2021 Annual General Meeting 7th February 2021
Patron’s Message
What an amazing experience to welcome you all to our 2021 AGM and seminar on Zoom.
Sadly, this year, we cannot meet face to face, when I personally enjoy seeing all your beautiful faces and smiles. It is a very challenging situation ahead of us all, to keep our wonderful dancers involved in our beautiful artform, Irish dance, but I feel very confident that together senior members, and the wonderful ideas of newer members, can fulfill all their dreams and aspirations.
In these uncertain times, we cannot be certain about when we can have the AIO and Australian championships, due to the pandemic. How this pans out, no one can foresee.
Wishing all the very best for the future, stay safe and well.
God bless always, your very proud Patron, February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
Janice Currie-Henderson OAM SDCRG
Sunday 7th February 2021 Commencing 6:35pm AEDT
MINUTES Online: Christine Portbury, Janice Currie-Henderson, Catherine Cosgriff, Teresa Fenton, Chris Carswell, Yvette Jackson, Christine Folan, Jared Ellis, Catherine Poulton, Monica Poulton, Deirdre Murphy, Vicki Lynagh, Margaret Dempsey, Siobhan Collis, Kathleen McAleer, Genevieve Carroll, Gabrielle Hall, Jan Berne, Kate Hartley, Breeda Peirce, Katherine Travers, Eleanor Grose, Fiona Holmes, Bernadette Helbig, Tracey Coutts, Trish Williams, Rebecca O’Connor, Kate Woodward, Eileen Ashley, Cheryl Young, Kelli-Rai Howden, Clare McNeil, Alison Pickett, Vicki Paulin, Conor Ayres, Jackie Miller, Charmaine May, Carmel Doyle, Mark Adams, Cathy Seidel, Eleanor Barrett, Jennifer Bird, Jenny O’Hare, Donna Carey, Mary Kilmurray, Tegan Horwood, Karen Cividin, Samarah Symons, Fiona-Gaye Moore, Jacquie Bigby, Megan Palmer, Hayley Delaney, Sarah Carrington, Liz Gregory, Bronagh Kelly, Louise La Sala, Bronwyn Kelly, Emily Kennedy, Sharon Carey, Corinna Sheary, Xuan Luu, Jackie Gregory, Leanne McCall, Elyse Furlong, Glenys Ritchie, Maggie Gaffney, Kathryn Higgins, Caitlin Ehrich, Martina O’Brien, James McEvoy-May, Melissa Kennedy, Sarah Higgins, Emily Kennedy, Caroline O’Driscoll, Suzanne Cox, Mary Grantham, Stephanie Fereday, Avril Grealish, Caroline McCarthy, Megan Cousins, Kathryn Trenholme, Caitriona Slane, Melissa Kennedy, Jenny O’Neill, Rebecca Connor, Katrina Hawse, (Unknown Phone Number)
Apologies: Liz Lewis, Liz Geraghty, Shae Stirling, Ceili Moore, Jonty Moore, Brent Pace, Karen Gordon-Clarek, Christine Ayres, Liam Ayres, Raymond Ayres, Kieran Harvey, Claire Delaney, Conor Hayes, Alison Teese, Louise Hanaphy, Jennifer Devlin, Charlotte Sweeney, Nell Taylor, Bianca Marron, Julie Idema, Emilie Court, Tegan McGregor, Mary McGregor, Roisin Lyons, Clare Earl, Bridget Bazzo, Kirstine Munro, Sheryl Watkins, Leanne McGrath.
1. President/Chairperson's’ Welcome – Christine Portbury SDCRG Christine welcomed members to the first AIDA Inc. online Annual General Meeting and went through all the procedures to be followed this meeting including how to proxy vote. Convention Booklet had been previously sent to the membership and thanks to our Secretary Chris Carswell for putting this together for everyone.
2. Patron’s Welcome – Janice Currie-Henderson SDCRG Janice Currie-Henderson: Welcome to this very different meeting. I have watched everything and attended Zoom meetings throughout the year. It is wonderful to welcome new and old members to this meeting. We have to keep our love of dancing going in these turbulent times.
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
3. 3.1 Appointment of Meeting Host - Chris Carswell ADCRG 3.2 Acceptance of Meeting Procedure to be followed Moved: Kelli Rai Howden Seconded: Catherine Cosgriff All in favour - Carried
4. Confirmation of proxy votes List provided on the screen and discussion took place to confirm this: 39 proxies
5. Any amendments to the Minutes of the previous AGM - Nil
6. Acceptance of the Minutes of the previous AGM Moved: Chris Carswell Seconded: Genevieve Carroll All in favour - Carried
7. Any matters arising out of the Minutes of the previous AGM - Nil
8. Reports – NOTE: All reports to be taken as read. 8.1 President’s Report: Christine Portbury 8.2 Secretary’s Report: Chris Carswell 8.3 CLRG Vice Presidents’ Report: Carmel Doyle and Hilary McKenna 8.4 Treasurer’s Report (including Audited Report & Annual Statement) Report shared on screen. Clarification of some expenses from the 2020 financial year which have either been held over from previous years or still to be claimed from branches. Question regarding $12,000 outstanding which 8.5 State Delegates Reports i) Australian Capital Territory: Monica Simpson ii) New South Wales: Genevieve Carroll iii) Queensland: Kate Hartley iv) South Australia: Kelli-Rai Howden v) Victoria: Gabrielle Hall vi) Western Australia: Eileen Ashley 8.6 Assistant Secretary’s Report: Catherine Poulton 8.7 Assistant Treasurer’s Report: Megan Palmer 8.8 AIDA Committee Reports 8.8.1 Disputes Committee: Genevieve Carroll 8.8.2 Marketing Committee: Chris Carswell 8.8.3 Website Committee: Margaret Dempsey and Jared Ellis
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
8.8.4 Traditional Set Dance Committee: Bernadette Weeks 8.9 Returning Officer: Margaret Dempsey 8.10 Public Officer: Glenys Ritchie Glenys Ritchie: Some issues with our processes due to COVID-19, which have been put to Services NSW. They kept referring us back to our own Constitution with the message that we need to notify any changes/alterations back to the membership should there be any.
9. Any matters arising from Reports - Nil
10. Acceptance of Reports Moved: Donna Reilly-Cannon Seconded: Charmaine May All in favour - Carried
11. Special Resolutions to make changes to the AIDA Inc. Constitution
CHANGE TO THE AIDA INC.CONSTITUTION - Resolution to change Clause 15. Electing the National Council as listed below.
Moved: Christine Portbury SDCRG Seconded: Donna Cannon-Reilly ADCRG BG
Reason for Change – This allows AIDA Inc to use different platforms available for voting online. All in favour/ Motion carried
The Motion to read as follows:- 15. Electing the National Council 15.1 A member of the National Council may only be elected as follows:
(1) any 2 members of the Association may nominate another member (“candidate”) to serve as a member of the National Council;
(2) the nomination must be: (a) in writing; (b) signed by the candidate and the members who nominated him or her; and (c) received at least 14 days before the Annual General Meeting by the person appointed by National Council a s returning officer/s to conduct the election.
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
(3) The Council will decide whether the election of the members to the National Council will be carried out by either postal ballot or by vote online.
(4) A postal or electronic ballot is to be conducted in accordance with Schedule 3 to the Regulation as set out Item 43 – Conduct of ballots (in written or electronic form).
12. Ratification of AIDA Inc. Council Members (2021 & 2022) Patron – Jan Currie - Henderson SDCRG Founding Member - Catherine Cosgriff SDCRG President – Christine Portbury SDCRG Vice-President 1 – Gabrielle Hall SDCRG Vice-President 2 – Catherine Cosgriff SDCRG Secretary – Christopher Carswell ADCRG Treasurer – Jared Ellis TCRG Assistant Secretary – James McEvoy-May TCRG Assistant Treasurer –Kate Woodward-Queensland State Delegate ACT – Monica Simpson TCRG State Delegate NSW – Genevieve Carroll ADCRG State Delegate Qld – Christine Folan TCRG State Delegate SA – Kelli-Rai Howden ADCRG State Delegate Vic – Conor Jobson ADCRG State Delegate WA – Siobhan Collis TCRG
12.1 Appointment of Assistant Treasurer: Kate Woodard
13. Confirmation of the following AIDA Inc. Roles 2020 13.1 Disputes Committee Chair: TBC 13.2 Webmaster: Margaret Dempsey
14. Acceptance of AIDA Inc. Roles All in favour - Carried
15. Appointments 15.1 Public Officer: Glenys Ritchie 15.2 Auditor: Kevin Jessup (Victoria)
16. Date of next AGM: 26/27 February 2022. Venue/Type of Meeting: TBC
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
AGM Concludes: 7.20pm
President’s Report
As President of the Australian Irish Dancing Association Incorporated, I would like to start by congratulating every teacher in Australia for your dedication and the wonderful ways you engaged your dancers during the pandemic last year. I know that this was a lot of hard work on your behalf and you should be very proud of what you have achieved.
Who would have thought when we were in Sydney last February that 12 months later we still have not had the opportunity to meet face to face. 2020 will be forever known as the year we all became experts in Zoom Meetings. This is something that the council has adapted to very well and will be the new norm moving forward which will assist with the Association’s finances.
Whilst we were not able to hold our events in 2020 it was pleasing to see our Marketing Committee at work putting together Camp Connect, an online program for our dancers. This type of event does not happen without a lot of work and I would like to thank all the members who volunteered their time to present the different programs to our dancers and the committee members who gave up their time to make sure everything ran smoothly. This resulted in a very successful event. If any member is interested in being part of this committee this year either get in touch with Chris Carswell or myself.
The Traditional Set Dance Proficiency Program was introduced by AIDA during “lockdown”. The aim was to encourage teachers to teach the seven Traditional Set Dances to their pupils who in turn would perform in front of another ADCRG and would be awarded a Proficiency Certificate for each dance executed correctly. For dancers who complete all seven Traditional Set Dances they will receive the “Gold Award” and these dancer’s names will be listed on the new AIDA Inc. website. This program can be undertaken online or face to face and will continue to be part of our program.
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
AIDA Inc has decided to rebrand and with that in mind work has commenced on the new website and I thank all members on this committee for their contribution in putting this website together. Our membership and pupil registration which will commence shortly, have now been moved to this new platform. We look forward to seeing the new “look” in the coming months.
The Council Members continue to attend all CLRG Meetings which are held via zoom and for members in Australia we are usually coming online around 1am in the morning. The CLRG Workgroup which consists of members from Australia has been very active in providing programs and activities for teachers and dancers throughout the world.
Recently there have been elections held for both executive and state delegates for the AIDA Inc. Council for the 2021-2022 term. I would like to welcome our new members to this Committee, Siobhan Collis, James McEvoy-May, Conor Jobson and Christine Folan. To Leanne McGrath, Donna Cannon-Reilly, Eileen Ashley, Kate Hartley, Catherine Poulton and Megan Palmer who are stepping down, on behalf of the members of Australia, I would like to thank you for your contribution to AIDA Inc over the past few years, which has helped establish AIDA Inc. into the organisation it is today and for bringing some amazing events to our community. Thank you to all members of the Council for your work over the past two years. The new committee will take over after the AGM on Sunday 7th February 2021.
2021 may bring us some uncertainty but if we all work together AIDA Inc is hopeful and working towards staging two great events this year being the Australian International Oireachtas and the Australian National Championships. It may be that these events will look a little different but we will all work hard to make sure that they are memorable.
Thank you to all our members for your continued support and I wish all teachers a very successful 2021. We look forward to seeing you all very soon.
Christine Portbury SDCRG President | Australian Irish Dancing Association Inc.
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
Secretary’s Report
A Chairde,
2020 is a year that history will not quickly forget. It is strange to imagine our community has not gathered face to face since last February’s AGM and Convention, and that so many things have been different during such a strange year. I have to congratulate every member for the work everyone has done during the year to keep dancers engaged, motivated, inspired, and dancing. From weeks, sometimes months, of Zoom classes, to dancer challenges on social media, to support of AIDA Inc. initiatives such as Camp Connect, I thank every member for their commitment to fostering, promoting, and keeping alive our Irish dance against completely unprecedented circumstances.
Almost immediately following our AGM and Convention in February 2020 we saw that things were changing very rapidly. Social distancing and hand sanitising began to be seen at the last few feiseanna held before restrictions came into place. Dance teachers were discovering Zoom, and moving and adapting to online dance learning. The CLRG took the difficult decision to cancel the 50th anniversary Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne which so many dancers from Australia had prepared so long for, both in Solo, Ceili, and in the An Ré Órga performance. Dancers were understandably disappointed, but thanks to teachers around the country remained motivated and dancing.
AIDA Inc. Council meetings happened frequently throughout 2020 via Zoom, as we also took the difficult decisions to cancel the 2020 Australian International Oireachtas and Australian Irish Dancing Championships events. While cancelling early was a difficult decision for the National Council it was definitely the correct one. We look forward to holding these events again in 2021, where they will take on a special significance of reuniting us again.
I continue to administer the Facebook page of AIDA Inc. and worked with musicians, dancing schools, and members of AIDA Inc. to upload regular content to keep our community engaged. Christine Portbury and I worked with FeisApp musicians to share videos of some of our regular musicians playing favourite tunes. The series was a huge success and very popular with thousands of views on each video. During when would have been the AIO I uploaded the Step
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
About of Champions for each day and following that some of the Freestyle Videos that had been performed throughout the years. Many thanks to all the schools who submitted a video for our page. One series that has proved incredibly popular is the ‘Dancing through the Ages’ series performed at our 2017 Australian Championships 50th Anniversary celebration, which we shared during what would have been the week of the Australian Championships. This has seen tens of thousands of views and comments from all over the world. Many thanks to Vicki Paulin in particular for making those videos available and posting to the page.
At the outset of the pandemic, I set up an AIDA Inc. Members Only Facebook Group to enable members throughout Australia to share ideas and to help with communication between Council and membership. It has been good to see members interacting there, and knowing that we are together supporting each other, particularly when lockdowns in different places around Australia, and especially in Victoria, were at their toughest.
I have been fortunate to have helped to initiate and Chair the AIDA Inc. Marketing Working Group, which is a group of members coming together to help members through a challenging year, and to look to the future of our organisation, and how we can assist with growing our dancing community. The full report of our activities appears further in this agenda, but I would like to thank every member of the committee for their commitment during challenging times to help our dancers, members, and the future of AIDA. I would like to particularly thank those who made Camp Connect possible, and who gave me a wonderful lockdown birthday celebration during our Cocktail Party!
An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha have also met regularly during 2020 and into 2021, with up to 97 CLRG members present on Zoom at any given meeting. It has been a learning experience for all of us, and though the very late nights and early mornings can be a challenge it is great that we as a National Council have continued to be given the opportunity to represent Australia at the CLRG.
Towards the end of 2020 we sadly farewelled Mr Bob Henderson, husband of our Patron Jan Currie-Henderson. Mr Bob was much loved by our dancing community and will be missed by us all. For him, and for all we lost this year, ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.
During such a challenging year I have been fortunate to work with the current Council, enjoying unwavering support from everyone for which I am deeply grateful. This AGM sees some of our members leaving the National Council, and I would like to thank Donna, Leanne, Kate, Eileen, Catherine and Megan for all of their hard work and support throughout this year. I would like to welcome Christine, Conor, Siobhan and James to the National Council and look forward to working with them.
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
2021 is a year full of hope that we will be together in person again, and that we will be able to hold our events again. As 2020 drew to a close Feiseanna were beginning again in most parts of the country, and the feis calendar is looking like returning to a sense of normality in 2021.
As the new dancing year begins, I hope that we can take joy in the fact that classes can return and that we can continue to celebrate and pass on the precious gift of our Irish dance, music, and culture; and importantly the friendships and lifelong bonds we enjoy through our Irish dance. I am again privileged to be National Secretary and look forward to working with everyone again in 2021 and beyond to foster and promote our rich Irish cultural heritage through our Irish dance.
Is mise, le meas,
Chris Carswell ADCRG National Secretary | Australian Irish Dancing Association Inc.
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
CLRG Vice-President’s Report
As we gathered in 2020 for our annual Convention, it was with eagerness to welcome the challenges of a new dancing year and to continue the growth and development of Irish Dancing throughout Australia. A record number of our dancers and teachers were training hard and preparing to travel to Ireland to participate in what was to be the biggest and most exciting World Championships in its 50 year history. Plans for our two premiere events were well under way and many feis organisers throughout the country were looking forward to welcoming competitors from near and far to their events. Little did we know what lay ahead! The year that has just gone has challenged us in ways that we could never have imagined, and it has been a stressful and sometimes gloomy time for so many in our dancing family. Our teachers have had to learn new skills, just to keep their pupils engaged and both CLRG and AIDA have worked hard to introduce innovative ways to combat all of the obstacles caused by the restrictions necessary to combat the pandemic. We’ve all learnt to both love and hate the word “Zoom” which became for most of us the lifeline which enabled us to continue to teach, to be in contact with pupils and to get on with the business of meetings for CLRG, National Council and our State Branches. While many may feel that they’ve failed to achieve much in the last twelve months that’s not the case. The achievements have just taken a different direction. In the absence of competitions, our dancers have had the opportunity to participate in other fun aspects of dancing, such as the Trad Set programme launched by AIDA, the Hornpipe challenge, International Irish Dance Day and the Holiday Showcase set up by CLRG. It’s great to see our dancers and schools being included amongst others from all over the world and I’m sure that it gave our Aussie dancers a new sense of belonging. Although we are so lucky here and things are resuming some sense of normality. I hope that you will continue to encourage your dancers to enjoy this type of fun activity and to even come up with new ideas in a similar vein. With the continued decline of COVID in Australia, hopefully we can once again resume studio classes and competition, and work to recruit new pupils into our great art form In reflecting on the past twelve months, it would be remiss of me not to mention the loss of one of Irish Dancing’s most passionate and loyal supporters. Bob Henderson (RIP) has been a fixture in the lives of everyone involved in dancing for so many years that it seems impossible to imagine that he won’t be sitting there in the front row with Jan at the next competition. Bob wasn’t just a passive onlooker, he actively participated wherever he could, using his artistic skills to design logos and paint signs, acting as Stage Manager and Announcer, not just at competitions but at various Association events. He pushed brooms, carried boxes and did whatever needed doing, but most importantly, he was the rock on which Jan (and we) could always rely. He will be very sadly missed.
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
So now we start a new year and still face very abnormal times in the months to come. But the very fact that you’re here, ready and willing to face another year of uncertainty shows great resilience and a strong determination to make 2021 better. This augurs well for the future of our Association and while compromises and adjustments will probably still have to be made, let’s remember the good times and work towards bringing them back very soon. On behalf of An Coimisiún I can assure you that we are working towards the same goal. I am always ready to support you in any way I can and will continue to do my best to represent the interests of all Australian members at Commission level. I’m confident that the discussions during the Convention and consequent decisions will be productive. Ádh mór a thabhairt daoibh go léir Carmel Doyle SDCRG Vice-President | An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
CLRG Vice-President’s Report
Dear Friends, It is with mixed emotion I reflect on the year that we have all just experienced. I write these words as a Vice-President of An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha, for which it has been my continued privilege to serve you, but also as one of our membership… a colleague, a friend, in Irish dance. It has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging years our Irish dancing community has ever faced. Our very foundations have been shaken, threatening lives and livelihoods, and placing at risk the future of Irish dancing and its community. In 2020, we should have been celebrating the 50th anniversary of the World Championships in Dublin and, especially enjoying Australia’s exceptional contribution to An Ré Órga. We should have come together in Queensland for our Australian Oireachtas, and we were looking forward to returning to Perth for our National Championships. Due to COVID-19, these and many more events, including feiseanna, Oireachtasi and examinations were sadly cancelled. It has been a sad, scary and frustrating experience for our Irish dancing community, and many are still continuing to suffer the effects. Our Irish dancing community has also lost dear friends and family members throughout this year. My thoughts and prayers are with all who have lost loved ones. I further acknowledge the loss of our beloved “Mr Bob” Henderson. His exemplary commitment to Irish dancing has been demonstrated through his enduring support of his cherished wife, our Patron “Miss Jan”, for his years of service lending his dulcet tones to our announcing roster to becoming the unparalleled “Voice” of Irish dancing in Australia. Most of all, I celebrate his kindness and friendship to all who knew him, to his friends in our Irish dancing community. Vale Mr Bob. Despite the overwhelming challenges, and against many odds, there have also been many stories of success and achievement in 2020, driving by the grit, determination and sheer force of many within our Irish dancing community. Even in much darkness, there have been blinding lights. These successes include innovative and collaborative online engagement activities generated from all levels of Irish dance, new ways of communicating, sharing and supporting our friends in Irish dancing, and, even thought it was never performed as it was visioned, the talent and commitment of all those who worked to dream, create and perform ‘Dancing through the Decades’ for An Ré Órga. The work looked truly inspiring and I wholeheartedly thank and congratulate the whole team.
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
An Coimisiún also sanctioned the implementation of the International Working Group (IWG) to directly support the needs of teachers and students in whatever way they needed. The IWG has been responsible for the implementation of many great initiatives, research projects and on-going development for teachers. This has included the continuing advocacy and testing for online engagement activities such as feiseanna and grade exams as well as resources to support Irish dancing teachers in the work they do. Most of all, our coming together as a group of people, who care about each-other and what we do, has been most inspiring. In times of the greatest isolation and loneliness, we have been comforted by each other. Separation has brought us closer together. Many of these achievements have been hard-fought and have cost time, effort and frustration. My enduring thanks goes to every member who has worked tirelessly and advocated for what our community needs most to survive. To that end, I would also like to especially thank and congratulate the National Council of AIDA Inc., under the leadership of Christine Portbury, for their support and guidance throughout this year. As a Member of our Association, I have felt comforted, informed and listened to by our leadership and I’m sure this sentiment is shared by our whole Membership. In what has been a time of uncertainty and difficulty, our ship has sailed on. Thank you all eternally. 2020 has been a wake-up call that I hope will have enduring and positive impact on the future of Irish dancing. Whilst we are still in survival mode now, and need to chart a course to ‘COVID-normal’, there is an opportunity to envisage new potential in Irish dancing that will grow and strengthen our global community. An Coimisiún has experienced hard-learned lessons about the need to change to better support Irish dancing teachers, pupils and their families and I hope this continues. It has never been more important to have active, engaged individuals representing Australia at An Coimisiún, to which end, I welcome and wish well our new members of the AIDA Inc. Council who will join CLRG in May this year. My heart is filled with hope for the future because I have seen the power and passion of our community this past year. We don’t know how long it will take us for the world to feel normal again. We don’t know what challenges we are yet to face. But, what we do know is that when facing adversity and challenge we will come together and fight for what is most important… each other, our beloved Irish dancing family. I look forward to seeing you all in person again soon. Stay safe and best wishes always,
Hilary McKenna ADCRG Vice-President | An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
Treasurer’s Report
See Appendix C Attachment: 2021 AIDA Inc Treasurer and Auditor’s Report.pdf
Jared Ellis TCRG National Treasurer | Australian Irish Dancing Association Inc.
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
State Delegate’s Report - Australian Capital Territory
It has truly been a remarkable year. January and February saw our nation focus on the unrelenting and catastrophic bushfire crisis whilst in the background many dancers had their sights and hearts set on their goal of competing at the World Championships in Dublin. Canberra was blanketed in smoke but this did not stop the relentless training regime. In late January, ACT dancers left the smoke travelling to Sydney to join dancers from around Australia. Under the guidance of Leanne, Donna and Kate Halloran and Cathie Cosgriff, they participated in a unique opportunity to represent Australia in An Re Orga. Despite the cruel heat, they gave their very best, loved the experience and relished the opportunity to strengthen and develop deep friendships with fellow dancers from Australia and New Zealand. Only a few short weeks later, the realisation that we would be unable to travel and indeed, there was to be no World Championships, was a cruel blow.
A global pandemic is not something that many would have envisaged shaping our year, regionally, nationally or internationally. Whilst there is no doubt that the shadow of COVID-19 has indeed shaped our year, it has not defined it or prevented us from participating in the art form we dearly love. The ACT was fortunate to host two local competitions and in November, the ACT Championships. Our teachers, dancers and their families navigated new norms for personal interaction and hygiene, new methods of professional practice, complex restrictions on the movement of people, event cancellations and postponements. 2020 provided lots of twists and turns!
Whilst there were periods throughout the year where there was great uncertainty regarding feiseanna, the commitment to training and participation from our ACT dancers never wavered. Luckily, remote dancing didn’t last long in the ACT, but it provided an opportunity for dancers to fully understand how personal interaction with their teachers and fellow dancers is such a vital part of their love of dance.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our President, Christine Portbury and all the members of council who have worked hard to navigate us through this extraordinary year. There have been countless zoom meetings, and many have braved the wee hours of the night to attend CLRG meetings.
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
As we move into an uncertain 2021, the ACT branch will continue to do our best to provide as many safe opportunities as we can for our dancers to train, gather and compete.
Monica Simpson TCRG State Delegate, Australian Capital Territory
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
State Delegate’s Report – New South Wales
2020 was a very different year to the one that was expected. Looking back on the year it demonstrated just how well the NSW Branch work together to support each other and foster Irish dancing. Fortunately for NSW we started the year with the same Executive team from 2019 who brought their experience and knowledge that would be much needed for the trying year ahead. In January forty one dancers from around Australia and New Zealand met at the Halloran Studio and through a week of scorching heat and bushfire alerts learnt, practised and perfected the presentation dance taught by Donna, Leanne and Kate Halloran for An Re Orga – 50th Anniversary World Championships. In a heart-warming gesture the New Zealand dancers gave gifts of hand crafted hearts to each of the Aussie dancers to demonstrate their love and support following the tragic bushfires suffered in many parts of Australia. In February, six NSW dancers participated in the All Irelands in Killarney and achieved sensational results in their respective age groups. In early March our St Patrick’s Day Feis was held with over 200 entries over the weekend. It was to be our last Feis for the year until November due to the COVID19 pandemic. Soon NSW faced the same issues as the other states in trying to keep Irish dancing going through a pandemic. Through our commitment to improve our use of technology, members with IT expertise volunteered their skills to help the branch direct all communication with the Irish dancing community online through emails, zoom meetings, website upgrade and the AIDA NSW Branch Facebook page. The aim was to keep the Irish dancing community connected, support teachers, encourage participation and provide opportunities for dancers and teachers to showcase what they were achieving at home, behind the computer screens and later in COVID safe classes. Regular communication included online information and update posts relating to state, National and International Irish dancing events. It also included the sharing of international dancers’ inspirational short videos through to the fun video of the great “Toilet Paper Challenge” from the Taste of Ireland crew. Our branch meetings were held via Zoom. The President, Charmaine May also held informal Zoom sessions to connect with members and discuss topics such as how best to use Zoom for classes, the best way to conduct classes in your kitchen/lounge room or garage and how to write COVID safe plans to ensure the safety of teachers and dancers when classes were allowed back.
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
In June the branch promoted the “Reel Fitness Outdoor Training” session with the “Treble Reel Challenge” developed by a group of NSW teachers. Dancers got together in a sporting field and received tips on fitness and drills from trained instructors. World Champion - Tyler Schwartz (via video) judged the treble reels submitted by dancers from this day. The feedback provided by the 60 dancers who participated was that it was well run, lots of fun and a good opportunity to socialise. Like other states, our State Championships could not be held in July and were rescheduled to November with the hope they could go ahead. On the weekend in July when they were meant to be held all schools were invited to submit a short video for our Facebook page with messages of love, support and showcasing how they were all still dancing. Even Miss Jan established her online credentials mastering Zoom to attend all the branch meetings and informal sessions. She then gained international online recognition when she was interviewed on Mary Honan’s YouTube show “Be my Guest” in August. Her special message of love and support to all dancers posted on Facebook in July inspired everyone to “keep dancing and smiling no matter what”. When the decision was made to move the NSW States to November it was then decided to move the Grade Exams to September (and cross our fingers!). Obstacles such as border closures, COVID19 hotspots developing within the Sydney region and the development of a COVID safe plan had to be addressed before we could hold the exams. With 269 grade exams conducted, congratulations and thank you goes to all the teachers and dancers who took part in the Grade Exams, the Carey SW team for allowing us to utilise their studio, our three local examiners who made themselves available and to all the volunteers throughout the two days. Congratulations must go to our Secretary, Sarah Carrington who worked tirelessly before and during the exams to ensure they were COVID safe. The parents were very appreciative of the preparation that had gone into making the exams safe for everyone. Four other studios also held their own Grade Exams during the latter part of the year. It was an exciting day in NSW when we confirmed via Facebook to the Irish dancing community that the NSW State Solo Championships could go ahead. With the easing of restrictions in NSW and the absence of Registered Feiseanna, many schools held their own Class Feis, inviting local teachers/adjudicators to provide opportunities for their dancers to perform before the State Championships. The NSW State Solo Championships were the high point of our dancing year. Months of careful preparation was required to ensure a COVID safe event. Last minute problems saw the branch pull together as a team to work through the issues to make sure the event was still able to go ahead. There were 209 competitors in the 2 day event that everyone involved, from dancers, teachers, parents and those watching the presentations online, knew how lucky we were to be able to have them. The dancers from the Under 6 years to the seniors were so excited to see their friends and grateful to be able to perform and compete. Congratulations has to go to the
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting teachers that entered dancers on the high standard of dancing and to the untiring work of all branch members in conducting a highly successful event. The year was not without its losses and we ended the year with such sadness at the loss of Bob Henderson and other long standing members of the NSW Irish Dancing community. 2020 saw us become very adept at developing COVID19 safe plans for our schools and events and as the COVID19 situation constantly changes what we have learnt from this year is to adapt and keep an open mind. As with this year and in the year ahead I will continue to be there to support all NSW members as their delegate as best as I can and like everyone, hope that the coming year sees things improve for our Irish dancing community and at the very least not get any worse.
Genevieve Carroll ADCRG State Delegate, New South Wales
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
State Delegate’s Report – Queensland
2020 turned out to be a year like no other!!! At the start of the year there were 55 dancers from Queensland training for the 50th World Championships in Dublin for both Solo and Ceili events. This was to be the largest group of dancers to travel to the Championships and compete at the highest level of competition. Unfortunately, all those plans were dashed as the global pandemic took a hold and the Championships were cancelled.
Within the space of a few weeks our Members and Dancers went from being able to run and attend classes as they always had done to quickly needing to work out ways to continue classes without being able to run classes face to face. Our members were on a steep learning curve and as a group we came together to support each other and share different ways in which we could continue to impart our skills remotely!!!
While requirements were not the same in all areas around the State, all members were unable to hold face to face classes for at least 3 months. Although the landscape of our year was not the same as in other years we are extremely lucky that we were able to recommence our face to face classes albeit with increased cleaning and the need to socially distance within our classes.
At the end of 2020 our number of members decreased slightly. Across the year we had a few members that ceased their membership with AIDA Qld. At the beginning of 2021 AIDA Qld has 51 members. We hope that our membership will continue to grow as the number of dancers that have completed their 12 Grade exams increases. Registered dancer numbers continue at just over 540.
With COVID Safe plans in place we managed to have 6 competitions including our State Championships, four of these competitions were AIDA Qld run events, and 2 privately run competitions. This was a large decrease from the previous year but in view of the pandemic we were extremely lucky to have been able to hold any competitions. While registered dancer numbers have reduced significantly to 438 dancers, there were 98 new dancers which makes us hopeful for the coming year.
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There have been a number of Grade Exams held throughout the State over the year, the biggest undertaking being the ones that are organised by the North Queensland Sub-Committee which sees the examiner travelling thousands of kms to bring the exams to all the regional centres. This is a major commitment to the development of the dancers in the region.
This report marks my last year as the AIDA Qld representative to the AIDA Inc Council. In a year without precedence, it has been an honour to work with all the members of Council to continue to engage with our members in new ways. Thank you to all the members of Council for their energy and inspiration in this crazy year.
I wish to thank the members of AIDA Qld Inc for giving the opportunity to represent them on Council and wish Christine Folan the best as she takes on the role following this AGM.
I wish all members of AIDA Inc much success in 2021. I hope that this year brings with it some normality and that we are able to again meet with all our Australian colleagues at an AIDA Inc event.
Kate Hartley ADCRG State Delegate, Queensland
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
State Delegate’s Report – South Australia
Thank you to the South Australian members for continuing to support me in this Delegates role.
2020 was indeed an “interesting” year – not just for Irish Dancing but life in general. Overall South Australia was indeed one of the “lucky” States. Even with our luck – the word CANCELLED became the most common word that we heard.
2020 was supposed to be the biggest contingent of SA dancers (and teachers) travelling to the Worlds – this of course did not happen and like everyone else around the world it was very disappointing and expensive for a lot of people.
The cancellations just kept coming – St Patrick’s Day celebrations – SA was lucky to hold the Parade but that was basically the last celebration that was held. Our first Feis of the year – and of course our Classes. All of the SA dance schools moved to Zoom (or similar) lessons online and from talking to other teachers – there were mixed feelings from everyone. Schools lost some dancers due to online classes but overall, most dancers attended.
As already said – we were lucky and Zoom classes did not last as long as in other states. Going back to classes though were a challenge – only certain numbers per class and cleaning in between each class.
South Australia was extremely lucky to be able to hold 3 Feisanna and a Grade Exam in 2020. Congratulations to our dancers who now hold their Grade 12 Diploma.
Thank you to the Miller School and Roberts Academy who were each able to run a Feis once we were able to return to classes.
South Australia was honoured and privileged to be able to hold a Qualifier/State Championship in 2020. Due to the restrictions, it was run very differently to normal, and I would like to thank
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting the SA teachers and especially our President Deidre and her exec team for the fantastic weekend had by all – All dancers and teachers were extremely grateful.
Whilst not all dance schools could hold end of year concerts / celebrations – the ones that did / could love the chance.
2021 is looking to be an extremely busy year for SA Dancers with many calendar events already booked. South Australian teachers and dancers are staying positive that in 2021 – us teachers can all get together in the same room and have a drink and our dancers can see their dance friends face to face. Let’s hope!!
Kelli-Rai Howden ADCRG State Delegate, South Australia
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
State Delegate’s Report – Victoria & Tasmania
2020 was a crazy 12 months for us here in Victoria. It was a year of learning new skills, new vocabulary and how to mask up with style. Zoom, breakout rooms, screen sharing and webinars have now become second nature.
Victoria’s normal busy Feiseanna schedule was put on hold after March and did not resume for the rest of the year consequently there was no dancer data recorded for 2020.
Branch meetings were held on zoom and whilst we had no feiseanna to organize, the welfare of our 57 members was always paramount. The AIDA Vic Facebook and Instagram pages were busy with, messages of wellbeing, the Isolation Challenge (for our dancers) and an opportunity for schools to post during what would have been our State Championship weekend by using #aidavic and #aidavicunites.
Thank you to the many Victorian members that joined the AIDA Inc Marketing Committee, Website Development Team and those that helped with their many inaugural concepts:
● International Irish Dancing Day - (conjunction with CLRG event) ● Members Online Cocktail Party ● Website Rebranding / Slogan competition
Camp Connect Webinars for Dancers and Members which included some of the following ideas:
Camp Connect Dancers: ● Pre School Classes ● Adult classes ● Introduction to a Professional Dance Career ● Condition Training ● Wellbeing Session ● Growth Mindset
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Camp Connect Members: ● Tips and tricks for a successful dance studio ● Tools for supporting dancer’s mental health
I would like to thank the outgoing executive President Brent Pace TCRG, Vice President Mary Grantham ADCRG, Secretary Kathleen Collett TCRG, Treasurer Kirrienne Coughlan TCRG, Executive members Louise La Sala TCRG and Catherine Poulton TCRG for leading us through such a difficult time.
The 2021 executive will be voted in at our AGM, which is scheduled for Sunday January 31st and I wish them well in their endeavours.
Whilst 2020 was a challenging year for all members, for me it was a time of great personal growth with strong friendships formed through a period of adversity. Mindsets were challenged and we were asked to shift our thinking to make changes from what we had known to be the norm.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my Victorian and Tasmanian colleagues for having faith in me to take on the delegate role for the past 2 years. I would also like to wish our newly appointed delegate, Conor Ayres ADCRG, all the best in this role.
Gabrielle Hall SDCRG State Delegate, Victoria & Tasmania
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
State Delegate’s Report – Western Australia
I’d like to start out by thanking all of the members of the AIDA Inc council and AIDA WA in what has been a very turbulent year for all of us. Working as the WA State Delegate during a worldwide pandemic has had its challenges but not everything has been negative. It was certainly a year like no other and I feel like as a national council we rallied to support each other through difficult times, became proficient on zoom and other online platforms and helped each other navigate our way through new territory. We stayed up until all hours to attend CLRG meetings with 95 people in attendance from around the world, often running for 3 hours and backed up by a 2-hour AIDA Inc meeting shortly afterwards. I feel like we saw each other (virtually) more this year than ever! Despite the fact there was a worldwide pandemic in 2020, the number of registered competitors in Western Australia remains steady with 297 registered dancers, and we anticipate this number will grow in 2021. We were fortunate in WA that our teachers only had to run zoom classes for a few weeks before we could return to face to face classes. Many of our Western Australian dancers had planned on attending the AIO and grade exams in 2020 which was unfortunately cancelled due to Covid. However, with the Nationals being held in Perth this year, we anticipate that those dancers will re-book to attend in 2021. AIDA WA were lucky enough to host four Feisanna in 2020, the Green Bun feis in March (pre border closures), an all grades feis in August, the State Championships in September and an all grades feis in November. For our State Championships we decided to combine our solo and teams in one weekend instead of two and used local judges. We were very lucky to be able to employ Rita Maguire, Hilary McKenna and Eoghan Quinn who came out of retirement especially to judge for us. We used local judges on a rotation basis for the August feis and Rita Maguire and Hilary McKenna judged our November feis. In 2021 the WA branch are planning to host nine feiseanna as well as grade exams in March to coincide with the blackout feis. We are hoping our borders will be open so we can welcome interstate adjudicators and examiners.
We currently have 27 registered members and 10 dancing schools. We do not have any BG or SDCRG’s in WA which will be an issue for us running grades if the borders are closed again this year. The WA members are very much in favour of online grades.
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The members of the WA branch are looking forward to welcoming teachers, dancers and their families to our beautiful state later this year for the 2021 National Championships. Fingers crossed we will have a national vaccine rollout and all borders will be open by then. We hope you will stay on afterwards and enjoy everything Western Australia has to offer. Thank you once again to our president Christine Portbury SDCRG for your leadership and the AIDA Inc Executive and Council members for your comradery in 2020. I’d like to wish Siobhan Collis TCRG the very best of luck in taking on the delegate role for 2021/22. Best Wishes, Eileen Ashley ADCRG State Delegate, Western Australia
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
Assistant Secretary Report
2020 was a very different year for me as the AIDA Inc Assistant Secretary. The year started with the AGM and Convention at Rydges Hotel in Sydney. For this meeting, I was responsible for working with Council members to ensure all their flights bookings and accommodation requirements were met. This required attention to detail and constant discussion with council members to ensure flights and accommodation were appropriate and booked in advance to ensure we are getting the most financially viable options for AIDA. Thank you to Donna Reill-Cannon who liaised with the staff at Rydges to ensure this event was a success.
During the AGM and Convention, I worked with Council members to ensure all votes and proxies were recorded correctly, as well as writing the minutes that were then distributed to the membership. The meeting was a great opportunity to work collaboratively with members from all over Australia as we looked forward to a great year of dancing in 2020. Hopefully we will have more luck with our events in 2021.
At Council meetings in 2020, which were all held via Zoom, I was kept busy as I recorded the minutes that were then sent out the membership. Members will have also received some emails from me on behalf of Council members and members of the various state branches. Zoom meetings were very successful and I am hopeful that these will continue to be held via this forum in the future. Obviously, this is a more financially viable option for AIDA Inc., and 2020 has shown us that we can meet very successfully in an online forum.
I am still the recipient of all emails received under the ‘Contact Us’ tab on the AIDA website. These emails continued to come in throughout the year, although there were fewer emails received in 2020 than in previous years. I always forward these on to relevant states or parties and I feel this system works well. I am pleased to report that there was also far less junk email received via this link in 2020. Thank you to Leanne McGrath and Margaret Dempsey for their continued work in this area to ensure the website is the best it can be.
The final part of my role continues to evolve as we streamline the process of membership renewal and keeping a record of vetting requirements of members. This process has changed significantly this year, as states are now responsible for holding all vetting documentation belonging to members. A reminder that it is the responsibility of members to provide their branch with new vetting documentation when their current document has expired. There are a number of members who have their cards expire during 2021 and it is imperative that you
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting provide your branch with the new document before the old one expires. I know that there are a number of caveats in each state with vetting documentation at the moment due to COVID-19 delays. Again, please ensure you know what is required of you in your state.
Thank you to the current Council who have continued to work tirelessly to aim to provide excellent competitions for our dancers. 2020 has been challenging for all of us, and I have been impressed and inspired by the passion our Council has to ensure we are giving the best and safest opportunities to our Irish Dancing community.
Catherine Poulton TCRG Assistant Secretary | Australian Irish Dancing Association Inc.
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
Assistant Treasurer Report
With the introduction of the Assistant Treasurer role into the council, it was a pleasure to fill this position for 2020. This new role was planned to alleviate the workload of the Treasurer and the Secretariat team in tasks such as arranging flights for council members, invoicing, and providing support for/at AIDA Inc. events. Due to the unpredictable year of 2020, there was minimal work in the areas listed above. For future years I believe that this position is worthwhile provided there is greater communication amongst the Treasury team. I also believe it would be beneficial for standard operating procedures to be created to assist new individuals in the role. Feis Registration Feis Registration returned to the council and management is overseen by the Assistant Treasurer. There was a total of 48 Feisanna registered for 2020 (not including AIDA Inc. events) and 19 proceeded, with the remaining being refunded.
Registered Proceeded ACT 3 3 NSW 7 2 QLD 13 6 SA 4 3 VIC/TAS 9 1 WA 12 4
If there is the capability to, it would be more efficient if the new website platform can provide a Feis registration number at the time of the order. This will allow the Feis contact to prepare the syllabus and upload for final review with all details rather than waiting on information from the Feis Registrar.
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I would like to thank Margaret for her continued support over the last year with the registrations, particularly with the refunds. Thank you to Christine and the council for the opportunity and I wish the new council every great success. All the best to teachers and their dancers for 2021. Megan Palmer TCRG Assistant Treasurer | Australian Irish Dancing Association Inc.
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
Marketing Committee Report
I would firstly like to thank all of the members of the Marketing Committee for their voluntary dedication to AIDA Inc. and Irish dancing in Australia generally. Our small but hard working group has managed in a very short time to embark upon a number of very successful projects to help out dancers and members across the country, as well as consider longer term aims to develop and foster Irish dancing in Australia. I will outline our activities so far below, as well as our future ideas and direction. I have also compiled all of our meeting minutes also, as well as other supporting documents to give further insights into our activities and projects.
Our Committee The Marketing Committee was convened in July to answer a particular need facing our organisation given the circumstances surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. We were particularly mindful of our Victorian members and dancers who, even as I write this report, are still facing lockdown, and were hoping to support not just those members and dancers, but those around Australia, especially given that we have been unable to hold either of our major events this year.
The Committee’s objectives are: - Supporting our Registered Teachers and Members; - Supporting our existing Families and Dancers during this time; - Engagement with new stakeholders - recruiting new dancers and families to Irish dancing
Our formation was a call for volunteers, and following our initial meeting some other members across Australia were approached to give a nationwide balance and representation. Membership is not static, and anyone who is interested in joining us is always most welcome to get in touch with me at [email protected] to join us in our work to help support and grow Irish dancing in Australia. We are always looking for ideas and feedback, and would welcome anyone into the committee.
The committee is currently comprised: ACT VIC Chris Carswell ADCRG (Chair)
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Jackie Gregory TCRG Christine Portbury SDCRG (AIDA Inc. Megan Palmer TCRG (Minutes) President) NSW Conor Jobson ADCRG Jonty Moore TCRG Fiona Holmes ADCRG QLD Laura McBride TCRG Breeda Peirce ADCRG BG Teagan McGregor TCRG Brent Pace TCRG WA Ceili Moore TCRG Caroline McCarthy TCRG SA Siobhan Collis TCRG Emilie Court (Helbig) TCRG TAS Bronwyn Kelly ADCRG
Projects
1. Camp Connect (Dancers) A small sub-group of the committee formed to launch ‘Camp Connect’ to celebrate International Irish Dance Day on September 17th. A great deal of the work and organisation was thanks to Fiona Holmes, Megan Palmer, Laura McBride, Ceili Moore and myself. We managed to very rapidly put together a varied and free program of events for a wide audience (beginners, both young and old, fitness, mental health, professional dancing opportunities, and inspiration and goal setting). The registration was through TryBooking and was expertly handled by Megan and Laura. Fiona and myself took on the hosting roles for the events, which were expertly run by our facilitators, who all volunteered their time to AIDA Inc. for the dancers of Australia. The feedback from those who attended the sessions was overwhelmingly positive, and was very gratefully received around the country.
There was some feedback from members and dancers that restricting the sessions to dancers only was seen as a negative point, and indeed we received feedback that some members actively discouraged dancers from participating, which was very disappointing. The reasoning was that the providers had been engaged on the proviso it was for dancers only, like any other Irish dance camp. It was on that basis that approval for the camp was
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
given by An Coiste Rialacha at CLRG level. We were also concerned we would lose our providers, who were all volunteering their time. Given the very tight timelines we were working with, the group felt that it should remain, in this instance, a dancer only event.
It was discussed post-event that we would organise something similar for Members’ professional development, and the member event took place on November 8th 2020 (see below).
I would like to express the committee’s deepest thanks to all of our facilitators for donating their time for our dancers: - Conor Ayres ADCRG - Fiona Holmes ADCRG - Brent Pace TCRG - Liam Ayres ADCRG - Dr Louise La Sala TCRG - Charlotte Sweeney TCRG - Bridget Bazzo TCRG - Ceili Moore TCRG - Natasia Petracic - Christine Folan TCRG - Jonty Moore TCRG - Jess Hindley
2. Online Cocktail Party - Saturday 10th October 2020 The Online Cocktail Party was an initiative to bring together members from around Australia for a social evening where members could all catch up with each other, especially as our major events were unable to take place this year. We were very keenly aware of the isolation felt by many of our Victorian members during our extended lockdown and the committee felt this was a great opportunity for members around Australia to give support to each other in these difficult times. Some members could not make it to the evening and sent in apologies, wishing everyone a wonderful night, which was a lovely gesture.
Throughout the night we had over 40 individual accounts log in to the Zoom, with many members gathering together in person where safe and legal to do so, which helped convey the party atmosphere. There was a great mix of long standing and newer members in attendance, which was a wonderful way for newer and experienced members to get to know each other, and enjoy the fun activities, games, and quizzes along the way.
The evening was superbly hosted by Christine Folan, Bridget Bazzo, Claire Earl, Bronwyn Kelly and Breeda Peirce, with myself co-hosting using the AIDA Inc. Zoom account. It was a wonderful evening, and the feedback from those who attended was overwhelmingly positive, particularly from our Victorian members (and, on a personal note, a very fun way to spend a lockdown birthday evening!). We hope that, should we have to have another online gathering, that even more members will take the opportunity to come along and enjoy the fun.
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
3. Camp Connect (Members) Following the Camp Connect for dancers, the committee organised two sessions for AIDA Inc. members to attend: a mental health workshop with Dr Louise La Sala TCRG and a session by Jess Solomon, who has also provided a workshop worldwide to the CLRG. These workshops took place on Sunday November 8th. The process for registration and attendance was the same as for dancers, and many thanks go again to Fiona, Megan and Laura for taking this project on to provide some professional development opportunities for our members. Unfortunately not many members registered and even fewer attended the sessions. We hope to offer more professional development to members at a more convenient time in the future so more members can take part.
4. Rebranding and Marketing of AIDA Inc. and Irish dancing Megan Palmer led the group through a ‘Narrative Workshop’, designed to help us discern who AIDA Inc. is, what our purpose is, and how to embark upon our discerned mission. It was a great experience, and the final documents are being prepared. The ‘elevator pitch’ will form part of the text of the new website, which will aid greatly in marketing Irish dancing. Included with this report are the notes and minutes from the meeting. Many thanks to Megan Palmer and Jackie Gregory for helping to facilitate this valuable exercise.
Future projects of creating generic marketing materials for all members to use (ie similar to the calisthenics organisation) will follow from this work. We aim for this to also be provided to other Irish organisations (Conradh na Gaeilge, Comhaltas Ceolteoiri Eireann, the GAA, the Irish Embassy, Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce, other Irish migrant support agencies etc.) to encourage Irish people to engage with us, particularly as many Irish are experiencing not being able to physically return Home and are looking for a sense of belonging to the greater Irish community, which we are hoping to tap into.
5. Logo and Slogan As part of the website development and general rebranding the committee felt it time to update and modernise the AIDA Inc. logo, and include a slogan that sums up who we are as an organisation. After long discussion, including consultation with Gavin Leahy and an opportunity for the National Council to observe our work, we settled on colours and fonts for future use of AIDA Inc., which are shown below. The slogan was the result of a competition open to members of our community. The committee felt that Aisling Griffin’s entry was close to what we were looking for, and was workshopped to reflect what the committee felt was appropriate for our organisation. I sought translation into the Irish language from the Chair of Coiste Gaeilge Orfhlaith Ni Bhriain and this element has been incorporated into our new logo, to reflect our connection to Ireland and the CLRG, which states in its mission statement the objectives of promotion of Irish dancing and the Irish language. The final logos and slogan are below.
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I have been very grateful to all the members of the Marketing Committee for all of the hard work and enthusiasm they have demonstrated, which is evident in the amount that this small group of volunteers have achieved in such a short space of time. I am never ceased to be amazed at the continued level of enthusiasm, dedication, and energy of this group. Our meetings are fun and productive, and we feel we are working towards making a positive difference for all of our members nationwide. It is my privilege to Chair this committee and work with such a great group of people. And as I stated at the start, the committee is open to any member who wishes to join us. Feel free to get in touch with me for information about joining.
Is mise, le meas,
Chris Carswell ADCRG Chair - Marketing Committee
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
AIDA Inc. Traditional Set Dance Proficiency Program Report
In August 2020, AIDA Inc formed a committee to organise a program to encourage dancers to learn and be proficient in all 7 Traditional Set Dances in a non-competitive environment. It was hoped that in what had been a difficult year for Irish Dancing, the program would provide some goals for teachers and dancers and also provide some work for ADCRGs. The committee met via Zoom on a number of occasions to work out the best way of setting up and promoting the program and also to put together documentation and resources to assist Teachers in implementing the program in their schools.
As of the date of this report we have had a total of 23 Schools register for the Traditional Set Dance Proficiency Program. All schools that have registered for the program have been sent resources to assist with running the program, including the Proficiency Certificates.
There have been a few teething problems in getting the resources to Teachers, mainly because we were initially sending the documents from Google Drive and there were access issues for some people. This issue has now been resolved.
Some members have also reported not receiving the email with the Resources, again this is probably a technical problem where the emails may have gone to Junk or Spam. Any member who has registered for the program and has not received an email from the TSDPP Committee should contact us through the TSDPP email address: [email protected].
There was also some delay in responding to emails in the latter part of last year, but the Inbox is being monitored frequently now and responses are going out in a timely manner.
We responded to a few email queries mainly clarifying how the program works. Teachers who have emailed have in the main been very positive about the program. One school sent an email indicating that she would be working on the program during 2021 and indicated “it is such a great program to keep the kids working on their dances in the current environment”.
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
Another school is also planning to run the Assessment as part of a small Feis as a way of increasing dancer participation at the Feis.
To date, we have received notification that two schools have completed an Assessment of Proficiency, with three dancers having been assessed as proficient in all 7 traditional set dances and been awarded the AIDA Inc Gold Award.
It might be that other schools have completed some assessments, but it is important that the ADCRG who completes the Proficiency Assessment sends the completed ADCRG Session form to AIDA Inc for its records.
We hope to promote the program more in 2021, particularly once the new website is up and running.
Bernadette Weeks ADCRG on behalf of the Traditional Set Dance Proficiency Committee
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
Returning Officer’s Report
Returning officer Report for 2021 Convention
There were 5 Ballots conducted online since the February 2020 convention.
1. Special Resolution to change the wording of Clause 14 - membership Opened 5 March 2020 and closed 26 March 2020 - 39 Members cast votes. Result: In favour – 37 votes Against – 2 votes Result sent to the President on 26 March 2020
2. Adjudicators for 2021 Australian Championships Opened 25 May 2020 and closed 8 June 2020 - 84 Members cast votes. Result: In Favour – 75 votes Against – 9 votes Result sent to the President on 8 June 2020
3. Adjudicators for 2021 Australian International Oireachtas Opened 25 May 2020 and closed 8 June 2020 - 84 Members cast votes. Result: In Favour – 69 votes Against – 15 votes Result sent to the President on 8 June 2020
4. Vice Presidents Opened 4 December 2020 and closed 18 December 2020 - 98 Members cast votes Result – Gabrielle Hall 63 votes Catherine Cosgriff 51 votes
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
Result sent to the President on 18 December 2020
5. Assistant Secretary Opened 4 December 2020 and closed 18 December 2020 - 93 Members cast votes Result – James McEvoy 47 votes Result sent to the President on 18 December 2020
Margaret Dempsey TCRG Returning Officer & Webmaster | Australian Irish Dancing Association Inc.
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
Disputes Committee Report Ours is a small group of teachers who bring their experience, knowledge and life skills in dealing with different issues together, to support the Irish dancing community as required. Over the last 2 years my thanks goes out to all 10 members who have at times dealt with difficult issues either in person or through the committee in a professional and calm manner. Objectives of the Committee: To uphold the core values of AIDA Inc. and as such help create and strive towards a safe, fair and inclusive environment within the Irish Dancing community. To provide support for those involved in disputes through the complaint process and to ensure confidentiality and a satisfactory outcome. The Committee: The committee consists of: Genevieve Carroll (Chairperson), Monica Poulton, Deirdre Murphy, Charmaine May, Megan Cousins, Samarah Symons, Elise Furlong, Glenys Ritchie. Two members have resigned from the group, Leanne McGrath and Ashlee Renshaw for personal reasons and I wish to pass on my thanks to them for their contribution to the committee. We have been operational since the Membership Protection Policy was ratified at the Convention 2019, and in 2020 a total of five issues were brought to the committee: General nature of Timeframe for Received Resolution the complaints resolution 3 x email to ●Breach of Code of ● 4 x resolved ● 3 x immediately [email protected] conduct ● 1 x Ongoing ● 1 x less than 1 ●Unfair decision month 2 x phone direct to a ●Discrimination ● 1 x Ongoing committee member Meetings: Like the other committees within AIDA Inc we conducted our meetings via Zoom in 2020 which made it easier for us to discuss issues and consolidate our thinking on how to handle situations as they arose. In 2021, we plan to meet monthly via zoom to continue the work we have started in developing practical steps and guidelines for anyone who needs to lodge a complaint within a school, branch or at a national level. Future Directions:
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021 February 7, 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | Online Meeting
We are developing an easy to follow flowchart to be published on the AIDA Inc website that outlines the process for lodging complaints and how they will be handled. We are now reviewing the MPP as we can see that some of the original procedures and processes can be simplified and will be liaising with the Council and members with our suggestions. The committee is renewing their PBTR certificates and looking at other professional learning to build our capacity to support the Irish dancing community. While it is not a busy committee, we feel the work we do is important and aim to ensure that every person involved in Irish dancing knows of our commitment to treat everyone with respect and dignity. We are currently looking for two AIDA Inc. members to join us in working towards our future directions and support the Irish dancing community. If you are interested, please contact any member of the committee direct or email @ [email protected].
Genevieve Carroll ADCRG Chairperson, AIDA Inc. Disputes Committee
February 2021 | AIDA Inc. AGM | 07.02.2021