A Message from ESV’s President
Dear Members,
The past three years have been tough for everyone. We have dealt with natural disasters including bushfires and floods and have navigated an unprecedented pandemic. While dealing with natural disasters has, in many ways, brought us together, our response to the pandemic has disconnected us from the people we love, the communities we value and the places that make us feel whole. For me, the pandemic has been a reminder of how important groups like the Entomological Society of Victoria (ESV) are and how much my mental health is dependent on pursuing my passions.
The last three years has been difficult for groups like the ESV. We have been unable to bring members together for field trips and have not met in person and shared our excitement about insects. That is no recipe for a vibrant society.
The good news is that we have not been idle and have taken the opportunity to fix some problems, complement an amazing group of Council members with some new blood and create a launching pad for the future. Some of the work we have been doing to refresh the society includes.
Resolving our public liability issues with our insurer allowing us to recommence outdoor excursions. We also have a new Events Officer who is planning our first event in April!
Appointed a new Outreach Officer who has overhauled our social media platform and allowed us to connect with people in a whole new way.
We launched our new website and online store, which brings us into the 21st century and allows us to streamline book sales, new membership applications and membership renewals.
We have continued to hold bi-monthly members meeting using a virtual format, which has allowed the very young and those unable to come into Melbourne to participate. This will allow us to move to a hybrid model of face to face and virtual meetings that will ultimately be more inclusive.
To take advantage of this progress, we need your help!
First and foremost, please stay connected to the society by becoming a member or renewing your membership. Having emerged from the pandemic, we do not want to be disconnected from you. Our membership subscription costs less than a tank of petrol – which is great value for money. We have moved to a new online membership system, that for most will be much simpler, but for some may take a little time to work out. We have developed a step-by-step guide to renewing your membership and are happy to walk you through this. Please email our Secretary, Francesco, if you need help - secretary@entsocvic.org.au.
Second, you are our ambassadors and our champions. Please encourage friends, family and people in your community to become members too. The ESV and its activities are a wonderful way to engage the younger people in your life in nature and science. To encourage more young people to get involved we have made memberships for primary school and secondary school students free.
Third, we need your ideas! The Society exists for you. We want to offer opportunities and activities that excite you. Is your passion photography and using citizen science platforms like iNaturalist or posting on Instagram? Do you want to get better at identifying the different types (Orders) of insects? Would you like to create lists of the different insects found in Victoria? Are you interested in the environment and creating insect friendly gardens?
Finally, be active! Please come to our meetings and our outings and if you are interested in contributing further, consider becoming a member of our Council. We are particularly looking for a Treasurer – so if you have financial experience, I would love to speak with you. The role is not onerous and we are streamlining meetings to reduce the burden further.
I feel very privileged to be President of the society and to have the opportunity to meet and interact with every one of you over the next few weeks, months and years. I can’t wait to see you at our AGM on April 19th and at our first event after Easter.
Best wishes,
Doug Hilton
President, ESV
president@entsocvic.org.au
