Friends of Gulf St Vincent Minutes of Annual General Meeting Sunday September 19 2004 Normanville SLSC

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Andrew Winkler advised that all persons on our contact list had been told of the meeting, either by e-mail or through Australia Post.

There were two foundation meetings for 'Friends of Gulf St Vincent'. The first was with Friends of Parks to agree on procedural matters. Minutes from that meeting were recorded by Pam Smith of FoP, and were on the table at this AGM.

A public meeting to complement this was held at Middle Beach on Saturday August 30 2003, at which members of the public were able to join the 'Friends'. Secretary gave a summary of events at that gathering, which was essentially a seminar on Gulf St Vincent, with a field excursion.

Moved Scoresby Shepherd, Seconded Nick Crouch, that minutes of those meetings be accepted. Carried.

In reviewing the year, Pat Harbison emphasised the good representation from north of the Gulf at the gathering at Middle Beach, but noted sparse interest from the western side (Yorke Peninsula).

Other notable events of the year included the gathering at Henley Beach for World Environment Day, which was brightened by the array of flags using our logo, good attendance, and prominent reporting on the evening news.

The other major initiative was the proposed volume in the South Australian 'handbooks' series, for a 'Natural History of Gulf St Vincent'. The sub-committee includes Pat Harbison, Scoresby Shepherd and Ian Kirkegaard.

The final bright spot for the year was the first edition of our newsletter, skilfully compiled by Melanie Rees and Nick Crouch.

Moved Scoresby Shepherd, Seconded Nick Crouch, that the President's report be accepted. Carried.

Discussion on this item focussed on the need for wider representation at our gatherings, and the characteristics of people we could seek as local contacts. Mary Crawford commented on the range of skills she had sought and developed in activities for the local Soil Board and now the water management action plan.

Nick Crouch summarised the year's financial history, noting that we started with approximately $600 in 'seed' money. That was made up of kind donation from the Marine and Coastal Community Network (through Tony Flaherty) of $100, $485 (approx) transferred from the Western Suburbs Friends of Parks, with the remainder coming from memberships. Much of this was used in usual establishment costs, for stickers, mailouts, etc.

Most recent account balance with Bendigo Bank was $162.87, but some committed expenses are yet to be drawn from this. Henley & Grange Residents Association is carrying some mailout costs for us.

Moved Scoresby Shepherd, Seconded Melanie Rees, that we accept the Treasurer's report.

At 3:20 PM Mary Crawford assumed the chair, and declared all positions vacant.

New officers are -

President:    
Pat Harbison
Nominated Scoresby Shepherd, Seconded Melanie Rees
vice President:      Jim Douglas
Nominated Scoresby Shepherd, Seconded Pat Harbison
Secretary:       Andrew Winkler
Nominated Jim Douglas, Seconded Scoresby Shepherd
Treasurer:       Nick Crouch
Nominated Scoresby Shepherd, Seconded Melanie Rees
Editor:       Melanie Rees
Nominated Jim Douglas, Seconded Ian Kirkegaard
Minute Secretary:       Ian Kirkegaard
Nominated Jim Douglas, Seconded Pat Harbison.

Jim Douglas proposed that 'the committee be expanded to accommodate up to 4 other persons who could be contact people for the members to the north, south and west of the Gulf, and Kangaroo Island' These members would not necessarily be expected to attend all committee meetings. Jim Douglas also proposed as an 'Action' if this proposal carried, 'that the Committee communicate with the Coastcare co-ordinators, amongst others, to help identify suitable persons in outlying areas'.

Motion and consequent Action carried.

Other member of committee - Scott Douglas
Nominated Pat Harbison, Seconded Ian Kirkegaard.

All members elected.

Moved Nick Crouch, Seconded Andrew Winkler, 'That the subscription per household or group be $5 for the 2004-05 year' Carried

Moved Andrew Winkler, Seconded Melanie Rees, that cheques be signed by any 2 of the Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Mary Crawford closed these proceedings at 3:47 and returned the meeting to Pat Harbison.

Jim Douglas asked after the state of our Constitution. Was advised that it comes under the aegis of Friends of Parks.

This gives us entry to Conservation Council of SA; resolved to write to that Council setting out our interests and activities.

Sarah Bignell advised that Paul Hastings would start work soon as the marine officer in the Conservation Council.

Mary Crawford spoke of the need for the 'Friends' to make themselves known as soon as possible to the interim bodies of the Integrated Natural Resource Management councils and boards, and similar organisations, so we would be known when they were seeking permanent appointments, or submissions on funding or action priorities.

Andrew Winkler advised of correspondence from Tony Bazely of the Port Adelaide environment group expressing their concern over Flinders Ports proposals to dump substantial dredge spoil at sea.

Andrew also noted that Minister Hill had invited a meeting with us to discuss common interests.

Jim Douglas proposed that we also identify Local Government Bodies for regular contact; Sarah Bignell offered to help identify appropriate officers and/or elected members.