For the interests of all we at AABA provide the following.  
 
What AABA has done in 12mths  
 
1.      Registered an Association, which already has members in two countries and in every Australian State and Territory that breeds alpacas  
2.      Registered AABA with an ARBN so as to comply with ASIC requirements when working across State and Territory borders  
3.      Designed and compiled Rules and Regulations  
4.      Established a fully independent Review Committee  
5.      Developed and maintained a responsive management philosophy to members’ needs and desires, in that the AABA committee is steered by its members  
6.      Implemented a full online committee meeting protocol, saving thousands of dollars per meeting in air travel, accommodation, and meals  
7.      Distribution of the majority of services and information to members via modern technologies, thus ensuring efficient use of member funds whilst not disadvantaging any member  
8.      Always encouraged a cooperative relationship with the Alternate Association for Australia  
9.      Endorsed “The Alpaca Manifesto”  
10.      Attracted alpaca breeders who have never been with, or who have left, an existing Association  
11.      Set a schedule of member fees at affordable levels not before recognised in the Australian alpaca industry  
12.      Maintained low member fees during difficult climatic times, and set an Australian first by either maintaining low prices or lowering/reducing margins on compassionate grounds for members  
13.      Developed from scratch an Alpaca/Camelid Register (the Australasian Alpaca Register, or AAR) to be a truly scientific database on camelids, and arguably the best in the world  
14.      Implemented a two-tiered register, such that purchasers of animals from the top tier can be confident in the genetic base they are buying  
15.      Implemented an alpaca/camelid register World First: the recording of genetically-based coat patterns like Appaloosa, True Black, Bay, Tuxedo, and more  
16.      Implemented an alpaca/camelid register World First: the recording of the colours of eyes, eyelashes, toenails, nose and footpads  
17.      Implemented an alpaca/camelid register World First: the recording of Suri Backcross 1, 2, 3, 4 and First Filial Generation  
18.      Implemented an alpaca/camelid register World First: the recording of  individual DNA markers for each animal, with the ability to search the register for same  
19.      Implemented an alpaca/camelid register World First: DNA marker frequency analysis  
20.      Implemented a possible World First in any register (to be confirmed): the display of an entire pedigree, to unlimited generations, on a single webpage  
21.      Enabled individual logins to the AAR for security  
22.      Enabled members to add their own animals to the AAR  
23.      Researched and developed and revolutionised camelid DNA sampling methods across the globe, and shared the findings both locally and globally  
24.      Set a benchmark for affordable DNA testing  
25.      Assisted in the issuing of complete DNA Reports to members for each animal tested, showing all markers, their values, and confirmation of parentage if requested  
26.      Begun development of an Estimated Breeding Values programme tied to both the AAR in general, and DNA profiles specifically, with an aim to researching genotypical traits and not just phenotypical traits  
27.      Developed an online Marketplace for both members and non AABA members to sell alpaca paraphernalia  
28.      Engaged on a marketing campaign to take both AABA and alpacas to potential members and the broader public  
29.      Lobbied and secured a number of shows across Australia, open to both AABA members and non AABA members, and their alpaca registered on the AAR and/or other recognised registers. This work continues  
30.      Maintained open dialogue on the AABA Forum without deletion or moderation  
31.      Encouraged and welcomed both new members and those holding dual Association membership  
32.      Promoted AABA globally as a cooperative and sharing Association,  and AABA is now recognised globally  
33.      Lobbied Government bodies as a result of expressed exclusion from Q Alpaca, and as a result AABA members can now participate in Q Alpaca  
34.      Contacted Government bodies regarding advice on how to best avail AABA resources to NLIS compliance, and secured a position for AABA on the development consultation process of NLIS  
35.      Established all perceived compliance issues pertaining to NLIS in the AAR  
36.      Developed, edited and distributed no less than four “The Alpaca Breeder” newsletters  
37.      Encouraged member contributions and also industry-related persons to contribute to “The Alpaca Breeder”. The newsletter continues to grow in size and contributions  
38.      Distribution of “The Alpaca Breeder” electronically to about 95% of members and in hard copy to those members unable to receive electronic format  
39.      Created an ever-evolving Frequently Asked Questions document to provide information and encourage breeder involvement  
40.      AABA continues to work with the Llama Association of Australasia Inc. on the “Standards of Care” document, to be promulgated to members and animal welfare agencies on completion  
 
We at AABA are proud of how far we have come in just 12 months and look forward to further growth.  
 
Glen Rennie  
AABA President