Sustainable Macleod Inc. AGM 2024

The Sustainable Macleod AGM was held on Saturday, 20 April at 2pm. The new committee was elected unopposed. Marsha Merory and Paul Sharpe stepped down from their positions as Vice-president and Treasurer and were warmly thanked for their service.

The new committee is:
Paul Gale-Baker – President
Chris Reischel – Vice-president
Marg Stammers – Secretary
Peter Gillies – Treasurer

We congratulate the new committee and wish them well for their term in office.

The meeting was followed by a delicious pizza afternoon tea arranged by the Events team. Our thanks in particular go to Anthony Berezy and Shane Rogers for tending the pizza oven and Maxine Berezy and Priya Woolston for shopping and preparing the delicious pizzas.

A highlight of the afternoon was using the newly paved shelter for the first time with the new tanks in the background. Plant sales, some freebies, a garden tour and a display of the electric chipper and battery-operated mower completed the event.

Meet the Executive committee!

Paul Gale-Baker, President

I am delighted to be elected President of Sustainable Macleod for the coming year. Sustainable Macleod is in a very strong position to lead in our community and I look forward to an exciting year as we actively promote the principles and practices of sustainability. I look forward to working with the Executive, the committees and all our enthusiastic members as we continue the wide range of projects and advocacy. I am especially excited about the deepening of links with other local groups as we contribute to the growth of our community.

Chris Reischel, Vice-President

I am Chris Reischel; wife, mother, nanny, registered nurse and proud local for 54 years.
I have known Sustainable Macleod for about 8 years, joining soon after.
I was quiet for a time, attending vegie swaps with my late mother-in-law, then assisting a little here and there. I have stuck my head in and out, jumping behind a table or five for plant sales. Asking ridiculous questions and having them pleasantly answered by so many members.
I have become more involved over the last 18 months, post-COVID as I have seen the benefits of getting involved and being healthier that sustainability offers. I love sharing my produce, jams and chutneys.
Having grown up in Macleod, I feel a huge connection to the area, the people and share the purposes of Sustainable Macleod. I nominated for Vice-President in order to give back to the society that has given me so much over the years and assist in supporting everyone in their journey to sustainability and healthy living.

Marg Stammers, Secretary

My interest in volunteering has been in groups that support the community, and the roles that I have had over many years have been varied and interesting. From preparing for a fundraising auction, setting up functions, sewing costumes or making preserves to managing a large soccer club, I have enjoyed it all, while at the same time serving part of my community with jobs and tasks that were required at the time.
I enjoy working in a team with other people who share my vision for building and developing an organisation. Balancing the financial considerations while achieving the purposes and aims of the group is important to me.
As Secretary of Sustainable Macleod Inc., I hope to assist with thoughtful discussions and decision-making on the issues that your Executive needs to address, and to bring the skills that I have acquired in my working life, as well as volunteer roles, to meet the expectations of this organisation.

Peter Gillies, Treasurer

After living in the CBD for 9 years, Peter Gillies returned to the eastern suburbs in early 2018 and rekindled his interest in gardening. Beginning to think about retirement, Peter joined Sustainable Macleod in 2022 and became a regular attendee on Saturday afternoons. In 2023, Peter was invited to join the Garden Committee and has been involved in supervising and working on many projects.
Peter has two daughters – the eldest, Laurie, lives in Scotland with her daughter Evie and works in administering the education of kids with special needs; the youngest, Julia, is a lawyer working in the Environment and Planning team of a national professional practice.
Peter is a Chartered Accountant and registered tax agent and brings over 40 years of professional experience to his new role as Treasurer.

Written by Paul Gale -Baker