Finance and other fun stuff

It may be difficult to draw your attention away from the tales of daring and adventure from around the world, but I would like to assure you that the AAA is financially sound and we don't seem to be in any danger of a government sell-off.

We have $6,788.59 in the cheque account and $31,574.51 in the investment account. If you have some ideas on how you want the AAA to spend some of this money, then please bring them along to the AGM or let a committee member know your thoughts.

The AGM is also an opportunity to obtain some funding from the AAA's Expedition Fund for activities that you may be planning over the Christmas break.

To be in the running, send me an email with your plans and I will take a proposal to the AGM. Once you bag your peak, write a riveting account of your exploits for the AAA newsletter and I will send you a cheque. I have only received one submission so far, so please get those proposals to me before the AGM!

The committee also expects to have about $5,000 allocated from Headquarters Training Command for the remainder of this Financial Year. The plan is to spend this on equipment (replacing some of the fuel stoves and buying a snow sled) and sponsoring AAA members for Wilderness/Remote First Aid Training Courses.

If you are interested in attending a first aid course, then please let me know as we have funding for five places. The course run by NSW TAFE involves four days and costs $480. We can also help out with other courses. Let me know what you are planning and I will see what the committee can do to help out.

On the administrative side, the AAA has moved its banking to Defcredit and the Australian Defence Credit Union. We also hope to have electronic banking processes in place to simplify membership applications and renewals? watch this space for details.

Good luck and safe climbing.