The Consumer Advisory Group launched

Painaustralia's Consumer Advisory Group aims to provide a consumer voice in advocating for the needs and priorities of people living with chronic pain in relation to key Painaustralia policies and positions.

Find out more about the group and its members here and read CAG Chair, Mary-Lynne Cochrane's introductory letter below.

What is a Voice?
By Consumer Advisory Group Chair, Mary-Lynne Cochrane

The word ‘voice’ can mean different things in the English language, for example - it is the sound produced when speaking; it is the term used to describe whether a verb is active or passive; in the written text it is a word to describe a particular opinion or attitude expressed. The synonyms of ‘voice’ are: express, give expression to, vocalise, give voice to, put in words, give utterance to, communicate, declare, state, set forth, bring into the open, make public, assert, divulge, reveal, proclaim, announce, raise, table, air, ventilate, vent, give vent to, pour out, mention, talk of, point out.

We, the Consumer Advisory Group for Painaustralia, wish to provide a ‘voice’ for people living with chronic pain. That is, we wish to provide a place where people can express, put in words, declare, proclaim, raise, vent, mention and/or talk about their concerns when it comes to chronic pain.

I was recently appointed the Chair of this Advisory Group.  I am delighted to take up this position and even more delighted to be an advocate on your behalf.

I come with some vast experience!  I have been living with Chronic Pain over the last 40 years. Over this time I have found my ‘voice’ when it comes to addressing the issues and challenges of chronic pain.   My belief is that one drop in a pond makes ripples across the whole pond, fuels the passion of getting ‘our voices’ heard.

So my pledge to you is that if you make the effort to express your ‘voice’ it will be heard so that, together, we can:

•           influence the development of Painaustralia’s policies,

•           give advice to improve outcomes for all of us living with chronic pain,

•           identify gaps, barriers, strengths and opportunities in chronic pain management,

•           give voice on issues requiring consumer and community engagement by Painaustralia.

I am looking forward to the path ahead, working with all concerned so we all benefit from our collective ‘voice’.

Sister Mary-Lynne Cochrane
Painaustralia Consumer Advisory Group Chair