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History of the CMAA

The "Cardiomyopathy Association of Australia Ltd." (CMAA Ltd.) was founded by Robyn Bell as the "Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association of Australia Inc".

Robyn's husband Ray and daughter Leigh were diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) in the 1980s. In the early 1990s, other members of Ray's extended family were also diagnosed. Frustrated by a lack of information on the condition, Robyn joined other members of her family to form a group with the aim of offering support and providing information to people with HCM, their families and health professionals. On March 5th 1994, Robyn, assisted by Professor Michael Frenneaux as Medical Adviser, convened the group's inaugural meeting at the Royal Brisbane Hospital.

More and more members joined from interstate and it was decided to have a principal contact in each state. Bev Motteram from Victoria provided much assistance and motivation in these early days and became the first state contact person in November 1994.

The Association originally targetted people with HCM, but through enquiries from people with other forms of Cardiomyopathy, the Association decided to broaden its membership base to encompass all forms of the condition. Its name was officially changed to "Cardiomyopathy Association of Australia Incorporated" in June 1995.

The Cardiomyopathy Association in U.K. offered invaluable help and advice during this initial period (and since thereafter), and much gratitude is acknowledged to their Chairperson, Carolyn Biro, for her willing assistance. Sadly, Carolyn passed away in May, 2002.

Initially, the CMAA management committee were Queensland based. The management committee are now elected at two yearly intervals, with committee members coming from any State of Australia. Consequently, in mid 1999, the CMAA members voted to close the Queensland base of CMAA Inc. to officially and legally become a true national body known as CMAA Ltd.

At this time, the Association boasts over 300 financial members throughout Australia plus a number of complimentary members. The membership base includes people with Cardiomyopathy and their families and friends, GPs, Cardiologists, Cardiac Nurses, Psychologists, and group memberships from Cardiac Units in Hospitals and Cardiac Rehabilitation Programmes. With a coordinated publicity campaign, membership will continue to increase in the future.

Medical Advisers, representing all states of Australia, and New Zealand lend their expertise to CMAA Ltd. by being involved on an honorary basis. This professional support from Cardiologists and Psychologists is invaluable and most encouraging.

Last updated 6/2/2008.

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