AIG PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2014-2015

President’s Report to the 2015 AIG Annual General Meeting, held 20 May 2015 at the Irish Club of WA, Subiaco WA.

Strong membership growth continued, increasing from 2900 members at the end of 2013 to 3181 at the end of 2014

Steady enrolment of members in  the Registered Professional Geoscientist programme.

AIG Council recognised the need for  provision of more efficient service delivery and communication and in 2014 worked towards the implementation of :

• Online membership renewal and profile system (nearing completion)
• appointment of a new editor for AIG News
• conversion of AIG News to a fully digital format

New initiatives launched during the year:

• Mentoring program initiated’ by the new  National Graduate Committee
• AIG continued to run employment surveys quarterly showing continued high unemployment and underemployment of members

AIG actively participated in areas of interest such as:

• Financial support to a realistic estimation of Australia’s Economically Recoverable Mineral Resources
• Uncover “Roadmap” on future directions for exploration geoscience research.

AIG has active branches in five states holding conferences, workshops and social events for members.  Access videos of technical presentations are being made available online.

Geoscience education remains a strong focus of AIG activities, principally through the AIG Bursary Program but also including support for TESEP and ESWA.

AIG was also actively involved in various national committees including:

• JORC Committee
• VALMIN Committee
• Australian Geoscience Council
• National Rock Garden Committee
• GSA Geotourism Committee
• IUGS Global Professionalism Task Group

Outstanding issues still needing to be addressed:

• Improve knowledge of members professional interests and fields of practice
• Establishment of technical and specialist groups

AIG remains in a healthy financial position.

Membership fees increased in 2015 in line with CPI to help fund improved administrative support for AIG activities.

Deferral of membership fees continues to be available to unemployed members.

AIG recognises the efforts of many enthusiastic and committed people who volunteer their time on Council and State Branch committees as well as donors and sponsor’s support of professional development courses and education assistance.

A copy of the presentation made by AIG President Wayne Spilsbury to the meeting is available here.