Motions to change the ASC Constitution – for ASC AGM 2010

Dear ASC Members,

Further to the notice of the AGM on Monday 13 December 2010, please see below the proposed motions for changes to the ASC Constitution.

Motions to change the ASC Constitution – for ASC AGM 2010

1. Motion to change the Constitution – Motion made by Jesse Shore and seconded by Rob Morrison. We propose the constitution is amended as follows (proposed changes to wording in the current and revised clauses are underlined):

Section 4 of the constitution – ‘MEMBERSHIP’

Current wording:

4.1.2.2

The membership fee for Corporate Members shall be at a rate of 800% of the standard Annual Membership Fee.

Proposed new wording

4.1.2.2

The membership fee for Corporate Members shall be at the rate as determined by the National Council but not less than 500% of the standard Annual Membership Fee. The rate may be changed once each year to come into effect at the annual membership renewal date or at the beginning of the ASC financial year.

Reason for proposed amendment:

The ASC currently has only two corporate members. This low number may be because the membership fee is not sufficiently enticing and/or that representatives of corporate members have no voting rights unless they are members of the National Council. The proposed change in wording addresses the cost factor.

A few years ago, to make corporate membership more attractive, ASC officials changed the rate for corporate membership from 800% to 600% of the standard annual member’s fee although this is not in accord with the current wording of Clause 4.1.2.2.

I advocate that the National Council, as the policy making body of ASC, have the authority to set the rate with the constraint of the stated minimum 500%. The proposed wording will enable the National Council to make such adjustments without having to hold a special meeting and changes are limited to one per year.

This change does not affect Clause 5.2.4.2 which states that standard annual membership and joining fee is determined at each Annual General Meeting.

2. Motion to change the Constitution – Motion made by Jesse Shore and seconded by Rob Morrison. We propose the constitution is amended as follows (proposed changes to wording in the current and revised clauses are underlined):

Section 4 of the constitution – ‘MEMBERSHIP’

Current wording:

4.2.2

Representatives of Corporate Members who are not members of the National Council may participate in debates on matters of business at any General Meeting, but shall not be entitled to vote.

Proposed new wording

4.2.2

Representatives of Corporate Members who are not members of the National Council may participate in debates on matters of business at any General Meeting and up to five (5) representatives nominated by the Corporate Member shall be entitled to vote. As some representatives may be members of National Council with full voting rights according to Clause 4.2.1, the maximum number of votes for each Corporate Member will be five (5).

Reason for proposed amendment:

The ASC currently has no corporate members. This may be because representatives of corporate members have no voting rights unless they are on the National Council. The proposed amendment provides voting rights.

The existing Clause 4.1.2.2 of the constitution states that Corporate Members can have ten members for the cost of eight and a few years ago ASC officials decided the rate should be ten for the cost of six (please see the proposed amendment of clause 4.1.2.2 for more background). This proposed amendment is meant to acknowledge and encourage the active participation of Corporate Members in the organisation while limiting undue influence from force of numbers.

The wording for this amendment does not restrict the means the ASC management (the President and National Council) use to prevent the unlikely situation of more than 5 representatives of one Corporate Member joining the National Council.

3. Motion to change the Constitution to correct typographical errors – Motion made by Jesse Shore and seconded by Rob Morrison. We propose the constitution is amended as follows (proposed changes to wording in the current and revised clauses are underlined):

Section 4 of the constitution – ‘MEMBERSHIP’

Current wording:

4.1.2.1

Corporate Members are entitled to nominate up to ten (10) representatives to enjoy the privileges of Ordinary Membership, including attendance at Meetings at the Ordinary Members’ rate of entrance fee according to Clause 5.2.1, but subject to the operation of Clause 4.2.2.

Proposed new wording

4.1.2.1

Corporate Members are entitled to nominate up to ten (10) representatives to enjoy the privileges of Ordinary Membership, including attendance at Meetings at the Ordinary Members’ rate of entrance fee according to Clause 5.1.2, but subject to the operation of Clause 4.2.2.

Reason for proposed amendment:

This corrects a confusing typographical error in Clause 4.1.2.1. The stated Clause 5.2.1 refers to when the AGM is to be called. Clause 5.1.2 refers to fees to attend meetings as follows:

5.1.2

The National Council or Committee shall discriminate in favour of members when charging admission to cover meeting costs.

Section 5 of the constitution – ‘MEETINGS’

Current wording:

5.1

GENENERAL MEETINGS

Proposed new wording

5.1

GENERAL MEETINGS

Reason for proposed amendment:

This corrects a typographical error.

Section 6 of the constitution – ‘MANAGEMENT’

Current wording:

6.1.7

Should a casual vacancy occur in the representational of any Branch, the Branch shall nominate a replacement, with such nomination being confirmed by the Branch at its next General Meeting.

Proposed new wording

6.1.7

Should a casual vacancy occur in the representation of any Branch, the Branch shall nominate a replacement, with such nomination being confirmed by the Branch at its next General Meeting.

Reason for proposed amendment:

This corrects a typographical error.

Section 7 of the constitution – ‘DISCIPLINING OF MEMBERS’

Current wording:

7.1

Where the National Council is of the opinion that a member has persistently and wilfully acted in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the Association or has s persistently refused or neglected to comply with a provision of this Constitution, the Committee may act to discipline the member.

Proposed new wording

7.1

Where the National Council is of the opinion that a member has persistently and wilfully acted in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the Association or has persistently refused or neglected to comply with a provision of this Constitution, the Committee may act to discipline the member.

Reason for proposed amendment:

This corrects a typographical error.

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Official AGM Notification

This is the official notice of the Australian Science Communicator Annual General Meeting, to be held in Adelaide, South Australia, on the 13 December 2010. The AGM is being hosted by the ASC SA Branch and RiAus. The AGM This will be followed by an interactive quiz night co-hosted by compere extraordinaire David Ellyard and featuring special guest Dr Zoz Brooks from the Discovery Channel.

Date: Monday 13 December 2010

Time: 6.00pm-7.15pm (ASC AGM), 7.30pm – 9.30pm (Interactive Quiz Night)

Venue: RiAus, Science Exchange, Exchange Place, Adelaide

Cost: RiAus and ASC members: free (Please note, only current ASC members are eligible to attend the AGM), Non members: $10, Non member students: $5

Registration: http://ascnationalagmsa2010.eventbrite.com

The ASC AGM will run from 6-7:15pm in the RiAus boardroom, and is open to ASC voting members only. If you’re not able to vote, you can start the party early as the bar will be open from 6pm to enjoy a drink and have a chat with Zoz Brooks. The quiz night for all registered participants will begin at 7:30pm sharp in the auditorium; the bar will be open throughout the night. Seats are limited so registration is essential.

Participants will be allocated table numbers to promote networking; seating requests are welcome (email richard.musgrove@sa.gov.au).

The AGM is an opportunity for members to hear about the year’s events at the national level, and also to have their say about what should happen in the year to come. It also includes reports from the President and Treasurer, and this year will feature proposed changes to the ASC constitution. Members also have the chance to elect a new National President.

Included below as text is the agenda for the AGM.

Proposed agenda items, notices of motion and presidential nominations must be received by Monday 6 December. Note that notices of motion require a proposer and a seconder, and nominations for President need to be agreed by the nominee.

Members unable to attend the AGM in person are able to give proxies to other members attending the meeting, or alternatively, send them to Sarah Lau, National Secretary (slau@chemcentre.wa.gov.au) before 5.00pm AEDST on Monday 13 December.

AGENDA

1. Confirmation of members attending, apologies

2. Notification of proxies

3. Minutes of 2009 AGM

4. President’s report

5. Treasurer’s report

a) presentation of statement of accounts

b) determination of annual membership fee

c) determination of capitation to be returned to branches

d) determination of honoraria

e) appointment of auditor

f) appointment of public officer

g) tabling of 2010 budget

6. Election of 2011 ASC President

7. Motions to amend the Constitution

8. Motion to ratify selection of Life member

9. Any other business

Note: Proposed constitutional changes and minutes from the 2009 AGM will be circulated in a separate email to the ASC-list.

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ASC WA Quizalicious 2010 – get your Quiz on!

ASC WA Quizalicious 2010 – get your Quiz on!

The Annual ASC WA gala event is on again! Quizalicious is in its 4th year and will prove to be even bigger and better!

Things you need to know:

1. max number of 8 people per table.

2. no mobile phones or internet able devices!

3. NO… the questions are not all about science (it’s a relatively normal quiz night)

4. Arrive earlier for a great counter meal and some drinks!

5. this popular event fills fast – so book now to avoid disappointment

Come one, come all and win yourself excellent prizes while having a blast with our amazing Quiz-mistress the lovely Sarah Lau.

Date: 24 November 2010

Time: 6.30pm onwards

Location: Rosie O’Grady’s Northbridge – http://northbridge.rosieogradys.com.au/

Cost:

ASC members – FREE

Non-members – $15.00

Book here: http://quizalicious2010.eventbrite.com/

Questions or enquiries? Contact Sarah Lau on 0414507739 or slau@chemcentre.wa.gov.au

Become an Australian Science Communicator (ASC) member and save! Visit here (http://www.asc.asn.au/ ) to find out more!

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Auspex Australis at Horizon – The Planetarium (WA)

Posted on behalf of Carley Tillet, Manager, Horizon – The Planetarium

http://www.scitech.org.au/

Auspex Australis http://www.scitech.org.au/about-scitech/news/featured-news/852-auspex-australis Wednesday 25 August 2010 7.00 – 8.30pm Horizon – the Planetarium, Scitech. Bookings essential for this free event. Please click here to book http://www.trybooking.com/4388 .

Auspex Australis is a full dome production that explores the plight of endangered seabirds living on Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean. This experimental inter-media project draws on Scientific Research carried out by Dr Janos Hennicke and his colleagues at the Pink House Research Station on Christmas Island.

You will experience immersive full dome time-lapse photography of Christmas Island nesting sites by Scitech’s artist in residence Dave Carson. Witness the incredible journey the seabirds undertake with Dr Janos Hennicke’s tracking data visualised by Carley Tillett, while you enjoy a live performance of the soundscape created for the full dome piece, by UK sound artists Phil Mouldycliff and Colin Potter.

Special guest Dr Janos Hennicke, research fellow at the world renowned Chizé Centre for Biological Studies (the French National Centre for Scientific Research), will speak about his research and the significance of the Christmas Island seabird project.

*Auspex: an observer of birds… one who tries to discern the significance of their presence and behaviour and use it as a guide for predicting future events

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PERTH – Profs and Pints Tuesday 29 June

To any ASC members and list subscribers in WA, this event was a huge success last time, generating some lively debate and an enjoyable evening. To guarantee your spot, turn up from 5.30pm onwards.

(Posted on behalf of Renee Sayers, Scitech)

THE CHANGING FACE OF SECURITY

Our concept of security is changing, and so is the terror game. Global, Cyber, Space and Biological… what’s next?

Scitech is pleased to present free evenings of lively banter that will spark curiosity, ignite discussion and leave you questioning the world as you know it.

The next edition of Profs and Pints will be held on Tuesday 29 June at The Flying Scotsman – Velvet Lounge from 6.00 – 8.00pm where we will delve into the world of technology and security.

Speakers include: Profs: Rajat Ganguly (Murdoch), Ba-Tuong Vo (UWA Engineering), Bernadette Bradley (UWA Biosafety) and Chris Mounkley from CyberTechnology

So grab your friends, fetch a drink and pull up a chair as we pose the question – has technology and censorship revolutionised the terror game?

www.scitech.org.au Find us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scitech/82423139654 or see what’s being said on Twitter http://twitter.com/ScitechWA/ .

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WA events – Profs and Pints

(Posted on behalf of Renee Sayers, Scitech)

Profs and Pints – Tuesday Night!

Scitech is pleased to present four free evenings of lively banter and fascinating fun that will engage curiosity, spark debate, and quite possibly blow your mind!

Join a wide range of top thinkers and have your say about science and technology at the Flying Scotsman Velvet Lounge from 6.00 – 8.00pm on the following dates:

Tuesday 29 June

THE CHANGING FACE OF SECURITY

How have technology and censorship revolutionised the terror game?

Speakers include: Prof Rajat Ganguly (Murdoch), Prof Ba-Tuong Vo (UWA) and Chris Mounkley from CyberTechnology

Tuesday 13 July

BLURRED BOUNDARIES OF HUMANITY

What does it mean to be human when science mixes us with animals and technology?

Speakers include: Oron Catts (SymbioticA) and Dr Mike Alder (UWA)

Tuesday 27 July

ASTRONOMICAL AWESOMENESS

Why do we ask why?

Speakers include: Prof Cheryl Praeger (UWA), Carley Tillett (Scitech), Carmelo Amalfi (Murdoch) and Dr Megan Argo (Curtin)

http://www.scitech.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=836& Itemid=218

Make sure you keep your eyes out for the ABC Podcasts from the event…coming soon!

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‘World class’

Posted on behalf of David Satterthwaite, ScienceNetwork WA Editor:

From: David Satterthwaite [mailto:david.s@scitech.org.au]

Full agreeance with Julian with his world-class POV – but I would suggest broadening the perspective beyond the notion of having figurative editors publish figurative stories. As a figurative editor myself, the issue is really one of audience, not gatekeeper at the end of the day. Any editor doing their job properly will be considering this.

Does your audience expect, want, enjoy, appreciate or need these clichés? How are they embedded in your competition and how do you wish to react to that?

I’d argue that the prevalence of clichespeak in recent decades now makes it a question of whether or not you actually want/need to sound dissonant from the reams of brain-massaging office doubletalk.

I mean as an editor, going forward I need to be able to take my engagement priorities to the next level and ensure a positive game plan that fully meets the needs of all my stakeholders while allowing my communication drivers to be working at full engagement as inspirational thought leaders, not information silos.

And I am sure you are all behind me 110% 🙂

David Satterthwaite

ScienceNetwork WA Editor

Scitech

My email: david.s@scitech.org.au

My direct line: +61 8 9215 0734

phone: +61 8 9215 0700 | fax: +61 8 9321 2869 | web: www.scitech.org.au | post: PO Box 1155 West Perth WA 6872 SCITECH – increasing interest and participation by Western Australians in science and technology.

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RSVP reminder – WA AGM and Sundowner

RSVP essential – if you haven’t already RSVPed, please do so by the COB today. If you need to update your RSVP, please also advise – we are charged for people who do not make it on the day.

Join the WA branch of the Australian Science Communicators (ASC-WA) for a networking sundowner at Kings Park and for a short AGM, where the activities of the past year and those for the coming year are discussed. We will also vote on the state committee.

If you have any items you wish to discuss, or you would like to nominate for the committee (or a specific committee role), please email Sarah Lau (slau@chemcentre.wa.gov.au).

Where: Botanical Café, Kings Park (parking available behind café and function centre)

Date: Thursday 29 April 2010

Time: 5.30pm

Cost: Free for ASC-WA members, $20 for non-members. Sign up before or at the event and it’s free! (pizza and some drinks included in admission)

RSVP: essential (for catering purposes) – please email Sarah Lau (details below) by the 27 April.

Sarah Lau [slau@chemcentre.wa.gov.au]

Media and Communications Coordinator

ChemCentre

T +61 8 9422 9823

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Marco Polo, Selenium, Myths and Reality

19 May 2009
5:30 pmto7:00 pm

Professor Carl Schiesser
ARC Centre of Excellence for Free Radical Chemistry and Biotechnology

Join Professor Schiesser as he discusses his research and experience working with myths and realities, and the perception of free radicals amongst the community. Discover the latest science and research into the world of selenium and free radicals. Find out what Marco Polo has to do with the latest types of antihypertensives! 

Professor Carl Schiesser is Professor of Chemistry in the School of Chemistry at the University of Melbourne and Director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Free Radical Chemistry and Biotechnology. He is a knowledgeable and dynamic speaker, utilising everyday examples and illustrations from popular culture to engage audiences and communicate his research.

His presentations are useful for those working in science education and communication, or anyone who wants to hear about interesting research and battling common misconceptions.

 

Suitable for: Upper high school students and above

Where: Lotterywest Science Theatre, Scitech, 1st Floor, City West, Sutherland St, West Perth

When: 19 May 2009

5.30pm for a 5.45pm start, followed by refreshments

Cost: Free, but RSVP required by 15 May to Sarah Lau – sarahl@scitech.org.au