Retained board members: Kathy Ernst, Coral Larke, Troy Reid
Results for 2020 election: Elisa Brock, Susan Helson, Gary Lasky, Kate Sarah Shapiro
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Elisa Brock
It’s been a hard year on all of us, without a ConFest. However, I see a unique opportunity here to turn our attention to DTE’s structures and processes. It’s exciting to see some of this happening already – websites improved, receipts submitted, and policies written.
There’s room for so much more though. Our greatest wealth has never been from ticket sales, but in the hours our members and other ConFesters volunteer. I believe we can harness this energy so much better. It’s vital we protect each other from hostility and ensure everyone’s contributions are honoured. It’s time for a new culture of communication and cooperation.
Since my first ConFest in 1997, volunteering has been a central part of the experience for me. I started in the Hub Kitchen, and have since served on the Finance Committee, Governance and Statutory Compliance Committee, ConFest Committee, Organising Committee, and as Site Operations co-facilitator.
Besides DTE, I’ve served as Secretary of a housing cooperative managing 17 properties. I instituted reforms that revitalised our membership and returned the coop to a firm financial footing.
I hope to bring my experience, passion for ConFest, and knowledge of DTE operations to the role of DTE Board member.
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Susan Helson
A little bit of background for those whom I have yet to meet. I first attended Confest some 9 years ago, I fell in love with the atmosphere, understanding, friendships and non judgmental attitude of everyone. My husband Mark and I have always enjoyed lending a hand during working bees, setting up, packing down and working on front gate as well as the Hub, (now the Hive). I also volunteer with an awesome team, Fincom, as well as attending Fincom, CC and OC meetings on a regular basis.
ConFest has the amazing ability to unite different generations, all learning from one another’s skills, abilities and experiences. As a mother and grandmother I have experience in listening, caring and communicating.
Prior to retirement I was a Manager which involved team work and strategy development.
What motivated me to stand in this Director’s election was having an opportunity to work alongside a team with the passion to instigate change for fairness and transparency for all members of “OUR” Cooperative. I will listen to our members and ask that you trust me to have the best interests of Confest and DTE at all times.
Love Suzie❤
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Gary Lasky
Having been attending Confest for over 30 years, either as a volunteer at the gate welcoming new arrivals or helping at Fire as crew, or cleaning up before festivals, cooking down at arts, placing signs around the site, fixing/ decorating the front gate, hosing the road to stop the dust or various shifts on comms.
I have always looked forward to both Easter and New Year festivals.
I have been attending Zoom meetings this year to listen to the direction, planning, preparation and harmony I would expect as a member.
As a previous Director of a Corporate entity, also a Director of family businesses and Chairperson for over 10 years of my Body Corporate, I find that the organisation DTE has lost focus and direction.
The focus on Confest seems to have diminished, instead the various emotional and personal issues seem to be a priority for the Board/members and procedures that are designed to make this organisation hospitable are minimal.
As a Director I hope to return to the core values and focus on what this organisation is about. CONFEST.
It means leading and planning for the Future direction and allow the operational side to perform its duties.
That is why organisations have Boards to plan and Executives to deal with the daily operations.
If you permit me to join the Board I will try to ensure the focus and direction of DTE is reinstated and we return to our core values.
Thank You
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Kate Sarah Shapiro
When deciding whether to run again, I asked myself whether I bring skills, attributes and experience to the board that are 1) valuable to the board and 2) that would be missed. I’ve realised that I do.
The board is a tough environment. It needs people who are emotionally stable, reflective and who work well with other people. I am and I do. I am trustworthy with our significant assets and am incredibly dedicated to the co-operative.
I bring warmth and cohesion with business skills and accountability. I
am a bridge and when I’m missing, there is a difference. When I am on the board, DTE is a kinder place. I am re-standing because I believe I am needed on the board.
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