• The podcasts from the ADRA Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners Conference 2009 held on 2 May are now available on LEADR’s website:
• www.leadr.com.au/conferencesevents.htm

Our July seminar promises to be a popular event, with Kristen Daglish, a Sydney based lawyer, discussing her experiences in Colombia.  Kristen has designed and implemented programs for the reintegration of ex-combatants into the community and to improve the employability of ex-combatants and victims.  This is a unique profesional development opportunity, with first hand reports from Kristen, whose career includes working in the NSW Cabinet Office and lecturing in Law at Sydney University.       

From the evaluation forms received, as well as verbal feedback, we have to conclude that our professional development workshop conducted in Newcastle on Saturday 20 June was a resounding success.  15 written responses were received from the 24 participants.  While 2 people rated the day as good, 13 rated it as very good or excellent.  All said that the day was worth the time spent. There was also many positive comments received during the day, and all sessions were popular.  All comments will assist us in planning future events.

• The Mediation Practice Network has been established as a support to newly trained Mediators who may need and/or find it difficult to gain practice opportunities.  Also Mediators who wish to retain their skills whilst demand is low, or to return to mediation. 
• The Network now supports two locations to assist with role plays (over a wide range of dispute types) & mentoring of Mediators.
  

Rex Butler will be presenting the first of ADRA's profesional development seminars for the year on Monday 11 May at 5.30 for 6pm.  Rex has skills to share with us arising from his work at the CTTT.  For catering purposes, please RSVP to contact@adra.net.au or by phone on 0418965875 during business hours.  Payment of $20 for ADRA members (others $25) can be made at the door.  We meet at the Law Society of NSW, 170 Phillip St Sydney.  

The Attorney General of NSW, John Hatzistergos, has called for comments on the ADR Blueprint discussion paper, released this week.  Comments are due by 29 May.  If members want comments included with ADRA's, please send them to contact@adra.net.au asap.   

The ADRA Family Dispure Resolution Conference 2009 on 2 May was a great success.  Our thanks to Federal Magistrate Judith Walker, Jody Douelatas, Alexandra Wearne, Paul Boers, Margaret Condonis, Professor Hilary Astor, Paul Lewis and Andrea Cotter-Moroz for their excellent presentations.  Thanks also to the staff of the Grace Hotel for their wonderful service. 

ADRA is a recognised catalyst honouring difference in our community.  ADRA provides leadership, direction and growth in dispute resolution.  These statements of ADRA's vision and mission were adopted by the Board at its meeting on 14 April 2009.  The challenge now is to achieve the vision.