Workers compensation
Over the course of the next year, CCF will be working with stakeholders, to determine if there is a market for an industry specific workers compensation scheme. From the experience of other industry associations, this has proven to be a major member concession, with “members only” rebates outstripping the cost of membership significantly, whilst highlighting the need for good workplace safety practices.
We hope that over the next 12 months this new joint venture will make membership to the Federation a “must”. Further information and advice will be provided in the next few months, and members are encouraged to embrace this opportunity, as both a chance to save money and improve the viability of the Federation.
Non financial members
The New South Wales branch has been thrilled at the high level of renewals for the 2009/2010 financial year, and we look forward to rolling out new and improved services, including a free “Field diary” and “Members handbook”. Members who have not renewed are now deemed to be un financial and services have ceased to them until payment is made.
Christmas shut down
The CCF (NSW) office will close from lunchtime on Christmas Eve and re open at 8.30am on Monday 4 January 2010. Please be advised that Brian Duggan will be the acting chief executive from 24 December 2009 until Monday 11 January 2010. In the event of an emergency, Brian will be available on his mobile (0408 964 718) during the shut-down period.
Annual leaders’ forum
Members may recall that following visits, or planned visits by Brendan Nelson, Michael Costa and Morris Iemma to CCF events, the respective politicians were either sacked or replaced. It should therefore come as no surprise that the planned Leader’s Forum with former infrastructure minister Joe Tripodi was postponed when, the week prior to the event Tripodi was asked to resign.
Therefore the annual Leaders Forum will now be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Norwest on Friday 26 February from 9am. We are delighted that Dial Before You Dig agreed to remain as our major sponsor of the day. The speakers will change slightly and a new brochure will be issued early in the New Year.
Delegates will also attend a luncheon with new infrastructure minister Kristina Kenneally. The cost of the day will be $125 for members or $250 for non-members. Please register by calling Sarah Clarke on (02) 9009 4000.
Race day
The annual race day will be held on Saturday 27 February 2010 at Rosehill Gardens. Guests will enjoy an afternoon of fashion and wagering whilst indulging in fine wine and a full seafood buffet. Registration for the afternoon will open in early January with numbers restricted to 150 so please book early.
bauma 2010
Due to the strict limitation of accommodation at the Munich Hilton during the week of bauma, members wishing to join the CCF delegation, will need to contact me at the NSW office on 9009 4000 as soon as possible. At the time of writing we had only two (2) rooms left.
Cheers Alan
After a lifetime of service to our industry, it is with great sadness that the NSW branch farewelled Alan Bird, who will start the new year as a retiree. Alan has been a stalwart of the Federation for most of his professional working life and will be missed terribly.
The NSW branch will be celebrating his contribution at a function in the first half of the year so members are encouraged to watch out for details of that event. We wish Alan and Judy every success for their future, although I would not be surprised to see Alan at the odd function.
