[Linux-aus] Retiring as Secretary

[Kathy Reid]

Hi everyone,

Over the past two years I've had the privilege of working alongside a 
number of talented and passionate LA Council members - Joshua, Hugh, 
Francois, Bianca, Clinton, Sae Ra, Chris and Josh; each committed to 
upholding the values of the organisation and to nurturing the community 
we serve. Together we've achieved much - a landmark Member Survey last 
year, the move to a two-year bidding cycle to assure the future of 
linux.conf.au and the umbrella'ing of many events and the underpinning 
procedural structures to support them. Linux Australia is in great shape.

The Australian and New Zealand Linux and free and open source community 
remains engaged and enthusiastic, while at a broader environmental level 
threats to our online freedoms and digital liberties coalesce. The TPP, 
ill-formed legal frameworks designed to allow government agencies to 
invade privacy with impugnity, trade practices which favour proprietary 
products and the companies behind them are but some of the issues of the 
day. There is much work for Linux Australia to continue to do.

As most of the community would now be aware, linux.conf.au has been 
awarded to Geelong in 2016. As 2IC of the conference, with approximately 
447 days remaining until showtime, my priorities for 2015 mean I'm 
unable to also continue in Council, should the community wish me to do 
so. To this end, I won't be standing for re-election to Council in 2015.

Being a Council Member is a great experience, not just in terms of the 
friendships formed, but also provides robust career development 
opportunities as you contribute to the effective management, governance 
and administration of a reasonably sized incorporation. I strongly 
encourage all Members to consider nominating for Council, and warmly 
welcome any enquiries from those thinking of putting their hat in the ring.

I wish the 2015 Council continued success.

With kind regards,
Kathy Reid