Dear Esteemed Members of the CA Fraternity,
I stand before you with a profound sense of privilege and responsibility as I assume the role of Chairman for the Melbourne Chapter in the year 2023-24. My journey with this Chapter dates back to its inception in August 2006 when I was just six months into my life in this remarkable country. Those early days were marked by jubilation, a palpable sense of achievement, as we established the first chapter of our beloved profession in Australia. Our aim then was clear: initiate discussions with CA ANZ and CPA Australia to mutually recognize each other’s qualifications. I embarked on my CA journey alongside a fellow Chapter member, and we persevered until the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) became a reality, solidifying our status as members of ICAI in Australia. While the process was rigorous, we always believed that recognizing each other’s qualifications was the way forward. Thanks to the combined efforts of Australian Chapters and our parent body, ICAI, this vision materialized into the MRA, benefiting all of us.
The idea for the coming year is to accelerate activities and increase members engagement. Needless to mention raising the profile of the Chapter amongst various associations not only in Australia but also globally is the need of the hour. Though our main areas of focus for the committee would be to increase chapter visibility, membership base and to provide professional events of best quality on current topics, industry, and professional engagements. We shall make endeavors to showcase the value proposition our professional qualification and experience bestows to the Australian landscape. We would also at the same time like to bring in fold the members families by organizing various social events, common development sessions, leisure, cultural and musical events where everyone can come together and interact with each other. With this objective in mind, we are aspiring to celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav on Independence Day eve i.e., 14th August 2022. We have an eminent speaker, coach, and author to benefit us and our spouses to uplift ourselves at work and careers. A curated cultural program shall also follow.
Some of the key activities planned for this year include:
- Workshops on new themes and tools
- Speakers on regulatory and reporting standards
- CPD in areas of outsmarting unique challenges and embracement of innovative technologies
- Industry and Trade Bodies engagement
- Service Practice collaboration
On social front we would love to organize:
- Family events
- Games Tournaments
- Movies, & Summer Outings
We have also planned to conduct CSR activities like helping new migrants, blood donation and mental health awareness.
We would appreciate if you can propose speakers and sponsors for the Annual Seminar as well as for our PDC events.
This year, four new members have joined the committee. These volunteers are energetic and fully committed. They bring with them new perspective of looking towards things. I convey my best wishes for their tenure with the Chapter.
In the end I request you to provide guidance and support to enable us to take the Chapter on a new horizon and would always welcome feedback and ideas that can help us develop and grow.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my immediate predecessor CA Pankaj Damle, a founder member under whose Chairmanship the Chapter started coming back to physical events. I would like to also thank the Present ICAI President Sri Debashis Mitra, previous ICAI President CA Nihar Jambusariya and Head office team, Melbourne Chapter Advisory Committee members, Newsletter Editor & team, Internal Auditor, Electoral Officer, previous Managing Committee Members and founding members for taking the first initiative in establishing this Chapter.
Thanking You,
CA Harsha Vardhan Singh
Chairman 2022-23
Melbourne Chapter, ICAI
06th August 2022