Community feedback from past forums

If you would like a copy of the participant booklet or recommendations from either forum please contact us.

August 2008

Participants were members of genetic support groups.

The Genetic Support Council WA (GSCWA) helped organise this forum. They will use the results to develop a position statement on biobanking in Western Australia.

Participant feedback

“Ordinary people can come together and do extraordinary things and listen to one another, come up with some very intelligent and thoughtful approaches when they are given the opportunity to participate in an environment that is supportive and conducive to discussion and respect.”

“I think the thing I am going to take away is the openness of everybody that has taken part. The fact that people have been prepared to say what they think, even though at times they might be a bit controversial…I think that was a really important part of the two weekends and if you don’t have that it doesn’t work. So well done everybody.”

“I have been really impressed with the cooperation, it's been fantastic. And although we are quite a diverse group there was a lot of commonality that came out of it.”

November 2008

Participants were members of the Western Australian public.

WA Health will use the results to develop a policy on biobanks in Western Australia.

Participant feedback

“It has been a great couple of weekends, it’s really great to have the opportunity to participate in something like this and I’m pleased to have been a part of this. I think it is really important that there is a way to get the wider community to participate and share their views for policies, rather than relying on the experts.”

“Fabulous and inspiring, thankyou.”

“I found the group discussions thoroughly enjoyable and the ability to agree to disagree was really good, I really enjoyed that part of it…”

“Great couple of weekends, I’m up for it again!”