Congratulations to Our Newly Elected Chapter Council Members!
We’re pleased to announce the results of our recent Chapter Committee elections. Thank you to all members who participated in this important process – your engagement and votes help shape the future direction of our organisation.
Cath Hall FRAIA and Gaetano Palmese FRAIA have been re-elected to represent you for the upcoming term. This leaves three casual vacancies on the Tasmanian Chapter Council, and the process of filling these will be discussed at the next meeting. We would also like to announce that Agatha Partyka RAIA will be joining Georgina Kemp RAIA as the EmAGN Co-Chair, and that Lucy Munt is taking on the SONA representative role. Thank you to Kate Shepherd RAIA for her leadership during her time co-chairing EmAGN, and to Callum McNee, who took on the SONA role in 2025.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to outgoing Chapter Council members for their valuable contributions and dedication. Your commitment has strengthened our community and advanced our shared goals. The new Chapter Council members will commence their terms at the Chapter Council meeting on Thursday 12 February, and we look forward to the great work they will achieve in the year ahead.
Advocacy Update
The Tasmanian Chapter continues to advocate for architecture, and does this through meetings, submissions, membership of roundtables, and more. In 2026, we are continuing to participate in regular industry meetings with Homes Tasmania, the Built Environment Industry Tasmania Round Table, and TasCOSS Housing meetings, among others. We are meeting with the Minister for Housing and Planning on Friday to discuss the Institute’s recent budget submission, the proposed freeze of the NCC, and other relevant issues pertaining to the built environment.
The start of the year has seen many Government consultations open for feedback. Feedback from members forms a key part of the response to these consultations, and the Chapter is appreciative of those who engage with these (often long) documents and provide input. To better keep you informed about these consultations, a Tas Chapter Policy and Advocacy page has been created on the Institute’s website, where current submissions are listed. I encourage members to view these consultations, and if you are able to provide feedback, please contact the Chapter.
Fellows Recognised
At the President’s Lunch last year, I presented Gaetano Palmese FRAIA and Scott Balmforth FRAIA with Fellowships of the Institute. Congratulations to both Geatano and Scott, and on behalf of the Institute, I would like to thank you for the contributions you have both made to the Institute, and the broader community over many years.