Another year ending and pretty sure the earth is on track for another record-breaking global temperature.
Locally, this Spring seems to have been the warmest, and anecdotally, the most windy. On the bright side, when I look out the window I swear I can see the pasture grass growing and the garden has become a riot of colour and smells because the ‘girls’ (around 30 odd rose bushes) are very happy with unseasonal warmth and moisture! The not so bright side is what summer might bring and the implications of how to manage all this growth.
There is nothing like trying to manage several hundred acres with a more sustainable approach to make you reflect on the consequences of climate change.
Personally, it has been a big year, lots of changes and challenges. For AILA and the Landscape Architecture profession in the ACT is has similarly been an eventful, but then it usually is. And really, it is the notion of making a difference, of sharing ideas and conversation with colleagues that has kept me involved in the ACT Executive.
This year
• AILA have appointed a new CEO
• There is a refreshed National Board working toward the renewed strategic pillars
• Held a successful National Festival in Hobart
• Renewed the Parliamentary Friends of Urban Design
• AILA ACT held a very successful Margaret Hendry Forum
• ACT Executive made numerous submissions contributing to both the National Capital Authority and ACT Government initiatives and policies - Commonwealth Park and Missing Middle come immediately to mind
• The Executive continued to consult with the ACT Environment Minister on the role and contribution of the ACT Government Landscape Architect, and
• AILA ACT Executive (Stuart Scobie) prepared a proposal to change the ACT Chapter to a regional chapter or recognised group within NSW .
As I have written before it is also a bit demoralising that there are not more AILA ACT members prioritising a small portion of their time to participate. With more people in the discussions the results would be more robust, we could have a bit more fun and meet over drinks (that would make discussions interesting) and our collective voice in the ACT much louder. And we need a loud voice. Perhaps if we are shouting about the value of our profession we could attract more people and re-open the UC Landscape Architecture course (I was told that only need to get 14 more enrolments a year). Perhaps some loud cheering will get the Government Landscape Architect, appointed in the near rather than distant future.
And to be quite direct - the ACT Chapter, like the Board, could do with some fresh eyes to discover the opportunities for new landscapes…..it could certainly do a with a new President!
Thank you, Joanna McAndrew for all your hard work and diligence - you make being on the Executive an easy task. Thank you, Stuart Scobie for picking up meetings and communications when I failed, thank you Gweneth and Lei for your input, editing and support.
Wearing my Course Convenor hat - thank you to all the members of AILA Fresh and to the professionals who supported the students and the course - you have no idea how grateful I am!
Hopefully we will get a good roll out for the ACT End of year celebration this Thursday - I do intend to be there, there is a lot to celebrate - ink into you digital diaries 27 November, 5.30 at the Swan and King!
Gay Williamson
RFAILA
ACT President