Folks,
Can we take a step-back & a collective deep breath before moving-on with this conversation?
Yeah, I can be a bit feisty & opinionated at times, but mostly, if I was any more laid-back, I'd be in a coma - except when I'm involved in trying to get the Vicbrew competition to a conclusion on time. That's my role as Chief Steward & I stand on the shoulders of giants (the rest of the Committee) who have put-in the hard-yards to get it to that point. I'm just the mouthy git who stands up on the day & makes it look like he's in control (Nobody should try checking my pulse-rate & adrenaline-levels on the Saturday morning!).
For the record, I'm NOT on the AABC Committee, which is essentially an email-group that only meets in person once a year. A spot was offered to me, but I declined, based on anecdotal feedback from a couple of the Vicbrew Committee who are also on the National Committee. Bun-fight. Not interested. My only involvement in the AABC is when it's held in Victoria & I'm happy to do WHATEVER it takes to get the job done.
The efficacy of the National competition in any particular year seems to depend on the ability of the local (ie. State) organising body to get themselves sorted-out. I can assure you that the Victorian organising Committee (Vicbrew) is a well-oiled machine that's been at it for ages. We all know each other personally, respect each other, meet in person, thrash-out issues over a few bevvies & occasionally agree to disagree. It's a system that works. Other state bodies seem less well-organised/cooperative.
If we can get a properly cooperative National committee that seeks & delegates the same efficiency to other states when hosting the Nationals (if it needs to be via a single club-based organisation, then all well & good), you'll get no bleating, moaning or keyboard-warrioring from me.
A committee & its delegates needs to be COMMITTED and ultimately held responsible for the outcome.
