AAA Member Update #7 2021
The AAA monthly update is our way of communicating with our members.
ACT office lockdown
The ACT has gone into a one-week lockdown from 12/8 and the office staff will be working from home for (at least) the next week. It is not expected that any member services will be impacted and merchandise, tags, and DNA kits can still be sent out. However, the phones are taking some time to re-direct, so please send any inquiries in the first instance via email to info@alpaca,asn.au.
National Show Working Group
The AAA Board is calling for Expressions of Interest from interested AAA members for the Future National Shows Working Group. The Future National Shows Working Group has been established to recommend a position to the Board on all aspects of feasibility for future AAA national halter shows. We encourage any member to apply where they have a desire to actively contribute to this important area of the AAA. More information
Working Group to Review the Fleece/Weight Matrix
The Showing and Judging Committee invites interested members to join a small working group to review the Fleece/Weight Matrix that is used for judging our fleece shows. The terms of reference for the working group are currently being determined and will be made available to interested members shortly. Further information can be provided by the SJC Chair, Jenni Smith on 0437 257222 or by sjcchairaaa@gmail.com. EOIs should be submitted to sjcchairaaa@gmail.com by 31 August 2021.
Richard Dixon Scholarship
In recognition of services to the alpaca industry by the late Dr Richard Dixon, the AAA offers a scholarship to senior veterinary students. The development scholarship honours the late Richard Dixon who is widely recognised for his vision and commitment to improving alpaca health and for establishing so many of the founding veterinary practices in the Australian alpaca industry including Q-Alpaca. Submissions close 15 October 2021. For more information please see the AAA website
Last year, the scholarship was awarded to Amber O'Neil for her work on the passive transfer of immunity in alpacas. You can find the research paper in the member's portal. Look out for a video seminar with Amber to be released soon.
Research and development
The AAA Board has agreed to fund a project with Curtin University into the genetic cause of different fibre colour intensity in alpacas. We look forward to the results of this important research
Alpaca Traceability
AAA continues to work on alpaca traceability and NLIS. We are now working with Safemeat and other livestock industries to ensure that the future of livestock traceability includes alpacas. We also continue to work with the MLA Integrity Systems Company on the NLIS database and the inclusion of alpacas.
National Show Perpetual Trophies
Following a recommendation from the National Show Conveners, the Board are discussing the future of perpetual trophies. A virtual perpetual trophy board is being set up on the AAA website . The website page is still a work in progress, but will be a great history of National show winners.
AAA Partners
AAA has a series of partners who provide our members with benefits. We are so grateful to have these businesses as partners who support the AAA and our members. Of particular note, the WFI insurance premium commissions will be paid to your aligned AAA Region. ANZ Business finance commission will be aligned with Research & Development investments into our industry’s future.
AAA Membership Renewals
AAA membership renewals are now due! Log into your eAlpaca account and renew today - you'll now see the reminder to renew on your home page. Want to discuss your membership? Call a Board Director for a chat.
Office reminders
A quick reminder that AAA office hours are 9am to 1pm Canberra time. If you call outside these hours, you may get the answering machine.
We have put a lot of eAlpaca tips into the Facebook member's group - check to see if there is something that is new to you!
Contact the AAA Board
- Brett Fallon - President
E: brett@alpaca.asn.au
Ph: 0408 403 910 - Prue Walduck
E: prue@alpaca.asn.au
Ph: 0429 437 781 - Carolyn Austin
E: treasurer@alpaca.asn.au
Ph: 0410 693 802
- Lee Sadler
E: lee@alpaca.asn.au
Ph: 0414585955 - Julie Wilkinson
E: julie@alpaca.asn.au
Ph: 0407889669 - Mick Williams
E: mick@alpaca.asn.au
Ph: 0407 407 618
