Call for Council Position Nominations

The Astronomical Society of South Australia is a volunteer-based organisation that depends critically upon volunteers to function. Members are strongly encouraged to nominate for Council positions.

The Council comprises 13 officers and up to 5 councillors who combine their knowledge, share the workload, and are flexible in their approach to getting the best outcomes. Officers hold a specific position, while councillors get involved according to what support is required at the time.

Now is the time to consider giving the Society some of your time and enthusiasm to help the team which supports you and all other members to know more about everything astronomical.

You don’t need to have any specific or special skills to become part of the team. The only pre-requisite is a desire to progress the interests of the Society and its members, and a willingness to regularly commit some of your time.

Nominations for Council positions are open until 1 October 2023. Below is information about the nomination process and a brief outline of the roles undertaken by Council members.

If you want to know more about how you can help the Society – either as part of the Council or in general – please call Lisa, the Secretary, on 0408 262 111.

 

Nomination Form

If you are considering a position on the ASSA Council, please download and complete the Nomination Form: Nomination Form for Council Positions 1 October 2023 (pdf).

The form must be seconded by another ASSA member and signed by both of you. The completed form, along with a supporting statement, must be received by the Secretary no later than 1 October 2023.

 

Overview of Council Positions

If you want to know more about the responsibilities of the positions, please download the overview document: Council Positions – Overview – Nominations by 1 October 2023 (pdf)

 

Nominations are available for the following ASSA Council Positions:

President (the President is elected by Council)

  • The President provides direction to key activities in the Society and chairs all General and Council meetings of the Society, and the Council.

Vice President

  • The Vice President contributes to key activities in the Society, and in the absence of the President chairs meetings.

Secretary

  • The Secretary maintains records relating to the business of the Society; manages correspondence; responds to general queries from members and the public; assists the President with the organisation of Council meetings; and generally acts under the instructions of the Council.

Treasurer

  • The Treasurer, as operator of ASSA’s bank accounts, receives all monies due to the Society. Duties include keeping accounts; making payments; preparing accounts and balance sheets; and providing fiscal reports to Council.

Communications Officer

  • The Communications Officer maintains the primary source of information for dissemination to members and the public through ASSA’s various media channels. This includes the creation and distribution of email broadcasts to members.

Bulletin Officer

  • The Bulletin Officer is responsible for the production and publication of ASSA’s monthly publication of The Bulletin.

Website Officer

  • The Website Officer is responsible for the development, management, and maintenance of the Society’s website. This includes the timely publication of relevant content to the website.

Membership Officer

  • The Membership Officer maintains membership records; responds to membership enquiries; provides membership reports to the Council; and helps to support the needs of new members. They will maintain and distribute membership forms and information brochures at meetings and events.

Astronomy Outreach Officer

  • The Astronomy Outreach Officer is responsible for the management and co-ordination of all the Society’s outreach events and activities. The Outreach Officer also provides reports on all events to the Council.

Astronomy Education Officer

  • The Astronomy Education Officer is responsible for the development and delivery of astronomy education content, including practical guidance for amateur astronomers, to educate both members and the public at large.

Facilities and Observing Sites Officer

  • The Facilities and Observing Sites Officer is responsible for ensuring all the Society’s observing sites and facilities are maintained to appropriate safety standards, and that the equipment and capability is functional.

Digital Services Officer

  • The Digital Services Officer is responsible for the operation and management of the Society’s digital infrastructure, including all software licenses and online security.

Young Astronomers’ Officer

  • The Young Astronomers’ Officer develops strategies and implements programs to engage and support young people interested in the science of astronomy and/or amateur astronomy.

Councillor Positions (five in total)

  • Councillors provide much needed general-support to ASSA’s Council. In keeping with their skills and experience, they become involved with a variety of projects and events.