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Whilst meetings are a necessary, albeit sometimes dry affair, that was certainly not the case at the RFSA Hastings Branch Annual General Meeting held in February.
In an innovative approach to encourage more attendance and engagement, Hasting Branch Chair Steve Taylor chose a new and unexpected venue that provided a safe and relaxed atmosphere similar to enjoying a night out with family and friends.
Steve and Branch Secretary, Grayam Page approached the owners of the Moorebeer Brewing Company in Port Macquarie who were delighted to provide their premises on an evening when they are normally closed, for the Branch to not only hold their AGM, but then enjoy a social evening with food and sampling of the Breweries unique products.
Steve and Grayam’s philosophy to encourage greater participation was simple, and injected some fun into the evening.
“Everyone likes winning something so we decided to have door prizes which were linked to the numbered event ticket sent to all those attending; the combination added value to the event, some members printed their ticket and presented at the door; whilst others flashed the ticket on their smartphones, the reality was the members owned this event and they knew it,” said Steve.
Division 3 Chair Glenn Wall commended the Branch for their initiative and resourcefulness in encouraging greater member participation and applauded their efforts in thinking outside the box.
In concluding his address to Members, Glenn commented, “The efforts of the Hastings Branch, particularly Steve and Grayam have been extraordinary and extremely noteworthy.
“They have articulated exactly how the RFSA operates, the remarkable initiatives the organisation has to offer members and NSW RFS Brigades, whilst supporting the economic development of their local community by holding their AGM in a venue that supports the RFSA Branch.”
At the meetings conclusion Branch executive members happily observed attendees, new and existing, still engaged in conversation with each other more than an hour after it had finished.
“Networking is the most powerful tool in the shed and given that in the past we have struggled to attract greater participation, the night was a tremendous success with some members travelling considerable distances such as from Hollisdale, Comboyne, Rollands Plains and Pappinbarra,” said Steve.
Branch Secretary Grayam Page added, “We had fifty-five members in attendance and it was so pleasing to see that many fire fighters, not in yellow, engaging in so much conversation.
“Sixty-five ticket requests were sent out with fifty-five members in attendance representing sixteen brigades, that’s unprecedented.
“Fire fighting is a dangerous and expensive business and juggling family and work commitments so we can participate in protecting our community comes at a cost.
“Steve and I believe in the RFSA policy of giving back to the members in as many ways as possible, providing an AGM at this remarkable business is one way we can achieve that at the local level.”
Grayam concurred stating, “The meeting was informative, the networking provided members with an opportunity to further know their fellow fire fighters and have a far greater insight into the operations and initiatives the RFSA has to offer.”
Secretary Grayam Page & Chair Steve Taylor address the meeting.
The ‘Lucky Door’ prize winner.