The Scouts Association of Australia

The Scouts Association of Australia (New South Wales Branch)
1^st Winston Hills Group - Annual General Meeting

Sunday March 12, 2000

ATTENDEES (in alphabetical order):

Amanda Cowlishaw	Peter Hanzlicek	Natalie Shield
Elizabeth Davies	Daniel Harding	Genna Sperinck
Dianne Gibbs	Jacy Harding	Richard Sperinck
Donovan Gibbs	Tony Mercieca	Debra VanUffelen
Bob Grinyer	Marty Nelson	Andy Walker
Bernadette Hanzlicek	Ian Shield	Valarie Walker

The meeting was opened at 3:35 with the Scouts Prayer
Peter Hanzlicek welcomed guests, 1^st Winston Hills Scouts members, committee and parents to the 29^th Annual General meeting (Peter stood corrected when he mentioned it was the 30^th).
Apologies were received from Ross McCreanor, Lyn Barratt, Vicki Palmer and Marilyn Langler
Peter read the minutes from last years meeting. Seconded by Ian Shield.
The President's report was read by Peter Hanzlicek. The report focused on the achievements of the Group being:

Turning around the last 3 years financial deficits into a credit bank balance and the challenge for this year keeping our financials under control but still being able to meet the needs of the Group;
The major activities undertaken during 1999, effectively one a month and what we can look forward to in 2000, culminating in the Jamboree in January 2001.
Peter concluded thanking the committee, especially Ross McCreanor who has decided to have a break from the Treasurer's position, the leaders who are the ones who interact with the kids and who give so much of their time and effort to the kids and, of course their partners for letting the leaders commit that much time.

The Treasurer signified a turn around in the Group's funds into a positive bank balance after 3 years in debt. The result signified a clear commitment from the Executive and Leaders to stay within budget.
Daniel Harding read the Group Leader's report and Daniel confirmed that it was a busy year for him doing his training and his Leader's involvement with the Group. Daniel confirmed that we have 58 youth members, primarily in Scouts and Cubs but we are in need of Cubs. Another opportunity is the hunt for female leader for Scouts and Venturers. Daniel thanked the Leaders and the many parent helpers that have come forward during the year and he looked for another successful year to come.
Jacy Harding read the Joey's Report advising that it has been a hard but good year for them starting with 4 members and growing to 19. In gaining the members, Marilyn moved to Cubs that meant that Joeys moving into Cubs already had a friendly and familiar face. The Joey's had many enjoyable events including a trip to the Fire Station, involvement in Caring and Sharing month, singing carols at a local nursing home to name a few. With members moving up into Cubs has meant that they have been and are in recruitment mode for new members. The coming year will see them take part in the National Hop Challenge, Environment Challenge and again the successful Caring and Sharing month.
Tony Mercieca read the Cubs Report confirming that the youth numbers have grown to 30 with the recent loss of 6 yellow cord members to Scouts. One major highlight from the many quoted was the raising of $204 for the Children's Hospital. Tony thanked all those parents who helped and gave a farewell to Vicki Palmer who has decided not to return and will be greatly missed.
Ian Shield read the Scout Report and thanked Bryan Langler for the balance and focus he provided Ian during the year. This year has seen Ian's initial (old) Troop move on and Tim Brooks and Alan Mercieca being presented with their green cords, that three for Ian since he became Leader. Ian listed the camps that were attended and that from statistics provided, we have an 90+% attendance rate. The year started with the investiture of the yellow cord members and Ian thanked the Cub Leaders for preparing the kids to that point. 6 of our scouts attended a 2 day Scout Leadership course that lays the foundation for strong Patrols in the coming year. Ian thanked Natalie, as we all do, for letting Ian commit the time he does to the kids and the parent team who have rallied to help when asked to provide support in the way of transport, etc.
Peter confirmed that the current committee is remaining with the exception of Ross, the treasurer, and Peter asked if anyone is interested or knew of anyone to please let Peter know. Other positions vacant included Equipment Coordinator, Job Week Coordinator and Public Relations. Again Peter reiterated if anyone was interested to contact him or any of the other committee member.
Peter thanked everyone concerned in the efforts of last year and we all look forward to another good year this year. Focus will be on the Jamboree
Peter asked if anyone would like anything further to say to which Bob Grinya asked to say a few words. Bob congratulated the Group on its achievements and gave special praise to Ian and Tony who were both recognised by Scouts of Australia for the commitment to the scouting movement. Everybody agreed.

Meeting was closed at 4:20.