Woodgroup SA News

Congratulations to our Two Newest Life Members

At the 2007 Annual General Meeting, the committee forwarded two recommendations for Life Membership of Woodgroup SA, which the assembled members bestowed upon Ron Allen and Neil Schulz, for their individually outstanding contribution to the group over many years of service.

Congratulations to the 2007 Excellence Award Winners

Neil Schulz was awarded the Don Freeman Memorial Award for 2007.  The Don Freeman Award is the most prestigious prize awarded by the Woodgroup, for excellence in woodcraft. Neil is a keen “scroller’ noted for his designing and quality of craftsmanship.

“Securing Our Futures”

In 2004 with the growth in membership and a more diverse geographical reaching out into regional country areas it became evident that the centralized management structure that Woodgroup SA had operated under for twenty years was no more effective and review of its organization structure commenced. During 2006/2007 over fifteen months a restructure was undertaken driven by a Steering Committee. A new structure was drafted, in consultation with a number of Special Interest Groups and the general membership, adopted and enacted through constitutional changes on 8th December 2007.

In reality it meant that Woodgroup SA was elevated to a state level, similar in role and function to other state associations and the former Special Interest Groups became incorporated associations that would manage their own affairs, thus protecting the assets that they accumulated over time in the Woodgroup’s name.

Woodgroup SA Inc is managed by a Board comprising the traditional Office Bearers and delegates from each of the member Clubs of which there are eleven. Its role is one of governance and supporting its members by offering coordinated services and management assistance to help them deliver their aims and objectives.

The Board meets infrequently and is supported by a small Management Committee that is responsible for implementing the policies of the Board and coordinating statewide events.

The Board held its inaugural Board Meeting on the 12th January and is moving forward as the structure settles down and the various players throughout the new structure sought out roles and responsibilities.

            Office Bearers in the new structure are:

            Neil Schulz                                          President

            Ken Allen                                            Vice President

            George Pastuch                                   Secretary

                       

Heather Daff is chair of the Management Committee and is supported by the Secretary, Treasurer and three Committee members.