Dear DWDQ Members and Supporters,
This is my first Monthly Update for you as your President. We are fast at work shaping our future and DWD/VAD as part of end-of-life choices for Queenslanders.
First, an update on our Management Committee structure and decisions. Since our AGM in November, there has been some amount of tumult, which, thankfully, is behind us. In addition to Jos Hall resigning, Kass Hall, now former President, and one other Management Committee member resigned in February as well. Your Management Committee has deferred updating our Constitution to later this year and to use outside counsel to assist us. Our existing Constitution and the Model Rules guide the Management Committee as we update our procedures, risk management and governance guidelines until changes are agreed.
These movements have positioned us well for the future.
The 2024 â 2025 Committee is generally aligned to geographic regions within Queensland:
President and Regional North Queensland â Michael Kaltenbaugh*
Treasurer â Michael Kaltenbaugh **
Secretary â TBD
Committee Members
Lin Davidson â Hervey Bay and surrounds
Kate Kunzelmann â Ipswich and surrounds
Merrin McGregor  â Cannon Hill and surrounds
(*) Management Committee vote to fill roles in February 2025
(**) until replacement is identified
Each member brings experience, professionalism, presence, motivation, and determination to contribute to DWDQâs journey. The Committee is inspired, engaged and working to generate momentum in each of our four areas of focus. We are seeking four Committee Members (Treasurer, Secretary, and two Committee Members) to join and actively work with us. An email (including roles descriptions) seeking Expressions of Interest for consideration will be sent soon.
In our first meeting we identified four significant areas of focus over the next many months as we work to mobilise and reenergise our volunteer community services.
The generosity of you, our members and donors, funds our efforts to
- expand Community awareness and literacy,
- enhance and expand our education efforts,
- inform our elected officials and other interested parties of the increasing need and expansion for safe, available end of life services, and
- increase our membership and donor base for us to continue as your voice in helping Queenslanders understand their rights and choices for end-of-life services.
Queensland Government will review existing legislation in 2026. This consultation provides a forum to understand how the existing legislation is serving Community needs and explore options for the continued use and expansion for end-of-life services for individual requestors. Recently, the Victorian Government concluded their review with an array of recommendations which the Government may action over time. The review is available here
There are many lessons and insights contained in the review which DWDQ may find very useful in our work over the next few years. DWDQ also gets data from the programs we deliver and from individual citizens to help us better align our message and inform relevant parties. DWDQ continues to collaborate with other Statesâ organisation to coordinate our responses and directions for the benefit of our citizens.
Of immediate notice for you is the Federal Governmentâs possible action concerning the use of tele health services for medical and prescription discussions concerning VAD via video, phone, email, social media platforms (like Facebook) and other media outlets. This is especially important for regional areas of our State and to accommodate individuals with mobility issues. Current restrictions are cumbersome and inhibiting.
Your individual voice can be heard through email or visit to your Federal Member of Parliament or candidate. DWDQ encourages everyone to write and urge them to repeal the carriage laws which currently prevent doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals from discussing VAD with patients in need.
DWDQ is a grass roots volunteer organisation. We depend upon the energy and resources of individuals (like you) to help carry the message and education for our fellow citizens. DWDQ is also working with elected officials and other interested parties to lift the overly restrictive eligibility requirements for citizens in need.
In addition to your ongoing financial generosity, you can help by
- writing letters to local newspapers to help inform citizens of the Queensland VAD laws
- responding to any adverse criticism in newspapers or other media
- sending topical and respectful messages via Facebook and other social media
- speaking at local organisations or meetings (contact us for more information on how to do this)
- solicit new members and volunteers from your neighbours, friends and other acquaintances in your community
Please contact me or any of our Management Committee members should the need arise. We are here to support you, our members, and serve our community.
We have a great journey ahead and I look forward to working with you to achieve continued DWDQ success.
Until next month.
Respectfully,
Michael Kaltenbaugh
President, Dying With Dignity Queensland
Australia