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Chairmans Report to the Annual General Meeting 13th June 2008
This Annual General Meeting marks 20 years since Antara was first incorporated. Since that time we have had the help and assistance of many many people resulting in the establishment of the Antara Free Natural Health Clinic and the Antara Retreat. All contributions of funds, skill, time and encouragement have been significant in terms of furthering the philosophy of Antara, through these projects, which is to help without expecting anything in return.
Last September we held our annual charity auction for the 14 th time. This time we were very fortunate in having the New Zealand Auctioneers Association running the charity auction, with proceeds to Antara. Michelle Maitland from George Walker Auctioneers has over the past years volunteered her time to be our auctioneer at our charity auctions. This was her initiative and with her enthusiasm, energy and the Auctioneers Association's input, with Antara supporters helping in the way they do selflessly each year we broke all previous records with the figure of $27,000 being raised. This is to go towards developing the upper floor at the Retreat which will be used as a beautiful and spacious workshop area. Special thanks to Michelle Maitland.
The Antara Free Natural Health Clinic
The Clinic has a current staff of 15 Volunteer Natural Health Therapists and 5 Receptionist. The therapies currently offered are Counselling (Family and Individual), Bowen, Reike, Homeopathy, Reflexology, Therapeutic Massage and Hypnotherapy. The last 12 months has seen a significant growth and demand for counselling. We currently have 6 counsellors working to capacity. All our therapists do amazing work, we can't praise them enough. Special thanks to Eileen for the hard work she does in looking after the running and staff at the clinic.
The Antara Youth Retreat
Many groups have used the Retreat over the past year. These include: YouthLine Auckland City and Manukau City groups as part of their Voices programme. Digital Earth a conservation group consisting of young adults, "Interfaith" - Christian/Moslim/Jewish membership, a group of young people wanting to bring understanding between different faiths. Body and Soul - a weekend which is an Antara programme with insights into natural ways to look after your health and wellbeing. This workshop is run as part of the Youthline "Voices" programme.
The Retreat is also supporting an increasing number of young adults who come to the retreat on an individual basis having first attended as part of a group or being recommended by past participants.
The Retreat was honoured this year to host a two week permaculture course for 20 people. This came about from a request from Trish Allen, wife of Joe Polaischer. Joe is well known as a permaculture teacher, running many courses at his Rainbow Valley Farm and in countries such as Japan and Austria. He has been an inspirational figure to all those that have met him . Sadly, a week before this year's course was to begin, he died of a brain tumor. His last wish was for the couse to go ahead. Two renowned permaculture teachers from Australia, dropped what they were doing and came to the Antara Retreat to run Joe's course. Such was the respect and love Joe engendered from around the world. The Retreat offered a wonderful venue and all those staying thoroughly enjoyed this very intenstive and stimulating two weeks.
Over the 2007-2008 summer we cleared a large amout of privet (a plant that many have an allergic reaction to) from along a stream bank, this area has now been planted with native trees and grasses; a new orchard area has been planted, the front entrance has been further developed with new gardens, edging and a fresh metal surface. Those staying at the Retreat and wwoofers (willing workers on organic farms) help with these types of activities. Its sometimes hard work, but we always try to make it fun. The summer gardens have produced a lot of food this year. Its a great feeling sending people out to pick veges from the garden, they love it. And for some a whole new experience.
Thank you to the ARC Environmental Initiative Fund for their grant towards native trees and shrubs that will be planted on the stream bank.
Thank you to New Zealand Post for their donation of pre-paid envelopes for both the Antara Free Natural Health Clinic and the Antara Retreat.
Thank you to the Lion Foundation for their grant towards a new french door for the clinic waiting room.
Thank you to the Waitakere Licensing Trust for their grant towards the clinic running costs.
And many thanks to those who give financial contributions on a regular basis.
Finally, special thanks once again to everyone who has made a contribution over the past year, whether it is directly working in our two projects or funding, or the auction, or just general support from friends and colleagues.
Graham Marsden
Chairman Antara Association Inc.
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