2007 AIDA Annual General Meeting

On Friday 28th September 2007, AIDA held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Warriparinga, Living Kaurna Cultural Centre, Marion, Adelaide. Sixty (60) AIDA members from all over Australia attended this event.

Nestled in the heart of Adelaide rests Warriparinga, which in Kaurna language means "Windy Place by the River'. Warriparinga is a Kaurna ceremonial meeting place and European early settlement site. The Centre was built to ensure that Kaurna culture and the Dreaming Story of the Land, is passed on from generation to generation.

The atmosphere of the evening was deeply spiritual. Deep connection with Country and culture was experienced by all in attendance. Tall eucalypt trees surrounded the site, standing proud and strong and in a sense watched over us; their white trunks intensified by the background of black storm clouds building up in the northwest skies. Clusters of native grasses meandering along a shady creek bed, framed by rambling green lawns created the perfect setting for our meeting. The smell of approaching rain and the sounds of didgeridoo, thunder and lightning enticed our senses and combined perfectly to signal the opening of our AGM.

Following a moving welcome from Mr Stevie Goldsmith, Kaurna Elder, AIDA’s outgoing President, Dr Mark Wenitong welcomed members to the meeting. Dr Wenitong acknowledged Country, Kaurna Elders and Ngangkaris Mr Andy Tjilari and Mr Rupert Peter who travelled down from the Central Desert area to share in the celebration of achievement, culture, health and the future. Dr Wenitong thanked the AIDA Board for their commitment to medical education and their overall participation in leadership, partnership and scholarship within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and workforce arenas. He welcomed Dr Tamara Mackean, AIDA’s new President to the position and thanked Mr Romlie Mokak, AIDA’s Chief Executive Officer and the Secretariat staff for their ongoing dedication and support. Special appreciation was extended to Dr Marshall Watson, Dr Roy Whittaker and Ms Lose Pouvalu who were stepping down from the AIDA Board at this AGM.

Board members provided detailed reports outlining key events and representation responsibilities undertaken during the 2006/07 year including AIDA’s ongoing commitment to over 30 key national committees. The audited financial statements were tabled and accepted. Promotional events such as participation in CrocFests, Career Days and community visits were also highlighted as a feature of the past twelve month’s activities, including a planned visit to the Palm Island community during Strike 57 celebrations, which unfortunately had to be abandoned at the last minute, mid air, due to inclement weather. Feedback on AIDA’s response to the Northern Territory Intervention was also provided.

During 2006/07 AIDA underwent a Constitutional Review. Mr Luke De Jong, lawyer from Clayton Utz Canberra, briefed the membership on the work carried out to date. Two Special Resolutions were passed at the AGM relating to the winding up of the existing association, and transferring jurisdictions to move from an Association to a Company Limited by Guarantee. Part of this process involved the development of a new Draft Constitution which engaged the full AIDA membership. The Draft Constitution was endorsed by the AIDA membership at the AGM. The new Constitution is reflective of the organisation as it currently stands and will guide AIDA into a positive and strong future.

Finally, Professor Ian Anderson provided information on advances in medical education, curriculum frameworks, accreditation and the LIME Governance Model future relationships with TeOra. It was proposed that Te ORA and the Medical Council of New Zealand, should be included in the LIME governance model.

A formal election process then took place. Mrs Kerri Dickman acted as the Independent Returning Officer and AIDA’s new Board of Directors was announced as follows:

Afterwards, members gathered around the campfire where Ngangkaris, Mr Andy Tjilari and Mr Rupert Peter lead a talking circle. Smoke lingered and combined beautifully with the smell of the moist earth, whilst the muffled sound of many voices created a sense of warmth, strength and collegiate support.