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It was sad to hear at the last AGM that our long- standing president and
committee member of 20 years has stood down with the intention to retire
from active involvement with the HFACT to spend more time with his
family.
Most of us know Fred Wensing as a fun loving larrikin who enjoys
acting up whenever he gets the opportunity. As well as making us laugh
and have a good time, he has continuously and tirelessly fought for the
rights of people with haemophilia at a national and regional level.
At a national level, his contribution to haemophilia has changed the
lives of those suffering from Blood-borne viruses through his lobbying
efforts for compensation. He has played active roles on numerous welfare
and government committees where his expertise in haemophilia matters is
highly valued. He has helped improve treatment for people with
haemophilia by advocating for higher quality haemophilia treatment
products.
At the regional level, he played a pivotal role in helping set up the
haemophilia treatment centre at the Canberra Hospital. The HFACT
committee has relied on his business, financial and personnel skills
resulting in the establishment of counselling services and some
financial support for people with haemophilia and Hepatitis C.
All members of our community will miss Fred's involvement in the
haemophilia support service. On behalf of the committee and all people
with haemophilia, I would like to thank Fred for all the hard work and
dedication he has given to the cause. We all wish him and his family
good health and a prosperous future.
Joe
Joe Guarnieri
President, HFACT
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This year saw the resignation of our counsellor of over 10 years, Marge
Macilwain. Marge provided years of dedicated service and will be missed
by many of our members. I would like to express my sincere appreciation
for the years of service Marge has given to HFACT and the haemophilia
community in the ACT.
Marge's resignation has meant the loss of an important service
provided by HFACT. As a result, it was important to question its
viability, which led to the Review into haemophilia counselling
services. The committee has invested a great deal of time this year
ensuring that the counselling service we provide meets our members
needs. The results of the review have been very positive and reassuring
in that our members want the service to continue and from it will come a
more improved service that will meet both current and future needs.
After 20 years of service, I feel the time has come for me to step
down as President. Although I will still be on the committee as a
committee member, it will only be in an advisory role and temporary in
nature.
In stepping down, I would like to emphasise on the how important it
is for such a small group to have a voice in the community.
We are recognised as a group of individuals with specialised needs by
health professionals and government because we are united in our vision
to improve the lives of everyone in the haemophilia community.
Everyone on the committee contributes to this vision.
Services for the haemophilia community in the ACT will continue
provided that HFACT are there to lobby and advocate for our members.
Fred
Fred Wensing
Former President and Committee Member, HFACT
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