SA Fellowship Dinner and Awards 2025

Dear Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand members,

Tonight we will be hosting the annual SA Fellowship Dinner and Awards Night at the Hilton Adelaide. I regret that I will not be there in person due to a scheduling conflict, I will find myself in the somewhat warmer climate of the Sunshine Coast. But I felt it fitting to share this acknowledgement of those that will be celebrated tonight in my absence.

The Fellowship Dinner is always a very special evening that acknowledges some of the great members in our state, and I am proud to say that I have had the privilege of working with several of our new Fellowship and Meritorious Service Award recipients in my 5 years in the role. I have witnessed first-hand the passion these members have for their designation and the extra hours they volunteer to promote the profession and support their fellow CAs.

In recent years, the SA/NT Council has strived to ensure that Fellowship is not just a tick-box exercise based on tenure. Each year, there are long-standing members with seemingly strong resumes are not approved, highlighting the rigorous and selective nature of the process.

The Fellowship Committee seeks verified, detailed evidence of achievement in their roles, contribution to the community, academia or CA ANZ. While any one of these aspects qualifies a member for Fellowship, the members you will celebrate tonight were able to demonstrate contribution across multiple areas, illustrating true commitment to excellence through their CA designation.

I would like to pass on a huge congratulations to the 10 members we are recognising tonight as new Fellows. If becoming a Chartered Accountant is like joining an elite club, tonight’s Fellows have officially entered the VIP section! Congratulations to:

• John Bagusauskas FCA
• Frances Carter FCA
• Shayan Gunawardena FCA GAICD
• Luke Kerins
• Matthew Laming
• Stuart Price
• Damian Pulgies
• Maria Ravese
• Simone Thompson
• Brian Wibberley

For our Meritorious Service Award recipients, I have seen firsthand the time and effort that comes with taking on roles with the SA/NT Council, Panels and Committees – all undertaken selflessly, with no expectation of personal gain. In addition, I have also seen the enthusiasm, commitment and dedication that CA ANZ members show for ensuring that the next generation have the opportunity to reap the same rewards in their careers and can understand the intrinsic satisfaction that must come with giving back to the designation. Anna Nolan, Craig Farrow and Mark Phelps —your contributions to CA ANZ and the accounting profession have been truly invaluable. On behalf of everyone involved with CA ANZ, thank you for your selfless dedication over the years.

I would also like to sincerely thank CA ANZ President Grant Ellis for being in Adelaide for tonight's event. Your presence in celebrating and recognizing our members is truly appreciated. And finally, a huge thank you to Simon Graetz, who graciously stepped in to cover my absence as MC for tonight and SA/NT Chair Leanne Allen for her support with the presentation of awards.

I hope everyone has fantastic evening tonight, and once again, congratulations to our newest Fellowship and Meritorious Service Award recipients—tonight will be a fabulous celebration of your achievements.