From the CEO: Although we’re running on empty, after a look back on 2022 I’ll leave you with The Wiggles instead of Jackson Browne

By Peter McDonald

At almost one third of the way through December already, we’ve as good as made it to the end of 2022. I get a sense many of us are surviving on energy drinks or are on the verge of needing an iron infusion, but given we know firsthand what the alternative is I think we pick this problem every time, don’t we?

Although Michael will sign MEA off for the year to you all next week, with this being my final article ahead of the newsletter’s season break, as I tap out, I thought I’d just take a bit of a look back at what ended up constituting my 2022 playlist and the food for thought messages that inspired it.

Not every article had a complementary tune, because the objective isn’t to write about the music. That’s just something I do to try to keep things a bit light. But the majority did, so here’s a bit of a reminder of what I’ve thought worthwhile chatting about this year where a song also got tied in (the links are to the article in case you missed it or want to revisit it over the break and see how the connection is made):

Word of mouth (Mike and The Mechanics) – make wise choices about who you listen to. Whatever someone – anyone – says must be considered in terms of what their agenda is.

The best things in life are free (Melbourne Ska Orchestra) – treating other people well and delivering a good customer service standard costs nothing.

Fairground (Simply Red) – There are two types of friends in life and business. The lifelong friend rides the rollercoaster with you, the fair-weather friend rides the carousel with you.

Show ‘em what you’re made of (Backstreet Boys) – Step up to the fight but have people in your corner who have your back

I am what I am (Gloria Gaynor) – MEA is what it is and is proudly so.

Where everybody knows your name (Gary Portnoy) – If you want to hold events, get to events. Create the energy. Lead.

Roar (Katy Perry) – The fight against the impact of the pandemic is one we’re going to win – and the world will hear about it loudly when we do.

The power of love (Huey Lewis and The News) – You’ll reap from your organisational culture what you apply to it.

Rubberneckin’ (Elvis Presley) – Stopping to look and listen is a sage business strategy, but it’s increasingly pertinent in challenging times.

Locomotion (Kylie Minogue) and We’ll meet again (Vera Lynn) – I said that Evolve 2022 wouldn’t disappoint in professional or cultural development. I was right.

My Hero (Foo Fighters) – Not all heroes wear capes

All together now (Jon English) – Evolve 2022 was Swiss chocolate to the pandemic’s Warhead

Good vibrations (Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch) – The vibe of Evolve 2022 has given us a great launchpad for Evolve 2023.

You'll be in my heart (Phil Collins) – Need to know someone has your back? MEA’s mentor program is the answer.

Lean on me (Club Nouveau) – MEA membership is good for you, and the nation – even the government says so.

Strong (One Direction) – a genuine thank you to all MEA’s supporters.

Get out of the house (Boom Crash Opera) – The ‘Social’ pillar of sustainability is a critical component of a community’s wellbeing and longevity.

You've got to stand for something (Aaron Tippin) – I encouraged voting in MEA’s Director elections and voters standing for what they believed would be in MEA’s longer term best interest.

Ain’t no mountain high enough (Marvin Gaye) – the success and sustainability of our industry is heavily dependent upon a top tier that stands stall, leads and nurtures.

Thank you for being a friend (Andrew Gold) – a sincere thanks to our stepping down Deputy Chair amidst the launches of Evolve 2023 and the 2021-2022 National MEA Awards, and announcement of the Board to steer MEA through until late 2023.

I reminded readers in my final column for 2021 how fortunate the MEA community is to have the team serving it that it does. If anything, my resolve to that statement has only strengthened during 2022.

Firstly, to the MEA ‘angels’ – Claire, Christine, Jo and Lisa. I thank them for all of their efforts to support our members, students, partners and the broader industry. It’s not an easy gig, and I think their commitment to it speaks for the calibre of people that they are. I thank them very much.

To the Board and Branch Committees. As the under resourced and under skilled industry re-emerges at the rapid pace it does, all of these people have had to juggle the trials and tribulations of their own jobs in that context with the voluntary work they’ve done in the interests of the MEA business and its members. On behalf of my team and the sector, my hand is on my heart as an expression of my thanks for all that effort.

To those members who’ve renewed their subscriptions and to those who joined – or re-joined – during 2022, your allegiance to the almost 50-year old brand that is MEA is truly appreciated and evidences that MEA does add value, and for that my team, the Board and Branch Committees and I are truly grateful.

And to our corporate partners who invested in MEA throughout the year, whether this was in a general sense or as a specific program, Evolve or event sponsor, on behalf of all aforementioned groups our gratitude to you for that support is extensive. I truly hope it was rewarded.

As I did at Easter time, I encourage all readers to remember the true meaning of Christmas as they celebrate the season with their nearest and dearest. In that vein, Carols in the Domain is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me each year (now there’s an event!), and there’s always one act that draws the whole audience in. I’m going to leave you for 2022 with The Wiggles. Enjoy. Merry Christmas. See you back here in 2023.

Here come the reindeer (Here come the reindeer)
Santa's friendly reindeer (Santa's friendly reindeer)
Pulling the sleigh with Santa and the presents too

Here come the reindeer (Here come the reindeer)
Santa's friendly reindeer (Santa's friendly reindeer)
Flying through the night to bring Christmas joy to you

Belt buckle shining (Belt buckle shining)
Santa Claus is smiling (Santa Claus is smiling)
This could be the best time of the year

So everybody give a great big cheer
Let's hear it for the reindeer
'Cause the reindeer are coming, so is Santa too

Source:

Song – “Here come the reindeer”
Artist – The Wiggles
Album – “Yule Be Wiggling”