Symposium 2010

SFNSW - SYMPOSIUM 2010

It was wonderful to see so many of our inaugural Fellowship Members attend and give their presentations at our 25th Anniversary Annual Symposium 2010.

Professor Stan Catts from Queensland University gave a presentation on the history of the formation of the Fellowship and spoke of all the people who contributed so much of themselves and financial assistance to start up our Fellowship and the Schizophrenia Research Program NISAD.

Bill Gye gave a presentation on his program, Disability Employment Services, which operates in several regions in NSW and Sydney metro areas. It is good to be aware of this valuable service for our Consumers.

Anne Deveson also took us on a journey from the past 25 years with her talk and the people who gave so much to launch our Fellowship. It was special for Anne to be there and I notice she kindly signed some of the books she has written for our audience.

Laraine Toms, President of Carers NSW told us about future directions for Carers of those living with a mental illness, and support services provided under the Family and Carer Program around NSW. It is pleasing to see these invaluable services in place for our families.


Picture Caption: SFNSW PRESIDENT FRANK WALKER's OPENING ADDRESS

Jillian Skinner MP, Shadow Minister for Health in NSW,  gave a very interesting talk and is well aware of the importance of Mental Health Services and the role Non Government Organisations play to support Consumers and Carers of those living with a mental illness. She did name “Carer Assist” and was aware of the program rolled out in NSW. Jillian will ensure these programs continue in future.

I gave a short talk on my personal pathway to Recovery as a Carer and the importance of using as much support from Support Groups,  Advocacy programs and NGO’s  such as the Fellowship to assist that Recovery. Our two wonderful consumer speakers, Janet Meagher and Simon Champ,  each gave their account of the past 25 years and their involvement in the progress and implementation of our Fellowship. It was really valuable to hear their stories and to have them there to share our special occasion.

Judge Greg James gave very generously of his time and stayed way overtime to answer questions from the audience on changes to the Mental Health Review Tribunal hearings in hospitals around NSW.

We had a very large gathering at the Masonic Centre, Sydney of around 160 people and the atmosphere was warm, friendly and vibrant. I would like to say thank you to all staff and volunteers who gave so much of themselves on Saturday we could not do this without you!

Pam Bruce