ParaQuad Tasmania’s Annual General Meeting was held on Thursday 8 December 2022, when the 2021-2022 Annual Report was released.

Looking back on the previous financial year gave the Association the opportunity to show how much activity had taken place.

‘Like many charities and businesses, the first half of our financial year was dominated by the uncertainties surrounding COVID,’ CEO Carmel Clark wrote in the Annual Report.

‘Careful planning and compliance to accepted precautions protected ParaQuad staff, volunteers and clients from the worst of the impacts. Being nimble and flexible in program design and delivery ensured we upheld our commitments to our community, stakeholders and funders.’

Schools’ programs came alive in 2022, with the BodySafe Education Program and Wheelchair Sports in Schools (WSIS) program delivered to more than 2000 students. Staff criss-crossed Tasmania to spread the word about prevention of Spinal Cord Injury and to open their minds about what it’s like to live with the injury.

‘The program (WSIS) has a strong element of respectful interactions with people with disability built in’, said Richard Jones, Schools Coordinator.

‘We want to take the opportunity to talk to students about disability and their role in alleviating discrimination in the community.’

Another program that’s growing significantly is Wheelie Safe Tips & Tricks. This free program (funded through the MAIB’s Injury Prevention & Management Foundation) connects users of manual and electric wheelchairs and other mobility devices with allied health professionals, community safety experts and healthcare product providers to offer the latest information about staying safe and well.

It was delivered in the North, North West and South of the state and grew in popularity with each session. Thanks must go the many volunteer speakers who made these events possible.

Community sporting activities continue to grow. Along with the ParaQuad Tasmania Boccia State Titles, held in May, the team of staff and volunteers grew participation in Wheelchair Rugy and Basketball and introduced a new sport, frame running.

As the Financial Report states, ‘overall, it was a very positive year financially for the Association, particularly due to the increased grant funding and profits from PQ Tasmania Healthcare Supplies.’

More detail on activity can be found in the ParaQuad Association of Tasmania Inc. Annual Report 2021/2022 and Summarised Financial report which can be found here.

At the Annual General Meeting:

-Cameron Simpkins was elected Chairman of the Committee of Management (CoM)

-David Carpenter was elected Vice-Chairman

-Robert Fraser was elected as Treasurer

-Jan Dunsby, Wendy Gilson and Jim Busby were elected as Committee Members.

Special mention was made of Jim Busby who has worked tirelessly as the Association’s Treasurer for eleven years. Jim’s commitment to ParaQuad has been pivotal to the financial stability and high compliance standards achieved by the Association.

‘Stability in the CoM and a sound balance sheet in 2021-2022 ensures certainty to the continuation of the vital programs and services delivered by ParaQuad Tasmania,’ Carmel Clark added.

If you’d like to find out about any of ParaQuad Tasmania’s programs and services, email admin@paraquadtas.org.au