Annual General Meeting 2009 - APS Member Groups

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2009
Agenda
National Committee Reports
Chair Report
Treasurer Report
Membership Report
Course Approvals Committee Report
Professional Development Committee Report
Student Committee Report
State Section Reports
New South Wales
Queensland
South Australia
Victoria
Western Australia
1

Annual General Meeting 2009
Saturday 31 October
St Vincent's Hospital Conference Centre, Fitzroy, Victoria
Agenda
1. Welcome
1. Apologies
1. Proxies
1. Confirmation of the Minutes of the 2008 Annual General Meeting
1. Business Arising from the Minutes
1. Reports from Office Bearers of the National Executive
1. Reports from State Sections
1. General Business
1. Declaration of Elections for Office Bearers for 2009-2011 (National Executive)
10. Close
2

CHAIR REPORT
Another busy year for the College National Committee. Matters discussed at the National
Committee level and addressed through the College Chairs forum and other avenues have
included:
Discussion of the APS proposed Education and Training model including the 3-year trained
psychology assistant. This model appears now to be replaced with a 4+1 model. Pathways to
college membership from this proposed model remain unclear.
National registration – representation to APS to support recognition of all College titles as specialist
registration.
Maintaining standards of training for College membership and potential benefits of introducing an
entry exam for membership of the College.
College representation on APS PDAC.
Promoting student membership and involvement at the State Section level and participation in the
national conferences.
Autonomy of Colleges in relation to APS National Office decision making and policy direction.
Medicare for coverage of neuropsychological services.
Future College Conference planning.
Strategic directions for the College.
I would like to thank all members of the outgoing committee for their work on behalf of College
members. In addition, on behalf of all members of the College I thank the members of the 2009
CCN Conference organizing committee for another excellent and successful conference.
Stephen Bowden
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TREASURER’S REPORT
Annual General Meeting APS College of Clinical Neuropsychologists
Financial Report
For the Twelve Months Ending 31/5/09
May YTD TOTALS
Total members 320
Available funds unspent as at 31 May 2008 $83,548.38 $83,548.38
Income
Conference Registration
Workshops
Total Income
Less Expenses
Accomodation/Meals
Events Registration
General Expenses
Postage/Freight
Travel
Telephone Fax/Conference
Calls
Workshop Expenses
Total Expenses
Annual Conference
Income
Conference Registration
Sponsorship
Workshops
General Income
Total Income Conference
Less Expenses
Accomodation/Meals
Advertising
APS Prize
Conference Venue Hire
Conference Catering
Equipment Hire/Purchase
External Wages
Gifts
Photocopying
Printing/Stationary
Satchels
Speakers Fees
Travel
Wages/Overheads
Workshop Expenses
Total Expenses
Conference
Total Annual Conference
(1,000)
(58.50)
(677.73)
(1,736.23)
(209.10)
(291.41)
(500.51)
250.00
109.09
359.09
(133.68)
(600.01)
(2,600.00)
(65.41)
(369.96)
(241.50)
(1177.73)
(5,188.29)
32.600.02
452.54
10,695.42
1,600.00
45,349.98
(209.10)
(423.68)
(500.00)
(4,565.00)
(18,667.00)
(4,153.50)
(440.00)
(190.57)
(20.45)
(1,496.41)
(181.82)
(7,329.63)
(655.05)
(427.50)
(574.56)
(39,333.76)
5,515.71
BALANCE $84,234.89
Available funds unspent as at 31 May 2009 $84,234.89
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Spending Initiatives 2008/2009
APS Allocation: Again don’t get allocation of APS funding because balance exceeds
$13,740.00 (ie three times what would be the annual allocation, based on $9/member
+$100 lump sum)
Benefits to students (aiming to encourage new student memberships)
o
Amount given to state sections to spend on student education/PD activities
increased from $500 to $1000/annum.
o Continued subsidy of student registration for CCN conference – for the 2009
conference students were offered a $50 subsidy for conference registration. This
has continued to be a successful initiative, with associated steady increases in
student membership.
Benefits to Members
o
We offered $150 conference registration voucher to members, which could be spent
at ONE of two conferences - 1) the 2009 CCN conference in Melbourne Oct 31 - Nov
2 OR 2) The 27th International Australasian Winter Conference on Brain Research
(AWCBR), to be held in Queenstown, NZ in Aug 29 - Sept 2.
Substantial increase in financial support from the College for the CCN conference. In
addition to offering conference subsidies at 2009 conference, the College has funded
conference keynote speaker Prof David Bennett, rather than having funds drawn from
conference budget. The total amount contributed by the College account in registration
subsidies and keynote speaker expenses totals approximately $22,000 (will be reflected in
2009/2010 financial report).
Proposed Spending Initiatives for 2009/2010
Continue current conference and state section subsidies for students members and
conference subsidies for members.
Employing services of a Heath Economist. At a recent meeting of the National Executive, it
was proposed that we consider employing a Health Economist to examine Medicare issues
and provide advice on strategy (as has been the approach taken by other Allied Health
groups, eg physiotherapists).
Recruiting a webmaster for the CCN website.
Current proposal before the CCN Executive Committee from the CCN National Student
Committee. The Student Committee are proposing a number of incentives to encourage
CCN student membership: These ideas will be outlined in the Student Committee report at
the 2009 AGM, followed by general discussion amongst the membership.
Continuing to take suggestions for other international speakers/other PD activities.
Committee welcomes proposals from the members.
Catherine Meade
Treasurer
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MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY REPORT
1. Membership Profile
TABLE 1: BY MEMBERSHIP GRADE : ALL STATES
Membership Type September 2007 November 2008 November 2009 Change 2008-
09
Member 195 223 243 +20
Associate Member 26 25 26 +1
Affiliate Member 36 36 36 +0
Student Member 46 46 82 +38
303 330 387 +57
TABLE 2: BY STATE : ALL LEVELS OF MEMBERSHIP
STATE September 2007 November 2008 November 2009 Change 2008-09
Victoria 120 136 170 +34
New South Wales 95 99 108 +09
Queensland 42 45 55 +10
South Australia 17 19 20 +01
Western Australia 15 14 16 +02
Tasmania 05 06 07 +01
ACT 02 02 02 +00
Overseas 10 09 09 +00
303 330 389 +57
TABLE 3: BY STATE : MEMBERSHIP GRADE
STATE Member Associate Affiliate Student Total
Victoria 110 10 07 43 170
New South Wales 64 10 11 23 108
Queensland 31 04 08 12 55
South Australia 15 0 04 01 20
Western Australia 12 0 02 02 16
Tasmania 04 01 01 01 07
ACT 02 0 0 0 02
Overseas 05 01 03 0 09
243 26 36 82 387
TABLE 4: NEW FULL MEMBERS: MEMBERSHIP PATHWAY
Membership Pathway 2007 2008 2009
Clinical Doctorate 10 07 13
PhD/Masters/Supervision/PD 08 03 02
Masters/Supervision/PD 06 05 00
Exceptional Entry 01 02 01
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As shown in Table 1, once more there has been a steady rise in full CCN membership over
the past year – again approximately 10% increase in membership over 2008 -2009. The
CCN now has a total of 243 full members - an increase of 20.
As shown in Table 2, the biggest change continues to be in Victoria, reflecting the relative
concentration of CCN training programs in Melbourne
Encouragingly, there has been a significant increase in the number of new student
members, now numbering 82 in total. This increase in student numbers is testament to the
continued hard work over the past year of the student sub-committee of the CCN National
Executive and their initiatives in encouraging current students to become actively involved
with the college.
Both associate and affiliate membership categories have remained steady over the past few
years. Associate members are continuing to upgrade to full membership on completion of
the requisite supervision.
Table 3 shows the respective numbers of membership grades across each state.
As shown in Table 4, the new full members this year have been increasingly graduates with
a DPsych who are automatically admitted to the college on completion of their training,
with less associate members who have completed their supervision requirements post
Masters. There was also one overseas trained applicant this year granted membership via
the exceptional entry pathway.
An ongoing pleas to all members to continue to encourage any neuropsychologists who
aren’t CCN members to join if they are eligible, or have potential to be eligible
There are still a number of people with Masters qualifications who haven’t joined -
retrospective supervision is possible so long as adequate documentation can be provided.
2. Membership sub-committee
A big thank you to the membership sub-committee who have remained committed and
dedicated in working hard over the past four years: Maggie Phillips, Genevieve McMahon,
Monica Williams and Sophie Katsabis (whilst Monica was on maternity leave).
The main role of the committee has been to assess applications, but considerable work has
also focused on the revision and review of the membership application policies and
documentation.
All membership documentation can be found on the CCN pages of the APS website -
http://www.groups.psychology.org.au/ccn/join/
Ongoing feedback of this documentation by current members or new applicants is always
welcome
3. Potential changes in college membership pathways and assessment options
The ‘bridging course’ option for college membership being discussed by the APS (in which a
members of one college can gain eligibility for entry to another college following
completion of a one year course) is yet to be finalised.
There also appears to be some changes in the process by which training courses are
accredited for college membership.
Both these developments highlight the need in the future for the CCN to maintain clinical
standards and competencies for college membership
Systematic use of a CCN entrance exam is one option that may be required to meet this
purpose.
Oliver Beadle
Membership Secretary
APS College of Clinical Neuropsychologists
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COURSE ACCREDITATION
Members: Professor Vicki Anderson (Chair), Dr Lina Forlano, Professor Glynda Kinsella, Ms
Elizabeth Mullaly, Dr Alan Tucker
Course Guidelines
At the 2007 CCN annual conference, the revised course guidelines for course approvals were
approved. As noted in our previous report, in early 2008 these were submitted to the APS for
processing to be available on the website of the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council
(APAC). Following that, a long delay ensued, in the context of the further development of APAC. In
mid-October, 2009, the CCN National Exec received a directive for the CAC to further redraft the
guidelines to be consistent with the newly approved APAC Rules for Accreditation and
Accreditation Standards for Psychology Courses. This redraft will involve consultation with
universities and review of neuropsychology-specific competencies and will be a major focus over
the next three months.
Course Accreditations and Approvals
The CAC no longer plays a major role in course approvals for individual university professional
neuropsychology courses, except in consulting with the CCN National Exec regarding designation
of representatives to participate in site visits and report on neuropsychology courses in the context
of current (out of date) course guidelines. During 2009 the University of Melbourne course was
reviewed and remains under consideration.
In late 2008 the APS invited colleges to nominate individuals to participate in their Professional
Development and Accreditation Committee. The CCN National Exec determined that the CAC
convenor should take this role. After some negotiation around the scope of the role with respect
to the College, this invitation was accepted, with the understanding that the role would be one of
representation, and would facilitate communication between PDAC and the CCN.
Practice Certificate in Psychology/Dual College membership
Changes to the APS Generic Rules were approved at the recent APS AGM. The implications of
these changes for college membership remain unclear at present, particularly given the lack of up
to date course guidelines, and limited consultation with colleges to date. The redrafted guidelines
will need to take these changes into consideration in order to ensure that clinical neuropsychology
standards are clearly delineated.
Vicki Anderson
Chair, CCN course approvals sub-committee, 21 October 2009
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CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REPORT
The PD subcommittee have been challenged again this year by the competing demands of desiring
to help members to claim specialist PD points for a wide variety of activities, versus the need to try
to ensure that activities given CCN specialist points meet the guidelines set down by the APS. This
is not always an easy task, as we have received several applications for activities that would be of
interest to CCN members, but which do not appear to meet the APS criteria of being specialist and
advanced, rather than generic or introductory, in focus. We usually resolve these issues by
endorsing activities with direct relevance to the practice of neuropsychology, even if they overlap
with other specialities, or are more introductory than advanced. This is done in recognition of the
fact that members may need to be updated with the basics in our field, and that there is much
overlap between a number of the specialist colleges of the APS. We also try to ensure that we
endorse activities that meet the PD criteria of having a sound evidence base, or are at least topics
for discussion presented by experts in our field.
The relatively low number of applications for CCN activities in the past 12 months, compared to
other colleges, has led to some discussion about the need for a nationally co-ordinated approach
to continuing professional development, where the PD subcommittee would facilitate provision of
activities to all members, possibly in conjunction with the State sections, who already provide
useful activities for their members. Discussions are in the preliminary stages, but include the
possibility of providing reference materials and activities for various units of study for members to
complete individually or in study groups. These would be designed to attract 2 PD points per hour
of study. Another idea is for the annual conference to move to a greater number of low-cost
workshops over the duration of the program to allow in-depth study of a range of topics. These
workshops could use the skills and resources of CCN members who have taught postgraduate
neuropsychology courses, or who have extensively researched specialist topics, to allow
conference attendees a chance to update and expand their knowledge.
The affiliation agreement with NAN (the National Academy of Neuropsychology) is awaiting final
approval from the APS Board. Simon Crowe has offered to help expedite this process, and will talk
with NAN on our behalf at their conference in New Orleans this November. Once the affiliation is
complete, we may be able to work with them on making their excellent online neuroanatomy
course available to our members. This course is run by Greg Lee, who many will remember from
last years’ conference in Adelaide.
The following table lists some of the PD subcommittee ideas from this year’s newsletter, with their
current status
PD subcommittee ideas
Status
1 members to post links to interesting articles/books and other resources, Ongoing
using ‘npinoz’ google group for neuropsychologists in Australia
2 invite member reviews of relevant articles/books etc on ‘npinoz’ or for Ongoing
newsletter
3 discussion groups – article of the month – can be done online, or via To be done
local group meetings (a bit like a journal club, except that members
meet to discuss a particular topic area with more widespread reading
than just one article)
4 post links to online CE activities relevant to clinical neuropsychology ongoing
(e.g., medscape etc).
5 On CCN website: annotate CCN competencies document with links to To be done
list of relevant readings for each area. Readings to be provided by
members, and reviewed for usefulness/relevance (e.g. amazon.com 5-
star rating), attracting PD points
6 CCN website: list of peferences by topic area for individual study or local
discussion groups
To be done
9

7 CCN website: list of members in private practice/ bilingual
neuropsychologists
8 CCN website: provide results of a yearly survey of workforce in public
service, (e.g., name of service, EFT, no. beds/clients,
inpatient/outpatient waiting times) for members to access when
attempting to increase funding
9 CCN website: provide a list of current benchmarking recommendations,
e.g. ARFM guidelines 2005 say 0.5 EFT neuropsych for 10 neurological
rehab beds, same for TBI
10 Record local presentations using APS resources to make available for
members to access for a fee via website
APS approval
neede
Awaiting input from
members outside
South Australia
To be done
Need to liaise with
APS
Finally, I would like to thank Carmela Connor, Amie Foran, Clive Skilbeck, Robin Murray, and
Debbie Anderson for their dedication and thoughtfulness over the past two years, and I look
forward to working with them again if I am elected to continue in this role for another 2 years.
Fiona Bardenhagen
Convenor, CCN Continuing Professional Development Subcommittee
STUDENT COMMITTEE
The CCN National Student Committee began in 2008. This committee is currently made up of a
Student Representative from each Neuropsychology course in Australia. The members from 2009
include: Aimee Velnoweth (Uni of WA), Leander Mitchell (Uni of QLD), Gabrielle Brawn (Macquarie
Uni), Kylie Richardson (Uni of Sydney), Melanie Tokley (Vic Uni), Ming-Yun Hsieh (Monash), Angie
Jackman (Uni of Melb), Louise Bannister (La Trobe), and Ruth Tesselaar (Vic Uni).
Over the past year the CCN National Student Committee has promoted the benefits of being a CCN
Student member to students, promoted the needs of students to the CCN National Executive
Committee, and been actively involved with the CCN National Executive Committee.
Some of the actions undertaken by the CCN National Student Committee in 2009 include:
- Encouraged each university to nominate a CCN student representative for the committee.
- Set-up of an email network at each university so that the Student representative can
disseminate information to students at their university.
- Encouraged each state section to hold a social event for students to promote the CCN.
- Promoted the benefits of becoming a student member of the CCN through student friendly
flyers.
- Promoted students to submit abstracts for, and to attend, the CCN conference.
- Encouraged students to make networks with students from other universities.
- Had initial discussions about a CCN student website which now on-hold until the CCN
acquires a webmaster.
- Advocated for the financial burden of students to be reduced through activities such as
organising billet accommodation for interstate students for the conference, reduced student
registration fees for conference and education nights, advertising for volunteers to assist at
the conference in exchange for free conference registration.
- Kept informed of the registration process, including the registration process with state
registration boards, for students from states undertaking combined degrees as this may
affect students with dual qualifications if national specialist titles are recognised.
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All of the above has only been possible with the prompt and continual email contributions and
discussions by the CCN National Student Committee. While it is currently unknown who will take
over in the roles of CCN National Student Committee Members and Chair in 2010, I am sure the
student committee will continue to play a strong part within the CCN National Executive
Committee.
Ruth Tesselaar
CCN National Student Committee Chair
New South Wales Section
On two occasions this year, the NSW section of the CCN has combined business meetings with
educational presentations. The educational component of the program included research and case
presentations. The first meeting was held at the School of Psychology, Sydney University, in
February 2008. Dr Sue Mears presented on The Trajectory of Postconcussion Syndrome after Mild
TBI. This was followed by a case study of a patient who sustained mild TBI, delivered by Mr Jamie
Campbell, Clinical Neuropsychology student, Macquarie University. The second meeting was held
at the Brain & Mind Research Institute (BMRI) in June 2009. At this meeting Ms Nicola Gates
(Clinical Neuropsychologist and UNSW PhD student) gave a talk on Cognitive Plasticity and
Cognitive Training. A case of a TBI patient was presented by Ms Bronwyn Coward, Clinical
Neuropsychology student, Macquarie University.
In addition to the meetings and above mentioned presentations, the NSW section of the CCN has
sponsored Sydney Neuropsychology Case Rounds. The rounds have been co-ordinated by Dr Ilana
Hepner and colleagues (Teresa Lee, Nicky Kochan, Tasha Kvelde, Agnes Rappaport and Corinne
Roberts) at the Prince of Wales Hospital (POWH). The topics and expert discussants were: (i)
Assessment of Frontal Lobe Function, Prof Skye McDonald (UNSW); (ii) Parkinson’s Plus
Syndromes, Dr Nicholas Cordato (St George Hospital); (iii) Safe to DriveMs Wendy Schuld and Ms
Alison Finney (Calvary Hospital); (iv) Discrepancies between Neuropsychology, Clinical History and
Neuroradiology, Prof Perminder Sachdev (POWH); (v) Neurorehabilitation and Cognitive Training,
Ms Nicola Gates (UNSW) and Dr Sharon Naismith (BMRI).
The NSW section of the CCN also helped to sponsor a presentation given by Visiting Fulbright
Senior Specialist Professor Muriel Lezak on Responsive Assessment and the Freedom to Think for
Ourselves. This was organized by Professor Robyn Tate at the University of Sydney and was
followed by a wine and cheese party to facilitate interaction between CCN members and Prof
Lezak.
The CCN members have continued to show interest in the Medicare issue, which has been
regularly discussed at the business meetings. A small subcommittee that includes Dr Ilana Hepner
and A. Professor Wayne Reid has liaised with our Melbourne colleagues. Dr Laurie Miller has been
an Acting Chair for the NSW section in the second half of the year, as Dr Sunny Lah has been on
study leave. The end of the year party is to take place following the last business meeting of the
year, on 26 of November 2009.
QUEENSLAND SECTION
The current APS CCN Queensland Section committee members are Geoff Boddice (Chair), Maggie
Bailey (Secretary), Elissa Morriss (Treasurer), Ada Kritikos, (Committee Member), Mia Mariani
(Professional Development Co-ordinator), Kate Thompson (Committee Member) and Leander
Mitchell (Student Representative). The CCN Queensland section currently has 52 College members.
Of these there are 32 Full members, three Associate members, five Affiliate members and 12
Student members. We have had an increase in memberships by 12 which is a very pleasing result.
11

The CCN meetings are generally held bimonthly. We have spiced up the meetings with a range of
professional development activities from case discussions to presentations by guest speakers. We
are trying to encourage a more active Qld Section with greater member participation, and we
anticipate that a greater local contribution will help lead to a more supportive, active, united and
effective Queensland Section. Additionally we are trying to run a rotating professional development
program with equal time being allocated to relevant paediatrics topics, adult topics and older adult
topics.
The professional development activities offered in 2008/2009 included Professor Justin Kenardy,
Ms Debbie Anderson, Dr Geoff Boddice, Mr Owen Lloyd, Ms Elissa Morriss, Dr Ada Kritikos, Dr
Sandy Brauer, Dr Karen Sullivan, Dr Jacqueline Boon, and Mr Michael Dent. The topics ranged
from the relationship between paediatric TBI and PTSD; movement disorders and efficacy of
attention-based physiotherapy interventions in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease; history of and
careers in neuropsychology; the works of David Faust; to current understanding of mild traumatic
head injury.
We have also had the pleasure of hosting a day workshop by Dr Amanda Wood who presented on
brain imaging research technology and its relevance to neuropsychological practice.
A number of invited guest speakers included Emeritus Professor Gina Geffen who present at the Jo
Wale Memorial Lecture in October 2008. It was a breath taking presentation that has taken us into
Gina’s remarkable professional career. We have also had the pleasure of Dr Peter Georgious who
presented on the intricacies of the aetiology, neurology and management of pain. Dr Mark
Bellgrove also presented on the latest developments in ADHD and genetic studies.
More recently, the College has hosted a joint evening with the Australian Society for the Study of
Brain Impairment and the Griffith University when we had the pleasure of meeting and listening to
Dr Muriel Lezak and her controversial views on neuropsychological assessments.
The College has also facilitated two workshops with Ms Valorie O’Keefe, Consultant Pearson
PsychCorp who introduced the newly released WAIS-IV and WMS-IV.
The College has also enjoyed a collaborative work with the College of Health Psychologists in
facilitating shared presentations and social evenings. We look forward to our ongoing liaison.
The College has secured a partnership with the Rural Stroke Outreach Service (RSOS, Queensland
Health) that allows us to televise the Qld CCN presentation throughout Queensland to any
Queensland Health facility, and therefore allowing members throughout the State the chance to
join in as well as opening up clinical neuropsychology to other professionals. Finally, we are trying
to support a CCN Qld quarterly newsletter. We hope to use this newsletter to help keep our
members up to date with current and future events.
Amongst the professional activities, we have also taken the time to relax and meet our colleagues
more informally over a cocktail or two and use the occasions to encourage a greater link between
the Qld Section of the CCN, College members and post graduate students / student members.
The CCN Qld will be holding a BGM on 10 th November. We hope to attract new committee
members. In the meantime we thank all our members for supporting the Queensland Section
committee over the last two years.
Committee
APS College of Clinical Neuropsychologists
Queensland Section
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SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SECTION
A major focus this year has been developing SA referrers’ awareness of fully-qualified
neuropsychologists to whom they can refer. Rachel Roberts and her technical team developed a
flyer with College Members’ contact details, and the whole Section was involved in producing a
mailing list of potential referrers, to whom the flyer was sent. At the Mental Health Law and
Guardianship ‘Rights Responsibilities and Rhetoric’ Conference, Emma Scamps coordinated a
presentation on Clinical Neuropsychologists and Capacity Assessment with Elissa O’Connell,
Rochelle Goodinson, Amie Foran and Julia Kuring. Feedback on these initiatives has been positive
and we hope that referrals and services to SA patients have improved as a result.
An urgent priority is the need for a clinical neuropsychology training program in South Australia.
Julia Kuring and I have continued to meet with representatives of Flinders and Adelaide
Universities to progress a proposal for a jointly-badged degree. Amie Foran has been active in
promoting neuropsychology to 3 rd Year and Honours students, and she presented on Clinical
Neuropsychology at a psychology students’ Careers Night.
The SA CCN Section has also continued to run monthly CCN Clinical Meetings providing
Professional Development for neuropsychologists, other psychologists and postgraduate students.
Given the growing number of neuropsychologists in SA working primarily with children, Cate
Cheetham’s work towards developing a paediatric discussion group is timely.
Individually and as a Section we have taken part in lobbying for Medicare funding (here again
Amie Foran has been active), and we have corresponded with State and Federal Health Ministers
concerning the proposed de-regulation of psychological testing.
Having completed two years as SA Section Chair I will be standing down at the Section AGM next
month. I would like to express my appreciation to Section and Committee members for their
helpful and collegial approach, and in particular I would like to thank the 2009 Conference
Committee, Stephen Bowden the National Chair and the National Executive, Rachel Roberts,
Section Secretary, and Julia Kuring, Section Treasurer, for their hard work, patience, good humour
and great ideas. I wish them well in their future endeavours for the CCN.
Linley Denson
VICTORIAN SECTION
I have been acting as chairperson since Diana Perre stepped down from the position. Diana has
made a great contribution to the committee both as a member and chairperson earlier this year.
I’m sure I can speak for the Committee and Victorian members of the CCN saying that we have
greatly regretted her leaving the committee.
As a new member of the Victorian section CCN committee it has been personally very impressive
to learn of the hard work done by the committee, especially with regard to providing the
professional development sessions.
The committee has continued to organise professional development sessions throughout the year.
Sessions have ranged across research, clinical assessment, rehabilitation and have included
speakers from within the Victorian neuropsychological community and local neurologists. I
understand a record attendance level was established with Prof Muriel Lezak’s presentation - so we
even have a higher bar to aim for in the future!
Student involvement in the committee has continued as well. The committee representatives this
year - Louise Bannister, Mig-Yun Hsieh, Angela Jackman and Melanie Tokley have all made a
13

substantial contribution to the committee which has been greatly appreciated. Student events to
be held this year included the cocktail party and also the student research day. The prize for the
best paper was won by Sarah Knight. Attendees were fortunate enough to hear A Prof Michael
Saling talk about his personal career development in neuropsychology and also provide great
insights and advice.
The committee recently welcomed Rob Burke as a co-opted member. We look forward to working
with Rob in the following year. Kate Frencham has informed the committee of her intention to
stand down at the end of the year. Kate has made a wonderful contribution to the Victorian
section CCN; both as a member and more recently as the secretary. The committee will certainly
miss Kate and wishes her well in the year to come.
I must stress that I have genuinely enjoyed my involvement on the Committee this year, and wish
to thank Dana, Kate, Emilie, Fiona and the student reps Louise, Ming-Yun, Angie & Mel for all their
hard work and commitment. At times there seem to be manic flurries of email confirming
presenters, registrants, venues, dietary requirements etc – and it seems like a miracle that it all
comes together on time – but of course that is because of your hard work.
The committee looks forward to further professional development sessions in 2010, and welcomes
suggestions and feedback from members. Potential developments include seminars for
professional development sessions. I understand membership of the college has grown in
particular with regard to students, which no doubt is related to the greater promotion of student
involvement which has occurred in past years. Therefore the committee hopes to continue to
promote this trend.
Matt Hughes
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN SECTION
The CCN WA Branch is now in its third year and our membership has slowly grown to 12 Full
Members and 2 Student Members. The committee has been trying to increase student membership
and has a Student Function scheduled for 16/11/09. Practising neuropsychologists will give brief
presentations about their professional work followed by an open question and answer session
providing opportunity for students to ask about all things neuropsychological. We have continued
with monthly joint Student Case Conferences at the University of WA, which have been well
attended. The committee have also coordinated a range of professional development events over
the past year on topics such as the new WAIS & WMS, psychopharmacology & neuroimaging. We
are gearing up to host the National CCN Conference in Perth next year (30th of September to
Saturday the 1 st of October 2010) and hope to see lots of national CCN members in sunny
Perth.
The WA committee members have also joined in the national advocacy efforts with regard to
several issues, including Medicare, National Registration, and more recently restrictions on
Psychological Testing. Our section also made a submission to the State Mental Health Policy and
Strategic Plan (2010-20) for Western Australia, advocating for additional neuropsychology
positions in this State. Our Committee aims continue to 1) Promote eligible members to submit
their application for CCN membership; 2) Advocate for neuropsychology among other professions
within the State; and 3) Encourage members to bring issues to the committee that they come
across in practise. Our Annual AGM took place on the 9.11.09 and a new committee was elected,
with Dr Carmela Connor continuing as Chairperson, and Rachel Zombor taking up the Vice-Chair
position. Our Treasurer will be Dr Jonson Moyle and our Secretary, Dr Sarah Fairjones. Michael
Weinborn (as our co-opted UWA liaison member), Mandy Vidovich and Pascalle Bosboom will
continue on the Committee.
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