This has been my first year as Chair of the Blackwood Valley Small Landholders Group(BVSLG) and I have found the position both rewarding and challenging. The rewards have come from working with a very dedicated group of people who are all able to bring their special skills and knowledge to the fore in ensuring that members are presented with the range of information, workshops, and a newsletter that is highly valued throughout. The challenge for me has been to ensure that the group continues to provide members with the services that they desire. 

The BVSLG has continued in 2005/6 to provide a wide range of services to members based upon feedback that has been received through questionnaires and emails from members. While it is not possible to provide advice or workshops on every subject that is of interest to our members we have chosen those of greatest demand. 

The Newsletter continues to be the official organ of the BVSLG and is published each quarter. Articles are sought from known experts and cover a wide range of topics. The Newsletter is also used to advertise up-coming events that have been arranged by the Group. In 2005/6 this publication has continued with the highest standard of article and is much sought after by members and non-members alike. 

This year we have also presented a number of Workshops and Seminars on a variety of topics. This year we have also utilized the services of Agriculture WA to co-host some of our workshops which has permitted them to be presented at minimal cost to members. Others have been fully organized by outside parties but organized on behalf of members. 

Planning is already in place for several informative Workshops in 2007 and the in-coming Committee will be charged with ensuring that this type of activity continues at the highest level. 

Once again this year we have held seasonal Auctions which have provided members and non-members and opportunity to buy and/or sell useful items for there properties. My thanks to all those who have worked to make them a success and special thanks to Collin Jeffery for his general organisation of these auctions. This year the Group decided to employ Heidi Bibby to coordinate the auctions in respect of advertising and promotion which has been very successful and will be continued while her services are available. The next auction of the Group is on Sunday the 22^nd October 2006. 

I want to express my sincere thanks to all members of the Management Committee for the dedicated efforts in ensuring that the members are treated to quality services that are relative to their needs .I want to give special thanks to Brian Moore, who took over as Treasurer when Sue Campbell resigned, for his expertise in this area and for the work he has done in managing and redesigning the Group’s website. My final thanks are to Jenny Dewing for without her the Group’s performance would not be as good as it is. She has single handedly organized the bulk of the Workshops and is responsible for the publication of the Newsletter both which does in a very professional manner and with a minimum of fuss. 

I will be standing for Chairman again in 2006/7 to complete my second term in this position, however, this should not deter others from seeking this position.