Southern CrossRegion 34 ofSweet AdelinesInternational Inc.

ANNUAL REPORT

ABN 52 556 772 243

2015-2016

#wearesweetadelines

ABOUT REGION 34Southern Cross Region 34 of Sweet AdelinesInternational Incorporated has 1330members, making us the largest region in theworld and one of only six with a membershipover 1,000. Women sing each week in 35choruses and more than 50 quartets across thenation.

The main purpose of Sweet Adelines is toeducate women of all ages in the art of singingfour-part a cappella harmony, barbershop style.We offer comprehensive education, delivered inweekly chorus rehearsals and in activities andevents held around the country.

Not only do members learn vocal productionand music, they also learn choreography, stageproduction costuming and much more. Chorusesand quartets perform in their communities,some have opportunities to broaden their reachto corporate and public events.

Our choruses are evaluated regularly in RegionalEducation Faculty visits and through regionalcontests. Winners have the opportunity tocompete at the international level.

Region 34 is governed by an eight-person Regional Management Team, which in the 2015to 2016 year represented three of Australia's sixstates and two territories. They implement theSweet Adelines International Regional By Lawsthrough locally developed Standing Rules andPolicies. They prioritise their activities and futuredirections around six strategic goals designed topromote sustainable growth for tomorrow whilstdelivering member value today.

To be the leading musicalorganisation for Australian women.

Sweet Adelines Australia, a region ofSweet Adelines International, is a nationalorganisation of women singerscommitted to advancing the musicalartform of barbershop harmony througheducation, competition and performance.

Pride in membership of Sweet Adelines

A secure future for Region 34

Consistently high quality musical andperformance skills

Strong representation andparticipation at internationalorganisational level

Productive partnerships with externalnetworks

Best practice management throughoutthe region

This Annual Report covers the Regional Management Team's term of May 1 2015 to 30 April 2016. The Financial Report coversthe Sweet Adelines International financial year of 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016. Greater detail about regional activities ispublished in the March, July and November editions of our official publication, OzChords. Back editions of OzChords andprevious Annual Reports can be accessed via the Regional Publications page of the Members area of the regional website, orby request from the Regional Communications Coordinator - communications@sweetadelines.org.au.

Southern Cross Region of Sweet Adelines International was established in 1989. It is incorporated in the state of SouthAustralia, with non-prescribed status. www.sweetadelines.org.au

Sweet Adelines International was founded in 1945 and is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA. www.sweetadelines.com

OUR VISION

OUR MISSION

OUR STRATEGIC GOALS

Communications CoordinatorDirectors' CoordinatorEducation CoordinatorEvents CoordinatorFinance CoordinatorMarketing CoordinatorMembership CoordinatorTeam Coordinator

Diane Jenkins, NSWLindsey Dyer, WALinda Wareham, NSWKate Hawkins, NSWAnnet Wezenbeek, VICAnna-Marie Shew, VICVal Norris, NSWSharon Cartwright, NSW

2015-16 REGIONALMANAGEMENT TEAM

Up early as a team to host the 2015 Admin Leaders Breakfast at Wrest PointCasino, your 2015-16 RMT - from L-R: Val, Anna-Marie, Sharon, Linda (back),Diane (front), Kate, Annet (back) & Lindsey (front).

In last year's Region 34 annual report, weproudly listed seven history-makingachievements from the 2014-2015 year.This year, we again made great progressagainst our six strategic goals. In this reportwe proudly share the region's activities andachievements, continuing to set regionalrecords, improve the performancestandards at competition including manypersonal bests and finally have our region'sname listed in the Top 10 at the SweetAdelines International Chorus competition.

RMT members Diane, Lindsey, Val andSharon conveyed the pride of our region toour 108 competitors at the 'Regional Rah-Rah' in Las Vegas. This is a traditionalgathering of our regional championcompetitors, travelling members and theirsupporters held just prior to the firstcompetition. It's a not-to-be missed event ifyou travel to the International Convention.

Anna-Marie equipped the team with afabulous array of buttons, well-wishingpostcards, banners, a Facebook campaignand an eyecatching presentation on theJumbotron screens in the MGM Grand aswell as a full-page advertisement in theConvention program.

In addition to these festivities atInternational, each competing group issupported financially by the region,through the International CompetitorAssistance Program (ICAP) funding.Choruses are granted $5,000 in an initialTier One payment, plus a Tier Twopayment of $100 for each member above50 when the chorus is registered tocompete, to a cap of $10,000. Quartetsreceive a single $4,000 payment after theyaccept the invitation to compete.

Flying high for another year!

Stories and photos about the Las Vegas experience from Bathurst PanoramaChorus, Hi-Jinx and Endeavour Harmony Chorus can be read on pages 1-4 of theNovember 2015 issue of OzChords. Further details about the marketing activityare on pages 4 & 11 of that issue.

Proudly Australian, Bathurst Panorama Chorus wearing their HarmonyClassic A Division 5th place medals in Las Vegas.

The RMT reduced face-to-face meetings from four to three in the past yearand conducted additional online meetings. The aim was to divert costs toICAP subsidies to support an increase in regional representatives atInternational contest. This approach will be reviewed annually.

From January to April, 2016, incoming team members Debbie Scott and TraciVoss shadowed in the Communications and Education Coordinator roles.

MAKINGHISTORY INLAS VEGASAT THE MGM GRAND, LAS VEGAS WITH 68 MEMBERS ON STAGE, ENDEAVOUR HARMONY CHORUSACHIEVED THEIR DREAM OF A TOP 10 PLACING AT THE 2015 SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONALCOMPETITION WITH A FINAL SCORE OF 2589. THIS CAME AFTER SETTING A REGIONAL RECORDSCORE OF 662 AT THE SYDNEY CONVENTION.

BATHURST HARMONY CHORUS WON THE 5TH PLACE INTERNATIONAL HARMONY CLASSIC ADIVISION MEDAL WITH A SCORE OF 1091. HI-JINX QUARTET PLACED 19TH IN THE WORLD WITH ASCORE OF 1198 AFTER SETTING A NEW REGIONAL RECORD SCORE OF 628 IN HOBART. THESEOUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS ARE NOW PART OF SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL HISTORYAND WERE WITNESSED BY A LIVE AUDIENCE OF OVER 8,000 AND VIEWERS OF THE WEBCAST FROMAROUND THE WORLD.

TWO SONGS PERFORMED ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE WERE ARRANGED BY GLENDA LLOYD OFBRINDABELLA CHORUS AND RECENTLY ACCEPTED INTO THE INTERNATIONAL MASTER ARRANGERSPROGRAM (IMAP).

TOP10

ENDEAVOURHARMONY CHORUSACHIEVES OURFIRST-EVER

INTERNATIONAL

MEDAL IN 2015!

2015 REGION 34CONVENTION SNAPSHOT

2nd – Melbourne3rd – Northern Beaches4th – Brindabella5th – Circular Keys

1st - A Cappella West

2nd – Murrumbidgee Magic3rd – Hobart Harmony

1st - Brisbane City Sounds

2nd – Northern Beaches3rd – Brindabella

1st - Melbourne

Choruses - Overall

2nd – Alouette3rd – Eureka4th – Something Else!5th – Cinnamon

Quartets

Choruses - Division A

Choruses - Division AA

1st - Hi-Jinx

Most ImprovedChorus: Hobart HarmonyQuartet: Treble Makers

Novice QuartetMomentum

Novice DirectorPam Foley & Anita Cleaver,Canberra Harmony

Competitors19 Choruses (one for evaluation)20 Quartets (one for evaluation)

Registrations854

What a contest!3 new Master DirectorsJoanne Oosterhoff & Lindsey Dyer

(A Cappella West)

& Traci Voss (The Melbourne Chorus)

1 regional record quartet scoreHi-Jinx, 628 - fourth consecutive 1st place

1 Wildcard Chorus invitationThe Melbourne Chorus

Full coverage of the 2015 Convention is in the July 2015 edition of OzChords

Hi-Jinx Quartet from Western Australia qualified for the 2015International Quartet Contest in Las Vegas with a regional recordscore of 628. This was their fouth consecutive regional win andInternational Contest appearance. They were faculty at the 2015August A Cappella national quartet school, Queen It Up alongsideQueen of Harmony, Mary Rhea and at some Quartet Days in 2016.

REGIONALEDUCATION ROUND-UPFOR 2015-2016

A DICKY KNEECALLS FOR PLAN B

Directors' SchoolHeld in Sydney in January 2016, it was attended by66. As in previous years, the region paid for theairfare / road travel for each Frontline Director toattend. Our Regional Education Faculty shone asthey shared the lead education role to grow theskills of our region’s frontline directors. In additionto technical classes on directing, vocal productionand visual plans, there was plenty to inspire andmotivate our directors. Fresh from a history-making10th place International medal achievement, LeaBaker inspired them in Endeavour’s journey togreatness. Carole Macintyre spoke about thepresentation she made on behalf of Sweet AdelinesAustralia at the Australian Society of MusicEducators Conference in September (see next pagefor details). Each director of a chorus that competedin Hobart was offered the opportunity to reviewtheir Director Cam recordings with one of Region34’s Master Directors.

A Cappella August255 members attended our A Cappella Augustevents. These were the one-day Tune It Up VocalEducation event in Brisbane and Sydney withfaculty Darlene Rogers and a two-day Queen It UpNational Quartet School in Melbourne, with Queenof Harmony Mary Rhea and Region 34 champs Hi-Jinx. Queen It Up featured a 'trial' judging programfor those not singing with a quartet over theweekend. In addition, the RMT subsidised Darlene’scosts as faculty for joint chorus coaching in SouthAustralia and as faculty for the Joint WesternAustralian Chorus Retreat arranged independentlyby WA members and attended by 160 members.

Imagine this scenario. It’s November 2015 and the finishing touches arebeing made to implement and promote a five-month national in-residence education initiative starting January 2016 featuring triple-crown Queen of Harmony, Kim Vaughn. Choruses are about to be busywith their carolling programs and festivities just before their well-earned summer breaks and are looking forward to working with such astellar educator in the new year. A message arrives from Kim;complications from major knee surgery in September mean she’s notallowed to travel for several months and therefore she can’t be inAustralia as lead faculty at Directors’ School or to make her way aroundthe country working with our choruses and quartets in each state.

What would you do? After checking in with Kim about her welfare andacknowledging their disappointment, our Education Coordinator LindaWareham, Directors’ Coordinator Lindsey Dyer and Events CoordinatorKate Hawkins snapped into action to arrive at a Plan B option.

The RMT looked to the Region 34 strategic goals for inspiration – howcould this adversity be an opportunity to deliver on some of theseambitions?

The path became clearer when we realised we’d already laidfoundations to support this challenge through projects aligned to thesesix goals. Our new Coaches Agreement document clarified the steps tobe taken in the event of cancellation and protected the region'sfinancial interests. Our Regional Education Faculty (REF) stepped up tothe challenge of creating and delivering classes at Directors’ School andoffered coaching to those choruses expecting Kim for pre-conventionretreats. A scan of international coaches making privately arrangedvisits to Australia also revealed opportunities for Mo Field of Swedenand Queen of Harmony Lynda Keever of USA to extend their stays.

Within a short time, a new national plan was finalised and released tothe region. In addition to adjustments to the education plans andoutcomes, new budgets were prepared, new event plans created foradjusted dates and a new marketing plan was created to promote thechange of direction. It was a test of teamwork and we pulled it off!

Whilst we made it happen, it had a different focus from the program wehad planned with Kim. We had some feedback via the post-event surveyexpressing disappointment in the lack of an international standardfaculty leader, however others said they were well served by Plan B andthey would like to see more local REF involvement to complement theinternational coaches in future.

On reflection, it gave us a unique opportunity to try new things, managerisk yet challenge ourselves, put our teamwork to the test and promotethe fabulous talent we have right here in Australia, all the while alignedto and guided by our strategic goals. And, as Kim Vaughn reminded us,that is something the region can be very proud of.

Quartet Days

Continue reading on next page >

234 members attended Quartet Masterchefeducation days held in QLD, WA, SA, VIC and NSWduring the first quarter of 2016. Originally plannedwith Kim Vaughn as faculty, these were led by ourREF and Mo Field of Stockholm City Voices,depending on the location. In addition, many stateshave independently started Quartet Clubs, holdinginformal gatherings to support ongoing quarteteducation locally and providing an ideal platformfor future RMT activities.

• Pride in membership of Sweet Adelines

• A secure future for Region 34

• Consistently high quality musical and performance skills

• Strong representation & participation at international level

• Productive partnerships with external networks

• Best practice management throughout the region

REF visits to choruses are designed primarily as asupport resource to Music Directors and MusicTeams and to assist with the educational programs ofeach individual chorus. The feedback received fromREF visits forms the basis of the ongoing regionaleducation plans. 32 chorus visits were made in 2015-2016, 18 of which are funded by International and therest by regional funds.

Regional EducationFaculty (REF) visits

Lea Baker, NSWLindsey Dyer, WAVicki Dwyer, NSWDebra Griffiths, NSWBec Hewitt, WAAndrew Howson, QLDJen Howson, QLD

Glenda Lloyd, ACTCarol Macintyre, WARose McGee, QLDAlex Morris, VICJoanne Oosterhoff, WALinda Wareham, NSW

2015-16 REGIONALEDUCATION FACULTY

Lea Beverley and Judy Pozsgay coached RedlandRhapsody and Indian Blue Choruses as well as theMost Improved Quartet, Treble Makers in front of alarge audience on the Sunday of Convention,demonstrating the improvements each could makeby attending to specific feedback from theircompetition performances.

113 Chapter Admin Leaders representing 26choruses attended a breakfast Expo. They visitededucation stations staffed by RMT and otherregional committee and team members. Newmarketing support materials were launched, anupdate on Project Constitution Oz and lots ofquestions asked and answered. After trying thisdifferent format in 2015, the 2016 event wasdesigned to cater to a request for more structurednetworking time.

Masterclass andAdmin LeadersBreakfast in Hobart

Carole Macintyre of Perth Harmony Choruscoordinated the program, with 20 participants atvarious stages of the 10 module program. Fiveparticipants sat live tests at the January Directors'School and three graduated as Certified Directorsduring 2015-2016. The DCP award for 2015 was wonby Sharon Stanley.

Director CertificationProgram (DCP)

Coordinated by Lyndal Thorburn of BrindabellaChorus, overall activity covered 46 lessons markedwith 11 participants active during the year.

Participants by level: Level 1 = 5, Level 2 = 2, Level 3= 2. Kathy Gilbert and Barbara Venables graduatedin 2015.

Southern CrossRegional ArrangersProgram (SCRAP)

Subsidised the Joint Western Australian ChorusRetreat - partial funding of Darlene Rogersinternational travel and an allowance perattendee toward costsDirector Mentor ProgramMusic Improvement ProgramSteps Program for Prospective ChorusesIndividual training, advice and materials forChapter Admin leadersOnline Chatspace groups for Marketing,Groupanizer Users, Directors, Quartets, andFinance Regional Marketing Awards

Other educationalactivities

Continued...

Thirty-eight excited girls participating in the Tasmanian Young Women InHarmony Chorus thrilled the Hobart Convention audience in May 2015,earning a standing ovation. It started with the enthusiastic support ofChristine Edwards and Jenni Pyefinch in 2014 and continued past theHobart convention, through the schools network with a Christmas concert.

Carole Macintyre represented Sweet Adelines Australia as a speaker at theAustralian Society of Music Educators Conference held in Adelaide in October2015. The opportunity arose from the acceptance of an abstract submittedby Sharon Cartwright, to align to our productive partnerships goal with thebroader music educator community. Carol developed a presentation aroundthe topic of Harmony For Life, A New Age in Barbershop.

In August 2015 the Sing Out Sydney West ensemble performed under thedirection of Lea Baker at the Sydney Opera House as part of the NSW DeptOf Education Arts Unit Expanding Horizons event. Thirty-one girls fromLiverpool Girls High, East Hills Girls Technology High and CampbelltownPerforming Arts High School were involved.

To support National Young Women In Harmony Coordinator Lea Baker indeveloping opportunities across the region, Sue Gilkes, of Aurora AustralisChorus in Sydney was appointed in a new coordinator role foradministration, grant applications, school liaison and marketing.

Young Women In Harmony highlights

Elements included benefits of ensemble singing, differences to choraltechniques and the structure of barbershop arrangements. Carole alsoexplained the support and training on offer, for both educators andstudents, from Sweet Adelines Australia and Barbershop Harmony Australia.This presentation and the speaker notes is now a resource for use in otherforums. If you are interested in using it, please contact Sharon or Traci.

As an additional productive partnership step, we asked BarbershopHarmony Australia to do a joint marketing initiative to this audience, sharingthe cost to communicate a unified message through a full-page advertorialin the conference program and materials in the delegates packs. Initiallyaimed at dipping our toe into new waters and raising awareness, we hope tobuild a strong connection with music educators in a similar way to therelationship regions in North America and United Kingdom have with theirmusic education associations.

Educating educators about barbershop

17 115

Open/Large61+

members

Division AA31-60

members

Division Aup to 30 members

Members CharteredChorusesDown 26 from last year1330

NSW - 528WA - 242VIC - 214QLD - 211ACT - 67SA - 47TAS - 40

]Thesenumberscontaindualmembers

44Chapter-at-Large

Members

2Choruses

Prospective

MemberLongevity

20+111

10-20 yrs388

5-10 yrs403

32%less than

5 yearsCONVENTION FIRST TIMERS100

Youth Members

(25 and under)

Region 34 at a glance

27

7

1225

1

4 2

33QLD

NSW

ACT

TAS

VIC

SAWA

Membership stats 2015-2016

Up 1 from last year

FrontlineDirectors37

Events Coordinator Directors' Coordinator

Communications Coordinator Finance Coordinatormaking connections, every day! funding our fabulous future!

no limit to what we can achieve! kicking goals in our best year yet!At the 2015 Regional Convention, 13 choruses scored over500 including two scoring over 600 and the Top 5 chorusesall scoring B+. That, combined with three new MasterDirectors and several choruses scoring above newmilestones and leaping into new levels, resulted in our bestconvention result to date.

To continue supporting Music Directors, we expanded ourfocus to other music team leaders by laying the foundationsof a Music Leaders Certification program launching in 2016.

Other activities I focused on in 2015-16 included developingand communicating about the 2016 Directors' School andrefreshing our Director Mentor and Music Improvementprograms into a new Making A Difference program.

Taking on this role last May from Debra Griffiths I feltconfident, as the systems in place and handover wereterrific. Also, my three years as Chair of RegionalConvention had given me great contacts across the region.

At the end of my two-year term it is wonderful to look backon all the things the region has achieved. It has been anenjoyable experience and one I highly recommend all ourmembers to consider. RMT recruitment and electionprocedures is one of the responsibilities of the Commun-ications Coordinator. As a member of the RMT you learnmore about the organisation, and everyone you meet ispassionate about Sweet Adelines. It is also an opportunityfor you to better understand and be part of the decision-making process that helps develop our Region. If you areinterested, consider applying for one of the roles coming upthis year on the team. I also managed the annual State ofthe Region Report and Annual Regional Evaluationprocesses required by Sweet Adelines International.

Kate Lindsey

Annet

The 2015-2016 was a successful year financially. 854 attendedconvention and there were 186 webcast subscriptions. WrestPoint continues to be a cost-effective choice for convention withongoing negotiations achieving a surplus of $30,000 over theplanned budget. This, along with savings due to the change inthe Kim Vaughn Education tour meant we could put $52,500into our reserves. This was allocated to future Education($22,500), to underpin the higher costs of convention in thefollowing three locations ($20,000) and to boost ourInternational Competitor Assistance Program - ICAP ($10,000).

Diane

Our communications this year continued to evolve. Wepublished three editions each of OzChords and OzE-Notes. Mail Chimp was adopted as a way to easilydistribute these publications by email. Direct to membercommunications have become standard from Intern-ational with news and updates so this is an extension ofkeeping our members engaged and up to date withwhat is happening in Region 34. The Regional website isalso on track to be updated to better serve ourmembers' needs. A project has been initiated to reviewand identify a new platform that will meet therequirements of Region 34 into the future.

We announced a $10 increase in the regional assessment feeduring the year, which applies from the 2016-2017 year onward.This is to further support the ICAP funds as we are happilyseeing an increased trend for international representation, withMelbourne Chorus eligible for funding as a Wild Card. After theapplication of the education levy component of the regionalassessments collected in 2015-2016, the net investment fromregional funds in Education was $11,825.

Regular contact with our region's Music Directors led tosupporting them with advice, connections and gaining accessto relevant programs. I also supported several choruses todevelop succession plans and through the transition ofoutgoing/ incoming Music Directors.

I streamlined the Convention communication from fourbulletins into one comprehensive information documentreleased in October, with one update in 2016. After thesuccess of the 2015 Parade of Champions we repeated theformat and included additional performances in the line-up.

My team organised the Education events listed in theEducation Roundup. I’m proud to work with State EventsCoordinators who responded to the RMT’s call for changes tothe Kim Vaughn tour so professionally. Due to the illness ofour returning Chair of Regional Convention Jennifer Lloyd, Iagain stepped into this role for the 2016 Convention, leaninga little heavier on the teams we’d already put in place. Afterreading the comments from post-event surveys, it seems wepulled it all off!

Delivering a memorable experience, not just organisinglogistics, has long been the aim of the Regional EventsCoordinator. We take your post-event survey seriously andconstantly innovate to bring extra value to you. Pleasecontinue sharing your views and ideas. We look forward toworking with Traci and Lindsey on the coming year'sEducation events.

The handover of the Finance role from Jan Mahoney to mewent smoothly and Jan has agreed to serving on the FinanceCommittee with me, Kate Hawkins and Sharon Cartwright. ThisCommittee assesses the viability of and advises on financialmatters for the RMT to decide upon in advance of meetings. Anew laptop was purchased to manage the finances and I ampreparing for a change from Reckon software to Xero in thecoming year.

Team Coordinator Education Coordinator

Marketing Coordinator Membership Coordinator

Looking forward, dreaming big! a chance to shine and be proud!

finding our regional wow-factor! another year as the largest region!

Belonging to our organisation is the best thing for anyseemingly ordinary person to work, learn, achieve, and berewarded and recognised in many special ways. Region 34adds even more to that when, in various ways, we work toprovide opportunities to all singers to attend world-classeducational events and, in the pursuit of our art form, offerlife-changing opportunities.

Linda

Sharon

ValAnna-Marie

We were thrilled Ann Cargill from Region 31 and a member ofthe International Board of Directors came to our HobartConvention and met many of our members.

Our productive partnership with Barbershop HarmonyAustralia led to invitations for our quartets to participate intheir regional contests and try Mixed Harmony singing. Eachorganisation has provided volunteer support for the other too.

Multi-channel campaigns were produced to supportAugust A Cappella and other education initiatives. TheRMT was equipped with a kit of buttons, banners andpostcards to use in the Regional Rah-Rah in Las Vegas.

The keywords for regional marketing this year have been'inclusivity' and 'empowerment'. We've focused on developingcollateral for choruses that looks professional, is on messageand reflects their identities and the Sweet Adelines brand. Welaunched a Recruitment Brochure, with 10 choruses taking upour free offer to create personalised artwork for them toarrange their own printing. Each chorus has also received apersonalised banner and postcards co-branded with their logoand the Australian and International Sweet Adelines logos.

This year we have seen one new chorus proceed to charter,three more members have won themselves a year’s freemembership by introducing at least five new people to theirchorus, a new prospective chorus has begun and manygroups have run successful membership campaigns andparticipated in the International Open House events. We sawan increased involvement of our Chapter-At-Large membersin volunteer roles at convention.

Although our total membership is slightly lower than lastyear, we continue to be the largest of all SAI regions by atleast 100 members. Our challenge is to retain our “top spot”and continue to grow.

Participation in the Regional Marketing Awards increasedfrom five to 14 choruses. Articles about marketing werepublished in OzChords and OzE-Notes. The MarketingChatspace on Facebook is a lively place to crowdsourceideas. 1114 Likes on our Facebook page was up by 267.

The Project Constitution Oz team continued their work through-out 2015-2016, supporting my role in consulting educating andadvising chorus leaders on their standing rules, bylaws andincorporation documents. I continually supported TeamCoordinators and Presidents with advice, information andconnections throughout the year.

Whilst in Las Vegas as part of the Endeavour Harmony team Inetworked with Team Coordinators from other regions as wellas attended the President's Reception, due to my participationon the Editorial Review Board. Watching Bathurst PanoramaChorus in Harmony Classic and cheering Hi-Jinx for their fourthinternational performance were highlights. Of course, winninga 10th place medal was a dream come true.

Your regional team is proud to represent you and continuesto work on your behalf to bring you educational resources sothat you all may have the opportunity to shine. Whether it bestepping on stage at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas or singingfor the local community citizenship ceremony, or whether itbe embarking on international travel opportunities to placesfar and wide, or being asked to perform for the local charitylunch – everyone can be involved and there are manyrewarding experiences to be had. You just don’t get that withother organisations.

I started using Canva, cloud-based design software tostreamline the process and speed of creating professionalartwork, and I will be encouraging choruses to use. There isso much happening in our region to make us go 'wow' and Ilook forward to making sure everybody knows about it!

Inevitably we have also seen members leave, and thereasons for this are as varied as the regions our chorusescover. Despite this, our member retention rates are good, asthe figures given earlier in this report will show. For such acomparatively young region, we have presented a largenumber of longevity awards which is very pleasing.

New membership initiatives this year are the introduction ofan enamel badge for the Sweet Adeline of the Year award,the CAL logo and an overhaul of various Membershipsupport programs resulting in the creation of the Making aDifference program. During the year I corresponded withmany of you about a wide range of issues. I am alwayshappy to help in any way I can and no question is too small.

The regional education plan is developed with a five-yearoutlook. I refined and focused it after receiving the judgesregional trend reports from Convention as well as thecombined assessments from the REF visits. I worked closelywith Lindsey to provide consistent and coordinatededucational support for our music leaders, catering to theirspecific levels as well as to the needs of quartets andindividual singers. Traci brings new skills and passions to therole and I look forward to all that is ahead.

In January 2016 International announced a proposed govern-ance change for regions and I coordinated the consultationprocess here. The proposal was not accepted by the requiredtwo-thirds majority vote so will not proceed.

RMT Nominating CommitteeEngelina de Jong, Debbie Elea,Linda Wareham, Catherine Bechaz

Past RMT AdvisorsJan Mahoney, Debra Griffiths

Incoming RMT (shadowing)Debbie Scott (CoC), Traci Voss (EdC)

Chapter-At-Large CoordinatorJennie Harrison

State Events CoordinatorsJanet Caldwell, SAWendy Rossiter, VicKris Dodd, NSWBec Hewitt, WALaurel Santry, Qld

Merchandise CoordinatorVal Norris

Graphic DesignAnna-Marie Shew, Kirsten Richardson

OzChordsEditorSandy O’NeillVocal Health ContributorHelen BoltonProof ReadersDeborah Martin, Barb Morris,Karen Tucker, Wendy Rossiter,Lorraine GrahamPhotographyJen Squires

OzE-NotesDiane Jenkins, Anna-Marie Shew

Quartet SpecialistBec Hewitt

Quartet CoordinatorDeborah Graham

YWIHNational CoordinatorLea BakerProjects - Hobart/Sing Out WestChristine EdwardsJenni PyefinchDebra GriffithsAlouette Quartet

SCRAP CooordinatorLyndal Thornburn

DCP CoordinatorCarole Macintyre

Music Leader Program CoordinatorKaren Ramirez

Faculty Hosts & HospitalityLiz Perry-Windhorst, Linda Vinall,Wendy Rossiter

Marketing Award JudgesSusan Grigson, Marisa Gerussi

Recognition CertificatesLiz Benazzi, Ruth Jackson

Regional HistorianDeborah Graham

Regional LibrarianAlison Hamersley

Project Constitution Oz TeamDianne James, Sue Weston, JudyEnglish-Ellis, Beth Pratley

Regional Public OfficerEngelina de Jong

Technology AdviceTrish Tuffin

2015-2016 Convention Team (cont)MC CoordinatorHelen BoltonMC TeamHelen Bolton, Alex Morris, Jill Harris, JoyMcGregor, Bec Hewitt, Traci Voss, ChrisJones, Annette Connolly, Debra Griffiths,Cheryl Benson Program Publication CoordinatorEva BlandaConvention Registration SecretariatEndeavour Harmony Chorus Parade of Champions CoordinatorDebra GriffithsStar Chorus DirectorsLindsey Dyer, Joanne OosterhoffStar Chorus CoordinatorJanet CaldwellQuartet Chorus DirectorsGlenda Lloyd, Linda WarehamRMT Info Desk & Volunteers CoordinatorsCanberra Harmony ChorusAfterglow Beach Party CoordinatorsCircular Keys ChorusHarmony Bazaar & Local Info CoordinatorsOut of the Blue SingersSouvenir Pin CoordinatorsA Cappella West ChorusConvention Administration AssistanceMaria Priestley, Stephanie WallbankMass Sing CoordinatorsWollongong Harmony ChorusMass Sing DirectorAlex MorrisLocal Retailer LiaisonTerri PinkisRisers CoordinatorMary DavieBanner Display TeamRod Stow, Liz Sykes, David Sykes,Debbie ScottCompetitor TransportKen JonesFacebook Convention CountdownRoz BesteMic TesterPreview QuartetWendy Middleton Award PresenterMichelle Todd

2015-2016 Convention TeamChair of Regional ConventionJennifer Lloyd, Kate HawkinsCompetition CoordinatorLea BakerOfficial Panel LiaisonSandy O’NeillAssistant Official Panel LiaisonMarianne MathiesonPanel SecretaryTherese CooneyPageMichelle ToddTrial Scorer PageKali CaramiaStage ManagerAmy HawkinsAssistant Stage ManagerAaron Hewitt

Thank you!Thanks to everyone who has volunteered for and supported the region’s many activities throughout 2015-2016. Special appreciation goes to these people who led and managed projects with the RMT to make them happen.

SOUTHERN CROSS REGION 34 OF SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL INC

A.B.N.: 52 556 772 243

FINANCIAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31 MARCH 2016

Liability limited by a scheme approved under

Professional Standards Legislation

SOUTHERN CROSS REGION 34 OF SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL INC

A.B.N.: 52 556 772 243

CONTENTS

Profit and Loss Statement

Balance Sheet

Notes to the Financial Statements

Statement by Regional Management Team Members

Independent Audit Report

SOUTHERN CROSS REGION 34 OF SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL INC

A.B.N.: 52 556 772 243

DEPARTMENTAL TRADING, PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2016

2016 2015

$ $

Merchandise

Merchandise Income 7,818.18 11,339.84

7,818.18 11,339.84

LESS: COST OF GOODS SOLD

Opening Stock 16,051.42 16,615.61

Merchandise Expenditure 2,612.99 8,237.30

Closing Stock (13,819.42) (16,051.42)

4,844.99 8,801.49

GROSS PROFIT FROM TRADING 2,973.19 2,538.35

OTHER INCOME

Convention 192,315.74 253,476.22

Education

Other Income 27.27 136.36

Education Levy Income 28,840.00 28,894.55

Fees 45,881.91 45,977.54

International Funding 302.45 13,634.56

Workshops

Admin Workshops Income 2,727.26 1,431.82

Directors School Income 13,128.10 30,046.90

Quartet Workshops Income 8,312.29 2,682.73

Young Women in Harmony - 830.00

Dede Down Under - 12,494.18

August Acappella 12,543.53 -

Young Singers in Harmony 2,181.80 -

Subsidies - 872.26

Bank Interest 5,084.02 5,091.66

311,344.37 395,568.78

314,317.56 398,107.13

EXPENSES

Convention 140,164.53 213,249.20

Depreciation 1,392.30 91.20

RMT Portfolios 104,437.25 109,461.84

Workshops

Admin Workshops Expenditure 3,634.85 7,438.81

Directors School Expenditure 32,107.71 45,522.95

Quartet Workshops 6,067.83 4,970.30

Dede Down Under - 17,103.87

SOUTHERN CROSS REGION 34 OF SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL INC

A.B.N.: 52 556 772 243

DEPARTMENTAL TRADING, PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2016

2016 2015

$ $

August Acappella 26,099.91 -

313,904.38 397,838.17

NET SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) 413.18 268.96

SOUTHERN CROSS REGION 34 OF SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL INC

A.B.N.: 52 556 772 243

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2016

2016 2015

Note $ $

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents 2 373,121.20 314,800.58

Trade and other receivables 3 25.00 335.50

Inventories 4 13,819.42 16,051.42

Other current assets 5 53,959.59 37,989.02

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 440,925.21 369,176.52

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Property, plant and equipment 6 561.57 364.80

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 561.57 364.80

TOTAL ASSETS 441,486.78 369,541.32

LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables 7 11,537.43 14,305.06

Other current liabilities 8 301,531.32 227,231.41

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 313,068.75 241,536.47

TOTAL LIABILITIES 313,068.75 241,536.47

NET ASSETS 128,418.03 128,004.85

MEMBERS' FUNDS 9 128,418.03 128,004.85

SOUTHERN CROSS REGION 34 OF SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL INC

A.B.N.: 52 556 772 243

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2016

2016 2015

$ $

1 Statement of Significant Accounting Policies

This financial report is a special purpose financial report prepared in order to satisfy the financial

reporting requirements of the Associations Incorporation Act of SA. The Regional Management

Team has determined that the association is not a reporting entity.

The financial report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Associations

Incorporation Act of SA and the following Australian Accounting Standards:

AAS 1 Profit and Loss or Other Operating Statements

AAS 5 Materiality

AAS 8 Events Occurring After Reporting Date

No other Accounting Standards, Urgent Issues Group Consensus Views or other authoritative

pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board have been applied.

The financial report has been prepared on an accruals basis and is based on historic costs and does

not take into account changing money values, or except where specifically stated, current valuation

of non-current assets.

The following material accounting policies, which are consistent with the previous period unless

otherwise stated, have been adopted in the preparation of this financial report.

(a) The depreciable amount of all fixed assets are depreciated over the

useful lives of the assets to the association commencing from the time

the asset is held ready for use.

(b) Taxation

The association is not liable for income tax under either Sections 50-5,

50-45 or 50-10 of the Income Tax Act 1997. Accordingly, tax effect accounting principles have not been included in the financial statements

2 Cash and Cash Equivalents

ING Direct Account 211,739.61 159,125.44

PayPal Transaction Account - 320.40

Southern Cross Region 34 Account - CBA 99,513.68 12,355.88

Sweet Adelines Australia Account - CBA 22,627.10 56,453.66

Sweet Adelines Australia Term Deposit #1 - CBA - 77,556.28

CBA Convention Account 39,240.81 3,670.22

TryBooking - 5,318.70

373,121.20 314,800.58

3 Trade and Other Receivables

SOUTHERN CROSS REGION 34 OF SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL INC

A.B.N.: 52 556 772 243

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2016

2016 2015

$ $

Current

Accounts Receivable 25.00 335.50

The association does not hold any financial assets whose terms have been renegotiated, but which

would otherwise be past due or impaired.

4 Inventories

Current

Merchandise On Hand 13,819.42 16,051.42

5 Other Non-Financial Assets

Current

Payments in Advance

Conventions 53,959.59 34,140.60

International Convention/AHA - 2,324.74

Quartet Workshops - 1,000.00

Young Singers in Harmony - 523.68

53,959.59 37,989.02

SOUTHERN CROSS REGION 34 OF SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL INC

A.B.N.: 52 556 772 243

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2016

2016 2015

$ $

6 Property, Plant and Equipment

Plant & Equipment - at Cost 1,589.07 4,179.12

Less Prov'n for Depreciation (1,027.50) (3,814.32)

561.57 364.80

Total Plant and Equipment 561.57 364.80

Total Property, Plant and Equipment 561.57 364.80

7 Trade and Other Payables

Current

Accounts Payable - 4,492.97

GST on Supplies 11,537.43 9,812.09

11,537.43 14,305.06

8 Other Liabilities

Current

Income in Advance

Conventions 191,347.23 173,817.32

Reserved Fund

Provision for Wildcard/Harmony Classic 16,270.00 12,000.00

Provision for Project Constitution 228.80 228.80

Provision for Chorus Subsidy 10,000.00 -

Provision for Education Subsidy 58,500.00 36,000.00

Provision for Convention 20,000.00 -

104,998.80 48,228.80

Sponsorship Funds

Dissolved Chorus Funds 5,185.29 5,185.29

301,531.32 227,231.41

9 Members' Funds

Balance at Beginning of Year 128,004.85 127,735.89

Share of profit 413.18 268.96

128,418.03 128,004.85

Total Members' Funds 128,418.03 128,004.85

SOUTHERN CROSS REGION 34 OF SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL INC

A.B.N.: 52 556 772 243

STATEMENT BY MEMBERS OF THE REGIONAL MANAGEMENT TEAM

The Regional Management Team has determined that the association is not a reporting entity and that this special purpose financial report should be prepared in accordance with the accounting policies outlined in Note 1 to the financial statements. In the opinion of the Regional Management Team the financial report:

1. Presents a true and fair view of the financial position of Southern Cross Region 34 of Sweet Adelines International Inc as at 31st March 2016 and its performance for the year ended on that date.

2. At the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that Southern Cross Region 34 of Sweet Adelines International Inc will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due.

This statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the Regional Management Team and is signed for and on behalf of the Regional Management Team by: Title: Region 34 Finance Coordinator Signed: Title: Region 34 Team Coordinator Signed: Dated: 27 June, 2016

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF

SOUTHERN CROSS REGION 34 OF SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL INC

ABN: 52 556 772 243

Report on the Financial Report

We have audited the accompanying financial report, being a special purpose financial report, of Southern

Cross Region 34 of Sweet Adelines International Inc (the association), which comprises the balance sheet

as at 31st March 2016, and the income statement, a summary of significant accounting policies and other

explanatory notes and the statement by members of the Regional Management Team.

Regional Management Team's Responsibility for the Financial Report

The Regional Management Team of the association is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation

of the financial report and have determined that the accounting policies described in Note 1 to the financial

statements, which form part of the financial report, are consistent with the financial reporting requirements of

the Associations Incorporation Act (SA) and are appropriate to meet the needs of the members. The

Regional Management Team’s responsibility also includes designing, implementing and maintaining internal

control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report that is free from material

misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and

making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.

Auditors' Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. No opinion is

expressed as to whether the accounting policies used, as described in Note 1, are appropriate to meet the

needs of the members. We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. These

Auditing Standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements

and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free from

material misstatement

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the

financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditors' judgment, including the assessment of the

risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk

assessments, the auditors consider internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation

of the financial report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not

for the purpose of expressing an opinion of the effectiveness of the entity's internal control. An audit also

includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting

estimates made by the Regional Management Team, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the

financial report.

The financial report has been prepared for distribution to members for the purpose of fulfilling the Regional

Management Team's financial reporting under the Associations Incorporation Act SA. We disclaim any

assumption of responsibility for any reliance on this report or on the financial report to which it relates to any

person other than the members, or for any purpose other than that for which it was prepared.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our

audit opinion.

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF

SOUTHERN CROSS REGION 34 OF SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL INC

ABN: 52 556 772 243 Independence In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of Australian professional ethical pronouncements. Qualification As is common for organisations of this type, it is not practicable for the Southern Cross Region 34 of Sweet Adelines International Inc to maintain an effective system of internal control over monies received until their initial entry in the accounting records. Accordingly, our audit in relation to monies received was limited to amounts recorded. Audit Opinion In our opinion, except for the effects on the financial report of the matter referred to in the qualification paragraph, the financial report of Southern Cross Region 34 of Sweet Adelines International Inc presents fairly, in all material respects the financial position of Southern Cross Region 34 of Sweet Adelines International Inc as at 31st March 2016 and of its financial performance for the year then ended in accordance with the accounting policies described in Note 1 to the financial statements. Name of Firm: ALEXANDER HOPKINS & CO.

................................................................................................ ALEXANDER HOPKINS, (A Registered Company Auditor) Address: Suite 105, 304-318 The Kingsway, CARINGBAH NSW 2229 Dated: 27 June, 2016