3 Feb
2014 is shaping up to be a very busy year for the Chapter as we continue our advocacy and promotion of architecture and good design to both government and the wider community. In the latest edition of Architecture Bulletin, which should be with all of you by the end of this week, my President’s message contains a full update regarding some of the key areas of interest covered at my meeting late last year with NSW Minister for Finance and Services Andrew Constance. This includes the issue of public sector procurement on which I have written to him, at his request, outlining our concerns regarding current processes and our suggestions for improvement.
This year we also welcome new NSW Chapter Councillor Shahe Simonian as well as previous councillor Alex Kibble who will be rejoining the NSW Chapter Council. Our sincere thanks to outgoing Councillors Emili Fox and Louise Nettleton for their contribution to Chapter Council and the committees of which they have been a part.
Elections for the Institute’s National Council are now open and I encourage all members to take this opportunity to vote. A strong and experienced National Council is required in order to advance the mission and goals of the Institute to better serve members and promote architecture to the public.
The year has also started with the welcome news that four of our distinguished colleagues have become Officers in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AO): Louise Cox LFRAIA AO AM; Richard Johnson LDRAIA AO MBE; Peter Muller FRAIA AO and Deo Prasad FRAIA AO. Congratulations to you all and thank you for your ongoing service to the profession.
Planning for our biggest annual celebration of outstanding achievement in architecture, the 2014 NSW Architecture Awards, is well underway with entries for this year’s awards closing Tuesday 11 March. This is your opportunity to have your work and projects recognised alongside others from across the state so I strongly urge you to submit an entry for any projects completed before December 2013.
Joe Agius
NSW Chapter President