SEMAC NEwS MAR-APR 2024

NoTES FROM THE SEMAC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2/4/2024

Chair: Simon Bole-Brown

1. Welcome The meeting started at 7.50pm and Simon welcomed the 16 members attending and thanked them for coming.

2. President’s Report - Simon Bole-Brown

Simon gave an update on the latest works at the field. The male urinal toilet is almost finished with only the urinal & plumbing (including soak pit) to be installed. Great work by Bill S, Chris C and David W. The roof between the containers is complete with the facia installed on the runway side & the guttering fitted. The remaining task is to position the tank on the eastern side of the white container and connect it to the tank. Many thanks to Chris C for his input & negotiations with Chris the contractor for a terrific result. The only remaining tasks at the field are to finish off the flightline and partially enclose the shelter.

Simon gave an overview of the MX break in & the MX tractor/slasher being removed along with the damage done to our mower shed and tractor (key removed and lost). Whilst John O’Connor of MX was annoyed at what occurred, he was very happy with our actions in dealing with the Police and neighbours. The Police recovered the tractor/slasher from the property to our north. The slasher has been damaged in the heist and has returned to Gippsland for repairs. Timeframe for repairs unknown at this stage, therefore gorse slashing will not happen anytime soon. It can take Glen up to 3 days to slash with his tractor/slasher & he usually endures up to 3 tyre punctures in the process requiring on site tyre repair. Rod C's tractor is NOT capable of slashing the gorse.

Simon again expressed the need for flying to be contained within our field boundary as much as possible. There should be NO need to fly beyond our southern boundary. We do NOT wish to antagonize Bob our southern neighbour any further given recent incursions. No member is to enter Bob’s premises without contacting a committee member so that we can advise Bob & gain permission to recover any downed aircraft.

Brendon & Eddie were thanked for their continued work in field maintenance, watering, mowing, etc. Brendon has been accessing the MX dam in order to water around the runways, crossover, etc.

Simon mentioned that Colin V is investigating a notice board to be installed in the area between the containers & that Bill H has purchased a temporary notice board which is in the white container.

The last item on Simon’s list was the need for a thorough overhaul of the first aid kit, which Simon will investigate & rectify.

3. Treasurer’s Report - Rod Clipstone

Rod gave a comprehensive review of current financial situation.

The major expense for the period being the roof between the containers at $3.6k and loan repayment of $1250. Other major expenditure has been for field maintenance $2k and fuel $1.5k. Rod expressed the need for expenditure control & timely submission of receipts as delay skews the financials. Simon reiterated that ALL expenditure needs to be authorized by Committee & particularly the Treasurer.

Rod explained that with a current membership of 39 plus 3 associates, that our annual income is only about $9k (excluding VMAA/MAAA fees which are paid straight to those bodies). Thus expenditure on field maintenance of $3.5k every two months will double the income available. The currect bank balance is available to members on request.

4. Secretary’s Report - David Wheeler

David reiterated Rod’s concern over expenditure & that while there had been past offers to pay for fuel (& even an offer to pay for the container roof) the club is NOT insolvent & while thankful for the offers, they are NOT currently required. Nevertheless expenditure control was one of the reasons Eddie was asked to remove his ride on mower. David noted that we are NOT trying to maintain a golf fairway or green or bowling green! The runways are mowed with the club ride-on. The pits with the lawn mower & the out field with Rods tractor & that should be all that’s required to maintain the field to an acceptable standard.

David mentioned that the Committee had met via Zoom last week & that the major point of discussion was around raising the SEMAC component of the annual fees. Noting that this has not been done since before COVID. Committee will wait until VMAA/MAAA insurance component is known (early June?) before making a decision, however the feeling of the meeting was that a raise of around $15 - $20 would be acceptable.

Further investigation will be carried out before any decision is made.

DW also mentioned that there had been some talk around the club of sinking a bore. While a great idea it would be extremely difficult to implement. Chris C has done some investigation & his findings are that we would require landlords’ permission, surrounding landholders’ agreeance, permits & engineering input & sign off, to mention a few of the hurdles. Cost would be anywhere up to $15k plus so this is not possible. Chris also noted that NO other club has gone down this path.

5. General Discussion

In light of the club’s finances, Bill H suggested the idea of collecting & cashing in on returnable bottles & cans as a relatively easy way of producing income if all club members we to support. An idea with merit was the general view. Bill will explore setting up such a scheme.

Simon noted that we used to pay a gold coin ($2) for supper at these General Meetings & that we should reintroduce that idea for future meetings.

Simon also mentioned that we need to actively pursue new members if possible. He has one or two prospective members currently making enquiries.

6. Show & Tell

Bill H came to the meeting with all sorts of goodies. Balsa, partly build models & kits, assorted aircraft paraphernalia, all for sale. This collection belonged to a long time modeller who has just recently ented aged care at the tender age of 101! All proceeds will go to the family. As expected, those present at the meeting ‘swooped like seagulls on a chip packet’ and bargains were had. Thanks, Bill, for bringing all that ‘stuff’ along.

7. Supper - Chris C provided the usual excellent supper which was enjoyed by all present.

8. Next Meeting - 4th June at the Dingley Hall, 7.30pm start.