Meet the Committee
Each year at the AGM, the members of the club elect a committee to take on the task of running the club for the following 12 months. These are all voluntary positions and are open to any interested members. If you'd like to know more about what these roles actually involve,
click here for a complete description.
Here is your club committee for 2010.President - Chris Betcher
Hi! I'm Chris, and I'm a Sydney born and bred Aussie. I also lived in Oakville, Ontario for a year on exchange and I've since been back a few more times, so Canada feels somewhat like a second home to me now! Like many of our club members, I'm an Aussie with a Canadian partner and we joined the club to try and help her stay in touch with her Canadian roots. In the process we both found a fun group of people to hang out with!
president@canadianaustralianclub.comSecretary - Pam Trudel
I’m Pam - I was born in Montreal, Canada and came out to Australia in 1972 with my family and definitely consider Sydney my home. I have a 27 year old daughter currently living in Melbourne. I live on the North Shore and have 2 ‘babies’ (cats) Moet & Chandon, in addition to a new flatmate, who also enjoys all things Canadian! Some of my interests are a bit unusual – 10 pin bowling, table tennis – but I’m also a bit of an adrenalin junkie and have jumped out of a plane!
secretary@canadianaustralianclub.comTreasurer - Chris Warrick
I moved to Sydney in 2004 to set up the AsiaPac operations for Multimap. My wife Caroline and I have 5 year old twins who were born in Sydney a month or so after we arrived. I was born on The Rock (St. John’s, Nfld.) but lived in Toronto and Vancouver before emigrating to the UK in 1982 and thence to Australia. We’ve settled in Birchgrove since we arrived but we are currently living on the Balmain/Rozelle borders whilst our new house is being built.
treasurer@canadianaustralianclub.comMembership - Lenora Carney
Originally from Pt Colborne, Ontario (located along Lake Erie, 20mins from Niagara Falls) I moved here in 2000 to be with my Australian husband, Shane. I have been with the CAC since I moved here and have taken on the roles of membership secretary, webmistress and newsletter editor over the past few years. I enjoy getting involved with the club as it gives me a chance to meet other Canadians who have also made the big move downunder and to share in the celebrating of Canadian traditions/holidays.
membership@canadianaustralianclub.comContent Manager - Linda Johannesson
I'm a Canadian originally from Toronto. Like so many others in the club I’m the Canadian half of a “Canstralian” or “Austradian” couple. I moved to Sydney for love at the end of 2007. My partner (Chris, the President) and I joined the club to connect with the people, like us, who share an interest in both countries.
content@canadianaustralianclub.comEvents - Sarah Hatfield
Hi - I'm Sarah. I am originally from Toronto, Ontario and moved to Sydney with my husband for a work transfer in 2009. We are excited to be living in such a beautiful city and we joined the club to connect with people who have an interest in both countries.
events@canadianaustralianclub.comAdvertising - Alex Kijurina
Alex is a professional Freight Forwarder and part time Property Developer. He is Australian, married now for 9 years to a Canadian, our past president of 3 years Laura Mae. He is a founding member of the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce. He has been on the Committee for about 7 years, the past few years handling advertising sales for the club.
He loves Canada, Canadians and all that they stand for and proudly calls Canada his second home.
advertisements@canadianaustralianclub.comWebsite - Chris Betcher
Hang on, didn't you already see me further up the page? Well spotted! In addition to being the president of the club, I also maintain the club's website. I work with technology a lot, and for a day job I teach teachers how to use technology better with their students. You'd think I'd be able to find some non-technology related stuff to do in my spare time, eh? Ah well, good thing I enjoy doing this stuff! If you have ideas on how we can make the website even better, feel free to send me your suggestions.
website@canadianaustralianclub.comPublic Relations - Position Vacant
Got a feel for fundraising and publicity?
Like to get more actively involved in the club?
How about taking on this important club role?
Contact the club president for more info...
publicity@canadianaustralianclub.com
Councillor - Craig Kokay
Craig Kokay is a Kiwi and is married to Deeahn. His interests include skiing and Scouting, and he travels around the world with his job. Craig currently holds the position of councillor on the CAC committee helping out wherever and whenever he can. Craig believes that the reward and satisfaction from being involved is better than being paid to do it.
councillor1@canadianaustralianclub.com
Councillor - Kathleen Ryan
I’m originally from Ottawa, Ontario (Go Sens!!) and have been living and working in Sydney for 3 years now. I’ve had a recent visit from my mother, so I am all stocked up with maple syrup, Vancouver 2010 wear, and a team Canada hockey jersey. As much as I love the weather and lifestyle, it’s a long way from home and it’s great to meet people who watch hockey, celebrate Canada Day and Thanksgiving, and who understand what freezing rain and -40 degrees feels like. This is my first year volunteering with the club, and I look forward to meeting all the members and helping out at events.
councillor2@canadianaustralianclub.comCouncillor - Barbara Glover
I moved to Sydney over a year and a half ago from Toronto, where I lived for 10 years prior to moving here. I'm originally from Michigan but enjoyed Canada so much I became a Canadian citizen in 2003. I recently was back in TO in September and just had to run out and buy Canadian themed bears, maple syrup and a soap stone carving. Sydney is a great change
for me but I'm enjoying discovering all the city and Australia offer. I enjoy bushwalking, movies, arts and exploring all the many beaches. I feel really lucky to be here and am happy to be a part of this group. I think it will be a good way to meet new friends and help other people experience some of Sydney.
councillor3@canadianaustralianclub.comCouncillor - Ami Seymour
I am from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, but also lived in Ottawa for a few years. Little did I know when I met a handsome Aussie in an Ottawa pub that I would eventually find myself on the other side of the world...but here I am, married and settling into life in Sydney. Gavin (my handsome Aussie) and I joined the Canadian Club to meet people and get involved in a few social activities. We haven't been disappointed.
councillor4@canadianaustralianclub.comCouncillor - Bonnie Lovelace
Hi all, I'm Bonnie. During a long ago world backpacking trip, my husband David and I spent 6 happy months travelling Australia, living on the beaches in the back of an old Holden station wagon. With an opportunity last year for David to take a two year assignment to Australia, we left Alberta behind, and are now revisiting a city we thought was spectacular so long ago. Still is....Every day we look at the harbour and feel like we've "gone to the lake". The Canadian Australian Club is a great way to connect and meet people.
councillor5@canadianaustralianclub.comCouncillor - Allan Psaila
I moved to Sydney (with my wife Sarah) in 2009 for a work transfer from Toronto, ON. I am thrilled to have left the cold and be in the warm Sydney weather - no snow! We joined the club to meet new friends who love both countries.
councillor6@canadianaustralianclub.com