Chairman’s Report:

Welcome to the special Forum edition of AUSTRALASIAN FLEXO. I am sure everyone will be eager to review the Print Awards section and see who has won awards in each category. The standard of Flexo printing we have in Australia is world class! This was confirmed by ABM Flexibles who won back-to-back gold at the prestigious "Excellence in Flexography" awards held earlier this year in Dallas , TX USA .

We have approached this year's forum by trying to deliver a different range of speakers and topics, straying slightly from the norm.

Kel Doolan has been inducted into the Hall of Fame and is seen as a well-deserved recipient, giving up his time and knowledge unreservedly, to support our industry over many years.

During the past 12 months, your Council has endeavoured to address all issues raised by our members, while working on this year's Forum, workshops and magazine.

Rob King and Paul Thacker have continued their good work, to again organise and deliver relevant topic workshops in all states. Kym Bridges has done a fantastic job in organising the Forum speakers to deliver a diverse range of subjects, which will generate more than a few discussions.

The co-ordination of the Print Award judging by Rob King and Bob Jago was smoothly carried out, thank you to Bob James and all judges involved.

David Gerring has managed the membership drive very well and continues to come up with new avenues to grow our membership.

The Apprentice of the Year Award has been driven by James Luttick . James has done an outstanding job in delivering three superb finalists, judging by the calibre of the finalists our trade is in good hands. The unenviable task of sorting out our finances has continued for Iain Kennedy and it is safe to say that his efforts have improved the financial position of the AFTA and our finances are now in order. Tony Dalleore has again supplied the Council with enormous support and without his assistance it would have been a very difficult year for the Council. The level of commitment, time and effort from the Council members is much appreciated and had made my first year as Chairman an enjoyable one.

Thanks you to all of the AFTA Council members.

The magazine continues to grow and improve, please remember, it is your magazine and needs your support. The ongoing success of the magazine will depend on the readers and their support and input.

The year's AGM, to be held on the second morning of the Forum, will have some topics raised that may decide the direction of future forums and the AFTA in general. This is your opportunity, as a member, to voice your opinion on the future direction of the AFTA and vote.

NB: The 2005 Forum, requested to be held in New Zealand , is gathering huge support and needs to be discussed at this meeting.

I hope the Forum has been an informative two days for all who have attended and that everyone has some new ideas/information to take back to their workplace. Please enjoy the magazine.

SHAUN PEARCE - Chairman

Previous Comments from the Chairman:

1. Meet Shaun Pearce: Chairman of AFTA
2. The Rewards of being an AFTA Member (November 2002)
3. The countdown to the forum has begun!
4. Chairman's report: Where has the year gone?
5. Chairman's report
6. IT'S BEEN A GREAT YEAR FOR AFTA!