United Nations Association of Australia, W. A. Division
Minutes of Annual General Meeting
Monday 11th August, 2008
Claisbrooke Lotteries House

Start

The Meeting opened at 5.30 pm.

Attendance

Owen Loneragan, Joseph Caruso, Manijeh Hemmat, henk Stappenbelt, Ethel Date, Kathryn Buselich, Curtis Clark, Daniel O’Brien, Harvey Davies, Janelle Veitch, David Mickler, Jan Ryan, Caroline Pembroke, Anne Harris, Carolyne Gattward, Justine Garcia de Heer, Barbara Rose, Astrid Chapman, Judith Parker, Michelle Pendrick, Christine Varag, Rosie Sitorus, Neesha Seth, Nola Andrews, Frank Feher, Rohallah Haidon, Elisabeth Henderson.
Apologies: Rob Hewson, Carolyn Caruso, Joan Mann, Aleisha Caruso.

2007/8 President’s Welcome and Annual Report

President Jan Ryan welcomed members and guests to the Meeting.

Prior to delivering the Annual Report the President thanked the outgoing Committee for their support and dedicated activity for the past year. She spoke of the need to keep up education of the public on the real and present Human Rights abuses, such as the situation of migrant workers. This has not altered, even in a so-called enlightened country like Australia, for well over 100 years since the documentation of early cases in the 1870’s. Human Rights must encourage and affirm good action. Though a small Association, we have a big output, which can be very effective because of our National affiliation.

The President, Professor Jan Ryan, provided an overview of the activities of the UNAA(WA) during the year. These included Human Rights, Events and Environment activities, involvement with the very important Model UN Program, progress of the UN Day activities for the 24th October, and the arrangement with Geoffrey Robertson to speak for the Huelin Lecture December 10th. She reminded the Meeting of her task of work for the instatement of Perth as a City of Human Rights. The Annual Report was tabled.

Minutes of the Previous AGM on 6th August, 2007

The Minutes of the 2007 AGM were tabled. They had also been previously circulated prior to the commencement of the Meeting.

Moved that the Minutes of the previous meeting of August 6th, 2007, be accepted. Moved Judith Parker. Seconded Joseph Caruso. All agreed.

2007/8 Financial Report

The Financial Report and audit was tabled by the Treasurer, Curtis Clark. Note: the financial arrangements with funds to/from UNYA was explained. More grants are required, Need for someone to make applications on behalf of the Association. Business arising from the Financial Report. Question of need for Audit and choice of Auditor. Moved that the Financial Report be accepted. Curtis Clark. Seconded, Neesha Seth. All agreed.

Guest Speaker

Dave Mickler addressed the meeting on the subject of the UN and the right to intervene. Question time was offered at the end of the speech and the President then thanked Dave for his time and effort.

Appreciation

Outgoing Vice President Joseph Caruso, thanked Jan Ryan for her excellent leadership during her time of office. Caroline Pembroke, outgoing Secretary, read a message of appreciation from National President John Langmore, and made a small presentation on behalf of the Executive Committee.

Election of Officers

Returning Officer: Ms Jan McFarlane kindly undertook the position of Returning Officer for the 2008/9 Annual General Meeting. The UNAA-WA Executive Positions were voted in as follows.

President Judith Parker
Vice President (Individual) Carolyne Gattward.
Vice President (Organisations) Rosie Sitorus (UNYA).
Secretary Anne Harris.
Treasurer Vacant.
Executive: Moved Fred Feher, Seconded Ethel Date

Ordinary Members: Joseph Caruso, Neesha Seth, Rob Hewson, Janelle Beach.
Moved Judith Parker. Seconded Henk Stappenbelt. This leaves two positions vacant.

Organisational Members:
National Council of Women: Joan Mann;
WA Local Government Association: Kathryn Buselich;
Mental Health Legal Centre: Ethel Date.
Moved Judith Parker. Seconded Curtis Clark. This leaves three positions vacant.

The President applied to the Meeting to see if anyone would like to take up the position of Treasurer. New member Harvey Davies indicated his willingness to undertake the role. Moved Henk Stappenbelt. Seconded Joseph Caruso.

Joseph Caruso was approved as Overseas Ambassador for the Association.

As the incoming President, Judith Parker welcomed the new Executive, with hope for the future.

Membership fees.

Not increased.

Business from the floor

Fred Feher spoke on electricity; Curtis Clark spoke on the legal necessity to have an auditor, given the price; Neesha Seth spoke of the event for UN Day 24th October; Barbara Rose spoke of the difficulty faced by members without email, Jan Ryan invited her to join the Committee; Owen Loneragan spoke a few words on synergy and voluntary euthanasia.

Close

The Meeting closed at 7.10 pm.