Set for the Financial Year 2024/25
The WAGBA Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2024 was held on 15th October at the Boardroom of Ketelsen Enterprise in West Perth. The AGM was attended by several of the committee members and numerous members of WAGBA.
The meeting was chaired by President Stephan W. Kirsch, who extended a warm welcome to all attendees. Now in its 39th year of service to its valued members, WAGBA marked FY 2023/24 with a series of high-calibre networking events and the transfer of EA activities. One of the key topics of the AGM was the presentation of the association’s financial reports for FY 2023/24, delivered by Treasurer Heiko Petschukat, alongside an update on the membership base.
While there was a decline in new memberships during the past financial year, the association’s financial reports showed strong and positive results for FY 2023/24. The President Stephan W. Kirsch encouraged members to actively pursue new membership opportunities at networking events and engage personally with potential members. Despite the drop in new memberships, key members of the association were commended for their unwavering support, with their commitment being essential for WAGBA’s ability to provide quality services, cultural engagement, and high-class networking events.
In addition, WAGBA was proud to announce that, in February, life membership was awarded to Mr. Claus Paulus, and honorary membership was granted to the Hon. Alannah MacTiernan for their long-standing support of both the Association and the German community in Western Australia.
During his annual report, the President outlined outlined WAGBA's ongoing sponsorship activities, including its continued support for SAGSE WA, the student exchange program with Germany, and the DAS German Exams (in partnership with SAGSE).
In terms of marketing and communication initiatives, the association remains active on its website and LinkedIn, working to foster closer connections with members and the broader community. The quarterly newsletter, InTouch, continues to keep members informed and is distributed proactively via email through the WAGBA mailing list.
Based on WAGBA member suggestions, the following members were unanimously elected to represent and to lead the Association for the FY 2024/25:
Office Bearers
President: Stephan W Kirsch (HPGR Solutions)
Vice President: Frank Vogel (DB Schenker)
Secretary: Ian Laws (Joest Australia)
Treasurer: Heiko Petschukat (Carbon Group)
Vice President (Members): Michael Warneke (PerMarinus)
Vice President (Media): Gerrit Goedecke (K + S Salt Australia)
Vice President (Events): Jurgen Baumhoff (MetaPoint)
Committee Members
Torsten Ketelsen OAM (Ketelsen Enterprise)
Clelio Tonelli (Haver & Boecker Australia)
Andreas Horn (GMA Garnet)
Elke Kirsch (HPGR Solutions)
Pamela Millar (Rhein Donau Club)
All Office Bearers
Executive Assistant
Jeslyn Tan (appointed after the AGM)
Patron
Dr. Gabriele Maluga (Honorary Consul Federal Republic Germany)
Our sincerest congratulations to the newly elected Committee and Office Bearers and thank you to the previous incumbents for their contributions.
Finally, President Stephan W. Kirsch acknowledged the dedication and support of all office bearers and committee members (to be elected for FY 2024/25), expressing confidence in WAGBA’s ability to continue its successful journey and show resilience in meeting future challenges.
