The Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies Inc.

The Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies Inc. Minutes of the General Meeting Held at 2.00pm on 8 August 2004 Meeting Room No.1, Industrial Pavilion, Brisbane Exhibition Grounds, Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills 4006 Present: Directors: Richard O Neill OAM (Chairman), Peter Bonner, Graham Rayner, George Perkins, Garry Ashby Bill van Drunen, Lorraine Crothers, Dot Hamilton, Arthur McDonald, John Roberts. Representing Show Societies: Maureen Shearing (Allora), Ian and Sue Harrison (Beaudesert), Graham Jensen (Bell), Beth Hern and David Woolcar (Boonah), Kemsley Kelly (Bundaberg), Laurie Ramsay (Caboolture), Kent Haig (Cairns), Mavis Saal (Callide Valley), John Koehler (Cooyar), Graham and Barbara Edwards, Gary Briggs and Phillip Sturgess (Dalby), John Drynan (Esk), Craig Robinson and Iris Millett (Gatton), Doug Reiser (Gold Coast), Janine Lau (Goombungee-Haden), David Durlie (Goondiwindi), Graham Engeman and Rae Gâté (Gympie), Syd and Val Haag (Ipswich), Valerie Rayner (Kalbar), Halwyn Weller (Laidley), Neil Lubke (Lowood), Bryan Loft (Mackay), Barry Cockrem (Malanda), Ivan and Kaye Hankinson and Monica Skerman (Maleny), Norm and Colleen Reinke (Marburg), Robert Goss and Len Crook (Mt Gravatt), Reg and Jean Peters (Mt Larcom) Wayne Baguley (Mudgeeraba), Colleen Benham (Mundubbera), Edna O Neill (Murgon), Gilbert and Kathie Lange, Alma Haaijer, Dennis and Leone Janetski (Oakey), Robin Kreig (Pittsworth), Aileen Williams (Sunshine Coast), Shirley Todd (Toogoolawah), Damon Phillips (Toowoomba), David Horton (Wowan). Guests: Dr Vivian Edwards (RNA President), Alan Brimblecombe (RNA Liaison), Rebecca Jennings (Miss Showgirl), Sean Dillon (Rural Ambassador), Randall Britcliffe, Kristen Lloyd and Gabrielle Morris (Marsh). Minutes Secretary: Kathy Dwyer Apologies: Ken Pascoe, Errol Ellem, Richard Pietsch, Russell Smith, Marie Pietsch (Inglewood), Margaret Bell (Chinchilla), May Gossow (Crows Nest), Ben Matthews (Caboolture). Confirmation of Minutes: (1) Moved Mr McDonald that the Minutes of the General Meeting held on 10 August 2003 having been circulated, be accepted as a true and correct record of that Meeting. Seconded Mr Perkins. Carried. Business Arising from Minutes: Nil Welcome: Mr O Neill welcomed the Guests to the Meeting and invited the RNA President, Dr Vivian Edwards to address the Meeting. Dr Edwards addressed the Meeting saying that he had seen the highs and lows of Shows and that it was vital to do our best to encourage our young people as Show Societies have to remain viable. Dr Edwards said that Agricultural Shows are totally unique in the World and that at present there were 8 British Parliamentarians on the Grounds. Dr Edwards acknowledged RNA Councillor, Mr Brimblecombe, stating that having this liaison was helping the RNA to get a better understanding of QCAS. Dr Edwards also acknowledged the work of Mr O Neill saying that he would ensure that the Chamber had everything it needed and all on the Showgrounds. Dr Edwards congratulated Mr O Neill stating that he looked forward to working with him. Dr Edwards also offered his congratulations to our Competition Winners, saying that he had entertained our Miss Showgirl Winner and Finalists on Saturday night. 1

The RNA had worked closely with the Fire Service to resolve the problems in regard to animal handlers sleeping with their stock and they were given the nod of approval to proceed. However further works will have to be undertaken after the EKKA. Dr Edwards said that Her Excellency, Quentin Bryce, officially opened the EKKA and that he found her to be delightful and very interested in Agricultural Shows. Mr O Neill thanked Dr Edwards and the RNA Councillors for their assistance in the lead-up to and during our move into our Office on 1 st July 2004. Dr Edwards took his leave at 2.20pm. Reports from Competition Committee Chairmen: 1. Cotton Creations/Kids in Cotton Mr Ashby read the results of the Cotton Creations Competition - Class 1. Restricted winner Nicholas Hemmings, South East Qld Sub-Chamber, Class 2. Open Adult winner Linda Allen, Central Qld Sub-Chamber, Class 3. Open Creative winner Terry Larsen, West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub-Chamber, Class 4. Masters Adult winner Narelle Thamm, Near North Coast Sub-Chamber and Class 5. Fashion Fantasy winner Danae Vincent, Darling Downs Sub- Chamber. Mr Ashby encouraged the Meeting attendees to view the Kids in Cotton Parade at 5.00pm this afternoon on the stage in the Wool Pavilion. 2. Miss Showgirl Awards Mr Harrison announced that the 2004 Miss Showgirl is Rebecca Jennings from Laidley and West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub-Chamber. Runner-up is Astrid-Jane Greenup from Stanthorpe and Darling Downs Sub-Chamber. Miss Popular is Sharon Bale from Mundubbera and the Burnett Sub-Chamber. Mr Harrison stated that the Auditorium was two-thirds full for the announcement of the winner showing that people are still interested in the Awards and that there were 120 Guests at the Celebration Dinner. The sponsors attended all functions and are very keen to be involved. The functions will be held at the same facility for next year. Mr Harrison thanked the Committee, his wife Sue, Dot Hamilton and Lorraine Crothers. Mr Harrison invited Rebecca Jennings to address the Meeting. Miss Jennings said that it was an honour to have been awarded the title and that she looked forward to meeting everyone and also to visiting the Shows. Rebecca thanked the Chamber and the RNA and the Committee for their involvement and said that the wisdom and experience of being in the Miss Showgirl Awards will never be replaced. 3. Dark Rich Fruit Cake Mr Rayner advised that 10 Sub-Chambers were represented and that Angas Park Dried Fruits sponsored the Competition once again and he thanked them for their continued support. For the first time since the inception of the competition a male has made the winning fruit cake. Mr Robert Ullmann from Maryborough and the Near North Coast Sub-Chamber took out the title. Second place went to Marilyn Barber from Lowood and Darling downs Sub-Chamber and third place went to Olivia Hetherington from Biggenden and Burnett Sub-Chamber. Mr Rayner reported that the judge from Lismore said the cakes were of a very high standard. 4. Rural Ambassador Award Mr O Neill in the absence of Mr Smith said that this was only the second year of Competition and the standard of entrants is very high. It was very pleasing to have six Sub- Chambers represented this year. The 2004 Rural Ambassador is Sean Dillon from Alpha and Central Highlands Sub-Chamber and the Runner-up is Alicia Bradley from Dayboro and Near North Coast Sub-Chamber. The Dept of Natural Resources & Mines sponsored the Awards to the amount of $10,000 and in his address the Director General felt the Department would sponsor the Awards again in 2005. Sean Dillon addressed the meeting making mention of his fellow contestants and offering his congratulations to them saying they should hold their heads high. Sean said the cheapest form of advertising is word of mouth and that he will promote the Rural Ambassador Award by visiting Shows and welcomed invitations to do so. Sean said we must look after people of all levels at our Shows to keep the Show viable. 5. Quilts Across Queensland Mr Bonner reported that the Competition (Class 11. Representative Quilt submitted by an Affiliated Show Society) was in its fledgling stage. The winner was Robyn McHardy from Caboolture Show Society. The RNA was the major sponsor along with Durkin Amusements. Mr 2

Bonner said that it was hoped that the Chamber will be able to build the Competition into a good strong Competition. 6. Young Judges/Paraders As the members of the Young Judges Committee were unable to be present as the final of the Stud Beef Paraders was in progress, Mr O Neill reported on the Competitions. The winner of the Prime Cattle was Travis Luscombe from Darling Downs Sub-Chamber, Runner-up Scott Düll from South Burnett Sub-Chamber. Stud Beef winner was Shannon Lynes from South East Queensland and the Runner-up was Martin Rowlands from Near North Coast Sub-Chamber. The Dairy Cattle and Dairy Paraders will be judged on Tuesday. 7. Ute Muster Series Mr O Neill said that 22 Utes being winners and runners-up representing the 11 Sub-Chambers will be on the Exhibition Grounds next Friday and Saturday for the inaugural State Final which from all reports will be a tough competition. General Business: Notice of Motion Special Resolution Mr O Neill stated that a Notice of Motion which required that a participating member Show Society was required to obtain and maintain certain Insurances whether obtained themselves or as part of the Chamber s Group Insurance Scheme had been distributed to all member Societies. Mr Goss and Mr Harrison queried the timing of the Notice of Motion with Mr Harrison advising the Meeting that 90 days was the correct time frame for a Notice of Motion with a further query as to whether there were 2 signatures on the Motion. Mr Harrison advised that as sufficient due notice was not given the Motion could not be discussed at today s Meeting. Mr O Neill referred Mr Harrison to Rule 24 (1) which states that 2 months Notice for a Special Resolution with not less than three quarters of the Members to vote in person at a General Meeting. After having the attendance book checked Mr O Neill said that as there were not three-quarters of the members present at this Meeting the Special Resolution could not be voted on. (2) Moved Mr Engeman that the Motion as presented be debated. Seconded Mr McDonald. Carried. Mr O Neill stated that the Chamber has access to the most effective Public Liability Insurance and that it is essential that the Chamber is not exposed to liability as a result of a Society failing to take out Public Liability Insurance. Mr Engeman said that he had received letters from Dalby Show Society and after having the Cooloola Shire Council seeking legal advice he felt that Societies would be putting themselves at grave risk not to have Public Liability Insurance even though we would like to see the Government put the onus back onto the people that come onto the Showgrounds. Mr Engeman wished Dalby well but felt he must stay with the Chamber s view with the option of Societies being able to source their own insurance. Mr Engeman supports the Resolution. Mr Sturgess responded by saying that he came on board 12 months ago to help save Dalby Show Society. Dalby spent all year fundraising to pay the insurance account whilst the facilities were deteriorating. Mr Sturgess had asked the question if there has ever been anyone under the Associations Incorporation Act who had been sued? Mr Sturgess said he couldn t find any case where anyone had been successful. Mr Sturgess said that there was some confusion with their Solicitors as to whether they had to be registered under the Associations Incorporations Act, however, if so then they do have to have Public Liability Insurance, but the amount of Cover required is a minimum of $1.1 million. Mr Sturgess said that Dalby s Insurance Account of $10K for Public Liability Insurance equates to approx. 1.2% of the Chamber s Account and he expressed concern as to how the Chamber s account is apportioned out as the Premium does not relate to the number of people who come to the Dalby Show. Mr O Neill advised that the account of approx. $860K was apportioned out on Gatetakings. The percentages were calculated as follows and in blocks of $10k the first $10k of the Gatetakings was calculated at 33%; then 31%; 30.5; 28.5%; 24% and 7% for figures over $50k respectively. Mr O Neill reminded the Meeting attendees that under the Chamber s Group Policy they had Cover for 365 days of the year. Mr Goss advised that he had sought legal advice on this matter of this Motion. The basis of this Motion is that if a Society doesn t have Public Liability Insurance they cannot be a member of the Chamber. Mr 3

Goss stated that he has a problem with this. Also, Mr Goss felt that there was a surcharge on the Insurance Accounts which provided funds for the operation of the Chamber. Mr Goss felt there should be a better approach than the sledgehammer approach. Mr Goss recommended to the Meeting attendees that they should vote against the Motion. Mr Goss said that if this Motion is defeated he foreshadows a Motion that will read That all Show Societies shall be required to sign a Declaration of Intent to Participate to enable the Chamber to negotiate on Show Societies behalf and this shall be binding by the Society to meet their financial obligations. Mr O Neill responded firstly that the Chamber does not make any money out of Insurance Premiums as they are calculated as close as possible to the amount of the account. Secondly that Show Societies will have already received a revised Gate Takings Declaration which is now in the format of a Statutory Declaration and requires Societies to advise the Chamber of what Insurances they require under the Chamber s Group Scheme. Mr O Neill also advised that the Canine Control Council has stipulated that they will not allow any Championship Dog Show onto a Showground that does not have Public Liability Insurance. The EFAQ has also advised that if their members go onto Showgrounds with no Public Liability Insurance their Insurances will be declared null and void. Sean Dillon and Rebecca Jennings took their leave at 3.10pm. Mr Briggs said in business bills have to be paid and he and Mr Sturgess had put in their own capital to assist Dalby to pay their bills. Mr Briggs said that you have to be prepared to stand-up and we have to manage our own risk. Most of the profits from Insurances go to the Insurance Company. Let s change the World! Mr Ashby said that Dalby should be congratulated on what they are trying to do, however, what they are also doing is not providing totally accurate information as one Section of the Associations Incorporation Act was missed being quoted. This Section states that under the Associations Incorporation Act we have to have Public Liability Insurance and stipulates what minimum amount of Cover we have to have ie. $1.1m. Whilst we all agree that the issue is there we are not in the business in putting ourselves at risk. The Chamber believes that Societies need Insurance and does not want to put itself at risk either. Mr Ashby congratulated the Chamber for going through the process of looking into whether you need Insurance, saying that Cairns also went through the process. Representatives from Allora, Boonah and Laidley spoke expressing their concerns. Mrs Hern requested that the Chamber fully investigate and support everything raised today and come back to the Societies with further information so that Societies can make a more informed decision. Mr Prendergast asked how many Claims have there been in the last five years. Mr O Neill replied that if that question had been given to him before the Meeting he could have that information for him at this Meeting. The Chamber is doing everything within its power to try to contain the amount of Claims. Mr O Neill also advised originally there was a National Insurance Scheme and Queensland is the only State that has maintained this type of Coverage in its Policy, other States had succumbed to sweetheart deals. The Chamber is very proud that they have continued with the original type of Policy because it provides very comprehensive Cover. Mrs Weller said that whilst Laidley struggles to pay their Insurances, she would rather pay the Insurance account than risk losing her house. Mr Bonner stated that the single greatest threat is Public Liability Insurance and everyone is sympathetic. Mr Bonner said that he had been to numerous Shows over the years and that there wouldn t be one Show that doesn t have some type of incident. Mr O Neill advised that the Chamber is constantly looking at ways of containing the Premium and as the Policy is Claims driven it gets back to the responsibility of the Society to manage their risk to reduce the amount of Claims. Mr Engeman moved that the Motion should be put to the Meeting and voted on. 4

The Meeting was requested to vote on whether the Motion be put to the Meeting. (3) Moved Mr Perkins that Mr Lange and Mr Brimblecombe act as Scrutineers. Seconded Mrs Hamilton. Carried. Whilst the votes were being counted, Mr Harrison spoke about the forthcoming QCAS Conference to be held in Emerald on 25 th and 26 th September 2004 and gave brief details of what had been organised for the Conference to date. The voting resulted in the Meeting attendees being in favour of putting the Motion. The Motion now being voted on is Resolution No.1. which was circulated and a précis of which is That to be a Member of the Chamber you must have Public Liability Insurance. Mr O Neill advised that the outcome of the voting as presented by the scrutineers resulted in the Motion being defeated. Resolution No.2 was not voted on as it followed on from Resolution No.1. (4) Moved Mrs Hern that the Chamber become very proactive in carrying forward some of the comments made today and try to resolve these issues and to communicate regularly to the Societies of where the Chamber is at and what it is doing. Seconded Mr Harrison. Carried. Mr O Neill made a request for volunteers to attend a Risk Management workshop on Thursday 12 th August. Mr Goss queried as to who ran the Ute Muster, saying that it was a good event. Mr O Neill stated that Mr Redback Hearn co-ordinated the event for the Chamber. Mr Harrison queried where we stood with the continuance of the Competition. Mr O Neill responded that the Chamber was hoping to continue with the Competition and that we will be meeting with the sponsors after the Exhibition. Mr Ashby said that Cairns hoping to run a Giant Pumpkin Competition for Schools and was looking at putting together a Statewide Competition. He was looking at having a standard set of Rules for this Competition and said that the Competition would more than likely be judged at State Level from photographs. Their being no further business Mr O Neill declared the Meeting was declared closed at 4.10pm. President... Secretary 5