The Trust was established by the Australian Gas Association with the objectives to contribute to the advancement of study, education and research in the field of gas utilisation and application development, and to recognise and support excellence in those fields.
After the AGA wound back and the gas industry sector representation separated, the AGIT was set up as a separate entity with a truly gas representative Board. The Chair is Andrew Creek (SIT-Gas Controls – representing appliances) and the members are: Cameron O’Reilly (ERAA – retailers), Ian Little (Envestra – distribution), Cheryl Cartwright (APIA – transmission) and Betsy Donaghey (Woodside – production). The Trust’s secretariat is managed by Moira Lawler, located at the Energy Networks Association office in Canberra.
The objectives of the Trust include contributing to the personal and professional development of individuals in the gas industry and encouraging them to pursue their field of expertise, awarding prizes for excellence in those fields, promoting research and invention in those fields and disseminating information.
In 2007, AGIT will conduct the Gas Speak Colloquium at Old Parliament House, Canberra, from 17 to 19 September.
This event continues the tradition of previous successful Gas Speak events, held since 1982. As a highly respected educational event, companies should encourage young, up and coming staff members to participate.
Gas Speak provides an opportunity for organisations to develop the communication skills, industry awareness and industry contacts of their younger staff. The event provides a forum for young people to present papers, chair sessions, conduct syndicate discussions and develop the art of self expression and communication.
Vacancies exist for up to 40 delegates with a guideline age of approximately 40 years or under (although older applicants are also welcome to apply). Delegates will be chosen from all areas of the natural gas industry, with equal opportunity for exploration/production, transmission, distribution, retail and appliance representatives.
The structure of Gas Speak 2007 includes elements of speaking, preparing papers, and chairmanship of meetings. A special training session in communication, speech writing and presentation will be given as part of the program.
It is proposed to have at least four senior gas industry representatives in attendance at the event. These representatives will provide guidance and advice on presentations. Other industry representatives will also be invited to attend the Gas Speak Dinner.
There is no delegate fee to attend Gas Speak, but costs for travel, accommodation and some meals at The Brassey Hotel will be the employer’s responsibility. Nominations must be submitted to AGIT by 20 July.
AGIT will further expand its educational role within the gas industry with the 2007 Study Tour to Asia. Three places are being offered on the tour.
The study tour provides helps to maintain communications and flow of knowledge between overseas organisations and the Australian gas industry and is an opportunity for Australian gas industry employees to visit overseas natural gas and related organisations, and broaden their outlook by experiencing different cultures and touring with other Australians from different parts of the industry.
Applications for the study tour close on 27 July, with the tour to be undertaken in mid-October for approximately three weeks.
The Selection Panel for the tour is drawn from the AGIT Board and past study tour participants, with a short list of applicants required to attend an interview.
Recipients will be required to submit an article suitable for publication in an industry journal to AGIT, and the group will also be required to provide a written detailed report to the AGIT Board. The recipients may also be required to give a presentation on the Study Tour at an industry conference.
For more information on AGIT, Gas Speak 2007 or the Asia Study Tour, contact AGIT Secretary Moira Lawler on 02 6272 1506 or email mlawler@ena.asn.au