By now all AGDA members will have received a letter from Russell Bevers, National President, on the referendum vote, on the issue of amalgamation of the four professional design bodies, AGDA, DIA, SIDA and ATDA.

Accompanying Russell's letter were the unification proposal, the referendum voting form and a questionnaire. The referendum vote closes on Friday 18 April, so by the time you read this, the fat lady will have sung.

One very tangible benefit of this process will be the information on and opinions of designers that will emerge as questionnaire data is complied, and results published. This information will help us plan our futures, whether they be united or not.

So regardless of what you think of the unification, how you voted and what the ultimate outcome is, I think the most important aspect of this two year process is that all professional designers around Australia, regardless of their discipline, were collaborating and communicating with a view to creating a stronger design culture in Australia.

Stop press!

The deadline for the vote has been extended to April 25, due to the slack response of AGDA members.

As of Friday 18 April, 60 out of a possible 1200 or more votes had been returned! What's the problem guys?!

AGDA members (more than 1200 nationally) are by far the largest group of designers represented by any of the four professional bodies, and if unification goes ahead as proposed, AGDA members will make up about 50% of the new association's membership.

The consultative unification process and the referendum vote have allowed members of all four professional bodies the oppportunity to be involved in, and have the final say on the unification proposal.

So, I strongly urge you to use your membership right to vote, yes or no, on this unification proposal. This is one of those occasions when you, an individual member, can make a difference and have a direct influence on the future of Australia's design community.