PRESIDENT’S LETTER

As we wend our way toward Christmas, with a New Year just over the horizon, let’s reflect briefly on the year that was. This has been a tricky year for many, largely due to the strikes that have directly impacted many of our members. As this would appear to be behind us, there is a general sense of exuberance and predictions of better years to come.

The APDG has had a busy year despite the lull in work opportunities. Rebecca Whittington and the awards team delivered a brilliant Awards Ceremony in Melbourne. The evening availed many an opportunity to catch up with industry friends, many of whom had not spoken in the same space since COVID.

The website has once again moved ahead in leaps and bounds, largely due to the tireless input of Dan Willis. If you haven’t visited the site recently, check it out, there are many resources and stories to explore.

APDG members are planning to meet for an APDG Planning Day in 2024. This is when we evaluate our current activity and formulate goals for the near and long-term future. As always there is plenty of work to be done, so if you do find a pocket of time (big or small) and are willing to make a contribution to the guild, please do get in touch with us.

I mentioned in my Awards address that 2024 will see the introduction of a revised membership fee structure, our first revision since the inception of the guild. As a heads-up, here are the relevant adjustments. $175 Full, $95 Affiliates, $90 Emerging $65 Concession. These new fees will be implemented in January 2024.

The APDG understands that members may not be in a financial position to renew their memberships. If your membership is due for renewal and you are experiencing financial hardship, please contact us via admin@apdg.org.au to request a deferral or discount on your fee payments, while still retaining your current membership status. For members who are still working or in a financial position to maintain your membership, we very much appreciate your support.

It is with a heavy heart that we must bid a fond farewell to Rebecca Whittington APDG’s exceptionally gifted Business Manager in the coming months. She has had a profound impact on the guild in pretty well every facet of the organisation. Thank you Rebecca.

Thank you also to the National Executive, State Representatives and Operational Representatives for their ongoing diligence.

Happy holidays to all, may 2024 be everything you wish it to be, a peaceful year where we can build on our successes, revel in our aspirations, and take pride in what we have achieved.

Warmest regards,

– Michael Scott-Mitchell APDG

Michael Scott-Mitchell APDG