Down Under Fan Fund 2009

[grantwatson]

Since 1972 the Down Under Fan Fund, a fan-supported fellowship, has encouraged closer ties between science- fiction fans in Australasia and North America through an alternating exchange of representatives. DUFF delegates attend the Worldcon or a national convention in the host country and visit fans they might otherwise never meet in person. Delegates are responsible for raising funds and administering DUFF until a new delegate from their continent is elected, and are expected to publish trip reports which can be sold to aid the fund.

The 2009 DUFF race has just started, and I'd encourage everyone to go to http://sffanz.sf.org.nz/duff/ and submit a vote. Whoever wins this year will attend Anticipation and experience North American fandom while acting as a representative for Australian and New Zealander fans at the same time.

I am one of the candidates, running on a joint ticket with best mate and awesome SF fan David Cake. The other candidates are Alison Barton, Emma Hawkes and Chris Nelson. While obviously I'd prefer that you voted for David and I, I can honestly say that whoever wins this year's race is going to be an excellent choice. The important thing is that you spread the word, head to the DUFF website and vote - and then make sure you introduce yourself to whichever one (or two) of us wins at Anticipation in August!

Cheers,
Grant Watson.

[Emma Hawkes]

I'm very excited about the array of people running for DUFF this year. I think we're pretty much guaranteed a great delegate.

I'd quite like a vote for me... but really a vote for any one running is a good idea.

[lintilla]

I guess this makes it a good time to introduce myself. I really can only echo what Grant and Emma have said in that all the candidates this year are very worthy, and it's great to see such a large number of candidates too.

Right now I must get to bed, as I have a committee meeting to attend tomorrow. Ah, life is made of such things.

Cheers / Salut
Alison Barton.