Here are the meeting minutes of the 2019 Mackay and District Turtle Watch AGM, including a summary of the President’s report and new committee members.
- The AGM was held on September 7 2019, attended by 11 members and two prospective members.
- The incumbent President, Steve Fisher, opened the meeting and, after the initial formalities, presented his report. Steve thanked the outgoing committee for their dedication and hard work in maintaining an active, well directed group. Steve also made mention of all M&DTW
members who so willingly volunteer their time and considerable effort in helping with the viability of sea turtles in our region. - Precis of the Presidents Report.
a. The year that was. The season 2018 / 2019 recorded 89 nests across 22 monitored beaches. This was well down on the 175 nests recorded the previous year. On the up-side however the group had grown with a number of new members taking the total membership to 30. Public relations and turtle information sessions continued at pace during the year with members giving 11 talks at kindergartens, schools and public events, while Fay and Steve did a number of radio and TV interviews relating to newsworthy events. M&DTW also had a stall at the Volunteers Expo held in May.
b. The year ahead. Steve Fisher outlined his thoughts on the year ahead, explaining the great effort that had already been made to obtain our Animal Ethics permit and Scientific Purposes permits for members. At the time of the meeting this issue remained unresolved, however he was hopeful that this would be finalised in the coming year. Steve was also positive about the coming year as our membership had increased significantly and we had a very positive response for members to attend training at Mon Repos and also support the Queensland Turtle Conservation Project’s research at other rookeries.
c. Major projects. Other than obtaining our permits to operate, the development of a new M&DTW web site and a presence on social media via Facebook were two key projects for the coming year. - The new committee: The leadership for the 2019 / 2020 year:
President – Steve Fisher
Vice President – John Weissman
Secretary – David Bowen
Treasurer – Fay Griffin
Equipment officer – Fay Griffin
Education and liaison Officers – Fay Griffin, Lee Gallagher and Lynette Gallagher
Beach Coordinators, southern beaches – Lynette and Lee Gallagher (with assistance of Ruth Bloxsom at Grasstree Beach)
Beach Coordinator, Harbour Beach – Jacky Cox
Beach Coordinator, Eimeo, Bucasia and Shoal Point – David Bowen
Beach Coordinator, Lamberts Beach and North Harbour – Valda Regan
Beach Coordinator, Belmunda to Seaforth – Borg and Alan Olsen
Beach Coordinator, all other beaches – Fay Griffin (with assistance from Tuka and Helen Austin and Joe)
