G’day Members, Most of you will know by now via your Branch President or Secretary, that the AGM and Subcon 2020 in October at Holbrook has been cancelled. The National Executive made this decision in consultation with the intended host, the ACT Branch, in the interests of members wellbeing and to eliminate financial risk. The information and instructions from governments concerning the COVID 19 virus are unambiguous regarding your health and, whereas many of us might think young, the reality is that most of us are in the COVID 19 high risk age group, especially if any of us have underlying health issues. Moreover, the COVID 19 Pandemic involves a high degree of uncertainty with the end of the uncertainty itself being uncertain. It is clear though that early action regarding events etc would help individuals to better plan their lives. ACT Branch was about to commit funds to the Holbrook arrangements and, I am sure, members would have or be about to book travel and accommodation, much of which would be advance pre-paid with uncertain refundability as travel dates become closer. All information so far indicates that the Pandemic uncertainty will continue for some months, so it is timely to eliminate the risk of financial loss consequent to a later decision to cancel, thus protecting members’ and SAA money as far as is possible. It is obvious that, apart from members’ disappointment, this decision will affect the people and businesses of the Holbrook Shire and the SAA’s good relationships with it. So, it will be discussing within the National Committee, the merit or otherwise of simply kicking the Subcon Host Program one year to the right with ACT hosting the AGM and Subcon at Holbrook in 2021. To close, be aware that the Commissioner for eSafety and the Government Scamwatch are warning that there are many untruths, scaremongering and scams circulating on email and social media. Avoid believing and/or passing on any COVID 19 information by any means that is not from an authoritative source. If you want the truth and the best guidance go exclusively to the Federal and State Health websites. Diesel Boats Forever – stop showering and create social distance!
Stay apart and healthy.


Kind regards
Bob
Commodore Bob Trotter OAM RAN Ret’d
National President
0418 487 158
https://au.linkedin.com/in/bob-trotter-111b949