Hello Members,
I write to you this month after a whirlwind last few days. I am excited and buoyed by what I have seen and heard over this time.
I attended the recent Port Broughton (South Australia) workshop. DTA has listened and responded to what you, our members, have asked for, in offering workshops in regional locations. Port Broughton is a small rural location; if you crave peacefulness, a relaxed lifestyle and fishing, you would fit in perfectly! 24 people travelled (some up to 4 hours) to be part of the Diversional Therapy workshop. In the midst of this peaceful rural location, ideas were presented, light bulb moments were had, stories of concern and frustration were shared, as the group of 24 found and explored common possibilities, ideas and feelings.
We were challenged to think about how our roles might look in the future, both the short and longer terms, as the ageing population increases and lives longer, and the available population to offer support and care significantly decreases in number. We were exposed to the many facets of mental health and how the DT role might respond to some of the different diagnoses within this enormous field.
This is the very heart and soul of the networking opportunities which being a member of Diversional Therapy Australia offers and encourages, and I was heartened by the interest and obvious signs of engagement by the attendees. Unfortunately, I had to leave at lunch time; I would have loved to stay and meet further with more of those attending, however, I congratulate the National Education Coordinator, Steph Bejma, for her co-ordination of these types of events, throughout regional Australia, and applaud the commitment of the members who attend.
I would also like to extend a collective vote of thanks to those members who work behind the scenes, in facilitating these workshops, setting up on the day, organising lunch, and then tidying up after everyone leaves. In this case, it was DTA Board member Darren Robinson, however, I know that for every successful workshop there are support people who are dedicated to the educational role of DTA, and who value to opportunity for growth, development, networking and sharing. On behalf of the DTA Board, thank you!
I left Port Broughton to travel to Adelaide and then to fly Sydney, where the DTA Executive met. At the core of any Association, there is long and short-term planning. These plans are the framework for how the organisation operates and the work it undertakes, and DTA is no different. I congratulate the Executive on their commitment to DTA and preparedness to give up their Saturday to meet in reviewing, developing and refining the DTA Strategic and Business Plans.
The Strategic Plan refers to the longer term plans of DTA and stretches through until 2018. The DTA strategic plan encompasses areas such as membership growth and marketing, how DTA intends to develop and retain a political presence, how DTA will support members into Private Practice, how DTA will support members through role changes into the future, how the Board will explore other income streams, and how the Board and Office will maintain effective and efficient administration of DTA. The Business plan takes each of these strategic concepts and explores specific, timely and budgeted means of meeting the set goal.
This process is exhaustive and involves considerable foresight and lateral thinking, and I am proud of the achievements of the Executive. This is the first time DTA have had the expertise and foresight of an Executive Officer in guiding and putting forward proposals within this planning process. The introduction of the part-time EO role has been highly beneficial to the Board, and this was evident in the amount of ground which was covered in one day. DTA has been in a change continuum since the State bodies aligned into what we now know as the National Association, (DTA) and by necessity, this must continue. The Strategic and Business Plans establish the means by which DTA can continue into the future.
One of the many enjoyable duties as President of DTA is the opportunity to meet with you, the members, and to be excited as I hear the passion and commitment when talking with you about your roles. I felt this at Port Broughton, and in fact every time I meet with you. I know that for many of you, this is one of the compelling reasons you attend the annual DTA conference. With only a short time left until the 2015 conference, the excitement is building; focusing on Wellness through Leisure, and supported by two informative and engaging keynote speakers, I would encourage you to complete your registration and confirm you place – numbers are limited, so please don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity for networking, growth, and development as well as being able to take home an array of ideas from the Activities, Activities, Activities workshop! I look forward to being able to catch up with old and new friends during that time.
Regards,
Louise Absalom