder-Cheshire Australia Ltd and the Board meeting that followed on 14th April 2007 there was recognition that things needed to change. Foundations and Support Groups were folding and some administrative arrangements were ‘flagged as being of concern.’
Change is always challenging and takes time to gain momentum.
By early 2018, after extensive consultation across all stakeholders, a paper entitled ‘Refresh and Renew, towards 2025’ was endorsed by the Board and embraced by the Ryder-Cheshire Family at the Melbourne RCA Biennial.
I am delighted to be able to report that this ambitious plan has been delivered in full and that in some cases exceeded expectations.
Reserves are now managed in a way that maximises their returns, and a clear policy around the dispersal of funds has been adopted. Clear understandings around what our overseas homes, Raphael and Klibur Domin, can expect of us into the future now exist. Arrangements around internal controls are now fully compliant and our policies and procedures meet the requirements of the ACNC and ASIC.
Continual improvements have been made to the processes of attracting and managing sponsorships, donations, bequests and other revenue sources.
The quality of our Red Feather remains at the very highest level, the stories are many and varied, with appeal to all
Our communication strategy ensures the highest quality of our publications and reports. Users of our face book page are growing and our web site is regularly visited and the information is always current.
We have an active marketing committee continually exploring ways to spread the message which is aimed at attracting new sponsors and supporters.
Our new Customer Relations Management (CRM) platform sees well over 1,000 members and supporters who are kept up to date and their needs satisfied in a timely manner.
We are all kept informed on the wonderful work of our two overseas homes in India and Timor-Leste and our Australian homes in Mt Gambier and Melbourne.
All expressions of interest around volunteering are handled promptly and thoroughly. Stories from our volunteers are regularly published.
Nothing stands still. It is great to be able to pause and reflect on our ‘Refresh and Renew 2025’, but then the work on ‘Where to by 2030’ begins.
This requires a new set of champions, new leadership, modern approaches to messaging and mediums. New ways to attract the funds our homes need.
It is time for me to thank all of you and step back. You have certainly made the role I have played easy by striving for quality at every turn.
Older and wiser. Rory