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Annual Reports
2006 Annual Report
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
On behalf of Council, I am pleased to report for the year ended 31st December, 2006.
This has been a very active year for The Society and my third year as President. The activities conducted by The Society are in large measure attributable to our hard working Council supported by our very able Executive Officer and her staff and volunteers.
A highlight of the year was the visit by His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Wednesday 15th March to attend our launch of RSV-INTREPID - The Society's two Antarctic Expeditions planned for Youth during The 4th International Polar Year (01 March 2007 - 01 March 2009).
We were greatly honoured to entertain His Royal Highness. The occasion was arranged to recall his visit to The Society on 3rd December 1956 (nearly 50 years ago) to launch a symposium entitled "Australia's part in The International Geophysical Year". He presented 23 ANARE men from Mawson's 1954/1955 wintering shore parties with The Polar Medal. Eight of those men were in attendance this time round.
The Duke was met by The Executive Officer, Camilla van Megen and myself who introduced him to those assembled in the Lecture Theatre. Captain Bill McAuley (Leader RSV-INTREPID) then spoke about The Society's plans for The 4th IPY. The Vice-President Assoc.Prof. Peter Thorne closed, but not before former President, Dr. Phillip Law (present in 1956) said a few words recognizing the occasion.
The reception was attended by Members of Council, the Co-Chairman of The IPY Joint Committee (Cambridge), representatives of The Antarctic Division, The Bureau of Meteorology, and a number of senior members of our scientific community including Fellows of both The Academy of Science and The Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.
HRH inspected a display of Antarctic artefacts including a Nansen sled and bell tent once used in Antarctica and expressed keen interest.
He chatted with the eight Polar Medallists (of the original 23 present in 1956), as well as a number of later Polar Medallists. The Society was able to screen a video message from Dr. Alf Howard, (almost 100), the sole survivor of Sir Douglas Mawson's 1929/31 BANZARE. The Prince requested that his best wishes be conveyed to Dr. Howard and took the opportunity to meet many of the guests before departing to open The 18th Commonwealth Games with Her Majesty that evening: his only other "official" function whilst in Melbourne.
It was an occasion to be remembered, made all the more memorable by Prince Philip's obvious interest in RSV-INTREPID, the display of Antarctic memorabilia, and the presence of so many of Australia’s early Polar Medallists.
Our plan to mount two expeditions to Antarctica (RSV-INTREPID) during the summers of 2007-08 and 2008-09 to provide an Education, Outreach and Communication programme for 100 year 11 students and their science mentors has captured the interest of the community. This project, which received official endorsement from The International Polar Year Joint Committee in Cambridge is very much alive. Thanks go to Capt. Pearce for his assistance in providing the administrative architecture for the planning required to administer RSV-INTREPID. As a result of the approach made to The Government of Victoria's Department of Education and Training, $25,000.00 has been provided to employ a Project Manager to develop a business plan. We are most thankful to Mr. Cook and Dr. Dawkins. Following representations made to The Federal Treasurer, The Hon. Peter Costello, our plans for the expedition were forwarded to Canberra for consideration. We remain hopeful; I wish to thank Capt. Bill McAuley (Honorary Treasurer, Vice-President Elect and Leader of RSV-INTREPID) for his relentless energy, drive and commitment to raising INTREPID and to those Members assisting him. I would also like to make mention of the valuable contribution made by Mr. David Dodd and Treasurer-Elect, Lt. Col. Richard Lightfoot.
We are extremely grateful to our sponsors which are listed under Acknowledgements.
In April The Governor, Professor David de Kretser, AC accepted our invitation to become Patron of The Society. His first visit in that capacity was to present our Research Medal to Prof. Sam Berkovic AO, MD, FRACP, FAA. We are fortunate in having a Patron with a keen interest in science, education and youth, and we look forward to his attendance at future activities.
The Proceedings are central to our function and I am most appreciative of the contribution made by our Honorary Editor, Mr. Basil Walby. With our Proceedings reporting the two conferences held in 2004 and 2005 on water management along The Murray (addressing The Barmah Forest 'choke' and problems of water management in The Mallee) The Society is clearly making an important and timely contribution to matters of importance affecting the broader community.
The publishing initiative that was tested over 2005-6 was well received by Members. VAST which has highlighted the scientific contribution of Members, (past and present), had to be put on hold, but I hope will recommence in the coming year. I wish to thank Mr. Craig Robertson and Dr. Doug McCann for producing this most interesting and informative newsletter.
The Society is very grateful to Dr. Phillip Law for donating his polar library. This library, together with The Late Prof. Neil Archbold’s collection will be managed for us by Deakin University at Burwood.
I am delighted that so many of you have been regular attendees each month and can promise you an equally interesting program this year.
Our historic building is, I am sure you will agree, a delightful address for our meetings. Fortunately other groups think likewise and have been booking it heavily. Due to the active promotion of our premises by The Executive Officer and Caretaker we have increased bookings greatly. This activity is essential to our survival as our assets require continual maintenance. A sinking fund has been established with the earnings earmarked for regular maintenance. Our plans (approved by Heritage Victoria) to provide a basement Exploration Museum will allow us to house our historic artefacts. The external restoration remains to be undertaken subject to finance. Funding applications to both The Federal and State Governments and The City of Melbourne were unsuccessful. However, I can report that we are half way there due to the very generous donation received from The Vera Moore Foundation. I hope it is the case of the cup being half full rather than half empty. I encourage you to dig deep and consider contributing the other half. All donations and bequests to The Society are 100% tax deductible. It is up to Members to see that our historic building continues to provide a suitable venue for our meetings. Thanks are due The Executive Officer, Camilla van Megen for her tireless efforts at fundraising and drawing public attention to the state of the premises and to our builder, Mr. Alan Lugton for his commitment and oversight over the past 13 years.
A most successful meeting was held in May when we gathered to listen to presentations by applicants for our new Postgraduate Student Prizes. Two categories were recognized. Biological Sciences winner (Ms Prue Ann Cowin of Monash University) and Physical Sciences winner (Miss Denise Rita Fernando, The University of Melbourne). The standard was impressive and we intend to expand this activity to provide more categories. I would like to thank the students who participated (and in doing so became welcome Members). Thanks must go to Prof. Lynne Selwood for overseeing this great initiative.
In November The Society hosted the 3rd convention of The Royal Societies of Australia. Representatives attended from New South Wales and Victoria with apologies from Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. It was agreed that there was great benefit to be obtained by continuing with these meetings.
I am greatly indebted to my fellow Councillors for their generous contribution to The Society. I wish to note our retiring Members of Council: The Society is very thankful to Em. Prof. Jim Warren for serving as Secretary for 12 years. Dr. Peter Baines contributed numerous ideas and suggestions to boost our scientific program. Special thanks go to Em.Prof. Nancy Millis who not only attempted to keep Council discussions to the point and its aims within reality, but provided invaluable advice on numerous occasions. Those of you who were present and witnessed Nancy’s superb iron-fisted chairmanship of our Forum on Channel Deepening will attest to her wit, scientific knowledge and ability to cut to the essentials. Nancy, you will prove to be a very hard act to follow!
A Memorial Symposium to honour our Immediate Past President, Professor Neil Archbold was conducted by The Society on 24th November and attended by over 75 registrants. The excursion to Archbold’s historic Gold Treatment Works at Chewton was an outstanding success. I would like to thank all those who attended and made this such a memorable occasion. The findings will be published as a Special Issue of The Proceedings. The launch of both Prof. Archbold’s and The Society’s Library at Deakin University, Burwood (a dream come true) was initiated by Neil during his term as President. Thanks go to Prof. Guang Shi, Dr. Doug McCann, Ms Sue Hodges (for the video) and Chief Librarian, Ms Anne Horn for organizing this. On behalf of The Society I would like to thank Neil’s widow Linda for making his personal library available to The Society. A most enjoyable dinner was held in The Kelvin Club during which guests recollected their association with Neil – a fitting wake to a lost friend, academic and gentleman.
2005 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The 151st Annual General Meeting was convened 9th March, 2006, prior to The Ordinary Meeting.
. The Officers and Councillors elected at the Ordinary Meeting held on 8th December, 2005 were inducted for 2006.
. The Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2005 were received and adopted.
. Mrs. Marianne Kovassy, M.Acc, CPA, AAIM, was re-appointed Honorary Auditor.
FUNDRAISING
The Society records its deep appreciation to The Vera Moore Foundation for its most generous donation in the sum of $250,000.00 earmarked for the exterior restoration of The Society’s building. Both The President, Dr. Livett and President-Elect, Dr. Burrows each donated $10,000.00 toward RSV-INTREPID. Our Immediate Past-President’s widow, Mrs. Linda Archbold generously donated $15,000.00 in memory of The Late Professor Neil Archbold.
The Society also acknowledges the following 112 Members for their singular generosity (post-nominals omitted) :
Dr. Leonard R. Allen Mr. Mark J. Hocking Mr. George Pinches
Mr. Peter F.B. Alsop Mr. Peter W. Holbeach Lady Primrose Potter
Mr. Donald W. Berryman Mr. Henry R. Holmes Dr. H.R. Clive Pratt
Dr. William D. Birch Mr. John P. Hulskamp Dr. F.James Reid
Mr. David T. Bowd Mrs. Yvonne J. Hurley Mr. Harold C. Richards
Mr. Kenneth W. Bradley Mr. John B. Jack Mr. Martin Riley
Dr. Noel M. Cass Dr. J. Vaughan Johnson Mr. Alexander D. Robb
Mr. David F. Chidgey The Hon. Barry O. Jones Mr. James N. Rowan
Mr. Leon F. Costermans Mr. Robert M. Joy Mr. Lindsay I. Royston
Mr. Ian Crane Dr. Melinda Kemp Dr. Noel W. Schleiger
Dr. Leslie G. Dale Prof. A. Peter Kershaw Prof. Graeme C. Schofield
Dr. Michael B. Dale Mr. Neil R. Kinnane Mrs. Judith Scurfield
Mr. Alan H. Davis Lt.Col. Richard M. Lightfoot Mr. R. G. Seecamp
Mr. Jan G. de Boer Mrs. Elizabeth R. Lightfoot Prof. Lynne Selwood
Mr. J. Keith Dempster Mr. Richard A. Lodder Mr. Will P. Semler
Dr. William T. Denholm Dr. Brian S. Malone Mr. Robert D. Semmens
Mr. John Don Dr. Richard Manasseh Mr. Timothy J. Sharp
Dr. Christopher J.I. Driver Capt. William J.W. McAuley Dr. John E. Sherwood
Mr. Gregory C. Eccleston Dr. Timothy F. McConachy Mr. John Spencer
Ms Carol P. Ely Mr. James W. McConville Mr. Fritz A.J. Suendermann
Dr. Rod Esdaile Mr. G.T. McCrorie Mr. William J. Thompson
Dr. Don M. Ewart Mr. Ian R. Michaelson A/Prof. Peter G. Thorne
Mr. G. Farmer Em.Prof. Nancy F. Millis Mrs. Lyn M. Treadwell
Dr. Joe L. Feldman Mr. Wallace W. Mobilia Mr. Ronald H. Tripp
Miss Rebecca Feldman Dr. Thomas Mole Mr. Ewen W. Tyler
Mr. William G. Fenner Ms Colleen Morris Mr. Alfons H.M. Vandenberg
Mr. Leonard E. Fielding Dr. Trevor C. Morton Dr. Ben M. Wadham
Dr. Lance Finch Dr. Geoffrey Mottershead Mr. Jack C. Wallis
A/Prof. Brian Finlayson Sir Laurence Muir Em.Prof. James W. Warren
Mr. Robert J. Foster Mrs. Elaine P. Muir Mr. Eric K. Webb
Mr. Ross J. Gardiner Ms Hannah H. Nair Mr. Norm J. West
Mr. David I. Gibbs Mr. John W. Nairn Mr. Mark Williams
Mrs. Jane M.C. Gower Mr. Duke W.M. Paine Mrs. Voi M. Williams
Mr. Andrew D. Grummet Mr. Frank Papa Mr. Maurice E. Wills
Dr. Lucian Gruner Sir Arvi Parbo Mr. A.M.N. Winkelman
Mr. Roy T. Hardcastle Ms Shaarn K. Pateman Mr. Ian R. Young
Dr. H.J. Harrington Mr. Richard Piatek Dr. John W. Zillman
Donations to The Society were up 369% on 2005 : totalling $277,271.00.
OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDRAISING $
Cellar Wine Sales 794.00
Government Grants 10,000.00 (publication of The Proceedings)
The Geological Society of Australia 500.00
Post-Graduate Student Prize Donations 2,200.00
Think of The Society when arranging your affairs. It enjoys 100% tax exemption and needs your support to maintain its science programme which is devoted entirely pro bono to The Community at large.
This institution is privileged in being the only Royal Society in Australia that owns its own home, and through The Executive Officer’s persistent efforts, is in high demand. Think of The RSV and direct others to its web page for images of the elegant facilities that are available for hire.
Restoration of the exterior continues . Please think of The Society when considering any bequest.
Corporate membership is welcome, but as a Member you are reminded that you’re able to nominate others.
W.J.W. McAuley
Hon. Treasurer
THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF VICTORIA FOUNDATION ASSISTING THE PROMOTION AND ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LIMITED (RSVF - APAST)
The inaugural meeting was conducted on Wednesday, 26th October, 2005. Eleven Board Members were in attendance.
Prof. Neil Archbold )
Assoc.Prof. Bruce Livett )
Prof. John Lovering )
Capt. Bill McAuley ) RSV Councillors
Em.Prof. Nancy Millis )
Assoc.Prof. Peter Thorne )
Em.Prof. Jim Warren )
Mr. Logan Armstrong (Chairman) )
Sir Andrew Grimwade ) Eminent Non-RSV Councillors
Mrs. Caroline McGlashan )
Lady Primrose Potter )
Mr. Darrell Jackson tendered his apologies.
Five distinguished citizens agreed to act as Patron:
Prof. Suzanne Cory
Sir Peter Derham
Laureate Prof. Peter Doherty
Dr. Phillip Law
Prof.Em. Sir Gustav Nossal
The Foundation is a company limited by guarantee and has the general aim of directly assisting The Society in fulfilling its charter in respect of the promotion and advancement of Science and Technology.
The Chairman concluded the inaugural meeting by remarking on opportunities ahead and suggested that success lay within The Foundation’s grasp notwithstanding the ambitious scope of its development strategy. The period 26th October 2005 – 31st December 2006 has been punctuated by much activity.
Good people are hard to find and often very hard to replace. However, The Foundation continued its work apace, meeting on nine occasions and resolving to adopt RSV-INTREPID as the number-one priority for fundraising.
J.W.L. Armstrong
Chairman
2006 PROGRAMME
The Society continued its programme of evening lectures (the second Thursday each month March to December). These are free to Members and guests, and cover topics that span most areas of science, with the opportunity offered to converse with the speakers over dinner. These lectures were of very high quality with most speakers recognised as experts in their field. Audiences were near capacity, with seating in the Library to cope with the overflow on occasion. The speakers and topics (below), and the abstracts are available on The Society’s web page. Addresses included the discovery of “Hobbit Man” on The Indonesian Island of Flores, the early history of computers in The CSIRO, and presentations on biology and the earth sciences which included the threat of a bird flu pandemic, butterfly conservation, the effects of alcohol during pregnancy, the biology of human epilepsy, the weather and climate of Antarctica, the nature of stromatolites, the origin of jawed fish, and the possibilities for uranium occurrence in Victoria.
In addition, the following five special sessions were conducted.
1. The Royal Society of Victoria and Geological Society of Australia Inc. (Victoria Division) A. W. Howitt Lecture
The third such lecture entitled “The Zealandia Orogen, a New Unit in The Tasman Orogenic System” was given by Dr. H.J. Harrington, FRSV, F.Geol.Soc.Aust. (Former Member The Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology & Geophysics) on 29th June which provided a novel perspective on the geology of The Tasman Sea region, and associated domains in both Australia and New Zealand.
2. The Royal Historical Society of Victoria and The Royal Society of Victoria lecture entitled “Ferdinand von Mueller” was presented by Emeritus Professor Rod Home, History and Philosophy of Science, The University of Melbourne on 27th July.
3. The Royal Historical Society of Victoria and The Royal Society of Victoria lecture entitled “Melbourne’s Past, Melbourne’s Future; using Past Outcomes to Shape our Future” was presented by Professor Kevin O’Connor, The Faculty of Architecture, The University of Melbourne on 31st August.
4. A Memorial Symposium for Professor Neil W. Archbold was conducted 24th November. Seventeen addresses covered a range of topics that were of great interest to The Late Professor Archbold. Aside from Permian brachiopods, these included the history of clay pottery in England, Bronze Age crucibles from Egypt and Mesopotamia, South-West Victoria’s estuaries – their evolution and environmental management, Captain Eugene de Hautpick – a Russian ghost in Australian mining and geological history and Baron Sir Ferdinand von Mueller and his contribution to the natural history of Victoria. An excursion to Central Victoria conducted 25th November, visited sites at Chewton, Castlemaine and Bacchus Marsh which were of particular geological and palaeontological interest to Prof. Archbold.
5. J.E. Cummins OBE Memorial Oration was held 26th October, and addressed by Dr. Alan Finkel, AM whose topic was “An Engineer’s Insight Into the Electrical Activity of the Brain”.
2006 LECTURE SERIES
9 March Prof. Ian Gust, Director, WHO Collaborating Centre for Influenza Reference & Research
“AVIAN INFLUENZA – A PANDEMIC THREAT”
13 April Prof. Colin Groves, School of Archaeology & Anthropology,
The Australian National University
“THE DISCOVERY OF FLORES HUMANS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS”
11 May Assoc. Prof. Peter Thorne, Vice-President, The Society
“CSIRACASAURUS: FROM FRIST IN FIELD TO FÊTED FOSSIL”
8 June Prof. Timothy R. New, Chair, The Department of Zoology, La Trobe University
“DESIGNING AND IMPLEMENTING AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION”
13 July Assoc. Prof. Sandra Rees, The Department of Anatomy, The University of Melbourne
“BRAIN DEVELOPMENT – THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL, INFECTION OR LACK OF OXYGEN DURING PREGNANCY”
10 August Dr. Neil Adams, Regional Manager Antarctic Meteorological Section, Tasmania and Antarctica Region, Bureau of Meteorology, Hobart
“ANTARCTICA – THE CLIMATE, THE WEATHER AND THE BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY”
14 September Prof. John Long, Head of Sciences, Museum Victoria
“THE ORIGIN OF JAWED FISH; NEW GONDWANA DISCOVERIES”
12 October RSA 2005 Eureka Winner – Dr. Brendan Burns, The University of NSW, School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences & Australian Centre for Astrobiology
“THE LIVING ROCKS OF AUSTRALIA: A WINDOW TO OUR PAST”
9 November Dr. Bill Birch, AM, Museum Victoria (RSV Councillor)
“URANIUM; MARVELLOUS OR MENACE - A VICTORIAN PERSPECTIVE”
14 December Prof. Sam F. Berkovic, AO, MD, FRACP, FAA
The Royal Society of Victoria 2006 Medal Lecture (Human Health or Medical
Sciences (Human)
Epilepsy Research Centre, University of Melbourne, Austin Health
”THE BIOLOGY OF HUMAN EPILEPSY: A TWIN POWERED APPROACH”
THE RESEARCH MEDAL FOR 2006
The 42nd Award of The Society's Medal for Scientific Research (The Royal Society of Victoria Research Medal) was awarded to Professor Samuel F. Berkovic, AO, MD, FRACP, FAA. The presentation to Prof. Berkovic was made by The Society’s Patron, Prof. David De Kretser, AC, Governor of Victoria on 14th December, 2006.
STUDY GRANTS
Post-Graduate Student Prizes in The Physical and Biological Sciences:
The six candidates gave really interesting presentations to The Society on Tuesday 15th August as part of Science Week. The Prizes were funded by donations from Members and contributions from The E.D. Gill Memorial Fund. The awards were judged by Em.Professor Nancy Millis, Assoc. Professor Sandra Rees (Biological), Professor Fred Smith and Dr. Bill Birch (Physical) with The President, Assoc. Professor Bruce Livett acting as Moderator. The hard working judges retired briefly to finalize their judgments, so that the winners could be announced on the night.
The winner of the Prize in Biological Sciences was Ms Prue Ann Cowin (Monash University) with an excellent address on “Formation of human prostate tissue from human embryonic stem cells in vivo” in which she described a novel in vitro model of human prostate tissue. The development of this model will allow testing of potential candidate molecules that might cause prostate cancer and also facilitate development of treatment.
The winner of the Prize in Physical Sciences was Miss Denise Rita Fernando (University of Melbourne) with an equally excellent address on “The Spatial Distribution of Foliar Mn hyperaccumulated by the Australian Tree (Gossi bidwilli)” in which she outlined that pattern of accumulation of manganese in a Queensland tree. The pattern was unusual in that the Mn accumulates in close proximity to photosynthetic regions of the plant. Accumulations occur at such levels that establishing plantations of this tree for harvesting would provide a viable source of Mn.
Attending this evening was a great pleasure. To hear such excellent and diverse papers from a group of committed young scientists provided a fantastic evening of entertainment for any person interested in science. The start to the Postgraduate Student Prizes is an auspicious beginning and promises well for the future of The Society. The candidates signed the The Historic Members’ Register together at the Ordinary Meeting in September.
Lynne Selwood
Councillor
MEMBERSHIP 2006
Elected 182
Transfer to Life Membership 0
Transfer to Life Membership (Honoris Causa) 0
Resignation 15
Death 7
Removed from Register (failure to pay subscription) 9
Total 789
Corporate
Australian Delphi User Group Inc.
Davies Collison Cave
School of Philosophy (Melb) Inc.
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
VALE
The following are recorded with deep sympathy and regret:
Prof. Neil W. Archbold
Mrs. Eleanor Grace Balding
Mr. John L. Bishop
Mrs. Lois Loftus-Hills
Dr. Alan J.W. Moore
Mr. Edward W. Saunders
Mr. Harry W.E. Weatherley
PROCEEDINGS
Members will have noticed that the structure of The Society’s Journal has been evolving over the past few issues. We are tending to produce one routine issue each year and one that contains the proceedings of a conference or seminar dedicated to a topic of particular significance to readers. The 2006 issue (Volume 118) follows this pattern. The first issue, a routine one, was distributed in November 2006. The second issue, a special one, devoted to papers on The Victorian Mallee (presented in Mildura in September 2005) will be available in the autumn of 2007.
Editorial changes are in hand to ensure that delays in publication are minimised in future with the appointment of a Managing Editor to assist the Honorary Editor with the processing of contributions to The Proceedings. I thank Mr. Craig Robertson for his work in this capacity and welcome Dr. Elizabeth Weldon as his successor in 2007.
Basil Walby
Honorary Editor
LIBRARY
1. Background
For over 150 years The Society has received material “on exchange” on subjects including biology, zoology, geology and natural history from hundreds of learned societies, academies of science, and other scientific institutions worldwide. Serials make up the greater part of the collection. Since 2000 most of The Library has been housed as a special collection at Deakin University’s, Melbourne Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood.
A minor portion of our Library, consisting mainly of older periodicals and proceedings of allied Royal Societies from around Australia is still housed in The Society at 9 Victoria Street. Some general books, rare books and ephemera are also housed at 9 Victoria Street.
In June 2000 Deakin University entered into a five year agreement with The Society to house and catalogue our most valuable collection. The cataloguing project at Deakin began in September 2002 and was finished by the end of 2003. This process identified some 1,385 titles, mostly serials, with the number of individual items running to several thousands. It is estimated that at least 35% of the material held in this collection is unique to Australia. The catalogue for The Society’s Library at Deakin is now accessible on-line via Deakin University Library’s web-site (www.deakin.edu.au/library).
Access to our collection is available by appointment and inter-library loans and photocopying facilities are available. It is recommended that anyone wishing to access hard-copy should make an appointment with Mrs. Brackenridge (Tel: 9244 3894. Email: libby.brackenridge@deakin.edu.au). Usually 24 hours notice is required to allow the librarians to check if the required material is available.
In 2006 there continued to be a steady demand for our Collection at Deakin. There is ongoing demand for interlibrary loans and for direct access to hardcopy, often by PhD students. Deakin librarians report that there is a growing recognition within and without The University of the importance of our library at Deakin.
2. Launch of The Society’s Library at Deakin University, 23rd November 2006
This was launched as a ‘Special Collection’ at Deakin University, Burwood and was held in conjunction with The Neil W. Archbold Memorial Symposium and included an exhibition commemorating the significant contribution made by Neil to the development of The Society’s Library. The launch acknowledged The Society’s role in providing access to its library material to scholars within Australia and overseas.
Addresses were given by Ms Anne Horn, University Librarian; Assoc.Professor Bruce Livett (President), Professor David Stokes, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research); Em.Professor Jim Warren, (Councillor). Thanks are due to Deakin University Library Staff and Sue Hodges Productions for organising the exhibition. The launch was a memorable occasion.
Members of The Society, local and foreign scholars, the general community, and the staff and students of Deakin University are welcome to visit Deakin’s Library and access The Society’s valuable and unique collection.
3. Processing of library material
From December 2006 all processing of The Society’s library which was formerly carried out at Deakin University Burwood is to be handled by Janine Epps (Collection Manager, Acquisitions) Deakin University Waterfront Library, Geelong. The material will be then returned to Burwood and housed as The Royal Society of Victoria’s Collection. Any new exchange material will be sent to the Waterfront Library each month by internal mail. This is deemed necessary due to a restructuring of Deakin’s Library and a transfer of activities and staff to Geelong.
It should be emphasised that ownership of our material at Deakin vests and will remain with The Royal Society of Victoria
Doug McCann
Honorary Librarian
THE HALL
It is pleasing to note that numerous organisations conducted over 300 meetings during the year. This result is directly attributable to the promotional efforts of our Executive Officer, Ms van Megen and Mr. McArthur, The Society’s Caretaker. In addition to the aforementioned, The Society hosted a variety of other like-minded bodies, which, without pro bono support would almost certainly wither on the vine.
METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVING SITE
The Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology continues its lease.
CITY OF MELBOURNE
The Council wishes to acknowledge with gratitude the continued maintenance and refurbishment of the grounds of The Society as part of The City of Melbourne's open space system.
TREASURY
The Society’s accounts (as at 31st December 2006) comprising its Balance Sheet, Statement of Income and Expenditure, and Schedule of Investments have been audited and confirmed by Mrs. Kovassy, as The Society’s Honorary Auditor; both she and The Society’s Administration Officer, Ms Haslam (who prepared the accounts) deserve credit.
1. BALANCE SHEET
The reporting period (1st January – 31st December 2006) saw Total Members Funds increase by $177,828.00, whilst Total Current Assets increased by $185,246.00. Total Fixed Assets remained fairly static at $282,398.00. Total Investments (at cost) decreased ever so little by $4,176.00 to $131,671.00. Total Assets increased by $186,908.00 to $958,118.00. Total Current Liabilities stand at $46,957.00 showing a rise of $12,079.00 over last financial year.
Cash funds have been re-classified. The overall increase is due to $250,000.00 being received from The Vera Moore Foundation as a donation.
Shares (at market value) are quoted according to their portfolio valuation provided by BT Financial Group.
Books on hand
(shown as Stock – publications) are stated at cost. A planned stocktake should reveal a more realistic value.
Replacement furniture and office equipment was acquired during the reporting period to meet forecast demand.
The reduction in Subscriptions and Hall Hire (in advance) is due to a proportion of Member’s accounts remaining to be forwarded prior to the close of The Society’s financial year (i.e. 31st December).
2. STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE
A REVENUE
1. Donations rose by almost 370% to nearly $280,000.00 due mainly to the generosity of The Vera Moore Foundation.
2. Members Subscriptions rose by a modest 6% to nearly $80,000.00.
3. Sales of The Proceedings increased by a healthy 130% to just over $11,000.00 - the late release of Volume 117 No. 1 providing increased demand for copies in the year reported.
4. Sales of Society publications dropped by 50%.
5. Rental income reduced slightly by 9%.
6. Symposia and Seminars recorded a drop of just over 80% with only The Archbold Memorial Symposium being conducted during the year.
7. Meetings dropped 12% which is reflected in the figure overall for Hall Hire.
8. Projects rose a whopping 6,740% to over $43,000.00 due mainly to the generosity of two Members of Council and other sources keen to support RSV-INTREPID.
9. Sundry Income reduced by 20%.
Overall Total Revenue rose by 42% to $644,194.00. A good effort.
B EXPENDITURE
1. Advertising, Promotion and Related Expenses rose by 18% due to the increased tempo of Society business.
2. Fundraising costs were reduced by over 20% through tight administrative control.
3. Insurance increased by 16% to $11,359.00 owing to premium adjustments.
4. Light and Power costs rose a modest 3% reflecting economies at administrative level.
5. The costs of maintaining The Society’s Library at Deakin University have dropped by nearly 100% due to the new accord as between The Society and The University.
6. Office Expenditure reduced by 11% during the year, due to cost-saving measures.
7. Caretaking and Property Attendance increased by nearly 30%, principally owing to increased activity.
8. Rates and Taxes show a fall of nearly 30%: the notices for the year remaining partly unpaid in the year reported.
9. Repairs and Maintenance increased by 162% to just under $40,000.00 due to the need for urgent repairs to the caretaker’s cottage, and some unforeseen refurbishment ahead of The Society’s launch of RSV-INTREPID.
10. Salaries, Workcare and Superannuation increased by 29% mainly as a result of increased staff hours.
11. Rental costs increased by 22% reflecting increasing use of the premises.
12. The cost of producing The Proceedings increased alarmingly by 61% due to several issues requiring to be published in the same year. A situation to be avoided.
13. Seminar and Symposia expenses decreased by 70% because (as above) only one symposium was conducted.
14. The expenditure attributed to Projects jumped 324% to just under $35,000.00 principally because of The Society’s decision to mount RSV-INTREPID over The 4th International Polar Year (01 March 07 - 01 March 09).
15. Sundry expenses rose 70% to just over $11,000.00 due to the requirement to advertise for replacement staff and the application of significant bank charges.
The overall increase in Total Expenditure was contained to no more than 20% for the year at $447,405.00, thus recording a pleasing surplus of $180,869.00.
3. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
The market value of The Discretionary Share Portfolio (managed by The Ralton Group Ltd.) stands at $282,060.00. This represents $150,960.00 over acquisition cost.
The Cash and Share Summary provides a useful picture – the total of which stands at $750,738.00:
a rise of $182,513.00 over the reporting period.
4. OBSERVATIONS
It should be understood by Members that The Society reports on a “cash basis”.
The Society’s position is satisfactory. Liquidity is the key and omnipresent factor however, influencing each and every decision taken by Council.
This reporting period has been relatively kind. However, as I indicated in my last report (31st December 2005) “… circumstances need change little to oblige a return to reporting a deficit in 12 months time”, and fellow hoplites should note that were it not for The Vera Moore Foundation’s marvellous generosity, the true picture would be more like a deficit in the sum of $70,000.00 or thereabouts.
As this represents my final report to The Society as its Honorary Treasurer I would like to record my sincere thanks to all those who have given me their advice and assistance. I mention three in despatches in particular: The Executive Officer, Ms van Megen and Messrs. Walby and Foster, my predecessors in the firing line. Many thanks.
W.J.W. McAuley
Honorary Treasurer
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Society’s thanks and appreciation are due those people and organisations that contributed their valuable assistance during the year. Notably:
- Mr. J.W. Logan Armstrong, Solicitor
- Mr. Arthur Apos, Messrs. Blake Dawson Waldron, Honorary Solicitors
- Mr. John Selak, Senior Partner, Messrs. Ernst & Young, Honorary Accountants
- Mr. Alistair Urquhart, Affairs of State
- Lt. Col. Richard Lightfoot, Honorary Engineer
- Mr. Paul Haysey, F.W. Holst & Co
- Mr. Douglas Graeme, QC, Honorary Counsel
- Mr. Craig Robertson
- Mrs. Marianne Kovassy, Honorary Auditor
- The Ralton Group Ltd., Honorary Financial Investment Advisors
- Mr. Marcus van Megen, IT Consultant
- Mr. Alan Lugton, Caral Building Services Pty. Ltd.
- Donors to The Society's Building and Library Funds
- Ms. Selena Jensen and Ms. Jodie Naismith, Pegasus Communications
- Dr. Dallas Isaacs
- Dr. Chris Driver
- Mr. Roger Morgan
- Volunteer assistance with the Newsletter and other onerous tasks - Wendy Coates,
Leon Costermans, Barbara Day, Ian Farnsworth, Richard Franklin, Maretta Frolley,
Jim Lowden, Elaine Muir, Ken Simpson and George Snelling.
- Ms. Kathy Powers, Degrees Catering
The Reception to Announce RSV-INTREPID
IPY Sponsor Authorities World Meteorological Organization
International Council for Science
Artefacts
The Museum of Victoria
The Australian Antarctic Division
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology
The National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
Private Collections
The ANARE Club
Caterers
Degrees Catering
Peter Rowland
Desk Top Publishing
Stuart M. Trustcott
Flowers
Evans Florist
Gardeners
The City of Melbourne
Information Technologist
Mr. M.P. van Megen
Musicians
The Blue Grass Souls
Pastries
The Wild Holly
Piper
Alistair Buxton Urquhart
Printers
Modcoprint
Production Underwriters
Jardine Lloyd Thompson
Public Relations
Blanchfield-Brown and Associates
David M. Dodd JP – Advisor to The Society’s IPY Planning Committee
Stewards
The Corps of Commissionaires
Tentage
Harry the Hirer
Ushers
The Rupertswood Battery of Horse-Drawn Artillery
Wines
Bleasdale
ADMINISTRATION
Our Executive Officer has continued to skilfully manage The Society during 2006. Her staff, together with their duties, are listed below. Council expresses its appreciation for their dedicated and efficient work on behalf of The Society.
Ms Camilla van Megen - Executive Officer
Mr. Vivian Martin - Administration Officer (part time January-March)
Ms Margaret Haslam - Administration Officer (part time April-December)
Ms Julie Dunn - Bookkeeper (part time January-August)
Mrs. Janet Jackson - Secretary (part time)
Mr. James McArthur - Caretaker and Function Supervisor
I know you would want me to express your thanks to Camilla, and her talented staff for their attention to our needs. Many Members have made comment to me over the past year as to how much they appreciate the friendly and informed service that she, Margaret, and Janet have provided. I wish also to acknowledge the contribution of our caretaker, James McArthur who takes great pride in attending to our premises, organising the myriad of meetings and assisting the speakers to set up. Thank you all for your excellent service to The Society.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
Looking back on our accomplishments over 2006 is exhilarating, and gives me every confidence that The Society is living up to its Charter, namely The Promotion and Advancement of Science and Technology.
Joint meetings with like-minded Societies have proven very successful. This year we again combined with The Geological Society of Australia (Victorian Division) for The A. W. Howitt Memorial Lecture and, in September with The Australian Institute of Energy. We remain in close contact with The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and Institute of Physics as far as their programmes are concerned.
The Society relies upon ongoing financial assistance and I implore you to give generously knowing you can record any donation to The Society as a legitimate 100% deduction. Please consider The Society in any bequest or donation.
The year ahead looks exciting with the challenge to our Foundation to secure the funds required to place certainty on The 4th International Polar Year with RSV-INTREPID, The Blandowski Symposium and Burke and Wills’ Anniversary in 2010. These are ambitious undertakings that have and will continue to require great commitment and energy. Your help will be needed to ensure success; there will be a variety of important tasks for volunteers.
Thank you for your support. It has been a privilege to represent you as President. Working closely with The Executive Officer and energetic colleagues on Council has been a rewarding experience even if at times it pushed some of us beyond our comfort zone in order to achieve the goal. With the activities of The Society placing increasing demands on Council it has been decided to restructure and appoint two Vice-Presidents to handle the workload (Assoc. Prof. Peter Thorne and Capt. Bill McAuley) together with an Honorary Archivist (Dr. Doug McCann). I have pleasure in welcoming Dr. John Zillman back to Council and look forward to serving The Society and supporting our new President, Prof. Dr. Graham Burrows. We must be doing some things right as our membership has climbed to 800. Again, as last year, I urge you to introduce your friends and to bring likely young candidates to our meetings. The Society must continue to engage Youth if it is to prosper.
This Report is approved by Council for presentation to Members at The Annual General Meeting to be conducted Thursday, 8th March, 2007.
BRUCE G. LIVETT
President
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