It has been gratifying to see membership of the club reach its present level of 108 members, which includes our life members. Many of these newer members have emersed themselves into the club competitions with excellent results.  

Others have gone on to participate in both National and international salons with many receiving acceptances. Southern Suburbs as a club, participated in various international and national competitions, and has again done extremely well.
The club had 12 members enter the Austrian Super circuit and Themes Circuit and receive 53 acceptances and also a trophy was awarded for being in the Overall top 10 clubs.

The Maitland international had 4 members entered 9 acceptances were received with a medal for best print in the monochrome section. The club did extremely well again in the Warragal national and received the distinction of being equal second as a club. Various members have entered other competitions privately and have done well with acceptances.
The interclub and VAPS competitions we have continued to support very strongly, and also regularly receive commendations for all our members ongoing work.

In the past year the club has obtained a new lap top computer to be used in our involvement firstly with the VAPS state competition in May this year and more importantly a computer that can be used by our competition steward to record and dispense data more efficiently and make this job a whole lot easier.
We as a club have purchased more studio lighting and backdrops, stands and other equipment to hold studio nights and thereby give all the members more opportunities to work in this medium. We have acquired more software to use as a club and also new seating to make these meetings more comfortable.

We thank all members for their continued financial support in being fully paid up members and this helps the committee tremendously as we can pay insurances and other expenses quickly and not have unpaid accounts piling up. The $2.00 supper donation also helps to pay the rent and visiting speakers and Judges.

On behalf of the committee I would like to offer a sincere vote of thanks to Bay-side city council for their generous grant of $1000.00 towards the purchase of the new equipment.

In the past year the club members were invited to have a weekend away in the Western Part of Victoria and also to participate in the wonderful five day trip organized to Tasmania. Other club members organized some outings during the year as well, and this was supported strongly. Those who go on these trips enjoy the social interaction, camaraderie, and joy of being away with fellow members, often learning or honing new skills and returning with great images. Those who have already been are quick to join the next one, but I would encourage anyone who has not as yet been away of one of these organized trips to do so, as it's a great part of being a member of SSPS.

The club again last year organized another beginners course on Photography and for the first time offered an advanced Photographic course aimed at all those wishing to hone further the skill of using their camera and Len's to capture the great outdoors. This advance course proved extremely popular and the club's committee has decided to run it again, with much interest already from members of other other clubs in Melbourne.

Finally I would like to thank all the other members of the committee for their ongoing commitment to the smooth running of the club and without their continued support SSPS would not be the successful club it is. I would also like to thank all other members who serve in the various capacities that then ensures the smooth running of all our meetings. In conclusion, May I as president ask all members to think seriously about serving a term or two on the committee to keep our club the success it is.

We look forward then to another busy and successful year.