Jun182017
AHCA meetings

President’s Report 2017 AGM

18 June 2017

The highlights of the past year have included

  • The Association hosting The Walk of Determination in August, an event to help raise awareness on bullying. Around 400 people participated.
  • Our 5th Annual Christmas in Alex with attendance at our best level yet.
  • The Alex Community Garden going from strength to strength under the guidance of Rhonda Panozzo and her merry band of volunteers
  • The ongoing efforts of the Foreshore Conservation Group, lead ably again by Mario Barbagello
  • And most recently, the Association assisting with set-up of Anzac Day ceremony for the Korean War Veterans Association on Alex Headland.

This community is fortunate to have the range and number of volunteers it has. As an Association we’re here to encourage and, where we can, support the work of those people and organisations. We’d welcome any ideas on where we can connect further through community groups in our area.

Our work is made easier by the ongoing support of our sponsors. A range of businesses of all sizes support the Association with financial help, and very often give of their precious time as well. We’re grateful for that. At the risk of singling out supporters, we thanks Ashley Robinson and his team at Alex Surf Club. They’re a great hub for the Alex community.

We’re grateful for the advocacy of all levels of government, in particular for the work of Cr John Connolly. With Council as a whole, he is a great supporter of the Association.

On that note, we look forward to continuing amenities improvements to Alex. In progress at the moment is the refurbishment of the skate park that will include additional features for even better events for the community. But issues to do with traffic, environment and small business require our continued attention.

In wrapping up the 2016 / 2017 year, there are two people I’d like to give special thanks to.

Ann Kendall handed over the reigns of the Alex Community Garden late last year. She has been a champion of that project, having been there from its inception. She’s still active with the Association, but a special note of thanks to Ann is well due.

And the inimitable Josie Ryan. This time last year, Josie stepped down as President of the Association, ostensibly to enjoy more golf, and the retirement (at long last) of her husband Ron. Ironically I don’t think Josie has ever worked harder for the Association, breaking in a new President, and being the driver behind everything we do.

Many thanks

John Hutchinson
President