A General Meeting of the Captain Cook Society - Australia was held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney on the afternoon of Sunday 24 April 2005.

It was attended by 12 CCS-A members and 10 visitors, and was held to coincide with the Pacific Explorer International Philatelic Exhibition held at the Centre over the period 21/24 April.

The meeting opened with a welcome from Ken Sheahan, President of the CCS-A, followed by the Presidential Address

At its conclusion he announced, with much pleasure, that Riemer Brouwer had been granted Life Membership of the Society. This well deserved honour was greeted with applause. Following the announcement, the President presented Riemer with a framed Certificate of Life Membership, signed by all four members of the UK Executive.
The Certificate reads as follows:-

Life Membership
presented to
Riemer Brouwer
In recognition of the invaluable work undertaken for more than
20 years in the operation of the Australian Group of the
Captain Cook Society, including Secretary since 1986, President
1989/99, Treasurer since 1999, and Editor of "Endeavour Lines"
from 1989/91 and since 1995

Finally on behalf of the Society, the President presented Riemer with a copy of John Robson's work The Captain Cook Encyclopaedia.

Riemer suitably responded and then proceeded to present the Treasurer's Report.

Then followed the Election of Office Bearers. The outgoing President had indicated that he was not seeking re-election, so Riemer Brouwer then assumed the chair and called for nominations.

Mr. E.J. (Ted) Tierney was elected President on the nomination of Ken Sheahan, seconded by Daphne Salt and was elected unopposed.

Riemer then called for nominations for the remaining positions on the Executive but, as none were forthcoming, Riemer agreed to act in the positions pending possible appointment of others to them.

Ken Sheahan agreed to act as a member of the Executive Committee as Immediate Past President.

An excellent PowerPoint presentation was then given by Daphne Salt, the author of the authoritative work Kurnell - Birthplace of Modern Australia, detailing the history of Kurnell from pre-European days to the present.

So ended a very useful meeting.

Sincere thanks to Alwyn Peel for all the valuable assistance he gave in the production of the Life Membership Certificate, making possible this happy occasion for Riemer.

Ken Sheahan

Originally published in Cook's Log, page 3, volume 28, number 3 (2005).