Annual General Meeting

Down To Earth (Victoria) Co-operative Society Ltd.

ABN 77 380 803 219

There are four positions on the Board to be filled at this AGM.
The six candidates standing for election have given the statements below in support of their application.

Candidate Statements 

    Susan Helson

I would like to thank those who have supported me during the past few years, I have learnt a great deal and have more to learn. I have really enjoyed my term as Director of DTE, it has given me an opportunity to give back to this wonderful organisation in a meaningful way.

My main objectives, if successful in this election, will include but not be limited to:
* Together with our amazing members and volunteers, I look forward to putting all my energy into a successful CONFEST 2023
* Making site access available to members and volunteers to help maintain both our properties all year round.
* Working with our Community to run more than one gathering a year at both Bylands and Woorooma.
* Taking on board suggestions from our Community and assisting in whatever way I can to support their ideas.

Lastly I would just like to say, let’s as a whole Community get back to what we love, CONFEST!!!

Cheers Suzie❤️

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  Gary Lasky

As a director over the past 2 years, I am hoping that our core values can be reached. I hope to help members return to the core values (people, honesty, truth and respect) and focus on what this organisation is about-CONFEST. Having attended Confest for over 30 years, volunteering in numerous different areas, I have always looked forward to both Easter and New Year festivals. I have been attending Zoom meetings over the past few years listening 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.

If you permit me to rejoin the Board I will try to ensure the focus and direction of DTE is reinstated and we return to our core values.

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  Malcolm Matthews

I believe the role of a director is defined in DTE rules and the CNL legislation.The role of a director is to understand the four standing committees and work with these committees. There needs to be a better reporting system between the Board and these committees.
My main areas of interest are;
Emergency services including:
fire services, first aid, emergency medical, and communications,
Financial services
including debit cards, xero accounting system, dext application for receipts, and financial reporting system.I plan to work on improving the listing of DTE assets, improving financial reporting to the standard committees of the Board.I will continue to hold workshop nights on the third Thursday of each month to give members a forum to discuss ideas without the formal structure of a meeting.Since I have been a member of DTE I have done the following:
Improved the Firefighting equipment and service to a standard that has not been changed. I was a member of a group the starting setting up and using Xero accounting software.
I implemented the debit card systemI was part of the original committee that formed Fincom, trial of using the Dext app.

I look forward for your support.

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   Lance Nash

I have experience with groups running festivals, including ConFest, and other events. I also have qualifications and experience in OH&S and Corporate Governance. I seek to use what skills I have to accomplish the following.

• To assist in the return of ConFest as DTE’s main task in a sustainable and responsible fashion.
• Foster engagement with the broader membership, volunteers and ConFesters through a regular Newsletter and coordinated publicity, seeking their input.

• With the other Directors ensure that Board processes are transparent and open to members and that Directors are accountable for their responsibilities.
• Investigate alternative income streams from use of DTE’s properties and running events other than ConFest.
• Investigate means of developing DTE properties and activities to operate in an environmentally responsible fashion.
• Examine our rules and relevant legislation, particularly regarding the relationship between the Board and its Committees, and ensure we meet current requirements.
• Review the development of the complaints process and seek ways in which the Co-op can reduce the number of complaints while ensuring that all parties to disputes are treated fairly.
• Assist in ensuring DTE’s accounts are prepared accurately and are transparent.

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    Shardae Reed

I'm nominating myself to stand as a director of the DTE cooperative to provide additional representation and support for members and facilitators in my age bracket. I foresee my involvement to be largely observational with my 10 years experience in different areas and roles within the organisation as the foundation. The opportunity to contribute my time and energy in this role is one that I take with personal integrity- in full awareness that an in-depth understanding and familiarity of the organisation, reliability and ability (and dedication) to positively communicate across many platforms to all our members is absolutely crucial to the role
Regards and thanks! Shardae

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  Simon von Shearing

Thank you for considering me for the available position as a Director.

While I have minimal experience in the organisation and running of Confest or other such events, I am well aware of the intentions of Confest and what this beautiful and unique event is for so many, and this is where I wish to offer my unique input where it may be required.

I have many years experience managing in retail stores, I'm presently a volunteer firefighter with the SA CFS holding the rank of Lieutenant and I would call myself a "people person". All this, plus other life experiences, has given me exposure to team leadership scenarios over a vast level of intensities, and a requirement of broad “emotional tact”. While I understand that as a DTE Director we are not an “authority” by any means, Directors are looked upon as people of deep understanding of how things function and expected to “lead” by example. I, to use a horrible cliché, am a proud “team player”, however I do have a firm sense of self and I pride myself on my strong moral standing while being very open and understanding of others as individuals.

Thanks again, Simon.
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     Peter Tippett

Confest is in trouble and so is Down to Earth. If you are unaware of what the issues are then I ask you not to vote as the odds are your vote will only help those that are literally selling out Confest.

Please do not vote on what you have been told by others without confirmation of the issues at hand and the personalities involved. Please inform yourself from multiple sources before you vote. We have seen what happens elsewhere when people fail to do so.

You may know me from my efforts to get DTE meetings online, or my contribution to support DTEs meeting process and IT needs. I have attended over 200 DTE meetings over the last 7 years and I have provided assistance to anyone that asks.

Should I be elected, I will focus my work to improve communication between the board, committees, members as well as volunteers so that we can all have Confest and related events well into the future. I intend to be contactable, approachable, transparent, and honest while performing my duties as a director for DTE should I have your support and be elected.

Thank you.

Peter Tippett

0438768500 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

~ End of Candidate List ~