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