Minutes for Meeting - 25th October 2000

In attendance: 14
Apologies: 5

Format of meetings: It was proposed that at future meetings, each person responsible for an area of service, will present a brief report on that area (i.e. what has happened, what is anticipated and planned since previous meeting). Maximum presentation would probably be 5 minutes. This will alleviate the need for agenda items to be submitted prior to each meeting. This proposal was passed and accepted. The following areas and person to report were identified:

Human Resources: Ma. spoke of the need to establish an effective system for communicating opportunities to everyone. This can be researched further by Ma. and presented as a proposal in the HR report at a future meeting. An electronic newsletter is being developed. This will be available in different forms - daily, weekly, and so on. David Roupell is the contact for this and is on First Class.

Instructor support: Paul F. and D. and C. have offered to assist in this area. Ca. has had to step aside due to other commitments. She will provide Paul with a brief. Many sincere thanks to Cassandra for her consistent professional care of this area. It has certainly been appreciated.

Satellite broadcast update: The next stage is being established with some people becoming "early adopters" as the first direct viewing is trialled. At this stage there are several options becoming available - e.g. the private purchase of a dish for home viewing and the possibility of a communal purchase of a dish: fixed or mobile. This is a stage of transition and further answers will be provided regarding the queries that are emerging.

Feedback from all centres in Australia: Mark Wakefield recently surveyed all local contacts regarding the primary focus points in each centre. Included in the summary: concern regarding the amount of time spent on electronic mail and administration e.g. many reports are requested; is there always an actual need for these; too many examples of inefficiency and poor etiquette in the use of electronic mail; propagation is currently at a standstill. The full survey results are available if requested. Pertinent point made in this meeting: if the only communication that occurs is as support to propagation, then it can be clearly identified if a particular item needs to be communicated or not. Proposed for next meeting: a short workshop to improve efficiency and ensure correct etiquette is observed in electronic communication.

Finances: B. and J. attended a conference call regarding resources. Current ventures such as satellite broadcasts and the proposed direct viewing impact on a centre's ability to maintain financial viability. We are presently struggling to cover ongoing costs and have incurred deficits during the past three months. The following strategies will be employed: Everyone who would like to sponsor on an ongoing basis is invited to speak to Joan and let her know what they would like to commit, and suggest a time frame for that commitment (e.g., three or four months, or longer); Joan will set up a table with details so people can find out about sponsorship for local events; Gary will research the feasibility of setting up an Eftpos facility; a fundraising event will be organised for the near future. Jaya, Deborah, Paul, Joan, Sherry, Mary and Anita offered to form a fundraising committee. Sara will be invited to join it also.

Low key advertising: G. (M) and Ga. produced flyers and with J.'s assistance, visited 25 locations (today) where the flyers are now on display to support this Sunday's event at which guests are welcome. The innovation on the flyer (which provides a pocket in which small cards with the event details on them) has been discussed and approved by the LKA (low-key advertising) team.

As the meeting was unable to complete the agenda due to time restraints, a further meeting was planned for Friday, 27th October at 718 Pacific Parade, Currumbin at 7 pm. The people who had been unable to attend this meeting will be contacted.

---

Minutes of Meeting - Friday, 27th October 2000

In attendance: 11
Apologies: 5

Finalisation of finance report: J. has prepared a report about the current GC situation and welcomed feedback before its being sent off Saturday morning. J. has begun to prepare envelopes that people might use for sponsorship.

Minute taking: P. (F) and A. will share this task of recording all meeting proceedings.

Direct access: M. and D. spoke further about the options and developments. Some houses will be set up for home reception of the satellite broadcasts by mid November. There are many questions still being worked out. M. (local satellite broadcast contact) and D. (Communications contact for national satellite broadcast team) will collaborate when reporting to the local planning and update meetings.

Calendar of events: The satellite broadcasts proposed for the Pacific region during November include three from the India event. Due to the content of all of the proposed broadcasts, it was decided to conduct the next introductory event early in December. On Sunday 12th October, there will be a double feature of two broadcasts from India (first and second day events) and on Monday 13th October the broadcast from the final day will be screened at Tugun. Refreshments will be organised for the double event. The refreshments will be organised by the fundraising team that was formed at the meeting on 25th October. On Saturday 11th October there will be an open day at Amaroo. Full details will be available soon.

Next meeting: It was decided that due to the number of items currently needing attention, planning and update meetings will be held every fortnight for the immediate future and as this need continues. As B. is now in the shared role of local contact with P., it was proposed and agreed that G. (M) continue as the meeting facilitator. Many thanks to B. for his excellent contribution to the team while operating in this role for many months.

The next meeting will therefore be held on Wednesday, 8th November at 6.30pm. at D.'s house - nn Petersen Avenue, Southport. Everyone is welcome to attend. Although the new reporting approach will be used, if any item is considered a separate agenda item, please forward it to G.

Many thanks D. and G. for the use of your house and your kind hospitality.