Thinking about the achievements of the Association and its over ninety-year history, I reflect on what it is that I would like the Association to achieve in the coming year ahead, the two words that come to mind are unity and progress. I would like to see the industry come together and unite for the greater good of the industry and all its participants. There are many areas that I would like to see progress but in particular it is continuing our efforts to grow and assist with a strong and successful apprenticeship program in our industry. We want and need more youth and apprentices to join our industry to ensure the longevity of our trade.
It is a privilege to be elected by my fellow Board Directors as the President of the JAA, and to represent the longest-serving jewellery industry body in Australia. I have a long-held enthusiasm to see businesses flourish and advance, and that is what I continue to hope for the Association. I will work hard to lead the directors, for our members and the greater good of the jewellery community.
I, on behalf of the other JAA Board Directors, wholeheartedly thank outgoing President Karen Denaro for her commitment to the JAA during her term. Karen gave much of her time and support to many areas of the Association. The JAA wishes to thank Karen for her dedicated work.
Earlier this year we were pleased to present the 26th instalment of the JAA Australian Jewellery Awards after they were postponed in late 2021 due to Covid lockdowns. It is always a great initiative to bring to the industry. We are excited to be working on the plans for the 27th instalment, given the last two have been impacted by Covid, so we are eager to announce the details of the competition and festivities in early 2023, so stay tuned!
We also hope the industry has enjoyed and benefited from the monthly webinars presented this year. There were a wide range of topics covered, with robust discussion and with great educational elements. Members can watch these webinars again via the Member Portal. We look forward to bringing you more of these sessions in the new year.
These achievements are in addition to the wins the Board and JAA staff have pursued behind the scenes in 2022. I look forward to the Association establishing more initiatives in line with the strategic plan and connections to stakeholders that will advance the businesses of our members, and the industry.
As the year concludes I wish my fellow industry colleagues all the best for the Christmas and New Year trading period, as well as a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2023.
We’ll see you early in the new year at the Jewellery Industry Fair that is taking place in the luxurious settings of the Timber Yard in Melbourne on 4 and 5 February 2023. The JAA are again looking forward to connecting with members and seeing our trade friends. See you there!
Joshua Sharp, President
