Dear FTAA members,
As 2025 comes to an end, the Committee wanted to take a moment to reflect on what has been a significant year of transition for FTAA, say a heartfelt thank you, and give you a taste of what’s ahead.
This was the year we deepened our partnership with AIFST. Working more closely together has already delivered real benefits: a much-improved website, smoother event registration and administration, and four events to see out 2025 (including the recent Christmas events in Sydney on 19th November and Melbourne on the 4th December).
Behind the scenes our Committee of Management grew to 13 dedicated volunteers who have met monthly to steer the association forward:
- Jeroen Rens – President
- Franca Curulli & Rachel Kilby – Vice-Presidents
- Rob Anderson – Treasurer
- Paul Bellchambers – Marketing, Membership & Education
- Stephen White – Sports Days & Christmas functions
- Rachel Kilby – Hot Topics series and our other active members Andrew Pearce, Celia McKeon, Michael Ward, Nadine Steward, Kayleen Ternes, Andrew Leung, John Ferrier and Jason Phillips.
Together we relaunched the newsletter, grew LinkedIn past 1,050 followers, and in 2026 introducing student sponsorships, and supporting AIFST’s mentorship program. We have also locked in the 2026 Sports Days (Vic 16 March & NSW 24 March) and the new quarterly Hot Topics series – the first on sweeteners is already planned for March.
A special and bittersweet milestone was farewelling Peter Bush after decades of extraordinary service. Peter, your wisdom, passion and countless contributions have shaped FTAA into what it is today. Thank you – you will always be part of this association’s DNA.
Like any year of transition, 2025 has not been without challenges. Membership numbers have drifted to around 80 and we are still finding our new rhythm. We know we need to keep improving the accuracy of member contact details (a clean-up is well underway) and, most importantly, continue sharpening the value and engagement we deliver to every single member.
That focus starts now, and your ideas and feedback are always welcome.
On behalf of the entire Committee, thank you for staying with us through this year of change. Whether you came to an event, renewed your membership, shared a post or simply kept us in mind – it means a lot.
Wishing you and your families a safe, relaxing, happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to delivering more value, more networking and more fun together in 2026!
Warmest regards
Jeroen Rens
President
FTAA Committee of Management
Food Technology Association of Australia
www.ftaaust.com.au | info@ftaaust.com.au | Follow us on LinkedIn
