ASTSS Life Membership Awards Text from the presentation by Lynda Matthews (outgoing President of ASTSS) to the recipients of the 2007 Life Membership Awards at the National Conference at Ballarat in September 2007. [the] ASTSS has only been created and sustained by the dedication and professionalism of volunteer members. The ASTSS Life Membership Awards are a way of recognizing dedication and significant contribution to the society. Today we wish to continue this tradition. Two awards were presented last year to Beverley Raphael and Ruth Wraith. Ruth at that time was working overseas in response to the tsunami and so was unable to receive it then. We are delighted to have her here today so we can present her with her award. Ruth Wraith As you heard yesterday, Ruth Wraith was one of the initiators of the move to establish the society. She wrote the first letter to interested professionals in Australia to plant the seed of forming a stress society in Australia. That seed has grown to a strong tree and Ruth has been nurturing its growth from the beginning. She took over from Beverley Raphael as the second President of ASTSS and brought enormous energy and vision to the society. She has been a mentor and encourager to members and especially those taking office in the society and continues to that today. Like Paddy Burgess-Watson and Paul Valent she has brought the vision of the international trauma movement to Australasia. Left to right are: Paddy Burgess-Watson, Lynda Matthews (outgoing President), Paul Valent, Colleen Jackson (incoming President), Judy Burgess-Watson, Ruth Wraith Paul Valent Paul was a foundation member and is a past president of ASTSS but importantly he was one of the prime movers in the formation of the society. Paul's commitment to the whole field of trauma was there well before ASTSS, and was evident in his involvement in the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires. He has consistently contributed to the intellectual life and professional life of the trauma community: specifically in his publications and presentations at conferences and workshops which focus on the understanding of the treatment of trauma. Paul was one of the visionaries of the early formalization of ASTSS structure and continued his contribution through his clinical practice and development of public policy. Paul Valent is a most worthy recipient of life membership of ASTSS. Paddy Burgess-Watson In 2006 Paddy was awarded an Order of Australia for his contribution to psychiatry and trauma work in Australia. This was recognition of his commitment to research and practice in the Hobart Clinic, his work with war veterans and his years of voluntary service through ASTSS. We are recognizing him with Life Membership of ASTSS for his outstanding contribution to the national and international trauma community as a founding member, progenitor, and long-serving member of ASTSS. He is a past president of ASTSS he has faithfully attended the many planning and management meetings of the society since 1998. Judy Burgess-Watson Judy has been involved in the Tasmania chapter since its inception and was pivotal to its growth and development, but her outstanding contribution has been to ASTSS as a greater society. Her roles in the Central organization of ASTSS have included conference organizer, Promotion and Development Officer, Executive Officer, Acting secretary, and "driving force" from the beginning. Her keen organizational and management skills have kept the society on its safe path and her nurturing of new and potential leaders of the society is noteworthy. Judy has attended every ASTSS conference except for 2006 and we are delighted that she has been able to be with us to accept Life Membership today.