Dear members  and enthusiasts,

We’ve reached the halfway point of the year and, as those of us in the southern states break out our winter woollies, it’s a fitting time to take stock, celebrating milestones, assessing progress, and keeping our momentum strong as we head into the second half of 2025.

Over the past few months, the AIOH has continued to represent members in national and international forums, advance key strategic initiatives, and deliver programs that build our profession’s capability and impact.

The AIOH has established Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with several occupational hygiene societies and institutes globally. Through our reciprocal agreements with the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), New Zealand Occupational Hygiene Society (NZOHS), Asian Network of Occupational Hygiene (ANOH), and the Faculty of Asbestos Management of Australia and New Zealand (FAMANZ), one to two members of our Council are invited annually to attend these global events.
May and June are traditionally our profession’s peak conference and exhibition season. President-Elect Kelly Johnstone and I attended this year’s AIHA Connect conference in Kansas City, joining more than 3,000 delegates. (Fun fact: Did you know that the AIOH is the second-largest occupational hygiene organisation by membership numbers in the world?) The conference offered a wealth of thought-provoking content, reinforcing the momentum in innovation, research, and global collaboration.

While the AIHA Connect is still large by Australian standards, it was noticeably smaller this year. Many seasoned delegates commented on the reduced presence of U.S. government agencies, particularly the military and federal institutions that are usually well represented. This shift appears to reflect broader funding constraints across multiple agencies.

Shortly after, I travelled to the NZOHS Conference in Auckland—another standout event with compelling keynote speakers, high-quality CES sessions, and over 200 delegates in attendance. The theme was “Challenges, Change, and Solutions”—a fitting lens through which to view the journey of our New Zealand colleagues. The Society has grown significantly over the past few years, even amidst considerable external pressures. The event was well-executed, engaging, and fun—a clear reflection of the commitment of its members and the steady leadership of the Council, which remains focused on moving the profession forward.

Next week, Kelly will attend the BOHS Annual Conference in Newcastle, UK, joining a group of Australians who regularly participate in this respected forum. We look forward to her update on her return.

This ongoing international presence reflects our commitment to sharing knowledge, staying globally connected, and bringing international best practices home. The AIOH congratulates the Presidents of AIHA—Bradley S. King, and NZOHS—Mariska Greber on their new appointments last month. We look forward to continued collaboration.

Project Beyond 45 is progressing well and has now completed its feedback phase. While a few more iterations are expected before we finalise the structure, I’m reminded of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words: “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” I’ll share next steps and the implementation roadmap in the upcoming edition of The Filter. Thank you to all members who contributed during this critical phase.

Our 2025–2026 budget process is nearing completion. We’ve set a bold yet strategically aligned financial target, ensuring that resources are directed toward initiatives that elevate our profession, enhance member value, and reinforce organisational resilience.

In June, the COH Board will be conducting examinations across three states. We’re pleased to report strong candidate numbers, which underscore the demand for this certification. Sincere thanks to the COH Board and COH panel for upholding a rigorous, professional, and fair assessment process.

It’s been five years since the launch of the RESP-Fit program. Now entering its re-accreditation year, the program remains a national benchmark in respirator fit-testing standards. We continue to see strong interest and new applications, affirming its long-term importance.

A reminder that grant applications are open through the AIOH Foundation. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to organisations conducting research into occupational disease prevention and control. Apply at: aiohfoundation.org.au/grants. You can also support the Foundation through tax-deductible donations (for amounts $2 and over in Australia). The Foundation is a registered Health Promotion Charity with the ACNC. Learn more: aiohfoundation.org.au/support

On a personal note, sometimes it’s easy to forget that the impact of our work isn’t always immediately visible—but it is happening, and sometimes very close to home. Just this week, my son, who recently qualified as an industrial electrician, sent me a message. His company had enrolled him in a Silica Awareness Course, the material of which was endorsed by the AIOH. It was a powerful reminder that the work we’re all doing is reaching the frontline—protecting the next generation of workers in meaningful ways.

As the half-time siren blows, I’m taking a short break in July. The rest of the Council and the office team will be available and ready to assist in any way they can. I look forward to speaking with you again on my return.

As always, thank you for all that you do.
Sincerely,

Aleks Todorovic
President 2025