Congratulations to the Tas Chapter’s CPD Coordinator Lara Maeseele and her husband Tim Watson who recently welcomed Ollie William Watson into their family. Mum and bub are doing well. Filling Lara’s maternity role position, I would like to welcome Joanne Hickman to the team. Joanne is a UTAS architecture graduate and has worked in local practices for the last 7 years.

We have a busy year ahead, with many great events on offer. Chapter President Andrew Williamson invites senior practitioners to attend a round table discussion on the state of the industry and issues affecting local practices tomorrow at the Chapter Office from 12.30pm. A light lunch will be provided and several important issues will be discussed such as skills challenges facing practice, the changing face of the profession and potential changes to government and Building Control. I encourage everyone to attend as there will be an opportunity for members to identify areas where stronger advocacy efforts are needed.

The Tas Chapter is busy organising Launceston and Hobart Architecture Week 2013, with a new event set the launch in Hobart. Kirsty Bennett recently volunteered for Open House Melbourne, and will be striving to launch Hobart’s own Open House event in November. If you would like to be involved, or have any building suggestions, please contact Kirsty at kirsty.bennett@architecture.com.au.

To have your say in this year’s Architecture Week events in Launceston and Hobart, please contact the Chapter Office on 6214 1500 or email tas.admin@architecture.com.au.

Congratulations to Morrison and Breytenbach who were recently recognised internationally for their Chigwell Family Centre and Sustainability Learning Centre at theCouncil of Educational Facilities Planners International (CEFPI) Australasia Region 2013 Educational Facilities Awards, it’s great to see Tasmanian projects recognised on the international stage.

In an effort to ensure members’ needs are thoroughly represented, please email me here at the Chapter office (jennifer.nichols@architecture.com.au) if you have any issues that you wish the Chapter to look into and follow up on your behalf.