Well, what a year it has been! I am heading into this Christmas holiday season feeling inspired, and elated about the AILA we see in front of us today. We have seen this year what the profession is capable of achieving when we focus our energy and work together. We have also seen the huge generosity and passion our members have for their AILA and the commitment they have to making AILA thrive. I would like to thank all members for your support, patience and contribution to AILA in 2014. Our members are our strength and collectively we own the success of this year. Pat yourself on the back, congratulate and thank your colleagues that have been a part of this. Now is the time to be encouraging fellow landscape architects to become members, the more members, the more we can do and the greater the profile will become #AreYouReady

Against the odds, and against the trends of other similar organisations, in 2014 AILA has almost doubled its membership and significantly increased member participation. There are still opportunities for AILA to realise and 2015 promises to be another successful year. I predict AILA will focus more time and resources to advocacy and the promotion of landscape architecture. We will see AILA’s voice continue to grow as we make public statements on issues important to our members. New initiatives will be implemented to provide members with access to the services and information we require to run successful workplaces. Members will continue to be provided with opportunities to participate in policy development and the setting of priorities for AILA. 2015 will also be a year of transition with a new National Council and Chapter Executives elected. It is a terrific time to be involved in AILA and would encourage all members to add participating in AILA to their list of New Year’s resolutions.

I would like to make a special thanks to my fellow members of National Council, the State Presidents and Executives and our AILA staff for their commitment to this fantastic organisation. I look forward to working with you all again in 2015 as AILA’s future gets brighter and brighter.

Mark Frisby
National President
Australian Institute of Landscape Architects