The Australian Recreational Therapy Association (ARTA) has been at the forefront of supporting professionals in the recreational and leisure industry. As the peak national body, ARTA represents lifestyle/recreation activities officers, and accredited Recreational Therapists. ARTA plays a crucial role in providing resources, training, and advocacy for its members across diverse sectors, including aged care, healthcare, education, and rehabilitation facilities.
In 2009, with the amalgamation of various state-based bodies, ARTA sought a solution to manage the growing complexities of membership management. They turned to MemNet, a robust web-based platform designed specifically for associations, federations, clubs, and similar organizations to manage memberships, CRM, and event planning.
MemNet, with its Australian roots and focus on local support, was the perfect fit for ARTA. The platform’s ability to automate invoicing and membership renewals has been transformative. With over 400 members, ARTA needed a system that could handle varied membership categories, from accredited professionals to students and international affiliates. MemNet’s customisable features allowed ARTA to automate membership fee calculations and renewals, which had previously been a significant administrative burden.
Diana Tocknell, ARTA’s Administration Officer, noted the importance of MemNet’s support during the initial implementation:
“Someone from MemNet came to us and sat with us for a day working through all membership calculations to ensure it was correctly automated within the system and has been working automatically for us ever since.”
This hands-on approach ensured that ARTA’s specific needs were met, and the transition was smooth and effective.
The Broader Landscape: Associations and Membership-Based Organizations in Australia
Australia is home to a vast number of associations, clubs, and membership-based organizations. According to recent industry reports, there are over 4,500 associations across the country, serving a wide range of professional, recreational, and community-based interests. These organizations play a critical role in supporting industries, providing professional development, and fostering community engagement. In the nonprofit sector alone, membership-based organizations contribute significantly to the Australian economy, with many associations managing hundreds or even thousands of members.
The challenges faced by these organizations are similar to those experienced by ARTA. Managing memberships, renewals, events, and member engagement requires robust systems that can handle the complexity of varying membership categories, pricing structures, and compliance requirements. This is where platforms like MemNet come into play, offering tailored solutions that simplify these processes making them easier to manage and enhancing the member experience.
MemNet’s flexibility extends beyond membership management. ARTA utilizes the platform to manage workshops, training sessions, and conferences, which are critical components of their member services. The seamless integration of their website with MemNet’s system has enabled ARTA to process over 90% of workshop applications online, significantly reducing administrative overhead. The ability to categorize members and apply different pricing models for events has further streamlined operations and made life easier.
Diana praised MemNet’s user-friendly interface and reporting capabilities, which allow ARTA to easily access the data they need:
“All data captured is then easily reported out with flexible outputs, giving us the information we need when we need it to take action accordingly.”
This level of control and insight into membership data has empowered ARTA to make informed decisions quickly, enhancing their ability to serve their members effectively.
Support and Trust: A Key Advantage
One of the standout features of MemNet, according to Diana, is its Australian-based support. Diana emphasized the importance of this local connection:
“Being an Australian-based company really makes a difference given most others are US-based and difficult to get the support you need when you need it.”
This support has been a cornerstone of the trust ARTA has in MemNet, ensuring that any issues are promptly addressed, and their operations continue without disruption.
MemNet’s contribution to ARTA’s success is also evident in helping them with their compliance requirements with industry standards. As part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), ARTA is on course to be recognized as an official operator by the Australian Health Professionals Association (AHPA). MemNet’s system facilitates these requirement by managing memberships across different regions, ensuring ARTA remains compliant and recognized in the industry.
Looking Forward: Continued Growth and Collaboration
As ARTA continues to evolve, especially in response to changes in industry requirements and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), MemNet remains a critical partner. With its robust system capable of managing memberships across Australia and beyond, MemNet ensures that ARTA can focus on providing value to its members while efficiently managing the backend processes.
The partnership between ARTA and MemNet exemplifies how a well-chosen software platform can revolutionize an organization’s operations. MemNet has provided ARTA with the tools they need to manage their memberships efficiently, deliver exceptional member services, and navigate the complexities of their industry with confidence.
