AGM Notice
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - 6pm, Monday 26 May 2025
A MESSAGE OF THANKS TO OUR BOARD
As we approach our upcoming AGM, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the MARION Board for your ongoing guidance, generosity, and commitment to the organisation.
This year, we acknowledge with deep gratitude the contributions of Samantha Faulkner, Katarina Pearson, and Deb Stevens, who will be stepping down after several years of dynamic and dedicated service. Each has been an invaluable supporter of our staff and a tireless champion of MARION’s mission. While they are stepping away from the Board, we know they will continue to maintain strong ties with the organisation.
We are so appreciative of the time, energy, and expertise each of you contributes as volunteers. Thank you for your dedication, insight, and care.
Below is the list of nominees for the MARION Board, including those standing for the first time and those seeking re-election at the end of their current terms. They will join current Board members Emma Batchelor (Chair) and Charles Miller (Treasurer), who continue to bring strong leadership and thoughtful guidance to MARION’s governance.
NOMINEES FOR THE MARION BOARD
Erin Cross | Endorsed by Emma Batchelor
Erin is standing for election to the MARION Board for the first time.
Erin is a writer, editor and digital storyteller who grew up in and continues to call Canberra home. Since joining HerCanberra in 2021, she has risen to the position of Online Editor where she champions local voices and curates content that celebrates the city she loves. A University of Canberra journalism graduate, Erin brings her deep connection to the capital alongside her expertise in digital media and audience engagement to MARION's board.
An avid reader with authorial aspirations of her own, Erin's professional journey has deepened her appreciation for the vital role writing plays in cultivating community identity and connection. Her dual perspective as both a media professional and literary enthusiast provides unique insights into the challenges writers face and the transformative power of supportive literary environments.
Erin joins MARION's board with a commitment to nurturing and sustaining Canberra's vibrant literary ecosystem by strengthening connections between writers and their audiences.
"My professional journey has deepened my appreciation for the vital role writing plays in shaping our community's identity. I'm passionate about joining MARION's board to help bridge gaps between writers and audiences, leveraging my media experience to expand the organisation's reach and impact. As someone who aspires to be an author myself, I understand both the challenges writers face and the transformative power of supportive literary communities."- Michelle Hyde
Chris Huet | Endorsed by Emma Batchelor
Chris is standing for election to a third term on the MARION Board. He currently serves as Board Secretary.
Chris Huet is a consultant specialising in effective communication. He served twenty years in the Air Force as a fighter instructor, leader and project manager. After leaving the Air Force, Chris has worked as a consultant and business development manager for Defence, other government agencies and private companies.
Chris is also a spoken word poet, performing as CJ Bowerbird on stages across Australia and around the world. He is the 2012 Australian Poetry Slam Champion and a two-time TEDx speaker.
Chris has extensive experience working with not-for-profit boards and committees, particularly in partnership and sponsorship management.
Michelle Hyde | Endorsed by Emma Batchelor
Michelle is standing for election to the MARION Board for the first time.
The belief that storytelling is connecting—and connecting is healing— guides both Michelle's creative and professional practice. She is a writer, published poet, and award-winning short story author, currently working on a novel which has been previously long-listed for the 2024 Richell Prize. Michelle's research-based writing is grounded in a long academic career in biological, medical, and veterinary sciences. A person living with disability, Michelle is a committed advocate for disability and neurodiversity. She is a proud Gamilaraay woman through her father’s family with a long history in northwestern NSW. Michelle engages with community and culture in many ways, including by learning and practicing Language, and with storytelling.
"I am an active member of the Canberra and wider national writing communities and bring relevant skills, experience, and lived knowledge to Board service. I have governance experience and have led and contributed to numerous committees. My teaching experience and training in Life Coaching strengthens my ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with diverse teams. I am strongly involved in the academic and scientific writing and editing community and I look forward to supporting and strengthening this area in the ACT with MARION’s support and leadership." - Michelle Hyde
GOOGLE MEETS
How to access the online MARION AGM
All current MARION members who confirm attendance will receive an email before the day of the AGM containing details on how to log in to the Google Meet meeting on 22 May. If you have not received this by 23 May please ensure your membership is current and check your email spam filters. If you are unable to find the details please contact ceo@marion.ink before COB on 23 May.
AGM Meeting Agenda
Welcome and apologies
Minutes of the 2024 AGM
2024 Reports
- Directors Report
- Chair’s Report
- Treasurer’s ReportAppointment of auditor for 2025
Election of new board members
Any other business
Attending and voting at the AGM
Please email your RSVP to ceo@marion.ink with the subject line Attending AGM by Saturday 23 May 5pm.
Office-bearing positions for nomination will include:
Deputy Chair
Connect with other writers in our community and have your say on who runs the leading organisation for writing-based culture in the ACT. We hope to see you there!
If you need to renew membership or wish to join you can sign up HERE.
We strongly encourage you to familiarise yourself with Google Meet prior to AGM.
