Arthritis Queensland & Arthritis NSW Merger

The Arthritis New South Wales and Arthritis Queensland organisations have just agreed on a merger between the two entities. The merger will take effect from 1 January, 2025, with the new entity being named "The Arthritis Movement".  Please find below answers to some frequently asked questions. View the full press release.

FAQs

Q: Why did it happen?

The primary reason for the merger is to extend the capacity to serve and support people with arthritis in NSW and Queensland.

Q: Tell me more about the rationale behind the merger?

• A merged organisation is intended to extend the level of service and support provided to people in NSW and Queensland
• By combining organisational resources, it is anticipated that;
  • There will be greater opportunity to identify and pursue additional areas of support and advocacy for people living with arthritis.
  • There will be increased capacity to extend existing services and launch innovative new services
  • The cost base of managing the organisational function that supports service provision will be better managed across the larger organisation. This will be important in a market where the cost of service provision and organisational supports continues to rise.
  • There will be increased revenue generation opportunities created by working as a single entity across a larger geographic and population constituency. The combined population of NSW and Queensland is 13.7m people which is just over half of the Australian population (26.5m as of March 2023)
  • A single governance and operating structure will create greater strategic focus, operational efficacy, and market reach in serving people living with arthritis.
• Since 2022, Arthritis NSW and Queensland has been functioning as closely aligned organisations under the management of one Chief Executive Officer. The operating structure has been rationalised to function across the two states with shared staffing and systems. Examples of successes since this collaboration includes:
  • New program rollout to increase service offerings across both states such as Dance For Arthritis, Arthritis Moves, Webinar Series, Arthritis Assist, Tai Chi For Arthritis and JIA services, helping thousands more people.
  • Record fundraising appeals across both orgs with greater ROI and lower costs
  • Shared staff to reduce expenditure and shared resources such as suppliers, systems, policies and procedures to increase efficiencies
• The CEO has been reporting to two Boards, Arthritis NSW and Queensland, and has been working with both Boards to explore and test common approaches to managing the business and services in both NSW and Queensland.
• The merged entity will operate under a single Board and management structure

Q: What needs to happen?

• There were several key steps to the merger. These include;
  • Examination and ultimately identification of most appropriate legal and governance frameworks for the new merged organisation.
  • Consideration of financial implications and arrangements of both the merger process and the new organisational structure.
  • Determination of service and program focus and priorities with consideration given to existing service provision and priorities in both NSW and Queensland.
  • Consideration of staff and volunteer structures, informed by the recent experience of collaboration between Arthritis NSW and Queensland and future needs of a new merged entity.
  • Consideration of revenue generation functions and opportunities required to meet current and future service provision as well as current and future business systems and structures.
• This work has been guided by a Working Party formed by a group of Directors of both Boards who consult with and report to the respective Arthritis NSW and Queensland Boards.
• Stakeholders of both Arthritis NSW and Queensland, in particular clients, members, donors, funders, service partners, staff, volunteers and other key constituents, have been involved and informed through the progression of this work with opportunities for consultation and questions afforded throughout.
• The work has been supported by specialists in key areas , such as legal, financial and brand matters, and will reference other experiences where similar initiatives have been explored.

Q: What is the merged entity called?

The new entity is called “The Arthritis Movement”. This is a name that has been workshopped with key stakeholders across both organisations including customers, partners, industry stakeholders, donors, our consumer advisory group, health professionals advisory group and staff. The website url for The Arthritis Movement will be www.arthritis.org.au, with the new name and brand reflected in the first week in January 2025 as part of the new brand launch.

Q: How will this change impact me?

You will continue to receive the same high-quality services, now enhanced by the combined resources of both organisations.

Q: How will this benefit customers?

The merger allows us to expand our services and improve support for those living with arthritis through shared expertise and resources.

Q: Will pricing and the products offered change?

There are no immediate plans to change pricing or products; any future updates will be communicated well in advance.

Q: Will service quality/policies change?

Service quality will remain high, with potential improvements from streamlined operations and enhanced resources.

Q: Will there be any staffing changes?

While there may be some internal restructuring, this will be to extend service provision and improve on customer service. It is not expected that any staff members will lose their job through the change.

Q: Who do I call if I have a problem or concern?

You can continue to contact the same support lines as before; any updates will be clearly communicated.

Q: What will the new structure be?

Whilst Arthritis NSW and Arthritis Queensland will continue to exist as entities, The Arthritis Movement will be their sole member and serve as the parent entity. Employees and most assets will be moved up to The Arthritis Movement, which will become the public-facing organisation and deliverer of services.

Donors/Supporters:

Q: Will donations still help those living with arthritis in Queensland and New South Wales?

Yes, all donations will continue to support local programs and services for people with arthritis in Queensland and New South Wales.

Q: How will I donate going forward?

You can donate in the same ways as before; any new options will be shared on our websites and through our communications. Please note that there will be a transition period while our financial and administrative structures are finalised. During this time, we ask that you still donate and make other payments to Arthritis Queensland or Arthritis New South Wales depending on which state you reside in, which will continue to issue receipts. 

Q: Can I still send a cheque?

Yes, you can still send a cheque to the same addresses though they should be made out to The Arthritis Movement.

Q: Do I need to change my will if I am leaving a gift/bequest to Arthritis Queensland or Arthritis New South Wales?

No, any bequest left to Arthritis Queensland or Arthritis New South Wales will revert to The Arthritis Movement, so there’s no need to change your will. Going forward, if you are considering leaving a gift in your will, we would encourage you to name The Arthritis Movement.

Q: Where do I donate online?

Online donations can be made via arthritis.org.au

Q: Will there be any facilities closed as a result of the deal?

No facilities will be closed; both state offices will remain open and fully operational.

Q: What information can be shared about the merger publicly?

The merger aims to increase our impact by combining resources, with teams based in both QLD and NSW and a focus on growth and enhanced services.