12 February 2018
Welcome back to another busy year. This is my last message as President as I begin the handover to Amy Muir who will be Victoria’s fourth woman President. It’s a great time to be involved with many long-planned national initiatives to be realised this year. I encourage you all to find ways to be involved, either by Entering the Awards which close on Wednesday 14 February, or by joining a committee or forum such as the Small, Medium or Large Practice Forum, or the EmAGN Forum. We are only as strong as those involved. I’ve enjoyed meeting and working with so many of our active members who give of their time and expertise generously. I also thank so many of you for supporting my successful election to National Council.
Rosemary Burne and Kim Irons led a submission to the Fishermans Bend Planning Review Panel in December last year, which I encourage you to read here. They will also present it to Planning Panels in March with an expert Q+A panel including Peter Elliott, Ian McDougall and Shelley Penn.
The sold-out public debate on Apple in Federation Square, designed to allow greater transfer of information will be live streamed by Open House on Facebook from 6pm Tuesday 13 February. Read an earlier article here, and one by Prof Don Bates here.
Congratulations to both Kerstin Thompson and Francesca Davenport who have been elevated to Life Fellow for their notable contribution to the advancement of the profession. Brief extracts of their citations that were read at the Life Fellows Past Presidents Lunch can be seen here.
Congratulations also to Tony Lee awarded the 2017 President’s Prize for his 10-years of leadership of the Robin Boyd Foundation. The Prize was awarded at the End of Year Party and the citation can be read here.
I welcome our new and returning Chapter Councillors Rosemary Burne, Thom McKenzie, Keith Westbrook, Jocelyn Chiew and Ian Briggs who join us next month under Amy’s presidency. I sincerely thank outgoing Immediate Past President Peter Malatt for his tremendous contribution to the Institute and his generous assistance to me. I also thank outgoing Councillors Adam Pustola, Fiona Winzar and SONA rep Gina Engelhardt for their contribution especially on the Editorial Committee, the Sustainable Architecture Forum and for forthcoming opinions and friendship. Wishing you all a constructive and fulfilling year.
Vanessa Bird
Vic Chapter President