ASUOC AGM 2012

TREASURER’S ANNUAL REPORT

2011/12 has been an interesting year. We have had to have a very long and hard look at our financial situation in regards of staying viable. A long history of running at a loss each year has depleted the funds we had in reserve. This meant we had to look at projected costs, losses and possible insolvency if we carried on in the same manner. Therefore, I recommended to the Management Committee that we needed to raise the membership fees to help offset some of the losses. Admittedly, some of the losses were paper losses only. For example, the writing off of long-standing debts was one, as well as writing off long-standing administrative assets such as video cameras and laptops that were no longer in working condition. These items aside, we have still been spending more than we have taken after all accounts were paid.

One bonus for 2012/13 has been that our insurance premiums have not increased. Other cost-savings have included cancelling Telstra services no long in use (Internet connection) and bundling the others into one Business Account. This has saved on the cost of receiving several different accounts payable each month by bringing them to one per month (not much on a monthly basis but over $100 saved annually).

This last year has seen us being very frugal with purchases. Instead of replacing the Treasurer’s laptop, an external hard drive was purchased to use on laptop and desktop computers already owned by myself personally. The same suggestion has been made for the College Chair and the Secretary, to keep files on external hard drives that can then  be passed on to whomever may take on any M/C position in the future.

For the first time in a long time, we have the Accountant’s (Stephen Jose & Assoc) report ready for this AGM. The simplification of the accounting system had been a large part of this being possible. The accountant had only a few minor queries to ask regarding the accounts and has stated the system is better for his purposes also. He brought up the matter of solvency problems over the next year, as mentioned earlier in this report. He agrees with the need to increase fees to cover some losses and suggests smaller increases over the coming years to ensure we remain viable financially. This was done verbally via the phone and not in his report. The report is available for perusal by any members at any time and here now to be viewed.

There is still a large asset entry of $10,000.00+ (originally $22,000.00+ for assets) that is again an historical entry that none of our Committee Members can say with any certainty, is recorded or accounted for. I can find no record of these items, whatever they may be. The accountant has suggested writing this off over two or three years to save it being a huge deficit loss for one year. This is a good suggestion and one I recommend we take.

This year saw the need for printing of reports etc to be covered in regard to costs to the Treasurer. The meeting in which I raised the need for a printer, one had been donated to Rev Ross Hutchison and he kindly passed on the donation to the ASUOC. This is now being used for Membership Certificates, Insurance Certificates of Currency, official documents and letters to be sent to those for whom there is, as yet, no email address. Emails have cut costs dramatically for postage, as well as stationery costs. Every letter sent via Aust Post, now has a request for an email address in it (from the Treasurer at least).

We are currently looking at ways to improve the insurance coverage that we can provide to our members. This is an important matter as we have become a much more litigious society. We are looking for a package that will include Professional Indemnity (PI) along with the current Public Liability (PL). PI cover will ensure any individual work or single proprietor practitioners (eg massage or reiki healers) are adequately covered for insurance against such things as mal-practice or injury. This will, undoubtedly, increase premiums, but for our members to have full insurance coverage in a package is much better than having to pay for PL and PI as individual policies. Not to mention the huge savings made by having it as a group insurance. You can double or triple the cost if not done as a group policy. We anticipate being able to give advance advice regarding this as the year progresses, knowing full well the difficulty in maintaining finances for a Church, Centre or group, as well as individual members who practice varied modalities.

On a more personal note; I have learnt so much from taking on this position as Treasurer and from all that is has entailed. There have been many challenges and some obstacles to overcome; but these have been much easier to overcome with the help, assistance and advice of my fellow Committee Members. The trip to Queensland to take part in a Meet ‘n’ Greet was a great success in many ways; meeting the people and them being able to put a face to a name, and explaining the ASUOC to new people. We have had two new members join; with others expressing interest, due to that excursion. We also have had great assistance from Rev Sarah Neil, who graciously agreed to become our Qld Rep. Sarah is working earnestly to make the ASUOC known in rural areas, as well as around the major centres in Qld.

I am hoping that someone comes forward to take over the reins of Treasurer. I will certainly give anyone interested a lot of help and make myself available, to ensure an easy transition. Please think about this, all of you. If no one is forthcoming, I will certainly retain the role.

Rev. Richard Milne

Treasurer A.S.U.O.C.

AGM 2012

(Interim) PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Since taking on the role of Interim President in November of 2011, I have had to learn much in a short time. This learning has been made much easier and simpler with the help and assistance of the Management Committee members. They have offered and given much needed advice and guidance to me in this new role, and I thank them all for helping me unreservedly to chair the meetings effectively. I would take this opportunity also to apologize to them for the mistakes I have made also. New roles mean mistakes and each is a learning curve with which to make myself a better person in the role I have taken on.

The ASUOC is committed to bringing about a means by which its’ members can grow and improve the manner in which Spiritualism is seen and experienced. We surely need to be an example to the general community as a whole; and to dispel accepted misconceptions of whom and what we represent as a Spiritual/Religious group. This will take time, but if we all work with the one goal of ensuring we act with honesty and integrity, it will come about.

The few short months of my tenure as Interim President have been quiet yet effective. Effective in that we are working forward cohesively and positively. That does not mean we were not beforehand; it means we have taken up the reins to ensure we continue along the lines we have been taking, but more assuredly and with more commitment.

My personal goal is to see the ASUOC become a larger and more respected organization. Bigger in that we can bring more people, churches, groups on board who can assist us many ways, to expand and become a voice that is heard in the community in a positive manner. Too long have we been labeled a radical, weirdo, evil, fringe element. We need to be seen for what we truly are; people committed to the betterment of all mankind, without glory seeking or personal gain.

As YOUR committee, we seek to bring about these changes in a positive, loving way. We need more people to become involved in this process. How? By becoming members of the Management Committee is one; contributing in a positive manner with whatever thoughts and assistance you can give to ensure our growth as an organization to offer help and assistance and training to all and any who seek it is another. We need your input and support to ensure we are more than a means by which people can acquire cheap insurance! You are the Committee, just as the Committee is yours. We come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, all walks of life, and a great knowledge base by which to improve who and what we are. We need doers to help us grow. I envisage the Committee as a progressive working party to ensure we can be of benefit to all.

In saying the above, I would like to also add this; if you want to be on the Committee, do so with the goal of being actively involved. By this I mean that we don’t need people who wish to be seen as Committee Members without being actively involved and taking on roles and responsibilities. We need people who want to be part of a working team, and are not concerned with “being on the Committee” for the sake of its esteem.

Let’s work toward growing positively and with love, toward being an example by which we can be exemplified as a reputable organization that contributes to the community as a whole and in particular, to Spiritual organizations and individuals. Let’s be seen as people working toward the betterment of all mankind.

Rev. Richard Milne

Interim President