Tassie Social Networking Events

Bernadette Smith, TAS Director

On the back of a very successful APS Conference in Hobart earlier this year, there was lots of enthusiasm for APS Networking Events in both the north and south of the state. Why two events in such a tiny state, you might ask? Well, from beer to politics and almost anything in between, a rivalry between Tasmania’s north and south has simmered for centuries and has much stronger roots that many are unaware of. Between 1804 and 1813, crossing the line of the 42nd parallel south -- a circle of latitude cut neatly through Tasmania’s middle – meant you were entering a different county; Cornwall in the north and Buckingham in the south, so, two events it was! I am pleased to say that just like the pair of hatchets that in 1959 were symbolically buried in Launceston’s Elizabeth Street in an attempt to end hostilities, the networking meeting certainly crossed the great divide providing a sense of unity across the state on all things pain.

Key Takeaway’s

Creative ideas are propelled when discipline boundaries are crossed. The networking meetings highlighted the value and importance of not only a multidisciplinary society but the networking opportunities it provides within that framework. The following were key issues raised: a. A groundswell of interest in creating a pelvic pain email network to connect interested Tasmanian health professionals b. Interest and desire to advocate for increased access to evidence based multidisciplinary approaches to pain in the Tasmanian Workers Compensation System/MAIB system c. Importance of the APS advocacy d. The value of networking opportunities with no fixed agenda!

WATCH THIS SPACE!

VIC & NT events are being organised, more details to follow…