An important message for shareholders.

Every day we read about an indiscretion that has been made public through Facebook or Twitter or other social media. Most often is some film star, sports person or politician who is held up to ridicule or critically questioned by the Press about their beliefs or statements.
But it does not just apply to those bunnies; it applies to all of us.

If you Google “Robert Sturzaker” you will find references to marathon running from 2010, letters to The Age from 2003, and hunting activities from 2006 – 2010.

If you look under Images you will find photos of me with different trophies of the hunt including – Cape Barren Geese, Mallard Ducks and a Warthog.

All the references and photos are accurate and above board but I did not post any of them!
Social media are not a safe and private place for us to share things with our circle of friends. We are actually in a very crowded room surrounded by thousands of people on all sides, anyone of whom may, or may not, be listening in on your conversation and may or may not share your interests.

Another way of looking at it is that you might share some pictures from your phone with your friends in a restaurant but would you really be comfortable sharing the photos with all of the people in the restaurant?

There have been some photos from people who have had a good time at Toopuntul published on social media. Most of the time, this is not an issue; people around the camp fire, or photos of the lakes or rivers can hardly cause offence.

But photos of other activities require more thought. Photos of hunting activities immediately come to mind or photos of apparently unsafe vehicles or boats being used. These photos can create unwanted attention or be used by green groups to stir the pot.

Social Media will not go away but can we ask shareholders to ask their family and friends to consider carefully before they publish anything.

Social media tips:

• Never post or say anything on the internet that you would not want repeated over and over again and which you would not do in public. 
• Everything that goes on the internet stays on the internet effectively forever.

Robert Sturzaker
Company Secretary