TCIA AGM 2016

MINUTES OF MEETING

13 July 2016

Apologies:

Stephen Ford, Bill Baxter, Dave James, Tim Whelan, Mark Savage, Kim Ladiges.

Present:

Alex Wilson

Felicity Ogilvie

Garry Phillips

Richard Youd

Stuart Scott

Jessie Westbury

Renee Harrington

Alex presented his report focussing on the difficulties experienced with TAFE and the rationale for the actions taken to become independent whilst still maintaining service.

The following is also a summary of the reports of the President and secretary:

For the TCIA it has been a year of significant change. Some of these changes are as follows:

• A new (The AMGA single Pitch) manual was adopted and all assessment sheets changed to reflect modern best practice. A more flexible approach to technique and setups is now reflected inn training and assessments. Bill Baxter did a lot of work on these sheets – thanks.
• Early in the year a significant issue arose with TAFE costing’s and insurance. The TCIA has been heavily subsidized in the past and this came to an abrupt end. In essence business as usual could not go on.  Following negotiations with TAFE they applied for Commonwealth assistance to reduce costs to a point where they would be viable. Garry and Stu made submissions in support of this. After some time the TCIA Executive was informed funding to subsidize assessments was going to happen – however after several months this was not forthcoming.
• In the interim business had to continue. Garry and Stu were requested to continue service delivery under their own insurance. This they did with the assistance of Kim.

In total the following services were provided.

1. Bill and Stu ran a free training weekend for anyone wishing to try out the new manual.
2. Garry and Stu also ran two training weekends.
3. Three or four assessment weekends were held at WWW. All were full except one. Kim assisted greatly by acting as a moderator. This is an excellent practice if it can be sustained. About 75% passed.
4. Two ICG courses were held. One in Launceston and one in Hobart. Nine people passed these. Some did not quite make it.

As a consequence of the TAFE issue the Executive decided to become independent and autonomous, a great deal of effort was made to obtain alternative insurance etc.  However due to an accident in Queensland involving instruction this proved highly problematic. After much effort Alex obtained insurance at a cost that is just sustainable.  The Executive approved the transition as there was little (no) choice. Costings were worked out and the budget is achievable.

With a slight adjustment to finances the TCIA conducted the last assessment at the new fees as set out on the website.  They are generally less than those of other organizations with each unit costing $245.

Garry, Bill and Stu also ran a general and rescue skills weekend in June that was low cost and well patronized. Several other people have expressed interest in this and another is planned for a few weeks time. It is hoped to attract and assist more members through this process.

Other achievements have been the rebuild and rewrite of the website and the construction of a bulk email system.  A Facebook page may also assist in communicating with members.

The secretaries Stu and Felicity prepared two detailed submissions. One related to the trespass issue at Rocky Tom that received a reasonable response from the Clarence Council. It is believed the land has now been sold. This needs follow up.

The other related to the extension of the commercial zone at Freycinet that could extend to WWW. It appears that the RACT are not continuing with that project due to objections and community concern so the effort was worth it.

This year has been challenging but we are now in an excellent position structurally, financially and in terms of membership to progress.

Alex also presented the treasurers report and emphasised we needed to maintain funds for any eventualities that may occur. In particular he mentioned the necessity to maintain incorporation status. Richard agreed to action this.

Gear for the future is an issue. Alex will discuss this with TAFE.

The Executive thanked Alex for his efforts during the year in keeping things going.

OFFICE BEARERS

The following people were elected:

President Bill Baxter

Secretary Stu Scott with assistance from Felicity.

Treasurer Richard Youd

Deputy President Garry Phillips

Membership Secretary Renee Harrington

Executive Alex, Kim and Jessie Westbury.

General Business

• Fees were raised to $100 per two years.

• An equitable roster for guide work would be overseen by Bill Baxter as president.

• It was agreed that the TCIA would diversify in terms of services offered and continue to become more community oriented.

• Renee agreed to work on the issue of certificates.

• Richard and Alex would speak to Nate re the dual qualification process.

• Jessie agreed to develop a TCIA Facebook site (this she has done).

The Meeting concluded on the note that we are well positioned for the future.

TCIA NEWS LETTER MAY 2016-05-16

The TCIA has had a challenging year due to funding and insurance being withdrawn. We are now entering a final period of (considerable) positive and vital change. In this difficult period the Executive has necessarily made decisions to assure the continuation of the Association. These will be put to the membership for approval at the next AGM.

In summary:

The relationship with TAFE has fundamentally changed. For several years TCIA training and assessment was conducted under the auspices of TAFE. In this way we were able to employ instructors and have insurance for training and assessment. Due to a review, TAFE increased its costs for training and assessment to the point that no one would be able to afford it ($1700 for BAI). The TCIA made a submission, through TAFE, for a Federal grant to subsidise these elements. We were assured several months ago it would be/had been approved. In the interim Garry and Stu provided the service using their own business insurance.

Despite assurances, the funding has not been forthcoming. We are now in a position that we must stand on our own two feet. The key issue is viable insurance. Without it the TCIA will cease to exist.

Whilst the TCIA will continue to work in partnership with TAFE in providing training and assessment for their students, we must be able to provide services for our own members at a reasonable cost.

The Executive investigated all possible avenues for funding and alternative methods to insure. This has been problematic due an accident involving instruction in Queensland. As a consequence, most insurers were simply unwilling to insure. However, the Executive eventually obtained a reasonable quote and has insured the TCIA. This will enable the following to occur:

• For training and assessment to recommence;
• For a calendar of events to be prepared for each year that involves three

weekends of training and assessment – or more as demand dictates. These will be held in spring, summer and autumn;

• For a standard set of fees to be prepared that will be affordable and comparable with mainland organisations.
• For a broad range of trainers and assessors to be insured and compensated;
• ICG courses to be held on demand.
• Low cost self-rescue training courses to be provided to members.
• Low cost climbing skills courses to be provided to members.

Obviously insurance is expensive and our fees must be sustainable. The Executive has prepared a list of fees that we think are reasonable and compare favourably with Mainland providers. These fees are sufficient to assure the viability of the Association into the future. In this way membership fees will rise to $100 for two years on July 1. This is considerably less than some comparable bodies.

To keep costs down we need to have certain student/instructor ratios. Therefore we encourage members to use the fixed date weekends discussed above or costs will be highe. If this is achieved the fees are as follows:

Training 1 Session/Day (e.g. BAI or TRA) $245

Assessment:

BAI $485 (two units)

TRA $730 (three units inclusive of BAI)

SPG $975 (4 units inclusive of BAI and TRA)

MPG $1955 (inclusive of BAI, TRA, SPG)

Essentially a half day assessment unit or 1 day training session costs $245.