LSB Meeting Minutes 24th February 2025

Date: Monday 24th of February

Time: 7:00 – 8.30pm

Facilitator: Dillon – Local Service Board Chairperson

Minutes: Nina – Alt RCM

1. OPEN – 19.00PM AEST

LSB Chair’s welcome

Hi everyone and welcome to the Northern Australia Service Area Board meeting, my name is Dillon and thank you for having me in the Chair tonight. I am new to this role, so forgive me while I get used to the way things work. Now we will commence with the service prayer:

Service prayer

God, grant us the knowledge that we may serve according to your divine precepts. Instil in us a sense of your purpose, make us servants of your will and grant us a bond of selflessness that this may truly be your work, not ours, so that no addict, anywhere, need die from the horrors of addiction.

Acknowledgement of Country

Today we stand in footsteps millennia old. May we acknowledge the traditional owners whose cultures and customs have nurtured, and continue to nurture, this land, since men and women awoke from the great dream. We honour the presence of these ancestors who reside in the imagination of this land and whose irrepressible spirituality flows through all creation.

ID of those present

Dillon (LSB + LSC Chairperson), Meredith (Previous H&I Chair), Joymaree (PR Chair), John (Previous PR Chair), Sonya (H&I Chair), Michael (Treasurer), Tia (Observer), Cameron (LSC Coordinator, Brad (Regional Committee Member for NANASA), Nina (Alt RCM + Minutes), Bruce (ARSC, IT).

Apologies

Jason (NA Member)

Maintaining an Atmosphere of Recovery

To ensure we maintain an atmosphere of recovery, the Board asks that all participants share their views and speak respectfully to one another throughout this meeting.

Meeting Format

• The chairperson will manage discussions and ensure respectful communication. The last five minutes of each section on the agenda will be allocated for group consensus and action items. If required, the Chairperson will pause the meeting to remind members of their responsibility to communicate respectfully.

• Meeting participants are asked to use the Raise Hand function to share their views or make comment. To enable Board meetings to finish at 8.30pm each section of the agenda has been allocated a specific timeframe.

• Timekeeping will be managed by the Chairperson who will also ensure the final five minutes of each agenda section involving group discussion allows group consensus to be reached on the next steps and required action items (where necessary). Discussion points not covered due to time constraints will be held over (where necessary) until the next Board meeting.

Opening comments – 19.10PM

• Microsoft Teams troubleshooting issues (not all board members able to source Teams link and log in)

• Reverted to Zoom meeting link for board meeting and re-trial will be re-visited at the following board meeting with added supports.

• Bruce (ARSC, IT) requested that the Acknowledgment of Country be reviewed in New Business to be consistent with version used at NA region.

Acceptance of previous board meeting minutes

Minutes read and accepted by Michael (Treasurer) and seconded by Cameron (LSC Coordinator) / Bruce (ARSC, IT).

2. NANASA BOARD REPORTS

Reports from Brad (RCM), Joymaree (PR), Sonya (H&I) posted online via the Northern Australia Service Area website. Michael’s (Treasurer) report will be posted shortly.

NANASA Website URL: https://www.na.org.au/multi/greaterqld/

Brief Discussion re: NANASA Board Report Clarification – Website Report

• Dillon (LSB/LSC Chair) queried the function of a website report and board communications report.

• It was discussed by board members with prior experience that during the previous Secretary’s service term, Sami would give the Website Report by giving a verbal summary at each board meeting.

• This verbal report included a summary of the emails addressed to the service board account, the NA groups that were consistently posting GSF minutes, those who were not posting, and any issues raised about the website or otherwise.

3. OLD BUSINESS- 19.30PM

ITEM 1: ACCEPTANCE OF PAST MINUTES

Item 1 – Dillon (LSB/LSC Chair) asked board members openly why past agenda action items have carried over RE: Past meeting minutes were not accepted (from end of 2024).

Joymaree (PR Chair) and Nina (Alt RCM) both recalled Jason (non-board member)) having said during attendance at past board meetings that he did not accept previous the minutes and/or did not receive a copy of past board meetings minutes.

Due to vacant secretary position since late last year, the service board email has been infrequently checked by board members – those with access have included Michael (Treasurer) for financial purposes and Sami (previous Secretary of NANASA board) for Zoom Meeting link purposes. Bruce (ARSC, IT) has given service board email access to Dillon (new LSB/LSC chairperson) to use the account and see the past minutes.

NANASA Service board email account: serviceboardnorthernaustralia@na.org.au

Minutes from past meetings will not be accepted until past emails/feedback to the board from Jason are sighted.

ITEM 2: BRAD (RCM) TO BE EMAILED NOVEMBER REPORT – DID NOT RECEIVE

Item 2 – This item has been completed. Joymaree reminded Brad (RCM) that these reports are available to review on the Northern Australia Service Area Website and Sonya (H&I) has further sent the November report to Brad directly via email as per the action agenda.

Completed – No further action

ITEM 3, 4 & 5: MICHAEL (NANASA TREASURER) REVIEW DRAFT GUIDELINES/POLICY (FINANCE SECTION) + ACTION ITEMS

Item 3- Michael (NANASA Board Treasurer) has not reviewed the Finance section of this draft document, nor provided feedback. No timeframe allocated for Michael to review draft. Board members commented re: vacant position policy chair or workgroup available to receive or implement feedback.

Item 4- Michael has opened the 6 sub-accounts, this item on the action agenda can be marked as completed.

Item 5- Jason was reimbursed for the Zoom subscription, this item on the action agenda can be marked as completed.

Further action required re: Item 3 (in progress)

4. NEW BUSINESS – 20.00PM

Item 1. Feedback – NANASA DRAFT GUIDELINES

• Dillon (LSB/LSC Chair) read an email directly sent to the chairperson from non-board member Jason expressing frustration about the NANASA Draft Policy Guidelines and the Local Service Board (LSB).

o Jason (NA Member) expressed that he was not being given an opportunity to be involved and/or have his voice heard. The email focused on how feedback was not responded to individually after being sent directly to the NA service board email with feedback about the policy guidelines – serviceboardnorthernaustralia@na.org.au

• Tia (NA Member) said the Policy isn’t yet approved so why are we talking about feedback.

o Suggested that we focus on filling vacant service positions for the Policy workgroup first, so there is someone to receive the GSR’s feedback and suggestions as currently there is not much we can do with this.

• Meredith indicated that Jason’s feedback is now somewhat outdated, as it was originally directed at the policy workgroup. Jason’s concerns should now be directed to the Local Service Board broadly.

• Sonya said that it felt as though the feedback was coming from an individual perspective, and if everyone wanted to offer their opinion, we wouldn’t be following the service structure we have agreed on.

• John (previous PR chair) said he attended specifically to ascertain whether the board intends to edit the NANASA Draft Policy Guidelines.

o John expressed frustration that no one has taken the time or initiative to make the edits suggested by Jason and proposed that the board should work together to make this effort.

o John further expressed that he felt personally that Jason would be an excellent candidate to edit the policy, as he possesses relevant experience in all fields, particularly policy writing.

• Brad said he would like to know about the approval process for this document because without a policy workgroup to make the changes needed it feels like no progress can be made.

• Joymaree said that the vacant positions re: Policy Chair and corresponding workgroup have not been filled and individuals mentioned have not taken on the responsibility when given the opportunity.

• Meredith clarified that this document is edited and directed by a policy workgroup and chair based on feedback from NANASA groups, not one individual and not to be changed or rewritten by the board who is already at capacity.

• NANASA Website URL for the Draft Policy Guidelines:

Bruce (ARSC, IT) has provided service board email access to Dillon (new LSB/LSC chairperson) to review the feedback mentioned about the Draft Policy Guidelines from Jason prior to any further consideration of this as an action item.

Item 2. Microsoft Teams troubleshooting issues to be addressed in second trial board meeting

• Bruce (ARSC, IT) suggested that additional support information should be provided to NA board members and all users of Teams Meetings during the transition.

o Download the Teams application for work or school and/or log in with as a Guest with a Meeting ID to access any NA meeting with a passcode on your browser. Bruce (ARSC, IT) to develop additional instructions and place on the NANASA website.

Dillon (LSC/LSB Chair) volunteered to receive Meeting ID/passcode and link for LSB Board Microsoft Teams meeting from Bruce (ARSC, IT) and send to all NANASA Board Members via email prior to each LSB.

Item 3. Brad (RCM) assistance collecting NA post from inner-city

• Brad asked the board for some assistance with NA mail collection from the fortitude valley due to his living residence being outside the Brisbane city area. Brad enquired if there was another board member living closer to the Brisbane inner-city area who was willing & able to do this task for him.

• Narcotics Anonymous mail is directed to PO Box 1359 and a notification is sent to the Secretary (Vacant) or board member checking the service board email address. Previously Sami would advise Brad when to go and collect the post and then he would distribute accordingly, however this was fairly infrequent and plenty of junk mail reported Brad.

• The email address where post notifications will be sent is serviceboard.northernaustralia@na.org.au

Nina (Alt RCM) volunteered for NA mail collection for Brad (RCM) when needed & Dillon will let Nina know when to collect the mail as he has access to the email account in his role as LSB/LSC Chair.

Item 4. Absentee Form Template – Previously discussed at last LSC

• Joymaree and Sonia indicated that LSC attendance was low, and this method of using an Absentee Form for GSR’s to have a voice and participate in decision-making processes may increase engagement.

• Meredith offered assistance to Joymaree and Sonya who originally proposed the idea at the previous LSC. Meredith offered to collaborate with the board members to revise the Absentee Form template for application in a NANASA context.

• Brad expressed concerns about the absentee form being used, as in his experience, those who attend an LSC have an option to participate in decision-making & those who are not present do not.

• John (previous PR chair) agreed with Brad’s statement, and Cameron also expressed concerns about implementing this form. Board members discussed issues/concerns broadly ways to include others and enhance future attendance.

Consensus was not reached about developing an Absentee Form for GSR’s to engage in future LSC decision making processes. Further discussion regarding stimulating attendance at future LSC’s to be continued.

Item 5. Proposal to suspend sections of the DRAFT POLICY GUIDELINES (Cameron, LSC Coordinator)

• Joymaree proposed to Cameron a workshop for inclusion at a future Local Service Conference based on her recent attendance at an NA Fellowship Development workshop about GSRs and the service structure. Joymaree offered to send Cameron a copy of the PPT slides from the workshop.

o Cameron responded by saying he had begun planning future LSC’s and thought about doing a future conference on this topic already. like this and receiving a copy of the PPT would be good.

• Dillon asked if he could be cc’d in this to receive a copy of the presentation also for the benefit of his inner-city Brisbane GSF as they are trying to learn more about the service system. Cameron said that he had envisioned he would work closely with Dillon as the LSC Chairperson to collaborate on LSC workshop content in the future – Dillon agreed.

• Meredith offered context re: service positions as they are relatively new and have been voted in at an LSC ***despite other sections of the policy guidelines not being approved by the service area*** and read the Local Service Conference Coordinator role description aloud from the Draft Policy Guidelines. Within the LSC Coordinator’s service description it makes mention about how the LSC Coordinator should work closely with all board members.

• Meredith continued by suggesting that all persons on the board receive a copy of the PPT with the minutes if Joymaree and Cameron were comfortable with that.

Joymaree will send PPT slides to Cameron and Dillon and they will be shared with all members of the board and those in attendance as visitors/observers.

Item 5. Proposal – cntd.

• Cameron said he would need a minute to process having his role description read out loud – then proposed that as the Local Service Conference Coordinator he would like to suspend sections of the Draft Policy Guidelines to ensure better implementation.

• Joymaree queried why this would occur when we still have vacant service positions for Policy Chair and Policy Workgroup, and the GSR’s need to indicate change/feedback for the Draft Policy Guidelines to be reviewed and edited as per the proposed service structure we have in NANASA.

o Cameron stipulated that the board had already made changes to the Draft Policy Guidelines by agreeing on a model of Consensus Based Decision making to be used at LSB/LSC meetings, and last year the Treasurer of NANASA has been asked to provide input as to the finance section within the Draft Policy Guidelines.

• Cameron continued with proposal for the removal of the following sections of the guidelines:

o Suspension of the local service conference (page 11)

o Format for the local area conference (page 12)

o Meeting process for local service (page 13)

o Proposals at the LSC (needs editing)

o LSC decision-making process (needs editing)

o Service conference report (needs editing)

o Nominations and elections (needs editing)

o Page 16 – Members of the NANASA (removed)

o LSB workgroups and coordinators (removed)

o Process of removal (needs work)

o Process of theft (needs work)

o Appendix A – Local conference meeting format (removal)

• Meredith said that suspending or removing sections of the policy is not a board decision but is a decision made by the LSC, and such a decision would conflict with our recent consensus.

• Cameron re-stated that the Treasurer was permitted to review the finance section of the Draft Policy Guidelines, so he felt it to be fair that he was able to review this section.

• Sonya said it was slightly unreasonable to feel the board would be able to approve a proposal such as this offhandedly without any prior knowledge or preparation time.

o Sonya continued, stating that under the current service system we as NA members are encouraged to go back to our homegroups, attend our local GSF (Group Service Forums) and discuss concerns so as a GSR (Group Service Representative) may attend the upcoming LSC (Local Service Conference) to represent our local GSF and offer the group’s input/suggested feedback about the Draft Policy Guidelines.

o Sonya summarised that this would be called feedback and ideally would be proposed at the next LSC and then implemented via the Policy Workgroup.

• Further discussion regarding concerns about not suspending these sections leading to negative outcomes for the service area regarding understanding and engagement were expressed by Cameron.

• Dillon (LSB Chair) brought the discussion to a close – stating that we were going to run over time.

No consensus reached on suspending sections of policy guidelines – board suggestion to provide proposal feedback at upcoming LSC as opposed to LSB.

Item 6. Michael (Treasurer) – Eftpos transaction fee for NA groups

• Michael shared for the purpose of transparency that in his role as Treasurer he has been making decisions + minor financial transactions independently.

o This was regarding the roll-out of Eftpos Air machines as a means for NA members to donate their 7th tradition at meetings across the Northern Australia Service Area which was implemented in a trial phase last year prior to the NANASA convention.

• Michael reported that when an NA group uses an Eftpos Air machine for their meetings, this incurs a small fee each month, as Treasurer Michael has been withdrawing a small amount of money (less than $0.50) to cover the minor surcharge for group from the NANASA account which is visible for all those with access.

• The quarterly payment amounts (Eftpos Air fees) are “essentially being withdrawn from the 7th tradition” and then distributed back to the groups to ensure they are not charged for using the Eftpos Air machine each month at meetings. Michael asked the board if anyone had any concerns about his decision making regarding the Eftpos Air – no concerns raised.

Dillon (LSB/LSC Chair) further clarified if the board is comfortable for Michael to proceed with making these transactions. Consensus from all board members for Michael to continue this process – no further action required.

Item 7. Acknowledgement of Country – Review ARSC version

Bruce (ARSC, IT) proposed that the current Acknowledgment of Country is outdated, and the NANASA board may want to review the version being used currently by NA Australia (Region).

Acknowledgement to Country:

NA Australia acknowledges that we meet on Aboriginal Land. We recognise the strength, resilience, and capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people. Australia comprises many Aboriginal and Torres Strait nations. We would like to acknowledge all of the traditional custodians of the land within Australia. We pay respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Elders past and present.

Consensus from the board to use the ARSC version of the Acknowledgement of Country moving forward during LSB and LSC meetings within NANASA.

5. CLOSE – 20.30PM

Meeting feedback any final comments: N/A

Next meeting: Monday 24th of March 2025 7.00-8.30pm AEST

Serenity prayer (in the plural):

God, grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change. The courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

APPENDIX. A)

NANASA LOCAL SERVICE BOARD | ACTIONS & DECISIONS REGISTER

24th OF FEBRUARY 2025 – 19.00PM – 20.30PM

AGENDA ITEM WHO IS INVOLVED DISCUSSION RE: DECISION MAKING PROCESS ACTION

ACCEPTANCE OF PAST MINUTES LSB/LSC Chairperson – Dillon Dillon (LSB/LSC Chair) asked board members why past agenda action items have carried over RE: Past meeting minutes were not accepted (from end of 2024). Joymaree (PR Chair) and Nina (Alt RCM) both Jason (NA member) said during attendance at past board meetings that he did not accept previous minutes and/or did not receive a copy. Minutes from past meetings will not be accepted until past emails/feedback to the board from Jason are sighted.

TREASURER TO REVIEW FINANCE SECTION OF POLICY GUIDELINES NANASA Treasurer – Michael Michael (NANASA Board Treasurer) has not reviewed the Finance section of this draft document, nor provided feedback. No timeframe allocated for Michael to review draft. Board members commented re: vacant position policy chair or workgroup available to receive or implement feedback. Ongoing –

Review of Draft Policy Guidelines: Finance Section – TO BE REVISITED (FURTHER TIME REQUIRED)

NANASA DRAFT GUIDELINES Bruce (ARSC) and Dillon (LSB/LSC Chair) Jason (NA Member) expressed frustration about feelings of not being heard, involved, or given an opportunity to have his feedback addressed after sending several emails to the NA service board: serviceboardnorthernaustralia@na.org.au

Sami (board secretary) resigned prior to the first LSC last year and has been the primary contact for this email account.

The board affirmed that suggestions and input toward the Draft NANASA Policy Guidelines are supported from Groups representing their GSF at the Local Service Conference.

Bruce (ARSC, IT) provided service board email access to Dillon (new LSB/LSC chairperson) to review the feedback mentioned about the Draft Policy Guidelines from Jason prior to any further consideration of this as an action item.

MICROSOFT TEAMS REQUIRES SECOND TRIAL AT NEXT BOARD MEETING Bruce (ARSC) and Dillon (LSB/LSC Chair) Microsoft Teams troubleshooting issues to be addressed in second trial board meeting. Bruce (ARSC, IT) suggested that additional support information should be provided to NA board members and all users of Teams Meetings during the transition.

Download the Teams application for work or school and/or log in with as a Guest with a Meeting ID to access any NA meeting with a passcode on your browser. Dillon (LSC/LSB Chair) volunteered to receive Meeting ID/passcode and link for LSB Board Microsoft Teams meeting from Bruce (ARSC, IT) and send to all NANASA Board Members via email prior to each LSB.

CAMERON’S PROPOSAL TO SUSPEND SECTIONS OF POLICY GUIDELINES Cameron (LSC Coordinator, Joymaree (PR), Dillon (LSB/LSC Chair) Proposed that as the Local Service Conference Coordinator he would like to suspend sections of the Draft Policy Guidelines to ensure better implementation. Specific sections included in the suspension proposed by Cameron are outlined in the minutes. Other LSB members were unaware of the intention of the LSC Coordinator’s proposal and there was disagreement as to whether such a proposal should be discussed in a LSB or LSC setting. Ongoing- No consensus reached on suspending sections of policy guidelines – board suggestion to provide proposal feedback at upcoming LSC as opposed to LSB.

ABSENTEE FORM – LSC ENGAGEMENT Sonya (H&I), Joymaree (PR), Meredith (Admin), Brad (RCM), Cameron (LSC Coordinator, John (Previous PR Chair) Joymaree, Sonia & Meredith indicated that LSC attendance was low, and using an Absentee Form for GSR’s to participate in decision-making may increase engagement.

Board members discussed issues/concerns broadly ways to include others and enhance future attendance.

Consensus was not reached about developing an Absentee Form for GSR’s to use at future LSC ‘s –

Further discussion re: building attendance to be continued.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY – Review ARSC version Bruce (ARSC, IT), LSB Board NANASA board reviewed the version being used currently by NA Australia (Region) and agreed to replace current version with the following to align with the ARSC: NA Australia acknowledges that we meet on Aboriginal Land. We recognise the strength, resilience, and capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people. Australia comprises many Aboriginal and Torres Strait nations. We would like to acknowledge all of the traditional custodians of the land within Australia. We pay respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Elders past and present. Consensus from the board to use the ARSC version of the Acknowledgement of Country moving forward during LSB and LSC meetings within NANASA.

NA MAIL COLLECTION Brad (RCM), Nina (Alt RCM), Dillon (LSC/LSB Chair) Narcotics Anonymous mail is directed to PO Box 1359 and a notification is sent to the Secretary (Vacant) or board member checking the service board email address. Brad asked the board for some assistance with NA mail collection from the fortitude valley post office due to his living residence being outside the Brisbane city area. Nina (Alt RCM) volunteered for NA mail collection for Brad (RCM) when needed & Dillon will let Nina know when to collect the mail as he has access to the email account in his role as LSB/LSC Chair.