rosemary hobbs - life membershi

rosemary hobbs -
life membership citation

In November, 1988, the Little People's Association of Australia celebrates the 20th anniversary of its first Convention held in Port Macquarie, N.S.W. It has grown from being a fledgling group of parents and children to one which today has an organised national body with branches in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia. The Association's foundation and subsequent development was the result of hard work by a small group of members including the late Frank McHugh and the late George Whitaker, who established the basis for what the L.P.A.A. is today.

However, throughout the history of the L.P.A.A. there has been one person who has been synonymous with its growth, and has also been primarily responsible for the advancement of little people in Australia, in general. I am speaking of Rosemary Hobbs, who along with her late husband, George Whitaker, co-founded the L.P.A.A, in 1968. She has devoted her life to the cause of the Association, whether adopting a high profile or working behind the scenes.

Rosemary has held the position of National Secretary as well as President many times, as well as being a committee member of the National Council. She has been involved with the organisation of our Conventions, including those held in Port Macquarie in 1968, 1969, 1970, 1977 and 1987, as well as Mt. Seaview in 1982.

Whilst she has been involved in the L.P.A.A. on a national level, she has also indirectly played a role in the formation of overseas LP associations in New Zealand and Malaysia in the 1970's. Her determination to see the L.P.A.A. recognised internationally led to our representation at the First International Convention of LP in Washington, D.C. in 1982.

Besides her involvement in the organisation of the L.P.A.A., Rosemary has helped and advised little people, particularly in the area of employment, so as to enable them to be independent. Her positive outlook on life has proved to be an inspiration and her compassion for others has won universal respect and admiration. Her contribution as a friend to us all cannot be measured.

Rosemary has also a great love for children. After she and her late husband George, had a son, Jim, they adopted David and Cathy from the U.S.A. and Emma from Adelaide - all LP. As well as being a mother, Rosemary has been a successful businesswoman managing "Fantasy Glades" in Port Macquarie.

In 1980, Rosemary was deservedly awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to the community. Besides what I have just mentioned, Rosemary has other credits to her name which are too numerous to be listed here.

We feel it would be fitting in the L.P.A.A.'s 20th year that Rosemary Hobbs, our co-founder be recognised for her tireless devotion to the cause of little people by being a recipient of life membership of the L.P.A.A.

"I would now like to formally move that Rosemary Hobbs be granted life membership of the L.P.A.A. and that Dawn Marsh second this motion."

Francis Kelly

(Rosemary's nomination for Life Membership was read by Francis Kelly at the 1988 Elanora Heights (N.S.W.) AGM and subsequently approved unanimously by the members present.)

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