Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, Inc.

Transcription

1 Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, Inc. Registered No. A S Federal Council Meeting 9.30 am 4.00 pm, Wednesday 12 April 2017 Murdoch Room, Old Canberra House Lenox Crossing ANU Canberra DRAFT MINUTES Attendees Quentin Grafton (chair), Wendy Umberger, Annie Hurst, Bob Farquharson, Rod McInnes, Adam Loch, Emilio Morales, Paul Burke, Helen Scarborough and Mal Wegener. GoToMeetings: Suzi Kerr, Frank Scrimgeour, David Adamson, David Pannell, Alan Renwick. Opening Quentin Grafton opened the meeting at 9.35 pm and welcomed everyone. 1. Apologies Julian Alston. 2. Minutes of Federal Council Meetings 7 and 10 February 2017 Minutes of the Outgoing Federal Council Meeting held on 7 February 2017 were tabled. Under item 9 the wording should be Doug Young was invited to chair the LOC but declined. Under item 11 the wording should be that $20,000 would be enforced as a maximum amount. With these amendments Council adopted the minutes of that meeting (Wendy Umberger/Adam Loch). Minutes of the Incoming Federal Council Meeting held on 10 February 2017 were tabled. Under item 6 ASIC should replace ATO. With this amendment Council adopted the minutes of that meeting. 1

2 3. Business arising from the Minutes of the Outgoing Council Meeting Society name change Under item 6 of the Incoming minutes Quentin noted that the Society name was changed at the AGM. Council discussed reporting this to ASIC and whether it must also be reported under the Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) legislation. Bob reported that after the AGM he had sent to ASIC the audited financial statements and a copy of the AGM minutes (as required each year). He had also sent to ASIC notification of changes to Directors (Form 490) and changes to the Constitution and Company name (Form 409). Council discussed the need to register with CAV under Victorian legislation as recommended by Phil Day (NFP Success). Mal Wegener said that we had been deregistered with CAV in 2015 and questioned whether we need to be registered in any State given ASIC registration. After discussion Council decided to ask the Secretary to collect the documentation that we have about the process of deregistration with CAV, for him to go to CAV in Melbourne and discuss the situation with them, and then report back to the Council Executive for further discussion and advice to Council (Bob Farquharson/Emilio Morales). AJARE Editorial Board changes Frank Scrimgeour spoke to his proposal. Frank requested further deferment of a decision until the next meeting. Wendy Umberger requested that an Australian woman be considered for gender equity purposes. Frank will resubmit the proposal to the next Council meeting. Policy File update Bob Farquharson reported that he had discussed with Suzi Kerr updates to the Policy File. A new item under 3 (Society Membership) (members joining in the last quarter of the year shall have their following year membership included), a new item 5.15 (Crawford Fund Awards), and a new Policy File Appendix being developed with Wendy Umberger and Cathy Reade about Crawford Fund scholarship for Annual Conference Travel (still being finalised). Invited Speakers budget The meeting confirmed that the $20,000 budget was a maximum and encouraged the President- Elect to look at other sponsor opportunities. Investment Management Policy in Policy File Mal Wegener requested that the Investment Management Policy approved by Council be drafted as a Policy File Appendix. Council asked (Wendy Umberger/Adam Loch) Suzi Kerr and Bob Farquharson to develop a Policy File inclusion for the Investment Management Policy for circulation out of session and consideration at the next Council meeting. 4. President s Report Quentin Grafton spoke to his report (attached). A committee (Quentin, Suzi Kerr, Dave Pannell, and Rod McInnes) has considered the AARES Office replacement issue after December The committee has met twice, conducted due diligence and received 3 proposals from Business Support Services (BSS) of AMA Queensland (in Brisbane), Association Executive Services (AES) (in Victoria) and the Professional Association Management Services (PAMS) Pty Ltd based in Victoria. 2

3 Important considerations were service provision, risk, record storage and access by members. Council considered that knowledge of IMIS was necessary. Council decided that further information was necessary and that it could not make a decision that day. Further work was requested for information about AES and PAMS. Council decided (Quentin Grafton/Helen Scarborough) to ask the existing committee plus Wendy Umberger to seek further information, to ask AES and PAMS to resubmit their proposals within 10 working days, and to provide feedback to Council. This committee will decide on a preferred option within a month. Aim to sign a contract sometime in May. 5. Secretary s Report Bob Farquharson spoke to his report (attached). Council thanked him for his report. 6. Treasurer s Report Helen Scarborough presented the financial reports to Council. After the meeting Helen realised that the accounts presented were not completely up to date. Helen s updated reports are included in these minutes. The financial report for the 2017 Conference is attached. The 2017 Annual Conference net income was -$1, incl. GST. Helen noted that Annie s time is costed at a nominal $11,000 although the time input is very high. Council discussed difficulties in budgeting and keeping expenditure under control, including invited speaker costs. Helen then presented the Treasurer s Report, and P&L and Balance Sheet summaries (attached). For the 6-month period to March 2017 income is currently at $261, This includes conference income of $217, so the income figure net of conference is $43, This figure is largely membership subscriptions of $37, Royalties on the Journal ($71, in 2016) have not yet been received but should be received in April. Expenses for the period were $315, This includes conference expenses in this period of $206, The net income for the period was a deficit of $54, The Term Deposit is $240, A budget for 2016/17 generated from the accounts was also attached. The budget projects a loss to Sept 2017 of $35,636. However, the following notes re this budget need to be considered: Strategic planning costs of $17,151 have been included but will not be incurred imis software and MILLPOST technology expenses of $32,642 have been budgeted for but these expenses should be considerable lower than this (expected expense $25,000) A conference profit of $33,090 is projected. This may be high so in the following projection this has been assumed to be $20,000. The budget projection with these amendments would be a loss of approximately $24,000. This budget forecast does not include strategic planning implementation costs. Helen also reported that once the Central Office arrangements and Strategic Planning implementation have been agreed at the April council meeting, the investment committee will meet and review the investments of the society. Quentin noted that the AGM had approved $60,000 for Development and Promotion activities which is not included in the budget expenditures. Quentin said that central office functions cost around $80,000 and it is unlikely that these can be provided at a lower cost. 3

4 The meeting noted that income sources include Symposia and that Branches can be encouraged to conduct Symposia. Society membership fees and conference registrations are also a source of extra income. Helen noted that the 2018 membership fees will be set at the October meeting. Council asked Helen to lead a committee of herself, Wendy Umberger, Mal Wegener and David Adamson to develop a proposal for circulation to Council by the end of June and a proposal for the October meeting. Helen also advised that she will check on our insurance, including Director and Office-bearer insurance and circulate the policy to Council. Council thanked Helen for her report. 7. Worksafe Health and Safety issues Quentin asked Annie whether there were any WHS issues that she wanted to raise. Annie stated that she has nothing to report. 8. AARES logo Quentin has requested MILLPOST to develop some new logos for Council to consider and asked the meeting to consider these 4 plus the current logo. David Pannell questioned whether we need to change from the current logo, and whether the alternatives are suitable in terms of colour, content and shape. The meeting voted in favour of changing the logo but asked to see some alternative new designs. Council decided (Adam Loch/Rod McInnes) to seek alternative designs which can be shared with Branches for feedback, but that Council would make the final decision. 9. Report on 2018 AARES conference Adam Loch reported on progress with the 2018 Conference. He has met with Suzi Kerr yesterday and with the LOC last week. The venue centre and conference dinner have been booked. He is focussing on sponsorship, the program and speakers. A draft program is developed. Suzi is working on speakers. Adam has questions on insurance, a dignitary for the opening and the Welcome to Country. He and Rod McInnes have been approaching sponsors. Council thanked Adam for his report. 10. Report on 2019 AARES conference Bob Farquharson spoke to a report from Nick Tsaktsiras (LOC chair), attached. Dates of February 2019 were approved by Council. Nick has two quotes for the conference venue and will obtain two more. Council thanked Nick for his report. 11. NZARES Alan Renwick reported that following the 2017 AGM and Society name change Ross Cullen had written to him about the New Zealand Branch becoming a full Branch in the sense that all members would be AARES members. Alan said that the relationship is working well but he would like the NZ Branch to do more, to become more active as a Branch. He would like to contribute more for joint activities. Frank Scrimgeour said that there is plenty of goodwill but need more activities to be developed. 4

5 Alan also mentioned the EAAE meeting and requested that an be sent to AARES members asking them to contact Alan about developing formal proposals. Quentin agreed to draft an to be sent by the end of April. Adam noted that an EAAE seminar at the Adelaide conference could be developed on water pricing from a European perspective. Council thanked Alan for his report. 12. Development and Promotion activities Rod reported that he has been working with the Adelaide LOC on sponsorship for the2018 conference. He has finalised invoicing for the 2017 conference and sent thank you letters to sponsors. A number of speakers spoke of the need to retain PhD students, encourage undergraduate students and develop a newsletter for Early Career Researchers. Rod reported that after the change in logo he will get new banners, including for Branches. Council thanked Rod for his report. 13. Honorarium Bob reported that under Item 8.1 of the Policy File, an honorarium of $500 is to be paid to the AARES Federal Council Office Bearers (President, Secretary, Treasurer, Manager of Promotion and Development) to compensate them for incidental and unspecified expenses incurred during the performance of their honorary AARES activities. This honorarium is to be paid in arrears. Council agreed (Emilio Morales/ Adam Loch) to pay this honorarium. Quentin elected not to receive this honorarium. 14. Other business Emilio Morales asked if there are policies about how Branches operate. Bob will send the AARES Calendar to Branch Secretaries and Treasurers. Emilio also asked about information for new members joining the Society. Particularly can the Branches receive information about new members joining? Annie will ask MILLPOST about an IT solution to sending membership lists each month. Emilio noted that John Kennedy had recently passed away. Emilio will send information to Annie. Mal Wegener noted that the Investment Management Committee had not made any investment decisions last year due to the Strategic Planning process. He asked about the allocation of $150,000 of Society reserves to the Investment Management Committee. Quentin noted that we are still negotiating about the office manager function. The Term Deposit will mature on 14 May. Helen s finance sub-committee will also report back by June. Quentin asked Mal to distribute the Investment Management Policy to Council. The Investment Management Committee membership is Mal, Helen, Terence Farrell, John Rolfe and Gordon MacAulay. Council agreed to maintain the current membership for another year. 5

6 15. Next Meeting In Adelaide on 11 or 12 October. Adam will give feedback about a possible energy symposium in conjunction with that meeting. Meeting close, 4 pm. 6

7 President s Report to Federal Council 12 April 2017 As I highlighted in the last newsletter, I was very pleased with the high quality of the presentations and the excellent organisation at Brisbane. Thanks again to the LOC at Brisbane and also Annie for their excellent work and it seems that broke even. At incoming Council, we agreed to form a committee which I Chair and which also includes Suzi Kerr, Dave Pannell, and Rod McInnes. The terms of reference of this committee are to report back to Federal Council on the preferred options for AARES Office on Annie s departure, and also to recommend activities for development and promotions over the coming year. The committee has met twice and much of our attention has been directed to exploring the options for AARES office given this is a more immediate priority. In terms of AARES office, Rod has investigated options in terms of employing an individual who currently provides services to the Economic Society of Australia Branch in New South Wales. I have investigated the possibility of office services being provided by Motu Trust in New Zealand (which subsequently decided not to provide us with an offer of services) and also the Professional Association Management Services (PAMS) Pty Ltd based in Victoria. I have formal proposals from Business Support Services (BSS) of AMA Queensland (in Brisbane) and Association Executive Services (in Victoria) that were discussed at outgoing council in February 2017 (see Minutes, 7 February 2017 for my review of these two offers and summary of costings), and also from PAMS in terms of AARES office duties. I also have proposals for offer of services from these agencies (in case of BSS it is an ) for development and promotion activities (which is included in the offer of office serves for PAMS). Whatever we choose to do as Council in terms of AARES office duties, I believe the following issues are important in our considerations: (1) Need for Council to make a decision on 12 April as to the priority of our preferences for AARES Office and then undertake final diligence. If all goes well with the due diligence, I would expect to negotiate a contract/arrangements over the next 2 months, with the assistance of the executive, and a determine a suitable starting date that would allow adequate overlap with Annie and her transfer of her functions and duties without unnecessarily increasing our expenses. (2) Need to ensure AARES office functions have adequate back up in case of the unexpected. (3) Need for an easily accessible and searchable current and historical database for Council members to access in the context of AARES activities and business (Minutes of Council meetings, AGM, financial information, membership information, etc.). One other important matter I need to mention is the registration of the new name of AARES. This has raised an important issue about the nature of our registration and, in particular, where are we and where should we be registered. Bob Farquharson and I have been busy in term of due diligence to determine what is what and have sought outside legal advice. We have also received advice from Terence Farrell and Mal Wegener who helped initiate changes to our registration status back in 2012 and Bob and I will keep you abreast of what is the legal status of AARES registration and we will also ensure that our Society is compliant with all legal registration requirements. All the best Quentin Attachments: 1. BSS offer of office services and a follow up on development & promotions activities. 2. AES offer of office services and separate offer of development and promotion activities. 3. PAMS offer of office services and development and promotion activities.

8 Secretary s Report and items from last Council meeting Since the last meeting I have: Sent the AARES Calendar to Suzi Kerr, will discuss further with her Reported to ASIC the AGM minutes and audited financial statements o Also completed hard copy forms for change of Directors (Form 490), and o Change of name of AARES (Form 409) With respect to Consumer Affairs Victoria, we are having discussions with Phil Day (NFP Success) about the possible requirements for registering our information with CAV Reviewed with Suzi the Council minutes from the last year for changes to the Policy File, and we have updated the Policy File o A new item under 3 (Society Membership) relating to members joining in the last quarter of the year shall have their following year membership included [Council 14/10/16] o A new item 5.15 (Crawford Fund Awards) accepting the Crawford Fund Award [Council 14/10/16] o Also a new Policy File Appendix, developing with Wendy Umberger, a Crawford Fund scholarship for Annual Conference Travel (still being finalised) Liaised with the LOC for AARES 2019 Conference in Melbourne Forwarded the meeting notice, agenda and agenda papers for this meeting. Bob Farquharson

9 AARES 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE Income & Expenditure Report INCOME Amount GST Amount (excl GST) (incl GST) - Conference Registrations Net of reimbursements $137, $13, $151, Sponsorship Received $91, $9, $100, Outstanding $11, $1, $12, TOTAL INCOME $240, $24, $264, EXPENDITURE BCEC $154, $15, $170, Social Event costs $9, $ $10, Prizes $ $0.00 $ ACIAR Travel Award Paid to date $5, $ $6, Outstanding $6, $ $6, Invited Speaker costs Paid to date $23, $1, $24, Outstanding $18, $ $18, Conference Insurance $ $86.32 $ Conference Bags $ $91.75 $1, Conference Handbooks $6, $ $6, Conference Name Tags $ $58.40 $ Conference App $ $45.00 $ Cathy Reade - Media support $1, $ $1, Airfares / Taxis (CO and Council) $1, $ $1, EasyChair software renewal $ $0.00 $ Stationery and Printer $ $17.97 $ Welcome to Country $ $55.00 $ LOC Reimbursements $1, $ $1, LOC Dinner $ $39.50 $ Rydges Accommodation charges $1, $ $1, Central Office Manager $10, $1, $11, TOTAL EXPENDITURE $244, $21, $265, NET INCOME (LOSS) -$4, $2, $1,346.65

10 Australasian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, Inc. ARBN Updated Treasurer s Report Following Council Meeting April 12 th, 2017, Australian National University After the council meeting on April 12 th 2017, I realised that the accounts presented were not completely up to date. In particular, the payment for the Brisbane conference centre had not been included in the accounts. The account had been paid but not entered into the accounting package. Consequently, I requested that our office staff member update the accounts and forward me the updated accounts. This has now been done and I have attached the updated accounts. We have also contacted the accountant regarding the interest received on the term deposit. In 2013 this should have been transferred to retained earnings, but instead it was left on the term deposit in the accounts. This has now been adjusted and the term deposit figure is the actual balance. It will treated in this way in the future to avoid confusion. I sincerely apologise for the confusion this has caused. I feel it is important to circulate the updated accounts as they change the financial position from a surplus for the period to a deficit. For ease of comparison, I have included the previous figures in brackets in this updated report and have indicated in bold the changes to the report. Current financial position. Accounts have been provided for the six months October 2016 to March Income is currently at $261, ($257, 619). This includes conference income of $217, ($218,662) so the income figure net of conference is $43, ($38,956.55). This figure is largely membership subscriptions of $37, ($36,330.77). Royalties on the Journal ($71, in 2016) have not yet been received but should be received in April. Expenses for the period were $315, ($167,996.74). This includes conference expenses in this period of $206, ($70,454.61). The net income for the period was a deficit of $54, (surplus of $89,622.48). The Term Deposit is $240,112,18 ($254,528). The updated profit and loss and balance sheet to March 2017 are attached (Attachment 1A). Conferences The 2017 conference net income was -$1, inc GST. A conference income and expenditure report is attached (Attachment 1B). A deposit of $4,545 has been paid toward the 2018 conference.

11 Budget for 2016/2017 This item has not been amended as expected conference income and expenditure were included in projections. A budget generated from the accounts has also been attached to this report. (Attachment 2) The budget projects a loss to Sept 2017 of $35,636. However, the following notes re this budget need to be considered. Strategic planning costs of $17,151 have been included but will not be incurred. imis software and Mill post technology expense of $32,642 have been budgeted for but these expenses should be considerable lower than this. (Expected expense $25,000) A conference profit of $33,090 is projected. This may be high so in the following projection this has been assumed to be $20,000. The budget projection with these amendments would be a loss of approximately $24,000. This budget forecast does not include strategic planning implementation costs. Investment committee (This item has not been amended) Once the central office arrangements and strategic planning implementation have been agreed at the April council meeting, the investment committee will meet and review the investments of the society. No other extraordinary activities or expenses are foreseen at this time. Helen Scarborough, Treasurer April 26th 2017

12 Ordinary Income/Expense Income Oct 16 - Mar Advertising and CD Sales Copyright Distribution Interest Earned 3, ATO - GST Reimbursement 1, Donna Brennan Fund - Receipts MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS Membership Subscriptions Ordinary Memberships Electronic Only - 1 Year 22, Electronic and Paper - 1 Year 6, Electronic Only - 3 Year 1, Electronic and Paper - 3 Year Total Ordinary Memberships 30, Student Memberships Electronic Only 2, Electronic and Paper Total Student Memberships 2, Emeritus Memberships Electronic Only - 1 Year Electronic and Paper - 1 Year Electronic Only - 3 Years Electronic and Paper - 3 Years Total Emeritus Memberships 2, Total Membership Subscriptions 35, MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS - Other 1, Total 4100 MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS 37, ANNUAL CONFERENCE INCOME Annual Conference Sponsorship Income 1, Total Annual Conference 1, Annual Conference Registration Income 146, Sponsorship Income 69, Total Annual Conference 215, Total 4200 ANNUAL CONFERENCE INCOME 217,396.76

13 Total Income 261, Gross Profit 261, Expense 6100 AARES COUNCIL EXPENDITURE 6105 Council Meeting Expenses Honoraria 2, Travel/Accommodation Exp. 1, Other Strategic Planning Costs 2, Total 6100 AARES COUNCIL EXPENDITURE 5, AARES PRIZES AND AWARDS 6205 Travel Awards 2, Other Awards 2, Donna Brennan Award - payments 1, Total 6200 AARES PRIZES AND AWARDS 5, BRANCH PAYMENTS , Total 6300 BRANCH PAYMENTS 16, ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES 6405 Accounting Costs 4, Bank charges and expenses 5, imis Software Solutions ASI 5, MillPost Technologies Pty Ltd 2, Total 6415 imis Software Solutions 7, Insurance Marketing & Promotion Printing & Stationery Website Design ATO - GST Payable 12, Total 6400 ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES 31, CENTRAL OFFICE 6505 Central Office Manager - wages 37, Central Office Expenses Total 6500 CENTRAL OFFICE 38, CONFERENCES AND SYMPOSIA 7100 Annual Conference Expenses

14 AARES Annual Conference 196, AARES Annual Conference 10, Total 7100 Annual Conference Expenses 206, Total 7000 CONFERENCES AND SYMPOSIA 206, AJARE PUBLICATION COSTS 8200 Wiley-Blackwell Subscriptions 8210 Electronic Access Only 7, Print & Electronic Access 2, Total 8200 Wiley-Blackwell Subscriptions 9, Memberships paid by CO AJARE PUBLICATION COSTS - Other Total 8000 AJARE PUBLICATION COSTS 10, Total Expense 315, Net Ordinary Income -54, Net Income -54,351.99

15 Mar 31, 17 ASSETS Current Assets Chequing/Savings 1010 AARES General Account 8, AARES Savings Account 26, Fixed Deposit Account 240, Total Chequing/Savings 275, Accounts Receivable 1200 Accounts Receivable - QB 7, Total Accounts Receivable 7, Other Current Assets 1250 Blackwell Publishing Payment 41, Conference/Symposium Prepayment 1310 AARES Conference Prepayments Annual Conference Total 1310 AARES Conference Prepayments Total 1300 Conference/Symposium Prepayment Sundry Debtor 5, Total Other Current Assets 47, Total Current Assets 329, Fixed Assets 1510 Plant & Equipment 2, imis Sofwtare 52, Total Fixed Assets 55, TOTAL ASSETS 384, LIABILITIES Current Liabilities Accounts Payable 2000 Accounts Payable 5, Total Accounts Payable 5, Credit Cards 1030 AARES Credit Card Total Credit Cards Other Current Liabilities 2010 Prepaid Sponsorships 7,181.82

16 2200 Tax Payable -30, Sundry Creditor 2, Total Other Current Liabilities -21, Total Current Liabilities -15, Long Term Liabilities 2400 Prepaid Memberships (3-year) 4, Total Long Term Liabilities 4, TOTAL LIABILITIES -11, NET ASSETS 395, EQUITY 3900 Retained Earnings 450, Net Income -54, TOTAL EQUITY 395,927.14

17 2019 AARES National Conference planning update Nick Tsaktsiras 1 Federal Council meeting 12 April The Victorian branch of AARES has elected Nick Tsaktsiras as the LOC Chair for An initial meeting in early March 2017 was held with Bob Farquharson and Bill Malcolm to discuss first steps in forming a Local Organising Committee (LOC) and possible committee members. A list of venues, events and ideas was provided at that first meeting by Bob Farquharson and Bill Malcolm for consideration by the LOC. 3. The Melbourne LOC is still being put together, but several members have indicated their willingness to be involved. Once the LOC is fully formed (expected over the next couple of weeks) a meeting will be held to discuss next steps, actions and responsibilities over the next year. Tentative list for LOC Geoff Edwards Bill Malcolm Jasmine Edwards William Taing Alex Sinnot Kerry Stott Sam Henty 4. The planning for the 2019 National Conference is at an early stage but some progress has been made. Specifically of note: I have received quotes from Crown Melbourne and the Melbourne Convention and Conference Centre (MCEC). Two more quotes will be obtained over the next week (Mid April). (1) Stamford, and (2) Grand Hyatt. Proposed dates are for the 5 th 8 th or the 12 th 15 th February The quotes are for venue hire and and full catering over a four day period (one day workshop with 3 days of conference + dinner and social nite event). I have also asked the venues to quote for attendance of up to 450 people, so that we can get an upper limit figure and then trim the costs as we reach the true number of delegates. Hopefully though we can reach that target! I am asking all venues for availability during the first and second weeks of February This is to ensure that we have some flexibility just in case we change our minds. MCEC Quote MCEC have registered our interest for the following dates Tuesday 05 Friday 08 February 2019 and advised that as of 11 April, the preferred dates have clear availability. Suggested conference space is all on the one level and only a few paces between plenary and break out rooms.

18 2019 AARES National Conference planning update Nick Tsaktsiras 2 Inclusive of 10 breakouts, however should only 8 be required they are ordered based on price, size and proximity to the plenary. Welcome cocktail and Thursday social event both with great views of Melbourne! MCEC Event Space Space Hire Charge $102, GST $10, Total Space Hire Charge $112, MCEC Catering Options Catering Options Price Per Person Forecasted Attendance Arrival Tea and Coffee $ Indicative Cost Morning / Afternoon Tea (Cookie Break) $ Morning / Afternoon Tea (Premium Break) $ Lunch (Stand Up Working Lunch) $ Lunch (Plated Stand Up Lunch) $ Daily Menu Selection (Morning Tea Premium Break, Stand Up Working Lunch with Action Stations, Afternoon Tea- Premium Break) $ $26,100 Cocktail Reception (1 hour) - Food $ $16,200 Cocktail Reception (1 hour) - Beverages $ $10,125 Seated Dinner (3 Course) $ $37,125 Standard Sit-Down Beverage Package - (3 Hours) $ $16,875 MCEC - Location MCEC is located on the banks of the iconic Yarra River in South Wharf. Not only are there sweeping views of the city skyline and the river, but it s also a hub of activity with the neighbouring bar and restaurant riverside area, South Wharf Promenade. The architecture has retained much of its distinctive maritime heritage and it s just a short stroll to Melbourne s CBD, arts and sporting precincts and only 20 minutes from the airport. On-site accommodation is easily accessible, with an internal link to the Hilton Melbourne South Wharf via a private walkway.

19 2019 AARES National Conference planning update Nick Tsaktsiras 3 Crown Melbourne Quote Crown Melbourne has registered our interest for the following dates Tuesday 05 Friday 08 February 2019 and advised that as of 11 April, the preferred dates have clear availability. EVENT No. of Guests Price Per person Total Day One - Tuesday, 05 February 2019 Venue Hire $2, Day Delegate Package One 150 $90.00 $13, Canapé Menu (3 hours, 10 pieces per person) 150 $52.00 $7, Cocktail Reception Beverages - 3 hour Crown Reserve Collection Beverage Package 150 $39.00 $5, Day Two - Wednesday, 06 February 2019 Venue Hire $5, Day Delegate Package One 450 $90.00 $40, Dinner - 3 Course Set Menu (median price) 250 $94.00 $23, Dinner Beverages - 4 hour Crown Reserve Collection Beverage Package 250 $44.00 $11, Security Officer (1officer at $51.50 per officer per hour x 5 hours) $ Day Three - Thursday, 07 February 2019 Venue Hire $5, Day Delegate Package One 450 $90.00 $40, Club 23 Cocktail Reception - minimum spend required TBC TBC Day Four - Friday, 08 February 2019 Venue Hire $5, Day Delegate Package One $90.00 $40, Estimated Event Charges $201, SUMMARY OF TOTAL ESTIMATED CHARGES Event $201, $201, Accommodation Pay Own Account Audio Visual To be advised TOTAL ESTIMATED CHARGES $201,007.50