CMCA Statement (10) – Coronavirus/COVID-19 – IMPORTANT UPDATE 22 April 2020

On behalf of all directors, we again thank members for their continued support of the Club; and acknowledge the commitment you are still showing for doing the right thing – maintaining social distancing and abiding by all varying regulations set down by Federal, State and Territorian Governments.

Following a meeting of the CMCA Board of Directors yesterday, which was conducted remotely via Zoom technology, we wish to advise members of further developments – noting that the health and well-being of members, volunteers and staff of CMCA remains paramount and our first priority:

• In consultation with the organisers, it has been decided that the Christmas in July event in Mareeba, Qld will be cancelled this year – we thank all who have worked hard in preparation and we look forward to seeing this event back bigger and better in 2021.
• All chapter and SIG events are now suspended through till the end of August. Any decision on further events after this date will be forthcoming in due course, if required.
• The 35th National Rally scheduled for Gympie in late September has been postponed for twelve (12) months – all members who have registered and paid for fees will receive a refund in the coming weeks. We understand this is disappointing for some, however under the circumstances we were left with little choice. The organisation and costs that go into a rally greatly increase in the months leading up to the event and with current restrictions in place we cannot take the risk financially of cancelling it at shorter notice. We would like to greatly thank the rally manager and all coordinators and volunteers for their efforts thus far – contact will be made early next year seeking your continued support in various roles.
• ASIC has responded to our request for an extension to the time by which the AGM must be held – unfortunately, we have only been given an extra two months. After further advice from our solicitors, we will aim to hold our 2020 AGM in late November/early December to allow as much time as possible for current restrictions to be eased. The exact format, date and location are still to be determined and will be notified in due course.
• The current round of Director Elections will continue as planned – with nominations closing 12 noon Friday 5 June 2020. Information on the election process is featured in the May edition of The Wanderer and will also be available online when the magazine is released. Those elected will take up their positions, as normal, at the conclusion of the AGM later in the year. It is anticipated that both postal and electronic voting formats will be made available should nominations exceed the number of directors required.
• Given the later holding of the AGM and the instability currently occurring, the changeover of the financial end of year from a June 30 end to December 31 end has been delayed for at least twelve (12) months. This will mean that next year’s National Rally and AGM will again be held in the period from late September to early October 2021.
• The Strategic Planning usually undertaken by the Board at their March/April meeting was deferred to a more appropriate future date.

It may appear to some that a couple of these decisions are being made early, but as explained above, that is in the best overall interests of the Club to ensure further time, effort and dollars are not squandered unnecessarily. They are certainly not easy decisions to make, but the CMCA board and management are united in our efforts to represent the Club and its members in their overall best interests. Naturally, we all continue to look forward to the time when domestic travel is no longer banned – hopefully sooner rather than later.

We continue to communicate with Ken Tame and Associates to seek clarification and, in some cases, changes to their existing business as has previously been advised. We would also like to mention that if you do have an issue with your current insurance policy with KTA, we encourage you to contact them direct; or you are welcome to go through our CEO who will act on your behalf. We ask that you do not use social media to air personal grievances. 

Our promise to keep you as up to date as possible will not change – we will continue with our weekly statements and other methods of communication, as necessary. The board is due to meet again in early June – although we will meet earlier if necessary, should any urgent matters arise.

We must remain together in our actions to overcome COVID-19. Keep yourself and others safe and abide by all guidelines that have been established regarding essential travel, border restrictions, closures, self- isolation and social distancing. For details on when and how to seek medical advice/treatment and for more information please refer to https://www.health.gov.au/ or download the Coronavirus Australia app.

Thank you for your patience and understanding in all matters.

Kim Atkinson        Richard Barwick

Chairman              Chief Executive Officer

Please view the PDF HERE. 

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