On 27th November, the Ritz Carlton Perth saw new Chartered Accountants and Certificate of Public Practice holders join their family and friends celebrating their achievements at the WA New Member Ceremony.

Over 250 people came together to celebrate this momentous occasion, taking time to reflect on the achievements of new CAs who have successfully completed their qualifications, and new Certificate of Public Practice holders taking the next step in their careers. The ceremony highlighted the significance of becoming a CA member and welcomed these individuals into the esteemed CA family.

Aymee Mastaglia, WA Manager, opened the ceremony with a welcome to all members present. She acknowledged the significance of the evening, highlighting the importance of their achievements and acknowledging the sacrifices they made to complete their qualifications. She encouraged them to reflect on the journey each of them undertook that had led them to this milestone.

We were very lucky to have Whadjuk Noongar elder Vaughn McGuire present to perform a welcome to country. Vaughn also brought a 350-year-old heirloom, a Coolamon which was utilised by the Whadjuk for transporting and protecting their babies.

Distinguished guests included CA ANZ Vice President Grant Ellis FCA, WA-based life members Derek Parkin FCA and Ross Ledger FCA, past State Chair Ron Louis FCA, and current members of the WA Council and WA Young CA, Corporate Advisory and Public Practice Panels. Their presence reflected the importance of the event, and the support provided by the CA ANZ community.

WA Council Chair for 2024, Anna Lane FCA, gave members an update on initiatives happening at the state level, and encouraged members to get involved in the calendar of activity going into 2025.

In his message of congratulations, keynote Speaker Grant Ellis FCA, the Vice President of CA ANZ, commended the new members on their extraordinary commitment and dedication throughout their journey to become CAs. He outlined how the CA designation assisted him in boosting his own career in New Zealand, as it underpinned a global reputation for trust, ethics, and high quality. Grant encouraged the new members to seize the opportunities that lie ahead and become actively involved in any professional activities offered.

Grant and Anna presented members with their new member and Certificate of Public Practice Awards.

Attendees also had the pleasure of hearing from Jack Marwick CA, Chair of the WA Young Chartered Accountants Panel. He noted a number of activities of the Panel and ways in which members might like to be involved in future activity.

One of the significant moments of the ceremony was the delivery of the Commitment by Anna Lane FCA. The Commitment underscores the responsibilities and expectations placed upon all members of the CA community. All members were upstanding as the Commitment called upon them to uphold ethical standards, pursue continuous professional development, contribute to the community, and shape the future of the profession with integrity and dedication.

We congratulate all our new members on becoming Chartered Accountants and Certificate of Public Practice holders and look forward to seeing their achievements in the future.