Meeting commenced at 8.05 p.m.

PRESENT: President - John Dillon (Redlands/Bunya/Isa City), Secretary - Barbara Chester (Townsville/Casino Richmond), Treasurer - Marie Currier (Redlands), Alan Salmon (Individual Member), Kylie Adams (Redcliffe), Don Chester (Associate member), Paul Wilson (ROASS), Leisa Bye (Northern Suburbs), Keyonie Bolton (Northern Suburbs - Junior Representative), Tracey Bolton (Northern Suburbs), Gabby Johnston (Garden City/Bundaberg), Sonic Edwards (Independent), Dell Lowien (Garden City/Dalby/Roma), Ian Crook (Webmaster)

APOLOGIES: Colin & Lorraine Gould (Redcliffe), Mary Bouwers (Isa City)

MINUTES: Minutes of the previous were circularised, Alan Salmon moved that the Minutes be accepted as a true and correct record, seconded Gabby Johnston . CARRIED.

BUSINESS FROM MINUTES: No business arising from the previous minutes

CORRESPONDENCE:
IN:
Letter from Carolyn Pierce, Travelling Country
Results from Travelling Country
3 letter from Urban Country - re Champs showcase
Letter from Eureka Festival Committee - date 30/31 July
Letter from Betty Everson - change of contact details
Name change for Urban Country Music Festival
Letter from Slim Jones - re Mackay forum
Letter from Bruce Bell - Sarina - Re Mackay forum
OUT: Nil
Barbara moved that the Inward correspondence be accepted, seconded Marie CARRIED

GENERAL BUSINESS:
Ultra Golden Oldies Festival - A problem existed regarding the Group Section and backing at this festival and festival organiser approached the Champs committee for a directive. In all essence it is up to the Festival committee to make the decision and on most rules it states that the judges decision is final and that no correspondence will be entered into. The committee however thanks Travelling Country for their approach in regard to this matter.
Ian Crook - Webmaster - Any changes to be made on the web page should be forwarded to Barbara and she will then forward to Ian so that the changes can be effected quickly.
This information will be available in Newsletter to go out - unless information goes to Barbara it won't be going to the right source.
Changes to Model Rules
Rule 15 (1) - The Association shall hold a management committee meeting and/or a general meeting at least once every two(2) calendar months
(1a) - The Management committee must decide how a meeting is to be called.
(1b) - Notice of a meeting is to be given in the way decided by the management committee.
Don Chester moved that the underlined replace "Management Committee shall meet", second Leisa Bye. CARRIED.
Rule 28 (4a) be added::
Not withstanding Clause 4, cash payments in excess of $100 can be made with the written authority of any two of the President, Treasurer and Secretary.
(Clause 4 reads - All amounts of one hundred dollars or over shall be paid by cheque signed by any two of the President, Secretary, Treasurer or other member authorised from time to time by the Management Committee.)
Don Chester moved the addition of the Clause 4a to Rule 28, seconded by Marie Currier. CARRIED.
Paul Wilson's Report:
Showcases - Ipswich Winners Showcase will be presented on 13 April - Ipswich Central City area - donation of $1000 for Champs - Urban Country Festival - still in question because of time being offered to our winners - will keep all posted of any developments.
Fundraising Events - Paul has been in touch with Mary Schneider regarding a concert - budget would be approx $5000 - needs further discussion.
Judges Training - Paul was Head Judge at Mackay in February and held a Champs Forum on Friday night, about 50 people attended and although feeling battered and bruised after the night it was evident that some major issues need attention. Most present were happy to think something will be done in the future regarding training of judges - felt that it may need to be in a central area to attract a greater number of people - will look at this when finances permit or funding has been received.
Golden Guitars - Committee permission was sought to ask that our Champ be a co-presenter at Golden Guitars - if you don't ask you don't know.
Country Update magazine - Paul has made an approach to this magazine to do a Champs Chatter column in their three-monthly magazine.
Champs in other States - Paul has been invited to perform in NT and will discuss (at their request) our Champs and how to get one started in NT - contact has also been received from WA regarding establishing one in that state also.
Proposal for Judges - Paul presented a list of potential judges for 2005 and costings associated with each.
Wally Sparrow's report - Paul spoke on report Wally forwarded on his thoughts on our 2004 Champs - a copy of this report is available to anyone who wishes to read it - covered items such as judging, eligibility, use of guest artists, rules - but congratulated all on a successful event.
John Dillon - Specific sections as defined in the Champs Forum - rules for sections should be incorporated in the Festival programme and comperes should be encouraged to refer to the definitions of particularly Bush Ballad and Country Rock - advise should be given to judges of what requirement for each section so that there is no confusion. Details of definition of Bush Ballad and Country Rock and recommendations regarding age groups are available on the Web site
DVD available of forum - Available for $15 or CD for $5. Contact John Dillon.
John urged Clubs to adopt the recommendations of the forum.
John also urged Clubs to communicate by email where possible to save on cost to all. If you have an email address let us know.
Alan Salmon moved we ratify the recommendations of the forum regarding the definition of Bush Ballad and Country Rock and age groups as follows: Juvenile 0-12 but not yet 13 years, Junior 13 - 17 but not yet 18 years, Senior - 18 years and over, Golden Oldies - 50 years and over, seconded Gabby Johnston CARRIED
Marie's husband, Pat, has offered to build guitar stands for $100
Meeting closed at 9.25 p.m.
Next Meeting - 21.4.05 - 7.30 p.m.