nomadpete

Yes, OK, there are more options than I listed. I just wanted to get a feeling for whether people are really wanting easier communication in this way. I, for one, have never been able to attend a AGM because of work commitments and the distance/ time/ motel accommodation costs . So I became one of the great unwashed apathetic ones, unable to vote properly because of a disconnect in the communications. Information is power and the informed are therefore empowered. If I had been able to hear how the meetings were chaired, I would have had a better idea of the way things were going, and how the personalities were interacting at the meeting. In the past I have used web for lectures and for meetings at work. It is not going to be as good as being present at a meeting but is sure does tell you a lot about how the business is being conducted. I suspect that a whole lot more members would get involved if the meetings were made accessible this way. And it can work both ways - through better participation, the board would be better in touch with their members and so be better able to represent the member's. I used to ignore the AGM. The minutes didn't tell me much. But if I had been 'present' at the meeting, I would surely have been in my nearest board member's ear asking him questions.

I would like to get a rough idea of how many of the forum folk would use a webinar or audio 'telecast' to know what is going on at a AGM. Don't let internet availability put you off, there are public libraries with internet in most towns and often it just takes a visit to your local club or neighbour to use their internet if your own is not up to it. It seems that the cost would not be great once spread over a potential 12,000 members. Also, it should be possible to set up a login to make the information only available to paid members. Peter

To my way of thinking, the proposal of a "working party for a second organisation" has merit. Not because I expect a new organisation to actually eventuate as a phoenix rising from the RAAus ashes, but because it allows interested people who have the skills we would like to see in RAAus to openly table their ideas about how to successfully organise the running of our governing body. It would allow the airing of lots of concepts that may even ( well, the better ones, hopefully) be adopted by our people rebuilding the dysfunctional RAAus. Sort of like modelling of a new open communicative, responsible group and testing the ideas. It allows the development and open processes that we (the complainers) would dearly like to see. It allows the contribution and participation of many more members than are presently allowed to be involved. These forums have opened my eyes to the many talented and knolwedgable members that we should be asking. We are not just a bunch of knockers. Nor just a bunch of cowboys. The ideas suggested already such as studying the merits of the NZ system sounds great. After all our present problems don't come (as far as we know) from a lack of regulation. It comes from a lack of due processes and lack of compliance with existing or new procedures. A heavier bureaucracy will only burden the administrators (and cost us more). I would like to see a lightweight regulatory system for our type of flying, coupled with a better culture of personal responsibility. Peter

Turbo, please don't take offence re: my 'stirrers' remark. Nor anyone else. I was only trying to paraphrase what I think is the thrust of those against the EGM. I don't personally think that there is a hazardous stirrers camp unless you count the silent board and executive. I have faith in the due process of a properly conducted meeting. I would like to extend the communication so that more of those who have so far been apathetic, may get involved in the democratic process. I, for one, am unable to get to Canberra for any meetings. Knowledge is required for us to make informed decisions (and a prerequisit to vote wisely). We can use our presently available processes to start reforming RAAus. This must happen as soon as possible. The purpose of this forum is to debate and air our thoughts and opinions. And to try to rationalise what is happening in our organisation - at this time we only have this forum to discuss things. Thank you Ian for that. Although there are not enormous numbers of us interacting here, remember that there are probably many more sitting on the sidelines wishing to get some facts to fill the information vacuum. Hopefully even some more of the board members ? I heard someplace that for every person motivated to write about something there are ten more who are thinking it but are afraid to voice it. regards, PeterT

Firsty, The only complaints I have read here regarding the calling of the EGM, revolve around the fear that a few stirrers might hijack the voting. My view is that hijacking could not happen if all interested parties (all members or at least a lot of them) simply take an active interest in the EGM, communicate their views and at very least send a trusted proxy to vote on their behalf. It is a democratic process after all. Secondly, the streaming of sound would be a great step toward transparency and communication. Especially to help the majority who are probably unable to attend in person. Pending permission if that is required - is there anything about it in the consitiution? Any steps toward communication will work toward preventing misinformation getting out of hand. Thirdly, what about slow scan video or low definitiion (lower bandwidth required), would that be possible? I'm sure that there would be some honorable members who would be prepared to stump up a donation/subscription to help pay for any overhead costs. For instance I'm sure my club would definately pass the hat around and we would have a dozen or so watching at the clubhouse. This doesn't have to be a television show, just a camera and a microphone near the front so we can hear the answers.

Again I ask..... Is it possible to set up a webinar so that all interested members can hear the questions as asked at the EGM (if it happens)? That way, members can phone their appointed proxy if something contentious and unexpected happens and they need to have an input before each vote. It would showcase to the RAAus members just how effective an open communication process can be implemented. The technical side would have to be planned right now in order to be able to set it up on the occassion. Any volunteers? PeterT

Dear Board members who have entered this forum, It is great to hear from you. I have now got some meaningful and useful input from at least some of the Board of RAAus. That is better than the official website has managed. Keep up the good work, please involve us members more in the process - tell us everything relevent - the good and the bad. We need to know where we are at and how to bring our organisation back to where it should be. Dear Board Members who sit on the side lines reading our forum and not participating, Please take the initiative to start open communication with the members. We need your help to restore RAAus to what it should be. We need to hear open and frank communication from you too. Become part of the solution. Please. regards, Peter T

Gavin, Many thanks for taking the time to comment to us via this forum. Your contribution to opening the communication channels is appreciated. regards, Peter T

Jim, Thank you for joining our forum. It is sad that this avenue seems to be the only way that we members are exposed to any information about what is going on in our organisation. Maybe one day the RAAus website will offer us the communication transparency that we need. Your guidance is helping us to put events into perspective. It also helps to quell the more volatile voices. Please remember that most of us are not blindly listening to those scare mongers. We are just trying to get a handle on what is happening and to collectively find a way to get RAAus back on track. We know that there are hard working people involved, and would better appreciate their work if only we had better insight into the workings of our system. thanks for playing a part in improving the communication flow, Peter T

John, I offer my personal 'thank you' for posting timely and honest information which is relevent to the members. You have shared your facts and opinions with a clear separation of each. This is exactly the sort of transparency that we all hope to see from RAAus. It counters speculation by storytellers who try to fill every information void. Exactly the sort of timely information needed to keep members happy (or maybe less unhappy), and informed. I hope your example is noted by board and executive members, and also by prospective board or executive members. Thank you for setting a standard. Peter T

Wow, thanks so much. I've always pondered such things as the meaning of life and what I really am. Now at least I know what I am . . . . . . . . . . Now, tell me again, what is the meaning of life?

Ian, Would it be possible for a online 'interview' to be set up when elections come around? I would like to hear the candidates speak and have a opportunity to ask a few questions. That way I would be empowered and have the knowledge required to make an informed decision and actually feel that my vote really counts ! If RAAus won't do it on their website, would you consider doing it? Peter t

Wow, that triggered off more posts than the reputation of RAAus !

WHERE DO RED-HEADED BABIES COME FROM? After their baby was born, the panicked father went to see the Obstetrician. 'Doctor,' the man said, 'I don't mind telling you, but I'm very upset because my daughter has red hair. She can't possibly be mine!!' 'Nonsense,' the doctor said...'Even though you and your wife both have black hair, one of your ancestors may have contributed red hair to the gene pool.' 'It isn't possible,' the man insisted. 'This can't be, our families on both sides had jet-black hairfor generations.' "Well, said the doctor, let me ask you this. How often do you have sex???" The man seemed a bit ashamed..'I've been working veryhard for the past year. We only made love once or twice every few months.' 'Well, there you have it!' The doctor said confidently.... "It's Rust."

Hey, now you're talking. An interactive Q & A online would be great. Then you can look the guy in the eye as he speaks. Maybe get a handle on his integrity and motivations. I bet that would get more than the estimated 3% of us participating in the process.

Have a read of this A Cavan driver is pulled over by a Garda on the N3 from Dublin on his way home. The Garda approaches the driver's door. "Is there a problem Garda ?" The Garda says, "Sir, you were speeding. Can I see your license please?" ... The driver responds, "I'd give it to you but I don't have one." "You don't have one?" The Cavan man responds, "I lost it four times for drink driving." The Garda is shocked. "I see. Can I see your vehicle registration papers please?" "I'm sorry, I can't do that." The Garda says, "Why not?" "I stole this car." The Garda says, "Stole it?" The man says, "Yes, and I killed the owner." At this point the Garda is getting irate. "You what!?" "She's in the boot if you want to see." The Garda looks at the man and slowly backs away to his car and calls for back up. Within minutes, five Garda cars show up, surrounding the car. A senior Garda from the serious crimes squad slowly approaches the car, clasping his half drawn gun. The senior Garda says "Sir, could you step out of your vehicle please!" The man steps out of his vehicle. "Is there a problem Garda ?" "One of my men told me that you have stolen this car and murdered the owner." "Murdered the owner?" The Garda responds, "Yes, could you please open the boot of your car please?" The man opens the boot, revealing nothing but an empty boot. The Garda says, "Is this your car sir?" The man says "Yes," and hands over the registration papers. The Garda, understandably, is quite stunned. "One of my Garda claims that you do not have a driving licence." The man digs in his pocket revealing a wallet and hands it to the Garda. The Garda opens the wallet and examines the license. He looks quite puzzled. "Thank you sir, one of my Gardas told me you didn't have a license, stole this car, and murdered the owner." The man replies, "I bet you the lying bastard told you I was speeding, too!"

John, Please accept my apology for being one of the apathetic masses. I must accept my share of the collective blame for RAAus ending up where we are now. My only excuse is that I had no way of knowing who the candidates really were when the elections came up. Unless one has personal contact with the candidates it is impossible to make an informed decision at election time. So I took the easy way out and sat on the sidelines. The present problem is "where do we go from here"? Do we have any options? Are we left with CASA as our only guiding light/saviour? PeterT

I recall notifying RAAus of two incidents in which I was involved, (non injury incidents) and after waiting some months, found a barely recognisable "report' in the RAAus magazine. There were none of my words used. I only recognised the text as referring to my notifications by the aircraft type and the basic nature of what I had reported. Nobody reading it would have been able to learn from my errors, nor even been able to recognise the event. There was nothing in my words which were likely to bring about litigious reactions from any person. So I can assume that there is a whole story hidden behind each and every incident reported. It would be productive if something in the nature of the air safety digest (without prejudice, etc) could be instigated so that the lessons are not lost. If there are good reports created by RAAus, then it is in the interests of all for these reports to be openly available.

So the result of all this is that we, the pilots, are denied the valuable lessons that might save lives, because RAAus board is afraid of litigation which might eventuate if the facts surrounding an accident were more readily accessible?

Catholic Heart Attack A man suffered a serious heart attack while shopping in a store. The store clerks called 000 when they saw him collapse to the floor. The paramedics rushed the man to the nearest hospital where he had emergency open heart bypass surgery. He awakened from the surgery to find himself in the care of nuns @ the Catholic Hospital he was taken to.. A nun was seated next to his bed holding a clip board loaded with several forms, & a pen. She asked him how he was going to pay for his treatment. "Do you have health insurance?" she asked. He replied in a raspy voice, "No health insurance." The nun asked, "Do you have money in the bank?" He replied, "No money in the bank." "Do you have a relative who could help you with the payments?" asked the irritated nun. He said, "I only have a spinster sister, & she is a nun." The nun became agitated & announced loudly, "Nuns are not spinsters! Nuns are married to God." The patient replied, "Perfect.. Send the bill to my brother-in-law."

PRESS RELEASE - DEPT OF DEFENCE: NEW DESTROYERS FOR RAN Details have been released regarding the RAN's next generation of fighting ships, including new destroyers. The Navy is proud of the cutting edge capability being designed into the new destroyer type. They have been designed to meet the needs of the 21st century; in addition to state of the art technology, weaponry, and guidance systems, the ships will comply with the very latest employment, equality, Health & Safety and Human Rights legislation. They will be able to remain at sea for several months and positively bristle with facilities. For instance, the new user-friendly look-out posts come equipped with wheelchair access; live ammunition has been replaced with paintballs to reduce the risk of anyone getting hurt (and to cut down on the number of compensation claims); stress counsellors and lawyers will be on duty 24hrs a day (each ship will have its own onboard industrial tribunal). The crew will be 50/50 men and women, gender balanced in accordance with the latest Government directives on race, gender, sexuality, and disability. Sailors will work a maximum of 37hrs per week in line with Seamens' Union Health & Safety rules which apply equally in peace and wartime. All bunks will be double occupancy and the destroyers will be equipped with a maternity ward situated on the same deck as the Gay Disco. Tobacco will be banned throughout the ship, but cannabis will be allowed in the Wardroom. The Navy is eager to shed its perceived reputation for ‘Rum, Sodomy, and the Lash, so out goes the daily beer ration which is to be replaced by Perrier water. Although sodomy remains, it has been extended to include all ratings under 18 and is no longer compulsory. The lash will still be available but only on request. Saluting officers has been abolished because it is elitist; it is to be replaced by the more informal "Hello Sailor". All notices on boards will be printed in 37 different languages and braille. Crew members will no longer be required to ask permission to grow beards or moustaches - same for the women. The Navy is working on a new non specific flag as the existing White Ensign is considered to be offensive to minorities. The ship is due to be launched soon in a ceremony conducted by Captain Mohammad Hook from the Canberra National Mosque who will break a petrol bomb over the hull. The ship will slide gently into the water to the tune of "In the Navy" by the Village People played by the Navy band. Sea Trials are expected to take place when the first of the new destroyers, HMAS Cautious, sets out on her maiden voyage. She will be escorting boat loads of illegal immigrants to ports around Australia.

A Drover walks into a bar with A pet crocodile by his side. He puts the crocodile up on the bar. He turns to the astonished patrons. 'I'll make you a deal. I'll open this crocodile's mouth and place my manhood inside. Then the croc will close his Mouth for one minute. 'Then he'll open his mouth And I'll remove my unit unscathed. In return for witnessing this Spectacle, Each of you will buy me a drink.' The crowd murmured their approval. The man stood up on the bar, Dropped his trousers, And placed his Credentials and related parts in the crocodile's open mouth. The croc closed his mouth As the crowd gasped. After a minute, The man grabbed a beer Bottle and smacked the Crocodile really,really hard on the top of Its head . The croc opened his mouth And the man removed his genitals unscathed as promised. The crowd cheered, And the first of his free Drinks were delivered. The man stood up again and made another offer. 'I'll pay anyone $100 who's willing to give it a try.' A hush fell over the crowd. After a while, a hand went up in the back of the bar. A blonde woman timidly Spoke up.......... 'I'll try it - Just don't hit me so hard With the beer bottle!'

During a visit to my doctor, I asked him, "How do you determine whether or not an older person should be put in an old age home?" "Well," he said, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the person to empty the bathtub." "Oh, I understand," I said. "A normal person would use the bucket because it is bigger than the spoon or the teacup." "No" he said. "A normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window?"

A man was leaving a convenience store with his morning coffee when he noticed a most unusual funeral procession approaching the nearby cemetery. A black hearse was followed by a second black hearse about 50 feet behind the first. Behind the second hearse was a solitary man walking a dog on a leash. Behind him, a short distance back, were about 200 men walking single file. The man couldn't stand his curiosity. He respectfully approached the man walking the dog and said, "I am so sorry for your loss and this may be a bad time to disturb you, but I've never seen a funeral like this. Whose funeral is it?" "My wife's." ''What happened to her?" The man replied, "My dog attacked and killed her." He inquired further, "But there's a second hearse." The man answered, "It's my mother-in-law. She was trying to help my wife. when the dog turned on her too." A very poignant and touching moment of brotherhood and silence, passed between the two men. "Can I borrow the dog?" The man replied, "Get in line."

1st woman: Hi! Wanda. 2nd woman: Hi! Sylvia. How'd you die? 1st woman: I froze to death. 2nd woman: How horrible! 1st woman: It wasn't so bad. After I quit shaking from the cold, I began to get warm & sleepy, and finally died a peaceful death. What about you? 2nd woman: I died of a massive heart attack. I suspected that my husband was cheating, so I came home early to catch him in the act. But instead, I found him all by himself in the den watching TV. 1st woman: So, what happened? 2nd woman: I was so sure there was another woman there somewhere that I started running all over the house looking. I ran up into the attic and searched, and down into the basement.. Then I went through every closet and checked under all the beds. I kept this up until I had looked everywhere, and finally I became so exhausted that I just keeled over with a heart attack and died. 1st woman: Too bad you didn't look in the freezer---we'd both still be alive.