PRESIDENT’S REPORT 1988
During the year the Foundation has shown some recovery since a disastrous year in 1987 when we lost so many members and donors. So far as the funding of research projects is concerned, it has been our most successful year to date. We continued supporting a project on pollination of Macadamia and an investigation of the commercial potential of Helichrysum diasmifolium. In addition we initiated support of three other projects: one concerned with root nodulation of native leguminous plants, another investigating pollination syndromes of native Proteaceous plants and the third into UV patterns in native flowers and their importance in pollination processes. After this effort our research funds were relatively low and we decided not to call for proposals during 1988. Several avenues were explored during the year with regard to raising funds to support our objectives, particularly for our research fund. The various corporate structures which were considered all proved to be apparently not viable or too complex for us to deal with bearing in mind our facilities. We did decide to develop particular research programs, with defined objectives and to attempt to raise funds for these particular objectives. These programs may change from year to year and there are two before you for consideration at this meeting, namely the mycorrhizal and Conospermum programs.
The Society for Growing Australian Plants (New South Wales Region), however, has donated a substantial amount of funds for promotional purposes which has enabled the Foundation to look forward to an effective New Year, I would like to express thanks for this donation.
During the year it was found necessary to raise the membership subscription to $25-00. The previous amount of $10-00 was not sufficient to support the office and promotional program. The Directors also initiated a news sheet and the first number was prepared by Malcolm Reed in September and all members should have received a copy by now. The news sheet is designed to inform members and donors about the progress of our research programs and anything else related to the activities of the Foundation.
During the year some of the Directors have attempted to promote the Foundation by writing to and for magazines, speaking on radio programs and preparing exhibits at various functions. The office has also circulated potential members and donors, but a more intensive program of recruitment to the Foundation has been delayed until specific programs were in place. We do need Directors who are prepared to take part in these activities.
Assoc. Prof. Roger Carolin
President