A People’s Movement for the United Nations

 

 August 2009 Update – Vol 1, No 9

 

News Flash!!

Following the Annual General Meeting held on Monday 10th August 2009, we would like to welcome the new Executive Committee and thank those departing for all their hard work and dedication. Please read on for more details…

 

 

President’s Message

 

The Annual General Meeting was held on Monday 10th August 2009. The Annual Report was presented and the Executive Committee for 2009/10 elected.

 

I wish to thank retiring committee members Anne Harris [minute secretary for 2008/9], Anita Kelleher and Rosie Sitorus [past President of UNYA] for their dedication to the work of UNAA(WA). It is quite a commitment to regularly attend committee meetings and subcommittee meetings and to be available to represent the association. Those members representing organisations also report back to their organisations.

 

The new Executive Committee will examine a proposal to meet bi-monthly with arrangements for some decisions to be made by email or the calling of a special committee meeting. The list of the new committee members (2009/10) is in this update. I welcome all members and look forward to working with the team during the year. The past year has been a year of great achievement, all members can be proud of the work of the association. A number of motions were passed during the AGM.

 

A minute of silence acknowledged the commitment of long term member Jolanda [Yolli] Frank who passed away in July 2009. A motion was received and accepted to establish an award in her name which will encourage young people to understand the Declaration of Human Rights. Her family have been contacted to gain permission to establish this award. Another motion moved expressed great concern regarding the State Government’s withdrawal of financial support for the association. A letter will be written to the Premier asking for a review of this decision. Treasurer Harvey Davies moved four resolutions regarding the finances [these are listed in this update].

 

The 2009 President’s award was presented to Dr Jan Ryan for her planning and presentation of the model UN program. Awards of appreciation went to Curtis Clark, Harvey Davies, Carolyne Gatward, Joan Mann and Geoff Rackham (Auditor).

 

The National Conference of UNAA(WA) will take place in Canberra in September. At this stage, the association will be represented by Judith Parker and Curtis Clark. If you require information about the conference, please contact the office. I will also attend several meetings of the UNAA Status of Women Group while in Canberra.

 

Please be sure to mark the date of the Huelin lecture Dec 10th at 6pm in your diary.

 

Judith A. Parker AM DSJ

 

 

2009 Diary Dates/Events

 

August 12th          International Youth Day

August 23rd          International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition

September 8th      International Literacy Day

September 16th    International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

September 21st     International Day of Peace

UNAA(WA) Human Rights Committee

 

The next Human Rights Committee Meeting will be held at 12 noon on Friday 28th August 2009 at 33 Moore Street, East Perth. The points that will be discussed include the use of tazar guns in WA and the planning for the Huelin Lecture that will be held on 10th December 2009. All members welcome.

 

UNAA(WA) Environment Committee

 

The Environment Committee postponed the August meeting till 8th September due to members away however inquiries have been made into the possibility of holding a film night showing some of the six short documentaries produced by committee member, Aleisha Caruso. These documentaries describe the near extinction of six species and could be shown at Lotteries House, West Perth without charge with seating for up to 80 people. Kitchen facilities are also available. Details are still to be developed by Aleisha & Carolyn however it is possible that this part public awareness, part fundraising night will be held in October or November.

 

UNAA(WA) Events Committee

 

The Events Committee is busy planning UN Day 2009 on 24th October. If you are interested in joining the Committee, please call Neesha Seth, Events Committee Convener on 0421 316 717.

 

Thank you to Kelly Anne

Kelly Anne, the regular volunteer in the office on Friday afternoons, can no longer attend the office due to her university commitments. We will miss the friendly greeting on the phone and her welcome to the office.  Kelly Anne will still be involved in the events and environment committees. Thank you, Kelly Anne, for your assistance as a volunteer.

 

UNAA(WA) AGM Motions Passed

 

1)    That UNAA(WA) register for GST at a date to be determined by the Executive.

2)    That membership fees from 1st July 2010 be:

$40 for ordinary membership
$25 for concession membership
$50 for family membership
$50 for organisational membership

3)    That family membership be defined as a single fee for several named ordinary members in the same family at the same address, all contactable through one of them.

4)    That Mr Geoff Rackham be requested to continue as auditor for the 2009/2010 year.

 

UNAA(WA) Executive Committee 2009/10 elected at the AGM

 

President                                     Judith A. Parker AM DSJ

Vice President [Individual]         Carolyne Gatward

Vice President [Organisational]  Mark Katsikandaraakis

Secretary                                      Darren Cole

Treasurer                                     Harvey Davies

Ordinary Members

Joseph Caruso                    Tony McCrae

Neesha Seth                      Dr Rob Hewson

Curtis Clark                       Dr Jan Ryan

Organisational Members

National Council of Women of WA Representative: Joan Mann

Auditor 2009/10: Mr Geoffrey Rackham

*Vacancies exist for organisational members please contact the office if your organisation is interested.

 

Further Resources

·         Subscribe to UNity for 2009, as well as earlier issues are available at: www.unaa.org.au

·         For international updates, sign up for UN Wire:  http://www.smartbrief.com/un_wire/index.jsp

·         Read more about the Millenium project:  www.unmillenniumproject.org