The International Chapter recently held its annual in-person meeting in Hobart. Meetings like this have taken place annually over the history of the Chapter and are a critical tool to navigate our strategic objectives and direction, and are where we resolve crucial issues for the Chapter.
This year, in resolving to go to Hobart, we had proposed a landmark combined Tasmanian and International Chapter Awards event, a first in Institute history, and a very impactful parallel engagement with students of architecture at their Australasian Student Architecture Congress, ‘Ground Matters’ conference, taking place in Hobart at that time. Coupled with this, was the opportunity to meet the team who work so hard to manage the International Chapter. This was the first time most of us had met.
I would like to express our Chapter’s gratitude to our Hobart-based International Chapter team, led brilliantly by Jennifer Nichols, with Fiona McMullen, Katie Katos, Nina Hamilton, Chris Shurman and Loren Bates, and to the Tasmanian Chapter President, Daniel Lane and his Council, for supporting us so well while we were in Hobart. Those days were so impeccably and generously arranged, with legendary Tasmanian hospitality. It was a great example of how Institute members bond, especially for us coming from different locations and cultures. Outcomes were enhanced by the attendance of our CEO, Cameron Bruhn, the General Manager for Chapters, Emma Moore, and the National Membership Services Manager, Claudia McCarthy, and her team. Many thanks also to the National Council and Board of the Institute for supporting this and for understanding how the International Chapter ticks.
Thanks as well to all the International Chapter Councillors, some who travelled great distances and took time out from their demanding schedules to be there and contribute to our meetings and to the student congress.
As part of our proceedings, the entire Chapter Council presented ‘who we are / what we do presentations’ to the ‘Ground Matters’ congress. This has been widely lauded. And to underscore the relevance and importance of this gathering, all but one of our jurors in the International Chapter Architecture Awards flew themselves into Hobart to celebrate with us, as did Professor Mark Burry AO, the winner of the William J Mitchell Prize 2024 and several International Chapter Architecture Award winners. They were joined by the legendary ambassador of Australian architecture, Louise Cox AO, who had the honour of presenting the first ever International Chapter Architecture Award for public architecture in her name.
Chapter discussions took place formally in our meetings in Hobart, and informally of course, as we worked through our agenda of issues needing resolution. Nothing can replace those valuable times of being together, and getting to know each other, as this is where members of our Institute can fashion how they work collectively for the greater good and make considered decisions together.
So that is what has taken place. Thank you again to all involved.
Justin Hill MSIA LFRAIA
Chair, International Chapter
Australian Institute of Architects
