The Victorian Flute Guild 2025 AGM was held on Sunday 26 October at 2:00pm at Stonnington Community Uniting Church, 59 Burke Road, Malvern East.
Guild members and guests attended. They received annual reports and elected the committee for 2025–2026. After the formal business, the meeting concluded with a short concert featuring the VFG ensembles.
President’s Report
President Paula Rae presented a summary of the Guild’s activities during 2024–2025.
The year began with a professional development workshop led by Peter Bartels, focusing on Bodymapping and the Fundamentals of Flute Technique. The session offered practical ideas for both teachers and performers.
The Leslie Barklamb Showcase Concert followed in May. Past prize-winners performed, and the Victorian Flute Ensemble presented two works. A massed play-in at the end of the concert allowed all flautists to join together.
Also in May, the 31st Annual Flute Ensemble Competition took place at Methodist Ladies’ College. Ensembles from across Victoria performed and received written and spoken feedback from an expert adjudication panel. Committee members worked together to support this large and well-loved event.
The Leslie Barklamb Scholarship Competition held its heats at MLC in early August. The Finals Concert took place the following week at St John’s Anglican Church, Camberwell.
Winners included Vihan Dalal, Daniel Yu, Stella Choi, Ahra Kim and Emica Taylor.
The Guild’s three ensembles continued to rehearse and perform under the direction of Renee Petale, Annette Sloan and Carolyn Grace. These ensembles offer performance opportunities for players of many ages and experience levels.
Paula thanked the committee and volunteers for their support and generosity. Their work enables the Guild to run concerts, competitions, workshops and community events every year. She also thanked all members for their ongoing enthusiasm and loyalty.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Michael Batty presented the financial report for 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.
He summarised income from events, sponsorships, donations and memberships. He also reported on the Guild’s term deposits, accounts, and operating costs such as insurance, printing and venue hire.
The Guild remains in a stable financial position and continues to fund prizes, competitions, professional development and performance opportunities for its members.
Committee Election 2025–2026
The meeting confirmed the following Office Bearers and Committee Members:
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President: Paula Rae
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Vice President: Carolyn Grace
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Treasurer: Michael Batty
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Secretary: Mandy Lyle
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Membership Secretary: Kelly Williams
Committee Members:
Neil Fisenden, Johanna Selleck, Anushi Fernandopulle, Sandy Yao,
Kaye Duffell, Claire Nicholson, Simone Maurer, Janine Hanrahan
Lifetime Contribution Recognition
Members acknowledged the Australian Flute Festival’s Lifetime Contribution Award, presented to Annette Sloan OAM.
Annette has served the Victorian Flute Guild since 1969 as a performer, teacher, examiner and community leader. Her long and distinguished career has shaped flute education in Victoria and inspired generations of students and colleagues.
Concert Following the Meeting
At the conclusion of the Victorian Flute Guild 2025 AGM, the audience enjoyed a short concert by the Guild’s ensembles:
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Valda Fouvy Ensemble – directed by Annette Sloan
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West Wind Flutes – directed by Renee Petale
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Victorian Flute Ensemble – directed by Carolyn Grace
The afternoon ended with a massed play-in, inviting all flautists present to perform together. This tradition continues to be an enjoyable way to celebrate community music-making.
✅ Thank You to Our Members
The VFG extends sincere thanks to all members, supporters, volunteers, teachers, students and families who contributed to workshops, competitions, concerts and community events over the past year.
Your enthusiasm continues to keep the Victorian flute community vibrant and thriving.