AGM 2014 Wrap-up

Deaf Australia had a very busy and productive weekend in Perth on 22 and 23 November, 2014.

We had our Board meeting on Friday 21 November to discuss and confirm our strategic plan and activities for 2015 and onward.
[minimal_icon style=”zoom” url=”https://deafaustralia.org.au/information/reports/” target=”_blank” lightbox_content=”” lightbox_description=””]You can download and view the Annual Report and Financial report here. [/minimal_icon] In the evening, President Todd Wright and Chief Executive Kyle Miers gave a presentation to deaf community on “What is Deaf Australia’. Members of the community had the opportunity to raise issues and provide comments to our work. From the feedback we received on the night, I am pleased to say that Deaf Australia is continuing to work hard to address the needs of the deaf community.
The following day, the board of Deaf Australia and state organisations representatives (Western Australian Association of the Deaf, Deaf Australia NSW and Deaf Victoria) were in attendance. We had the opportunity to share information on what we are doing at national and state levels. Unfortunately, we were unable to hear what is happening in Queensland and South Australia. We had the opportunity to discuss constitution reviews and a new initiative that Deaf Australia is launching.
Prior to the Annual General Meeting, we had a Special General Meeting with one purpose: to approve the constitution. The members supported the Amendments of the Constitution. To pass the constitution, it required 75% of eligible votes at the meeting or by proxy. A total of 31 voters were present which means 24 votes were required to pass the Amendments. 30 votes were in favour of the Amendment and 1 was abstained. It means that the Amendments are approved.
At the 28th Annual General Meeting, we had over 50 members of the community who attended the Annual General Meeting and there were 42 eligible members. President Todd Wright and Treasurer John Wade presented their reports (see Annual Report and Financial Report). At the AGM, we also announced the winners of the Deaf Australian of the Year and Fair Go Award. Unfortunately, we did not receive any nominations for Deaf Youth of the Year. President Todd Wright invited President Katrina Lancaster to inform the members the outcomes of Deaf Youth Australia’s Board election.
After the Annual General Meeting, we had a special announcement.
President Todd Wright also announced at the meeting the appointment of Andy Dexterity as our Ambassador of Deaf Australia and Chief Executive Kyle Miers launched the Deaf Friendly Scheme; a new initiative that will be rolled out by Deaf Australia over the next 12 months.
On Sunday, the board and state organisations met to discuss the membership structure and strategic plan 2015-20.
[icon style=”icon-info” url=”https://deafaustralia.org.au/about-2/strategic-plan/” target=”_self” lightbox_content=”” lightbox_description=””]See more about our Strategic Plan in Auslan and in English here[/icon] Announcements:

• Deaf Australian of the Year – Anthony Hastings (NSW)
• Fair Go Award – Communication Republic (SA)
• Ambassador – Andy Dexterity (NSW)
• Recognition of Appreciation – John Louttit (Qld)
• Nomination to WFD President – Colin Allen (NSW)

The Board of Deaf Australia wishes to say a big thanks to all those volunteers and organisations who provide support to Deaf Australia, and especially to the Western Australian Association of the Deaf for hosting the meetings in Perth.
Photo credit: Vanessa Ravlich