DATE: Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:07:57 +1100
SUBJECT: NCA meeting summary and plan for the Mid-Term Review


The National Committee for Astronomy (NCA) met on 7 December at the  
Academy of Science in Canberra. A brief summary of the main items  
discussed at the meeting is available from the NCA webpages at http://www.aao.gov.au/nca/files/NCAsummary091207.pdf 
  and I encourage you to read this.

One of the most important developments from the meeting was that the  
NCA adopted a plan for the Mid-Term Review of the Astronomy Decadal  
Plan, which will be carried out during 2010. The link at http://www.aao.gov.au/nca/decadalplan.html 
  gives the terms of reference, review committee membership, review  
process and timeline.

Finally, my term as Chair of the NCA ends on 31 December, and so I  
would ask you all to welcome Elaine Sadler as the new Chair (subject  
to formal Academy approval). It will be Elaine's responsibility to  
lead the Mid-Term Review, and I ask that you all give her every  
support in that vital task.

With best wishes for a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year,

Matthew Colless.

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Professor Matthew Colless FAA                 Phone: +61-2-9372-4812
Director, Anglo-Australian Observatory          Fax: +61-2-9372-4880
P.O. Box 296, Epping, NSW 1710, Australia     Email: colless@aao.gov.au
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