6th Eastern Link June 2010 - Province 20 Catenians of Western ...

AusAgenda Continued. . .• Agreed that 31 March 2009 was too early for the preparation of initial submissions outlining thepossible structure for an Australian Regional body. Provinces and AV to continue to hold strategymeetings and to forward written submissions to the committee when available.• Agreed that the second Australian Conference would be held in Perth in 2010.Second meeting via Skype on 4 September 2009• Membership- P20 had distributed a 'call to action' to all circles resulting in positive signs for membership growth.- AV had targeted several parishes for membership talks – competition coming from Parish men's clubswhich meet for $5 per head.- P21 had run a workshop for Presidents and Membership Officers producing an effective response anda better understanding of the Rules and Regulations. Parramatta Circle received expressions of interestfrom 20 parishioners – no response was received from a similar drive 2 years previously.- It was recognised that the overall costs of Catenian membership, as well as competition from othergroups, are obstacles to recruitment.• Expansion- P20 concentrating on the Bunbury district but also following up progress in Adelaide.- P21 expecting Brisbane Circle to be inaugurated in September 2010; a dinner is to be held withBishop Malone in Newcastle with 12 attendees expected; Gold Coast interested in forming a Group; theattempt to form a circle in the Australian Defence Force was proving elusive.- AV pursuing a Group in Geelong with the help of Father Kevin Dillon who helped with the formation ofMaroondah Circle.• John Monkhouse (20) to be asked to organise the 2010 Australian Conference to be held aroundSeptember 2010.• John Secker held a meeting with Bishop Malone to explore a relationship with the Australian Bishops'Conference.• Agreed to circulate a letter encouraging the Catenian Association and other Catholic organisations toimprove media coverage of the Christian message at Easter and Christmas.• Unanimous agreement to increase the Public Liability insurance cover from $5 million to $10 million onrenewal of the policy in December 2009.• The Committee discussed proposed content for a national submission to the newly formed RestructureCommission. Issues raised included incorporation of the Association in Australia (legal aspect),administration (how much could be done in Australia), level of capitation fees for non-UK members andgovernance within Australia. No major changes to the operation of the Benevolent Fund and BursaryFund were considered necessary.Third meeting via Skype on 12 January 2010• Resignation of Director John Secker.John resigned from the Catenian Association in early January 2010. The Committee recognised thedevoted service which John had delivered to the Association over a period exceeding 25 years andagreed that his valued contributions would be sadly missed./AusAgenda Cont.16EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 16 JUNE 2010