Honoured Members

The idea of an association of occupational therapists and physiotherapists interested in treating upper limb injury and disease was first discussed on 31 August 1982. 

The association's purpose was to establish communication with other hand therapy groups and continue the profession's growth in this specialised field. 

Just over 1 month later, on 16 October 1982, a formal meeting was held in Sydney. Present were Jill Chapman from Victoria, Esther May from South Australia and Judith Morrin, Wilma Walsh, Peggy Whyment and Judith Hague, all from New South Wales.

The Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA) was born on this day. 

We honour give thanks to our founders.

Jill Chapman VIC

Judith Morrin NSW

Judith Hague NSW

Wilma Walsh NSW

Esther May SA

Peggy Whyment NSW

On 12 November 1983, a meeting was held in Canberra. 

According to the minutes of this meeting, eight therapists became members, and five applications for membership were received and tabled.  

We honour our founding members:

Jill Chapman VIC

Judith Morrin NSW

Esther May SA

Wilma Walsh NSW.

We honour our inaugural members: 

Jenny Ball TAS

Jill Chapman VIC

Suzanne Clemens VIC

Janet Dindler SA

Cathy Jordan VIC

Esther May SA

Judith Morrin NSW

Beverly Trevithick NSW

Wilma Walsh NSW

Naomi White NSW

Sandra Williamson SA

Janine de Kretser VIC (Associate)

Susan Mitchell VIC (Associate).

Life membership is granted to a member of the association in recognition of outstanding achievement in activity relating to hand therapy or outstanding service to the association by way of bearing office, promoting the association's objects and making a significant contribution to its growth and development. 

We acknowledge our Life Members.

1999 Rosemary Prosser NSW

2004 Janet Dindler SA

2004 Judith Wilton WA

2004 Judith Morrin NSW

2008 Jenny Ball TAS

2009 Barbara Watson QLD

2012 Birgit Svens SA

2014 Amy Geach TAS

2014 Elizabeth Ward NSW

2018 Suzanne Caragianis SA

2018 Tracey Clark NSW

2018 Anne Wajon NSW

2022 Joy Hanna QLD

2022 Susan Peters USA

2023 Barbara Hall WA

2024 Beth Taylor NT

Wilma Walsh NSW.

Find linked citations below:

Citations

Policy and Nomination Form – Life and Honorary Membership

Honorary membership may be granted to a person, nominated by a member of the association, who is of acknowledged eminence in activity related to hand therapy or who, because of position, eminence or experience, has rendered outstanding service in promoting the growth and development of the association, but is no longer an active member of the association, or is not eligible for membership of the association.

We acknowledge our honorary members.

1987 Jill Butchers

1989 Esther May SA

2005 Cynthia Nicol NSW

2007 Ray Huttenmeister QLD

2007 Matt Woods QLD

2017 Nicola Massey-Westropp

2019 Andrea Bialocerkowski QLD

2024 Judy Colditz (USA)

1982 – 1985 Jill Chapman VIC

1986 – 1987 Wilma Walsh NSW

1988 – 1991 Sandra Williamson SA

1992 – 1993 Beverley Trevithick NSW

1994 – 1996 Jenny Ball TAS

1997 – 1998 Barbara Watson QLD

1999 – 2000 Janet Dindler SA

2001 – 2002 Judith Wilton WA

2003 – 2004 Celeste Glasgow QLD

2005 – 2006 Anne Wajon NSW

2007 – 2008 Barbara Hall WA

2009 – 2010 Beth Taylor NT

2011 – 2012 Joy Hanna QLD

2013 – Rosemary Prosser NSW

2013 – 2015 Tracey Clark NSW

2015 – 2016 Helen Burfield SA

2016 – 2017 Karen Fitt VIC

2017 – 2018 Nicola Cook NSW

2018 – 2020 Lara Griffiths TAS

2021 – 2022 Hamish Anderson VIC

2022 – 2024 Rebecca Crowley NSW