Officer Training Unit Association INC A0056551B
National AGM 22 Page 1
OTU ASSOCIATION INC
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held
In the
RACV Business Centre, Bourke St, Melbourne
And
By Zoom Video Link
1447hr
Wednesday 7th September 2022
Minutes
Frank Miller welcomed the participants to the National AGM, and reiterated the aims and objectives of the OTU Association, which are as follows:
Promotion, maintenance, and fostering of fellowship between members.
To preserve and maintain interest in OTU, its properties, traditions and memorabilia within the civilian and military communities.
To preserve the memory of those Members who have suffered , died or been injured in the course of their duty to Australia, and
To promote youth leadership and development training in order to provide a life enhancing opportunity to young Australians.
1. ATTENDANCE
1.1 Present
1.1.1 RACV Club Business Centre
Ian Kelly and Bernie Gleeson.
1.1.2 Zoom Video Link
Frank Miller, Brian Cooper, Harry Moyle, Neil Leckie, Graeme, Chester, Alistair Pope, Rob Youl, Les Boag, Gary McKay, Peter Don, Kevin Dixon, Ted Greatorex, Peter Whitelaw and Rob Hirst. Officer Training Unit Association INC A0056551B
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1.2 Apologies
1.2.1 Apologies:
Gary Barker, Peter S Ford, and Gary Vial.
1.2.2 Apologies and nominating the Chairman, Frank Miller as proxy:
John Gratton, Ted Clark, Michael Hewitt-Gleeson, Wal Hall, Peter Hateley, Peter Moody, Rohan Allison, Mick Stone, Ian Mc Ewan, Ian Bloodworth, Robin Hunt, and Bob Lorschy
1.2.3 Apologies and nominating the Secretary, Bernie Gleeson as proxy:
Nick Callinan, Brian McCarthy, and Ken Grant.
The Secretary advised that a quorum had been achieved.
2. PREVIOUS MINUTES
The minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 8th September 2021, were circulated prior to the meeting.
That the minutes, be accepted as a true and correct record
Ian Kelly/Brian Cooper AGREED
3. REPORTS
3.1 Chairman’s Report (Frank Miller)
Frank Miller tabled the 2021-22 Chairman’s report. It is attached at Appendix 1.
That the Chairman’s Report be received
Frank Miller/Ian Kelly AGREED
3.2 Treasurer’s Report (Harry Moyle)
Harry Moyle presented his report as at 30th June 2022 as follows;
OTU National has ended the 2021/22 year in a sound financial position with net assets of $98,638 after generating a surplus of $4,253.
Annual membership subscriptions accounted for 97% of our revenue as there was no major income earning social events during the year, nor sales of memorabilia type items.
Our major expenditures were rebates to State Chapters ($12,700), Insurance ($3,510), Membership of NSAA ($3,130), Scheyvillian costs ($2,471) and Website Maintenance ($1,144). Officer Training Unit Association INC A0056551B
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The National Executive is forecasting that the coming National Reunion will incur costs and subsidies of between $20-30,000.
The OTU Association National Financial Statements, included at Appendix 2
That the Treasurer’s Report, be received
Harry Moyle/Brian Cooper AGREED
3.3 Membership Report (Graeme Chester)
Graeme Chester provided an update on the 30 June 2022 membership report as at 7 September, which is included at Appendix 3.
That the Membership Report be received:
Graeme Chester/Brian Cooper AGREED
3.4 Scheyvillian Editor’s Report (Neil Leckie)
The Scheyvillian Editor’s report is included at Appendix 4.
That the Scheyvillian Editor’s Report be received:
Neil Leckie/Brian Cooper AGREED
3.5 Webmaster (Ian Kelly)
Ian Kelly’s report is included at Appendix 5.
That the Webmaster’s Report be received
Ian Kelly/Rob Youl AGREED
3.6 QM (Peter Don)
Peter Don’s report, as at 6 September, is included at Appendix 6.
That the QM’s Report be received
Peter Don/Graeme Chester AGREED
3.6 Youth Leadership (Frank Miller)
Frank Miller noted that Youth Leadership activities had been limited by COVID restrictions over the last two and a half years, with timing adjustments required in some instances.
However it is anticipated that these activities will normalise by early 2023.
That the Chairman’s Youth Leadership Report be received
Frank Miller/Les Boag AGREED Officer Training Unit Association INC A0056551B
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4. STATE/TERRITORY REPORTS
State/Territory reports were presented, or previously forwarded by email. These reports are included at the following Appendices.
a. Appendix 7 – Queensland.
b. Appendix 8 – New South Wales.
c. Appendix 9 – Victoria.
d. Appendix 10 – Tasmania.
e. Appendix 11 – South Australia.
f. Appendix 12 – Australian Capital Territory.
5. GENERAL BUSINESS
a. National Reunion – October 2022
The Chairman advised that the organisation of the National Reunion was progressing well with over 320 at this stage attending the Dinner on the Friday night, and a similar number attending the BBQ Picnic on the Sunday, It is anticipated that the number attending will rise further will get closer to 400 when registration closes on 30 September.
He also noted that many Class Reunions on the Saturday are well under way with their planning.
b. Wind-Up National Association – June 2026
The Chairman advised that he had recently attended from a National Servicemen’s Association of Australia (NSAA) meeting where he learnt that the NSAA is intending to wind-up their activities at a national level around the same time as the OTU Association, however will continue in a less formal manner at State level.
The Chairman reiterated the reason for the OTU Association wind-up referring to what he called the ‘PROBUS phenomenon’ whereby clubs with large enthusiastic memberships cannot continue because they are unable to form committees of management to run them due to ageing.
The Chairman noted that the OTU Association National Executive still has much work to do on finalising a model on how the wind-up can be executed. It has to prepare a detailed plan as a basis on which to proceed, following on from the recent preliminary discussions.
One matter that has arisen is how the National Incorporated body may legally pass on funds to unincorporated State/Territory entities.
At the recent National Council Meeting in July, Brian Cooper undertook to prepare a paper on the wind-up, and on this particular financial matter is seeking legal advice which will be included in the paper when it is presented at the next National Council meeting.
Brian advised that he would produce a brief summary on what the National Executive was considering for the wind-up, and how we intend to go about it, for inclusion in the next edition of The Scheyvillian.. Officer Training Unit Association INC A0056551B
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6. ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS
All positions were declared vacant. Previous incumbent office bearers and members, having advised prior to the meeting they we’re happy to continue in their roles, were re-elected.
A nomination for a member position on the National Executive was received from Gary Vial, seconded by Brian Cooper. Gary was elected to the Executive by the Meeting.
The Secretary declared the following elected:
Chairman Frank Miller
Deputy Chairman Brian Cooper
Treasurer Harry Moyle
Secretary Bernie Gleeson
Youth Leadership Frank Miller
Membership Graeme Chester
Scheyvillian Neil Leckie
Webmaster Ian Kelly
QM Peter Don
Members Robin Hunt
Rob Youl
Alistair Pope
Gary Vial
7. MEETING CLOSURE
The Chairman closed the meeting and expressed his appreciation and thanks to attendees for their presence and valued input.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 1550hr.
Bernie Gleeson
Secretary
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Appendix:
1. Chairman’s Report.
2. Treasurer’s Financial Statements.
3. Membership Report
4. Scheyvillian Report.
5. Webmaster Report
6. QM Report.
7. Queensland State Report.
8. New South Wales State Report.
9. Victoria State Report.
10. Tasmania State Report.
11. South Australia State Report.
12. Australian Capital Territory Report.
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Appendix 1
OTU ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
NATIONAL CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2021-2022
The twelve months were again affected by the COVID pandemic with some states far more restricted than others. At the time of writing things are on the way to returning to normal but, due to the senior years of the membership, events and gatherings are being approached with caution. None the less several activities have resumed. Scheyvillians took part in the ANZAC Day Parade in a number of capital cities along with the associated “afters”. Regular monthly luncheons have also resumed.
The National Reunion, deferred in both 2020 and 2021, is now well on track for the forthcoming October. Indications are that there will be a strong turnout for both the dinner at the Hawkesbury Racing Club and the following BBQ at the Scheyville site.
A leasehold covering significant elements of Scheyville has been granted by the NSW Government to the Hunter ANZAC Memorial Limited (HAML) group. Their plans are to restore the former Gymnasium and Cadets’ Mess, along with two smaller nearby “Nissan” huts. These will house a museum dedicated to OTU as well as some of the Australian Armoured Vehicle Association’s tanks and APV’s. All of this is seen in a most positive light by the Association.
Planning is well in hand for the 2026 formal termination of the Association. Serious attention is being paid to the retention of memorabilia, records and all that will perpetuate the fine history of OTU Scheyville. Likewise, the financial aspect is also being carefully planned. Robin Hunt is looking after the collation of all the actions needed to bring this to a successful conclusion.
Our affiliation with the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia continues. Like our body, they are planning for a 2026 closure.
Nationally Youth Development opportunities were wound down to an extent due to the pandemic. The Lord and Lady Somers Camps, usually held in January, were delayed until the April school holidays. Scheyvillians were unable to visit and watch the young people in action this time due to the organisation’s COVID safety measures.
The Association’s finances remain in a robust state. Careful attention is being paid to the management of funds in readiness for the 2026 closure. We are grateful to Treasurer Harry Moyle for his fine expertise and guidance over the twelve months.
National Secretary, Bernie Gleeson has again made an excellent contribution through his management, coordination of meetings and excellent, accurate, record keeping.
Our thanks go again to Neil Leckie for his three fascinating editions of “The Scheyvillian”. It is always a great “read” and, as I have said previously, keenly appreciated by people in the broader military sphere. He has also been of great assistance in his liaison with the HAML group ensuring that all is done so that the OTU era of Scheyville is kept intact for later generations. Similarly, his ongoing work with the AWM and the RMC Museum has been outstanding. Officer Training Unit Association INC A0056551B
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Webmaster, Ian Kelly, has contributed much to the Association. His dissemination of information and improvement of the Website has been noteworthy. Significantly, his bringing the Executive and State Chapters together through Zoom has kept the National administration functioning most effectively. We are most grateful for his input and support.
Membership Officer Graeme Chester has once more carried out his task with diligence. It is with pride that we can report the Association membership maintained its commendable (and
high) levels of the past three years. In this day and age most organisations, due to COVID and general waning of interest, have seen their numbers decrease.
Quartermaster, Peter Don, has handled his portfolio with care and skill. Requests for, and stockholdings of, the different items have been managed with timely efficiency.
The counsel and advice given to the Association and to myself by Deputy Chairman, Brian Cooper, over the twelve months has been highly valued. Special mention is also made of his liaising with Melbourne’s RACV Club to provide a meeting venue for the National Executive as well as for Victorian Chapter luncheons.
The input from Robin Hunt, Alistair Pope and Rob Youl is also gratefully acknowledged.
We look forward with great confidence to the forthcoming twelve months.
Frank Miller.
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National Chairman
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Appendix 2
Regd.No.AOO56551B
Officer Training Unit Association Inc.
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENSES
| for the year ended 30June 2022 This Year |
Last Year |
| $ |
$ |
| INCOME |
| Subscriptions Received |
31,100.00 |
31,350.00 |
| Interest Received |
10.92 |
13.76 |
| Sales Q Store |
935.00 |
799.00 |
| Sales Coffee Table Books |
389.00 |
699.00 |
| Cost of Books Sold (302.80) (605.60) |
| TOTAL INCOME |
32,132.12 |
32,256.16 |
| EXPENSES |
| Donations |
1,500.00 |
484.26 |
| Filing Fees |
60.10 |
59.20 |
| General Expenses |
500.00 |
23.09 |
| Honorarium Scheyvillian (N. Leckie) |
600.00 |
600.00 |
| Insurance – General |
3,510.00 |
3,240.00 |
| Meeting Costs |
416.58 |
162.40 |
| Paypal Fees |
662.73 |
614.33 |
| Postage |
504.24 |
610.51 |
| Printing & Stationery |
45.00 |
36.00 |
| Q Store Stock & Postage |
375.30 |
517.30 |
| Rebates to State Chapters |
12,700.00 |
11,960.00 |
| Scheyvillian Costs |
2,471.00 |
1,953.60 |
| Subscription NSA |
3,130.00 |
2,136.00 |
| Subscription Toorak Services Club |
385.00 |
| Subsidies Class Reunions |
260.00 |
200.00 |
| Website Maintenance |
1,144.00 |
1,167.85 |
| TOTAL EXPENSES |
27,878.95 |
24,149.54 |
| SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) |
4,253.17 |
8,106.62 |
…