The Opal Association AGM was held during the recent Australian Opal Expo on the Gold Coast in early August and was well attend by over 20 members. A new Committee was elected and continues to be lead by Ruth Benjamin-Thomas who was re-elected as President.
The association membership is growing steadily and we welcome all new members including, Smart Opals, Iris Opals and Black Star Opals. Your new Committee is as follows:
- President – Ruth Benjamin-Thomas (Black Opal Direct)
- Vice-President – Ted Hamilton (Fortune Opal Mining Company)
- Secretary – William Cody (Cody Opal)
- Treasurer – Darren Jack (Australian Outback Opals)
- Committee – Damien Cody (Cody Opal)
- Committee – John MacDonald (Australian Opal Shop)
- Committee – Paul Sedawie (Seda Opals)
- Committee – Edmond Lahoud (Lahoud Opals)
The President and Treasurer presented their reports which included the current initiatives and financials. The Association is in a solid financial position currently and systems and processes have been brought into the digital age. The progress of the international working group of the proposed CIBJO Opal Guide which has Ruth and Damien as Opal Association representatives was also discussed. The full reports, along with all AGM notes can be found here.
Promotion of the Association and the Authenticity Program.
The Authenticity Program which is a benefit for qualifying members has not been as well utilized as we would like and there are not many members who can issue Certificates of Authenticity. Currently the written test and the practical examination need to be done in person with Paul Sedawie. The Committee proposed and it was moved that the following would happen.
- The test would be reviewed and updated to be in line with new CIBJO accepted opal classification
- The test would then be moved online to allow members across Australia and the world to undertake the test under strict exam conditions (there is technology that allows for this)
- The practical test will still be done in person but a system of examiners in the major member states (NSW, Qld, Vic and SA) will have access to a practical reference set
We hope to have the updated test available to all members later in the year.
Our new logo has now been approved at the AGM with one dissenter. Members will soon receive an email with access details to the updated logo and style guide for use across all your publications, website and shops. We are also investigating the creation of shop window decals.
Membership Structure Change.
Association membership was also discussed and a new structure has been put in place for renewals in the 26/27 financial year. All members will be notified when membership renewals are due next year of the changes to their memberships.
See us at the International Jewellery Fair this weekend!
The Opal Association is a proud supporter of the IJF and welcome the event support through a dedicated booth at this years Fair. A number of members will be there to promote the association and also assist industry with any questions they may have about opal. If you are a member or would like to become involved, please stop by and say hi at the Industry Hub.
If you have any questions, please reach out to any members of the Committee or email us directly.
