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SEMAC General Meeting Minutes – October 2026

Date: 6 October 2026 Time: 7:30 PM Location: Meeting Room 4/5, Dingley Community Centre Chair: Petro Georgiou

1. Welcome

  • Opening: Petro Georgiou, welcomed attending members and thanked them for coming to the October meeting.

  • Apologies: Rob B, Gary C, Frank U, 18 members present.

2. Minutes from the Previous Meeting

  • AGM Minutes: The minutes from the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 4 August 2026, and distributed via email on 6 August, were deemed an accurate record.

    • Motion to accept: Moved by Greg H, seconded by Mario A.

    • Outcome: Motion carried unanimously by all present.

  • Business Arising: There was no business arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

3. President's Report - Petro Georgiou

  • Prospective Members: Three prospective members have been attending the field on Sundays for training. Two have paid or are about to pay their membership fees, with due diligence raising no concerns. The third is currently away and will join upon return.

  • Pro-Rata Membership: A requested query regarding pro-rata fees initiated a spirited discussion. SEMAC currently offers a 6-month pro-rata rate from 1 January in line with MAAA insurance, while any new member joining between 1 July and 31 December pays the full financial year fee. A majority show of hands indicated to leave the joining fee arrangement as it stands, noting that membership is the club's primary income and new members benefit from the 6 years of time and money spent establishing SEMAC at MX.

  • Safety & 36MHz Flying: Four or five members are currently flying on 36MHz. To avoid potential "shoot down" incidents, the club will likely need to reintroduce a peg board system for 36MHz flyers.

  • Flight Training: Club trainer aircraft are available. While weekday training has occasionally been accommodated, Sunday mornings remain the official designated time for instruction.

  • Field Maintenance: The field is currently in great condition. Rod can mow and slash the outfields with the tractor. MX has agreed to slash the southern gorse area annually over the Christmas break, as SEMAC does not have the equipment to handle it. Mowing the near outfields by ride-on remains an ongoing discussion topic.

4. Treasurer's Report - Rod Clipstone

  • Financial Summary:

    • Income: $11.8K for the period, mainly consisting of membership renewals. All VMAA renewals and MAAA insurance have been paid.

    • Expenses: $1,150 total. Main items included fuel ($450), mower repairs ($330), and general field expenses ($135).

  • Bank Balances: The current bank balance is available on request.

  • Membership Roster: Current numbers stand at 40 seniors, 1 junior, and 4 associates.

5. Secretary's Report - David Wheeler

  • Administration: Thanks were given to Geoff M for taking and distributing the AGM minutes. The committee has met once since the AGM, holding a meeting on 30 September at Dingley Hall. David noted he had nothing further of note to report due to being away for the last couple of months.

  • Correspondence In:

    • Received 4 emails from VMAA containing minutes, reports, and updates regarding member retention. A NSW association proposal to spend $100K on marketing to attract new members appears to have little support at this time.

    • Received a resignation email from Peter Z, stepping down from the Committee effective immediately.

6. New Business & News

  • Tractor Purchase & Grants: Discussion was held regarding the purchase of a 40hp tractor with a bucket capability for mowing and slashing. Len S offered to research suitable models and costs. The Committee will explore obtaining a VMAA grant when they open early next year in March. It was noted that while a previous weather station grant was unsuccessful, the club previously had success with a 50/50 cost-split VMAA grant for the Toro mower.

  • Christmas Party: Proposed dates are 28/29 November and/or 5/6 December. Members are asked to note these dates in their calendars, with more information to follow.

  • Twilight BBQ Fly-Ins: With daylight saving back, weekend twilight BBQ fly-ins have been suggested for the summer. More details will follow.

  • Show & Tell: David W presented his Precedent T180, built by Dino, demonstrating excellent construction and covering quality.

8. Closure

  • Supper: Pizza and soft drinks were enjoyed by all, with a $5 donation per person helping to cover the catering costs.

  • Meeting Closed: The meeting officially concluded at 9:00 PM.

  • Next Meeting: To be held at the Dingley Community Centre (Meeting Room 4/5) on 1 December 2026, starting at 7:30 PM.