LATEST NEWS
(last updated 07/02/2012)

• February 2012
  Chinese New Year Dragon Boat Regatta
  IFAA’s dragon boat team, the Super Slayers, will be taking to the water on Saturday 11 February to compete in the Chinese New Year Regatta at Southbank. Having won this event before, our 20 paddlers are out to impress and look forward to defending our title. Good luck Slayers!

• January 2012
  IFAA obtains Financial Planning Licence
  IFAA recently obtained an Australian Financial Services Licence enabling the provision of comprehensive financial planning advice. A new company called My Super Future has been set up to operate as a financial planning business providing advice to members of QIEC Super and Club super as well as to retail clients. My Super Future is currently recruiting for a financial planner to begin operating in early February.

• January 2012
  IFAA announces 2012 Conferences
  Dates for this year’s IFAA Conferences have been announced. The IFAA Director Education conference will be held on 29-30 March and the IFAA Investment Conference will be held on 11-12 October. Directors and Executives of superannuation funds are welcome to attend. Registration forms will be sent out closer to the events. In the meantime, if you need any further information, please contact Trudie Willcox on (07) 3238 1239 or trudie.willcox@ifaa.com.au.

• December 2011
  Season’s Greetings
  Neil, Garry and all the team at IFAA would like to wish our clients, suppliers and their families a happy and safe holiday season.  The IFAA office will close from midday on Friday, 23rd December and re-open on Tuesday 3rd January.

• November 2011
  IFAA recognised again in Q400 Awards
  IFAA continues to be recognised as one of Queensland’s leading private companies in The Queensland 400 (Q400).  IFAA’s ranking of 100th in this year’s Q400 is an increase from last year’s placing of 156th and the 2009 ranking of 166th.  Now in its 9th year, the Q400 recognises and promotes the success of Queensland’s leading private companies.

• November 2011
  Energy Super merge completed
  The completion of the 2010/11 financial year indicates another important milestone in Energy Super’s short history. With the Fund completing its first APRA Return and set of financial accounts as Energy Super, the Fund has reached the finishing point of the merge. Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved.

• October 2011
  IFAA wins at Cancer Council fundraiser
  Our ‘IFAA Super Slayers’ have taken out first place in the Cancer Council Queensland Dragon Boat Festival at Varsity Lakes.  Our team of 20 paddlers had a great day out on the water while raising money for the Cancer Council.  Well done team!

• September 2011
  Bridge to Brisbane Fun Run and Walk
  Each year, IFAA participates in the Bridge to Brisbane. Over the years, the event has raised money for Autism Queensland, The Heart Foundation, Young Care and Surf Life Saving Australia. This year, the IFAA runners and walkers enthusiastically supported Legacy.

• September 2011
  Congratulations Energy Super
  IFAA’s largest client, Energy Super, has landed with a splash in this year’s BRW top private companies list.  Energy Super ranked 29th in the BRW list of Australia’s largest privately-owned companies.  IFAA proudly supplies administration services to Energy Super.

• August 2011
  IFAA implements AURION Payroll and HRIS
  July 1 saw IFAA ‘go live’ with the new Aurion Payroll and HR Information System. Stage 1 included the successful implementation of the Payroll, Timekeeper and Self-Service functionality, providing greater efficiencies with straight-through processing of timesheets and leave applications and more accessible HR data for Managers and Team Leaders. Stage 2, incorporating streamlined Recruitment, Training, and Objective Setting and Development Review functionality, is scheduled for completion later this year.

• July 2011
  IFAA tees off to support GJI and SU Qld.
  The GJI Charity Golf Day on 17 June saw a team of IFAA golfers tee off to support youth charity. All money raised went to SU Qld, a not-for-profit organisation that provides school chaplaincy services and community outreach programs in Queensland State Schools.
  
• June 2011
  IFAA appoints Manager, Administration Services.
  Following Patrick’s move to the role of Manager, Trustee Services, IFAA has appointed Greg Gear as Manager, Administration Services. Greg’s extensive experience in both superannuation and management will provide our Administration team with clear leadership ensuring delivery of our client’s business requirements.
  
• May 2011
  IFAA appoints a Manager, Trustee Services.
  Following the launch of Energy Super on April 1, 2011, IFAA has appointed Patrick Twomey as Manager, Trustee Services. Patrick will work closely with the teams at both Energy and IFAA to ensure a smooth transition to business as usual as well as maintaining a continued focus on meeting Energy's business plans.
• May 2011
  IFAA take part in the Gold Coast Corporate Triathlon
  On 7 May, eighteen of IFAA’s fittest braved the morning cold for the Nissan/BRW Corporate Triathlon on the Gold Coast. Each triathlete put in an impressive performance completing a 400m swim, 10km cycle and 4km run.  Congratulations and thanks to all of our triathletes.
• April 2011
  Energy Super Arrives!
  April 1 is the first day of trading for the newly formed Energy Super. IFAA will be administering this exciting new fund. Energy Super has been born out of a merger between ESI Super and SPEC Super. With in excess of $A3.8B FUM and 45,000 members Energy Super is now IFAA’s largest client. The Energy sector is booming and this growth will rapidly propel this fund in the near future. We are all very excited to be a part of it.

• March 2011
  IFAA launches new CRM system for our clients
  IFAA has been working in conjunction with leading Microsoft developer CSG to develop a customised CRM application for our super fund clients. This new CRM tool has now gone live and will be an invaluable tool to help each of the funds effectively manage both their member and employer relationships.

• February 2011
  Merger of ESI Super and SPEC Super results in the creation of Energy Super
  From 31st March 2011, ESI Super and SPEC Super will merge to create a new $3.6 billion fund called Energy Super.  The Fund will be the largest energy industry superannuation fund in Australia.  As the existing administrator for SPEC Super, IFAA is honoured to continue with the administration of the new merged fund.  Energy Super will use IFAA’s streamlined administration model which will support ESI Super’s existing expert team who will assume the responsibility for fund management and financial planning services.

• January 2011
  Flood announcement
  Despite significant flooding in areas of Brisbane and South East Queensland, IFAA remains open for business as per usual.  Fortunately all of our staff are safe and our office has not been affected by flooding.  A donation of $5,000 has been made by IFAA to the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal to help fellow Queenslanders affected by the floods.  Our thoughts and best wishes are with our fellow Queenslanders at this time.

• January 2011
  IFAA announces 2011 Conferences
  Dates for this year’s IFAA Conferences have been announced. The IFAA Director Education conference will be held on 14-15 April, 2011 and the IFAA Investment Conference will be held on 29-30 September, 2011. Directors and Executives of superannuation funds are welcome to attend. Registration forms for the Director Education conference will be sent out shortly. In the meantime, if you need any further information, please contact Trudie Willcox on (07) 3238 1239 or trudie.willcox@ifaa.com.au.

• December 2010
  Season’s Greetings
  Neil, Garry and all the team at IFAA would like to wish our clients, suppliers and their families a happy and safe holiday season.  The IFAA office will close from midday on Friday, 24th December and re-open on Tuesday 4th January.

• November 2010
  IFAA recognised in Q400 Awards
  IFAA has continued to be recognised as one of Queensland’s leading private companies in The Queensland 400 (Q400).  IFAA’s ranking of 156th in this year’s Q400 is an increase from last year’s placing of 166th and the 2008 ranking of 209th.  Now in its 8th year, the Q400 recognises and promotes the success of Queensland’s leading private companies.

• October 2010
  IFAA Investment Conference
  The IFAA Investment Conference is being held this month at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort.  This runs over two days and provides information to enhance the knowledge of Fund Directors and Executives of Superannuation Funds.  For further information, please contact Trudie Willcox on trudie.willcox@ifaa.com.au.

• September 2010
  IFAA partners with Financial Synergy.
  IFAA has partnered with one of Australia’s leading financial services technology providers, Financial Synergy, to implement the latest version of their “Acurity” administration platform. The new system will go live early 2011 as part of the new merger between SPEC Super and ESI Super. Acurity is expected to play a key role in IFAA’s future administration system plans. A new range of other technologies designed to enhance the delivery of services will also be implemented during 2011.

• September 2010
  IFAA appointed to administer the new ESI Super and SPEC Super merged entity.
  Australian energy industry superannuation funds ESI Super and SPEC Super today formally agreed to the creation of a new $3.4 billion fund...(read more)

•  August 2010
  SPEC Super website named "Best in Class"
  Demonstrating the growing importance of connecting Australians with their superannuation through the internet, the new website of Australian industry superannuation fund SPEC Super has been named the best in its field...(read more)

• August 2010
  Donation to FOGS community program
  IFAA has made a donation to FOGS Queensland (Former Origin Greats) in support of their community program which provides indigenous children with employment and career assistance, and mentoring.

• August 2010
  IFAA gets paddling for Cancer Council fundraiser
  Our ‘IFAA Super Slayers’ will be competing in the Cancer Council Queensland Dragon Boat Festival at Varsity Lakes on 19 September.  Our team of 20 paddlers won this event last year so we are looking forward to defending our title while raising money for the Cancer Council.

• July 2010
  Looking into the future!
  IFAA is introducing a new CRM (customer relationship management) system over the next few months. This system will assist our clients to build stronger relationships with their members and employers. We will also be utilising the new ‘Super Advisor’ mass advice tool which provides limited personal advice to fund members. This online mass advice tool is a totally new innovation in the superannuation market place and something IFAA is very excited to be a part of.

• June 2010
  Latest addition to “Our Healthy People” Program
  IFAA employees have been battling it out for top honours in the mychallenge program.  The mychallenge program runs for 10 weeks and encourages physical activity and exercise by participants setting goals and recording their daily steps in a virtual walk around Australia and New Zealand.  13 teams of 4 have been pounding the pavement in the hope of being crowned the winning team!

• May 2010
  IFAA gets active for breast cancer research.
  Our IFAA runners and walkers are looking forward to another Mother Days Classic Fun Run on Sunday 9 May.  The annual event takes place in various cities around Australia with money going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

• April 2010
  IFAA teams complete the Gold Coast Corporate Triathlon
  On 24 April, fifteen of IFAA’s fittest took part in the Nissan/BRW Corporate Triathlon on the Gold Coast. Each triathlete completed a 400m swim, 10km cycle and 4km run. A great day was had by all and the fantastic IFAA team spirit shone through once again. Congratulations to each of our triathletes and thank you to our supporters.

• March 2010
  IFAA Director Education Conference – 15 & 16 April 2010
  The IFAA Director Education Conference is being held on 15 & 16 April 2010 at the Sheraton Mirage, Gold Coast.  Directors and executives of superannuation funds have been invited.  IFAA’s conferences have a reputation for their intimate and relevant content teamed with excellent speakers where the focus is on educating.  If you would like further information, please contact Trudie Willcox at trudie.willcox@ifaa.com.au or on (07) 3238 1202.

• February 2010
  Chinese New Year Dragon Boat Regatta
  IFAA’s two dragon boat teams fought hard to place 1st and 5th in the Chinese New Year Regatta at Southbank on Saturday 25 February. Our Super Slayers and Water Dragons put in a mammoth effort against 14 other corporate teams, not least of all in the final where an exciting photo finish determined that the Super Slayers had won! Well done teams, and thank you to our colleagues, family and friends for cheering us on.

• January 2010
  IFAA announces 2010 Conferences
  Dates for this year’s IFAA Conferences have been announced. The IFAA Director Education conference will be held on 15 & 16 April 2010 and the IFAA Investment Conference will be held on 7 & 8 October 2010. Directors and Executives of superannuation funds are welcome to attend. Registration forms for the Director Education conference will be sent out shortly. In the meantime, if you need any further information, please contact Trudie Willcox on (07) 3238 1239 or trudie.willcox@ifaa.com.au.
• December 2009
  Season’s Greetings
  Neil, Garry and the IFAA team would like to wish all of our clients and suppliers a happy and safe holiday season.  The IFAA office will close from midday 24 December and re-open on Monday 4 January.

• November 2009
  IFAA recognised in Q400 Awards
  IFAA has been recognised as one of Queensland’s leading private companies in The Queensland 400 (Q400).  IFAA earned a ranking of 166th in this year’s Q400, an increase from last year’s placing of 209th.  Now in its 7th year, the Q400 recognises and promotes the success of Queensland’s leading private companies.

• October 2009
  IFAA extends “Our Healthy People” Program
  In addition to subsidised massages, fresh fruit, flu vaccinations and numerous company-sponsored sporting teams, IFAA have extended “Our Healthy People Program” to include free, on-site health assessments for all staff. The program is designed to support staff in the proactive management of their health.
  

• September 2009
  IFAA Investment Conference
  The IFAA Investment Conference was held on 24 & 25 September 2009 at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort.  This conference provided information to enhance the knowledge of Fund Directors and Executives of Superannuation Funds.  A total of ten professionals presented at the conference on a vast range of investment topics and issues.  Attendees gained CPD points towards their ongoing training requirements.  For further information, please contact Trudie Willcox on (07) 3238 1239 or trudie.willcox@ifaa.com.au

• September 2009
  IFAA wins dragon boat festival
  Our ‘IFAA Super Slayers’ have taken out first place in the Cancer Council Queensland Dragon Boat Festival at Varsity Lakes.  Our 20 paddlers competed against other corporate teams while raising money for the Cancer Council.  Well done team!

• September 2009
  IFAA staff attend ECA Conference
  A number of IFAA staff have attended the ECA (Electrical Communications Association Queensland) Conference with several SPEC Super Directors in Darwin. Our Fund Services Managers, Brenda Gormley and Murray Bell, were on hand to answer questions on superannuation. The Conference was attended by over 140 delegates in the electrical industry. For further information on SPEC Super, please go to www.specsuper.com

• August 2009
  IFAA facilitates SPEC Super’s strategy conference.
  In August, IFAA facilitated a Strategy conference for SPEC Super.  This conference saw the Board of SPEC Super review their product offering, assess their marketing strategies and plan for the future. 
  

• July 2009
  Allan Davey retires.
  After a career within the superannuation industry spanning more than 30 years, including almost 9 years with IFAA, Allan Davey has decided to retire.  Allan has been an integral member of the IFAA Management team and has made a valuable contribution to the Company since commencing in July 2000.  Allan’s last day was Friday, 24 July 2009.  We wish Allan well in his retirement and his impending 4WD adventures.   

• June 2009
  IFAA tees off for the GJI Charity Golf Day
  On 26 June, an IFAA team of keen golfers showed their support for a youth charity by participating in the GJI Charity Golf Day.  All money raised went to SU Qld, a not-for-profit organisation that provides school chaplaincy services and community outreach programs in Queensland State Schools.
  

• June 2009
  IFAA facilitates QIEC Super's strategy conference.
  In June, IFAA facilitated a Strategy conference for QIEC Super.  This conference saw the Board of QIEC Super review their product offering, assess their marketing strategies and plan for the future. 
  

• May 2009
  IFAA gets active to raise money for breast cancer research.
  A number of IFAA staff enjoyed an early start on Sunday 10 May to take part in the Mothers Day Classic fun run/walk.  To date, the event has raised over $4million for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
  

• April 2009
  IFAA appoints Manager, Administration Services.
  Following Julie’s move to the role of Manager, Projects, IFAA has appointed Patrick Twomey as Manager, Administration Services. Patrick’s diverse management experience will provide our Administration Team with a fresh focus aligned to our Clients’ business plans.

• April 2009
  IFAA capitalises on expertise of existing managers.       
  Julie Couper (previously the Manager, Administration Services) has recently been appointed to the position of Manager, Projects, utilising her skills in managing large projects and her knowledge of IFAA. IFAA has embarked on a number of projects on behalf of its existing clients, for which Julie will play a key role.  IFAA believes that an organisation with a focus on projects will provide our clients with the competitive advantage required in today’s competitive market.
• April 2009
  IFAA Director Education.
  IFAA held its annual Director Education conference on the Gold Coast.  The theme of the conference was “The scoreboard is important, but how are we playing the game”.  Directors and executive staff from 13 superannuation funds attended.  Topics covered included updates on the economic climate, legislation, APRA, governance, and SCT cases along with presenters on marketing, public relations and liquidity issues.

• February 2009
  IFAA appoints Marketing Manager.
  IFAA has appointed Bart Black as Marketing Manager. Bart's extensive experience will provide clients with much needed marketing strategies and targeted marketing campaigns.

• February 2009
  IFAA continues its review of alternative systems.
  An internal project team is continuing the review of 3rd party systems and the likelihood of IFAA developing its own systems. The team is expected to complete its review and make recommendations to the IFAA Board in early July 2009.

• December 2008
  IFAA undertakes a review of mailhouse services.
  IFAA has established a project team to review the current mailhouse services it receives.
• November 2008
  APRA report received.
  Whilst it is not expected for APRA to make positive comments after its review in July 2009, we were delighted with the content of the report. There were no great concerns expressed by APRA. We are preparing a response to the report and will be reviewing the report and our response with our clients.
• September 2008
  IFAA Investment Conference.
  IFAA's annual Investment Conference was another great success with more than 70 superannuation fund delegates attending. The conference was held over two days and included speakers, expert in their field, from both Australia and overseas.
• August 2008
  APRA review IFAA.
  A team of APRA representatives spent two weeks in our offices during July reviewing every aspect of IFAA's operations. A report is expected in September/October. IFAA presented a very transparent approach to the review and we believe that this was appreciated by APRA.
• July 2008
  IFAA invests $1.7 million in new infrastructure.
  All IT infrastructure including servers, storage, network switches, printers, desktops and laptops have been replaced. In addition, our office productivity tools have been upgraded to the latest versions of Microsoft Office 2007, Vista operating system and Citrix application delivery solution. We have also replaced our PABX system with the latest Cisco VoIP telephony solution integrated with the latest Genesys contact centre application and Verint call recording and quality monitoring system.
• July 2008
  IFAA turns 10! IFAA opened for business on 1 July 1998.
  To celebrate, IFAA and all of the staff ventured down to Victoria Park Golf Club to share in memories and celebrate the success of the past 10 years. IFAA is also holding a function for clients and associated businesses at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, viewing Pablo Picasso's personal art collection.
• June 2008
  IFAA, together with JANA (Asset Consultant) embark on a global study investment tour with clients.
  The purpose of the tour was for Fund Trustees and Investment Professionals to meet with investment managers that have been appointed by our clients. The investment managers visited include Hastings Funds Management UK, AMP, Macquarie, Mondrian, Legg Mason, First State Investments, Orbis, THS and more.
• April 2008
  IFAA staff complete their review of the culture of the Company.
  All IFAA staff took part in an externally coordinated review of IFAA's culture and staff principles. The vision, values and cultural differences are to be announced at a 10th Anniversary staff celebration in June.