caring for doctors by doctors since 1896

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE MEDICAL BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION OF N.S.W.

(D Pope/M Doughty)

The Medical Benevolent Fund of New South Wales was the forerunner or parent of the present Medical Benevolent Association of New South Wales.  The date of its inaugural meeting is unknown and, if minutes were written, none remain to detail its establishment in 1896.  It existed until 1934.

The object of the fund was "to afford assistance to any duly qualified medical man, widow or orphan children of such, whom the Committee deem worthy of assistance".

A Committee of five managed the affairs of the Fund, consisting of two Trustees, an Honorary Secretary and two other members; three formed a quorum, and the members were duly qualified medical men elected annually.

1897 March 26:  The first Annual Meeting of the Medical Benevolent Fund of New South Wales was held.

1898:  The concept of investing unused money against future needs was established.

The earliest Minute Books of the Medical Benevolent Fund of New South Wales (1897-1912) have been lost.  However, the loss is offset by the fact that details of Annual Meetings, Treasurer’s Reports, the names of those elected to the Management Committee and a list of subscribers are to be found each year in the Australasian Medical Gazette from Volume 16 (1897) onwards.

1913 May:  The Minute Book for the next ten years contains only brief hand-written notes of meetings held at irregular intervals.

1923+:  The Minutes are typewritten.

1924:  Decision by Council to send a circular to all medical practitioners in the State.

1926 March 25:  The Medical Benevolent Association of New South Wales is formed.  The Council consisted of seven (three Trustees, an Honorary Secretary, an Honorary Treasurer and two Councillors, with two of the members acting as Auditors).  The decision was taken to hand the funds of the Medical Benevolent Fund of NSW over to the Medical Benevolent Association of NSW.

‘The Medical Benevolent Association of New South Wales Account’ Commonwealth Savings Bank was opened.

The Honorary Secretary, Dr J M Gill, dealt directly with those applying or referred for assistance, necessitating the opening of a second account to be known as the  ‘Honorary Secretary’s Current Account’.

1927:  Investments were purchased in Government subscribed stock.

1928 December:  The first Christmas Appeal.

1930 onwards:  A Christmas Fund appeal was launched every November.

1932:  The number of Councillors was increased to five.

1934 August:  The old Australian Medical Association Fund hands over the sum of 2,578 pounds, which was subsequently invested in Commonwealth Stock and Fixed Deposits.

1935:  An overall examination of the Rules was undertaken and Stephen Jaques and Stephen were instructed to proceed with incorporation.

The British Medical Agency takes over the accountancy and general secretarial duties and provides a repository for records, books and correspondence, while acting as its registered office.  This later became the Australian Medical Association Services (NSW).

1937 March 17:  The first meeting of the incorporated Medical Benevolent Association of New South Wales was held.

1938 April 28:  The passage of the Companies Act 1936 made it necessary to revise the recently established Articles of Association and a Special Resolution was approved at a General Meeting which enabled this to be done.  Messrs Coates, Cunningham and Stiffe succeed Troup, Harwood and Company as auditors.

1940:  A decision by Council to hold an annual appeal and a Christmas appeal each year.

1941 May:  Council agrees that ‘the service of an experienced Almoner be used, not only to obtain accurate information about the position of beneficiaries and applicants for aid but also to investigate the possibility of securing additional help for applicants from other sources’.

Miss Katherine Ogilvie of the Almoner’s Department at Sydney Hospital and Miss Eileen Davidson of Lewisham Hospital proved ‘of inestimable value’ during the next few years.

1944:  Mr Bernard Holingdale, Solicitor, advised that the Commissioner of Taxation was most unlikely to allow tax-deductible deductions ‘unless and until the Association was registered as a public charity’.

1947 May:  Mrs Nancy Mackay, Almoner, agreed to work for the Association on the basis of two days per month.

1950:  A number of beneficiaries expressed embarrassment at becoming the recipients of charity.

1951 June 19:  The beneficiaries’ cheque account was renamed ‘The Jones Trust’.

1953:  Mrs Mackay was invited to attend the meetings, thus enabling discussion to clarify any issues that might otherwise remain obscure.

The first application is submitted under the Charitable Collections Act.

1956:  Investments were made in Bank of New South Wales shares and later in BHP, Coles, EZ Industries with money from a legacy.

1957:  The Association’s Certificate of Registration as a Registered Charity is received.

1964 February:  Mrs Nancy Mackay resigns to return to fulltime social work.  She recommended as her replacement Mrs Mary Doughty who had worked for six years as an Almoner at Sydney Hospital.  Mrs Doughty was regarded as an extremely good caseworker and was interested in working with the Association.

1964 May 12:  Mrs Doughty was welcomed as the new Almoner.

The first major task undertaken was a review of all the beneficiaries known to the Association, together with an assessment of the current situation of each.  All beneficiaries had been contacted by Christmas 1964 and it was agreed that, in future, all beneficiaries should be contacted yearly, before the December meeting, for review of their needs.  On the other hand, those receiving regular assistance were to be contacted several times per year.

1967:  Duesbury Johnston & Marks are appointed as auditors (to become Deloittes Touche Tohmatsu).

1972 December 7:  AMA Services announced that it was no longer able to handle the affairs of the Medical Benevolent Association.

The President, Dr Brian Florance, gathered up the old Minute books, case histories, ledgers, cash books, balance sheets and a large volume showing cash receipts for Christmas Appeals 1962-1970.  With considerable foresight and wisdom he handed over all this valuable archival material to the care of the Mitchell Library (State Library).

A period of nomadic wandering for the Councillors of the Medical Benevolent Association came to an end when the New South Wales Branch of the Australian Medical Association granted the Medical Benevolent Association the regular monthly use of its Conference Room at 33 Atchison Street, St Leonard’s, and agreed to act as its registered office and official postal address. 

1974 May:  It was unanimously decided to enter into a contract with the Bank of New South Wales (Wales Management Pty Ltd now Westpac Investment Management Pty Ltd) to set up an investment portfolio.

1977:  The 80^th anniversary of the Association.  Council decides to hold one annual appeal each year.

The NSW Medical Board agrees to supply its official mailing list of all medical practitioners registered in New South Wales, thus ensuring that the appeal letter is mailed to all registered medical practitioners.

There still remained the long-standing and vexed question of donations to the Association not rating as allowable income tax deductions.  The final favourable solution of this problem appears to have been entirely due to the skilful diplomacy of Dr Jim L’Estrange who, in 1977, was elected Honorary Secretary and immediately embarked upon discussions with the Taxation Department. 

1977 September 29:  The Australian Taxation Office advises that Clause 3 (b)(i) be amended in order to read: ‘Necessitous members of the medical professional and their wives or husbands and all of their children’.

1977 November 1:  An Extraordinary General Meeting was held at which the necessary amendment was made to Clause 3(b)(i) of the Association’s Memorandum.

1977 November 9:  The Taxation Office advised ‘that gifts of $2 and upwards to the Medical Benevolent Association of New South Wales are allowable deductions for income tax purposes under Section 78(1)(a)(iii) of the Income Tax Assessment Act’.  The Minutes of the December 6, 1977 and of  42^nd Annual General Meeting on April 18, 1978, record the warm appreciation of the Council for the work of Dr L’Estrange in this important matter.

1978 May:  A sub-committee was formed to study the existing Memorandum and Articles to determine where change was desirable and to prepare an initial rough draft.  In November a copy of the suggested amendments was submitted to the Association’s legal advisors, Stephen Jaques and Stephen.

September 1979:  Considerable difficulty and delay arose out of the wording of Clause 3 of the Memorandum because the requirements of the Corporate Affairs Commission were found to be in direct conflict with those of the Australian Taxation Office.

The problem was solved to everyone’s satisfaction by reconstructing Clause 3(b) so that it read:

3(b): To assist either by donations or otherwise the following persons;

(i)

(ii) Necessitous members of the medical profession not being members of the Association.

(iii) Such other necessitous persons as the Council in its discretion may from time to time determine.

1979 January:  Dr Edward (Ted) Booth is appointed as a Member to The Order of Australia AM.

1980 September 16:  Council approves the requisite changes.

The Attorney General, the Department of Services and the Australian Taxation Office were notified of the change in the financial year.

The new Articles increased the number of Councillors to a total of nine.

1981 September 24:  A meeting of the Conjoint Committee of the New South Wales Branch of the Australian Medical Association was held to consider the Health Care of Doctors. 

1982 February:  The Council of the Medical Benevolent Association agreed to provide the services of its social worker to be social worker and executive secretary to the DHAS (NSW).  This would provide a valuable liaison between the Medical Benevolent Association and the Service.

1982 April 15:  Council agreed the social worker’s costs for the MBA and DHAS work would be recorded separately.

The Association continued to contribute to the Doctors’ Health Advisory Service (NSW) in that it funded the Secretarial and Social Work costs of the service until September 1995 when it was mutually agreed that the Service should bear the cost of its own administration.  The MBA’s social worker continues to act in that role.

1982 March:  Dr John Newlinds was elected Honorary Assistant Treasurer and then Hon Treasurer in September of that year. 

The brochure ‘Take Care’ was developed and funded by the Medical Benevolent Association.

1982-83:  General expenditure had increased to cover the wages and expenses of the Social Worker/Executive Secretary, the cost of portfolio management, the Association’s involvement with the Doctors’ Health Advisory Service and ‘Take Care’ Brochure.

1983 August 25:  The Australian Taxation Office advises that  ‘the review of the Association’s activities is now completed and approval of the Association in terms of Section 78(1)(a)(iii) of the Income Tax Assessment Act is now confirmed’.

1985 December:  Council adopts a definite procedural plan in relation to the acceptance of individual trusts.

1987 October 12:  Decision by Council to write to all Supporting Organisations, to list the Social Worker’s telephone number on that letter and to enclose a copy of the Annual Appeal letter.

1988 February:  Letter to NSW Medical Board re delays in hearing of doctors’ cases.

1988 September:  Review of Take Care Brochure and reprint.

1988 November:  Decision by Council to list the Social Worker’s telephone number on the Annual Appeal Letter.

1989 January:  Council decides it cannot undertake payment of the Higher Education Contribution Scheme debts.

1989 September 19:  Dr Margery Scott-Young is created an Honorary Life Member of the Association.

1989 October:  The social worker speaks at RACP seminar on ‘The Impaired Physician‘

1990 March:  Decision by Council to mail the Annual Appeal Letter on the 1^st June each year.

1990 August:  Social worker visits AMA WA for discussion on its benevolent fund.

1991 July:  Social worker addresses the KDMA Conference, together with Drs John Horvath/David Pullen.

1991 September 17:  Drs Edward Booth (a member of Council from 1970-1991) and Brian Florance (a member of Council from 1960-1980) are created Honorary Life Members of the Association.

1992 January:  Donation from St Joseph’s Hospital Auburn MSC on its closure.

1992 November:  Dr Bryan Curtin is honoured with a Papal Knighthood

1993:  Take Care Brochure revised and printed in DL form for inclusion with the annual appeal letter.

1993 April:  The MBA is required to attend a workshop on the Charitable Collections Act Requirements. 

1993 July:  Social worker attends the First World Congress on Family Law and the Rights of the Child.

The New Charitable Fundraising Act requires the Association to apply for an Authority to Fundraise.

1994 February:  Council decides to regard all beneficiaries who have completed secondary education as separate entities and personally responsible to Council.

1994 June:  Dr David Pope is awarded a Medal of The Order of Australia OAM.

1994 September:  Social worker speaks to Port Macquarie Local Medical Association dinner.

1995 February 20:  Memorandum and Articles of Association changed to increase the allowable number of Councillors to 20 and to insert a Complaints Clause.

1995 June:  Social worker attends the DHAS National Meeting in Brisbane and meets with the Qld. MBA.

1995 July:  Victorian MBA sends its social worker to Sydney to meet with Dr Pope/Mrs Doughty.

1995 October:  Liaison with the NSW Medical Board re the notification of medical deaths other than members of the AMA NSW.

1995 November:  Decision by Council to produce a more detailed Annual Report in A4 format and to distribute this to all Supporting Organisations, Honorary Life Members and past Councillors.

1996 January:  Dr R Herlihy speaks to the National Urology Conference slide presentation and material.

1996 February 2:  Council thanks Dr D Pope for writing the history of the past decade.

The appointed sub-committee confirms Council’s diligence in assessing beneficiaries’ needs.

1996 June 17:  NSW Doctor publishes a full-page article on the MBA Centenary.

September 17:  Dr Bryan Curtin is created an Honorary Life Member of the Association - Serving from 1984 - 1996

1996 August 13:  Social Worker joins the Doctors’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Committee chaired by Professor Beverley Raphael AM.

1996 August 19:  NSW Medical Board agrees to publicise the work of the MBA with its registration notice and newsletter.

Decision by Council to enlarge the Annual Report to include the President/Treasurer/Social Worker reports and some of the Auditor’s material.

1996 November 23:  Dr R Herlihy speaks to a Seminar of the RACP.

1996 November 29:  Dr R Wines speaks to a Seminar of the RACS.

1996 November 24:  Social Worker speaks to a Seminar of the Rural Doctors Association.

1997 January 20:  Decision by Council to send a letter to all Supporting Organisations seeking financial support for the MBA.

1997 January 26:  Dr John Newlinds is awarded a Medal of The Order of Australia OAM.

1997 March 17:  Decision by Council to write to the RMO contact in each hospital about the availability of the MBA’s counselling service.

The Social Worker speaks to the Sutherland Division of General Practice Weekend Seminar.

1997 April 15:  The SW speaks to the Hunter Medical Association.

1997 April 25:  The SW speaks to the Christian Medical/Dental Fellowship.

1997 June 16:  MBA meetings return to NSW AMA.

Mrs Mary Doughty is appointed as a Member to The Order of Australia AM for her work as the MBA’s Social Worker.  Acknowledged by various supporting organisations, NSW AMA, National and State AASW, 2NSBFM, local papers and the Catholic Weekly.

1997 August 18:  AMA NSW begins publishing a monthly newssheet and will publicise the work of the MBA.

1997 October 13:  State Minister for Health launches the Beverley Raphael Report on doctors’ health at Parliament House.  The Medical Observer comments on this report and notes the work of the MBA.

1997 November 11:  MBA writes to RANZCP and all psychiatric hospitals re counselling/financial assistance.

Northern Sydney Division of General Practice Newsletter article re MBA.

1997 December 15: Doctors’ Mental Health Implementation Committee set up chaired by Dr Tony Williams.  Social worker accepts membership.

1998 March 16:  The guidelines for accepting/setting up Trust Funds is reviewed and confirmed.

1998 April 20:  Decision by Council to write to the Deans of the Medical Faculties re the availability of the MBA counselling service.

Decision by Council to set up a post office box at Willoughby post office primarily for appeal mail.   All other mail will continue to go to the MBA’s registered office at AMA House, 33 Atchison Street, St Leonard’s.

Invitation from the Christian Medical/Dental Fellowship for the social worker to speak at hospitals throughout NSW to intern/resident groups: Bankstown, Westmead, Newcastle, John Hunter, Concord covered in 1998 and a dinner for many medical persons in Newcastle.

1998 May 18:  Decision by Council to fund the setting up of a Website for the DMHIC and to include information about the MBA and DHAS (NSW).  Dr G Galambos agreed to carry out this project.

1998 June 15:  Decision by Council to print a Business Card.

1998 August 17:  Decision by Council to distribute the Business Card and Information Brochure to all Social Work Departments in NSW and ACT hospitals.

Medical Observer prints an article on the effect of unexpected death, using MBA information.

Australian Doctor and MJA print articles on doctors’ health issues.

1998 September 21:  The Social Worker speaks at a meeting of Doctors in Training at AMA.

1998 October 19:  Decision by Council to hold a Christmas appeal in the format of a flyer. 

1998 October 22: Launch of DMHIC documents at Parliament House.

1998 November 11:  Social Worker speaks at National Epilepsy Conference in Melbourne.

1999 January 18:  Australian Medicine and Australia Doctor publish articles on bankruptcy using information from MBA.

1999 March 15:  Council agreed to continue to subsidise the Website and to develop an MBA Website.  Dr G Galambos agreed to develop the new Website and to maintain and function as Webmaster of both Websites.

Council decides to include the MBA Business Card with the annual appeal letter.

1999 April 19:  It was agreed by Council that a Bequest Brochure would be included with the annual appeal letter. 

The social worker will speak to the next meeting of the Medical Women’s Society.

1999 June 21:  The Medical Observer prints an article on bankruptcy using MBA material.

1999 July 19:  Council decided to hold a second Christmas appeal.

1999 August 16:  The social worker speaks to the ASA Fellows’ Day.

1999 September 20:  Council approves the printing of a poster for the National Doctors’ Health Conference in Brisbane.

1999 October 18:  Council decides to separate out the Annual and Christmas Appeal expenses for future discussion.

1999 November 1:  AGM: Dr David Pope OAM is created an Honorary Life Member, serving from May 1976 to this date.

1999  November 15:  Christmas appeal letter mailed.

2000 February 21:  Council agrees to cover the distribution and labour costs of DMHIC material. 

The social worker speaks at the KDMA dinner.

A letter is mailed to AHS CEOs re the VMO levy.

UMP holds a workshop on medical life and career options.  MBA social worker attends.

2000 July 17: Council decides to hold one appeal in 2000.

2000 August 18:  Council makes a request to all supporting organisations to list the Association’s telephone number in their various Newsletters.

2000 October 16:  Council decides to distribute the A4 publicity poster to as many hospitals/universities as possible.  It will also be included with the Annual Report when it is mailed to the Divisions of General Practice, Local Medical Associations and Colleges.

2000 December 11:  The Medical Observer, NSW Doctor and ACT Branch Newsletter will carry the MBA telephone number on a regular basis.

2001 March 19:  A revised Take Care Brochure is tabled, together with the draft Annual Appeal letter.

An Aboriginal painting by a beneficiary is gifted to the AMA NSW in appreciation and hung in its offices.

2001 December 10:  Council decides to reprint the Business Card in 2002 and distribute it again with the Annual Appeal Letter.

2002 March 2002:  Dept of Racing/Gaming Office of Charities Drs R Herlihy/R Wines attend a seminar on the requirements of the Charitable Collections Act.  Permission should be given in writing to AMA NSW to collect donations on MBA’s behalf.  Two members of the same family may not be signatories to the Association’s accounts.

3^rd National Doctors’ Health Conference to be held in Sydney in September 2003; Dr G Galambos will attend as the MBA representative.

2002 May 20:  Council decides to appoint an administrative officer to take care of the administrative duties of this Association and to take over certain other general tasks presently performed by the social worker.

2002 June 5:  Social worker meets with the Health Conciliation Commissioner and the CEO of the Health Conciliation Registry.

2002 October 12:  Social worker speaks at ASA Fellows’ Day.

2002 October 26:  Social worker speaks at the Dubbo Plains Division of General Practice Seminar.

2003 November 3: Annual General Meeting - Dr Joy Vautin resigns and a presentation is made.

2003 December 15: Dr Joy Vautin is appointed an Honorary Life Member. She has been a Councillor since 1981 and Drs David Pope and Norma Stephens spoke of her enormous contribution to Council during that time, of her wisdom and generosity of time in helping the beneficiaries.

The RACP Newsletter publishes an article written by MBA's social worker.

2004 January 19: Dr Elizabeth Rushbrook attends as an Observer. Mrs Danielle Doughty is offered the position of Administrative Assistant. She has a bookkeeping certificate. Arrangements are made for her to look at a new format for the monthly report with Mr Bill Nussbaum of HLB Mann Judd.

2004 February 16: Drs Sue Morey and Yvonne Skarbek attend as Observers.

Mrs Mary Doughty, social worker, speaks to the Tasmanian Sydney University Alumni dinner on the work of the Association.

AMA NSW advises of its new location and meeting facilities, filing space, use of office equipment, etc.

The Association letterhead is redesigned.

The Estate of the Late Dr F C Keston provides donations by way of dividends, this will continue over a number of years.

2004 March 15: Dr Gary Galambos continues to attend meetings of the Mental Health Implementation Committee chaired by Dr Tony Williams.

RACGP advises that its Webpage will contain information about the MBA.

2004 April 19: Mr Gary Scarr attends Council meeting and advises that Westpac Investment Management Limited is not BT Office Services.

Mrs Doughty speaks to the Y1 medical students at Newcastle University.

2004 May 17: Drs Elizabeth Rushbrook and Yvonne Skarbek are appointed to Council.

2004 June 21: Dr Sue Morey AM is appointed to Council.

Dr Elizabeth Rushbrook is awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in the Queen's Birthday Listing.

A good response to the 2004 annual appeal is noted. The number of group supporters has increased.

July 19: Drs Herlihy and Morey report on their attendance at a Seminar given by the Department of Gaming and Racing, Charities Office Section, on current fundraising requirements in NSW. MBA's position is confirmed.

The decision is made to hold a December appeal to 2003/2004 donors.

2004 August 16: Dr Andrew Wines returns from overseas and is reappointed to Council.

Dr R Herlihy advises of his decision to step down from the position of President at the AGM but to remain on Council.

Drs Herlihy/Rushbrook (with Mrs Doughty) report on their attendance at a Seminar given by the ATO on new requirements which come into operation on 1st July 2005. MBA already complies but will be advised officially in November 2004.

There is further discussion on the presentation of the social worker's report at monthly meetings. This will involve the purchase of a laptop computer.

Dr D Chen and Mrs M Doughty will attend the DHAS (NSW) AGM. Dr Cholm Williams spoke of the stress of ongoing litigation.

2004 October 18: It was agreed an application to AMEX for merchant status be made but not used until the June 2005 appeal.

Mrs M Doughty received her updated Certificate of Accreditation from the AASW.

2004 November 15: It was agreed that all correspondence/accounts be distributed with the Agenda/Financial Report and only discussed if raised by a Councillor.

Dr John Newlinds moved that Council's sincere thanks, gratitude and appreciation to Dr Richard Herlihy be recorded. He has given unstintingly of his time and the Association has been mechanically well run during his Presidency - but, more importantly, there has also been great humanity and good sense in dealing with the beneficiaries and their problems. Seconded by F Virant and passed unanimously.

2004 Nov 28: AGM - Dr David Chen was elected as President, Drs Virant and Galambos were re-elected as Vice-Presidents, Dr A Wines as Hon. Secretary and Dr A Di Dio as Treasurer. Councillors for 2004/2005 are Drs C Dalton, S Dalton, P Duke, G Frost, S Green, R Herlihy, S Morey, J Newlinds, E Rushbrook, Y Skarbek, N Stephens, V Wong.

2004 December 13: 2004 Christmas appeal shows a good response. It was agreed a good laptop/printer be purchased.

The meeting agreed to cover the cost of the social worker's attendance at the AIFS Conference in Melbourne in February 2005.

It was agreed that, except for legal correspondence, all mail should be directed to the PO Box at Willoughby.

2005 January 17: the laptop computer and laser printer are purchased.

Mr Laurie Pincott, AMA Exec. Director, authorised the social worker's access to Level 6 during normal Branch working hours, with permission to use the photocopier, shredder, etc. 

February 21: Dr Stella Dalton advises she will resign from Council. Drs Herlihy, Newlinds and Stephens spoke of her long involvement with the impaired doctor programmes and her enormous contribution to Council.

Dr D Chen and Mrs Danielle Doughty are listed as contact persons with the ATO. 

2005 March 21: AMEX merchant application is accepted.

Arrangements for June annual appeal agreed. Willoughby PO box number will replace the AMA's number.

Dr Andrew Wines tables the full report he made to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust on completion of his Churchill Fellowship in 2003.

2005 April 18: Mr Gary Scarr from BT Financial group reported on the Association's portfolio.

Dr Clement Loy is welcomed back from overseas and reappointed to Council.

2005 May 16: Council decides not to establish an email facility.

Queensland MBA seeks information on the organisation/administration of MBA of NSW.

2005 June 20: Annual appeal mailed on 29.5.2005.

2005 July 18: the Minutes record the death of Dr Bernie Amos AO who gave invaluable support to the MBA during his time as President of the NSW Medical Board.

The purchase of a flat screen computer/laser printer for the social worker was agreed.

The donations to the annual appeal are down by approximately $20,000.

2005 August 15: Dr Chen reports on the DHAS (NSW) AGM - guest speaker was Dr Mamta Gautam, Psychiatrist, from Canada. Her practice is concerned entirely with medical colleagues.

ATO confirms MBA's tax concessions in writing.

Decision to mail a Christmas appeal to all current donors.

Mrs M Doughty attends a forum for Seniors, setting out CSS benefits and the need for financial planning.

2005 September 19: Mrs Doughty attends a 2 day seminar on grief Counselling - speaker was Professor Janice Nadeau, international expert in grief and family therapy, from Canada. Attendees from across all branches of the community.

2006 June 19:  Letter of thanks to Mr Ron Heinrich of Tress Cox. 

Certificate of Appreciation to donors who have donated $200 or more over the past 4 years. 

Three copies of a Councillors' Handbook have been made up - includes Guidelines for running the Association. 

Dr Herlihy tabled his report on Association Income over the past 5 years. The financial situation is healthy and the portfolio is growing.

2006 October 16:  Dr E Rushbrook speaks to ACT AMA Annual Dinner. 

Mr Bill Nussbaum of HLB Mann Judd tables draft accounts. 

Death of Dr David Pullen AM, first President of DHAS NSW, noted.

Article re MBA to be published in the next issue of KDMA Newsletter.

2006 November 27:  At the MBA of NSW AGM, Dr Simon Willcock speaks on "The War, The Boomers and Alphabet Soup". 

2007 January 15:  Council agrees that the AGM will be held after the November Council meeting, that supporting organisations will not be invited individually and the date will be placed in the Annual Appeal Letter.

2007 February 19: Mr Mark Kelly, past auditor, advises that MBA can follow the above procedure. He is now Business Manager for AMA NSW. 

2007 March 19:  Past Councillor, Dr Stella Dalton, is appointed a Member in the Order of Australia AM. Letter of congratulations.

Death of Councillor and Past Vice-President, Dr Norma Stephens, is minuted. She joined the Council of the Association in 1982 and resigned in January this year due to ill-health. She will be created an Honorary Life Member from that date. The enormous loss of her wisdom and advice in discussing the beneficiaries has been expressed to her husband, Dr Dick Stephens.

2007 April 16: Mr Gary Scarr of BT Financial Services reports to the meeting on the investment portfolio. The overall return since 1986 is 14.2%. The share market continues to offer the best return. 

Social Worker Succession: the position is to be advertised in SMH. 

Very heavy expenditure on beneficiaries' needs at the present time.

2007 May 21: Dr Clement Loy granted leave of absence for overseas study. 

2007 June 18:  Council advised that Mrs Meredith McVey has accepted the position of social worker, pending the drawing up of a satisfactory contract. 

Annual Appeal Mailing: 25,461 letters. 

NSW Medical Board advises that some 5,000 names were accidentally omitted from 2005 and 2006 mailing which explains why some Councillors did not receive those annual appeal letters. 

Good response to call for Councillors - Drs F Choi, K Dunstan, R Mina, R Pearson, T Pelly, A Stalley attended as Observers.

Annual reports for 2005 & 2006 sent to National Library. 

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