January 14, 2006 – South Pacific Division Record

Some significant initiatives were voted through at the Avondale Foundation’s 27th Annual General Meeting held at Avondale College on October 23, 2005.

Election of officers for 2005-06 took place, with Dr Norman Young being elected as president of the Foundation.

Dr Young has been associated with the Avondale Foundation since its establishment in 1978.  He also lectured in the college’s theology faculty for many years.

In responding to his election Dr Young said, “My role will largely be a matter of encouraging the very talented group of volunteers and executives who run the various foundation businesses.”

Other officers elected include Jim Williams as secretary and Chris Akroyd as treasurer.  Vice-presidents include Gavin Currie, Todd Saunders and Rodney Long.

A significant milestone at the AGM was the retirement of Lyn Knight after 27 years of leadership in a variety of roles at the foundation.  Mr Knight was the driving force behind the formation of the foundation and has worked to ensure the success of the laymen initiated foundation.

The meeting expressed their appreciation for the Knight family’s contribution and wished them good health in their retirement.

It was also voted for the first time to grant Academic Excellence Scholarships for students studying degree courses at Avondale College.

A total of 15 scholarships valued at up to $A27,500 each for a four year course will be awarded each year commencing in 2006.  Other grants to the college included $A55,000 for faculty research funding, $A40,000 to replace a minibus and $A30,000 for video conferencing equipment.

It was also decided that fundraising should be placed in the hands of the college itself, but the foundation will continue to support Avondale through the profits it generates from its enterprises, totalling a minimum of $A200,000 per annum.

Adele Nash