Norfolk Island proposed as venue for 2016 AGM – strong interest
Date :
13 /
05 /
2015
Author :
Roger Harrison - VK2ZRH
A proposal to hold the 2016 WIA annual general meeting on Norfolk Island was presented at the annual dinner held in Canberra last Saturday night, 10 May.
Directors Robert Broomhead VK3DN and Fred Swainston VK3DAC led the audience through a short video and PowerPoint presentation of the proposal, which gained an enthusiastic response from members and guests when a show of hands was requested to gauge the potential level of interest.
To the surprise of some WIA Board members, about three quarters of the audience put up their hands when asked the question ‘who wants to go?’, and 66 people later added their names to a list indicating they would like to attend.
(the video and powerpoint are available below)
The WIA has established a tradition of combining the AGM with a weekend of activities of particular interest to radio amateurs. The first was in Parkes NSW in 2007 featuring a tour of “the dish”. Destinations since have included Broken Hill in 2008, Churchill in Victoria’s Gippsland in 2009, the 2010 Centenary AGM in Canberra with a tour of Dick Smith’s private aircraft museum nearby, Darwin in 2011, Perth in 2012, Mildura in 2013 and Mooloolaba on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in 2014.
The Norfolk Island proposal continues this tradition, with a “one out of the box” opportunity for attendees to engage in an erstwhile DXpedition “en masse”, and perhaps Worldwide Flora and Fauna award or SOTA operations. Norfolk Island also offers a wide range of non-amateur activities, such as bird watching, bush walking, swimming, diving, fishing, philately and guided tours.
But it’s not a "done deal".
At this stage, to continue to judge the level of support, the Board is seeking further expressions of interest from anyone who would like to attend. Like all WIA AGM weekends, this is not a 'members only' event, while only members can vote at the brief official AGM proceedings we invite and encourage both members and non-members alike to come and join in a most exciting weekend event.
You can add your name to the list of people who have expressed interest in attending the proposed 2016 AGM on Norfolk Island by completing our website form via this Link
About Norfolk Island Part of the Commonwealth of Australia since 1914, it has a colourful colonial history and enjoys considerable popularity as a tourist destination, promoted as "360 degrees of wonder". The island lays claim to a pristine environment with a rugged coastline, many attractive beaches, the world heritage convict site and connections with The Mutiny on the Bounty, as well as national parks and reserves that are home to the distinctive Norfolk pines. And the shopping’s legendary! More information is available via this Link
Accessibility Norfolk Island is a three-hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane; the same from Auckland (for WIA members in New Zealand).
Advised cost The WIA has been advised that flights and accommodation for the weekend, Saturday to Tuesday, are available for $1100 per person, or $1700 for a full week. This is comparable to, or better than, the cost to attend the Perth AGM from the eastern states, for example.
VK9 callsigns You’ll be able apply in the usual way via the WIA website.
