From the CEO

30 Mar

National Council held its first meeting for the year in Melbourne on 18 and 19 March.

I would like to congratulate Ken Maher on being elected as the next National President Elect to take effect at the AGM in May. Congratulations also to Helen Lochhead and Richard Kirk who have been elected Hon Secretary and Hon Treasurer respectively.

Among the many topics and reports discussed was a proposal to enter into a formal MOU with the New Zealand Institute of Architects with whom we already have good relations. The aim will be to have the MOU signed by the presidents of both organisations at our National Architecture Conference in May.

The National Council meeting coincided with the presentation of the Australian Achievement in Architecture Awards at the National Gallery Victoria, Australia in Melbourne. Prizes were awarded to respected practitioners, emerging architects, academics and students for their exemplary contribution to the profession across a range of categories.

I extend my congratulations to everyone honoured on the night, in particular Peter Stutchbury, recipient of the 2015 Gold Medal for Architecture. You can read the full list of winners here.

The National Committee for Gender Equity (NCGE) recently held its third face to face meeting. Discussions were held with relevant Institute staff to determine achievable actions in the areas of policy, profiling, awards and prizes, relationships, CPD and opportunities for women. A number of short and long term initiatives were agreed upon and the visibility of the committee and its work should become significantly more apparent over the coming months.

The Institute has formalised its relationship with Parlour by becoming their inaugural major sponsor. Meetings have been held with Justine Clark to explore opportunities for collaboration and Parlour is already being utilised as a communications platform for relevant Institute initiatives. The NCGE and Parlour are collaborating on a fringe event for the National Conference – this will be held at Melbourne University’s new School of Design prior to the official opening party and will focus on ‘what’s next’ for both Parlour and the NCGE, launching the Institute as Parlour’s inaugural major sponsor. Tickets can be booked through the Risk website

Kind regards,

David Parken.

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