Dear Members,

It is of course an honour and privilege to address you for the first time as President of our great Association, ADAQ.

Just over ten years ago my wife and I made a bold decision together, that we would move our young family to Brisbane so that I could undertake my studies in dentistry, as a mature student.

I graduated from The University of Queensland in 2015, and joined ADAQ Council in 2017.

I have been approached by Members and asked what I intend to do as President over the next 12 months. My response is simple, and that is that the role of President is not an autocratic one. Indeed, Council as a Board of Directors takes responsibility for its decisions as a collective, albeit with myself now as its Chair.

Under Immediate Past President Alex Forrest’s tenure, Council and ADAQ staff have achieved an inordinate amount over the last 12 months. This includes:

- A 10% increase in membership,
- An approval of a 10% early-bird reduction in ADAQ membership fees for the next financial year*,
- Successful advocacy in mitigating the TGA Regulation of Personalized Medical Devices,
- Accreditation by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners for CPD delivery to its Members,
- Inauguration of the Volunteering in Dentistry Subcommittee,
- And the appointment of our first ever female Federal ADA representative on Council, Dr Angie Nilsson, and
- Submission of an application to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission to have ADAQ registered as a Not-for-profit organisation.

Finally, if you have any questions about the vaccine mandate for healthcare workers and what it means for your staff, the ADA HR Service are able to help out. You can contact them on 1300 232 462 or [email protected].

Until next time, thank you for your continued support in helping us to help you in your profession.

*Terms and Conditions apply