Former Australian Branch Chairman Doug Jones AM has been elected as Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrator's Board of Trustees, effective from January 2006.

The appointment follows his election in January this year as the 12 member Board's only Australasian representative and the first Australian member. Other members represent the UK, East Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe and the sub-continent.

Doug Jones has acted as counsel and arbitrator in major international arbitrations and in 1999 was made a Member of the Order of Australia for services to Dispute Resolution and Construction Law, recognising 30 years of contribution to these fields.

The Chartered Institute held a successful 90th Anniversary dinner in Melbourne last month. Over 60 guests heard speeches from Australian Branch President Michael Shand QC and The Honourable Justice Maxwell, President of the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Victoria. For the full text of President Michael Shand QC's speech click here, or for a photo click here.

The Chartered Institute thanks all those who attended the dinner for making it a fitting night for a significant milestone.

The dinner was the focal point of a busy weekend for the Chartered Institute, with Membership Courses also held. Award writing exams will now be held in December for successful Fellowship Course participants.