Reflections from RMIA Risk Award Winners, RMIA Chapter of the Year - WA Chapter
As we look forward to the 2026 RMIA Risk Awards, we are pleased to share the reflections of the RMIA Chapter of the Year - WA Chapter and Chapter President Alex McGovern
What has been your Chapter’s biggest success over the past year?
Our biggest success has been the collaboration within the WA committee. The way the committee works together, contributes ideas, and invests time creates a strong foundation for the events we deliver. The teamwork shapes a clear direction for the Chapter and sets the tone for how we support the risk profession in WA.
An outcome of this collaboration has been the growth and cohesion of the WA risk community. Attendance at WA events increased, engagement strengthened, and discussions became more connected and practical, and we are excited to continue building on this momentum.
How does your Chapter foster engagement and collaboration among local risk professionals?
We focus on delivering events that match WA priorities. Topics are shaped around what local organisations are dealing with, which keeps discussions relevant and practical. We select speakers who bring depth and direct experience, which lifts the quality of dialogue and encourages professionals to share their perspectives.
The WA Software Showcase highlighted this approach by giving members access to multiple software providers in one place. It created strong engagement between vendors and practitioners and encouraged meaningful collaboration across the room.
Across all events, we listen to feedback, adjust quickly, and provide environments where risk professionals can connect, learn, and exchange ideas.
Can you share a moment that best captures your Chapter’s spirit or teamwork?
There isn’t one single moment that captures the committee’s teamwork, because every event involves detailed planning and coordinated delivery on the day.
An example is the WA Risk Odyssey, as it is a complex full day event. Each committee member took ownership of a specific responsibility and delivered it cleanly. Coordination, communication, and support across the team was seamless.
The team debrief afterwards reinforced the same culture with a focus on improvements and preparation for future events. This approach reflects how we deliver every event, and how the WA committee works as an effective team.
What role has innovation or creativity played in your Chapter’s success?
Our innovation comes from listening. We stay close to what WA organisations are experiencing, which helps us select topics that matter and design events that add clear value.
We look for capability gaps, shifts in maturity, and emerging issues, then build sessions that address them directly. Our creativity is understanding what the community needs and adapting our formats accordingly.
What does this recognition mean to your Chapter and its members?
This recognition reflects the WA community. Members supported events, contributed feedback, and helped shape the direction of the Chapter. The award is a shared achievement across members, speakers, and the committee.
It reinforces that our effort is creating value for the profession in WA. It encourages us to continue listening, improving, and building a stronger community for risk professionals in WA.