EDAsa Plans to Amalgamate

The EDAsa Board has agreed in principle to amalgamate with two similar organisations to secure more funding and better services for clients. This comes from wanting to improve services but being severely limited by resources. Amalgamation appears to offer EDAsa a chance for increased funding.

During late 2005, independent consultant for the Mental Health Coalition Marguerite Tohl contacted EDAsa to conduct a survey into the gaps and needs of smaller non-government organisations affiliated with the Mental Health Coalition. She found that EDAsa, like similar small organisations, was unable to provide the best services statewide with its current resources. Marguerite has an extensive history in government funding, and she saw an opportunity for several like-minded services to create a new initiative that would show the government we are trying to promote our organisations and develop. From this came the proposal to amalgamate with the Obsessive Compulsive Disorders Association and the Panic Anxiety Disorders Association. All parties seemed interested in the idea at initial discussions if it could improve their services.

This proposed amalgamation is not set in stone. However, the EDAsa Board as agreed in principle because EDAsa has tried every other option to generate funds for new activities and services, but to no avail. We want to ensure our members, staff, consumers and stakeholders can be involved in this decision. We held focus groups in June, and we will continue to consult with you as discussions progress. Currently the association is working on a proposal that identifies the minimum we want in order to agree to the amalgamation. If the amalgamation goes ahead, we would no longer be called EDAsa, rather the eating disorders division of a new organisation, as yet unnamed. Each division would still deal with its own clients to provide specialised expertise and knowledge. All individual and group support would be facilitated by our own workers. We would also aim to provide seperate entrances and exits to ensure confidentiality and privacy for clients.

The needs and concerns of our consumers are of great importance to us, and we value feedback. If you want more information or to voice your opinion, please contact EDAsa on 8332 3466 or at info@edasa.org.au.

Ben Kluzek - Executive Officer, EDAsa
Keeping In Touch - Spring 2006 Feature Article