Hello Members,
It is not so long ago, Australia was sweltering through a long, hot summer, and yet as I write this, NSW has been devastated with extreme storm conditions. The thoughts of the Board are with everyone who is affected by this latest weather situation.
Last night your Board met for their regular monthly meeting. There are several initiatives I would like to pass on to you from that meeting.
Those of you who were at the Adelaide conference will recall the truly international flavour, with delegates from Japan and New Zealand. Some years ago, a delegation from Australia went to Japan; this was a very successful exchange with many friendships forged as well as the exchange of ideas and approaches to working roles. Coming from the successful exchange in Adelaide was the suggestion of a second study tour to Japan. A very thorough itinerary has been developed, and now expressions of interest are being sought from members. If you have ever considered travelling to Japan, this 10 day exchange might be just the thing for you! Keep your eye out for the expression of interest note in this edition.
Perhaps Japan is not for you – then please consider the New Zealand Society of Diversional Therapists’ annual conference in Auckland, to be held over the 8th and 9th of August. Two years ago, several members, including myself, were very warmly welcomed to the Hamilton conference, and I would encourage anyone to take the trans-Tasman trip and enjoy the cross cultural exchange. I have no doubt, you will also be very warmly welcomed.
Whilst on the topic of Conferences, the Gold Coast is shaping up as THE conference for DT’s to attend. Make sure the dates are firmly locked in – you will have an amazing time and will go home with ideas, different ways of thinking, and having met many new friends! If you have ever considered presenting, or developing a poster, this is the perfect time to act on that! Please contact the office for details.
The Wellness through Leisure campaign continues to gain momentum. As you move towards DT week, I would encourage each of you to use that week to highlight to your fellow work colleagues, or to the greater community, how your program supports Wellness through Leisure. DTA have resources which can support you in this, so jump on the website, or call the office, and start planning your own input into DT week!
For those of you employed in Aged Care, the Board have also submitted an article titled Wellness through Leisure, to the Quality Standard magazine, the monthly magazine put out by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency. Please keep an eye out for this, and use its presence to highlight your experience.
Your Board and Office are continually involved in initiatives highlighting the DT role. I wanted to make a special note of one of these. Earlier this month, Margie Kennard, DTA EO attended the Allied Health Professions Australia AGM. Senator The Hon. Sussan Ley, Minister for Health, Sport and Tourism spoke to the meeting of AHPA members. Margie took the opportunity to ask a question of Senator Ley, and also explained the role of the DT. She asked how DTA can find ways to ensure trained staff are given the role of being responsible for the leisure needs of people within residential aged are, and the community care field, especially as the focus is on keeping people in their own homes for as long as possible. This highlights very real concern, as relayed to the Board by many members, of the placement of untrained staff into the DT role. Margie stressed the medium of leisure is powerful when working with people with dementia or people with disabilities, or other barriers to leisure. Senator Lee noted that she was not aware of what DT was, but also commented that she was very interested to hear more. She also suggested that Margie make further contact with Senator Mitch Fifield (Assistant Minister for Social Services), and her, with details of the profession, what we are looking for and why. This is a significant and positive step, and I congratulate Margie on her forthright approach in further the awareness of DT.
DT is moving and growing – we are gaining momentum in political and international circles! Join with me in celebrating these achievements!
Regards,
Louise Absalom
DTA President