Branches & Regional Groups :: Chairman's Message

Welcome to the New South Wales branch area of the Order of Australia Association.

General Welcome:

Today, and with your continued support, we advance the opportunities of young Australians of NSW to foster pride in citizenship and instill a sense of responsibility for the community.

CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE

Firstly, may I say how much I appreciate the honour conferred on me by my election as your Chairman and to assure you that the interests of our Association will have my close attention in the coming year.

At the start, I would like to pay tribute to my immediate predecessor, Rev Dr Douglas Parker OAM RFD for his commitment and his contribution to our affairs during the past year, especially as his term of office coincided with he and his family facing some significant personal challenges.  

Our committee as always brings to the management of the Branch a depth of knowledge and experience that I am sure will stand us in good stead in the future. We have already met this month to plan a variety of activities for the coming year and I am sure these events will enjoy your support.

It is also my intention, along with Ron Sharpe OAM our energetic Regional Coordinator, to attend as many of our regional events as possible.   Thanks to the energy and dedication of our region convenors, we maintain an impressive program of ongoing activity throughout NSW and these events do much to sustain and enhance our objectives.  

There are also plans to continue our Young Endeavour scholarship scheme as well as of course maintaining the Youth and Community awards program originated 20 years ago by the late Dr John Lincoln, but we will also be seeking potential opportunities for other appropriate sponsorships.   Importantly, it needs to be said that the Committee is not the sole repository of wisdom in this regard and suggestions from any member about projects which they feel could be worthy of the Association's support will always be most welcome.

Finally, could I please urge all members to encourage recipients of awards in the Order who are known to them but who do not belong to our Association to consider joining us?  Membership development is an ever-important element in the life of most organisations and it is one avenue whereby each one of us can make a positive contribution by recruiting new entrants and I commend this to all our members.

Jack Ball AM

Branch Chairman's Report 2011 - Here

To foster love of and pride in Australian citizenship and to uphold the high principles and prestige of the Order of Australia
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