This year DTA has faced a year of change, development, embracing new ideas and also one of challenge.
For some time the Board of DTA have been aware that changes across several platforms, were necessary to ensure currency within the environment in which DTA functions. How DTA communicates with its members is one of these areas.
This year, we have been very fortunate that Katrina Vouri, has taken on the role of Network Group Liaison person. Katrina is passionate about members, and the support of network groups. Her role means that network groups do not need to feel as if they are operating in isolation, but have a direct go-to person for support, encouragement and advice, and I would like, on behalf of the Board, to thank Katrina for her commitment and passion.
We have also seen outstanding positive changes in how the newsletter is designed and delivered and in the new and improved DTA website. These are significant achievements. Building a website requires substantial effort over a considerable amount of time. For example, every piece of DTA documentation was reviewed and updated before being uploaded; every graphic carefully considered to ensure it reflected the breadth of DTA member’s roles. Many hours were put into these weighty projects and I would like to make a special mention of the work which office staff Margie and Diana contributed, as well Scott Holmes and his team of website developers, and Emma Preston, Newsletter Editor. Of course, as with any project, there have been many others who have contributed as well and I would like to thank them also.
How DTA and the role of the Diversional Therapist are perceived within allied health service delivery is another platform requiring continual review and evaluation. This is paramount to ensure that Diversional Therapy is identified and recognised as a major contributor to the wellness of the individual, across a variety of domains.
This year DTA have laid down new professional relationships, as you would be aware from regular newsletter reports and I would like to acknowledge the significant amount of commitment from the Board, Office Staff and Board supporters in their contribution to this development. However, these relationships must continue to be fostered and developed, and new connections investigated, established and cemented.
This leads to the next twelve months. DTA must anticipate a much stronger political and industry awareness, and a more financially stable position. A solid platform has been established over the past few years; DTA must now build on that. Time is running out for DTA, as a professional body, we must act to educate, inform, build, construct and shape the future of DTA. It must be noted that there are other professions out there which would swallow up the very specialised characteristics of the DT role. This is a very real concern and is being witnessed already.
The Board met at the Adelaide conference to develop constructive strategies for the next 12 months, in progressing DTA as a more optimistic and confident stakeholder within the health service industry. The strategies developed are necessary and robust; they are vital to the continuation of DTA – your peak body, in establishing a better presence and better connectivity.
Some of the strategies which will be initiated and developed in the very short term are the implementation of the Executive Officer role, the implementation of the DTA Consultant Advisor role, the development of DTA Ambassadors roles, the re-implementation of the DTA Journal, the writing of position papers outlining the value and importance of the DT role, a successful Gold Coast conference, the development of a private practitioner support group, engaging with health based organisations and groups, for example Indigenous Allied Health Australia, exploring and developing contacts within the various disciplines where the DT role is found, and a full review of the DTA Course Recognition documents at the degree, and certificate 4 and diploma levels. This list represents only some of the tasks at hand. I would personally extend to each of you the opportunity to be part of this significant growth time for your peak body.
I have already mentioned some of the people who have supported DTA over the past twelve months. I would like at this point to further recognise the very hardworking office staff, Margie and Diana. They are the front line of DTA, fielding questions, directing queries, noting issues and generally keeping the everyday workings of DTA moving along.
AGM’s are a time of change. It is with sadness that I recognise the stepping down of three State representatives, Sandra Reeve for Tasmania, Leon Earle from SA and Tracey-Anne Keeenan from NSW. I would also like to recognise the work and commitment of Kate Noble who resigned from the VP2 role during the year. My warmest welcome and congratulations goes to our newly elected Board members; Lindl Webster VP2 , Kylie Rice NSW Rep and Rosslyn Price SA Rep.
The role of the DT is unique and broad-ranging. The responsibility of the DTA Board is equally distinctive in representing this broad member base and in highlighting the extraordinary qualities of the DT role. Times change, philosophies develop and grow; DTA, out of survival necessity, must keep pace with these changes. I look forward with enthusiasm and excitement to the next 12 months, in leading and guiding your Board through the next evolutionary stage of professional identification and appreciation.
Regards,
Louise Absalom
President