I would like to raise a concern regarding the increasing use of this forum as a means of communication between the CAQ Management Committee and the wider membership. While online platforms can be very useful, they are not accessible to everyone. Factors such as computer literacy, access to technology, available time, and confidence with digital communication can all influence a member's ability to participate meaningfully in discussions.
This is not intended to be an age-based observation. Rather, it is an acknowledgement of the demographic profile of croquet in Queensland. Many of our members are older, and some do not use online forums or social media. If important discussions, announcements, or requests for feedback take place primarily through this forum, there is a real possibility that some members may be unaware these conversations are occurring and, as a result, miss the opportunity to participate.
With this in mind, I would appreciate clarification from the CAQ Management Committee regarding the role of this forum as a communication channel. In particular, it would be helpful to know:
How many current CAQ members are registered to use this forum.
Of those registered, how many actively participate in discussions.
Whether the Committee regards this forum as an official or primary communication channel for matters affecting the wider membership.
If so, what measures are in place to ensure that members who do not use online forums remain informed and have appropriate opportunities to provide input.
Understanding this information would help members appreciate how representative participation on this forum is and how it fits within the Association's overall communication strategy.
Ultimately, I believe we all share the same objective of ensuring that every member has a reasonable opportunity to stay informed and contribute to matters affecting the Association. I would welcome clarification from the Committee on how it intends to ensure that members, regardless of their preferred method of communication or level of digital engagement, remain informed, included, and able to contribute to the Association's communication and consultation processes.
