YOUR COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Illawarra has always had a strong Committee, who meet on the first Monday night of each month at members’ homes, to plan the activities for our meetings and outside events. The Committee works well together, but we always welcome any suggestions from club members who have any bright ideas to benefit the club. Agenda items can be given to any committee member or the secretary beforehand. At the beginning of each year we establish a program so that members are aware of any meeting themes.
Brenda Parker - President
I have been very proud to be associated with Illawarra since 1987 and since then I have not only studied and appreciated bonsai with a passion but I have made many wonderful friends from all walks of life that I would not have met otherwise.
Over the years the people who have guided me through my learning curve in bonsai were always obliging with many hints to help guide me in my quest for a great tree. To this day I can quite honestly say that the wonderful spirits in its members and tutors still stands.
As I see new members coming through the ranks, I can still sense the wonderful generosity that I experienced all those years ago. Even though throughout the club we are all at different levels of accomplishment (as in any club or art form), to me the camaraderie and friendship is foremost, otherwise the club would not survive. We are all there to help one another, to learn and grow and to have fun is an added bonus that is the benefit of belonging to a club such as Illawarra.
Brenda has been President of Illawarra Bonsai since February 1998. It has been and still is a wonderful journey in promoting and enjoying the art of bonsai and suiseki (stone appreciation) within our club and doing workshops and demonstrations at other clubs to spread the experience at what she has learnt over the past 35 plus years.
Liaising with international and national demonstrators for the annual event held every year at The Tops, at the Stanwell Tops Convention Centre and our annual show held in May every year is also something that Brenda is passionate about in bringing the art of bonsai to the general public and to other clubs.
Every member is able to attend workshops guided by Brenda every Sunday morning at various member's houses. Newer members within the club benefit greatly from these events.
Over the years the people who have guided me through my learning curve in bonsai were always obliging with many hints to help guide me in my quest for a great tree. To this day I can quite honestly say that the wonderful spirits in its members and tutors still stands.
As I see new members coming through the ranks, I can still sense the wonderful generosity that I experienced all those years ago. Even though throughout the club we are all at different levels of accomplishment (as in any club or art form), to me the camaraderie and friendship is foremost, otherwise the club would not survive. We are all there to help one another, to learn and grow and to have fun is an added bonus that is the benefit of belonging to a club such as Illawarra.
Brenda has been President of Illawarra Bonsai since February 1998. It has been and still is a wonderful journey in promoting and enjoying the art of bonsai and suiseki (stone appreciation) within our club and doing workshops and demonstrations at other clubs to spread the experience at what she has learnt over the past 35 plus years.
Liaising with international and national demonstrators for the annual event held every year at The Tops, at the Stanwell Tops Convention Centre and our annual show held in May every year is also something that Brenda is passionate about in bringing the art of bonsai to the general public and to other clubs.
Every member is able to attend workshops guided by Brenda every Sunday morning at various member's houses. Newer members within the club benefit greatly from these events.
Andrew Christy - Vice President
When I first moved to Mortdale in 1993 I attended an evening class in Bonsai at Peakhurst High School being run by Terry McKenna. Ross Miller was also in the class and from these classes I was introduced to the IBS. I have been a committee member and the Vice President of the club for many years now. I originally thought I would join the club to get access to Bonsai materials (this was pre Southside Bonsai Nursery) but once I got involved in the club via digs, trips, shows and weekend workshops I felt I wanted to be a bit more active.
Julie Smith - Secretary
As Secretary I try to support our overworked President. Record and distribute the minutes of committee meetings. Meet and greet new members, organise stock and sales table at the club's monthly meetings. Assist with setting up the IBS Annual show. Supervise registrations, accommodation and facilitate the smooth running.
Lilian Slowik - Treasurer
Chris Di Nola - Committee Member
Laurie Carroll - Committee Member
Rupert Mathews - Committee Member
Brent Mallam - Committee Member
Lynne Smith - Committee Member
Fiona Hammell - Committee Member