Chris Earl President of Pipe Bands Australia, advised National Councillors today in a signed letter that he would be standing down as President, effective September 7th, 2020.

Chris has been President since 2015 and has been at the helm of Pipe Bands Australia during a period of challenges and transformation. During Chris’ tenure as President, competition grades expanded to first include Grade 4B; music and contest requirements were harmonised with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association including the formation of Novice Juvenile A and B Grades.

Chris redesigned the Pipe Band Australia website, created the PBA Facebook page, introduced regular member newsletters to engage and inform members, developed an online training platform during the global pandemic and assisted the expansion of a permanent online training library. He personally chaired feedback sessions with members around the country ahead of green and white paper reviews of the organisation and financial administration reform was undertaken successfully. For competing and non-competing bands alike, Chris championed the involvement of pipe bands across Australia in days of National recognition including Centenary of Armistice (2018), ANZAC Day during the COVID-19 Pandemic and commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Victory in the Pacific, concluding the Second World War. He also introduced awards and commendations to recognise achievement and service of members, including creation of the Pipe Bands Australia Hall of Fame. Chris’ energy and sense of commitment to the cause will be notably absent but he won’t be a stranger around the scenes. Thank you for your service and enjoy all that spare time, Chris!

John Ralph Secretary, Pipe Bands Australia.