Welcome to our second edition.
There have been on-going changes and challenges throughout the last quarter. Not the least of these being the resignation of Ken McDonald as Treasurer. Ken must hold the record for consecutive years of occupying any Executive position. Ken was not only our Treasurer; he was also our Public Officer, and a Life Member. Ken has consistently contributed to ARM’s function and form for decades and his absence is deeply felt. This good natured, Aussie will always be highly regarded and long remembered for his knowledge, experience, service and loyalty.
Lima Eid has stepped into the Treasurers position and is currently being guided through the Treasurers duties by the experienced hand of Lawrence Dwyer. Abe Pollak, another long standing member of ARM, has also joined the Committee. We are looking forward to a healthy injection of new ideas and spirit.
The Office (Ireen Allanson) has been extremely busy with renewals. Don’t forget to send your completed renewal form into the Office. Some members have requested payment over the phone, and do not want to bother with the form – however, the form is vital, not only to our membership records; we also keep track of address and phone changes. Your renewal forms should be accompanied by payment with a cheque, money order, or credit card details, along with your CPE log (including supporting documents), and certificates of currency for first aid and insurance.
If you have lost your CPE log, you can download a copy from our website. In fact, there are many important documents you can download, and if you have not logged on for a while, it is well worth a look. Our website has taken on a new appearance and is constantly well cared for by Neil Evers.
Next year you will be able to complete your renewal form, and pay your annual fees, on line. Your ongoing CPE log will also be accessible; however we still need supporting documents to be sent to the Office, as you receive them. This saves you the big panic to retrieve strayed documents at the last minute. These can be faxed, scanned and attached to an Email, or a copy posted. Reservations and payments for any of our Workshops will soon be possible online. We will soon have a variety of new features available, to make your transactions with ARM instantaneous and easy.
Dean O’Connor has been working hard on our new Data base and system. He has managed to construct a very concise and detailed data base, making it more efficient, precise and easier to use. Dean has included an early warning system that alerts us when any member needs to be reminded of the imminent expiration of their insurance policy, first aid certificate, or CPE points. This enables us to inform you in advance, making life easier for everyone.
A hearty welcome is extended to all our new members: Danielle Guy, in Wentworthville NSW, Gregory Hunt in Bendigo VIC, Pauline Bell in Brentwood WA, Peter Byrne in Russell Lea NSW, and Diana Adam in Bonnyrigg Heights NSW.
I would also like to welcome all those members who have returned to ARM, after all our changes. We’re happy to have you back with us and look forward to being of service to you.
Gai Herne
National President