spits summer - the Hawkesbury Blue Mountains Alpaca Region

NEWSLETTER of the HAWKESBURY - BLUE MOUNTAINS REGION
of the Australian Alpaca Association Inc
Spits & Pieces
Volume 11 : Issue 4 Summer, 2005
Meanwhile, at the Christmas party,
Consuela got herself pretty legless!
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Spits & Pieces

Spits & Pieces
Contents
Committee - Nearly There Page 4
From the Editor Page 5
Introducing...........Russel Fawcett Pages 6 & 7
Alpacas and the Vertebrate Chip Page 10
Breaking News! Pages 11 & 12
Calendar Page 13
Chrissie Pix Pages 14 & 15
Stork Talk - My Brilliant Cria Page 16
“From Here, To Wear” Page 16
Teepee Pages 17, 18, 19 & 20
Crafty Work Page 21
Kerrie & Warren’s Merchandise Page 22
Workshop Proposal Page 23
AAFL Exciting New Development Page 25
AAA Council Meetings Report Pages 26, 27, 28, 29 & 33
Lettuce Page 31
Contribute & Advertise Page 34
Service Directory Page 35
Advertisers
Lamaworld
Paca Chicks
Alleena Alpacas
Foxdale Alpacas
Camelidynamics
Follyfoot Alpacas
Patagonia Alpacas
Westwood Alpacas
Regal House Alpacas
Alpaca Sires Australia
Charles Ledger Fleece Show
Service Directory Supporters
3

President
Matt Ridley
Vice President
Russel Fawcett
Secretary (minutes)
Carol Ridley
Secretary (contacts)
Brian Woodhouse-Young
Treasurer
Veronica Graham
4
Committee:
Education & Training t.b.a
Library
Judi Johnston
Marketing
Bernhard Koch
Immediate Past President
Graeme Dickson
02 9411 7236 (PH)
02 9262 6998 (FAX)
Blaydon@bigpond.net.au
02 9300 8387 (PH)
02 9300 8387 (FAX)
russelfawcett@bigpond.com
02 9411 7236 (PH)
02 9262 6998 (FAX)
Blaydon@bigpond.net.au
02 4571 2362 (PH)
why@talamasca-stud.com.au
02 4754 1293 (PH)
v.a.graham@bigpond.com.au
02 9440 2188 (PH)
kaley@idx.com.au
02 4567 2029 (PH)
02 4567 2029 (FAX)
tomahfarm@hawknet.com.au
02 4576 5048 (PH)
02 4576 6152 (FAX)
warralinga@fastlink.com.au
Spits & Pieces
Committee
Property
Noel Waller
Merchandise
Kerrie & Warren Elgar
Teepee
Bronwyn Davey
Bushfire Evacuation
Fiona Maxwell
Non-Member Shearing
Pam Thomas
R.A.S Committee
Richard Bird
Cheryl Kosaras
Jeanne Brown
S&P Editor
H-BM Webmaster
John Hay
Auxiliaries:
02 4573 1272 (PH)
02 6359 3180 (PH)
shogun.alpaca@bigpond.com
02 4576 4576 (PH)
02 4576 4555
alpaca@lanscape.net.au
02 4576 1622 (PH)
fiona.maxwell@diageo.com
02 4573 2687 (PH)
02 4573 2888 (FAX)
prestigeenterprises@bigpond.com
02 9655 1122 (PH)
gorgealpacas@bigpond.com
02 4573 1177 (PH)
regalhouse@pnc.com.au
02 4576 3333 (PH)
alleena@zeta.org.au
02 9653 2277 (PH)
02 9653 2277 (FAX)
alpacas@tpg.com.au
DISCLAIMER
The Editor and the Committee of the Hawkesbury-Blue Mountains Region of the Australian Alpaca
Association Inc assume no responsibility whatsoever for accuracy of material in this magazine.
COPYRIGHT
The material published in Spits & Pieces is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in whole
or part without the written permission of the editor.

Perhaps the only “downsides” of being an
editor and webmaster are that a) you don’t
get to enjoy reading without knowing what’s
coming next and b) you really don’t know if
anyone out there bothers to look at the thing.
Or so I thought. Just when I was going
through the “what’s the point” part of the
editorial cycle, out of the blue, kerbam! We
got a threatening letter concerning the
content!
Oh joy, oh bliss - someone out there really
does look at the stuff. It
appears that our humble
offerings have offended
the publishers of a
commercially published
sales listing which, by
chance, shares the same
name as that which
traditionally graces the
centre pages of this rag.
(Notice how I’ve
carefully managed to
avoid referring to it by
name and thus getting
myself cited.)
My initial reaction was,
to quote George W, “Bring it on!” Then,
when I realized that our Futile Litigation
Budget had already taken a sever hammering,
I figured to let them have their name.
In future our alpaca sales section, as appears
in both this humble tome and the website, will
be called “Teepee.” I only hope this doesn’t
offend any Comanche or Sioux.
*********************
Spits & Pieces
From The Editor
Regular visitors to the website will notice a
few changes in relation to the reprinting of
Spits & Pieces. Where before we were limited
to pulling out specific articles we can now
offer the entire thing in as a pdf file.
My thanks to Mark Newman for his
assistance in guiding your humble scribe
through the process.
*********************
Some fairly heavy duty content in this issue,
particularly from El Prez,
reporting on the recent AAA
Council meetings. We also have
an article exploring the
Vertebrate Chip, a tool which in
future may help alpaca breeders
select for desired traits in cria.
On a lighter note we have some
photos from the H-BM
Christmas party. Incriminating
negatives are available for a
small contribution to my chosen
charity!
*********************
Finally, as the sun sets on yet another year, all
that remains is to thank my sub-editor Sue
four chequing for typos and to wish all the
best to you and yours, from me and mine.
Have a Happy Christmas
&
Healthy New Cria
5

I grew up in small town New Zealand
and became a new Australian only 8
years ago. Until moving to Sydney, the
largest town I had ever lived in was
50,000 people, so it was a bit of an eye
opener.
As with many New Zealand kids, I was
raised in a semi rural environment and
got to spend my early years around all
sorts of farm life. I initially live in
Taranaki on the west side of the North
Island, where the grass is never less than
6 inches high and 3 days without rain
signals talk of a drought. At 13 my
family moved to the Hawkes Bay, on the
east side of the island, across the huge
dividing mountain range that runs down
the middle of New Zealand. Almost all
rain stops when it hits the ranges, so the
weather went from mostly rain to mostly
dry, a little like NSW has been lately.
The semi rural lifestyle continued in
Hawkes Bay as it is the fruitbowl of New
Zealand, famous for its white wines and
a huge sheep and deer farming region. I
finished High School there and was
accepted into the airforce for pilots
training, but never made it thanks to a
motorcycle and some inexperienced
riding skills.
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Spits & Pieces
Introducing ………………Russel Fawcett
With our new look committee there came a number of new faces, either to the industry in
general or the region in particular. In the last issue, we introduced our President, Matt
Ridley. Over the next few issues we’ll meet up with some of the others.
In this edition it’s the turn of our Vice President, Russel Fawcett, to reveal all.
I decided to go into business for myself
as a partner in a welding / light
engineering business, soon learning that
enthusiasim itself isn’t enough in life,
and soon after was off to management
school to find out how to run a business
properly.
In 1986 I met Susan and we decided to
see the world, starting with a year in
South America. We returned and were
married in 1989, after which we
established a business traveling to
Colombia, Brazil and Thailand,
wholesale buying gemstones for sale to
the New Zealand market. Things started
to get a little to dangerous trading out of
South America and so we changed to
retail jewellery in Hawkes Bay.
Hawkes Bay is a wonderful place, but
too small to make a success of our
dreams and so we looked for somewhere
with greater commercial opportunities –
Sydney.
(Continued on page 7)

(Continued from page 6)
Susan and I became involved in the
alpaca industry after visiting the
Hawkesbury Fiesta in 2002. We had had
previous contact with camelids from our
time in South America and after looking
at prices on the local market, decided to
import our own from Peru. Two months
ago our first alpacas arrived after a 18
month battle, 5 sires for the company
Alpaca Sires Australia and for Susan’s
Wildfire Alpacas, 2 terrific females
which are due in the new year.
I am currently working on another
import shipment, which is expected to
arrive around October 2006.
Most of my current work is devoted to
things non alpaca, mostly on behalf of
Motor Accidents Australia, promoting
road safety to younger drivers, with the
remainder spent introducing small and
medium Australian companies to
prospective partners in large Australian
and Chinese infrastructure projects.
What a fortunate decision coming to
Sydney has been, Australia has so much
to offer to anyone looking to the future. I
hope to start university in 2007 in the
field of genetics and nanotechnology and
as luck would have it, one of the few and
one of the best degrees in this new field
is offered by UNSW.
In the meantime, it’s going to be full
speed ahead with the sires mobile
matings in order to pay the university
fees.
Spits & Pieces
Paca Chicks are now taking enquiries &
bookings for next year’s Sydney Royal
Please note: Alpacas will be exhibited
during the first week of the show - not
over the Easter long weekend.
Services Provided:
• Daily cleaning of pens
• Daily exercise & feeding
• Clipping & Trimming Services
• Showing for you on the day
• Vet inspection attendance
Due to Kylie having her own bundle of
joy to look after, we have decided to
employ some new faces to our team.
Don’t fear, we will ensure the highest
standards are maintained and that
friendly service will still be provided.
Enquiries can be made by calling:
Robin Franklin
0400 264 943 or 02 9653 1696 after 8pm
Paca Chicks and Robin’s Animal Care
Services would like to wish all past &
present clients a Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year
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Spits & Pieces
Alpaca Sires Australia - Son of Hugo

Spits & Pieces
Alpaca Sires Australia
Classic International Bloodlines
Newly arrived in Australia and based in the Hawkesbury Blue Mountains region, our five sires,
have been selected by Julio Sumar and his team, from the best bloodlines of the Alianza and
Tijera herds in Peru.
The sires have been selected for their all round fitness, including of course, their fleece
characteristics and confirmation. All are solid white in colour.
Each sire is from elite breeding stock and in addition to it’s outstanding fitness qualities, was
selected on the two further criteria required for our mobile mating program.
Firstly we wished to introduce quality new bloodlines to the industry and secondly we required
outstanding temperament in our sires. Julio Sumar and his team have achieved this for us with
these five magnificent machos.
Zen Master
From January 1 2006, the sires will be available for
mobile mating. As part of establishing our service, we
will be offering a limited number of introductory mating
packages, details of which can be found at our website
or by contacting us directly.
www.alpacasiresaustralia.com.au
enquiries@alpacasiresaustralia.com.au
Russel Fawcett – Mobile 0408149214
Zen Master, Mackenzie, Son of Hugo,
In Like Flynn, Captain Courageous ( rear)
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Spits & Pieces
Alpacas and the Vertebrate Chip
At the Royal Easter Show in Sydney last
year, Julie and Richard Bird of The Gorge
Alpacas met a pair of CSIRO scientists,
David Mitchell and Maree O'Sullivan, on a
quest for some alpaca blood to test their
Vertebrate Chip idea.
The Vertebrate Chip is a tool for exploring
gene expression. It might one day enable
alpaca breeders to find out what genes are
involved in traits like coat colour so that
they can selectively breed certain types.
The idea for the Vertebrate Chip sprang
from CSIRO's work on new statistical
techniques to analyse the data generated by
DNA chip experiments.
A DNA chip is a small support matrix on
which a set of many thousands of DNA
sequences is arrayed. The chip is used for
experiments that reveal the pattern of gene
expression in a particular species. The
purpose is to understand which genes are
involved in a particular disease, or trait of
interest - like coat colour.
“CSIRO works on a lot of different species
of animals and plants, in quite a piecemeal
fashion,” explains David, “and each time
someone wants to look at a new species, they
have to create a new type of DNA chip for
that particular species. Not only is that quite
expensive and time consuming, but with all
the different DNA chips, it's like we're all
laying down different gauge railroads.”
by
Andrea Mettenmeyer, (CMIS, ANU - Acton)
“With the Vertebrate Chip project, we want
to lay down a national standard gauge. The
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idea is to be able to use one DNA chip
across many different species rather than
just within one species.”
That's where The Gorge Alpacas came in.
Four members of the herd were recruited
to the project, each donating 10mL of
blood from which DNA was later
extracted, back at the lab.
“It was quite an interesting experience,
herding alpacas across a paddock,” Maree
recalls. “But they were very obliging and
actually gave us less trouble than the
human subjects.”
Along with the alpaca DNA, DNA from
rabbits and humans was used in
experiments with commercially available
human DNA chips. The plan was to find
out whether, using CSIRO's new
statistical techniques, the human DNA
chips would yield meaningful information
about rabbits and alpacas.
“The research is ongoing, but early results
look quite promising,” says Maree. “It's
exciting for us because it means we can
pursue developing our statistical
techniques to make the whole process of
doing DNA chip experiments much
smarter.”
“It's also good news for breeders of species
like alpacas, for which there aren't
commercially available DNA chips,
because it will shortcut the process of
doing genetic studies to identify
commercially valuable traits.”

Spits & Pieces
Breaking News!
by
Warwick Fuller
We arrived home on dusk one afternoon in
June and went straight down to check and
feed the six girls. Serenade was missing!
They graze in the bottom paddock and come
up for their feed and to camp overnight. I
headed down the hill along a pad they
usually return on. I found her standing and
calling loudly for mum. A fawn girl by
Windsong Valley Braveheart. She is one
year old and growing out beautifully. As I
approached her she went to move and
nearly fell. She had broken her left Tibia
and Fibula!
Back at the house I assumed it was not
possible to set a broken leg on an
animal of this size and so was thinking
the worst. The vet could get there in
about an hour. So now I had to work
out how to get Serenade 200 metres
back up a rough hill too steep for a
four-wheel drive, and in the dark.
Negative of x-ray
Wendy rang a friend and neighbour,
Tom Kent (Ngullaminya Alpacas) and
he arrived almost before the phone
was put down. (AHH! Don’t say “put
down”!)
(Continued on page 12)
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(Continued from page 11)
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Spits & Pieces
By then I’d found an old bed sheet, which we
folded and then cut four slits for her legs.
Tom and I picked our way down the hill to
Serenade. We slipped the sling under her
belly and as gently as we could, got her legs
through the slits and tied the corners
together on each side of her for grip. It was a
slow and difficult exercise, working our way
back up, and excruciating, no doubt, for
Serenade. Tom and I were aching. As soon as
the vet arrived, she administered a
painkiller. We discussed options including
amputation but would wait for x-rays to
show the extent of the damage. Using the
“Robert Jones” method, Serenade’s leg was
padded and bound firmly, alternating with
cotton wool and elastic bandage (about four
layers) to form an excellent temporary splint.
Early next morning Tom was back and
helped me with her into the back of my van
where I sat with her to keep her immobilised.
Tom drove.
It’s such fun to hold an alpaca sitting up on
her tail on an x-ray table with everybody else
disappearing during the “zap.” The break
was angular but with few fragments and
Andrew Gough considered that pinning and
wiring it would be possible.
We picked her up late that afternoon
after successful surgery and brought her
home to a temporary pen measuring one
by two metres. She was able to stand and
move a little in the restricted area on
three legs without attempting to put
weight on the fourth. The stitches were
removed after a week and the bandage
left off. We gave her about three metres
by three metres to roam in for the next
six weeks. Another trip to the vet and
through a small incision on top of the
knee joint, the 200mm (8”) long pin was
removed.
We’ve no idea how she broke her leg and
therefore it’s difficult to reduce the risk.
Even though it is rough country, the
alpacas handle it with ease. It’s been
about five months since the break and
Serenade is as good as gold with no limp
and so we let her back down the hill,
hoping SHE will know the danger of
whatever caused her pain and suffering.
Thanks to Warwick for this story. I’m not
sure what the “Robert Jones” method is,
but personally I’m never going to use
anything else!
If you have any tales to tell, please put pen
to paper or quill to parchment and share
your story with the rest of us. Ed

Spits & Pieces
Calendar
January 2006
23rd: Charles Ledger Fleece Show
February 2006
3rd: Monthly Meeting, Panthers, North Richmond.
8pm Visitors welcome.
March 2006
3rd: Monthly Meeting, Panthers, North Richmond.
8pm Visitors welcome.
18th-31st: RES - Homebush
26th: Castle Hill Show
April 2006
7th: Monthly Meeting, Panthers, North Richmond.
8pm Visitors welcome.
28th-30th: Hawkesbury Show, Clarendon
May 2006
5th: Monthly Meeting, Panthers, North Richmond.
8pm Visitors welcome.
20th-21st: Alpaca Fiesta & Auction, Clarendon
For Sale - $1,000
Supa-doopa-poopa-scoopa
Mulcher - shredder - vuccuum
Multi functional
Self propelled
Allan Dollisson 02 4572 5232
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Spits & Pieces
Christmas Party 2005

Spits & Pieces
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Spits & Pieces
Stork Talk
“My Brilliant Cria”
Stud Cria Name M/F Sire Dam D.O.B
Rocky Hall Rosebud (SMF) F Merungle Hot Chilli Rocky Hall Roxette 14/8/05
Rocky Hall Matilde (SBLK) F Burning Gold Blackjack Valley Melanie 11/10/05
Rocky Hall Savanah (SMF) F Prestige Valentino Valley Snow White 23/10/05
Rocky Hall India (PINK) F Rocky Hall Don Rocky Hall Bronwyn 1/11/05
Including India, Rocky Hall have now produced 8 (yes, eight) females on the trot. Must be something in the
water………….Ed
“From Here, to Wear”
The next AAA National Conference is set down for 18th-20th August 2006 and will be held in South
Australia, at the Adelaide Convention Centre on North Terrace by the banks of Torrens Lake.
The conference will open with a semi-formal welcome reception on the Friday evening at the National Wine
Centre with the technical program extending over the Saturday and Sunday.
Convenor Jolyon Porter has called for papers, and anyone who’d like to present a paper – or make
inquiries about attending the conference - should contact Jolyon on (08) 8568 5254 or 0407 396 513.

Austin Park
Eileen Clough
Austin Park Janelle (F)
(MB)
Austin Park Novessa (F)
(SLF)
Austin Park Chiquita (F)
(W)
Austin Park Jeanie (F)
(SW)
Austin Park Mary Rose
(F) (SLF)
Belgrave Park
Jillian Nicholas
Belgrave Park Gemma (F)
(SW)
Belgrave Park Fortuna
(F) (SBLK)
Belgrave Park Amity (F)
(SBLK)
Belgrave Park Jezebelle
(F) (SMB)
Belgrave Park Cherry
Blossom(F) (SBLK)
Boongala
Jill & Peter Derrin
Teepee - Spits Summer & Pieces 2005/06
* GST not applicable
02 4576 3101
A42959 30/12/01 Purrumbete
Moonlight Gambler
Kiah Maria $3,300
G/Sire: Purrumbete Inti. With MB female cria at foot.
A42956
Windsong Valley
28/11/01
Romanov
Austin Park Estallita $2,200
G/Sires: Purrumbete Highlander & Peruvian Caudillo. Micron 22.3u
A42964 3/4/03 Prestige Valentino Prestige Queen of Hearts $4,400
G/Sires: Purrumbete Sir Titus Salt & Peruvian El Jefe
Windsong Valley
A42960 20/1/02 Austin Park Petronella $4,400
Romanov
G/Sire: Purrumbete Highlander & Peruvian Caudillo. Micron 22.4u
A42965 25/4/03
Windsong Valley
Romanov
Austin Park Estallita $5,500
G/Sire: Purrumbete Highlander & Peruvian Caudillo. Micron 20.5u
A28943 16/03/99
A86342 22/12/04
02 6355 2477
or 0417 455 355
jill@belgraveparkalpacas.com.au
Peruvian Pride of
Allianca
World Class Sugargirl $3,750
Belgrave Park
Rainmaker
Mated to Schubert Maestro due 1/4/2006
Belgrave Park Flicka $2,800
A86338 31/01/05 Airlie Amadeus Belgrave Park Amy $2,800
A86343 31/12/04
Belgrave Park
Rainmaker
World Class Crème Caramel $2,800
A86336 18/09/04 TimberTop The Scud Belgrave Park Chelsea $5,500
Also available a number of weanling males for $550.
02 4567 2208
Boongala Picalo (F) (SW) 69552 13/05/02 Jolimont the Don Boongala Premaydeena $5,000
2nd Castle Hill 2004. MN3. 19.7µm, 3.5 S.D, 17.8% C.V, 18.7 SF (2nd fleece)
Also quality mums of show winning progeny for sale. Call for details.
17

Blue Grass Chasca
(F) (SF)
Blackwattle Barbie
(F) (SLF)
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Blackwattle
John Hawthorn
Spits & Pieces
02 9829 5555 blackwattle@optusnet.com.au
A18732 13/05/96 Coolaroo Ravel World Class Classic $2,750
A91366 2/01/05
The Pines
Deerhunter
Blue Grass Chasca $2,750
Mother and Daughter combo. Mum is a reliable breeder and her daughter has a fine super crimpy
fleece all over. Special combo price $4400 for both.
Blackwattle
A30011 14/4/98 Peruvian Heritage Hawthorn Cottage Duchess $4,400
Lucy (F) (SLF)
Lucy has produced exceptional dense yet fine fleeced offspring. Her latest cria has a very fine bundling
white fleece, and she is remated to the same sire.
Also available a number of young pregnant females at realistic prices.
Bonny Belle
Diana & Ralph Fairbairn
02 6355 2372 bonnybelle@ozemail.com.au
Bonny Belle Honey (F)(LF) A71489 16/4/03 Golden Gates Julius Bonny Belle Nutella $3,000*
A well grown female with great potential. Mated to Hawthorn Cottage Iam.
Bonny Belle Hazelnut
Swirl (F) (MF)
A83216 13/6/04 Golden Gates Julius Bonny Belle Nutella $3,000*
This well grown female is offered with a free mating to Hawthorn Cottage Iam.
Bonny Belle Mon Amour
(F) (R)
A50579 27/5/01 Bonny Vale Oxley Jolimont Danielle $5,500*
Pregnant to Golden Gates Julius. Will be sold with a White female cria at foot
Foxdale
Glenn Reynolds
Foxdale Kingsford Smith
(M) (SW)
Jenkins Village
Jeanette Hollingworth
Jenkins Village King
William (M) (SMF)
Jenkins Village Cinderella
(F) (SMBR)
02 9623 9281 shearing@foxdalealpacas.com
68887 19/12/03 Schubert Maestro Gorge Gypsy Moth $2,000*
Brother to Foxdale Amelia.
02 9653 1696 alpacandes@ozemail.com.au
28867 24/4/99
Cedar House Accoyo
Jenkins Village Valentina
Jacomo
$1,500*
Certified stud male & broad ribbon winner - has great presence.
A12196 1/4/94
Cedar House Knight
Cedar House Edwina $2,850*
Rider
Mated to Cedar House Lucifer.

Ngullaminya
Tom & Joan Kent
Ngullaminya Jessie’s
Amiga (F) (MB)
Spits & Pieces
A24704 20/05/99 Purrumbete
Minderoo
02 6355 2393 bighistory@bigpond.com.au
Coolaroo Murrianti $3,250
G/Sire Purrumbete Highlander. Good mum, mated to Swan Valley Achiever, due 12/ 05
Purrumbete Cheeky Chick
A2116 13/3/93 Purrumbete Raven Purrumbete Sooty Petrel $2,750
(F) (SDB)
Clearly black, good mum from solid blk parents, mated to Pinjarra Coal Porter, due 4/ 06
Ngullaminya Jessica Jane
(F) (SMF)
A87280 26/12/03 Kurrala Inca Bounty
Ngullaminya Jessie’s
Amiga
$2,200
G/Sires: Peruvian Ayaviri, Purrumbete Minderoo. Pretty girl, well grown, soon to be mated.
We have weaners, potential sires, wethers and breeding stock now available – we’re happy to discus your needs.
Pacafields
Susan Stacey
02 9653 1806
Pacafields Piaf (F) (SLF) 18759 16/11/03 Schubert Maestro Jolimont Rosa $3,000
Piaf is a large framed female with soft handling fleece which is even in colour.
Pacafields Sharni (F)
(SLF)
18760 06/12/04 Schubert Maestro Jolimont Rosa $2,500
Sharni is a well grown weanling female with a soft handling fleece which is even in colour .
Prestige
Pam & Barry Thomas
02 4573 2687
Prestigeenterprises@bigpond.co
m.au
Prestige Tempest (M) (W) 53359 13/07/03 Prestige Valentino Kurabell Park Laura $P.O.A
Tempest is a son of Prestige Valentino and carries a well defined dense crimp & good
conformation.
Prestige Valparaiso (M)
(DF)
53358 01/01/04 Prestige Valentino Jolimont Blanche $P.O.A.
Valparaiso is a son of PrestigeValentino, carries a well defined dense crimp & good conformation.
Regal House
Alicia Anderson & Cheryl
Kosaras
Regal House Truffle (F) 74434 12/8/04
02 4573 1177 regalhouse@pnc.com.au
Windsong Valley
Braveheart
Willows Ro Princess $2,200
Truffle is a very fancy girl with loads of personality and has been mated to Forestglen Plutach.
Regal House Annalise (F)
(SW)
74437 26/3/05
Windsong Valley
Braveheart
Regal House Anna $4,850
A superfine soft handling fleece : Oct. 05: 17micron, SD3.4, CV20.0, CF99.5%. Offered with a
service to Forestglen Plutach when she is of age.
19

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Rocky Hall
Don Culey & Bronwyn Davey
Rocky Hall Cedric (M) (SLB) 71772 11/11/03
Spits & Pieces
02 4576 4576 alpacas@lanscape.net.au
Blue Grass
Wolfgang
Janannie Park Cordelia $1500*
Cedric is a dense, solid framed male, suitable for stud duties. 20.0u. Incl cert. G'tee
Rocky Hall Jasper (M) (Rg/R) 91937 2/12/04 Forestglen Reuben Alpacandes Jazmyn $400*
A cute weanling male with lots of roan fleece. Jasper is halter trained & will be wethered.
Shogun
Warren & Kerrie Elgar
02 6359 3180
shogun.alpaca@bigpond.com.
au
Purrumbete El
Alleena Sundowner (M) (LF) A20348 03/11/98
Aymara Sunbeam $2,200
Dorado
Certified and DNA recorded male. Sundowner displays his bloodlines with fine, dense soft handling
fleece and has won many ribbons.
Westwood
Allan & Evonne Dollisson
02 4572 5232 westwood@hawknet.com.au
Barcoo Jenna (F) (BLK) 33101 6/5/98
Purrumbete
Silversmith
Barcoo Zulikha $3,500*
Bloodline includes Purrumbete Sir Titus Salt, Purrumbete Eldorado & Purrumbete Primrose.
Coonawarra Shogun (M) (MG) A24831 10/6/98 Coonawarra Lomas Coonawarra Shelly $15,000
Champion certified& DNA tested working male with ribbon winning progeny. True grey soft fleece.
Westwood Tatiana (F) (MBR) 43714 21/12/00
Gunnamatta
Robertino
River Ridge Romancer $8,500*
5 blue ribbons from 5 shows.
River Ridge Romancer (F) (MF) 17130 23/4/97 Peruvian Caudillo Purrumbete Amber $4,000*
Westwood Tiffany (F) (BLK) 43713 2/12/00
Solid fine fleeced animal producing show quality offspring.
Gunnamatta
Robertino
Barcoo Jenna $4,500*
This good quality female has won many ribbons.
This listing is a free service for members of the Hawkesbury-Blue Mountains region. If you wish to have your animals
included, forward details to: Bronwyn Davey on 02 4576 4576 or alpacas@lanscape.net.au
Submissions are taken in good faith. Neither the Hawkesbury-Blue Mountains region nor the Committee accept
responsibility for details given or claims made regarding the animals listed for sale. Interested parties should liaise directly
with the vendor.

Spits & Pieces
Crafty Work
Whilst most of us were embroiled in the
goings-on during both the animal showing
and the auction down in Bendigo, one of our
members, Chris Taylor, was quietly kicking
goals in the craft section.
At the 2005 Australian Alpaca Association
National Show at Bendigo, he entered into
two of the knitting classes.
Chris was awarded a fourth place ribbon in
class CK1, garment made from Handspun
Alpaca, for a sweater; and a first place ribbon
in class CK2 - Lace article made from
Handspun Alpaca for a shawl. The shawl also
went on to win the rosette and trophy in the
Knitting and Crochet classes.
The fleece used for these came from his
own animals. The sweater was made
from black alpaca fibre from Sunnyvale
Porters Rose, and this had silver glass
beads incorporated in the spinning.
The shawl was made of Mid Fawn
alpaca from a wether bred at Sunnyvale
(Mr T.), who is now doing herd
protection duty. This was plied with
Tussah Silk, and made into a circular
shawl with a pattern of spiral panels.
21

22
ITEM
Spits & Pieces
Merchandise
PRICE $
Alpaca Activity Book 3.50
Alpaca Breeders Birthing Handbook 22.00
Alpaca Breeders Reproduction Handbook 27.50
Bumper Stickers 2.75
Business Card Holders 17.00
Caring For Alpacas in Australia 3.50
Cria Coats - Large or Small 26.00
Farm Gate Signs 49.50
First Aid for Llamas & Alpacas 38.50
Fleece Bags 0.20
Halter & Lead Sets 25.00
Halters, Adjustable 34.00
Halters, Fixed Nose 28.00
Halter, Leather Self Adjustable 45.00
Halters, Mallow 34.00
Halters, Rope 25.00
Herd Books 1 to 4 (each) 16.50
Herd Book 5 25.30
Herd Book 6 25.30
Herd Book 7 29.70
Herd Book 8 35.20
Leads 22.00
Llama & Alpaca Neonatal Care 55.00
Managing Alpacas in Australia 3.50
Medicine & Surgery of SA Camelids 249.70
Newborn Halter & Lead Set 36.00
Toenail Clippers 30.00
Video 27.50
Kerrie & Warren Edgar
Phone (02) 6359 3180
Shogun.alpaca@bigpond.com

Spits & Pieces
Proposal For Workshops Sponsored By The Hand
Weavers & Spinners Guild of NSW INC.
It is suggested the Hawkesbury-Blue Mountains Region of the AAA members might like to sponsor
the following workshops offered by the Guild.
Saturday 9:30 – 12:30
PREPARATION PRIOR TO SHEARING & PRESENTATION OF FLEECE Discussion of
objectives and practical demonstration on animal/s. Looking at presenting skirted fleece with a
minimum of v.m., sand/silt, double cuts, etc. sorted into Saddle and Neck/Legs/Bellies to a
standard acceptable to a hand spinner. Also, if for private sale, importance of presentation and
labeling to Department of Fair Trading standards.
1:30 – 4:30
PREPARATION FOR HAND SPINNING – Sorting, carding (hand & drum), p r o p o r t i o n a l
blending with other fibres.
Sunday 9:30 – 4:00
HAND SPINNING ALPACA. Proportional blending with other fibres, plying with other fibres.
Spinning designer yarns with alpaca - e.g. slub, boucle, knopp, plying with lurex or tencel.
Spinning to a commercial thickness such as 5 ply, 8 ply. Recommended knitting tension and tips
to prevent garment “dropping.” Dept of Fair Trad requirements for labeling garments for sale.
This workshop would be aimed at hand spinners who already know the basics such as how to
handcard, spin and ply, but want to explore more in depth techniques and to enhance their
alpaca fibre for pleasure or profit. Participants would need their own spinning wheel and
preferably carders. The Guild can offer accredited tutors who are experienced in teaching.
Workshops would need a minimum of 8 people (up to 14) to be financially viable as the fee for a
Tutor with appropriate qualifications would be $300 per day, plus travel reimbursement and the
admin fee for the weekend – payable to the Guild – would be $50 per day.
With 8 participants a full day workshop could be priced at $55 per person, plus any admin
expenses the Alpaca Assn needed to recoup, which should cover the fees comfortably. The Guild
is not registered for GST. Payment for tutors would be required at the end of the day. It would
be necessary for the Alpaca Association to carry public risk insurance for participants and it
would be pleasant if tea/coffee and possibly BBQ facilities were available. It would also be
necessary for the Association to advertise the workshops (prototype flyer would be provided) and
handle bookings and collection of fees.
At this stage, if the Association would like to proceed, we would need to see what weekends
would suit the potential tutors and when the facilities would be available at Hawkesbury
Showground. November seems a good month, although “The Land” Small Farms Expo is on the
2 nd weekend.
23

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Spits & Pieces

After 12 months of experimentation
Australian Alpaca Fleece Ltd is
delighted to announce at long last we
have a use for the portion of white and
light fawn huacaya hairy skirtings/PCS
that has been classed as long kemp on
the grower clip reports, which was
NCV. Hence we now have a partial
answer to the NCV problem – at least
for white and
light fawn.
We now need
as much as we
can reasonably
obtain of
huacaya white
and light fawn
hairy pieces,
but not less
than 70 mm
length.
Spits & Pieces
AAFL Exciting New Development
We also hope
that in time we
will be able to use the coloured fleeces in
the same category. Please keep sending
in these hairy PCS as well, provided
length is at least 70 mm, as we’re
working hard to find a market for them.
Whilst we realise this payment is small,
as from October 1 2005, Australian
Alpaca Fleece Ltd is now able to pay for
this fleece at $0.50/kg. We will be
amending our price list to include this
category. Please see the AAA and AAFL
websites soon.
Other Fleece categories urgently needed!
AAFL is also pleased to advise that as
from mid-October we have significant
orders for a wide range of fleece
categories. We are especially short of
Grade H2 – White/Light Fawn
(Description: “20-23 micron and good to
best style & character with soft handle.
Min guard hair.
Not tender. Must
be regular for
length & micron.
Under 1% VM”).
We also have
urgent quite large
orders for the
extra strong
huacaya fleece
Grade H5, A/B
length, in ALL
COLOURS.
(Description: “80–
150 mm length,
30-34 micron and
good to average style & character. Some
guard hair. Not tender. Under 1% VM”).
Finally, there are signs that our new
lower prices are stimulating increased
demand for fleece in all categories. AAFL
would greatly appreciate continuing
support from growers to send in as much
of their fleece as they can – of all grades –
as early as possible this season.
Michael Talbot
Managing Director AAFL
25

26
Spits & Pieces
Report on AAA Meetings
by
Matt Ridley
Over the weekend of 19th-21st November, I attended the meetings of the AAA National Council
and National Committee (NatCom). The Council comprises NatCom as well as the various
Regional Presidents, the latter being there in an advisory capacity.
There was the proverbial packed agenda and, despite several tangents being pursued, there were
some positive outcomes.
This report is not necessarily in the same order as the original agenda and I thank NSW
Southern Region President Mark Garner for his assistance.
1 Meetings of Regional Presidents
As a first-timer, it was pleasant, interesting and useful to meet up with Presidents from all over the country. We
met several times over the three days.
An initial informal meeting on the Saturday morning focussed on correspondence from WA Southern Region
regarding the “Ruckert case” and some shortcomings in AAA procedures in dealing with regional submissions.
The meeting agreed that it was dissatisfied with the expenditure of significant amounts on legal fees in dealing
with the case.
I have raised the issue at our (September) General Meeting and stated my personal views about the money being
spent and the quality and timing of NatCom communications with members. While this is now history, and we
can’t get the money back, NatCom has generally agreed that it handled the matter poorly. There has been no
indication from H-BM members that they wish the matter pursued further.
Unfortunately, this (and related) matters won’t go away and I’ve reported in more detail below.
2 National Council (Saturday – Monday)
2.1 Planning
The main focus was planning. This involved the presentation of many papers, several of them quite detailed and
complex, but the upshot was that a SWOT analysis was commenced and the results will be useful.
The major papers were presented by AAA Secretary David Rouse, Vice-President Raymond Haynes and
marketing representative Nick Veltjens. There are some interesting and positive moves afoot and I can provide
members with greater detail on request rather than try to deal with everything here.
2.2 Dispute(s)
It seems that there is always some dispute or another in play in AAA. This one concerned a request for
documents by NatCom member Jeanette Williams. The initial view of the Regional Presidents (in light of the
information then available) was that the request be acceded to, but this would evolve over the weekend as more
data became available (it was a bit like opening an oyster).
The Presidents also sought an open and transparent approach by NatCom.
[Comment: I do firmly believe that NatCom has not been as open as it might have been about the various
disputes in the last 12-18 months, and it was enlightening to listen to the several differing point of view. I can
(Continued on page 27)

(Continued from page 26)
Spits & Pieces
best summarise my (not necessarily those of other Regional Presidents) views as:
There is really no “black and white” involved here; nor are there any simplistic solutions.
NatCom made poor decisions regarding the “Ruckert case” and incurred unnecessary legal expenditure.
AAA did not inform members of what was happening, even in general terms, and the fact that the expenditure
had been incurred, until too late for members to consider the events during the election of AAA National
Committee. This meant that the argument “the members had the opportunity to show their feelings in the
NatCom vote” is invalid.
The general principle that all AAA documents are open for inspection by members is not quite as it seems at
first glance. In any business, certain documents can be claimed to have “privilege” – an example being legal
advice between lawyer and client. In the final assessment, it might be that a court would confirm or deny the
privileged status of any documents.
NatCom has the right to claim such privilege as a matter of policy. The policy should be invoked only in
exceptional circumstances and should not be related to the perceived reason for any documents being
requested.
NatCom should have a general policy of being open and transparent in its management.]
By the time this report is published, a decision will probably have been made by (yet another) magistrate, this
time regarding Jeanette Williams’ request for information and this will determine future NatCom policy on
access.
2.3 IGTF
Ian Winlaw presented a report on progress being made towards changing the AAA from an Incorporated
Association to a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG). Well-known alpaca industry figure Dougal McDonald
was engaged by AAA to add his expertise to the Task Force.
It is expected that the Task Force will produce draft documents for members to consider in early 2006.
Members will have the opportunity to vote on the change. So if you’re not convinced, seek the information you
need to make a decision and vote accordingly.
[Comment: The evolution of AAA to a CLG is not supported by 100% of members, although I think there is a
large majority either in favour, or couldn’t care less. I personally favour the change as it enhances governance
rigour, and I can’t see any significant downsides. I do not believe that any change to a CLG will lessen
members’ ability to provide inputs to AAA. NatCom’s internal policy regarding accessibility will be the key to
success or otherwise, no matter what the legal framework in place.]
2.4 AAFL
Another “biggie”.
Like all shareholders, AAA had been invited to participate in a 1:2 share issue. In AAA’s case, it involved an
investment of about $31,000. AAA owns about 42% of the business. Discussion initially took place in the
absence of any compelling case to make this investment, and the decision was simple.
On the Sunday, Ian Winlaw (with his AAFL hat on this time) outlined AAFL’s plans over the next 12 months,
including the probability of further equity funds being sought during mid-2006. In the light of the information
provided, the decision was made for the AAA to take up the offer and invest the $31,000. At NatCom level,
(Continued on page 28)
27

(Continued from page 27)
28
Spits & Pieces
Kerry Dwyer and Bob Richardson (also Directors of AAFL) both abstained from voting and there was one vote
against the motion.
[Comment: There is a view that AAA has invested so much into AAFL and its predecessor that to cease to do
so now would not only send a negative message but might (although not necessarily) reduce AAFL’s capacity
to operate into the future.
An alternative view is that AAA has “squandered” money by supporting a business that is failing.
Again, there is no simple answer. It is critical to the alpaca industry that the fleece end of the business be
successful. AAFL has some committed private shareholders who are not known for their willingness to throw
away money. The case put to NatCom to invest $31,000 was sufficient to convince those present – with one vote
against.]
There is still no firm plan regarding the conversion of shares in the former Co-Op to equity in AAFL, although
it is still “on the radar”. I understand that it is, and always has been, the intention of the Co-op Board of
Directors to convert members shares to equity in AAFL, however in order to do this it (the Co-op) must first
apply to the Registrar of Cooperatives. This has been done and the Co-op is still waiting on written advice.
When approved, the costs involved in doing this will be relatively high in the context of AAFL’s overall
position (e.g. managing 900 extra shareholders), but as mentioned above, there is a genuine effort being made
to finalise this.
Stay tuned and go direct to AAFL if you have concerns.
The value of AAA’s investment in AAFL has been written down by $128,660 (as part of the AAA Treasurer’s
Report). The full impact will appear in the AAA’s financial statements for November (see AAA web site). Note
that the AAA’s investment in AAFL is shown in the financial statements under the balance sheet item
“Investment in Uniquely Alpaca Pty Ltd”.
[Comment: There is some confusion about AAA’s representation on the Board of AAFL, so it is worthwhile for
members to note the following.
When AALF was formed, and in conjunction with the agreement regarding the sale of the Co-op’s assets to
AAFL there was a shareholders’ agreement also executed that set out the make-up of the AAFL Board and
stipulated two representatives of AAA (via its subsidiary Uniquely Alpaca Pty Limited (UAPL)). Not long
afterwards, this agreement was scrapped in favour of the appointment of as balanced a Board as could be
found. At the time, there had been a suggestion that AAA might not be able to provide three Directors. AAA and
AAFL agreed that it was a better approach to simply seek the best Board members available.
The first AAFL Board included two UAPL-appointed representatives - Bob Richardson and Kerry Dwyer - as
well as Paul Haslin representing the Co-op. At the AAFL AGM of 2004, Kerry Dwyer stepped down and was
replaced by John Fisher, a NSW alpaca breeder. At this meeting, Ian Winlaw was appointed Chair and Mike
Talbot Managing Director.
So, while there is no “direct appointment” of UAPL nominees to the AAFL Board, the AAA retains 42%
ownership and, directly or indirectly, still exerts a major influence. If AAA ever felt its interests were not being
adequately represented, it would have the capacity to change its representatives.
There is currently a vacancy on the AAFL Board, and anyone interested in being appointed, might indicate that
interest to Ian Winlaw.
One AAFL Director has commented to me: “While there is no necessity to hold AAFL shares, most Board
(Continued on page 29)

(Continued from page 28)
Spits & Pieces
members do, as a demonstration of their faith and hope for this industry. However, an unfortunate concomitant of
such a shareholding - always an immaterial one - is apparently that this will inevitably lead to accusations of selfinterest
….”]
2.5 Fleece
“The State of the Fleece Industry”
Vice-President Raymond Haynes presented this detailed paper and sought the establishment of a Fleece Fibre
Development Initiative.
The paper was well-received and proposed, amongst other things, the establishment of a fleece “think tank” as well
as a workshop “..to address the fleece industry looking to find a way forward and open to all members of the
industry”. I invite all H-BM members who have constructive views on the fleece industry to get involved. Raymond
can be contacted on (03) 6225 5306 or rhayes@inet.net.au. He can also provide you with a copy of his paper.
Fleece Collections
We’re trying to arrange a fleece collection day for H-BM in the New Year, and everything points to AAFL (as usual)
being desperate for fleece.
Many AAA members have decided to donate their fleeces to AAFL, with the net proceeds being sent by AAFL back
to the region involved. Let us know if you’re interested in doing this.
2.6 Financial Report
Treasurer Josephine Christmas presented a report to the end of October showing income $37,480 ahead of budget
and expenses $16,229 less than budget to provide an overall position of $53,709 better than budgeted for at that
point in time. It is expected that the position will be further improved once the financial results of the National Show
and Auction are included.
Decisions over the weekend included approving previously unbudgeted operating expenditures (not including the
AAFL share acquisition) of at least $12,000 for:
IGTF – engagement of Dougal McDonald ($4,000) and Fleece Fibre Development Initiative (about $6,000)
Administration of Q-Alpaca (about $2,000)
2.7 New Zealand
NZ President Russell Nelson reported on events across the Tasman, including a 32% increase in membership
(admittedly from a smallish base) over the past 12 months. The NZ Association is setting up an office and has
assisted in the establishment of an NZ Camelid Veterinary group.
2.8 Reports
2.8.1 Administration (David Rouse)
Registration and membership numbers were noted. We currently have 65,373 registered alpacas and 2,494 members.
It is estimated that total alpaca numbers are around 85,000 are that annual fleece production is about 153 tonnes.
The 2005-06 AAA Business Plan was presented.
2.8.2 Databases/Website (Bob Richardson and Greg Ruckert)
IAR issues with NZ are being addressed.
The National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS) may soon embrace alpacas.
(Continued on page 33)
29

30
Spits & Pieces
For Sale
3 metre PAK Boom Spray. 4 nozzle, stainless steel construction. Can clip onto spray unit for
quad bike or tow behind unit.
Easy to use and connect. Will "throw-in" pump - old but works - for spray unit.
Xmas special - $150 (inc. gst) (New they are $285)
Contact Alicia or Cheryl 02 4573 1177 or regalhouse@pnc.com.au
!! LLAMAS LLAMAS LLAMAS !!
Every alpaca owner should have one…...or two!
Experience the difference! Demonstrate the difference!
Guardians, hikers, golf caddies, cart pullers, ham actors
at nativity plays, eye level mates, even a ride for kids,
and always, at the end, a nice warm sweater for winter!
Here at Berry beside the gorgeous Seven Mile Beach on the Shoalhaven less than an
hour south of Wollongong (two from Sydney) we have a llama .. or two .. for you.
Huge range of colours and a mix of colours, very young, young and old(er). Call us,
connect to our website, but, better, visit us.
Meanwhile, if you want to read about the beginnings of our lama
and alpaca industry back to the amazing Charles Ledger and an
overview of the four different species of lama try our book LAMA
DOWN UNDER, a mere $50 incl postage anywhere in Australia.
Berry & Liz Carter
LAMA WORLD
Office: Villa 4, 139-141 Scott St., Shoalhaven Heads NSW 2535
Phone: 02 44485102 e-mail: lama@shoal.net.au Web: www.lamaworld.com.au

Spits & Pieces
Lettuce
Many people have asked “Why would you enter your older female data into the
AGE data base?” The answer actually comes in several parts.
1. The first thing to remember is that the information is TOTALLY confidential.
While the statistics go into the database, the identity of the animal is not disclosed unless you choose to do so. This
means you can compare how your animal is performing relative to her age group and circumstance relative to the alpaca
breeding values produced relate to a fixed benchmark for that trait.
While this enables comparisons between AGE participants when information is later shared by individual agreement, it
also allows comparisons within the owner's herd helping determine your more consistent females. The “ABV zero
benchmark” does not directly represent the national average for that trait, because we don't have such data.
2. Use of this information will allow you to compare the traits of different stud males and their attributes relative to the
fixed bench mark, versus your female’s statistics, again, relative to the fixed bench mark. That is assuming you want to
use a male that is statistically ahead of your female in the quality stakes.
Alternatives
* You could try to judge each male on his phenotype and try to remember the different strengths and weaknesses when
comparing each male.
* You could do the above plus try to view as many examples of the dam & cria produced by each male, to try to ascertain
how pre-potent the male is for each trait you are monitoring.
* You could use a male that has done well at shows.
As you can see, each option involves different amounts of input on your behalf and each option will have a different
degree of success at producing consistent results.
Outcomes
Each time a breeder supplies offspring data to the AGE project, a complementary file is built up about the prepotency of
the male used regardless of whether the male is part of the AGE project because his progeny affect the average of the
national gene pool.
To crudely gauge how you herd stacks up purely on basic fleece data you could refer to the herd fleece data as supplied
by Windsong Valley on page 18, in the 47 th edition of “Alpacas Australia.” I feel this is a very bold and far sighted move
on behalf of Windsong because it includes both micron and CV data from animals in the herd including animals that are
10 years plus in age. If these are the type of statistics you aspire to then I suggest you use statistics to start to acquire
results like these.
Disclaimer
1. I do not have a financial interest in promoting AGE nor am I on any AGE committees.
2. I do not have any financial interests in Windsong Alpacas other than I do pay full price for any stud services.
3. I do aspire to grow fleece of the calibre of the Windsong herd and I do wholeheartedly believe that AGE will be an
invaluable tool in achieving this goal.
Brian Woodhouse-Young
31

a.k.a
Westwood Furniture
not only breeds quality alpacas but
also produces quality custom made
fleece skirting tables
$198
&
alpaca scales $1650
Allan & Evonne Dollisson
Berkshire Park
Ph/Fax: 02 4572 5232
westwood@hawknet.com.au
32
Spits & Pieces
DON’T BE FLEECED
Shear your alpacas and send your fleeces
to the
2006 CHARLES LEDGER
ALPACA FLEECE SHOW
Presented by
Australian Alpaca Association Inc - Sydney, Coast &
Highlands Region
* First Fleece Show of 2006
* Total prize money $1,700
* Suri and Huacaya classes
* Judge: Mrs. Julie Bird
Fleece Judging
Monday, January 23, 2006
For Information and Entry Forms,
contact:
Kevin Watson: 02 4448 6267
Email: rondul@flatearth.net.au

(Continued from page 29)
Spits & Pieces
The AAA web site is being upgraded to improve communications within the National Committee and
National Council.
Suggestions that AAA consider combining or centralising resources of regions for newsletters and web
sites were noted, with no decisions made yet.
2.8.3 Research & Development (Iona McKinnon)
Current projects (some in preliminary stages) were noted.
Members should ensure that, if they are approached to participate in R&D surveys, they should be
careful that the project is authorised by the AAA.
New R&D projects will be considered, with cut-off dates of 1 February and 1 July 2006.
2.8.4 Health & Welfare (Libby Garner-Paulin)
A serious illness to Richard Dixon means that the administration of Q-Alpaca is being re-organised.
Rickets is becoming more widespread and the factors contributing to the condition were noted.
The serious bacterial disease meliodosis has been detected among alpacas in the tropical areas of
Australia.
Speak to Libby on (02) 4841 0544 for more information.
2.8.5 Marketing (Nick Veltjens)
A detailed report was presented, copies of which I will provide to those interested.
In general, the Marketing budget has been cut in 2005-06. One fund-raising avenue being pursued is to
attract sponsors to AAA and Nick put forward a proposal to approach a ‘Platinum Sponsor’ from outside
the industry. The suggestion is being considered.
NSW Southern Region put a proposal that extra funding be made available to those regions directly
involved in promoting Royal shows, but this was not approved.
2.8.6 Showing & Judging (Bill Plunkett)
The numbers of both shows and entrants are increasing rapidly.
3 Formation of Another Alpaca Association
During discussions it was reported that an Association has been registered in NSW with the name
“Australasian Alpaca Breeders Association Inc”. An ASIC search shows:
incorporated 8 September 2005
INC9884325
Public Officer Marsha Marie Rennie
principal activity: “ to promote alpaca breeding etc, establish register, promote assistance to members”
So, the objective is provide an alternative peak body for those members dissatisfied with the way AAA
operates, and the issues suggested at the meeting were access to AAA documents and the change of
AAA to a Company Limited by Guarantee.
[Comment: Whilst this may create a problem in the “speaking with one voice” stakes to external
parties, it may also, in fact, strengthen the AAA by increasing the pressure to work closely and openly
with members: competition in itself is usually productive.
My main interest is to see what alternative approaches are proposed, although I can envisage more
work for the solicitors if the register is any derivative of the existing IAR.]
33

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Spits & Pieces
Contribute & Advertise
Make this newsletter hum!
This newsletter is published quarterly, primarily for the benefit of the members of the
Hawkesbury-Blue Mountains Region. It seeks to provide up to date information and
valuable current advertising space for both breeders and industry associates.
Spits & Pieces is now reprinted in the Hawkesbury-Blue Mountains website:
www.alpaca.asn.au/nswhawk/spits.htm
NEXT ISSUE Autumn 2006
Forward your articles, letters or photos to:
The Editor, Spits & Pieces, 16 Mansfield Road, Galston NSW 2159
alpacas@tpg.com.au

Service Spits & Directory
Pieces
Llama & Alpaca
Essentials
TTEAM
equipment
& tuition
Nerida Aldred
Ph/Fax (03) 5348 7739
Fleece Carding Service
$15 per kilo
(Conditions apply)
John Hay 9653 2277
35

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Spits & Pieces