From the ED
June was a busy month. The Chapter had three CPD/networking events which were really diverse and the NT Awards. We had some diverse topics for the CPD sessions. Gerflor had an open house approach looking at flooring solutions for industrial, commercial and residential buildings. KCL Engineering gave a great presentation about Interior Design Compliance for managing interiors in earthquake zones. We were happy to talk about our earthquakes we feel here from the Banda Sea. Finally Verosol Blinds showcased their internal and external blinds for heat management.
It was great to see so many people at the NT Chapter Awards this especially as NT business has been slow for the last couple of years. The awards were in a different format this year which was designed for people to mingle and network. Congratulations on the winners and thank you so much to our NT and National Partners. A fun night was had by all and before you sneak off come and see the photos of the evening on the AIA NT Chapter Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pg/ntarchitecture1/photos/?ref=page_internal
Planning for 2019 NT Chapter Awards is underway and this is a reminder to put the 1st June 2019 in your diary. Next year the awards are being held in Alice Springs for the first time. As part of this we will be offering architectural tours and tourism partner programs so watch this space.
So June was busy and July literally arrived with a bang as usual. 40 years of self-government kind of snuck up on us really. I remember fondly the first Territory Day on the Anzac Oval in Alice Spring with pretty much most of the town watching fireworks and trying not to blow our fingers off.
At the Chapter we have a CPD networking event on the 19th July 5.30pm in the Chapter Office with our Awards partner Bondor. Bondor came on board this year as an awards partner and it was great to have Andrew Hudson at the awards night. They are keen to work with the Institute locally and it will be a good chance to meet Andrew and look at their products.
On CPD and Networking I strongly encourage people to come to attend the NT Chapter events. We would love to be able to have a robust diverse program here in the NT and strong attendance can grow that. It also gives you a chance to network with your colleagues. Next month I will send a survey out specifically about networking a CPD to make sure we can offer what you as members want and need.
In terms of Advocacy it is sad to say that Barneson Boulevard is full steam ahead with Frogs Hollow already being part of the initial tree removal program. This is not the outcome we wanted however it is time to have a look at the Darwin CBD greening and cooling strategy so we can at least reopen that conversation.
As you are aware the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Museum (NATSIAM) has been on the national agenda and the Institute endorses the fourteen recommendations contained in the Initial Steering Scoping Committee’s Report (https://artstrail.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/492662/steering-committee-report.pdf). We urge the NTG to honour the process it established in selecting an eminent panel of experts to explore the outlines of this important cultural institution as outlined in the report. Not only is it a culturally significant project it is a critical project for Central Australia to create jobs, increase tourism, stimulate the economy and nurture cultural reconciliation.
Finally we are looking at having better communications through our NT newsletter. We will trial over the next 4 months a monthly newsletter at the end of the month with ‘What’s on’ reminders in between.
See you all on the 19th.
Cheers
Raquel