As we slide into the cooler weather, and hit the middle of 2024, things have continued to stay warm with ARTA. The Board is taking more bold steps in advocating for our profession.
In May Charlise and Kayla attended the National Aged Care Alliance in Melbourne. they brought conversation focussed on the concerns and feedback from our members to the forefront of this forum.
Charlise, Renee R, Renee S, and Kylie had both face-to-face, and online meet-and-greets with Western Sydney University (WSU) students, who are enrolled in either subjects of Recreational Therapy, or have chosen RT as their Major/ Minor. Bringing awareness about the association, the benefits of student membership and necessary attention to the profession. We have had some great responses and discussions at these catch-ups and aim to continue this engagement throughout the year.
Our Town Halls in May were well attended, thank you to all those to came to the three sessions. Thank you for the feedback and ideas that we can take on board and consider through the growth of ARTA.
Charlise and I met with Leo Di Giorgio from the Allied Health Professions Australia regarding our application for membership. The membership has been submitted and will be discussed at their next board meeting in September. We hope to have further answers for members with regards to the outcomes.
I am happy to announce that Lesley Fox will be assisting the board this year as conference convener. The call for papers for our National Conference is still open. If you would like to present, and have not before, please feel free to reach out to the office with question. We cannot wait to see the abstracts filing in.
It is that time of year, when memberships are due. Please see an email from the office and if there are any concerns, ensure you get in touch.
We have a vacant position on the board. This is a short term position until the Annual General Meeting in September. If you have ever thought about what it means to be on the ARTA board, and are interested in giving it a trial run, please contact the office. This is a great opportunity for a degree member to gain experience. As a board member, you do hold portfolios and, where needed, develop communities of practice. Our mental health and disability portfolio would be supported by this board position. Please know that all portfolios have overlap and support from all members of the board, you are not alone.
Again, as always, we are only as good as our membership and we are driven by your ideas and feedback. Always feel free to send us through these to the office.
Renée Smith
ARTA President