Approximately 60 people attended the 2019 Dying with Dignity NSW AGM on Saturday 27 April.
In her President’s Report, Penny Hackett explained why 2018 had turned out to be a busier year than expected. Although there wasn’t a NSW VAD Bill debated during 2018, staff changes, implementation of a new database platform and involvement in interstate campaigns and the Wentworth by-election had all contributed to ‘an action packed year.’ Highlights from 2018 included the sell-out ‘The Truth About End of Life Choices’ forum moderated by Andrew Denton, an effective DoGooder campaign that saw over 4,000 personal stories emailed to MP’s and a substantial increase in social media followers, members and supporters.
Vice President, Shayne Higson reported on the two recent political campaigns undertaken by the Voluntary Euthanasia Party. Shayne contested the seat of Wentworth in the by-election held in October last year resulting in most of the 16 candidates declaring their support for Voluntary Assisted Dying. Shayne also ran as the VEP’s lead upper house candidate in the NSW State Election held on 23 March. Despite a huge effort by candidates, volunteers, donors and supporters, many who are also DWD members, Shayne finished 26th out of 364 candidates, five places away from achieving the last of the 21 seats available.
Penny and Shayne answered questions from the audience and discussed the upcoming campaign in NSW with another VAD Bill likely to be introduced later this year.
Election of Directors – Penny thanked Dee Johnson who stepped down from the Board and welcomed two new directors, David Pieper and Julie Hanley.
Guest Speaker – Following the
afternoon tea, Dr Jill Gordon engaged the audience in her address titled “What do I say to my doctor?”
You can view the AGM Presentation here – 2019 AGM Presentation