Once upon a time it was a blank sheet of paper that we used to stare at, wondering where to start. In this case of course, it's my screen that's giving me writer's block·not because I don't know what to say but because I'm really not sure quite where to start. None of this is helped by the fact that I can't believe it was a year ago that we held our last AGM·and what a year it's been.

I've just re-read David Terrazas's President's Report and I have to say that the issues he raised a year ago, pretty much still exist today. On this basis, it could be argued that perhaps we haven't achieved as much as we might have done. However, given the complexities of what we've had to deal with over the last twelve months within the framework of the National Council, I have to say I think we've actually achieved a great deal in some very important ways.

At the beginning of the year we talked about the need for each State to focus on building membership with a particular focus on professional members. Twelve months later we've had some very mixed results. On a national level, our professional membership is up by 9% and our overall membership is up by almost 4%. Clearly a major objective for the year ahead is to address this situation and do a lot better. The ABS tells us that there are some 30,000 people earning their living from design related enterprise. 2,450 of them are members of AGDA. If the ABS number is correct, we must surely be able to at least double our membership. And while I'm on the subject of membership, I'd like to congratulate Tasmania who doubled their numbers in every category this year. A great result.

An important part of this report must be to document our achievements and there have been some notable ones.

First of all, I'm proud of the fact that we've started having our meetings in each of the States. It's a significant investment in, and recognition of, our mandate to develop and support a national agenda and I look forward to us continuing this practise.

I am delighted to report Queensland's successful enterprise with the revitalised National Conference. A biennial event alternating with the National Awards, this is now a major international forum for communication design and a very important platform for AGDA.

I am also pleased to be able to report that work is now well and truly underway with the redrafting of the constitution. In order to provide AGDA with greater operational flexibility than is the case under the current constitution, we are also well on our way with the writing of a Procedures Manual·designed to work in tandem with the constitution and which will provide a constructive framework for the day to day management of the organisation.

In closing I wish to take this opportunity to commend you, the National Councillors, for the manner in which you've conducted your individual and collective responsibilities. In your own way, each of you has made a significant contribution both on behalf of your State and on behalf of the National Council. I really believe the results of everyone's efforts over this last year have placed AGDA in the strongest position yet to be able to move forward and become the organisation I know each and every one of our members wants it to be. In short·in the strongest position yet to be able to answer the call to action in David's report last year.

Finally, I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the recently retired Victorian Council. Greg Branson and his team have achieved an extraordinary amount during their tenure and in the process have made a very significant contribution towards AGDA's profile and reputation at both State and national levels. Whilst the focus of our agendas may have led to there being some different interpretations regarding the evolution of AGDA's charter, in my role as National President, I have much to thank Greg for.

To you the National Council and to the membership, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to act on your behalf as the National President. It's been a very real honour·and if so elected, it's a position I would be really excited to continue on with. Here's to a dynamic year ahead!