HEIA continues to work on ways to support members. At the meeting, the Council voted to transition the journal into a digital format. Look out for more information from HEIA in the near future about how this will look.

The new HEIA website is in its final stages of development. This new platform will provide access to even more resources and to member-only benefits.

The third edition of Nutrition—The inside story is in its final proof stage of development. The resource, which aims to complement the study of food and nutrition from Years 7–12 and, in particular, Years 9–12, will be published shortly. Watch out for this exciting new edition, and stay tuned to Facebook to win one of the first copies off the press.

To further support your professional development, HEIA divisions are exploring and implementing effective communities of practice. These meetings are an exciting professional development initiative to better serve the diversity of members’ needs. We encourage all of you to join or host a community of practice for your local area to share ideas and collaborate with your peers. In addition to these face-to-face meet ups, the HEIA webinar program will continue in 2020.

If you have any ideas about topics you would like covered as part of the webinar series, please email HEIA(Q) at heiaq@heia.com.au. In the current climate, taking part in a webinar is a wonderful way to participate remotely in professional development.

The 2020 national conference Igniting Critical Agendas is planned for 28–30 September 2020 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. The strength and diversity between the keynote and concurrent speakers is very exciting. Check out the conference brochure on the HEIA website for more details. The Conference Steering Committee will keep members updated on any changes to be implemented to comply with COVID-19 measures.

Once again, HEIA is working with the National Excellence in School Leadership Initiative (NESLI) to offer scholarships for the Women’s Advanced and Middle Leadership programs. These six-month online-learning programs focus on the interpersonal and behavioural dynamics associated with leadership. Members are strongly encouraged to apply for the 2020 scholarships—see also page 10.

For those currently studying, the King & Amy O’Malley Trust scholarships are also available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students of Home Economics—see page 3.
The HEIA national Council will spend 2020 developing a new strategic plan for the years ahead. The strategic plan for 2021–2024 promises to be an exciting guide to shaping the way forward for our profession.

Ngaire Mayo
HEIA(Q) delegate to HEIA national Council