about us

Lipoedema Australia (LA) was established 10 years ago as the peak national body for lipoedema in Australia. LA is a patient-led and managed charity, dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by Lipoedema through education, advocacy and support.

Lipoedema was first described in 1940 as a chronic and incurable condition involving an abnormal build-up of adipose tissue (Allen & Hines, 1940). It typically affects the thighs, buttocks and lower legs, and sometimes the arms, and may, although not always, cause considerable tissue enlargement, swelling and pain. It may significantly impair mobility, the ability to perform activities of daily living, and psychosocial wellbeing. Current conservative management involves encouraging self-care, managing symptoms, improving functioning and mobility, providing psychosocial support and preventing deterioration in physical and mental health and wellbeing.

As the peak body for lipoedema in Australia we aim to:

• Promote best practice , evidence based management of lipoedema;
• Improve the lives of lipoedema patients by providing them with information, support and education;
• Support lipoedema research;
• Advocate for medical recognition of lipoedema;
• Work with medical professionals to develop evidence based comprehensive treatment and management plans for lipoedema;
• Advocate for lipoedema awareness in the public, medical and political arenas through lobbying, fundraising and media activities;
• Produce and distribute evidence-based promotional and educational materials for patients and medical professionals;and
• Stand up and be a voice for women with lipoedema

What are we looking for?

It is an exciting time for LA, as we’ve just celebrated our 10 year anniversary; we’ve held our largest ever conference which was both in person and virtual and there is the potential for a cure on the horizon. As LA embarks on the next phase of its remarkable journey, the organisation is seeking an experienced and dedicated Chairperson to join the Board to guide the organisation into the future.

Whilst you don’t need to have lipoedema to be the Chairperson of the organisation, you do need to have a passion and willingness to continue to advocate for those that do.

We are a working board, meaning not only do we set the strategy and manage the governance but we get our hands dirty and get the job done, whatever is required.

we are seeking someone who has:

• Significant governance experience working as a Chair or as a member of a Board of Directors;
• Exceptional experience in chairing meetings, committees and events;
• Ability to collaborate effectively with all stakeholders;
• Demonstrated leadership with empathic communication skills and to manage differences effectively. Able to facilitate conflicting views and reach consensus;
• Proven ability to manage a fully-virtual Board;
• Prior experience in the not-for-profit sector, including fundraising and income generation;
• Strong networking capabilities and commercial partnerships that can be utilised for the benefit and growth of LA;
• Experience in operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation;
• Experience in external representation, spokesperson skills, and managing stakeholders;
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of lipoedema and best practice care for lipoedema patients; and
• A seasoned public speaker.

next steps

To submit your application, please click Apply Now.

Please refer to the attached Position Description for a thorough outline of the role.