YOUR 2020 MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
The votes have been counted and your new Management Committee for the next 12 months have been determined.
Congratulations to the new Management Team of Brian Harvey (President), Geoff Gray (Vice President), Ruth Brooks (Secretary), Sue Martin (Treasurer), Sue Souter (Ordinary Member), Kaz Childs (Ordinary Member) and Tim Porteous (Ordinary Member).
A huge thanks to my retiring Management team members; John Devenish, Dawne Harridge, Brendon Parker and Matt Dawson for your support during the past year.
Bruce Shaw.
by Bruce Shaw, March 26, 2020
Wollongong Camera Club Programme Update
Dear member,
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
The future status of the Wollongong Camera Club’s 2020 Programme and Meetings has been under constant review as the Club navigates its pathway through this Coronavirus/COVID-19 situation. The situation is changing quickly requiring us to take actions to protect ourselves, family, friends and more. The Camera Club isn’t immune to what is happening all around us.
What is changing?
- 2020 AGM rescheduled for March 31st 2020 at the School will go ahead as advised. New arrangements are being put in place for an open-air meeting with plenty of social distancing available. It will be a very short Meeting. Please, I encourage all who can attend to be there. Going ahead.
CANCELLED
- Photography Group Meetings. 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month. All Meetings are cancelled.
- 2nd Tuesday: The Club is investigating alternative methods, including video conferencing for Topic/Presentation Nights to keep our activities, learning and sharing information ongoing. Encouraging all members in the photography pursuits.
- 4th Tuesday. All Competitions are online utilising the MPC system.
- Monthly Competition Entry Closing Dates; April 2020 Onwards. Both the Digital and Print Entry Closing Date is 2nd Tuesday of the Month at 11:45pm (2345Hrs). Please plan wisely.
2. Movie Makers. All Meetings are cancelled.
3. Outings. Club Approval has been REVOKED. This is unfortunate however the Club must take into account all Government recommendations, both now and in the future. This has been a difficult decision but one that must be made. There are two (2) Outings in particular; Mogo Zoom and Cockatoo Island. Please contact Karen Childs for details about cancellations.
What is the Future?
The Club’s 2020 Calendar will be updated in various stages. The first stage to be covered: April ~ June 2020 with a “Cancellation” identifier. As the Club contacts the various Presenters these advices will be update. Please make use of the Calendar to view all Activity status.
I am very optimistic that we will be back to normal activities however we all have to weather this virus storm and look after everyone. When the Club has been able to review, confirm and determine how to deliver an activity we’ll advise you. Until then keep safe and take all the necessary precautions you need to keep well.
Regards,
Bruce Shaw
President, Wollongong Camera Club
by Bruce Shaw, March 19, 2020
PRINT Competitions Commencing with the March 2020 Competition.
Dear member,
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
We have been reviewing our practices and health advice regarding the Coronavirus/COVID-19 situation. As you are aware the Prime Minister yesterday advised further restrictions upon group activities.
Allow me to re-assure you that the Camera Club is taking all this advice seriously and will be meeting those applicable to the Club’s activities. Your health and well-being is paramount to us and we will be reviewing all activities.
However this Post/email pertains to the Photography Group’s Monthly Print Competitions (A and B Grades). In a nutshell;
THERE WILL BE NO PHYSICAL COMPETITION MEETING UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
The Print Categories. The Monthly Competitions will continue to be held with the following qualification:
- Entries will still require the digital on-line registration before the Closing Date;
- NO PHYSICAL Print will be accepted, however the print must still be printed for verification. This is to eliminate handling risk associated with the virus and paper-to-paper transfer;
- The Judging will be based upon the digital entry by our guest judge/s, in the same vein as the Digital/EDI’s;
- Print Competition Results. It may take a little longer as the Club and Judges transition to this new arrangement;
- Entry Comments. We are requesting our judge/s to provide written comments (same as the Digital) as best they can. At minimum the Awards are requested to be commented upon.
What does this mean to you?
- There is no physical meeting, therefore no printed Print is required for judging;
- Print Entry must still be printed for Competition entry verification;
- Your “Entry’s” points will be include in the 2020 Print Pointscores as if the Print was judged;
- 2020 Print of the Year Entry. At this time any image entry in this manner will be considered for the Print of the Year however it must be a printed version. More details about this as we come closer to the end of the year;
- Print Closing Date is the same as the Digital, 2nd Tuesday of the Month;
- Your Monthly Entry/Entries will be required earlier. So commence your 2020 planning now.
We understand that some print workers may not like their “print/s” being judged based upon the digital entry. We empathise with you on this matter. However your Management, and every member, is responsible for your wellbeing during these very difficult and uncertain times. All we ask is that you help us as we try to keep your competitions operating.
Thank you for your consideration of this advice. Management will continue to monitor this situation and advise you if and when any change to our practices will be made.
Regards,
Bruce Shaw, Wollongong Camera Club.
by Bruce Shaw, March 19, 2020
2020 AGM Rescheduled, March 31st 2020
Dear member,
The Camera Club’s 2020 AGM that was postponed yesterday, March 17th 2020 has now been rescheduled.
Notice is hereby given that the Club’s 2020 Rescheduled AGM will be:
Date & Time: Tuesday, March 31st 2020 at 7:00pm;
Venue: Figtree Heights Primary School
Should the School be in shut down, the Club has a possible off site alternative venue and you will be duly notified.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during this difficult time. I would appreciate it if you would email me (president@wollongongcameraclub.com) that you have received this email.
Regards,
Bruce Shaw
President, Wollongong Camera Club.
by Bruce Shaw, March 18, 2020
2020 AGM, POSTPONED
Dear Member,
We are in difficult times with the wide spread of Coronavirus/COVID-19 virus as it is affecting all facets of our lives.
This evening’s Wollongong Camera Club AGM (Tuesday, March 17th 2020) has been POSTPONED to a date and place as yet to be determined.
We apologise for the inconvenience that this late decision, and notification, may have on you for this evening. I’m sure you’ll understand our decision as the situation has changed in the last few hours.
I would appreciate it, if possible, if you could email me (fotor54bruce@gmail.com) acknowledging that you have received this notification.
Regards,
Bruce Shaw
President Wollongong Camera Club
by Bruce Shaw, March 17, 2020
March 31st Social Evening CANCELLED
Dear Member,
The “5th Tuesday of the Month” Social Evening on March 31st 2020 has been CANCELLED. A review of our non-critical activities, such as the Social Evening, along with other similar Clubs/Groups has resulted in our decision to cancel this evening’s dinner.
We have taken into consideration the many aspects of meeting in a large club, food handling systems and the variety of people outside the Camera Club, that would be present in the Venue, both prior to and whilst we are there.
It is difficult decision but our responsibility is for the care of our members and placing your health and wellbeing is at the highest priority.
Into the future. The Camera Club’s Management will continue to monitor and review all future non-essential activities in line with what is happening and the effects of the COVID-19 virus status, with the purpose of protecting our membership, visitors and friends.
Regards,
Bruce Shaw,
President, Wollongong Camera Club.
by Bruce Shaw, March 15, 2020
Important Message: Coronavirus/COVID-19 Update 2
Dear member,
Several members have been discussing the possibility of alternative venues and practices should the Figtree Heights Primary School become a “Locked Down” venue due to Coronavirus/COVID-19. This could happen at very short notice and it’s important that you read any communication from the Club, either by email, Post and/or SMS should they be sent.
We are not anticipating any venue change however we must be pro-active and have alternatives for you. Currently Brian Harvey is investigating venue alternatives. Any venue change will be communicated with you as soon as it is possible.
2020 Annual General Meeting.
This Meeting will continue to be at the School unless you are notified by the Club as per my previous email and Post to you. Currently, there is NO CHANGE to time, date and venue.
Photography Group’s Print Competitions.
We are advising you of changes to the Print Collection with Closing Dates and Prints being handed in.
- March 2020 Print Competition. NO CHANGE. The On-line Registration Closing Date remains the same, Saturday before the 4th Tuesday (Comp Night) at 11:45pm.
- April and May 2020 Print Competitions. There ARE CHANGES.
- On-line Registration Closing Date is the Saturday before the 2nd Tuesday (Presentation Night) of the Month;
- Print Entry Hand-in. The 2nd Tuesday of the Month.
Why the change? Although we are not anticipating a venue shutdown we are looking at how to continue the Monthly Competitions during the next few months.
ALL Print Entrants please note the above changes. Yes your Print Entries will be required two (2) weeks earlier than normal. This will allow your Club to arrange for the Entries to be sent to the Judge, if required. You will need to modify your Competition Entry planning so that you do not miss out.
These are abnormal times and the situation can change very quickly. We are reviewing our Club’s Programme and Competition Practices in the unlikelihood there is a compulsory venue change. Again, the Print Entry results may be delayed and entry comments are placed on-line for you to view.
Thank you for your consideration of this advice. Management will continue to monitor this situation and advise you if and when any change to our practices will be made.
If you have any queries then you are most welcome to contact me to discuss your concerns. Thank you for your assistance in this situation.
Regards,
Bruce Shaw
President, Wollongong Camera Club.
by Bruce Shaw, March 14, 2020
Important Message: Coronavirus/COVID-19 Update
Dear member,
I have been in discussions with several senior Club members regarding how the Camera Club should approach the Coronavirus/COVID-19 that we are all facing. We come from many different backgrounds; family friends, workplaces, shopping centres and more, where potential contact with an infected carrier is unknown to us.
The Camera Club will continue its 2020 Programme but Management are constantly monitoring the situation and will comply with Health Authorities advice.
In the meantime, we encourage all members to be aware and use the recommended basic health practices such as:
- Hand Washing with soap and water;
- Cough and Sneezing Etiquettes;
- Inter-personal contact such as handshake, hugging etc.
Your wellbeing, health and safety, your families and friends are a concern to us and our priority. To ensure that the Club can continue to meet it is strongly urged that members, friends and visitors consider:
- If you are unwell, or have any of the advertised Virus symptoms (sore throat, cough, fever or shortness of breath); and
- Protect yourself and others through recommended hand washing/Cough and sneezing practices;
- Travel plans consider where and how you have travelled in recent times.
Currently we do not have plans to postpone our meetings but there will be changes, including the suspension of “supper” (includes both food and drinks) until there is a clear pathway in the future.
Photography Group’s Print Competitions.
The Print Competitions will continue as programmed, however some changes in display and commenting could occur in the future if the situation arises. Print Results could be delayed if alternative arrangements are required. Until then the Competitions will continue as programmed. Your Management Team are reviewing this in line with the ever changing world of the Coronavirus/VOVID-19 Health Advices.
2020 Annual General Meeting.
The AGM scheduled for this coming Tuesday, March 17th 2020 at 7:30pm at the Figtree Heights Primary School will proceed depending upon the Venue’s availability (School shutdown) but it will be conducted in a modified form that covers the basic requirements of the Treasurer’s Report, Public Officer’s Motions for DoFT Statements, Election of 2020/2021 Officer Bearers and brief “New Business”. Please note “New Business” will strictly be mention only and definitely no discussion.
We encourage you to consider the above but please note the Club requires a quorum of 10 attending members to conduct this AGM meeting. It will only be a short meeting.
We will also maintain the recommended non-contact distances as outlined by the Health Authorities.
If you are unwell then please consider your fellow members as it is recommended that you do not attend any Camera Club meetings or arranged outings.
Thank you for your consideration of this advice. Management will continue to monitor this situation and advise you if and when any change to our practices will be made.
If you have any queries then you are most welcome to contact me to discuss your concerns. Thank you for your assistance in this situation.
Regards,
Bruce Shaw
President, Wollongong Camera Club.
by Bruce Shaw, March 13, 2020
Movie Makers Group March 2020 Newsletter Published
The Movie Makers’ Group’s March 2020 Newsletter has been published and is available on the Club’s website.
This Newsletter covers the Group’s February 2020 activities, discussion surrounding the viability of the printed Newsletter, introduction of its one-theme movies for 2020 and a focus on a Group member’s videoing. Please take the time to read this Newsletter.
by Bruce Shaw, March 2, 2020
Photography Group February 2020 Newsletter Published
The Photography Group’s activities are off to a flying start with several outings (A Morning Walk catching birds at Koonawarra Bay and Flying Mud at the MotorX) full of adventure and the installation of large format prints at Warrawong Plaza.
Then there’s the first presentation (Achieving That Winning Image and Nature Photography) as well as the commencement of the 2020 Monthly Competitions.
To entice your appetite the Photography Group’s February 2020 Monthly Newsletter is now available with coverage of our activities. There is a brief summary of upcoming outings, some that required accommodation considerations and others with limited participation numbers. Members are encouraged to read whilst reviewing those changes on line.
Finally, the 2020 Annual General Meeting (March 17th) is an important part of the Club’s activities with several senior Management incumbents retiring . So please consider what you can do to assist your club’s future attend this important meeting.
by Bruce Shaw, March 2, 2020
