CORPORATE INFORMATION
Autism Victoria Structure
Autism Victoria is an incorporated association, and has Public Benevolent Institution, income tax exemption and Deductible Gift Recipient status from the Australian Tax Office. It has operated since 1968, and was formerly known as the Victorian Autistic Children's & Adults' Association.
Autism Victoria currently has 13 Affiliates, known as Organisational Members, and more than 1800 regular members, 70% of whom are families.
Autism Victoria is governed by a State Council, comprising delegates nominated by each Organisational Member, as well as co-opted community representatives and elected members. State Council elect an Executive Committee to manage the day-to-day affairs of the association. Autism Victoria also has a number of Sub Committees, including Finance, Policy and Government Liaison & Public Relations.
In 2003-4, Autism Victoria conducted a Strategic Review, resulting in our Strategic Plan - 2004 - 2007. This web site is the result of that review. A copy of our Strategic Plan can be downloaded as a pdf document. This Plan was reviewed in late 2006 and a Strategic Plan for 2007 - 2010 is currently being developed.
The association owns its office premises in Glen Iris, and receives recurrent funding from the Victorian Department of Human Services to support one professional staff position (Family Counsellor) and the operation of the Autism Victoria InfoLine (established in November 2006).
The State Council employs additional professional and administrative staff, which are funded by income generated from donations, fund raising and activities. Additional income to support specific projects is sourced from time to time. The administrative and practical input provided voluntarily by many people is highly valued by the association.
In July 2006, the Autism Victoria Professional Panel was formed. This Panel provides Autism Victoria staff and committee with professional advice and guidance with professional issues related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, including Research findings, Policy development and Media comment.
Autism Victoria is a founding member of the Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders (previously the Autism Council of Australia), and is represented by the Chief Executive Officer.
Annual General Meeting - Monday 17th November 2008
Notice is given of the Annual General Meeting of Autism Victoria Inc. to be held on Monday 17th November 2008. The Association's Annual Report will be presented to members, and a Guest Speaker to be announced will address the meeting.
Autism Victoria Staff
| Vacant | Chief Executive Officer |
|---|---|
| Danuta Bulhak-Paterson | Family Counsellor - Psychologist |
| Carol Barclay | Office Manager |
| Elen Thomas | Information Support Officer |
| Jo Ann Rowe | Administrative Support - library |
The Association's accounts are audited annually, and professional accountancy support is provided by Mr Rhys Keys, FCPA.
Ms Meredith Ward is contracted by Autism Victoria to provide Government Liaison and Public Relations services.
Executive Committee
| Mary Thomson | President |
|---|---|
| Rosemary Malone | Vice President |
| Steven Dartnell | Secretary |
| Rhys Keys | Treasurer |
| David O'Callaghan | General Member |
| Vacant | General Member |
| Jan Hibberd | General Member |
State Council
| Robyn Baddley | Mansfield Autistic Centre |
|---|---|
| Ron Wild | Statewide Autistic Services |
| Gail Preston | Wantirna Heights School |
| Rosemary Malone | Gateways Support Services |
| TBA | Bulleen Heights School |
| Ruth Cahill | Illoura EarlyChildhood Intervention Services |
| Jacqui Borland | Irabina Childhood Autism Services |
| Michelle Sanders | Western Autistic School |
| Tracel Devereux | Alpha Autism Inc |
| Phil Lipshut | Autistic Family Support Association |
| Steven Dartnell | Southern Autistic School |
| Frossa Mrakas | Autism Behavioural Intervention Association |
| Jude Gearon | Kalparrin Early Childhood Intervention Program Inc |
| Heather McInerney | Elected |
| Karen Bashtannyk | Co-opted |
| Mary Thomson | Co-opted |
| Vacant | Co-opted |
| David O'Callaghan | Co-opted |
Professional Panel
| Prof Margot Prior AO - Chairperson | University of Melbourne |
|---|---|
Assoc Prof Amanda Richdale |
RMIT University Bundoora, Psychologist, Research |
| Dr Lawrence Bartak | Southern Health, Psychologist, Assessment & Adults |
Dr Cheryl Dissanayake |
LaTrobe University, Psychologist, Research |
| Dr Ric Haslam | Austin Health, Consultant Paediatrician, Assessment |
| Ms Lesley Matthews | Karinya Counselling, Social Worker, Families |
| Ms Val Spence | Kalparrin Early Childhood Intervention Program, Manager, Early Intervention |
| Mrs Sally Girvan | Clinician, Dietician |
| Ms Jacqui Borland | Irabina Childhood Autism Services, Consultant, Education |
| Ms Pam Langford | Psychologist, Private Practice |