AAA Member Update May 2020

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

We are very disappointed to announce that the National Show will not go ahead in its usual format in 2020. Unfortunately the show cannot proceed due to the COVID-19 physical  distancing (1.5) rules.With 2 judges, handler and ring steward around the one animal we would be unable to protect our judges and exhibitors in the ring. The Board wanted to give our membrs as much notice as possible as we are aware that some of you may be thinking about booking accommodation and making travel arrangements.

For the same reasons, the Board has also taken the difficult decision to cancel all independent alpaca shows for the remainder of the 2020 calendar year. Agricultural shows, if they choose to run will be exempt. However, the board reserves the right to look at shows later in the year on an exception basis should government policy significantly change. 

Keep an eye out for details about a "mega" fleece show to be held towards the end of 2020. 

New Codes of Conduct for members, exhibitors, committee members, judges, and the Board are currently before the Board for consideration. New Codes will be available on the website when ratified and all members will be asked to reconsider the Code when completing your membership renewals 

Based on feedback from our members and being cognisant of cost, the AAA will no longer be providing the World of Alpacas magazine as the official AAA publication. Members have reported that the magazine was no longer meeting their needs. The AAA will be concentrating on digital communications with a focus on social media and AAA website. 

Nominations for Life Membership of the Association is now open. See the AAA website for the guidelines and nomination form. Nominations close 30 June.  

The Board is also happy to announce two members to the Education and Training Committee to assist the Board director responsible for the portfolio to develop new training programs and methods of delivery. Congratulations to AnnMarie Ashton-Wyatt and Steve Glenday. 

Membership Renewals

We are coming up to the time to renew your AAA membership for the 20-21 financial year. The AAA Board is very aware of the significant financial impact that drought, fire, floods and now Covid 19 has had on our members. With this in mind, we are now able to offer members the ability to pay for their membership by recurring payments.  The hope is that by offering you the ability to split your membership into smaller payments it in some small way helps you. Please contact Sarah Wheeler email to register your interest and receive more information.

AAA continues to look for ways to improve services and benefits to members. The Board directors, regional committees, volunteers and our professional office team act on behalf of all members to advocate, inform and promote the Australian alpaca industry as a contributor to the broader agricultural sector. If you would like to discuss membership, please contact the CEO or any of your Board Directors 

Your AAA membership gives you:

• Access to eAlpaca, the IAR database www.ealpaca.com.au
• National Office support
• Opportunity to participate in regional events and become part of a regional community
• The ability to benchmark your breeding program through the showing of animals and fleece with access to local and international judges
• Networking opportunities
• A voice to government and other policymakers regarding agribusiness development
•  Volunteer Board who meet regularly to advance the industry
•  Educational workshops and seminars
• Youth programs and events
• Animal health information and updates
• Biosecurity  (Q-Alpaca program)
•  End product – fibre and meat - information and support
•  Regular communication via the AAA website, member update newsletter and social media channels (eg Facebook, Twitter)