1. Attendance and Apologies

Attendance (MC): Ashton Roskill, Bruce Diekman, Tom Bartels (from 7.00pm), Lisa Ortolani (Deputy for Steve Catt)

Attendance (Members): Ran de Silva, John Schembri, Cameron Burgess (from 7.30pm)

Apologies: Steve Catt, Allie Cooke, Emily Olive, Declan Schuller

2. Approval of Agenda

That the agenda be approved.

Moved: Ashton Roskill

Seconded: Bruce Diekman

Carried by consensus

3. Consent Agenda

A reduced agenda was tabled.

Moved: Ashton Roskill

Seconded: Bruce Diekman

Carried by consensus

4. Manager’s Report

The Manager being on leave this week, no Manager's report was tabled. The Co-op's second in charge, Ran de Sliva reported on various shop issues:

• The shop fridge was repaired last Monday/Tuesday, Needed to be fixed again on Wednesday and repairer called out again. Hopefully for no extra charge.
• Shop takings this week delivered mixed results – targets reached on several days.
• New events Co-ordinator, Georgie, started last week.
• Several outstanding supplier's bills have been paid and will be paid this week.

5. Recent & upcoming events

• Our stall at last Sunday's White's Creek Eco-footprints festival was successful – our new membership promo leaflet was handed out, and healthy sales (around $500) were taken on the day. In addition Tom was interviewed on local radio, and we were offered a free stall at the Newtown Festival in November, by Cameron Little from The Green Living Centre. Thanks to Cameron B., Emily and Allie for organising our stall and to all the volunteers who helped.
• Agreed that another plant and bake sale for September/October would be good.
  
• The mooted presence at the Saturday Market at Newtown Plaza (outside the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre - NNC) was firmed up. We could have a roving presence and/or apply for a stall – either way, NNC should be contacted for permission – Lisa volunteered to check out requirements.
  
• Natural Skin Care workshop next week at Mission Australia, almost fully booked.
• Ashton offered to hold more native beekeeping classes.

6. Finance report

A full finance report from Tom was unable to be delivered tonight due to computer difficulties – he should be able to send up to date figures later in the week, but did report that sales have again been promising.

7. Update on trading performance and current debt position

Ashton and Tom addressed the following financial matters:

• Current debt is approx. $34k; aged debt is around $22k.
• In effect we are 'relying on suppliers to finance debt'.
• Allie has been using accrued funds to prioritise paying suppliers – cash flow must be closely monitored so as not to miss other debts.
• Kirsten's message re: higher basket size and extra sales is very important and must be emphasised to members – we have to generate higher sales.
• Employment expenses up in July, but reduced in August – $23k vs. $29k in earlier months.

8. Proposed new standing agenda item – stream reports

Each report would set out under each stream name: (1) actions taken, (2) KPIs, (3) performance since last period, (4) recommendations for next period. Something similar has traditionally been done under consent agenda item 3.4. Perhaps it would be better done on the agenda proper after Manager's report and Finance Report, to allow for discussion.

• The volunteer streams are very nearly ready for advertising to members.
  
• Caroline Brakewell's role as nominal head of Social Media & Branding needs to be confirmed – Bruce advised he would contact her tomorrow.
• Ashton and Bruce to draft streams message.

9. Replacement MC members, and Secretary

An urgent message needs to be sent to members re: MC vacancies and also introducing new staff – Ashton and Bruce to draft. Staff to help with advertising in shop and identifying prospective talent from data base, etc. Plus suitable deputies need to be arranged for Tom and Steve who are both going on holidays very soon.

10. AGM

Sunday November 24th was selected as the most suitable date for our upcoming AGM, from 5 to 7pm. We will seek to secure the same venue as last year at Pocket City Farms, with 'Pot Luck' (BYO plate) dinner suggested.

11. AOB/Q&A

No further business.