Australian Dispute Resolution Association Inc.

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.    

An exciting three days saw Collaborative Practitioners gather from around the world to attend the first international conference in the southern hemisphere for collaborative professionals.  While most people attending were lawyers, there were also psychologists, financial advisors, mediators and more.  The Commonwealth Attorney General Robert McClelland and the NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos both made strong statements in support of collaborative practice.  Congratulations to ADRA member Lorraine Lopich and her team for the success of this venture.    

ADRA members can now enjoy a special discount offer when subscribing to the ADR Bulletin.  The ADR Bulletin presents short articles and news items on dispute resolution and conflict management and is published 8 times a year by Bond University Dispute Resolution Centre.  ADRA members who are new subscribers can receive their first year's subscription for $230 including GST, being a 30% discount on the usual rate.  Repeat subscriptions are available to ADRA members at $297 (incl GST) - a discount of 10%.

Federal Magistrate Dr Tom Altoblli entertained more than 70 guests at the Sydney launch of '"Mediating with Families" on Monday last with some historical research and some insights into the future for family dispute resolution.  Author Linda Fisher provided further insights into her comprehensive new text.  The gathering included Sir Laurence Street and Micheline Dewdney, Judge Solomon of the District Court, Frank Astil from the University of Sydney, Marilyn Scott from UTS, Dr Susan Armstong from UWS and many other notable friends of ADRA.  We were especially pleased to

Dr Susan Armstrong has a Research Participation Request for the development of culturally responsive family dispute resolution- see http://www.adra.net.au/sites/adra.net.au/files/Invitation_research.doc and/or http://www.adra.net.au/node/98 

Plans for 2009 include a conference for Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs), a series of evening seminars and a workshop.  Suggestions for topics and speakers are welcome.  We are currently looking at a range of topics to cover the diverse interests of ADRA members.  After the development of the Complaints Handling Guide and confirmation of our status as a Recognised Mediator Accreditation Body (RMAB) in 2008, we have much follow-up work to do in 2009. Please contact any of the Board members with your ideas to share.      

On 28 October Paul Lynch MP, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs,  talked about his experiences in Northern Ireland, observing the annual march celebrating the 1690 Battle of the Boyne.  The Minister gaves us an insider's  glimpse into the history of this conflict and a range of attempts at resolving it.  All this on a Parliamentary sitting night!    Food for thought indeed! 

  President’s Report 2008

Congratulations to Ruth Charlton, who was made a Life Member at the AGM on 28 October.  Life Membership acknowledges Ruth's outstanding contribution to alternative dispute resolution processes over many years, as a mediator, educator, author, editor, mentor. and all-round guru.  Ruth joins Micheline Dewdney and Sir Laurence Street as Life Members of ADRA.    

ADRA is now a Registered Mediator Accreditation Body.  This is good news for members who wish to become accredited mediators under the national standards.  If you are already accredited with another organisation, you do not need to register again with ADRA.  If you are not yet accredited, shortly we will be making availble information to assist you to apply for accreditation.