PRESIDENT'S
REPORT
This year once again has seen a steady flow of people utilising the Rose Blank Gallery and the centre in general.
The main event of the year was the opening of our
Cominos House Museum Display in May 2002. The collection of
memorabilia and historical records of the early occupation and
relocation of the historical
We now have a sign outside our building indicating that we are part of the Cultural Precinct. We plan to open our doors daily for the Museum display to the public, so together with all our other activities we will be a vibrant part of the precinct.
The FOCH web-site was launched the same time as the opening of our museum display. We are utilising the free hosting service offered by the State Library of Queensland's Community Web Publishing Program and will negotiate a specific link with Cairns City Council.
Our garden project is also coming along, some thinning out of vegetation and new plantings, according to our garden plan has taken place during the year. Also labels identifying trees are being placed around in the garden, so visitors can get to know our native plants.
Ron Ruffley has slowly but steadily been pursuing our joint project with the Coral Society to ratify our boundary, and organising replanting and beautifying the gardens. This project is still is process.
We have continued to express our concerns to Cairns City Council regarding high sewerage charges as a result of the excess toilet facilities installed. This has been acknowledged by the Council, but until now the sewerage charges still take a great hunk out of our income for the year. The Management Board has the responsibility to try to solve this problem to achieve effective management of the House.
Many thanks to our caretaker who continues to ensure smooth operation of the centre, taking bookings and keeping the floor shiny in the Rose Blank Gallery. Stan has now also volunteered during the day to open the door for visitors to the Museum Display when CAFNEC is not in attendance on the first floor.
I would like to personally thank the Management Committee for their help and support during the year; it certainly relieves the pressure.
"Friends of Cominos"- like us all -have challenging times ahead as circumstances and conditions change. I hope that the new committee with commitment from Cairns City Council will continue to make the centre a true home for Arts and Environment activities.
Thank you
Lone White