ABOUT US

Lipoedema Australia (LA) was established over 12 years ago as the peak national body for lipoedema in Australia. Lipoedema is a chronic, painful, loose connective tissue disorder, occurring almost exclusively in women. It is characterised by disregulated and disproportionate fat growth, most commonly found in the legs and arms, and less commonly in other areas of the body. LA is a patient-led and managed charity whose mission is to raise awareness, promote acceptance of and advocate for those living with lipoedema. Our vision is a world where lipoedema is easily recognised, well supported, and treated effectively.

We are viewed as pioneers globally who have not only made a difference to the lives of many women with lipoedema in Australia but worldwide. Our strategically driven awareness has raised the profile, enabling not only late stage but early-stage lipoedema patients to be diagnosed.

Our strategy is centred around Awareness, Advocacy and Acceptance, across five key pillars of Health Practitioners, Holistic Care, Sustainability, Government Recognition and Research.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

As LA embarks on the next phase of its remarkable journey, the organisation is seeking new people to join our board to perform a hands-on role at this exciting stage of our development.

This is a unique opportunity for people who are passionate about volunteering with the peak national organisation, and charity, for lipoedema in Australia. We’ve already been instrumental in instigating significant changes for lipoedema patients in this country, and as an organisation we aspire to grow and deliver even more.

The current Board consists of the Chairperson, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and six general members. Through this process we are looking to fill additional roles for general volunteer board members.

We are a hard-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 would expect you to act as an ambassador for LA and represent the organisation at key stakeholder meetings, functions and events as well as cultivate professional relationships with key stakeholders both nationally and internationally.

We are interested in acquiring candidates with attributes and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Demonstrated success in significant fundraising;
• Advocacy and lobbying experience, to advocate for the recognition of lipoedema within the medical system and government;
• Media engagement;
• Legal expertise particularly relating to governance, social media, health and privacy.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Integrity, loyalty, credibility and a passion for improving the lives of Australians with lipoedema;
• Strong written & verbal communications skills;
• Community or governance experience, with an understanding of board responsibilities; and
• Eligible to sit on an Australian Board for a National Charity.

DESIRABLE, BUT NOT ESSENTIAL:

• Sound understanding of lipoedema and best practice care for lipoedema patients;
• Adept using major social media platforms, Microsoft office applications, Google applications, Canva and survey tools.

NEXT STEPS:

To submit your application, please click "Apply Now".

For further information please contact: Jen Bartlett, Chair, [email protected] using the subject line: General Board Member (Voluntary Position) - Flexible Location enquiry via EthicalJobs.

ARE YOU ATTENDING OUR CONFERENCE?

If you are attending the 2024 Lipoedema Australia Conference, please make yourself known as we would love to meet you!