To be held at 11am on the 29th May 2010, at ACT Sports House, 100 Maitland Street, Hackett, ACT 2602

REVISED PROXY FORM FOR AGM, 29 MAY 2010

Attached is a new copy of the auditor’s report, correctly dated this time (thanks to Dale Hebbard’s editorial skills).

I am also attaching a new proxy form, as the form sent earlier this month included provision for voting for Item 9 on the agenda, about changing club rules to allow an increase in the annual subscriptions.  That issue was voted upon at the 2009 AGM and there will be a report only at the coming AGM.  I’ll contact the two members who have already sent in proxy forms separately.

If you are intending to come to the AGM (to be held on the coming Saturday morning, 29 May 2010, starting at 11am at ACT Sports House, 100 Maitland Street, Hackett, ACT 2602, and you haven’t already confirmed your attendance, I would appreciate your doing so as it makes catering easier. Of course, you may simply turn up if you so wish.  We’ll be happy to see you there.

If you are unable to attend, an apology by email would be appreciated.  If you wish to send in a proxy vote, please complete the proxy form, sign it, scan it and email it to me.  (I’d appreciate the originals in the mail at your convenience.)

Cheers,

Paul Isaks
Secretary
SRSC

Advance Notice

Most Probably a Saturday, later than usual in May 2010
(which means it could be 15, 22 or 29 May, but most likely will be later than sooner)

Where:  To be confirmed – watch your emails.

When:  Probably 11:00am to 1:00pm, but maybe later, with own arrangements for socialising afterwards.

Light refreshments will be provided

Good morning to both old and new members and welcome to the 2010 AGM. I understand it’s not always easy to set aside time to attend these meetings when  there is no obvious immediate benefit, but I would encourage everyone to attend to keep up to date with how their lodge is begin managed.

Let me take this opportunity to thank the people who keep the club running, firstly members of the board, and secondly those members who contribute in other ways, maintaining the club’s website, running the member’s wine club and getting quotes for improvement works. Please don’t feel you have nothing to contribute, even making a few phone calls to chase up information is much appreciated.

The most visible recent change to the Lodge area is only really visible in summer. The NPWS has continued their program of road improvements in the area and over the summer has sealed the access track at the front of the Lodge, adding guttering and a retaining wall. This work caused a few problems with work party access, but it is a valuable improvement to the area.

You will have received Tony Slatyer’s report with the AGM papers and they are a good statement of what has been done over the course of the year and work still to be done. We have been working on the deck reconstruction for about 18 months now, sadly it has taken longer than we had expected, primarily because of the approval process. We hope that this work can be done during the next summer season, approvals permitting.

Also included with the AGM papers are the financial statements which David will discuss. If I can summarise his analysis of our position we are approximately ‘neutral’ with regard to income and expenditure, which generally is about where we want to be. However as David indicates, we are exposed to some risk with regard to unexpected expenses. Increasing the annual subscription to manage this risk will be discussed at the AGM today, so please consider carefully David’s analysis.

Finally, I’m pleased to be able to highlight Tony’s point about Fire safety work. Largely due to foresight some years ago, the lodge already has an effective sprinkler system, although see Tony’s note about improving it. This, coupled with some comparatively minor improvements we’ve diligently undertaken means the NPWS is satisfied with our Health and Safely Audit response. This has been a major preoccupation for the board over the last two years so it is very satisfying to see this drawing to a close. Thank you to all the board members and particularly to Tony Slatyer and work party attendees for the work they have done on this.

Peter Newton, Chairman
May 2010

Work party achievements
We have had three work parties this season with good attendance by 25 different members and associates, some of whom attended more than once.  Major jobs completed by work parties include:

• Except for the high ceiling rafters, finished the ‘de-browning’ of the bedrooms (thanks Irena Hesterman for most of this work)
• Repainted all dry common area ceilings (wet area and bedroom ceilings are for next year)
• Refitted change room windows
• Replaced kitchen sink drains
• Repaired leaking flashing above room 5 window
• Repaired room 8 door frame
• Installed eyebolts for ski-racks in vestibule
• Replaced top railing of deck
• Thoroughly cleaned kitchen and other common areas
• Replenished firewood supplies

Deck reconstruction and related works
Awaiting planning approval and quote to replace deck with a steel framed structure, wrap around walk way under kitchen windows and north facing window in the mezzanine.   Likely total cost ~$80,000.

Fire safety works
We have formal confirmation there is no need to rebuild the fire escapes or any other major works.  However we are required to renew the sprinkler heads and implement a range of management measures all of which are relatively straight forward.  The renewal of sprinkler heads is not yet costed.  It is a significant task to source replacement heads and arrange their installation.  It would be appreciated if a member could volunteer to take responsibility for this task.

Retaining wall
We are arranging a quote to extend the new retaining wall (that was funded as part of the roadworks) to our northern boundary.  Paul Bombardier has offered to lead the design and contracting of this work, should it be decided to proceed.

Boot dryer
The drying machine has been delivered to the lodge and by the time of the AGM should have been wired in by the electrician.

Future work
The lodge appears sound, inside and out.  It has passed the Health and Building Audit with only minor works required.  I believe the key future works are the new structures identified above, together with progressively replacing all old insulation and cladding, and possibly installing double skinned and insulated walls between bedrooms.

Tony Slatyer, Lodge Maintenance Officer
May 2010

If you want some time in the outdoors doing stuff – here is a really good way to spend some time.

Volunteers are urgently needed to help Garry McDougal restore Dr Forbes hut, situated at the junction of Swampy Plain and Geehi rivers. The hut has easy access and week-end work can be organised. Pretty Plain is going well but more volunteers are required for work in February.

Those interested should contact Megan Bowden on 0428294685 or KHA coordinator Bob Moon on 62991445

Graham Scully
Convenor, KHA Huts and heritage  Subcommittee
phone 02-62303352
scullymobs@netspeed.com.a

www.kosciuszkohuts.org.a

http://khuts.org/forum

I can’t believe I’m writing this issue of Snobounds in 38 degree heat in the middle of Canberra summer – I should have done it on Boxing Day when it was raining. Anyway, happy New Year to everyone. It will soon be time to dust off the skis and start thinking about snow – unless you’re watching the news and looking at the winter conditions in Europe.

Final chance to remove skis As previously advised and warned, one of the work party jobs this summer will be to remove and dispose of skis stored in the old drinker’s club area in the storeroom.

Final chance to remove skis

As previously advised and warned, one of the work party jobs this summer will be to remove and dispose of skis stored in the old drinker’s club area in the storeroom. These skis were removed from the entry and change room areas last year when the old ski racks repleaced and members were advised at that time that the next step would be to dispose of these antiquated, forgotten and dangerous skis. That time has arrived!

If, reading this, you suddenly realize that a family heirloom is about to be disposed of – get down to the lodge before the first work party and do something about it!

Work Parties for 2010

Tony Slatyer, our hard working maintenance officer has scheduled work party dates for the following Saturdays. Please email Tony slatyer@velocitynet.com.au if you want to be contacted about upcoming work parties this year and he will get in touch with you a couple of weeks prior to the dates below to check our interest in attending.

• 20 Feb
• 20 March
• 17 April
• 15 May
• 5 June (cleaning only)

Deck Replacement Program

Plans to replace the deck at the front of the Lodge are advancing. We are in the process of seeking approval from the NPWS for plans and we have a builder able to do the work.

At the time of the AGM, members were advised that the cost to replace the deck and install a north facing window in the mezzanine could result in a levy exceeding $1000 per membership.

I am happy to tell you that the club will be contributing $10,000 from reserves and the expected cost will be less than $1000 per membership. The exact figure is somewhat uncertain until the approval process is complete and we have a final quote from the builder.

Missing Member

We’ve lost a member and need your help! If anyone knows how to get in touch with David and Sandy Smith, formerly of “Euroka Park”, Murrumbateman Road, Murrumbateman, please let the board know. They seem to have moved and forgotten to let us know the new address.

Print version of Snowbounds Jan 2010

Work parties have been scheduled for the following Saturdays in 2010: 20 February, 20 March, 17 April, 15 May and 5 June (cleaning only).  

To help offset expenses in attending, members or their associates earn a $100 credit to the member’s account with the club for each attendance. If you think you may wish to participate in a work party, please email the Lodge Maintenance Officer Tony Slatyer on slatyer@velocitynet.com.au.  Tony will then contact you a couple of weeks prior to each work party to establish your availability to attend.  

Does anyone have any old photos of the lodge when being built or stories they’d like to share?

There are a lot of newer memebers, me being one, and it would be nice to document some of the clubs history for all to share.

You can comment on this post, or email me so I can publish it.

More Detailed Snow Conditions & Webcams for Charlotte Pass at snow-forecast.com

The Snowy River Ski Club provides a large number of stores at no additional costs to their members and guests.

These items include:

Food Items

• Breakfast Cereals
• Assorted Spreads and Jams
• Assorted Teas
• Coffee & Milo
• Various Sugars
• Assorted Cordials
• Flour
• Tomato Sauce
• Margarine/Butter
• Assorted Herbs & Spices
• Powdered Milk
• Lemon Juice
• Maple & Golden Syrups
• Mustards & assorted condiments
• Various Oils (mainly Olive)

Non-Food Items

• Hand Soap
• Tissues
• Toilet Paper
• Paper Towel
• Cleaning Products
• (Clothes) Washing Powder

The lodge cannot guarantee that all items will be available at the time of your stay. Items could run out at any time. If there is a certain item that you must have, please consider bringing it with you.

Honour Shop

The Snowy River Ski Club also keeps a small amount of stores in what is called the “Honour Shop”

Items purchased through the honour shop need to be noted down in the book provided. This can usually be found near the microwave, and is the same book where you record your phone usage.

Honour Shop Items may include

• Assorted Chocolate (blocks & bars)
• Assorted Cans of Soft Drink
• Rice
• Spaghetti
• Pasta Sauces
• Tinned Soup
• Tinned Baked Beans/Spaghetti
• Tinned Tomatoes & Tuna
• Various Personal items

  - including sun screen, lip balm & shampoo

• Bandaids & Headache tablets
• Dry Biscuits

As with the items that the SRSC provides within your accommodation charge, it cannot guarantee that all items will be available at the time of your stay. Items could run out at any time.

If there is a certain item that you must have, please consider bringing it with you.