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SEMAC NEwS MAR - APR 2025

SUMMARY of General Meeting ON April 1st 7:30PM At Dingley Community Centre

Attendees: 18 members were present. Apologies: Frank U

Minutes: Refer minutes sent by email 21/4/2025

Key Highlights:

  • Welcome and Introductions: Bill Houghton welcomed attendees.

  • Previous Minutes: Minutes from the February 4th meeting were approved.

  • President's Report: See the slideshow distributed via email, highlighting the club's aims to increase membership, stabilize finances, and enhance the membership experience.

  • Treasurer's Report:

    • Jan 2025 Income $476.30 Expenditure $902.39 Net −$426.09

    • YTD Income $9,784.20 Expenditure $8,857.46 Net +$926.74

    • 43 Members and 4 Associates

  • Secretary’s Report: David Wheeler reported on the Committee's activities, which included two meetings since the February General Meeting (one via Zoom and one in person at the Dingley Community Centre). Key discussion points included the Twilight Fun Fly, weekend/public holiday 9 am start time, the 'Bob overfly' issue and chevrons, and the 5-Year Plan. A meeting between Bill and David and Councillor Isabella Do regarding the 9 am start time and potential Council Grants yielded limited direct assistance, with the Councillor SEMAC to relevant Council personnel.

  • Incoming Correspondence:

    • 5 emails from VMAA covering meeting minutes, reports, updates, and advice, notably including VMAA/MAAA's new responsibility for CASA height instruments (permits).

    • Wagga Model Aero Club regarding an ANZAC weekend scale event.

    • Isabella Do (Greater Dandening Council) regarding the Community Grant process.

    • VMAA regarding the Festival of Flight fly-in at Echuca/Moama.

    • Dingley Hall hire invoice.

    • John J's suggestions on solar cells, batteries, etc., for a security system and charging station.

    • Geoff M's concerns about VMAA grant applications for a weather station and/or charging station potentially impacting larger grant applications for a mower or small tractor.

    • John A (associate member) shared his positive feedback on the detailed 5-Year Plan with the Committee.

  • Outgoing Correspondence:

    • Payment for Dingley Hall hire (processed by Rod C).

  • General Business:

    • Twilight Fun Fly & BBQ: The recent event was well-attended (14 members plus Vel's family) and considered very successful, with positive feedback suggesting more such events in the future.

    • Test Chevron: A test chevron has been installed and appears helpful for judging distance perception, with plans for more installations.

    • Monty Tyrell Scale Fly-in at PDARCS: Members were informed of this upcoming event.

    • 5 Year Plan Review & Discussion: A lively discussion took place regarding the 5-Year Plan, with various viewpoints and suggestions raised. President Bill committed to revising the timeline based on feedback from Andrew G and Vel. No vote was taken to adopt the plan at this meeting.

    • Specific Projects from the 5 Year Plan: The following projects and timelines were highlighted:

      • Install solar panels and security system with secure remote committee access: Q2 2025

      • Install new weather station capable of remote member access: Q4 2025

      • Install camera system to allow secure member access to visualize field conditions: Q4 2025

      • Investigate the feasibility and options for a charging station and present a report for a member vote: Q4 2025

      • Enclose container pergola (side openings & roller door on back wall): Q4 2025

      • Acquire a small utility tractor with undercover storage via a grant: Q2 2026

      • Provide a year-round weatherproof club room via a grant: Q2 2027

    • Weekend/Public Holiday 9 am Start Time: Following the meeting, a club-wide vote overwhelmingly supported adhering to the Council permit's flying start times (7 am weekdays, 9 am weekends and public holidays).

  • Auction/Sale of Aeromodelling Items: Members generously purchased donated aeromodelling items from Hidai and Nick, raising well over $200. The club extends a big thank you to Nick and Hidai for their contribution.

  • Supper: Pizza and soft drinks were enjoyed by attendees, with a $5 per person donation covering the cost.

  • Meeting Closure: The meeting was closed at 10:00 pm.

  • Next Meeting: The next General Meeting will be held on June 3rd at 7:30 pm at the Dingley Community Centre, Room 6.