ARAFMI NSW has a Branch structure, with the State-wide body being governed by a Board comprising a 6 office bearers and 4 ordinary members and the Regional Branches being governed on behalf of the Board by Regional Committees elected by the local Branch members. The role of the Board is to govern the organisation as a whole and set policies to meet ARAFMI’s corporate obligations at a State-wide level, while providing support and advice to local Branches.
The NSW Office also provides advocacy for carers at a State-wide level. Regional Branch Committees manage local issues and policies and Branches provide services and advocacy at the local level. The Board are elected by all of ARAFMI’s members at our annual AGM and Regional Committee Members by local Branch members at the Branch’s AGMs. Members of the Board are elected for a term of 2 years, being re-elected at alternate AGMs, while Committees are elected annually.
I was employed for over 30 years in middle management with both Australian and multinational companies in sales and marketing, after which I started my own company in 1986. In 1997 I started my own farming enterprise growing hydroponic lettuce and tomatoes on the Central Coast of NSW.
I first became involved with ARAFMI in the early 80’s. I joined the Central Coast branch and served as President of that branch. I was elected to the Board of the ARAFMI NSW and currently hold the position of Acting Treasurer.
I am married with a son, 2 daughters and 3 step sons. I have over 20 years experience of caring for persons suffering from mental illness.