2019/20 AGM

President's Report for 2019/20 AGM


This is our ninth Annual General Meeting but also the seventeenth year since the first Arts Event with the inaugural Easter exhibition. Our aim is to bring art to the area for the community to enjoy. The history component of our agenda is also being addressed.


This year has been different due to the Covid-19 pandemic stopping all community activities since March.


Therefore, since our last Annual Meeting, we have only been involved in the following activities:


June 2019

• MCCC: Pyrenees Raku & Earthenware Hand Building Workshop

Adrian and Jan gave the school children and community members the chance to be creative with firing clay. A small attendance but enjoyed by all participants. The Moonambel Community Ceramic Centre (MCCC) is proving a successful addition to the community.



November 2019

• Remembrance Day Commemoration at the memorial site.

This year the Commemorative Address was presented by Kaye Hutton who read three letters sent by the mother and two sisters of a returned soldier expressing what it was like to experience a son/brother in Vietnam for twelve months. A very moving presentation.

• MCTC: ‘A Nearly Christmas Concert’

Steve and Gwynn organised talented local singers and musicians to present a fun night with audience participation in known Christmas songs.


May 2020

• Moonambel Heritage Police Precinct

The Pyrenees Shire erected three signs in the main street indicating the existence of the Historical Police Precinct. We were thrilled with the support in our venture shown by the Shire.



July 2020

• Wire Children at the Common

In November 2019 we decided that wire representation of the children in the Lock Up may be more appropriate than the original figures created by Merri Hogan and Barry Fox which have become very dilapidated.
A trip to Clunes to approach Tom Ripon, a well known wire sculptor, proved successful so ways to finance the project via grants was started.
It took until July 2020 to gain a $4000 grant from the Pyrenese Shire. We are now engaging Tom to complete this project in the near future.
Unfortunately, all community activities are on hold for now but we have the opportunity to continue improving the Historical Precinct.




Projects on the go...

• The ongoing Moonambel Lockup project at the Common.

 

• In general, The Moonambel Heritage Police Precinct development.

 

• Installing historic information plaques around the township.

With our lack of ability to fundraise due to COVID-19 restrictions all events were put on hold. Our first event is this AGM with the second one to be a small service at the memorial for Remembrance Day in two day’s time.


We continue to work together as a resourceful team of dedicated volunteers. I look forward to the group being able to return to providing the community with art and history activities enjoyed by all.


Thank you to the dedicated team.


Garry Hutton.