About the Renal Society of Australasia
Formed in 1972, the RSA is an Australasian society for nursing, technical and allied health
professionals, aiming for excellence in the dissemination of knowledge in Renal
Replacement Therapies.
A Brief History
Objectives of the Society
Governance
A Brief History of the RSA
The Renal Society of Australasia (Inc) was established in 1972 as the Dialysis
Society of Australasia by a committed group of health professionals working in
the emerging technology of renal replacement therapy. As the society grew, it
became known as the Renal Society of Australasia (Inc) - reflecting both the
membership diversity and the rapid change occurring in renal health care.
Members organised and ran their first conference in 1972.
Prior to 1998 Governance of the organisation was undertaken by a Federal
Executive. This Executive oversaw the operation of the state branches
including the New Zealand branch.
At the Adelaide Annual Conference in March 1998, members at the general meeting
voted in favour of a new Executive Structure. This allowed for incorporation
and the formation of a board of directors.
The Constitution of the RSA can be viewed on this site.
Financial membership is open to individual health professionals, individual
drug company employees and corporate entities. Membership is drawn predominantly from
nursing professionals but also includes technical and allied health professionals. Branches of the
Renal Society of Australasia (Inc) have been formed in all states of Australia
and in New Zealand. The Renal Society of Australasia is affiliated with other
groups such as the Transplant Nurses Association.
Objectives of the Society
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To promote, provide and communicate knowledge and information in the renal
field to members and other professionals within the renal environment.
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To stimulate interest in renal replacement therapies, and the treatment and
prevention of renal diseases.
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To promote professional development of the members of the Society.
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To support research and development by organisations involved in the treatment
and prevention of renal disease.
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To provide grants to individuals and groups undertaking research on the
treatment and prevention of renal disease.
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To undertake the educational development of members through the provision of
conferences, seminars and workshops.
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To have representation on educational and development bodies involved in the
renal environment.
Governance
The society changed its Governance structure in 1998.
The Federal Board is made up of The Board of Directors, Federal Executive and Executive Support team. The Board of Directors are the Presidents from each RSA branch. These elected members have voting rights on the Board. The Federal Executive includes the Federal Chairperson, Secretary, Financial Officer and Membership Officer. These positions are appointed by the Board of Directors and are sought via expressions of interest and open to all financial RSA members. The Chairperson is the only member of the federal executive that can vote. The Executive Support team is made up of a Professional Officer and Chief Editor RSAJ. These positions provide supportive roles to the Federal Board and do not have voting rights.
Board meetings are held four times per year and one of these is run in
conjunction with the National Conference. We also hold the annual general
meeting at the same time, which is for all members. Minutes for quarterly Board Meetings and the AGM are available to members on the Minutes page of this site.
The Branches, including New Zealand, meet at least four times throughout the
year. This allows the representative to report back on the previous Board of
Directors meeting and discuss issues to be raised at the forthcoming meeting.
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