The SA Chapter is a busy place, with activities including advocacy, member services, public programs, awards and social events organised throughout the year.  Our capacity and ability to deliver programs, resources and activities for the profession is dependent on member engagement and staff resources and expertise.  The SA Chapter has a small but highly capable staff and it is with considerable regret that I announce that Gillian Redman Lloyd resigned so that she can focus on family, including newly arrived grandson Teddy!

Gillian has been the SA Awards Manager and Special Projects Officer for the past five years, having transferred from the NSW Chapter where she performed a similar role.  In addition to coordinating and delivering a highly organised and enjoyable awards program, Gillian was also responsible for programs including Architecture on Show and Design Conversations, both of which engage a professional and public audience through discussion of topical design issues.  The Festival of Architecture and Design (FAD) was also managed by Gillian, and she worked with the national office to coordinate the SA leg of the Gold Medal Tour.  All these activities require sttong organisational and people skills, excellent time and risk management, a level head and a great deal of patience.

Gillian demonstrated all these qualities which, along with a keen sense of humour and a no-nonsense approach, made her a great person to work with.  She will be greatly missed by the SA team and the members who worked with her.  We wish her all the best with her future projects, which we feel certain will encompass family and much else besides.

Until Gillian’s position is filled we will be operating with a staff of three.  Zaf, Vanessa and I will endeavour to keep things going, but inevitably there will need to be some adjustment in response to the change in our staffing.  We appreciate your understanding during this time.

For those of you who are not familiar with the SA Staff and their roles here’s a summary.

Zaf’s focus is student and graduate programs including:

• The student mentor program
• The SA Awards student projects
• Archi Ed – resources to support presentations by architects in schools
• Practice of Architecture Learning Series (PALs)

She also supports delivery of SONA and EmAGN events and participates in delivery of significant programs such as the SA Awards and FAD.  In addition to these projects Zaf is responsible for membership queries and services and the administrative management of the office

Vanessa is responsible for communications and advocacy.  She provides invaluable support for the SA Chapter committees and task groups and is instrumental in the preparation of responses to discussion papers and topical issues.  Vanessa’s involvement with committees also extends to coordination and delivery of allied events for these groups, including Designers for Diversity and Co-opertition.

Vanessa manages the SA Chapter media and communications including:

• SA Chapter E-news, What’s on and social media
• Media releases and promotion for significant programs and issues
• Management of media enquiries
• Editorial support for production of the Awards booklet
• Relationships with media organisations

Last but not least Vanessa manages the SA Chapter trusts and the associated activities that these trust were established to deliver.

My role as Executive Director is also multifaceted.  I have responsibility for management of the Chapter including staff, budget and program.  I work with Chapter Council to develop the strategic plan for South Australia and support the Chapter President and committees in delivery of their advocacy and member program objectives.  I also provide secretariat services for the Honours Committee and coordinate the Distinguished Member events.  I am the primary point of contact for queries and complaints and manage referrals to the Senior Counsellor Service.  In addition, I participate in national coordination and planning activities, liaise with national business units and am responsible for national reporting.

So, as you can see, we cover a lot of ground.  The SA Chapter is fortunate to have a team that is multiskilled, flexible and self-motivated.  Architecture is a diverse profession with many areas of interest and involvement.  We enjoy working with members to provide a well-rounded, supportive and interesting program that assists the profession and improves public understanding.  We look forward to bringing a new member into the team and introducing them to you.

Nicolette Di Lernia, SA Chapter Executive Director