This is a new section aimed at providing practitioners with a much needed outlet for the enormous variety of concerns they face in their working life. Many are the times I have heard consultants describe themselves as islands amidst stormy seas. Sandwiched between organisations with conflicting agendas only to end up as a handy scapegoat? Well, you are not alone. Frustrated with unrealistic deadlines that barely allow you to meet the most basic outcomes, let alone make a real contribution? Whatever happened to real research? Are your State Agencies, universities and museums contributing to the progress or demise of your discipline? Where's the supportive network, where are the guidelines, who is on your side? AIPA is on your side. Your contributions will help us pinpoint where we need to offer support and how to go about it. This is your forum so let's hear it folks, no issue too big or too small!

Reports from archaeologists received over the last few months citing violence in the work place have prompted discussion by Council in an attempt to address the issue from an organized point of view. The position taken by the Institute is unequivocal in respect to violent behaviour: we condemn any action that jeopardises the well-being and safety of practitioners regardless of the circumstances of engagement or the perpetrator. Our approach to this is multifaceted. We are speaking with law enforcement agencies and others to get advice about the most appropriate response in the circumstances described to us. We believe that awareness of the situation is essential if dangerous situations are to be averted and practitioners are better prepared to handle difficult situations in the future.

As we investigate ways to combat this problem, we encourage archaeologists who have experienced violence in the work place in the recent past, or who encounter it in the future, to report it to the President, or if that is not appropriate to one of your office holders on the Executive Committee. Your discussion will be held in the strictest confidence and it will assist us to develop strategies to cope with the problem as it arises. There are some basics we encourage everyone to consider: if you feel you are in direct harm or your life is in immediate danger, call the police and they will handle it from there. The aftermath of violence may be perplexing and difficult to react to if there is a chance of repercussions. You are urged to report any work-related violence quickly and fully before the details are lost or distorted.

Time: 6:15 pm

Date: June the 19th, 2001

Venue: Room 150, Department of Fine Arts, Classical Studies and Archaeology, University of Melbourne

Agenda:

• Election of Office Bearers. The term of office for the current Executive Committee will end in June and fresh elections will coincide with the AGM. The term of office is two years, alternating with representatives on Council, and conditions of eligibility apply. A formal announcement stating these conditions has been circulated separately. Nominations were to be received by the Secretary up until the 1st of June 2001.
• Special Resolution Meeting. To adopt the proposal to establish the two new membership classifications according to the criteria and conditions of service described above.
• President and Treasurer's Reports. The activities and financial position of the Institute will be described.

The outpouring of positive support received for Forum 2001 has inspired Council to start planning Forum 2002. The proposed theme is Professional Responsibility (see President's report above for some sub-theme suggestions).

Suggestions for sub-themes and speakers are welcome and can be sent to Dr Leah McKenzie at leah.mckenzie@doi.vic.gov.au or Dr Roger Luebbers at raluebbers@onaustralia.com.au

This seminar is a response to perceptions of disruption to major public sector projects caused by 'archaeology'. The NSW Government recently commissioned a project aimed at developing a pro-active approach to urban archaeological heritage management. The resulting Parramatta Archaeological Landscape Management System features an interactive combination of GIS software in conjunction with a regional research framework and database of 'archaeological management units'.

Time and Date: to be confirmed

Venue: Nauru House, 80 Collins St., Melbourne

Agenda: In this seminar, Professor Richard Mackay will showcase the project methodology and research framework structure, drawing attention to the system's potential for widespread use as a management link between the research value of urban archaeological resources and the practical realities of development pressure and the statutory planning process.

Submissions are sought for individual (250 word abstract) and collective sessions (500 word abstract) and can be sent to:
Professor Graham Connah (School of Archaeology and Anthropology, ANU) at
graham.connah@effect.net.au
or Aideen Cremin at aedeenc@bigpond.com

Date: 28th of September-1st of October, 2001

Venue: Australian National University, Canberra

Date: 28th of November-1st of December, 2001

Venue: Union Building, Adelaide University, Adelaide

For more information contact Dr David Jones (School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design, Adelaide University) at david.jones@adelaide.edu.au

Date: 30th of August-2nd of September, 2001

Venue: National Library of Australia, Canberra

For more information, contact Denise Tart (Australian Convention and Travel Services) on Ph: (02) 6257 3299 or check out the following web site: http://www.geocities.com/oha_australia

Date: 21-26th June, 2003

Venue: The Catholic University of America, Washington DC

Congress Patron: Harriet Mayor Fulbright

Congress President: Richard West (Director, Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian)

For more information and to submit proposals check out the following web site:
http://www.american.edu/wac5