Message from Jim Cullen, President - 2008 in reflection

Considerable progress has been made this year in developing the Alumni program. Our online community, AxON, was launched in June and already we have over 1,000 registered users. SIROSCOPE was also given a much needed facelift.

We would like to particularly thank the local committees in Tasmania, WA and ACT who initiated many new projects. These included recommendations to CSIRO to improve the organisation's severance processes. The WA Chapter hosted a very successful 2008 Brodie-Hall Address for the second year running and the TAS Chapter organised the inaugural Bob Johannes lecture in Hobart with around 250 attendees. A local committee was established in the ACT who organised the popular Grapes and Greenhouse wine tasting event. All three committees organised Xmas get togethers that allowed alumni to catch up socially.

Our aim for 2009 is to establish local committees in other states. If you would like to see more activities and events in your region then we would encourage you to get involved. The time involved is minimal. Please contact our Alumni Coordinator, Susan Smith, if you would be interested.

Geoff Garrett, Chief Executive of CSIRO will be leaving the organisation at the end of this month and we would like to thank him for initiating the Alumni program and providing his continued support over the past four years. We wish him well in his further endeavours.

This is the last edition for 2008 and we will be back in February 2009.

Wishing our members an enjoyable and happy festive season. All the very best for 2009.

Jim Cullen, President