Australian Photographic Society

I have just returned from APSCON 2009 which was held in Victor Harbor South Australia. What a wonderful week of presentations, outings, workshops and friendship it was. I feel certain that everyone enjoyed the event as much as I did. Much of the success of the week must be attributed to the excellent organisation by John Hodgson EFIAP FAPS HonFAPS and his able team of workers. Thanks must also be extended to the special sponsors, some forty in all, for their generosity for without this help it would be so much more difficult to run such an event.

Next year APSCON will be held in the South Western Queensland town of Roma and I suggest that you book your accommodation early to enjoy another wonderful week that is well along the planning path.

Recently I read an article in “Time” Magazine about the Italian clothing company Benetton. The founding siblings, three brothers and one sister started in the 1950’s by knitting garments at the kitchen table using a borrowed knitting machine. Last year the company turnover was some US$3 billion. Over the years it has grown into a multi billion dollar monster with interests in many other businesses.

These siblings are now ready to retire and hand the business to the next generation. This has proved very difficult and similar to the experience of most of such generational transfers of iconic family companies. To find the replacement managers etc is difficult as a great deal of skill is required to control the huge business operation. Most second generation family members expect the business on a silver platter without having to work hard for it. I see a parallel with the APS – nearly 50 years old and the next generation is rather slow to come forward to assist and the founding generation does not wish to hand over to lesser experienced younger ones.

What do we do? We have to find others to assist.

I am asking for younger members to come forward and offer to assist with the management and day to day running of the many facets of our Society. A wide range of skills is required. Almost any skill held by any member could be utilized as each task/position as its own special skill requirements. If you would like to help, please contact me on Ph 07 4633 2237 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we could discuss your possible involvement.

Alwyn Kucks AAPS SSAPS
President