Amaze AGM Approves Change to Amaze Inc.

The Amaze (Autism Victoria) Annual General Meeting took place last night at the Western Autistic School at Laverton.
Members heard from guest speaker, Alexandra Gunning, Director, Engagement, National Disability Insurance Scheme, Launch Transition Agency, on the subject of progress with the NDIS in the Barwon region.
Members listened to three short presentations from Amaze staff; firstly Rhiannon Memery presented the recently launched ‘TherapyConnect’ website, which provides information on therapy for children with ASD, to help families understand the options available. Next Emily Kilsby talked about the BIG Weekend, camp for kids who have a sibling on the spectrum, showing photos of the various activities that took place, and Fran Ludgate announced the ‘Amaze Awards for Service to the ASD Community’ which will be opening for nominations on 1 January.
Chair, Michele Carson, Treasurer, Graeme Wickenden, and CEO, Murray Dawson-Smith, each gave their report on the 2012-13 financial year, mentioning the many events and activities that had taken place during another busy year.
The meeting was surprised to hear Michele announce the resignation of CEO, Murray Dawson-Smith, who will be leaving at the end of January. She thanked Murray for the hard work that he had put in over the last 5 1/2 years, taking the organisation from just 4 staff to the current 26 FTE, and for his energetic leadership and work to interface with government and keep ASD top of mind. The meeting showed its support for her words.

Members voted on two resolutions: the first to move forward with a change of name from ‘Autism Victoria Inc, trading as Amaze’, to ‘Amaze Inc’, and the second to update the Rules of Association to comply with new legislation and tidy a few things up. Both resolutions were carried.
Members returned the three incumbent board members to the board, with Michele Carson being re-elected to the marketing role, Cath Wyatt to the medical role and Graeme Wickenden to the finance role.
Deputy Chair, Prof Bruce Tonge thanked all candidates for having the interest and willingness to put their names forward and commented that although they were not successful on this occasion, that should not discourage them from trying again.
Michele closed the meeting, thanking all present for attending and Western Autistic School for the use of their premises. Many attendees stayed for supper and a chance to catch up with each other.