malcolm paton - life membership

malcolm paton -
life membership citation

Malcolm Paton, along with his wife Laurice, their sons, Robert (short-statured), Alistair and Bruce joined the Little People’s Association of Australia (LPAA) in 1978.

Within a year, he had become an active member of the Victorian Branch and was elected as the Branch’s treasurer in 1979/80 – a position he held again in 1980/81 and then for a third term in 1982/83. In between in 1981/82 he served as the Branch Secretary. Malcolm was first elected to the National Council as an ordinary Council member in 1980/81. This was the beginning of his remarkable service to the National Council – which amounts to a total of 21 years.

By 1984, he became the National Chairperson of the LPAA – an office he held for six consecutive years until 1990. His tenure coincided with a period of change and reform within the Association and his role was critical to its ongoing development. His skills at chairmanship set a standard for future chairpersons to follow and his abilities to deal with complex issues, particularly those of a legal and financial nature helped to make the National Council an effective and coherent decision-making body. His value was further recognised in 1981 when he was co-opted as a member of the Committee for Constitutional Change, along with the late Jim Henderson and the late Stephen Hobbs. This committee implemented the changes to the LPAA’s administrative structure over the period of the 1980’s which set in course the SSPA and National Council as we know and see it today.

By 1991, he was again elected National Chairperson for a further two years, bringing a total of eight years of service in that role – a record which has not been surpassed.

In 1995, he replaced Ruth Henderson as National Treasurer – no mean task considering Ruth had been in the position for the preceding 24 years! Given Malcolm’s occupational background in accountancy, the role was tailor-made for him, and he has served in the role in both a professional and meticulous manner ever since. In particular, like his predecessor, he has both championed and promoted the Careers and Vocational Guidance Fund which has been an important source of funds for the personal development needs of our short-statured members. This has been exemplified with the Fund having recently been granted Gift Recipient Status so the SSPA is now more eligible to receive grants to increase the opportunities for our short-statured members to improve themselves through their chosen field. Malcolm has worked hard on this particular initiative for nearly two years. Through his position as Treasurer, he has also contributed significantly in the area of membership.

It must also be noted that Malcolm has also played a role with planning and organising the Conventions in Victoria, acting as Convention Treasurer with the various organising committees. As well, he also assisted with the initial establishment of the Victorian basketball team. He always has had the SSPA’s interests foremost in his mind and was never one to aspire to any personal glory or credit for his efforts.

Malcolm’s ability as an administrator as well as an advisor within the SSPA at both a national and state level, has been one of his main strengths and has been a great asset to the Association over the past twenty years. It has been vital to the continued smooth running of our organization. Combined with his example of loyalty and dedication to whatever task – regardless of how difficult it has been, he has shown that he is a worthy recipient of life membership of the SSPA.

Francis Kelly

(In Francis’ absence, Malcolm’s nomination for Life Membership was read by Gail Young at the 2004 Phillip Island (Vic.) AGM and subsequently approved by the members present.)

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