Minutes 18th Annual General Meeting Thursday 27th October 2011

6. Introduction of Members seeking Election to the Board
Vera asked the three candidatures seeking election to the Board to identify themselves and advised
that staff would be collecting the ballot papers.
7. Presentations:
7.1 Jo Southwell – retiring Director
Brydie Quinn, on behalf of the Board thanked Jo for her time on the Board for the last ten years and
formally acknowledged her contribution to the work of the Board and the oversight of the
organisation. She highlighted Jo’s passion, commitment and knowledge. Jo was presented with a
small gift and thanked Brydie, Vera and the NYCH community, stating it had been wonderful to work
with such a great organisation and with the community.
7.2 Recognition of Years of Service
Vera told the meeting that three staff had reached an important milestone this year in achieving 25
years of service with NYCH and its predecessor organisations. The three staff are:
Chris Hardy, Manager, Mental Health and Drug Services
Katrine Harper, Pharmacist
Maureen Schleiger, Manager Corporate Services
They join current staff Bich Ha and Arzih Chehade as well as ex staff Dr Chris O’Neill as part of a
very select group to have completed 25 years of service.
Maureen Schleiger was on leave at this time, but the service of Chris Hardy and Katrine Harper was
acknowledged with a small presentation by Directors Jo Southwell and Phil Robinson respectively.
8. Celebration of Partnerships
Brydie told the meeting that we would now hear brief presentations about a range of partnership
based programs that we were highlighting.
Learning Space - Melbourne Young Lions and the Lions Club of Melbourne.
Sally Mitchell informed the meeting of “Learning Space’ which is a Homework Program, delivered in
partnership with the Melbourne Young Lions and the Lions Club of Melbourne. Sally thanked the
tutors from the Melbourne Young Lions who voluntarily give their time and assistance each week.
YCS art Program - Melbourne Art Therapy Studio
Helen Jedjud spoke about the Yarra Community Support (YCS) program, which working with
people recovering from a mental illness, who are able to explore their feelings through art in a
creative and safe space. She thanked the Melbourne Art Therapy Studio for their professionalism
and flexibility.
Physiotherapy at Common Ground – HomeGround Services
Kristine Olaris spike about the partnership with HomeGround which has seen the provision of
Physiotherapy at Common Ground, Elizabeth Street. The service is targeted to people who have
experienced homelessness and build on many other partnerships between NYCH and
HomeGround.
YES Network – City of Yarra
Kristine Olaris spoke about the Yarra Environmental Sustainability Network which commenced in
2009 and is jointly convened by the City of Yarra and NYCH. Michael Oke from the City of Yarra
thanked NYCH for supporting and resourcing the network.
InnerSpace Art Exhibition- Collingwood Rotary Club
Chris Hardy thanked the Club for supporting InnerSpace by donating funds and supporting art
therapy programs.