Minutes for Meeting - 20th November

In attendance: 16 of the usuall suspects Apologies: 3.

Ira's Visit: Ira spoke highly of the Gold Coast community and said that he was very impressed with how the meetings structure operates here, that many people are involved in service and that we are working towards synchronisation; it is "heartfelt and inclusive". He had not seen this structure and this successful application anywhere else. He has asked that our operations be documented and forwarded to him. M. and A. will work on this.

New screening fees: A revised formula has been used to determine an increased screening fee for the Gold Coast. This fee is used to support the production of new videos in the U.S. and to enable global propagation in poorer countries. The amount being contributed by Australia has had to be re-evaluated because of the fall in the value of the A$. Beginning January 1999 the Gold Coast will pay a fee 60% higher than the amount of $300 currently paid. This obligation demands serious commitment from many people if we are going to continue with the current number of video presentations as well as meet the increased fee.

Finances: J. gave a very clear and comprehensive presentation of our current financial state. Because of the increased screening fees, many ideas about calculating our ongoing financial position and establishing an enduring financial bottom line with local commitment were discussed. B. and J. will invite people who are interested in helping set up strategies, to meet with them soon.

Synchronisation in service/using and abiding by decisions made at planning meetings: Max initiated discussion with points outlined for consideration. Everyone agreed that particular protocols have to be abided by for the ongoing health of the community. E.g.: don't deal with an issue in inappropriate places or at unsuitable times. Bring all items that will affect a service or other people to the meetings; address the topic within a suitable time frame. If an issue arises and is discussed at a meeting, and someone who is involved in that area of service is not at the meeting, the local contact or another designated person will communicate with that person so that he/she is informed. This topic will be revisited at the next meeting for final clarification of all points.

Local Personnel Contact: A. spoke on G.'s behalf about this role. A few questions were raised and so this topic will also be finalised at the next meeting.

Calendar: December 22nd is the final video presentation for 1998. "Long Beach '97 Special" will be screened on that evening. The program will begin at 7.10pm as the video is of feature film length. An introductory event will be held on 6th December; Learning More 10th December and another Learning More event 15th December.

Due to several items not covered at the meeting, a meeting will be held on Friday, 27th November at 718 Pacific Parade, Currumbin at 6.15 pm. Please park between the roundabout and the beach in Tomewin Street. Walk 30 metres around the corner to #718. (Tomewin Street is where the Currumbin Bird Sanctuary entrance is.)

Everyone is warmly invited to attend.