Dear members,
October has drawn to a close with the passing of the torch from one board to another. We were delighted to see all of the positions filled and to wish our new Directors all the best at AIDA’s first ever online AGM on Saturday, 31 October. For members who missed the AGM you can view the AGM booklet here.
The 2020-21 Board of Directors includes President Dr Tanya Schramm, Vice President Dr Simone Raye, Directors Dr Robert Blackley, Dr Glenn Harrison, Assoc. Prof. Jaquelyne Hughes, Dr Nathan Luies, Dr Keith Gleeson, Dr Ngaree Blow, Dr Dawn Casey and Student Director Ms Ella Ceolin. The first meeting of the new Board is scheduled for early December.
We also farewell 2019 Board members President Associate Professor Kris Rallah-Baker, Vice President Associate Professor Shannon Springer and Directors Dr Artiene Tatian and Student Director Mr Tom Mylne. I’d like to thank the Board for welcoming me to AIDA in August last year and for their encouragement and support during my first year.
The 2020-21 Student Representative Committee will be announced next week, and we look forward to welcoming them to the AIDA family.
On Wednesday, 30 September I had the honour of attending the Pat Turner AM address at the ‘ANU Australia and the World 2020 Annual Lecture’ at the National Press Club. Pat’s lecture reviewed the progress of Australia in genuinely listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s long cry for self-determination that must truly be heard. You can watch the full lecture here.
AIDA held online coaching session for students, trainees and registrars in October to help share key learning techniques. We engaged Dr Patsy Tremayne , a psychologist and author of Ace Your Medical Exams to deliver the sessions focusing on medical exam preparation, including learning techniques, performing under pressure, time management, emotional resilience, and communication skills.
If you have any suggestions for member support, please contact us, or come along for a chat at one of our member events. Our last member event for the year will be held in Old Parliament House, Canberra on 4 December from 6pm. Click here to register.
AIDA will host AIDA’s NAIDOC celebrations on Tuesday, November 10, which will include a flag-raising ceremony with local elder, Mr Paul House as the guest speaker, running from 10.00am-11.30am.
Meanwhile, I would like to wish everyone a happy NAIDOC week, and to acknowledge this year’s theme – “Always Was, Always Will Be”.
Until next time, be well.
Kind Regards,
Monica Barolits-McCabe
CEO