Meeting:2024 AGM/Minutes
Attendance
Chair: Amanda Lawrence
Attendees: Pru Mitchell, Alex Lum, Bunty Avieson, Ann Reynolds, Tom Hogarth, Elliott Bledsoe, Kelly Tall, Jeremy Ludlow, Margaret Donald, Sam Wilson, Peter Neish, Kassi Hays, Shravan Rao, Belinda Spry, Alice Woods, Ali Smith, Leanne Franklin and Caddie Brain.
Apologies: Gnangarra
Former Minutes
Minutes tabled from 2023 meeting: https://wikimedia.org.au/wiki/Meeting:2023_AGM/Minutes
Motion: That the minutes from the 2023 AGM be accepted. Moved: Amanda Lawrence Seconded: Pru Mitchell Accepted (carried without dissent)
2024 President's Report
- Craig Franklin Award 2024 – Presented to Linda Pascal for her long term volunteer work on projects such as Know My Name (National Gallery of Australia), Australian Women in Religion (University of Divinity), and community edit-a-thons that expand representation of women on Wikipedia.
- Strategic Progress – Continued delivery of WMAU’s three-year strategic plan (2022–2025) focused on Engagement, Equity and Inclusion, and Capacity Building.
- Global Engagement – Active participation in international Wikimedia events including Wikimania (Singapore and Poland), WikidataCon (Taiwan), the ESEAP Conference (Malaysia), and the Wikimedia Summit (Berlin).
- Movement Charter – While supporting the principles of diversity, equity, and distributed decision-making, WMAU did not endorse the final draft Charter due to concerns and uncertainties, and looks forward to future community discussions.
- Indigenous Engagement – Publication of research by Distinguished Professor Bronwyn Carlson on First Nations peoples’ experiences with Wikipedia; Board members undertook AIATSIS cultural learning to strengthen capacity.
- Advocacy Work – Contributions to Australian and global policy discussions, including submissions on the Online Safety Bill, and an open letter supporting commitments in the UN’s Global Digital Compact.
- Board Transitions – Farewell to outgoing President Amanda Lawrence after four years of service, and welcome to new President Elliott Bledsoe, along with new Board members Shravan Rao (Secretary) and Kassi Hays (Ordinary Member).
Membership report
- Membership grew to 75 members
2024 Treasurer's report
In 2023–24, Wikimedia Australia had total income of $38,135 and expenses of $355,805, resulting in a net deficit of $317,669 as at 30 June 2024 (note the receipt of AUD$349,348 WMF grant funds on 3 July 2024 in new financial year, which in real terms is a net profit of $31,679). Our balance sheet remains strong with total assets of $170,729, liabilities of $24,348, and net assets of $146,381. Our overall position ensures we can comfortably meet our ongoing commitments.
Main areas of expenditure - outreach and community support, Project Partner grants, staffing and volunteer support.
Motion: That the President and Treasurer’s reports be accepted.
Moved: Alex Lum
Seconded: Amanda Lawrence
Accepted (carried without dissent)
Board 2024-25
Nominations for the 2024-2025 Board presented:
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| President | Elliott Bledsoe |
| Vice President | Bunty Avieson |
| Secretary | Shravan Rao |
| Treasurer | Peter Neish |
| General Member | Tom Hogarth |
| General Member | Jeremy Ludlow |
| General Member | Kassi Hays |
| General Member | Emily Mierisch |
Meeting closed: Sunday 15 September, 5.48pm AEST