It has been a year of consolidation and ongoing development for the ADHD Coalition of Victoria. The profile of ADHD issues in the media has generally been more positive over the past year and we’ve responded well to a range of challenges.
Significant achievements in the last 12 months include:
• Launch and development of our website, including web based facilities for public information and advice of a general nature from our panel of clinical experts
• Astra King undertook a talk for the Teacher Learning Network, including an additional 2 members who provided a book stall
• Numerous letters to the media in response to misleading media publicity and correcting inaccuracies
• Scheduled our first workshop with an international speaker in partnership with WA LADS – Dr Rosemary Tannock (September 2009).
• Ongoing liaison and observation of the National ADHD Group including meetings with a number of other State ADHD peak bodies.
• Increased our membership numbers.
• Refined our strategic vision.
• Finalised Ross House occasional tenancy.
It has been a busy year for our committee as, apart from the normal challenges of life, some of our key members have had other important matters relating to ADHD competing for their time and attention. Vice-President Dr Daryl Efron worked overseas in an ADHD clinic for some months, and he and our part-time secretary Geraldine Moore were called upon to put in many hours of work on ADHD matters for the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Working Party on the ADHD Guidelines. Our treasurer, Belinda Gargaro has nearly completed her PhD thesis on ADHD and Autism. We really appreciate the efforts of our committee this year in these difficult circumstances.
In an effort to alleviate the pressures on our membership to attend frequent, lengthy meetings, we have decided to prioritize our activities, and to make maximum use of opportunities for contact and discussion through less time-consuming methods, e.g email.
I wish to thank all the members of the Coalition for their ongoing dedication and support to the cause of ADHD and its associated co-mordities.
In particular I see to thank Daryl Efron (Deputy Chair), Belinda Gargaro (Treasurer), Jo Benson (Public Officer), Teana Barry and Geraldine Moore in their roles as Secretary during the year.
I think 2009/10 is going to present some exciting new growth and development for ADHD education and advocacy. I am sure that with greater income and more resources our group can achieve very positive results.
I look forward to the continued support of the membership in 2009/10.

Jacqui Briggs

President
ADHD Coalition of Victoria