Jul 29, 2013 ... McEwin, Pat Guerin, Rob Lawson, Garry Pattinson, Murray Smith, Rob Saint,
Peter Gillett, Mark Brown, Christopher Field,. Frank Mickan, Carol ...
Member’s Annual Report
2013
ACN 131 678 727
ABN 12 131 678 727
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING To be held at the Novotel Palm Cove Resort Conference Centre, Coral Coast Drive, Palm Cove QLD 4879 on Tuesday 6th August 2013 at 4.15pm
AGENDA 1. Apologies 2. Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting 3. Report 3.1 Chairman’s Report 3.2 Treasurer’s Report 3.3 Executive Officer’s Report 4. Appointment of Auditor 5. Election of new Board Members 6. General Business 6.1 Constitutional Resolution 1 6.2 Constitutional Resolution 2 6.3 2014 Conference
Minutes - AFIA Annual General Meeting Wednesday 8 August 2012 Hotel Grand Chancellor, 1 Davey Street, HOBART, TAS 7000 Meeting commenced at 1.52pm
Present: Frank McRae, Peter Goodes, Rick Stadler, Kris Giddings Rod Hibberd, Hugh Moll, Tony Peters, John Griffin, Phil Pomeroy, Dale Frankel, Bill Gough, Alex Peacock, Rebecca Wolfe, Doug French, Ashley Williams, Sonny Stephens, Scott Wilson, Ashley Dempster, Malcolm May, Peter Gillett, Darryl Boyd, Wayne Marshall, Graham Thomson, Lachlan Wood, John Eade, Tim Ford, Andrew Satchell, Greg Morris, Glenn Moxey, Andrew Holmberg, Greg McDonald, Garry Hansen, Ray Donnan, Steve Woods, Ronald Bird, Phil Snowden, Grant Jaeschke, Paul Barker, Darryl Jensen, Charlie Williams, Colin Peace, John Killen, Greg Carmichael, Josh Lanyon, Luke Felmingham, Glenn Logan, Frank Harney, Jim Delahunty, David Earle, Nick Miles, Travis Muster, Ken Schmidt, Mary-Anne Lattimore, Richard Meyer, Greg O’Sullivan, Andrew Oxley, Daniel Parker, Sam Irish, Dennis Ross, David Lewis, Colin Radcliffe, David Cossar, Ron Wilson, Nigel Reith, Graham Bishop, Robert Hamilton, Pamela Zwer, Brendan Cossar, Allan Neale, Steve Settineri, Brett Caddy, Phil Milgate, Brett Radcliffe, Steve Murray, Louis Kelly, Andrew Walter, Darryl Wing, Chris Russell, Lyall Schulz, Ann Collins, Jarrod O’Sullivan, Andrew Makin, Bill Jacobs, Peter McEwin, Pat Guerin, Rob Lawson, Garry Pattinson, Murray Smith, Rob Saint, Peter Gillett, Mark Brown, Christopher Field, Frank Mickan, Carol Marshall, Anthony Connaughton Mirjana Prica, Geoff Curnow, Masa Urago, Ray Findley, Michael von Stieglitz, Mark Johnson, Chris Ryan, Corey Ryan, Andrew Griffiths, David Hillman, Garry Weegink, Kelvin Smith, Steven Wright, Tom Carah, Josh Greene, Robbie Johnson, Richard Field, Ken Felminghan, Hironobu Kaneko, Akiko Nagasaka, David Gibson, Peter Hawkins, David Barron, Greg Manna, Peter McCormack, Darrell Butler, Nick Cooper, Renata Cumming, Ed George, Chris O’Callangan, Jason Parker, Tony French, Jun Orihara
Chairman: Jarrod O’Sullivan The members agreed that motions put to this meeting would be voted on by a show of hands and that no secret ballot was required. 1. Apologies Colin Butcher, Anna Butcher
2. Minutes of 2012 Annual General Meeting Motion: The Minutes of the 2012 Annual General Meeting be accepted. Moved: Graham Thompson Seconded: Doug French
3.1. Chairman’s Report The Chairman tabled his report . Motion: The Chairman’s report be accepted. Moved: Jarrod O’Sullivan
Seconded: Lyall Schulz
3.2. Treasurer’s Report Ray Donnan tabled his report, (previously distributed on 27 July 2012) confirming the accounts had been audited and the Annual Report had been distributed to members prior to the meeting. Motion: The Treasurer’s Report be accepted Moved: Ray Donnan Seconded: Bill Gough
4. Appointment of Auditor Motion: WHK be appointed Auditor for the 2012/13 financial year and that the Auditors report be accepted. Moved: Ray Donnan Seconded: David Earle
5. Election of New Board Members The Chairman invited Lyall Schulz to come forward and run the election Lyall thanked the current board members and asked them to come forward for recognition by the membership An opportunity was then given for each of the Nominees to speak briefly
Ray Donnan Tim Ford Peter Gillett Frank Harney Peter McCormack Rebecca Wolfe
Pru Edmonds appointed as Returning Officer Lyall Schulz appointed as Election Scrutineer A final call was made for all election forms to be submitted Lyall Schulz confirmed that Jarrod O’Sullivan would announce the results of the election as soon as possible after verification.
6. General Business Malcolm May requested some further update from the transport sub-committee.
6.1 2013 Conference The Chairman announced that the 2013 Conference would be held in Palm Cove, Cairns.
Meeting Closed 2.10pm
CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT The past year has been another challenging one for Australian agriculture; there have been some new challenges whilst some old ones have persisted. I am sure many in the industry have been frustrated by a changing global marketplace impacting local prices and challenging weather conditions. Despite these challenges it is remarkable to witness the resilience of AFIA members and sponsors as well as the fodder industry in general. Early in 2013 AFIA released a five year strategic plan. The purpose of this document is to communicate a clear direction and focus for the association. This document has been driven by the desire to define how AFIA can contribute and enhance the fodder industry. The strategic plan sets the framework for Darren and his team to work toward common and consistent goals. A major hurdle that still persists is for the Australian Fodder industry is to implement better funding mechanisms for research, development and extension of the fodder industry. This is an issue that needs a whole of industry approach and it is AFIA’s responsibility and challenge to bring the industry together to solve this critical issue for the fodder industry. The AFIA team of Darren, Caitlin and Pru have had a successful year and have taken on board the challenges put in front of them. I am sure in the next couple of years we will see our industry organisation utilise its solid foundations to grow and enhance the fodder industry as a whole. Of particular note is AFIA’s engagement with the fodder industry through continued improvement of the communication strategies with both internal and external stakeholders. The two major sub-committees of AFIA have again been active. The Quality Evaluation Committee (QEC) has had a busy and progressive year. The QEC is an important part of the development of the Australian Fodder industry and success relies on the collaborative nature of the fodder testing labs. The Transport Committee has again proven an integral part of AFIA. The efficient and safe transport of fodder crops is of high importance both domestic and export users. The evolving nature of the transport industry and transport regulation means AFIA must maintain an effective and responsive transport committee. Sadly, this was my last year as AFIA chair. I been part of the AFIA board for four years and have been chair for the last two. I have enjoyed the challenges this role has presented and encourage members to consider engaging with AFIA to develop and enhance the Australian Fodder industry. The Australian Fodder industry and AFIA has great opportunity in both the export and domestic sectors, I am sure both will grow and strengthen with your continued support.
Jarrod O’Sullivan AFIA Chair
TREASURER’S ANNUAL REPORT Going into the 2012/13 year the AFIA board signed off on a deficit budget. This was not a decision that the board took lightly but one that was necessary to get the association through the challenging period that included changes in staff and service providers. Following this we have taken steps as a board to ensure that we are aware of the finances of AFIA and have a plan in place to ensure that the association is financially sound. We are very aware that the fodder industry as a whole has had a tough couple of years. This has resulted in some members not renewing subscriptions and some sponsors reducing their sponsorship levels. The board feels that the budget being presented in 2013/14 is an honest one, and while it does set some targets for growth, it is a budget that should be achievable. In general we feel that best way that AFIA can meet our financial targets is to continue to deliver good value to members and sponsors. We also need to look at all of the activities we are involved in and ensure that they both reflect the values of the association, and assist in its financial health. This is reflected in the budget presented for 2013-14. It goes without saying that sponsors are extremely important to AFIA and we appreciate the ongoing support of both our long term sponsors and those that have recently joined. In looking at the income for 2012/13 it is worth noting that overall sponsorship income for this period was up on the previous year. This is a healthy sign for AFIA. Looking forward the AFIA board has set a balanced budget for 2013/14. We have also made a commitment to work towards delivering a small surplus on the 2014/15 budget with a view to building a small financial reserve for the organisation. To achieve this we are implementing a range of measures including;
Growing membership Finding efficiency gains where possible Seeking external funding for projects (government and non-government) Growing our sponsor base (particularly in segments where we do not currently have sponsors)
Ray Donnan AFIA Treasurer
EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S ANNUAL REPORT In early 2013 the AFIA board released a new five year Strategic Plan (2013-2018). This document was produced to reaffirm the direction of the association and ensure that a process is in place to measure the progress towards the common goals. The Strategic Plan is deliberately kept brief and to the point, and for members, should not represent a drastic shift from the past direction of the association. In essence it is about getting back to basics and ensuring that AFIA provides leadership to the Australian fodder industry, and by engaging with members and stakeholders, ensure a favourable environment for members to do business in. It’s also about focusing on the things AFIA was set up to do; work to the betterment of fodder growers, exporters and the feed analysis industry, as well as secure a long term funding mechanism for research, development and extension in the Australian fodder industry. Putting the Strategic Plan in place has meant looking at the way we do things, both the services we deliver and the relationships we have. This has led to a range of changes being implemented, some very visible, such as the new AFIA logo and website, others less so like the way we communicate with AFIA committees and industry stakeholders. I see this trend of change in AFIA continuing, but only in areas where it helps the association. Some of the key achievements and activities I’d like to highlight from the past twelve months include;
Launch of the new AFIA website and logo Development of the new online services for Fodder Care and the Export Fodder Chemical Usage Continual market access improvement work for the China market Improved engagement with relevant industry stakeholders, both public and private Rolling out the new “Grower Update Workshops” so far focusing on export, silage and Working with DAFF to get more consistent regulation of export facilities across state jurisdictions
Looking at the year ahead it is clear that there are still a number of challenges for both AFIA and the industry as a whole including;
Secure a long term funding mechanism for research, development and extension in the Australian fodder industry Workplace safety Getting more involvement in the silage industry Industry systems – including bale tractability etc. Meeting the needs and wants of customers both domestic and export Ensuring fodder is recognised as a key part of Australian agriculture Growing our export markets Continue to understand the different sectors of the fodder industry and in turn how AFIA can best represent their interests Consider ways to improve communication in the fodder supply chain Maintaining the relevance of AFIA’s role and services to both current and future members
A key driver to all of the above will be the ability of industry to fund these activities. This will include looking at ways to ensure the future financial sustainability of AFIA and looking at how the fodder industry can fund our future Research, Development and Extension needs. Addressing these two things will form a key focus for AFIA.
Darren Keating AFIA Executive Officer
AUDITOR’S STATEMENTS
Australian Fodder Industry Association Limited ABN 12 131 678 727
Financial Report for the Year Ended 30 June 2013 DIRECTORS’ REPORT Your directors present this report on the entity for the financial year ended 30 June 2013. Principal Activities The principal activity of the entity during the financial year was:
Represent the fodder industry as a peak body in Australia;
Encourage the reinvestment of funds towards research and development in the fodder industry;
Further the accuracy and precision of meaningful performance criteria of fodder;
Facilitate industry networking within all sectors of the food chain; and
Undertake internal review, including staff and strategic plan.
No significant changes in the nature of the entity’s activity occurred during the financial year. Directors The names of each person who has been a director during the year and to the date of this report are: Directors Name O’SULLIVAN, Jarrod Michael
Special Responsibilities Chairman
Period as Director
Qualifications and Experience
Appointed 29/07/2009
Bachelor of Geomatic Engineering Family business of hay contracting and production established for 30 years; actively involved for the last 10 years 25 years’ experience in agricultural research, particularly dryland agriculture. 5 years’ experience in commercialization and commercial marketing within Government Muresk Diploma of Agriculture (MDA). Farming for 40 Years. Hay Processing and Exporting for 22 Years. 35 years involvement in the rural sector, which includes dairy farming, grain grower, 25 years contracting, transporting and marketing of fodder. Chairman AFIA Fodder Care. Board Member of Providing All Living Supports (PALS) Inc (disability services). 20 years’ work history involved with all aspect of fodder conservation, particularly silage. Bachelor of Rural Science (Hons)-University of New England. Graduate Certificate in Marketing-Charles Sturt University. 29 years with NSW DPI as an Extension Agronomist and Technical Specialist Cereals. 1 year Product Development Manager pastures and forage crops Auswest Seeds. 40 years’ experience with dryland cropping, lamb and beef production. Director Bathurst and Orange Harness Racing Clubs. Treasurer Grasslands Society of NSW. 10 years in Local Government, 7 years as Mayor of the Clifton Shire, member of the East Downs Regional Organisation of Councils. Currently Deputy Chairman of the Darling Downs Moreton Rabbit Board and a State Government Commissioner for Local Government Boundary Reviews.
McCORMACK, Peter Director Desmond
Appointed 29/07/2009
GILLETT, Peter John Director Bernard DONNAN, Raymond Treasurer William
Appointed 29/07/2009 Appointed 29/07/2009
MAKIN, Andrew Secretary/Public James Officer McRAE, Francis James Director
Appointed 11/08/10 Appointed 11/08/10
COLLINS, Patricia Ann Vice-Chairman
Appointed 10/08/11
DIRECTORS’ REPORT FRENCH, Douglas Arthur
Director
Appointed 10/08/11
SATCHELL, Andrew William
Director
Appointed 10/08/11
State Chairman of the Agricultural Contractors of Tasmania. Chairman of his local Landcare group and Chair of a group of 12 farmers who own and manage a 900 megalitre dam. Owns and manages a contracting business offering a full suite of agricultural services. Founding Chair of the South West Prime Lamb Group and the Southern Australia Lamb Producers Co-op.
Meetings of Directors During the financial year, 4 meetings of directors were held. Attendances by each director were as follows: Directors Meetings Eligible to attend
Number attended
McCORMACK, Peter Desmond
4
4
GILLETT, Peter John Bernard
4
4
DONNAN, Raymond William
4
3
O’SULLIVAN, Jarrod Michael
4
4
McRAE, Francis James
4
1
MAKIN, Andrew James
4
4
COLLINS, Patricia Ann
4
3
FRENCH, Douglas Arthur
4
4
SATCHELL, Andrew William
4
2
Short Term Objectives of the Company The company has identified the following short term objectives:
Generate funds that allow AFIA to consolidate its core business and allow it to expand operations into other important areas.
Develop AFIA’s administrative capability to support expanding operations and meet statutory requirements.
Develop a suite of communication tools to maximise information flow to targeted stakeholders.
Build a representation competency within AFIA to increase effective dialogue with key external stakeholder groups.
Increase AFIA membership and retain existing members.
The company has adopted the following strategies for achievement of these short term objectives:
Set and achieve targets for payment of debtors and creditors, budget variances and active management cash flow.
Complete and distribute monthly reports by key staff; Executive Officer, Industry Development Manager and Office / Event Manager.
Provide timely delivery of annual financial statements to the auditor to enable timely delivery to ASIC and for presentation at the AGM.
Operate according to the constitution and follow the Policy and Procedures manual.
Achieve the targeted cost recovery from advertising in newsletters, achieve targeted publication and distribution targets of the end of each quarter, publish the newsletter under the maximum content set, establish a seminar program to attract the targeted minimum people per year, seek advertising revenue for website, achieve a targeted profit on the National Fodder Conference, provide timely delivery of hay market reports to Dairy Australia. Develop the contacts database.
Gain recognition of fodder issues within government Committees and organisations, maintain active involvement in National Transport reform, maintain a proficiency program for fodder labs and
DIRECTORS’ REPORT achieve fully funded ring test program.
Achieve targeted membership renewals including exporter renewals, retain existing level of sponsors, update Fodder Care, gain Fodder Care recognition in fodder supply chain and with livestock peak bodies.
Renew and implement the strategic plan.
Long Term Objectives of the Company The company has identified the following long term objectives:
Expand operations into other important areas that will benefit its members.
Have an administrative capability to support this expanded operation.
Deliver a clear message to targeted stakeholders and industry through a suite of communication tools.
Have staff with a high degree of competency in communicating with key external stakeholders.
The company has adopted the following strategies for achievement of these long term objectives:
Complete and distribute financial reports with a set number of working days from end of month, provide timely delivery of annual financial statements to the auditor to enable timely delivery to ASIC and for presentation at the AGM and have executive officer send monthly activity report to board members within a specified period.
Achieve the targeted cost recovery from advertising in newsletters, achieve targeted publication and distribution targets of the end of each quarter, publish the newsletter under the maximum content set, establish a seminar program to attract the targeted minimum people per year, increase website hits by the targeted minimum each year and achieve targeted profit on conference.
Renew and implement the strategic plan.
Complete and distribute financial reports with a set number of working days from end of month, provide timely delivery of annual financial statements to the auditor to enable timely delivery to ASIC and for presentation at the AGM and have executive officer send monthly activity report to board members within a specified period.
Performance Measurement The company uses the following key performance indicators to measure performance:
Creditor and Debtor payments
Cash Flow reporting
Annual Budget
Communications sent out on schedule, in particular the newsletter
Monthly reports from Key Staff: Executive Officer, Industry Development Manager, Office/ Events Manager
Membership renewal targets
Membership Details The company is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee that requires the members of the company to contribute $10 per member towards the company liabilities on the winding up of the company. Membership Class
Number of Members
Ordinary
Individual Members Total Members Contributions on Winding Up of Contribution on Winding the Company Up of the Company
340
$10
$3,400
Auditor’s Independence Declaration A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as required under section 370C of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out at page 5. Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors.
Directors: …………………………………………………… McCORMACK, Peter Desmond Dated this:
th
18 day of July 2013
………………………………………………… O’SULLIVAN, Jarrod Michael
Australian Fodder Industry Association Limited ABN 12 131 678 727 STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013 Note
2013
2012
$
$
Revenue
2
479,086
599,897
Other income
2
75,079
87,224
Conferences
(118,547)
(140,412)
Depreciation
(2,598)
(2,256)
Legal, audit and consultancy
(56,722)
(13,165)
Newsletters and calendars
(46,346)
(37,125)
Projects
(27,127)
(10,859)
Tours & seminars
(24,720)
(89,696)
(367,154)
(375,980)
(89,049)
17,628
-
-
(89,049)
17,628
Other expenses Profit / (Loss) before income tax Income tax expense Total comprehensive income attributable to members of the entity
Australian Fodder Industry Association Limited ABN 12 131 678 727
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2013 Note
2013
2012
$
$
ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents
3
94,388
184,725
Trade and other receivables
4
48,018
49,159
Other assets
5
26,186
31,134
168,592
265,018
9,267
9,247
9,267
9,247
177,859
274,265
27,601
25,714
7,239
-
126,500
142,983
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS NON-CURRENT ASSETS Property, plant and equipment
6
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS CURRENT LIABILITIES Other payables Provisions Other liabilities
7 8 9
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
161,340
168,697
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
-
-
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
-
-
TOTAL LIABILITIES NET ASSETS
161,340
168,697
16,519
105,568
EQUITY Retained Earnings/( Accumulated Losses) Reserves TOTAL EQUITY
15(b)
(5,374)
83,675
15
21,893
21,893
16,519
105,568
Australian Fodder Industry Association Limited ABN 12 131 678 727
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013 Retained Earnings
Capital Reserve
Total
$
$
$
Balance at 1 July 2011
66,047
21,893
87,940
Profit attributable to the entity
17,628
-
17,628
Balance at 30 June 2012
83,675
21,893
105,568
(89,049)
-
(89,049)
(5,374)
21,893
16,519
Profit attributable to the entity Balance at 30 June 2013
Australian Fodder Industry Association Limited ABN 12 131 678 727 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013 Note
2013
2012
$
$
538,823
720,168
(626,542)
(710,023)
(87,719)
10,145
Payment for property, plant and equipment
(2,618)
(3,458)
Net cash used in investing activities
(2,618)
(3,458)
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
-
-
Net cash used in financing activities
-
-
Net increase in cash held
(90,337)
6,887
Cash at beginning of the financial year
184,725
178,038
94,388
184,725
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Receipts from customers Payments to suppliers and employees Net cash generated from operating activities
14(b)
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Cash at the end of the financial year
3
2013 AUSTRALIAN FODDER INDUSTRY ASSOCATION BOARD NOMINEE BIO’S
Rebecca Wolfe Rebecca currently lives in Rochester with her husband Joel and 15 month old son Jaxon. Rebecca grew up in the district on the farm and has always been a part of the hay making business. She was involved in the successful Rochester Community Bank Steering Committee, is a current committee member for the Rochester Town Market and is also the President of the Rochester Twilight Netball Association. Currently Rebecca is employed by her parents, Alex & Sandra Peacock, in their hay contracting and transport business, where she manages the office. She also helps with the operational division as well as getting out into the tractors whenever given the opportunity! Prior to this Rebecca was employed with Landmark as the Fertiliser Sales person for the district. She has studied Business Management and is currently undertaking a Diploma in Accounting. Rebecca has gained many skills from operating machinery and also recognises her organisational experience would be of great use as part of the AFIA board. She is also keen to put to use her knowledge of the hay transport industry.
Andrew Makin Andrew Makin has been on the AFIA board for three years and has held the executive position as AFIA secretary for those 3 years. Andrew is the Sales Manager for the Agricultural Division of Integrated Packaging, an innovative Australian company and global leader in the stretch films and crop packaging industries. He is responsible for a large sales team across regional Australia servicing the needs of customers involved in fodder conservation, horticultural films, grain storage, post-harvest packaging and development of renewable and degradable polymers. He has worked in the rural industry for his entire career, growing up on a dairy farm in Tongala Northern Victoria, studying Agricultural Science and has for the past 23 years worked with Integrated Packaging. During his career he has developed a wealth of related agricultural industry experience both technical and practical, with a strong emphasis on fodder conservation. Andrew has been a strong contributor as an AFIA director and would like continue in this role.
Frank McRae Frank has been an AFIA member since 1998. Working in extension as the Technical Specialist Cereals for NSW DPI, he was involved with Australian plant breeding programs conducting trials and managing the GRDC National Variety Trial program in NSW. His special interest was working to develop oat, wheat and triticale varieties suitable for the forage, hay and chaff industries. Frank joined Auswest Seeds in July 2010 as Product Development Manager. This involves working with the PGG Wrightson Seeds Research & Development groups developing pasture and forage varieties for the dairy, beef and sheep industries. This also enables him to promote the benefits and value of AFIA to a broad range of clients.
Mark Lourey Mark grew up on a dairy farm in the western district. His first job delivering grain to local dairy farms developed his knowledge in the field and networking with the farmers themselves. He later moved on working for a local hay trader (Logan Contracting). Mark managed the hay trading and transports side of the business for 8 years before taking up his current position with Feedworks Australia. Mark’s responsibilities are traveling throughout southern Australia and New Zealand promoting the benefits of Feedworks forage products. Mark also managers Feedworks’ new domestic hay trading business “Quality Hay Suppliers”. There he brings his hands on approach, meeting and assisting the grower, contractor, transporter and end user. Mark has been involved in the fodder industry for 15 years and is as passionate as ever about networking with all parts of the industry.
2013 AFIA CONSTITUTIONAL RESOLUTIONS At the 2013 AFIA AGM two constitutional resolutions will be put forward. The intention of these resolutions (outlined below) is to ensure that we can be as efficient and flexible as possible in carrying out the business of the organisation and in meeting the needs of the AFIA membership. The Board would also like to note that the constitutional resolutions being put forward will not change AFIA’s role or how we work with members and the fodder industry. The AFIA Board unanimously endorses these resolutions and is looking for the support of all members to carry these constitutional resolutions. Constitutional Resolution 1 - Use of technology in Board meetings Currently the AFIA Constitution only allows the Board to meet in a face to face capacity. To ensure that the AFIA Board can efficiently meet and represent the membership, the Board are seeking to have the constitution amended allowing Board meetings to be convened via the use of technology. Primarily we will be using teleconferences; however we believe it is important to have flexibility to use any new technology that may develop in the future. Please note that the AFIA Board will continue to carry out the majority of its business via face to face meetings. RESOLUTION 1 That the following item (j) be added to the AFIA Constitution under “11.8 Meetings & quorum” (j) A Meeting of the Board may be called or held using any technology consented to by all the Board Members. The consent may be a standing one. Board Members may only withdraw their consent within a reasonable period before a meeting. Constitutional Resolution 2 - Addition to the “Objects” of the Association The AFIA Board feels that “item 4. Powers” in the constitution may be overly restrictive. It is felt that this could prevent AFIA from pursuing opportunities that may benefit members and the association and that the following amendments will address this. RESOLUTION 2 That the following item (v) be added to the AFIA Constitution under “3. Objects” (v) To undertake any activity that assists its members or advances the interests of its members or the Association generally. Please note that the AFIA Constitution can be found at www.afia.org.au or for a hard copy please contact the AFIA office.
