A brief history of the Diversional Therapy Association of Tasmania
History compiled by Sandra Reeves, DTA Board Representative, TAS, 2014
The Diversional Therapy Association
of Tasmania was formed in Launceston, June 1988 after seminars were held around the state in May 1988. The Department of Community Health Services sponsored the meetings and Pamela Bauze conducted the seminars on behalf of Diversional Therapy Australia.
Associate membership was available to representatives of facilities, the fee was $20.00 plus $10.00 for a badge. There was also an interested person’s membership available to volunteers and any others who may have an interest in Diversional therapy, the fee was $30.00 plus a $10.00 joining fee. All members received an invitation to attend workshops and seminars. In 1989 this changed to only those working in the field could apply for membership at $20.00 per annum. Through out the next twenty years the inclusion of membership for facilities was discussed from time to time at regional groups and state meetings but never again came to fruition.
At the DTAT 1989 AGM, Lee Turner was elected Chairman, Lyn Caminada as Secretary, and Brenda Carter as Treasurer. Meetings were held every two months.
Tasmanian Constitution
From 1988 until 1993 the groups known as branches in Tasmania, used the Australian Associations Constitution as a guide.
In 1993 we became an incorporated body and the
Tasmanian constitution 1993came into being. This formalised the management committees roles and duties of office bearers at a state level.
Reviewed 2000 State committee looked at other states constitutions
Reviewed 2004 State committee looked at other states constitutions
February revised constitution 2008 to include a wind up clause
Presidents and Vice Presidents of the Association
Year |
President |
Vice President |
Member Numbers |
|
1988 |
Jeanne McKenzie |
No one appointed |
17 ($20.00) |
1989 |
Lee Turner |
Anne Ashford |
40 |
1990 |
Lee Turner |
Anne Ashford |
40 |
1991 |
Lee Turner |
Gwen Wakeling |
18 in the south joined unsure of exact numbers for this year |
1992 |
Lee Turner |
|
|
1993 |
Marcia Brown |
Lee Turner |
46 ($25.00) |
1994 |
Rae (Huett) Hood |
Alison (Underwood) Hodges |
75 |
1995 |
Alison Hodges |
Robyn George |
55 |
1996 |
Alison Hodges |
Robyn George |
($30.00) |
1997 |
Robyn George |
Alison Hodges |
69 |
1998 |
Aileen Wright |
Alison Hodges |
69 |
1999 |
Aileen Wright |
Sue Waters |
100 |
2000 |
Sue Waters |
Ruth Taylor |
122 |
2001 |
Sue Waters |
Ruth Taylor |
52 |
2002 |
Christa Jones |
Karen Robinson |
96 |
2003 |
Aileen Wright |
Karen Robinson |
85 ($60.00) |
2004 |
Karen McIntyre |
Karen Robinson |
78 |
2005 |
Karen McIntyre |
Karen Robinson |
Level 1 -21 Level 2 -60
Total 81 |
2006 |
Karen Robinson |
Ruth Taylor |
77 |
2007 |
Karen Robinson |
Lee Turner |
76 |
2008 |
Sandra Reeve |
Lee Turner |
Level 1-14 Level 2 -56
Total 70 ($80.00) |
National Conferences hosted by the Tasmanian Diversional Therapy Association, Parliamentary support and Memorandum of Understanding
|
1989- May |
The first Diversional Therapy Awareness Week was organised and has continued yearly |
1995-
May |
150 national members attended the National Convention including 47 Tasmanians
Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st May 1995 CSIRO Building Hobart (17th Annual National Convention) |
1997
-12th May |
Diversional Therapy Week was launched at Parliament House with a cocktail party |
2001-
May |
Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th May 2001 Launceston (23rd National Convention ) |
2007-
May |
DTAANC Convention Wrest Point Convention Centre Hobart 20th and 21st May “Directions in Diversional Therapy where ever you are!” |
20th May |
Memorandum of Understanding between Australia and Japan signed at the DTAANC National Convention held in Hobart |
DTAJ President Takako Serizawa ,DTAANC Chairperson Vanessa Ogborne and International Liaisons Officer Linda Martin |
2008-27th February |
Memorandum of Understanding between the Community Partner Program with the Migrant Resource Centre and the Diversional Therapy Association of Tasmania |
Catherine Meredith (DTAT) Suzanne Fieke (CPP) |
Formation of a National Council
Friday 26th1991April became a momentous and historical day for the Diversional Therapy Association and profession as a whole. Representatives from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and members of the working party to develop a “National Structure” met in Wagga prior to the 13th Annual Convention, and formulated the following recommendations.
- The name Diversional Therapy Association of Australia National Council was selected from five suggestions.
- Two state representatives from each state where Diversional Therapy Association is formalised are to be appointed at the respective annual general meetings
- The two delegates will comprise one state committee member and one other eligible member.
- The appointment is for a two year period, but this is not necessarily a maximum term
- A steering committee comprising two representatives from each state is to be formed immediately to “care-take” the council prior to appointment of two representatives at respective 1992 general meetings.
- The steering committee of eight would elect their own chairman and secretariat.
- A nominal levy from existing membership would at this time be deposited in a special state account on 1st July 1991 (DTAANC minutes 26.4.91)
The Diversional Therapy Association Australia National Council is committed to promote, foster and advance the development of the profession of Diversional Therapy in Australia and internationally, and to support and advocate for the State Member Associations. To ensure for its members that the practice of Diversional Therapy continues as an ongoing, viable and relevant practice, contributing to consumers and society. DTAA National Council representatives develop the strategic plan and expected outcomes for the future growth and development of Diversional Therapy across Australia.
National Council Representatives ( first name denotes voting rep)
Year |
Persons |
|
1991
26th April |
Lee Turner /Lynne Caminada |
1992 |
Lee Turner /Lynne Caminada |
1993 |
Lee Turner/Marcia Brown |
1994 |
Lee Turner/Marcia Brown |
1995 |
Marcia Brown/Rae Hood |
1996 |
Marcia Brown/Alison Hodges |
1997 |
Alison Hodges/Marcia Brown |
1998 |
Marcia Brown/Monica Hastings |
1999 |
Monica Hastings/Aileen Wright |
2000 |
Aileen Wright/Robyn George |
2001 |
Aileen Wright/Robyn George |
2002 |
Aileen Wright/Sue Waters |
2003 |
Aileen Wright/Christa Jones |
2004 |
Aileen Wright/Lee Turner |
2005 |
Lee Turner/Sandra Reeve |
2006 |
Sandra Reeve/ Karen Robinson/Catherine Meredith |
2007 |
Sandra Reeve/Catherine Meredith |
2008 |
Sandra Reeve/Catherine Meredith /Margaret Bowkett |
Tasmanian Partnerships
1999 International Year of The Older PersonTraveling Suitcase Exhibition of Quiltsalso known as A Stitch In Time
Facilities that were involved were:
ADARDS, Strathaven, Glenview, Lillian Martin, Southern Cross Care, Aldersgate, Huon Elder Care, Karingal, Campbell Town hospital, Cadorna, Aminya, Bishop Davies Court, Adaihi, Queen Victoria, Coroay Park, Eliza Purton and Freemasons.
Supported by Bellerive Quilters, Glenorchy Regional Arts and coordinated by Jenifer Line . Some of the quilts were displayed at Glenview, and other facilities around Australia. All quilts went on show at the Moonah Arts Centre.
2001 International Year of Volunteers Hands On Handing On
Touring exhibition recorded life histories of Older Persons who reside in Aged Care facilities. The information was collated into a booklet by Jenifer Line and produced by Glenorchy City Council.
2005 50 Favourite Community Attractions in Southern Tasmania for people assisted in wheel chairs
This booklet produced with the assistance and the sponsorship of the Hobart City Council, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Disability Services, Oak Lifestyle Options, Mailhouse Tasmania and DTAT Southern Group.
The aim of the booklet was to provide those working in the leisure and recreational fields a guide to eateries, attractions, clubs and parks and the types of access and services that were provided.
2006-2007 Memories Are Made Of This
Jenifer Line from the Tasmanian Quilters Guild and Catherine Meredith from DTAT Southern Group designed guidelines and timeframes for Diversional Therapists and Community groups throughout Tasmania for the creation of the “Memories are Made of This” Tasmanian Quilt project. The quilt was designed by artist Elizabeth Barsham reflecting the Queen Victoria/Fitzpatrick Quilt made in Tasmania at Westbury in 1903. The quilt was displayed at the 2007 Diversional Therapy Australia National Council Convention and subsequently toured the state on completion.
2008 The Community Partner Program with the Migrant Resource Centre and the Diversional Therapy Association of Tasmania Memorandum of Understanding
A formalised agreement to ensure the needs of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse community members living in Aged Care Facilities in Tasmania are met. A set of objectives and tasks clearly give substance to making this agreement a working document. Catherine Meredith (DT) and Suzanne Feike (CPP) were the key organisers of this agreement.
Initiatives will include consultation and information to community members to ensure appropriate service provision with respect to lifestyle including culture, language, food and leisure activities. The partnership will also support community development, education and training opportunities for members of both organisations as appropriate. Where relevant it will provide referrals and links to other communities and aged care services.
Taken from the media release 27.2.08