AAA Member update | December 2020

AAA Member Update December 2020

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

Message from the President

Firstly, thank you to all our volunteers and contributors for their most appreciated efforts in a year as challenging as 2020.

A year impacted by drought, bush fires & COVID has seen the need for change for all of us. This has included the AAA. I’m not averse to trying new things. Some will work. Some may not be as successful.

One of the changes within our leadership structure is how the Board will focus on their agreed priorities. Portfolios are now replaced with a more agile approach including action items for each Director and then relevant working parties to consult & assist. The action items are aligned to the Strategic Plan and reconfirms our focus on a successful and sustainable alpaca industry in the future.

As an example some of our lead actions include;

2021 shows - Prue Walduck
Research, Development & Extension Strategy - Lee Sadler
Sustainability Framework - Julie Wilkinson
COVID event plan & AWEX - Mick Williams
Market Access - Prue Walduck and Export Strategy - Mick Williams
Biosecurity program - Sarah Wheeler & Lee Sadler
Member Skills & Education - Sarah Wheeler
2021 FY Budget - Carolyn Austin

As you may not have been privy to, there has been lots going on in the background which allows for an exciting new year. I will endeavour to keep you all updated as often as possible through various media forms.

I wish all our members a Merry Christmas, and hope you can treasure some time with beloved family and friends, no matter where in the world they may be. Keep safe. Keep well. Enjoy everything alpaca

Brett Fallon

AAA President

Market Access Update

As previously advised, negotiations between the Australian Government (DAWE) and the New Zealand Government (MPI) have been ongoing in relation to re-opening the export pathway to New Zealand.

Whilst negotiations are proceeding in a positive manner, it would be irresponsible of the AAA to provide a running commentary until an official position is reached. To do so would be counterproductive to the sensitive negotiations between the two countries. Read More

Two New Directors for the AAA

Julie Wilkinson and Lee Sadler have been appointed to casual vacancies on the Australian Alpaca Association Board of Directors under clause 9.7 of the Constitution following the recent resignations of Trevor Parry and Cathi McMullen. Cathi McMullen regrets she is not in a position to take up her directorship role going forward due to health reasons. She notes that she has every confidence in the AAA Board and the direction in which they are leading the industry into the future. read more

Showing and Judging Update

Changes to the AAA Showing Rules have been endorsed by the AAA Board and will be effective from 1 January 2021. An amended edition of the AAA Showing Rules will be made available on the AAA website prior to the start of the show season Read more
The SJC has initiated discussions with regions regarding the potential for shows to proceed in 2021, subject to relevant health regulations that are in force at the time. It is anticipated that requirements may vary depending on the location and size of the show, and AAA will need to ensure we are able to comply with these requirements while ensuring the financial viability of each event.
The Board announces that there has been a review of the process regarding the apprentice judge intake and that three additional judge apprentices have been offered the next available positions in the Apprenticeship Program. Congratulations to Tammurah Lamson, Lee Sadler and Brett Fallon

National Art, Product and Photography Show

AAA is happy to announce that entries HAVE BEEN EXTENDED for a National Art, Product and Photography Show. Entries now close on 5 March 2021! The schedule and entry forms are available on the AAA website

For sponsorship opportunities please email sarah@alpacas.asn.au

Fee Changes

There will be changes to some registration fees from 1 January 2021. In addition, there is an amnesty on some charges - register all animals that are over 24 months old now at the special reduced price of $23! After 1 January there are changes to the fee to register an animal over 12 months of age. See the Fee Schedule

Sustainability Framework

The Board will issue a Sustainability Framework Concept paper and call for EOI for interested parties early in the new year. The Framework will aim to improve transparency, and provide evidence to our customers and stakeholders that Australian alpacas are grown responsibly. It will build their trust and confidence in the industry.

National Fleece Challenge

The AAA National Fleece Challenge was a fabulous success with over 400 fleeces judges by senior alpaca judge Natasha Clark over the weekend 4-6 December. Congratulations to

BOB KINGWELL from MONGA ALPACAS - SUPREME CHAMPION HUACAYA FLEECE
TARA AND CHRIS RAVENHILL from BEDROCK ALPACAS - SUPREME CHAMPION SURI FLEECE

Thank you to all the exhibitors and to our sponsors for supporting this event. Thank you to the convenors and the steward team and the other volunteers Click here for full results

AYE Chair Vacancy

The AAA Board is calling for Expressions of Interest from AAA members for the Chair of the Alpaca Youth Education Committee.

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
Sarah Wheeler
E: sarah@alpaca.asn.au
Ph: 0434 982 760

Mick Williams
E: mick@alpaca.asn.au
Ph: 0407 407 618
Lee Sadler
E: lee@alpaca.asn.au
Ph: 0414585955
Julie Wilkinson
E: julie @alpaca.asn.au
Ph: 0407889669

CEO - Amanda Olthof
E: ceo@alpaca.asn.au
Ph: 0421 649 843