Frank Yourn, Executive Director
We recognise that our communication with members may have fallen behind in recent times, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused. In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic last year, we sent regular newsletters to our members. However, as the world gradually reopened, our focus shifted to organising physical events and rebuilding relationships, leading to a decline in newsletter frequency.
I’m pleased to share with you that we are restarting our newsletters with an experienced professional leading our communications, media and partnerships activities. More of that in a moment.
Allow me to share some information about our secretariat’s operating resources. As Executive Director, I oversee the team, which includes Lillian Chapman as Business and Events Manager, and Leonie Scannell as Bookkeeper. Lillian and I work full-time, dedicating 20% of our time to the AFBC, 20% to the APIBC, and 60% to the APNGBC throughout the year. Leonie works part-time, typically 50 hours per month, with additional hours during peak financial activities and event support.
To enhance our communications, networks and partnerships, we have engaged Mr Dev Nadkarni as our Communications, Partnerships and Relationships Strategist. He will be responsible for producing and distributing a monthly newsletter and enhancing the Council’s social media presence. We welcome your feedback on content directly to Dev.
Additionally, we are open to offering advertising opportunities in the newsletter and on our website and social platforms for members to promote their businesses. Selected members will receive specific offers to enhance their business profile and that of the Council.
We hope you find this newsletter informative, and we eagerly await your comments, feedback, and suggestions. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss the Council’s work further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Frank and Dev at the New Zealand-PNG Business Council’s silver anniversary dinner in Auckland in 2018.
Dev brings extensive experience in Pacific media. He has previously worked with organisations like Pacific Trade Invest in Sydney and Auckland, New Zealand Pacific Business Council, New Zealand Fiji Business Council, and has contributed to various publications over two decades, besides heading the Journalism Programme at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji. Dev has a wide network across the Pacific and a strong understanding of regional business, economic, and political affairs. He may reach out to members to establish connections and improve the Council’s communications and media profile. You can reach him on dev@australiapacificbusiness.org.au
Once again, thank you for your continued support and participation. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime to discuss the Council’s work.
