26 February 2018
I wanted to update you on the goings-on within the Vic Chapter as there has been quite some activity in the first two months of the year.
The Vic Chapter’s response to the draft Fishermans Bend Framework was one of 242 submissions to the Planning Review Panel and will be followed by a presentation in support of our written submission at a public hearing on March 2. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chapter Councillors Kim Irons and Rosemary Burne who have devoted many hours of work in compiling our presentation on behalf of our members. We look forward to updating you with further information and activities as they become available. If you have not already viewed our written submission, you can access it here.
On Thursday 22nd Feb, incoming Vic Chapter President Amy Muir issued a media release which can be accessed here.
In other Chapter activities, the Large Practice Forum has been relaunched with the first session of the year being an open invitation to all large practices around the topic of Novation. Thanks to Chapter Councillor Tim Leslie for his commitment in putting together a framework that will aim to rival the successes of the already established Small and Medium Practice Forums.
On February 13th, the Institute joined with AILA and PIA to support Open House Melbourne in hosting a public debate regarding the December announcement that Federation Square’s Yarra Building would be demolished to make way for a ‘flagship’ Apple store. The depth of feeling and public attention surrounding this topic ensured that the event sold out within days. If you were not able to attend in person, the event was recorded and can be accessed here.
In ‘41X’ news, did you know we have a dedicated member’s area on Level 1 that you can use? If you are in the CBD and in need of a place to meet or a (relatively!) quiet area to work, please come on in, make yourself a brew and enjoy the space.
And last but not least in Vic staffing news, we have welcomed Kelsey Calder in the role of Membership and Events Coordinator. Kelsey’s role will include administering the SONA and EmAGN initiatives as well as awards support and other Chapter events. For those that have had the pleasure of working with Sanja Novakovic on CPD related activities, I’m sure you will join me in congratulating Sanja who has broadened her role to include managing our state corporate partners.
Ruth White
Victorian Executive Director