New appointment lays groundwork

Cerebral Palsy Society researcher and member support advisor Amy Hogan has begun her first term as co-preisdent of the Oceania Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Childhood-onset Disabilities.

Her appointment to the role is believed to mark the first time someone living with a disability holds a leadership role in any of the approximately 12 international Academies.

Amy is sharing the position with Dr Georgina Clutterbuck, a lecturer and physiotherapist from the University of Queensland, Australia.

Past Co-President Sarah McIntyre, from left, new Co-Presidents Amy Hogan, and Georgina Clutterbuck and Past Co-President Alicia Spittle.

The Oceania Academy aims to “provide opportunities for connection, learning, and advocacy towards meaningful participation and improved quality of life for and with people with cerebral palsy and other childhood-onset disabilities across the lifespan”.

Amy and Georgina will be sharing leadership of the Academy’s work across the Oceania region.

“The position is collaborative rather than hierarchical and focuses on direction-setting, coordination, and representation, rather than day-to-day operational management,” Amy says.

“The role is about holding the bigger picture: connecting people, supporting good work to happen well, and helping the Academy contribute meaningfully to research, practice, and lived experience across the region.”

Their two-year term began on March 8, after they were sworn in at the 13th Oceania Academy Biennial Conference held in Hobart from March 4-7.

Amy says being co-president means a great deal.

“Being in this position is about laying groundwork – showing that leadership roles in research, policy, and professional organisations can and should include people with lived experience of CP and other childhood-onset conditions.”

Amy is also co-chairperson of Access Matters Aotearoa and a Member of Auckland Council’s Disability Advisory Panel.

This article was originally published in the March 2026 edition of The Review magazine.

For more information:
Melanie Louden
Communications Manager
melanie@cpsociety.org.nz
Mobile: 022 087 819