~Article and photo from JETAA WA~
On March 18th JETAAWA closed a very active 2015/16 with its Annual General Meeting at Arigataya Restaurant. It was an opportunity to look back at the events of the past year and to welcome new members to the committee. Highlights of the year included the ever-popular Winter Matsuri wine festival, the well-attended Hanami Picnic and Careers Seminar, and the queues of patrons lining up to sample our kakigori at both the World of Food and Japan Festivals. KaiWA, the JETAAWA-run fortnightly conversation exchange, saw strong growth and was also a highlight of the year.
None of this, of course, would have been possible were it not for the dedication and elbow-grease of the volunteers that comprise the JETAAWA Committee, which has itself continued to flourish—this year expanding to 35 general and executive members.
Will Perera was returned as President for a third year, while several other named positions changed hands, including Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Social Rep, Employment Rep, Promotional Rep, Oceania Rep and International Rep. It was particularly gratifying to see 2014 and 2015 returnees coming aboard as executive and general members.
Committee members expressed their gratitude to Natalie Garmony, who after many years in the role has stepped down as Secretary. The Consulate-General of Japan also received thanks for its continuing support of JETAAWA activities.
