The JAA is calling for member input on what should be discussed at the first council meeting
New national jewellery council calls for input
Posted April 29, 2014 | By Stephanie Chan • Staff Journalist
The JAA has invited input from members on issues or concerns they would
like discussed by the newly-formed National Industry Council.
The inaugural meeting of the National Industry Council is scheduled for Monday 12 May in Sydney. According to Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA) CEO Ian Hadassin, the 20 councillors – whose names will be released shortly – represent all segments of the industry, and will play a key role in shaping the association’s strategic agenda as they discuss industry issues and develop recommendations for the JAA board.
“It’s an impressive list of industry representatives and we are looking forward to their involvement,” Hadassin said.
“Over time we anticipate that the council will form sub-committees to work on some of the major and/or technical industry issues. We should see some real results that could change our industry in the future.”
Association restructure
The National Industry Council was established as part of a two-stage JAA restructuring process. The second stage – still to be implemented – will involve a number of amendments to the association’s constitution.
One of the proposed changes would require the National Industry Council to nominate three councillors for positions on the new six-person JAA board. This represents a considerable downsizing of the current 14-person board, which a strategic review in late 2012 found was too large to efficiently manage the association’s affairs.
Hadassin said that JAA members would be asked to support the constitution changes to allow the formation of the smaller board at the association’s annual general meeting to be held on 2 September 2014.
“The smaller board, combined with the introduction of the national council will result in a much improved structure for the industry, ensuring that it can meet the challenges ahead, on behalf of the industry,” he said.
The National Industry Council will also meet in November this year to conduct a strategic review of the JAA and the industry.
Further recognition for awards finalists
Meanwhile, the JAA has announced that finalists for the 2014 JAA Australasian Jewellery Awards will receive further recognition through a new “Meet the designers” exhibition, taking place during the Sydney International Jewellery Fair in September.
Hadassin said that the event – which showcases the inspirations behind the jewellery – would provide fair attendees with a “birds-eye view” of the processes involved in creating the finalist pieces.
“Finalists from all categories will be invited to take part in the exhibition by sharing the inspiration behind their piece, showing their work in progress through photographs, drawings and sketches, and being onsite to talk about their journey of designing and crafting their work,” Hadassin said.
Now in its 23rd year, the JAA Australasian Jewellery Awards aims to provide a competitive platform for jewellers in Australia and New Zealand, while allowing them to showcase their success and talents to a global audience.
This year’s awards ceremony will be held at the Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island on 1 September, with award entries closing 6 June.
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