Minutes of the 2008 Annual General Meeting

VICTORIAN AUTOCAD USERS GROUP INCORPORATED
(VICAUG INC.)
(Victoria Associations Incorporation Act 1981(as at 01 July 1998) Registered No. A 0013467S)
www.dbm.com.au/vicaug
Postal Address: PO Box 466, ELSTERNWICK VIC 3185
MINUTES OF 2008 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
HELD AT:
RMIT BUILDING 94, 5TH. FLOOR
23-27 CARDIGAN STREET, CARLTON
ON:
MONDAY, 4TH. AUGUST 2008
GENERAL MEETING:
Attendance: as recorded on the Attendance sheet.
Apologies: Nil.
Opening:
The President, Mark Miller, welcomed everyone attending, requested them to ensure that they had registered on the Attendance sheet, and opened the August 2008 General Meeting at 6.30 pm.
Minutes of Previous Meeting (2nd. June 2008):
It was Moved by Gordon Adams and seconded by Peter Godfrey that the Minutes of the previous General Meeting held on the 2nd. June 2008 as circulated with the Notice in the “Newsletter” were received, adopted and approved. There was no business from the Minutes of the previous Meeting.
The President’s Opening Address (the Prez Sez):
The President advised that this is the meeting at which the 2008 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be conducted – as per the Notice on the August 2008 “Notice of August 2008 General Meeting and the 2008 Annual General Meeting”. The General Meeting this evening will be suspended while the AGM is conducted and then the General Meeting will be resumed to proceed to Closure as normal.
He advised that our presentations this evening will be of a “Discussion” and “Tips and Tricks” format/nature with no formal presentations as such.
Suspension of August 2008 General Meeting:
The President formally suspended the August 2008 General meeting at 6.59 pm to enable the 2008 Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be conducted.
AUGUST 2008 GENERAL MEETING SUSPENDED
2008 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OPENED
MINUTES OF 2008 VICAUG Inc. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Opening:
The President formally declared the 2008 VICAUG Inc. (A0013467S) Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be Opened at 7.00 pm.
Apologies:
No apologies were received.
Minutes of Previous (since 2007 AGM) General meetings:
It was moved by Gordon Adams and seconded by Peter Godfrey that the Minutes of all of the General Meetings, held since the previous AGM as circulated in the “Newsletters” and approved at General Meetings since the previous (2007) AGM be approved. This was carried.
Minutes of Previous (2007) AGM:
It was moved by ..Gordon Adams and seconded by Peter Godfrey that the Minutes of the 2007 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in August 2007 as presented be received and adopted. This was carried.
Business out of the Minutes of the Previous AGM (2007):
There was no business arising from the minutes of the 2007 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
2007/2008 Financial Statement of Balance Reconciliation:
Copies of the 2007/2008 Financial Statement of Reconciliation were given to members in attendance.
The Financial Statement of Balance Reconciliation (the “Report”) was duly delivered by the Treasurer, Gordon Adams.
The Treasurer, addressing the Report, advised that:
Membership is eleven which is just below average for the last several years – needs to be further increased to ensure the viability of the Group, to keep annual fees down and to attract quality presentations from/by developers and distributors etc;
Opening balance as at 01 July 2007, was $7,419.64;
Closing balance as at 30 June 2008 was $8,467.80
We had a net operating surplus of income over expenditure (a profit) of $238.86
Costs had been considerably reduced without adversely affecting meetings and service/s to members;
The Committee could see no need to change fees/subscriptions for 2008/09 and recommended that the fees for 2008/09 remain and be set at $50.00 – GST has been cancelled by the Australian Tax Office and so is not included.
The Report was discussed and agreed.
It was moved by Gordon Adams, Treasurer, and seconded by Zoltan Toth, that the 2007/2008 Financial Statement of Reconciliation (Income and Expenses) – “the Report” – as distributed to members in attendance and as addressed by the Treasurer this evening, be received and adopted. This was carried unanimously.
President’s Report (for 2007/2008):
The President thanked the Committee and membership for the privilege of being President for the 2007/08 year.
He reported that:
- – we had a very good year;
- – membership is slowly increasing;
- – feedback from members is satisfactory;
- – VICAUG’s future seems assured, although nothing is certain;
- – costs continue to be reviewed;
- – the bank balance is effectively a “sinking fund” which has no other encumbrances and to be used to absorb any unexpected or excess expenditure over income; and
- these costs will continue to be reviewed and a membership drive to increase membership will be continued throughout the coming year.
The President thanked the members for their confidence and support. He also thanked the Committee for its diligence, performance and support.
The President’s report for 2007/2008 as presented was duly received and discussed.
It was moved by Peter Godfrey and seconded by Zoltan Toth that the President’s report for 2007/08 as presented, be accepted and adopted. This was carried unanimously.
Membership subscriptions for 2008/09:
The President advised that the 2007/08 Committee has recommended that the membership fees/subscriptions remain at $50.00 for 2008/09. There is no GST as the Committee has cancelled the GST registration with the Australian Tax Office which has agreed and cancelled registration and requirement fro periodic reporting (BAS Statements).
This was discussed and agreed.
It was moved by Gordon Adams, Treasurer, and seconded by Peter Godfrey that the fees/subscriptions for 2008/09 be $50.00 per member due and payable within one month (ie, by 04 September 2008).
This was carried unanimously.
Elections of Committee for 2008/09:
The President advised that all offices for the Committee, consisting of: President; Vice President; Treasurer; Secretary & Public Officer; as well as (at least) 2 Ordinary Committee Members would be declared vacant and elections for all of these offices for 2008/09 are to be held.
He advised that all present (2007/08) officers and members of the Committee had duly been proposed and seconded and had accepted nomination for election and/or appointment to their current offices on the Committee for 2008/09.
The proposed, seconded and acceptant proposed members of the Vicaug Inc. Committee for 2008/09 are:
President: Mark Miller;
Vice President and “Newsletter” editor: Peter Godfrey;
Treasurer: Gordon Adams;
Secretary & Public Officer: Branko Gligorov;
Ordinary members: Zoltan Toth and Andrew Johnson.
The President advised that as there were no nominations for the Committee other than those as proposed and that there were no more nominations this evening prior to the election of the 2008/09 Committee, he would accept a single proposer and single seconder that all of the proposed Committee be appointed/elected for the 2008/09 year.
He called for and encouraged any further nominations for any position or positions on the Committee but there were none.
It was moved by Peter Godfrey and seconded by Gordon Adams and approved by a unanimous show of hands that the following members be elected/appointed to the 2008/09 VICAUG Inc. Committee:
President: Mark Miller;
Vice President and “Newsletter” editor: Peter Godfrey;
Treasurer: Gordon Adams;
Secretary & Public Officer: Branko Gligorov;
Ordinary members: Zoltan Toth and Andrew Johnson.
The President declared the above-named members as to be duly elected and appointed as the VICAUG Inc. 2008/09 Committee and congratulated them on their appointment to their various offices.
Next (2009) Annual General Meeting (AGM):
The President advised that the next (ie. 2009) Annual General Meeting (AGM) of VICAUG Inc. would be held on Monday 03 August 2009 of which due notice will be given by the Secretary and in the August 2009 “Newsletter” and by email.
Closure of 2008 AGM and Resumption of August 2008 General Meeting:
The President formally Closed the 2008 AGM and resumed the August 2008 General Meeting at 7.30 pm.
Resumption of August 2008 General Meeting:
The President declared that the 2008 AGM being Closed, that the August 2008 General Meeting was resumed and opened at 7.31 pm.
Presentations:
There were two presentations as per the report in the separate Minutes of the August 2008 General Meeting.
“Thank You’s”:
The President thanked the members who had attended and participated in the presentations.
Next Meeting:
The next General Meeting will be on Monday 6th. October 2008 at RMIT Building 94, 5th. Floor, 23-27 Cardigan Street, CARLTON.
Notice will be given in the October 2008 “Newsletter” and email/s.
Closure:
There being no further business, the President thanked all for attending, and closed the meeting at 10.30 pm.
(B.Gligorov)
Secretary and Public Officer.

Minutes of the February 2007 General Meeting

(Victoria Associations Incorporation Act 1981(as at 01 July 1998) Registered No. A 13467)

www.dbm.com.au/vicaug

Postal Address: PO Box 466, ELSTERNWICK VIC 3185

MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 2007 GENERAL MEETING

HELD AT:

RMIT BUILDING 94, 5TH. FLOOR
23-27 CARDIGAN STREET, CARLTON

ON:

MONDAY, 5TH. FEBRUARY 2007

Attendance:
As per Attendance Book.

Apologies:
Apologies were received.

Opening:
The President, Mark Miller, welcomed everyone attending, requested them to ensure that they had registered on the Attendance sheet, and opened the December 2006 General Meeting at 7.00 pm.

He then suspended the meeting for 30 Minutes for a “Get-together” and refreshment.

He resumed the meeting at 7.30 pm

Minutes of Previous Meeting (December 2006):
The Minutes of the previous General Meeting held on the 4th. December 2006 as circulated in “Vicaug News” – (weblog – aka “blog”) and as emailed to members were received, adopted and approved. There was no business from the Minutes of the previous Meeting.

The President’s Opening Address (the Prez Sez):
The President in his opening address, welcomed all in attendance to this our first meeting for 2007.

He advised that:
- Peter Coburn was unable to attend to give his “Struct-Plus” presentation but will present it at the next meeting (April 2007);
- we have several excellent presentations this evening in which:
—- Peter Godfrey will:
——- continue his series on and to further demonstrate the “Dynamic Blocks” feature in “AutoCAD 2008″; and
——- in conjunction with Zoltan Toth, will demonstrate the “Bit Torrent” web-based facility.
— Zoltan Toth will demonstrate:
——- the uses and features of “virtual machines” in which a number of real computers are emulated; and
——- driver recovery and re-installation of them after re-installation of OS (in this case, XP)

Keeping up to date with VICAUG news and any other matters:
The President advised that members should regularly “log on” to the VICAUG Weblog (“blog”) site at http://vicaug.wordpress.com and VICAUG’s web page at www.dbm.com.au/vicaug – both of which are (to be) regularly updated – to keep themselves aware of items of interest.

Presentations:
AutoCAD “Dynamic Blocks”: by Peter Godfrey, Vice President of Vicaug Inc.
Peter continued his series of presentations of the “Dynamic Blocks” features, their use, applications and advantages.

Peter conducted a very much appreciated “question and answer” session as required – to the satisfaction of all in attendance.

“Bit Torrent”:
Peter Godfrey and Zoltan Toth gave an excellent joint presentation on the uses and features of the web-based peer-to-peer (P2P) world-wide “Bit Torrent” application.

This was very much appreciated by all in attendance as many had heard of it but had neither seen it in operation nor tried it for themselves.

“Virtual Machines”:
Zoltan Toth demonstrated the uses, set-up and features of “virtual machines” in which a number of real computers are emulated in that they (electronically) “reside” or “exist” within a “real” computer but can be “run” as separate computers.

Driver recovery and re-installation of them after re-installation of OS (in this case, XP):
Zoltan Toth demonstrated and discussed the retrieval of drivers and then the re-installation of them in a computer which had to have the Operating System re-installed. In this case it was XP but the procedures apply equally to W2K as well.

Zoltan searched the net for the required “free” (of course) software to retrieve the drivers that were not on the OS (XP) CD that he had. These drivers included but were nor limited to: main board; sound card; graphics card; CD/DVD drive/s and others.

Once the hard drive had been re-formatted and the OS (re)installed, all of the drivers that were retrieved were reinstalled and al of the equipment that required these drivers was run and checked fore operation – all was satisfactory.

The method used (somewhat) negated the need for the CD’s (missing/lost) on which the original drivers were provided.

Zoltan ran and compared the performance of several downloaded utilities and ranked them and used the one that the job best.

This method has huge advantages over any other method – particularly when the Computer was a “freebie” with XP installed but no CD’s etc.

The whole process was completed in a fraction of the time normally required and without any of the usual “drama”, angst” or “hang-ups”. Plus all of the drivers were retained and consolidated on a CD for future use and reference.

Further, this method is a very easy way of copying all drivers when a driver is installed or updated.

All presentations had adequate and excellent discussion sessions.

Reporting on Technical Aspects relating to Technical Aspects of Presentations Etc:
These minutes are of a general(ised) and “précis” nature only.

A more focussed, technical and topic-specific report by “others/another” will appear in the VICAUG Weblog (i.e. “blog”) – which is published on a “continuing/ongoing” basis at: http://vicaug.wordpress.com

The “blog” report/s will also include all links relating to the subject matter of these Minutes.

“Thank You’s”:
The President thanked the presenters for their excellent presentations. He also thanked members who had attended and participated in the presentations.

Next Meeting:
The next General meeting is intended to be held on Monday 2nd. April 2007 at this venue i.e. RMIT Building 94, 5th. Floor at 23-27 Cardigan Street, CARLTON – commencing at 6.30 pm.

Closure:
There being no further business, the President thanked all for attending, and closed the meeting at 9.30 pm.

(M.J.Ginnane)
Secretary and Public Officer.

Minutes of the December 2006 Meeting

(Victoria Associations Incorporation Act 1981(as at 01 July 1998) Registered No. A 13467)
www.dbm.com.au/vicaug
Postal Address: PO Box 466, ELSTERNWICK VIC 3185
MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 2006 GENERAL MEETING
HELD AT:
RMIT BUILDING 94, 5TH. FLOOR
23-27 CARDIGAN STREET, CARLTON
ON:
MONDAY, 4TH. DECEMBER 2006

Attendance:
As per Attendance Book.

Apologies:
Apologies were received from Andrew J, Miro K, Zoltan T and Chris N.

Opening:
The President, Mark Miller, welcomed everyone attending, requested them to ensure that they had registered on the Attendance sheet, and opened the December 2006 General Meeting at 7.00 pm.

Minutes of Previous Meeting (October 2006):
The Minutes of the previous General Meeting held on the 2nd. October 2006 as circulated in “Vicaug News” – (weblog – aka “blog”) were received, adopted and approved. There was no business from the Minutes of the previous Meeting.

The President’s Opening Address (the Prez Sez):
The President in his opening address, welcomed all in attendance to this our final meeting for 2006. He wished all members all the very best for the Festive Season.
He advised that:
- we have an excellent presentation this evening in which Peter Godfrey will demonstrate the “Dynamic Blocks” feature in “AutoCAD”;
- the web VIcaug web page is in the process of being updated;
- there were still some questions on the Vicaug “Vicaug News” web log (aka “blog”) and questions were taken and answered;
- new members are required for the 2007/08 Committee – to be elected at the 2007 AGM in August 2007;
- members are requested to advise as to what they would like to see presented at General meetings;
Keeping up to date with VICAUG news and any other matters:
The President advised that members should regularly “log on” to the VICAUG Weblog (“blog”) site at and VICAUG’s web page at www.dbm.com.au/vicaug – both of which are (to be) regularly updated – to keep themselves aware of items of interest.

Presentations:
AutoCAD “Dynamic Blocks”
by Peter Godfrey, Vice President of Vicaug Inc.
Peter, the resident and long time and acknowledged guru (of the guru’s as well) on all things AutoCAD, Autodesk and Computers gave an excellent explanation and demonstration of the “dynamic blocks” feature of “AutoCAD”.
Peter conducted a very much appreciated “question and answer” session as required – to the satisfaction of all in attendance.
These “dynamic blocks” are in addition to the traditional blocks and external references (ie “exrefs”) that have been in previous “Releases” of AutoCAD as well. Their use requires some reading in the “Help” files but is very well worth the effort.
The features are quite easy to use and are well worth learning and using. The “learning curve” will be short, easy and very much worth the minor effort involved.
The President thanked Peter for his excellent, informative and instructive presentation.

Reporting on Technical Aspects relating to Technical Aspects of Presentations Etc:
These minutes are of a general(ised) and “précis” nature only.
A more focussed, technical and topic-specific report by “others/another” will appear in the VICAUG Weblog (i.e. “blog”) – which is published on a “continuing/ongoing” basis at:
The “blog” report/s will also include all links relating to the subject matter of these Minutes.

“Thank You’s”:
The President thanked the presenters for their excellent presentations. He also thanked members who had attended and participated in the presentations.

Next Meeting:
The next General meeting is intended to be held on Monday 5th. February 2007 at this venue i.e. RMIT Building 94, 5th. Floor at 23-27 Cardigan Street, CARLTON – commencing at 6.30 pm.

Closure:
There being no further business, the President thanked all for attending, and closed the meeting at 9.30 pm.

(M.J.Ginnane)
Secretary and Public Officer.

Minutes of the October 2006 General Meeting

(Victoria Associations Incorporation Act 1981(as at 01 July 1998) Registered No. A 13467)

www.dbm.com.au/vicaug

Postal Address: PO Box 466, ELSTERNWICK VIC 3185

MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 2006 GENERAL MEETING

HELD AT:

RMIT BUILDING 94, 5TH. FLOOR
23-27 CARDIGAN STREET, CARLTON

ON:

MONDAY, 2ND. OCTOBER 2006

Attendance:
As per Attendance Book.

Apologies:
Apologies were received.

Opening:
The President, Mark Miller, welcomed everyone attending, requested them to ensure that they had registered on the Attendance sheet, and opened the October 2006 General Meeting at 6.30 pm.

Minutes of Previous Meeting (August 2006):
The Minutes of the previous General Meeting held on the 7th. August 2006 as circulated in “Vicaug News” – (weblog – aka “blog”) were received, adopted and approved. There was no business from the Minutes of the previous Meeting.

The President’s Opening Address (the Prez Sez):
The President in his opening address, welcomed all in attendance. He advised that we have an excellent presentation this evening.

Keeping up to date with VICAUG news and any other matters:
The President advised that members should regularly “log on” to the VICAUG Weblog (“blog”) site at http://vicaug.wordpress.com and VICAUG’s web page at www.dbm.com.au/vicaug – both of which are (to be) regularly updated – to keep themselves aware of items of interest.

Presentations:
“SketchUp” 3D-modelling multi-purpose CAD program: by Chris Needham and Jeremy Tan, both of (the) c3group Consulting Services, PO Box 1198, HAWKSBURN VIC 3192 Phone: (03)9731 1113; Mobile: 0434 954 274 email: chris.n@c3group.com.au Net: www.c3group.com.au

Chris and Jeremy – both Directors of the c3Group – gave an excellent presentation of “SketchUp” – a 3D modelling CAD package – and really put it “through its paces”.

The range, scope of ability, applications and versatility of “SketchUp” were quite amazing – particularly when being “driven” by such an experienced operator as Chris Needham.

SketchUp is not too difficult to learn at all. The interface is remarkably intuitive and the operator can focus more on the required design than “driving” the application as is all too often the case with “other” “heavy” CAD software.

A very comprehensive “question and answer” session was incorporated into the presentation as were demonstrations both by way of clarification of issues and questions from the audience.

The presentation covered many applications and disciplines and some who might have been sceptical at the start were very impressed indeed.

“SketchUp” is owned by (“the”) “Google”. There is a truly “free” downloadable version which is very capable. A much more versatile and powerful version can be down-loaded and purchased at a very reasonable cost.

Reporting on Technical Aspects relating to Technical Aspects of Presentations Etc:
These minutes are of a general(ised) and “précis” nature only.

A more focussed, technical and topic-specific report by “others/another” will appear in the VICAUG Weblog (i.e. “blog”) – which is published on a “continuing/ongoing” basis at: http://vicaug.wordpress.com

The “blog” report/s will also include all links relating to the subject matter of these Minutes.

“Thank You’s”:
The President thanked the presenters for their excellent presentations. He also thanked members who had attended and participated in the presentations.

Next Meeting:
The next General meeting is intended to be held on Monday 4th. December 2006 at this venue i.e. RMIT Building 94, 5th. Floor at 23-27 Cardigan Street, CARLTON – commencing at 6.30 pm.

Closure:
There being no further business, the President thanked all for attending, and closed the meeting at 9.30 pm.

(M.J.Ginnane)
Secretary and Public Officer.

Minutes of the August 2006 Annual General Meeting

(Victoria Associations Incorporation Act 1981(as at 01 July 1998) Registered No. A 13467)

www.dbm.com.au/vicaug

Postal Address: PO Box 466, ELSTERNWICK VIC 3185

MINUTES OF THE 2006 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

HELD AT:

RMIT BUILDING 94, 5TH. FLOOR
23-27 CARDIGAN STREET, CARLTON

ON:

 MONDAY, 7TH. AUGUST 2006

Attendance:

As per Attendance Book.

Apologies:
Apologies were received.

Opening August 2006 General Meeting:
The President, Mark Miller, welcomed everyone attending, requested them to ensure that they had registered on the Attendance sheet, and opened the August 2006 General Meeting at 6.30 pm.

Minutes of Previous General Meeting (June 2006):
The Minutes of the previous General Meeting held on the 5th. June 2006 as circulated in ”Vicaug News” – (weblog – aka “blog”) were received, adopted and approved. There was no business from the Minutes of the previous Meeting.

The President’s Opening Address (the Prez Sez):
The President in his opening address, welcomed all in attendance.

He advised that we would have two excellent presentations this evening as well as conducting the 2006 Annual General Meeting (AGM) at which reports will be received, the 2006/07 Committee elected and 2006/07 subscriptions set.

Keeping up to date with VICAUG news and any other matters:
The President advised that members should regularly “log on” to the VICAUG Weblog (“blog”) site at  http://vicaug.wordpress.com and VICAUG’s web page at  www.dbm.com.au/vicaug  – both of which are (to be) regularly updated – to keep themselves aware of items of interest. 

If members have any ideas, let a Committee member know or drop an email to Peter Godfrey at pgodfrey at netspace dot net dot au. (replace the appropriate words with punctuation or course); and keep “logging on” to the VICAUG “blog” at: http://vicaug.wordpress.com  and web site at www.dbm.com.au/vicaug  for regular updates of/on a variety if matters of interest to members.

Suspension of August 2006 General Meeting and Opening of 2006 Annual General Meeting:

The President advised that the August 2006 General meeting was suspended until completion of the 2006 Annual General Meeting (AGM) at 6.45 pm.

Opening of 2006 AGM:

The President Opened the 2006 AGM at 6.46 pm.

Reports:

1. President:

The 2005/06 President, Mark Miller reported that:

- Vicaug had had another satisfactory year in the current circumstances;

- membership was stable and had been so for several years;

- Vicaug’s 20th. anniversary celebrations were a great success;

- the Committee had worked hard and well;

- he thanked all members for their support in 2005/06.

It was moved, seconded and adopted that the President’s report for 2005/06 be accepted – carried.

2. Treasurer:

The 2005/06 Treasurer, Gordon Adams spoke to his 2005/06 Report of Expenditure Receipts and reconciliation which had been audited and distributed to members in attendance.

He reported that:

- receipts of $2,180.06 exceeded expenditure of $1,718.50 by $461.56 (i.e. “credit/profit”);

- closing bank balances (2) totalled $6,730.96

- membership was 27;

- there was a “donation” of $50;

- Autodesk (Aust) paid the catering costs for the 20th. anniversary meeting ($613.50);

- bank interest of $316.55 was equivalent to over 6 membership subscriptions of $50

- GST payments to ATO were $87;

- the Committee will seek to have Vicaug removed from the GST system so as to retain those GST payments.

It was moved and seconded and adopted that the Treasurers Report as audited, distributed and discussed be received, accepted and approved.

This is required to be and was recorded as a separate Minute in these Minutes of the 2006 AGM

Election of 206/07 Committee:

The 2005/06 Committee having all been nominated and having each accepted nomination for offices as required for/in the election for the 2006/07 Committee and there being only one nomination for each position, and there being no further nominations “from the floor” and that as there was only one candidate for each position on the Committee, the President declared the 2006/07 Committee to be duly elected and appointed to office:

President: Mark Miller

Vice President: Peter Godfrey

Treasurer: Gordon Adams

Secretary & Public Officer: Mick Ginnane

2 “Ordinary” members: Branko Gligorov and Chris Needham

“Co-opted” members: Zoltan Toth and Andrew Johnson.

2006/07 Subscriptions:

It was moved, seconded, discussed and approved that the Subscriptions for 2006/07 be set at $45.45 + $4.55 GST = $50.00 total to be due and payable on or before one calendar month after the date of the AGM – i.e. 07 August (AGM) + 1 month = due and payable on or by 07 October 2006.

This motion was carried and was recorded as a separate Minute in the Minutes of the 2006 AGM.

Cancellation of registration for (and payments to/of) Goods and Services Tax (aka GST):  

It was moved, seconded, discussed and approved that Vicaug cease to be registered for payment of the Goods and Services Tax (aka GST) as soon as possible if as and when considered feasible by the committee.

This motion was carried and was recorded as a separate Minute in the Minutes of the 2006 AGM.

Closure of 2006 AGM and resumption of August 2006 General Meeting:

The President duly Closed the 2006 Annual General Meeting at 7.00 pm and resumed the August 2006 General Meeting at 7.01 pm.

Presentations:

There were two presentations, the details of which were recorded in the Minutes of the August 2006 General Meeting.

News for the Pews: by Mark Miller, President of VICAUG:

Due to the time allotted to the AGM and presentations this evening “News for the Pews” was deferred until the next General meeting (October 2006). It will include: insights into the world of gadgets (not just  AutoCAD) and technology.

“Tips and Tricks”:   by Mark Miller, President of VICAUG:
Due to the time allotted to the AGM and presentations this evening “Tips and Tricks: too was deferred until the next General meeting (October 2006). It will include many useful ” tips and tricks”  to streamline and maximise efficiencies in the use of AutoCAD.

The “Tips and Tricks” are regularly published as separate articles/items in the “Tips and Tricks” section of the VICAUG Weblog (aka “blog”). 

“Thank You’s”:
The President thanked the presenters (2) for their excellent presentations. He also thanked members who had attended and participated in the presentations.

Reporting on Technical Aspects relating to Technical Aspects of Presentations Etc:
These minutes are of a general(ised) and “précis” nature only.

A more focussed, technical and topic-specific report by “others/another” will appear in the VICAUG  Weblog (i.e. “blog”) – which is published on a “continuing/ongoing” basis at: http://vicaug.wordpress.com

The “blog” report/s will also include all links relating to the subject matter of these Minutes.
Next Meeting:
The next General meeting is intended to be held on Monday 2nd. October 2006 at this venue i.e. RMIT Building 94, 5th. Floor at 23-27 Cardigan Street, CARLTON – commencing at 6.30 pm.

Closure: 
There being no further business, the President thanked all for attending, and closed the meeting at 9.30 pm.

(M.J.Ginnane)
Secretary and Public Officer.

Minutes of the August 2006 General Meeting

(Victoria Associations Incorporation Act 1981(as at 01 July 1998) Registered No. A 13467)

www.dbm.com.au/vicaug

Postal Address: PO Box 466, ELSTERNWICK VIC 3185

MINUTES OF THE JUNE 2006 GENERAL MEETING

HELD AT:

RMIT BUILDING 94, 5TH. FLOOR
23-27 CARDIGAN STREET, CARLTON

ON:

 MONDAY, 7TH. AUGUST 2006

Attendance:

As per Attendance Book.

Apologies:
Apologies were received.

Opening:
The President, Mark Miller, welcomed everyone attending, requested them to ensure that they had registered on the Attendance sheet, and opened the August 2006 General Meeting at 6.30 pm.

Minutes of Previous Meeting (June 2006):
The Minutes of the previous General Meeting held on the 5th. June 2006 as circulated in ”Vicaug News” – (weblog – aka “blog”) were received, adopted and approved. There was no business from the Minutes of the previous Meeting.

The President’s Opening Address (the Prez Sez):
The President in his opening address, welcomed all in attendance.

He advised that we would have two excellent presentations this evening as well as conducting the 2006 Annual General Meeting (AGM) at which reports will be received, the 2006/07 Committee elected and 2006/07 subscriptions set.

Keeping up to date with VICAUG news and any other matters:
The President advised that members should regularly “log on” to the VICAUG Weblog (“blog”) site at  http://vicaug.wordpress.com and VICAUG’s web page at  www.dbm.com.au/vicaug  – both of which are (to be) regularly updated – to keep themselves aware of items of interest. 

If members have any ideas, let a Committee member know or drop an email to Peter Godfrey at pgodfrey at netspace dot net dot au. (replace the appropriate words with punctuation or course); and keep “logging on” to the VICAUG “blog” at: http://vicaug.wordpress.com  and web site at www.dbm.com.au/vicaug  for regular updates of/on a variety if matters of interest to members.

2006 Annual General Meeting:

The President advised that the August 2006 General meeting was suspended until completion of the 2006 Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Opening of 2006 AGM:

The President Opened the 2006 AGM.

Reports:

Reports from the President and Treasurer were received, discussed and passed separately as per the Minutes of the AGM.

The acceptance of the 2005/06 Financial Report was moved, seconded, approved and recorded as a separate Minute in the Minutes of the 2006 AGM.

Election of 2006/07 Committee:

The 2005/06 Committee having all been nominated and accepted nomination for offices in the election for the 2006/07 Committee and there being only one nomination for each position, the President declared the 2006/07 Committee to be duly elected and appointed to office:

President: Mark Miller

Vice President: Peter Godfrey

Treasurer: Gordon Adams

Secretary & Public Officer: Mick Ginnane

2 “Ordinary” members: Branko Gligorov and Chris Needham

“Co-opted” members: Zoltan Toth and Andrew Johnson.

2006/07 Subscriptions:

It was moved, seconded, discussed and approved that the Subscriptions for 2006/07 be set at $45.45 + $4.55 GST = $50.00 total to be due and payable on or before one calendar month after the date of the AGM – i.e. 07 August (AGM) + 1 month = due and payable on or by 07 October 2006.

This motion was carried and was recorded as a separate Minute in the Minutes of the 2006 AGM.

Cancellation of registration for (and payments to/of) Goods and Services Tax (aka GST):  

It was moved, seconded, discussed and approved that Vicaug cease to be registered for payment of the Goods and Services Tax (aka GST) as soon as possible if as and when considered feasible by the committee.

This motion was carried and was recorded as a separate Minute in the Minutes of the 2006 AGM.

Closure of 2006 AGM and resumption of August 2006 General Meeting:

The President duly Closed the 2006 Annual General Meeting and resumed the August 2006 General Meeting.

Presentations:

1. “Roma” modelling multi-discipline and multi-format program:

The Roma program was presented by Alex Varas from MicroCADD assisted by Darcy Farrar operating the software from Brisbane and Matt Rumbelow in the room with the meeting attendees.

Roma is a 3-D modelling program which can import a vast number of files from other programs in an even larger array of varying file formats and combine them into one composite file to provide a composite 3-D image for further independent processing.

Roma can manipulate the model in a huge and very complex process at the request of the program operator. It can check for correct “clearance” and “clearances” and to se that there no “clashes” occur in any required format or service contained within the model.

Colours, shadings, and surface textures can be altered at will. Features and entities within the model can be “turned off and on” at will.

Roma can also export files to a vast array of formats for use in differing programs and operating systems and environments.

The presentation was delivered “on line” from Brisbane and electronically projected to a screen in the meeting room in “real time”. Alex Varas operated the program from Brisbane and was guided and assisted by Alex Varas and Matt Rumbelow.

The presentation was a huge success as it more than amply demonstrated remote operation of the program and the speed at which the internet link could and did deliver the video signal for projection in the meeting room in Melbourne. It also very amply demonstrated the speed at which the program processed what were very obviously very large and complex files and models.

All queries and advice were relayed by mobile phone and the response time and quality were excellent as was the response to questions.

It was unanimously agreed that the presentation of Roma was a resounding success in every way. 

2. HVAC ducting program:

Ian Hunter, the developer of the software, presented his HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) ductwork program.

The program is written in AutoLisp and is very small and fast. It is for all intents and purpose the HVAC detailing program of choice (the “default” and “Industry standard”). It is used extensively throughout the HVAC design and fabrication industries.

All shapes, profiles and types of ductwork components are catered for. These include but are not limited to: circular and rectangular cross-sectional ducts; transition units; branches; bends and “Tees” etc.

Sufficient allowance is and can be made for system components that must be incorporated into the HVAC system. These components include but are not limited to: fans; vane units; heat-exchangers; humidifiers; fire shutters; filters; smoke-spill units etc. etc. 

Components can be readily inserted into and removed from the ductwork.

The design is in (a simulated) “3-D” – similar to isometric.

Drawings are produced in 2-D format for detail and layout to confirm the design as well as for assembly. A comprehensive “parts list” is also provided. 

The ducts are designed in the HVAC software to be made on CNC (laser cutting etc.) machines that manufacture the ducts from sheet steel.

The system seems “easy” and perhaps not as “sophisticated” as some might like, but the success of the program is its continued use over many years by many contractors in many firms and sites. The “end-users” like it just as it is as it works beautifully, it is cheap, it is personally and very well supported by the developer and it earns good money for everyone in the system.

3. News for the Pews: by Mark Miller, President of VICAUG:

Due to the time allotted to the AGM and presentations this evening “News for the Pews” was deferred until the next General meeting (October 2006). It will include: insights into the world of gadgets (not just  AutoCAD) and technology.

4. “Tips and Tricks”:   by Mark Miller, President of VICAUG:
Due to the time allotted to the AGM and presentations this evening “Tips and Tricks: too was deferred until the next General meeting (October 2006). It will include many useful ” tips and tricks”  to streamline and maximise efficiencies in the use of AutoCAD.

The “Tips and Tricks” are regularly published as separate articles/items in the “Tips and Tricks” section of the VICAUG Weblog (aka “blog”). 

Reporting on Technical Aspects relating to Technical Aspects of Presentations Etc:
These minutes are of a general(ised) and “précis” nature only.

A more focussed, technical and topic-specific report by “others/another” will appear in the VICAUG  Weblog (i.e. “blog”) – which is published on a “continuing/ongoing” basis at: http://vicaug.wordpress.com

The “blog” report/s will also include all links relating to the subject matter of these Minutes.

“Thank You’s”:
The President thanked the presenters for their excellent presentations. He also thanked members who had attended and participated in the presentations.

Next Meeting:
The next General meeting is intended to be held on Monday 2nd. October 2006 at this venue i.e. RMIT Building 94, 5th. Floor at 23-27 Cardigan Street, CARLTON – commencing at 6.30 pm.

Closure: 
There being no further business, the President thanked all for attending, and closed the meeting at 9.30 pm.

(M.J.Ginnane)
Secretary and Public Officer.