Hello fellow members,

As we approach the end of the year…

Performance news:

• Our performances are fast approaching.  As a reminder, the first performance is Sunday 21^st November , 2.00 pm at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Morwell (where we rehearse already) and the second performance is Sunday 28^th November, 2.00pm at St James Anglican Church, Grey St Traralgon.
• PLEASE NOTE: whilst the performance is scheduled to start at 2.00 pm, we will rehearse beforehand. You will be notified ASAP of what time you will be required. There is still some discussion due to others using the venue immediately beforehand. Note also, the rehearsal of Tuesday 23^rd (between the performances) will be held at St James to allow us to “get a feel” for the venue.

AGM:

• Our Annual General Meeting will be held at 7.00 pm, on this coming Tuesday 9^th November. As many people as possible are requested to attend. It will be followed by our normal rehearsal.
• The AGM is your opportunity to have a say in the direction of the chorale. Become a committee member and/or an office holder to further your input. OR JUST COME AND LISTEN AND MAYBE VOTE.
• All positions will be declared open, with the current incumbent allowed to renominate.
• Nominations can be made by return email, or on the night using the attached form.
• Positions available are : 
  • President (also called Chairperson)
  • Treasurer
  • Secretary
  • Public Officer (at this point associated with the secretary position – as an incorporated association, for liaison with the ATO. In my experience, a one way conversation. They send information, I say thank you.)

For your information I have included generic descriptions of the positions (http://www.docep.wa.gov.au/associationsguide/Content/03_The_Management_Committee/3.3_The_role_and_duties_of_the.htm)

3.3 Roles of particular office bearers

The roles of some common office bearers are summarised below.

Chairperson (sometimes called the President)

The chairperson is usually the formal 'voice' of the association and is responsible for the overall co-ordination of the activities of the association. The chair is generally responsible for:

• chairing meetings;
• signing documents on behalf of the association;
• ensuring all relevant information is made available to committee members;
• ensuring the association is run according to its rules and any other strategic plan that has been agreed to;
• resolving disputes and grievances;
• initiating projects;
• overseeing activities and projects; and
• representing the association at external meetings and events.

In the chairperson's absence, the vice-chairperson can represent the association and preside over meetings.

Treasurer

The treasurer is primarily responsible for managing the finances of the association. This involves:

• maintaining all financial records;
• monitoring the income and expenditure of the association;
• keeping committee members informed of the financial position of the association;
• preparing and presenting financial statements to the Annual General Meeting;
• allocating funds;
• developing budgets for new projects;
• making payments and bank deposits;
• preparing and managing the budget; and
• representing the association on funding applications.

Secretary

The secretary is generally responsible for day-to-day administrative tasks, which include:

• maintaining the register of members;
• arranging meetings;
• assisting the chairperson to prepare the agenda;
• sending out notices for meetings;
• keeping minutes and records;
• attending to correspondence;
• making sure all letters and other documents are properly filed;
• preparing newsletters.

25^th Anniversary Celebrations:

• Some or all of you may be aware that next year is the 25^th anniversary of the first performance by The Latrobe Chorale, initially formed specifically to perform Handel’s Messiah.
• It will be decided by the new committee what form these celebrations will take. Meantime, any comments or suggestions will be gratefully accepted. Feel free to let your committee know, and/or use the guest book on the web site to have your say (on anything relevant to the chorale).

General News:

• I have one name yet to follow up with regards to a pianist for next year, but that is all, so please keep your ear to the ground and ask any (reasonable) pianist that you know, if they are interested. Some remuneration may be offered with negotiation.
• Anyone who would like to be involved with keeping the web site up to date, I am happy to show you how – editing is set up like a word document, with a few differences.

Regards

Anne Doherty

Secretary