Australian Capital Territory
Overview
2006 was a year of transition for the ACT Chapter, most notably with the relocation of the RAIA national office to new premises in Barton. The change created an exciting opportunity for this chapter to utilise the space for its members to hold exhibitions, meetings and seminars.
We started the year with a new chapter manager, Colin Dwyer, who worked with new chapter president, Melinda Dodson, to successfully direct activities including the awards, chapter events and numerous advocacy issues.
Continuing professional development
During 2006 the chapter worked with the CPD unit in Melbourne to bring the national Refuel seminar series to ACT members. The chapter’s Environment Committee held a seminar on changes to the BCA, the Members Services and CPD Committees presented the events ‘Join us’ and ‘Architect’s can pick locks’ at which Howard Styles did a fantastic job of making door specification entertaining! The Practice Committee once again put together an experienced line up of practicing architects to present the PALS (practice of architecture lecture series) for 2006.
The Small Practice Group held informative presentations and lively discussions at their monthly networking meetings and the Y-arch group grew stronger again in 2006, holding talk nights, in particular assisting candidates doing their AACA examination.
ACT Architecture Awards
The ACT Architecture Awards were held at the National Gallery of Australia and drew an impressive mix of projects showcasing the high standard of work being delivered by our architects. Roger Pegrum was awarded the Canberra Medallion for the beautiful house he designed in Reid, the Paterson House by Enrico Taglietti won a 25-Year Award, and the collaboration between artist and architect was acknowledged in the work of Phillip Leeson who won the Art & Architecture Award, as were the contributions of the Young Architect Prize winner, Erik Innes.
Advocacy
It was a busy year on the advocacy front with numerous submissions to the ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTpla), the National Capital Authority (NCA) and the Heritage Unit. The most significant consultation was made to ACTpla on the Planning System Reform Project which is still active and the chapter will continue to represent architects on this matter. There are significant new developments planned in the nationally zoned areas of Canberra and the chapter is committed to working with the NCA to achieve the outcomes this area of national significance is worthy of.
The chapter’s Heritage Committee and the RSTCA Committee worked tirelessly to ensure the cultural heritage of our built environment is respected and preserved. The citations written by the committee on Canberra’s significant buildings is an essential record and invaluable resource.
With Thanks
The ACT Chapter values our partnerships with the National Capital Authority, ACT Heritage Unit, University of Canberra (School of Architecture and Design), ACT Planning and Land Authority, Land Development Agency, Bluescope Steel, Tarkett, Louis Poulsen Lighting and the National Gallery of Australia. We thank all of these organisations for your continued commitment and support throughout 2006.
Thank you also to our members, especially those who give so much of their time and energy to the work of the committees, Chapter Council and providing the senior counsellor service.
ACT Chapter Council
Melinda Dodson RAIA - President
David Flannery FRAIA
Sheila Hughes RAIA
Nathan Judd
Eugenie Keefer Bell RAIA
Max Maxwell
Andrew McKenna FRAIA
Andrew Smith RAIA
Patrick Stein (SONA representative)
David Thomas RAIA
Catherine Townsend FRAIA
Graeme Trickett FRAIA
Andrew Wilson FRAIA
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