Aust AGM

 2019 AGM Reports & Officals

At the the AGM conducted on 15th June 2019 the following reports and offcials were tabled.

REPORTS:

President

I welcome members to the 2019 Annual General Meeting of the Hartley Trailer Sailer 16 Association of Australia.

Congratulations to the South Australian Association for conducting the successful Australian Championship at Largs Bay Sailing Club.  And to all competitors and 'ground crew' whose attendance make this event such a success each year.

And congratulations to the current Australian Champion team of Geoff Potts and Chris Haydon in Kurdi II.  A long awaited and most deserving win.

New South Wales is well advanced in their preparations for the forthcoming Championship at Speers Point.

With declining Membership and the increased costs involved, the National Committee commend the three states that, as their turn comes around so quickly, so enthusiastically prepare and host an Australian Championship.

We note, with regret, the passing of Norm Thompson - National Measurer, Life Member and NSW member. Norm was a great asset to the Association and was always available with his expertise and advice. 

Also the  passing of Life Member Llew Williams - a member of  50 years standing.  Llew was a font of knowledge and much admired by Victorian Members

I extend personal thanks and appreciation to  -

-   the Members of the Australian Committee of Management for their commitment to the job and to those willing to continue on.   Special thanks to Peter Behr, who has stepped down from the position of National Secretary.  And as I stand down as National President I extend thanks to the National Committee and all members for their support over the past 6 years.

-  all members attending this AGM and those who submitted postal votes.

In conclusion - to all TS16 members - good sailing and fair weather.

Gillian Horvath – President

Treasurer

As of 30 April 2019 the Westpac bank account had $10,885, the National bank account had $10,500, PayPal $575 and inventory was $388 bringing the total assets to $22,321. However, due to the reduction in membership, it is my sad duty to report our first major loss since I’ve been Treasurer. We suffered a total loss of $1,542 over the last financial year. Expenses have also reduced due to lack of membership; insurance is down by $500 as is the State Association subsidy and postage. However, the biggest other expense is the Australian championship subsidy of $1,500 which is nearly the exact amount of our loss. However, most of the executive and membership realise that the Australian Championships is the greatest membership attracting event. Every year members who have left the Association return just to participate in these Championships. These Championships are also becoming more expensive to run and so, most believe that this subsidy is an essential expense for the maintenance of the National Association.

The raising of membership fees is an option but it is considered a last option at this point because it will actually have an adverse effect on returning members. The priority should again be the recruitment of new membership and I believe that there is more work to be done in the different Select Selection in creating events and a social atmosphere to attract the family orientated boat owner.

Alan Scott Treasurer

Registrar

The total number of memberships last year were 142 which includes the eight life members. Overall the membership has decreased by 22 % from last year. While this can be contributed to the normal drop in sailing Association membership, it is also exacerbated by this generation reaching the age where they retire from sailing. Sadly,  we have lost two of our life members this year. The only state associations that has come close to maintaining its membership is Victoria all the other states have lost significant numbers. I would suggest that the other states contact Victoria and find out their methods of maintaining or recruiting membership as a lack of membership numbers will soon become a significant factor in the running of the organisation. New South Wales has suffered the most losing 21 members and only gaining 5 new members,  Victoria a similar sized Association has only lost 8 members over the financial year so it might be worth finding out if there is a reason for this statistic.

A few months ago we offered a membership discount on Facebook. The Facebook ad cost $33 and we did receive two new memberships quoting the special code,  thus resulting in an income of $110. This ad did not lose money but some investigation might be needed to make it more effective in the future. Perhaps we could sell membership indirectly by promoting sailing events such as combined cruising events or race regattas.

Either way I do believe that membership numbers should be the focus of every State Association in the upcoming year. Either creating events that maintain membership or attracting new recruits to the Association.  These events could be marketed on Facebook. I understand the availability of boats is a key factor in this regard but there has always been around 6 to 7 boats on sale on the website indicating there are boats available.

Alan Scott Registrar

Chief Measurer

 7.     NOTICE/S OF MOTION:

8.     ELECTION OF OFFICERS:

All positions to be declared vacant and the Secretary to read out the nominations received in accordance with requirements.

Nominations: Note -  two nominations received for Vice President

      Declaration of Elected Positions

 9   RE-AFFIRM OR APPOINT PUBLIC OFFICER

 GENERAL BUSINESS:

• Report on forthcoming Australian Championship
•  Proposal for subsequent Australian Championship
•  Annual Return to the NSW Department of Fair Trading
•  Asscn Structure and Possible Future Directions - suggestions

   (Only items listed on the Agenda can be formally voted on at the AGM, but Committee would welcome discussion as a guide for the          forthcoming year).

 11. CLOSE OF MEETING: