Queensland
Overview
Standing out as one of our most significant accomplishments of 2006 was the completion of the Queensland Chapter’s office refurbishment in September. A celebratory evening marked the event, held in conjunction with the ‘Architecture in Columbia’ exhibition.
Regionally, our focus was reinforced by a successful Grass Roots Forum which followed formal elections of the chairs and secretaries of the regional member groups and provided a real opportunity for exchange with our regional membership. We hope the links established will continue to provide benefits in both directions. Similarly, we again presented the Make your Mark program encouraging students and graduates to consider the Queensland regions in their employment choices.
Continuing professional development
The RAIA’s introduction of an annual national seminar series under its continuing professional development program is proving to be a substantial one at chapter level. The six seminars held in Brisbane were very well received by members, with average attendances of 90 – a clear indication that members are looking for relevant continuing professional development.
As a chapter we complemented the national series with four locally focused seminars. These were also well attended with an average of 103. The highlight was Millennium Arts Delivered, a very timely opportunity to hear Lindsay Clare and Timothy Hill talk about their work on the Gallery of Modern Art and the extension to the State Library of Queensland, and an occasion for members and the public to experience the facilities for themselves.
The chapter staged a series of two well-attended Practice of Architecture lectures to assist graduates prepare for the Architecture Practice Examination. Graduates continue to appreciate the opportunity to interact with senior members of the profession who in turn enjoy sharing their experience with those embarking on their professional careers.
Awards and events
The State Awards Program was a resounding success with 148 projects, five awards presentation functions, 55 jury members and 1600 in attendance at regional and state events to celebrate and promote architecture and architects. Whew! Pleasingly, we received good media coverage, augmented by weekly ABC interviews with awards director Paul Fairweather being published on ABC Online. Our thanks to Paul, deputy awards director Wayne Petrie, and to all the jurors and coordinators for their invaluable contribution and commitment.
We celebrated a third level of awards in Queensland in 2006, with a hugely successful National Awards presentation held as the inaugural event at the new State Library of Queensland.
President of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, Ian Athfield, addressed the Past Presidents and Fellows Dinner in October. And we congratulated M3 Architecture, Donovan Hill and Harry Siedler & Partners for inclusion by the RAIA of their buildings in the Venice Biennale.
Advocacy
Our relationship with the Queensland State Government continued to be beneficial to both. We have consulted with, or been consulted by, the government on: the position of Government Architect, the appointment of a new practice director for the Architectural Practice Academy, the review of the Integrated Planning Act and Queensland Architecture to Asia.
Negotiations continued with the government on the general conditions of contract for consultancy services. We also had discussions with Brisbane’s Lord Mayor on a range of issues including his Urban Futures committee.
In 2007 the Queensland Chapter and associates will continue working with professional colleagues in conferring with the State Government on changes to the Workplace Health and Safety Act. We are operating on a number of levels including representations to Ministers and dialogue with the responsible bureaucrats. Another ongoing priority is the establishment of local government procurement guidelines for consulting services.
With thanks
The Queensland Chapter greatly appreciated the vital support of: principal corporate partner BlueScope Steel; major corporate partner Fielders; supporting corporate partner Tarkett; and, state sponsors Lysaght, Hutchinson Builders, Resene and Queensland Department of Public Works.
Our thanks extend to the volunteer members who give their time and expertise to committees, events, forums, the senior counsellor service as well as the support staff who manage the day to day activities of a busy chapter office.
Queensland Chapter Council
Ian Mitchell FRAIA - President
John Clarke FRAIA
Diane Geue RAIA
Glen Jones RAIA
Gina McKenzie (SONA representative)
Bruce Medek FRAIA
Gavan Ranger LFRAIA
Allan Rielly RAIA
Richard Sale RAIA
Leigh Shutter RAIA
Peter Skinner FRAIA
Greg Wheeldon RAIA
Paula Whitman FRAIA
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