The Geelong Law Association invites members who practice in Property Law to a scheduled Zoom meeting to discuss practice problems in the context of the change of social circumstances triggered by COVID-19. Given that most property lawyers are working from home without face to face contact with clients and other practitioners, the Zoom meeting will allow property lawyers to interact about current issues within the property jurisdiction. The Zoom meeting is a free event and is designed for property lawyers to remain in contact during this period. The session will go for approximately 40 minutes and will be hosted by Lydia Eastwood, committee member of the Geelong Law Association and Senior Associate and Accredited Specialist in Property Law at Redman Lynch Washington.  An invitation to the Zoom meeting will be sent to members who RSVP ahead of the session. All aspects of property law are up for discussion such as contracts of sale, signing issues, leases and any new legislation that has passed this year and in light of covid-19. The GLA is also planning to hold further events for other practice areas.  If you are not a Property Lawyer but would be interested in a session for members of your practice area, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the Committee to make a suggestion. We look forward to seeing you at the Zoom meeting.    

The Geelong Law Association invites members who practice in Family Law to a scheduled Zoom meeting to discuss practice problems in the context of the change of social circumstances triggered by COVID-19. Given that most family lawyers are working from home without face to face contact with clients and other practitioners, the Zoom meeting will allow family lawyers to interact about current issues within the family law jurisdiction. The Zoom meeting is a free event and is designed for family lawyers to remain in contact during this period.   The session will go for approximately 40 minutes and will be hosted by Rohan Kelly, Committee Member of the Geelong Law Association and Family Lawyer at Harwood Andrews.  An invitation to the Zoom meeting will be sent to members who RSVP ahead of the session.   All aspects of Family Law will be up for discussion, including parenting arrangements, the reliability of valuation reports, witnessing documents and the changes to court hearings in the Federal Circuit Court and the Family Court of Australia.   The GLA is also planning to hold further events for other practice areas.  If you are not a Family lawyer but would be interested in a session for members of your practice area, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the Committee to make a suggestion. We look forward to seeing you at the Zoom meeting.

Dear Members The current Committee of the Geelong Law Association (GLA) is pleased to provide you with this Notice of the GLA’s Annual General Meeting 2020 (AGM). This year’s AGM will be held as a Zoom conference at 1.00pm on Friday 15 May 2020, given the continuation of restrictions on gatherings as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Please RSVP by 12 May 2020 to this event to receive a link to the Zoom meeting and associated instructions. We are hopeful these steps will ensure an efficient meeting for all members. The Committee looks forward to reinstating an updated calendar of events once the restrictions in place are lifted. If any GLA members have any feedback or wish to raise any business ahead of the meeting for inclusion in the proposed agenda, please also feel free to get in touch with the Committee by replying to this invitation.  Proposed agenda and motions Opening of the AGM: Aaron Jolly, President. Apologies: Aaron Jolly, President. Minutes of 2019 AGM: Lydia Eastwood, Secretary. Motion to accept the minutes of the 2019 AGM circulated under cover of this Notice. President’s Report: Aaron Jolly, President. Treasurer’s Report: Tom O’Grady, Treasurer. Treasurer’s Motions: Tom O’Grady, Treasurer. Motion to accept the financial report circulated to all members under cover of this Notice. Motion to set the subscription fees for 2020-2021 membership year at $25.00. Motion to appoint Nagle and Co as the auditors for the next Geelong Law Association financial year which ends 31 December 2020. Payment of honoraria: Lydia Eastwood, Secretary. Motion to pay honoraria of $1,000.00 to each the Secretary, President and Vice-President. Election of 2020-2021 Committee. This year, we have received 14 nominations for ordinary committee members, as well as nominations for each of the Executive Position. All nominated members will accordingly be appointed unopposed, with no election required. General Business: Aaron Jolly, President. Close the AGM: Aaron Jolly, President. Attachments to this Notice: 2019 AGM minutes Financial Report for 2019

The second GLA CPD Seminar for 2020 will be delivered by Fyona Livingstone-Clark and Madeleine Sargent of Foley's List.  Fyona appears for both prosecution and defence in a wide range of matters in the Children's Court, Magistrates' Court, County Court, Supreme Court, and in the Court of Appeal. Madeleine is a Reader at the Victorian Bar after and joins the Bar from the Office of Public Prosecutions, Victoria. The seminar will focus on the topic of "Getting the best result for your client: Indictable offences triable summarily, summary jurisdiction applications and establishing 'special reasons' to avoid minimum non-parole periods in the County Court."  Further details about the speakers and topic will follow in a flyer to be published next week. The seminar will be delivered at WorkSafe, 1 Malop Street Geelong (‘Town Hall’ Room 2.06 & 2.07) and the cost for members is be $20.00 which includes lunch. Please purchase your ticket via Tidy HQ for the event which also provide an RSVP so that numbers can be calculated for catering.

**please note this event is now at capacity and closed, please contact lydia.eastwood@rlw.com.au if you have any queries.  Dear GLA members, Attached is your invitation to attend our first CPD for the year on Wills and Estates presented by Simon Gannon and Erica Lawson who will present on: The Settled Land Act 1958: practical tips “Sudden Death”: Issues for the unexpected Testator’s Family Maintenance Update The seminar will be delivered at the Worksafe Victoria Office located on Level 2, 1 Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia.   The cost for CPD sessions for members will be $20.00 which includes lunch.   Please purchase your ticket via Tidy HQ for the event which also provide an RSVP so that numbers can be calculated for catering.   For more information on the event and speakers please click here.   

We are pleased to invite you to the Opening of the Legal Year on Wednesday 29 January 2020 as per the formal invitation in the link here.   As indicated in previous communciations requesting you to save the date, this year we are embracing a new format and the formalities will be held at Deakin University Waterfront campus and will be headed up by the Honourable Justice Quigley of the Supreme Court of Victoria.    We strongly encourage all members to attend this free event which will also involve leaders within the Geelong community to focus on the interaction between the law and our local community.    The location is Level 2 Gallery, Deakin University Waterfront Campus. Please enter via John Hay Courtyard or Waterfront Kitchen. A map to the location is contained in the formal invitation as per the link above.    Please RSVP by 24 January 2020 by booking a free ticket via this event.       

The GLA Committee are pleased to announce this year’s annual dinner will be held at Zigrfrid's who pride themselves on using local produce to create simple and honest refined food.  The annual dinner continues to be a successful event, giving members the opportunity to relax and unwind with their peers and celebrate the end of another year. Entertainment: This year the GLA has secured a local favourite in Andy Pobjoy (Piano Bar) who will no doubt provide wonderful entertainment and hopefully get everyone up dancing.  Dress code: This year's dress code is cocktail. Dinner:  This year's Dinner will consist of waves of varying dishes allowing guests to sample a variety of delicious options Zigrfrid's has to offer. A limited bar tab for drinks will also be provided on the night. Please ensure you enter any dietary requirements when purchasing your tickets. An early bird ticket price for GLA Members will be available until the 31 October 2019 at 4pm after which ticket prices will increase. Be sure to get your tickets early as this event is one not to be missed.  This event is proudly sponsored by Foley’s List and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). The GLA would like to thank Foley’s List and the TAC for their continued support with this and many other GLA events throughout the year. We look forward to seeing you at the annual dinner.

October is Regional and Suburban Young Lawyers (RSYL) Month and the Geelong contingent is celebrating with everyones favourite a good old fashioned wine tour! Come along and enjoy some of the best wines our beautiful region has to offer.  We will be having lunch at the amazing Clyde Park Vineyard and attending two other surprise destinations for further wine tastings and a tour. The GLA has kindly agreed to supply us with a shuttle bus for the day so you can leave the car at home. The event concludes in Geelong for anyone who then wishes to continue on to another venue.  Event Details: The aforementioned shuttle bus will depart from the Geelong Law Court / Geelong Train Station car park at 10:30AM sharp. Please aim to arrive by 10:15AM to ensure a timely departure. The bus will return to the Geelong Train Station at approximately 5:30PM.  The bus and lunch at Clyde Park along with a tasting at another of our suprise venues is included in the ticket price. However we recommend bringing some cash on the day for wine purchases and/or wine tastings at the surprise destinations. Please note that there are limited tickets (53 people max) so make sure you book early. GLA Member tickets are $55.00 per person and Non Members are $65.00 per person.  Bus Prize (Door Prize): There will be a sponsored door prize on the day so please bring along your business card to be in with a chance to win.  Contact Details: Ben McLean - GLA Young Lawyer Representative.  Email: benm@wightons.com.au Telephone: 5226 4138

Dear GLA members, GLA Members are invited to attend this year’s GLA Deakin Day held at Deakin University Waterfront campus in the Percy Baxter Theatre. Please enter from Gheringhap Street and refer to signage. This event gives members the opportunity to obtain their compulsory CPD points in one day for FREE, including the opportunity to listen to a presentation by Her Honour Justice Quigley on Professional Skills. For full details for this year's program, please click here. All you need to do is purchase your FREE ticket for which session you wish to attend.  Morning tea and lunch will be served. Please add any dietary requirements when booking your ticket. This event is supported by Foley's List and Deakin University.

Dear GLA Members, In the third week of the GLA’s Health and Wellbeing Month we are focusing on Mental Health and Wellbeing. Next Friday we are hosting a FREE session at the Geelong Library from 12:30pm run by Dr Hannah Pickford focussing on what she calls the “Un-Stress Project,” and which will provide one CPD point.  Dr Pickford is a practicing chiropractor, avid martial artist and has a Masters in Human Nutrition. The session is designed to help people recognise the symptoms of chronic stress, otherwise known as sympathetic dominance and give insight into how nutrition and lifestyle modification can support recovery. This event is reserved for GLA members only. A light lunch will be served at 12:30pm, with the CPD starting at 1:00pm. You will be able to add any dietary requirements when you book your ticket. To book your ticket, scroll down to the end of the email and click on "Event Details". Employee Assistance Program (EAP) The character of the work that lawyers do can mean that we are particularly predisposed to suffering from stress, anxiety and depression.  Most employers offer an EAP that allows their staff to access free and confidential wellbeing support and assistance. Enquire with your Human Resources Manager to find out further details. The Law Institute of Victoria also offers an EAP program through Converge International.  LIV members can access this service free of charge for up to three hours per issue per year.  This is a confidential service that can be accessed by calling 1300 687 327 and arranging to speak with a consultant over the phone or meeting face to face. More information and Resources Following on with the topic of Mental Health and Wellbeing this month, we have put together the following interesting articles and resources: 1. The Black Dog Institute The Black Dog Institute has a useful and relevant Mental Health Toolkit that specifically focuses on the Legal Profession: https://blackdoginstitute.org.au/docs/default-source/education-resources/black-dog-institute-mental-health-toolkit---resilience@law.pdf?sfvrsn=2&sfvrsn=2 The Black Dog Institute has also published an online self-help treatment program for stress, anxiety and depression called myCompass.  myCompass provides monitoring of symptoms and lifestyle, graphical feedback, motivational messages and tips. It also allows the completion of phsycho-social and skill building modules.  myCompass is free within Australia: https://www.mycompass.org.au/ 2. Apps Have you tried meditation and mindfulness? It is one of the most effective ways of managing stress. There a many free apps that can teach you to meditate, including “Smiling Mind” and “Calm” whch are both popular options you can find in your Appstore or Google Play. 3. Sympathetic Dominance by Dr Wayne Todd Dr Pickford also recommends a book titled Sympathetic Dominance by Dr Wayne Todd, which takes a closer look at the links between the gut, posture and hormone system with the nervous system which will be explored in her session: https://www.sdprotocol.com/shop-retail/sd-protocol-book/ We look forward to seeing you there. Geelong Law Association  

Dear Members, We have received a fantastic response to this Fridays FREE Yoga and Meditation Class. Tickets sales close this Wednesday, so be sure to book your ticket so you don't miss out!  Week 2 - Social Wellbeing  In the second week, we are focusing on the importance of maintaining social and community connections to your overall wellbeing. We are hosting a FREE BBQ on Friday 13 September at Eastern Beach Reserve between 4.00pm and 6.00pm to give our members the opportunity to catch up over a few old-fashioned games and enjoy some food together. This event is also open to non GLA members who can reserve a ticket. We are encouraging GLA members to bring along team members who might not be a GLA member to get the whole office involved in Health and Wellbeing Month.  This will be an alcohol-free event.   To book a FREE ticket, please click the link "Event Details" at the bottom of the page to reserve your ticket to ensure we have enough catering for you and your guests. There is an option to specify any dietary requirements.  We thank Foley's List for generously sponsoring GLA's wellbeing month. More information about Social Wellbeing Australians generally, and lawyers specifically, are spending more and more time at work.  Because we spend so much of our time working, the workplace is an important starting place to create a sense of social wellbeing. Taking part in events in the broader legal community in Geelong also helps us to stay socially and professionally connected, and supports social wellness. Being socially and emotionally well means being able to realise your abilities, cope with normal stresses in life, work productively and contribute to your community.   Social connections enhance wellness and a great place to start is at work: https://www.forbes.com/sites/alankohll/2018/01/31/5-ways-social-connections-can-enhance-your-employee-wellness-program/#56ffc9f1527c The Victorian Government’s better health page also has lots of useful health-related resources, including this interesting article about the importance of relationships for strong health: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/Strong-relationships-strong-health Why should I socialize? I can’t be bothered?! Here’s  some info on how to improve your social connections and how relationships help the society too! R U OK day? 12 September Our wellbeing week coincides with R U OK? day on 12 September. R U OK's mission is to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life. You can visit https://www.ruok.org.au/work to find out how to ask the question in the workplace. R U OK also publishes contact information for where you can get help, here: https://www.ruok.org.au/findhelp. We look forward to seeing you at the BBQ! Geelong Law Association

Dear Members, As we all know, working in the law can be demanding and it is important for us to manage our physical, mental, professional and social wellbeing. In September, the Geelong Law Association is running a month-long campaign of activities and information to promote and support the Health and Wellbeing of its members. We thank Foleys List for sponsoring this month.   As part of the campaign, we will be offering activities and supporting information focused on four key aspects of Health and Wellbeing – physical, social, mental and professional health. The GLA is pleased to offer its members a FREE Yin Yoga class next Friday 6 September 2019 as part of our focus on Physical Health.  If you don't have a Yoga mat, there will be an option to select a mat when you book your ticket (limit of 20 available). If you have a mat, please bring it along with a towel. Change rooms will be available so please arrive early if you need to change. Comfortable clothing is recommended - shorts, tracksuit pants or leggings and a top. What is Yin Yoga? Yin Yoga is a passive yoga practice involving variations of mostly seated poses typically held for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the deeper layers of fascia to be accessed.  It is perfect for beginners and incorporates an element of mindfulness as you sit in each of the poses.  It is also perfect for office workers as it tends to focus on key areas of tension for those of us that spend most of our day sitting, such as the back and hips.  Here is some more information about Yin Yoga:  https://www.yogajournal.com/yoga-101/types-of-yoga/yin And Yoga more generally: https://www.yogaaustralia.org.au/what-is-yoga/ Tips and Resources Working in a sedentary role means it is important to ensure we are moving in line with Australia’s physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines. An easy way of getting in your recommended daily exercise is by focusing on achieving the 10,000 steps per day recommended.  Our health and wellbeing month coincides with Steptember, a challenge that also fundraises for Cerebral Palsy.  If you are interested in taking part, you can find some more information here: https://www.steptember.org.au/. Tips to help build up your daily steps include walking around while on the phone, walking in the office to deliver a message to a colleague, using your lunch break to take a short walk and get some fresh air.  Standing desks are another great way to cut back on sitting time – but if you don’t have that luxury standing periodically while reading documents is also a useful habit to get into.  Sick of the stuffy office? Have you considered holding your meeting during a brisk walk? Here’s a few tips: http://www.victoriawalks.org.au/Assets/Files/How%20to%20conduct%20walking%20meetings.pdf New member offer at Upstate Yoga If you enjoy this week’s yoga class, you might like to check out the new member offer that Upstate Yoga offers: 30 Days Unlimited Reformer + Mat Classes  (New clients only, pass commences from date of first visit) for $59. More information available at www.upstatestudios.com.au.   Geelong Law Association