AAA Member Update February 2020

The AAA monthly update is our way of communicating with all members. 

It is with mixed feelings that I announce the resignation of our Treasurer Michelle Simberg due to personal circumstances. Michelle put in many hours of effort to understand our financial position and this was greatly appreciated. The Board has been fortunate to secure Carolyn Austin as our replacement Treasurer and Carolyn has hit the ground running this week. I am sure you will join with me in welcoming Carolyn.

We are currently working on contacting all members that did not renew membership in the last two to three years. We are hoping that by reaching out that we might be able to encourage some of our lapsed members to re-join our association.

The showing season is now well under way and our Directors for Showing and Judging and Alpaca Youth are working very closely with our Showing and Judging and Alpaca Youth Committees to ensure a successful year in both areas. Our new Convenors Manual is in the last stages of editing and should be released within the coming weeks.

I am also very pleased to report that the planning for our National Show in Melbourne is well advanced. Our convening team has been able to secure major sponsorship early which is extremely pleasing. Thank you to those that have already committed to supporting our premiere'  showing event for the year. There is still many opportunities to be involved and I encourage our members to contact either Lyn Dickson or Paul Haslin.

I look forward to the opportunity to catch up with as many of you as possible as we attend shows, training and other alpaca related activities throughout the year. Until next time, stay safe and good luck with all things alpaca.

Board Changes 

The AAA Board announces the resignation of Michelle Simberg from her position as a Board Director and National Treasurer of the AAA effective 19 February. The Board thanks Michelle for her contribution to the industry during her time on the Board.

A steady decline in income over recent years has made it challenging to meet operational costs. Strong fiscal management under the current financial situation is imperative and the Board agreed to appointment an additional Director to the position of treasurer without delay. The Board directly approached Carolyn Austin who is a qualified accountant with the time to commit to the role. Carolyn has undertaken the role on a past AAA Board as well as a regional treasurer position and has the required experience and the availability to start immediately with a full background on the AAA issues. Carolyn has been appointed to the Board under clause 9.7 of the Constitution and will sit in the role until the 2020 AGM.

Welcome Carolyn!

If you are interested in mentoring a young person in your area, on or off farm, make contact with the AAYE. Australia has enthusiastic young people who could benefit from your guidance. Ask at your local schools, as those with agricultural programs receive free membership through the AAA. 

The AAYE incorporates all things alpaca related for youth  generally between the ages of 7 and 22 Australia wide. Farm practices, health, showing, breeding/genetics, fibre, crafts, data collection and research, are just a few of the topics on offer. We often take our expertise for granted as adults, perhaps you could inspire the next generation of alpaca lovers. Get in touch via email ayechair@gmail.com or call Julie Blake 0423547768 for support getting started.

2. Changes to the show rules effective 1 January 2021

Rule 50: Handlers attire in the show ring – the exhibitors uniform will include the AAA logo on either the AAA black shirt or the AAA black vest. The vest may be worn over the AAA shirt or a black shirt. These are worn over black trousers or a long black skirt and clean brown or black closed in shoes (ie stud colours and stud uniforms are not to be worn in the show ring). Note: handler may continue to wear either a plain white coat or one with the AAA logo over long trousers or long skirts with clean dress shoes or boots only until 31 December 2020.

Rule 56:  Fleece lengths for showing - Alpacas should be shorn annually and for show entry must have minimum fleece length of 50mm for huacaya and suri and a maximum fleece length of less than 14 months. 

Contact the AAA Board

Upcoming events

• Canberra Royal - 28 Feb - 1 March 2020
• Red Hill Show - 7 March 2020
• Farm World 2020 - 26 - 29 March 2020
• Wodonga Show 14 March 2020
• Warren District Agricultural Show 14 March 2020
• Mount Pleasant Show 20 March 2020
• Moss Vale Show 22 March 2020
• Camden Show 28 March 2020
• Sydney Royal Alpaca Show 10 April 2020