PG . 35
AQHA AMATEUR DIVISION PRESIDENT REPORT 2020 / 2021
HI FELLOW AMATEUR TEAM MEMBERS
A year that has tested our resilience , fortitude and wellbeing and yet our Amateurs have banded together to look beyond their immediate needs / wants , assisting others that are less fortunate . Our Australian shield is held up by a kangaroo and emu , which were chosen to symbolise a nation moving forward , based on the fact that neither animal can move backwards easily . Amateurs are looking towards the future , only concerned with finding solutions and not dwelling on the problems .
I would like to thank our hard-working Committee : Carol Elliott ( Vic ), Yasmin Lee-Steere ( Vic ), Carol Ahern ( Vic ), Jodi Jakubenko ( QLD ), Justine Jones ( NSW ), Krystee Muscat ( QLD ), Janet Mansley ( Vic ) and Lynda Cavello ( Vic ). Committee Members are volunteers ( strapped for time and constantly in some form of ‘ lockdown ’), but still manage to organize , assist and communicate with the Amateur Body where possible . On behalf of all Amateurs , thank you Committee for all your dedication and hard work .
A big thank you to our Directors and the AQHA Staff that are always willing to assist / support us at all times . Due to the COVID-19 virus , lockdowns , border closures , facial masks , social distancing and uncertainty have prevailed . Our horses have become a lifeline for mental health and ensured we maintained communication with friends and colleagues , this helped the world seem a better place . Many horses have benefited from the additional training and time spent with them .
The Amateur Division Committee has not been idle , just in limbo , due to our Government restrictions . The Amateur Division Survey will be distributed to every Amateur at a later date , thus allowing every Amateur in Australia to have input into our review of our 2008 Constitution and our rules of operation . Your suggestions will pave the way for our future initiatives and planning . The Survey Monkey ensures all members receive the information at the exact same time and Amateurs response are recorded in a timeframe . Only Members that allowed the AQHA to give out their email address will be sent the link . I suggest Amateur members in all States ensure the AQHA have permission to use their email address and check that your address is ‘ Correct ’.
The Committee are exploring the options of including the initiative by the AQHA , by offering to facilitate the use of technology and polling of members ’ votes electronically . Members will be eligible to facilitate electronic voting at and in advance of general meetings .
We are looking forward to the 2021 / 2022 season , catching up with friends , colleagues and future acquaintances at Shows , Clinics and Meetings . Finally , thank you to the Amateur Division Committee for their hard work and dedication .
Onwards and upwards !! Cheers Leonie Gorski 2020 / 2021 Amateur Division President
AQHA NOVEMBER / DECEMBER ISSUE 2021