I would like to thank the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the membership for supporting me in my role as National President of Career Development Association of Australia Inc. (CDAA) over the past four years. I believe we have been able to make significant change for the advancement of the Association.

The task of National President of the CDAA has been both onerous and a privilege. My involvement has focused on how to improve the national career development system to meet the needs of a knowledge economy, advance the professionalism of the Association in its dealing with members and the community and provide excellence in the provision of Professional Development for the Profession. I believe we have made solid progress in all these areas. more...

CDAA will establish a strategic partnership with the Australian Industry Group with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Melbourne Conference. more...

The CDAA 2009 Annual General Meeting is being held on Wednesday 15th April 2009 (next week). There are two proposed amendments to the constitution that will be considered at the meeting, details of these are available through the link below.

Apologies for the AGM should be registered with the National Office on 08 8341 1492 or email info@cdaa.org.au

Support material:

• CDAA Constitution
• Proposed Amendments
• AGM Proxy Form

The new history of the Australian Association of Career Counsellors will be launched at the National Conference next week. The book, which was written by Allison Brown, will be available for sale from the conference.

More information on ordering the book from the National Office will be available in the next e-bulletin.

The Commonwealth Government have launched a grant for small business to promote work-life balance. more...

Christine Haines and Marnie Kennedy will be presenting a workshop at the conference, "Introducing the Refined Australian Blueprint for Career Development".

This workshop will provide an overview of the changes that have been made to the Blueprint following its trial during 2006-07. We will then introduce participants to the new website and the resources that are now available to download and use. Participants will also be given the opportunity to work with the Blueprint to:

• Develop an understanding of the contribution their own work makes to the career development of others, and
• Explore the ways in which their work intersects with the contribution of others.

Register for the conference now using our easy on-line option by following the links at CDAA website: http://www.abcon.biz/cdaa09regn.htm

The National Careers & Employment Expo is Australia’s largest careers and employment event, bringing together organisations from the corporate world, government, industry sectors, education providers and non-profit groups, all under one roof.

The National Careers & Employment Expo provides jobseekers, graduates, school leavers, skilled and mature age workers with the unique opportunity to get their careers on track.

• Melbourne: 27-28 March
• Hobart: 3-4 April
• Adelaide: 1-2 May
• Brisbane: 8-9 May
• Gold Coast: 22-23 May
• Sydney: 29-30 May
• Townsville: 10 June
• Canberra: 12-13 June
• Perth: 19-20 June
• Darwin: 7-8 August

For more information visit www.eocexpo.com.au

Arlene Howes, a Professional Member of the CDAA, would like to hearing from any regionally based Career Practitioners who are interested in outplacement counseling. Further info: email

Smart Start Magazine is packed with real life profiles of young people in interesting jobs, a diverse range of study tips and options as well as practical career advice. Perfect for years 10, 11 & 12 school leavers.

NEW! National myfuture Training Workshops
Enrol in an Exploring myfuture training workshop. Training sessions will guide participants though key information and services. Register now!

Richard Knowdell Workshops

Career counsellors, coaches and professionals are invited to join Richard Knowdell, Executive Director of The Career Planning and Adult Development Network and author of the popular Knowdell Card Sorts. Online registration and further information: t: 03 9277 5445 e: king@acer.edu.au