Association Hub Podcast - Episodes #Advocacy

#67: Building an Advocacy Powerhouse: Wes Lambert’s Recipe for Association Advocacy

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 10:14:18 +1100

In this episode, Olena Lima chats with Wes Lambert to uncover his bold strategies, sharp focus, and unwavering determination in association advocacy. Wes has been making waves in Australia’s restaurant and café sector, achieving policy wins in just 10 months that others have chased for decades.

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If you've worked in the association industry for a while, the chances that you haven’t heard of Wes Lambert are pretty slim. But if you do need an introduction, let’s just say he’s been cooking up some serious change in Australia’s restaurant and café sector.

In just 10 months, Wes and his team at the Australian Restaurant and Café Association (ARCA) have managed to shake up the industry, securing policy wins that others have spent decades trying to achieve. So, what’s his secret ingredient?

In this episode, Olena Lima sits down with Wes to reveal his recipe for success in association advocacy—one that’s packed with focus, bold strategies, and and relentless determination.

Tune in now to listen:

🔹 How Wes went from investment banking, to restaurant management and to leading one of the country’s newest (and fastest-growing) associations

🔹 The key ingredients to getting members engaged and growing an association from scratch

🔹 How ARCA is driving real policy change, from migration reform to taxation policies

🔹 Why laser-focused advocacy can deliver wins for an industry that employs half a million Australians.

And if you’ve ever wondered how one person can juggle high-stakes advocacy, multiple board roles, four kids, and still get eight hours of sleep every night—Wes has the answer.

🎧 Tune in now to hear how ARCA is delivering real results for hospitality businesses across Australia.

#59: Seaweed, Startups and Sustainability: How to Build an Association with Impact with Lindsay Hermes

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 11:53:26 +1100

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Lindsay Hermes, CEO of the Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance, shares how ASSA grew from an idea to a thriving organisation, securing an $8.1M government grant.

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In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, we’re exploring what it takes to build an association from scratch with Lindsay Hermes, CEO of the Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance (ASSA). Lindsay shares the fascinating story of how ASSA went from an idea to a thriving organisation, securing an $8.1 million government grant to establish a national seaweed hatchery network.

We delve into the challenges and opportunities of launching a “startup association,” including how to define a clear value proposition, engage founding members, and foster collaboration across stakeholders. Lindsay also gives a masterclass on building strong relationships with government and navigating complex regulatory frameworks—essential lessons for association professionals in any industry.

Plus, we learn how seaweed farming is poised to be a game-changer for Australia, with enormous potential for environmental benefits (like reducing methane emissions), economic growth, and global market leadership. This episode is packed with practical tips, inspiring insights, and a fresh perspective on what associations can achieve when they think big and act boldly.

If you’re into sustainability, innovation, or just love a good “how’d they pull that off?” story, this episode is for you. It’s all about big ideas, creating value for members, and working together to make Australia a leader in this growing industry.

#55 Small Steps, Big Impact: Advocacy Framework for Small Associations with Elaine Abery

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 10:30:06 +1100

Drawing from her extensive background in government relations, Elaine shares a practical framework designed to help associations set realistic goals, tailor their messages, and establish meaningful relationships with key stakeholders.

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In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena sits down with Elaine Abery, Founder of Unraveling Red Tape, to explore how smaller associations can build effective advocacy strategies.

Drawing from her extensive background in government relations, Elaine shares a practical framework designed to help associations set realistic goals, tailor their messages, and establish meaningful relationships with key stakeholders.

With real-world examples and actionable advice, Elaine demonstrates that impactful advocacy doesn’t require a huge budget—just a smart approach. Tune in for strategies, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on advocacy that can make a difference for your association, its members and your industry as a whole.

If you would like to reach out to Elaine and inquire about her services, visit her website ⁠, or reach out to her directly on her LinkedIn.

#54 Stronger Together: Amplifying Small Business Voices Through Association Collaboration with Luke Achterstraat

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 10:37:43 +1100

In this episode, Luke Achterstraat, CEO of COSBOA, shares how the power of collaboration amplifies the voices of small business owners who form the backbone of the Australian economy.

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In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena is joined by Luke Achterstraat, CEO of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), to explore the vital role of collaboration in strengthening the voice of small businesses across Australia. COSBOA represents a diverse range of industries, from hairdressing and retail to licensed post offices and hospitality, serving as the united voice for millions of small business owners who form the backbone of the Australian economy.

Luke explains how COSBOA supports its members—associations of small businesses—by addressing critical issues like tax reforms, industrial relations, and red tape reduction, while also rolling out programs like CyberWardens to enhance cyber resilience for small business owners.

With a federal election on the horizon, Luke generously shares actionable insights into building strong relationships with policymakers, creating data-driven campaigns, and leveraging a collective voice to achieve meaningful outcomes.

If you would like to become part of the collaborative, visit COSBOA website or reach out to Luke directly through his LinkedIn.

#53 From Campsites to Canberra: Stuart Lamont on Powerful Advocacy and National Campaigns

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 10:21:23 +1100

Join Olena as she chats with Stuart Lamont, CEO of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, to uncover how bold strategies and relentless optimism fuel national advocacy and consumer campaigns.

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In this episode, Olena sits down with Stuart Lamont, CEO of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, to uncover the secrets behind building powerful advocacy and consumer campaigns that drive value for the entire industry. Whether it's holding direct conversations with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers, garnering personal support for his campaign from Scott Morrison, or inviting John Howard to speak at his conferences, Stuart seems unstoppable.

His approach reflects a unique mindset: “The answer is always ‘yes’ until it’s ‘no’.” This relentless optimism fuels initiatives like the wildly successful “Road to a Million” campaign on Channel 7, incentivising Australians to explore the outdoors.

Stuart’s approach is refreshingly straightforward: “Give policymakers a reason to fund you. Don’t chase money; chase solutions that make an impact.”

From actionable advice on building authentic relationships with the government to unique member-value strategies, Stuart offers a practical roadmap for association leaders eager to elevate their influence.

This episode is packed with inspiration for those looking to amplify their advocacy, provide real member value, and make a lasting impact on their industry at a national scale.

And if you'd like to hear from Michelle Weston, CEO of the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland on how state associations put consumer-centric strategy into life, ⁠listen to our episode #29.

#52: Never Waste a Crisis: Paul Zahra on Leading Through Challenges and Change

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 10:31:14 +1100

In this inspiring episode, Olena catches up with Paul Zahra, outgoing CEO of the Australian Retailers Association (ARA). Paul reflects on his journey leading the ARA through some of its toughest years—think COVID-19, economic shifts, and rapidly changing customer preferences.

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In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena sits down with Paul Zahra, outgoing CEO of the Australian Retailers Association (ARA). Known for his transformative leadership, Paul reflects on his five-year tenure, where he helped the ARA navigate a turbulent era marked by the COVID pandemic, economic shifts, and changing consumer behavior. He shares insights on the power of community in associations, the importance of understanding diverse member needs, and how tailored resources can drive engagement and value. Paul also offers valuable advice for association leaders on the keys to resilience and strategic growth in a fast-changing landscape.

As Paul moves on to new opportunities, he provides a glimpse into the ARA’s future as it transitions into the Australian Retail Council, a consolidation aimed at enhancing the industry's voice and impact.

Whether you're an association leader or a retail industry professional, Paul's insights on handling change, embracing challenges, and delivering member value make this a must-listen episode.

#50: Leading Through Growth and Advocacy: Elevating the Surveying Profession with Michelle Blicavs

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 12:16:07 +1100

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena chats with Michelle, CEO of Surveyors Australia, about her dynamic journey in transforming a long-standing association into a thriving, forward-thinking organisation.

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If you're looking for a leader in the association sector who has tackled it all—rebranding, skyrocketing membership, launching a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), and spearheading advocacy—you won’t find anyone better than Michelle Blicavs.

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena chats with Michelle, CEO of Surveyors Australia, about her dynamic journey in transforming a long-standing association into a thriving, forward-thinking organisation. From an ambitious rebrand to hands-on member engagement and securing a seat at the advocacy table in Canberra, Michelle shares her recipe for success. Hear how she grew the association's membership by personally visiting hundreds of organisations across Australia and how that boots-on-the-ground approach led to remarkable growth.

Michelle also opens up about the bold decision to start a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to address Australia’s surveyor skill shortages, despite many peers in the sector advising against it. Plus, learn how she navigated the often daunting world of advocacy, proving that even small associations can have a big voice.

This episode is packed with real-world insights, actionable advice, and stories that showcase the power of passion and perseverance in the association sector.