A Charles Sturt University (CSU) psychology academic now heads the largest professional association for psychologists in Australia after being elected President of the more than 20 000-member Australian Psychological Society.

 

Associate Professor Tim Hannan, a lecturer at the CSU School of Psychology in Bathurst, says

the Australian Psychological Society (APS) is committed to advancing the discipline and profession of psychology, and promoting the contributions that psychology makes to society.

 

“The Australian Psychological Society promotes the message that psychologists make a difference to peoples’ lives, through improving psychological knowledge and community wellbeing,” Professor Hannan said.

 

"Over the years, I have had the opportunity to gain an extensive knowledge of the Society, its mission and goals, and of the needs of its members. I consider it a great privilege to serve as its President, and work to advance and promote psychology as a profession.”

 

Professor Hannan holds postgraduate qualifications in clinical psychology, clinical neuropsychology, cognitive science, and sport psychology. He has worked in diverse areas of psychology, including tertiary education, public health and independent practice, and has a keen interest in the psychological assessment of childhood disorders. He directed the Australian standardisations of three major tests of children’s cognitive abilities.

 

As a member of the APS since 1992, Professor Hannan has served on numerous APS committees, including terms as National Chair of the APS Colleges of Clinical Neuropsychologists, Educational and Developmental Psychologists, and Sport and Exercise Psychologists, and as NSW Chair of the College of Clinical Psychologists. He was elected as a Fellow of the APS in 2008, and to the Board of Directors in 2010.

 

Professor Hannan is the coordinator of CSU’s clinical psychology programs, and says he is committed to achieving excellence in the provision of psychology training by distance education, and to enhancing the delivery of mental health services in regional, rural and remote areas.