We are very fortunate to have the talented expertise of our designer Yudi Gani and the quality, professional printing by Complete Design. It makes the job a lot easier when you have a genuinely helpful and considerate team to work with.
I want to say thank you to the many members who expressed their heart-felt compassion for my family's trials. I appreciate the time and effort taken to relate your thoughts and feelings. My mother has now passed away, leaving us to get our lives in order and back on track. Our members never cease to impress me with their ready compassion and empathy, which was very evident when Susan Cleary and I gave our presentation at the May Workshop. Knowing the sincerity and dedication of our members to Health and Healing, I am proud to be a part of our association and it's an honour to work on your behalf.
Our Web site has undergone several changes and should soon be fully functional as our major means of interacting with our members and the general public. You will soon be able to use our shopping cart to order and pay for everything from receipt books to workshops. We ask you to make a habit of visiting our web site regularly, as it is our main means for notifying you of our latest updates and activities, along with information on our policies and procedures. While our web site will play a major role in our communication, you are always welcome to email, phone or write if you are less familiar with modern technology.
Earlier this year I met with OAMPS representatives to discuss the possibility of reduced insurance rates for semi-retired or part-time Massage Therapists, who have less income from Massage Therapy than those who worked full time in the industry. I think Semi-retired or part-time Therapists are far less exposed to the risk of litigation than full-time therapists; simply due to the difference in the size of their clientele base.
Also, the longer a member has worked in the industry, the more expertise they acquire, which also lessens the risk. I think insurance premiums should be based on a percentage of income. It seems unrealistic for a Therapist who sees 30 clients a week, to pay the same premiums as someone who sees 10 people a week. Our OAMPS representatives were very sympathetic with these points of view, and agreed to investigate the possibility of reduced fees for people who work less hours.
I am pleased to announce OAMPS as introduced a new policy for retirees and part-time Therapists: premiums will be 50% lower for Members who earn less than $5,000 per year from Massage Therapy.
I hope you are considering new concepts for our Logo design. We will be deciding on the possibility of a Logo change at our meeting on 31st August 2008. If you have any new ides to contribute, please submit a colour diagram to the Head Office before the 28th August. You can view a few new suggestions on the inside back cover of this Journal. There has been a steady flow of Members returning to our Association after years of absence, and I would like to welcome them into our Association, along with our new members:
- Veronika Petlach from Sorrento WA
- Sonya Humphrys from Hawksbury Heights NSW
- Nathan Doig from Witletton WA
- Brita Miklouha-Maklai from Thebarton SA