Hope for 2021 — looking forward

Our guest speaker Stan Grant at the 2020 FEAL Members’ Dinner

After a year disconnected from friends and fellow colleagues in the not-for-profit superannuation industry, it was with great pleasure that we reunited for the FEAL Members’ Dinner at Pier One in Sydney.

There was much to celebrate. Being together again being one of them, but also connecting in spirit with our members around the country as they tuned in via webinar live streaming  to hear our much anticipated guest Stan Grant speak about ‘Hope for 2020 – looking forward’ as well as the presentation of the 2020 Fund Executive of the Year Award, and The Michael Dwyer Leadership Scholarship.   

Stan Grant

Stan has been a powerful voice in Australian journalism for over three decades. A proud Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi man, he’s worked for the ABC, SBS, the Seven Network, Sky News Australia and CNN and, as a Walkley award recipient in 2015, his his voice on indigenous affairs is almost unparalleled.

The events of 2020 made interesting topics. There was — of course — COVID-19, its impact on personal freedom and democracy, the US elections, the destabilisation in the Asia Pacific region, as well as the conversation about our indigenous population and the ongoing inequality that they face. ‘I hope I haven’t depressed you!’ Stan declared as he wrapped up. 

Yet, there were also things to feel undoubtedly optimistic about: Australia’s democracy remains strong, as does our health system, and we’ve weathered the crisis with an ability to support our people financially. Our institutions also remain remarkably strong.

Talk of hope was perhaps a tough ask after such a turbulent year, yet Stan delivered a speech that referenced realism and hope in equal measure. Thank you, Stan.  

FEOY Award and Michael dwyer leadership Scholarship

We took the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of two of our members: Kevin O’Sullivan from UniSuper, who was awarded the 2020 Fund Executive of the Year; and Debra Mika from Aware Super, winner of the Michael Dwyer Leadership Scholarship. In a field of high-quality applicants, Kevin and Debra were extremely worthy winners and we look forward to seeing the opportunities that their award and scholarship creates for them.

We would like to thank our media partner: