Putting the AEGC surplus to work – results from the 2026 PESA MembershipSurvey - PESA

Thank you to the 208 members who completed this year’s membership survey. Over the coming months the PESA Federal Committee will be building plans to address the opportunities and challenges identified by member.

A key question provided in the survey was how the AEGC operating surplus of more than $100,000 should be spent?

Members’ selections and comments on this question show a clear focus on supporting future generations and expanding professional development opportunities. Around 195 members responded, and the two most popular options, each with 40% or more support, were domestic scholarships (47%) and educational support to high schools (40%). Professional development formed the next tier, with 32 to 34% of members supporting the distinguished lecturer tour, field trips, speaker support for technical functions and conference support. Options focused on direct member benefits, such as subsidised social functions and free guest attendance, attracted the least support (8 to 21%).

The 23 written comments reinforced these priorities. The most common suggestions were attracting and supporting younger members, including PhD scholarships, mentoring and funding student attendance at PESA events, followed by more in-person technical workshops and visiting expert speakers. A new theme also emerged around reducing costs, with members suggesting lower fees for technical functions, AEGC registration and long-standing or retired members. Some comments encouraged a longer-term view, suggesting the surplus be invested to provide an ongoing source of student funding, and that the value delivered by scholarships be reviewed.