AGM Decisions and Developments
by Mary Meadows, Co-op Secretary

On Wednesday 23 November, Maple Street Co-op held its 2005 Annual General Meeting at the UpFront Club. It was well attended by 40 members and visitors, and ably facilitated by Director Leigh Findlay. Our last AGM minutes, Directors', Manager's and Auditor's reports as well as special resolutions were all approved and votes of thanks moved and seconded. Leigh advised that the Board has adopted the Carver Model of Policy Governance, and director Marc Kalifa outlined progress on the Co-op's renovations [see item below].

The meeting agreed to the changes to the Co-op Rules – one to reduce the maximum number of directors from 12 to nine, and the other to prevent staff members from standing as directors (there is provision for a staff member – or any member, for that matter) to attend Board meetings.

The final resolution approved was the transfer of UpFront Club operations to the Maple Street Co-operative [see separate report].

The appointment of auditor David Bromet was endorsed for 2005–2006. In addition, directors Marc Kalifa, Leigh Findlay and Kamala Alister were re-elected, and two new directors were elected: Pauline Rigby and Tony Woodhouse.

Pauline is a community development facilitator who has worked with refugees and the disabled. She has had a long association with the Northey Street City Farm in Brisbane and is writing the story of the community economic development surrounding its organic market. She is keen for us to develop our "international shopfront" via our website.

Tony is a long-time resident and director of the Cedarton Foresters Cooperative at Booroobin. A director of the UpFront Club until its transfer to Maple Street Co-op, Tony has been a key figure in Club operations in recent times. Indeed, he's put his heart and soul into the Club. He sees he can provide a key bridging role between Co-op and Club activities and would like to maintain some input into the Club's future and fulfil his long-term dreams for the Club.

All in all, it was a very smooth meeting, with relevant input from the floor. Afterwards, members mingled and enjoyed nibblies and drinks.

Our thanks to the UpFront Club and staff for making the venue available to us and for providing the welcome refreshments.

[From "Maple Street Co-op News", December 2005/January 2006; published by The Maple Street Co-operative Society Ltd, 37 Maple Street, Maleny, Qld 4552, Australia, tel (07) 5494 2088, email maplest.co-op@serv.net.au, website http://www.maplestreetco-op.com.au]