2011 NSW/ACT Branch AGM & Workshop report- 29 June 2011  

On Sunday 26^th June around 20 NSW/ACT branch members turned up to the lovely property of Jennie and Chris Curtis for the AGM and a TTeam Workshop. Numbers were a little lower than expected due to last minute cancellations due to sickness. We were lucky the weather cooperated and although a little windy it was beautiful and sunny.

The day started with the formalities of the AGM which included a very informative presentation by Jane Jennings on the Q Alpaca Program. Jane’s comprehensive notes should hopefully be placed on the website in the not too distant future.

In addition to the usual reports we revisited Llama Vision, which ensures members have a say in the direction and goals of the branch. As part of the discussion in was agreed the branch should develop a Basic Husbandry Clinic for llama owners or farmers with guard llamas that may not necessarily know of or be part of the Association. Expressions of interest will be sought before committing too many resources to the project.

There are a few changes to the committee with myself (Jo Weir) resigning as president and committee member. We are delighted to welcome a couple of new faces including Rosalie Jones and Paula Zylsytra. The branch page will be updated with full committee details once executive positions have been decided.

After the AGM we all enjoyed a wonderful morning tea then a walk around the property where Jennie showed us her cell grazing set up. Many of us had heard of cell grazing but not seen it in action. It was also great to have the opportunity to ask questions.

After walking off our morning tea we headed back inside where Wendy Bell presented the theory for the day’s workshop – TTeam training - Out and about with your llamas’. Wendy is a camelidynamics apprentice practitioner, the only Australian practitioner certified to work at this level.. The quality of her presentation was outstanding. Everyone in attendance learned a lot and came away with some new and effective handling techniques. There was also a very comprehensive set of notes for participants to take home.

Next on the agenda was a sumptuous BBQ lunch catered by the very talented Chris Curtis. I had the vegetarian option which was divine. It was nice to have some time to catch up and chat with other members. The raffle was drawn after lunch, the prize a camelidyanamics catch rope and wand was won by Paula Zylsytra.

After lunch we had the practical part of the workshop where Wendy demonstrated the techniques discussed during the theory lesson. Members were then given the opportunity to get hands on with Jennie and Chris’s lovely alpacas and llamas. Paula was able to get in some practice using her new wand and catch rope. Tim and Glenda Bloomfield also bought along a couple of llamas, a beautiful mum and stunning cria, who were also used during the demonstration.

After the workshop the branch very kindly presented me a card, gift voucher and lovely scented plant. It was most unexpected and greatly appreciated.  We also all shared in some rather delicious carrot cake, it was a wonderful end to a wonderful day.

Many thanks to Jennie and Chris for hosting us, to Wendy for presenting a wonderful workshop and to all those that attended and helped make the day so successful.