We made it – 2021 is finally here!
Welcome to the first eNews of 2021, which coincides with the beginning of Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program. State divisions were already able to meet up in person for end-of-year events; the vaccine program lends further hope to those of us missing in-person conferences and workshops!
Welcome too to our new Professional Members –- Lucy Tedder, Kim Barrett, Wendy Reade, Samantha Shellard, Roberto Padoan, Kasi Albert and Carolyn McLennan. If you’re interested in becoming a Professional Member, see our website for further information. The next round of applications closes on 27 April. Many thanks to Sandi Mitchell and the Professional Membership Committee for managing this important function of AICCM.
There are already many plans afoot for the year ahead, two of which are coming up soon: the first of the ‘10 Agents over 10 Months’ series from the Preventive SIG (25 March, Zoom) and a talk by Professor Debra Hess Norris organised by the Book and Paper SIG (27 March, also on Zoom). The Paintings and Electron SIGs are also hoping to host events later in the year.
Through the work of our members, AICCM has recently had the opportunity to comment on and lend support to a draft Australian Standard Facilities Report (in development through AMaGA), participate in Blue Shield meetings, discuss a review of the Preservation Needs Assessment template with the National Library of Australia, and much more. Special thanks to our Bulletin editor Nicole Tse and her new editorial committee; Volume 41.1 should be in the post (if it hasn’t arrived already) and Volume 41.2 is in production. The Bulletin is going from strength to strength and is a fantastic showcase for the work of Australian conservators – we are very lucky to have it and I’d encourage you all to contribute papers and add your expertise to our professional discourse.
National Council is planning our annual (and now inaccurately named) face-to-face meeting for late May, which will again be held virtually instead of in person. We’ll review our Business Plan and spend some time working towards the goals of our new Strategic Plan (2020–2025), including the formation of a fundraising and development committee.
A reminder that in 2020 we switched to a calendar year membership renewal system; renewal invoices were sent out late last year. If you haven’t received yours please contact the Secretariat. Or, if you haven’t been a member before and would like to support AICCM and its activities, please go to our membership page.
We know 2021 will still be a challenge but we are adapting to changing circumstances and embracing new opportunities as they arise – and, slowly but surely, meeting up again for in-person lectures, lab tours, meetings and workshops. (I don’t think I want to lose Zoom meetings entirely though, if only so I can keep seeing everyone else’s pets.) Thank you to our members for your continued support and involvement, and to the AICCM committees and SIGs who organise so many events and development opportunities for us all.
Best wishes for the year ahead!
Alice Cannon
AICCM President
28 February 2021