In 1994, Lou first connected with the Road Trauma Support Team, as Amber Community was known, as a founding committee member and befriender trainer.
With a background in Social Work, Lou worked with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) Rehabilitation Centre when she was invited to attend a meeting to contribute to establishing the service.
Lou went on to work in private practice, working with people impacted by road trauma and then in 2001, completed her doctorate on the psycho-social impacts of road trauma two to three years post-incident.
Lou has remained connected to Amber Community for more than three decades. Her contributions over the years on research-related topics and her involvement in the Research and Evaluation Committee have been invaluable.
In recent years, Lou’s position in the Department of Social work at Melbourne University has led to a series of student placements with us. This has played a significant role in the research and evaluation of our volunteer and Road Trauma Awareness Seminar (RTAS) programs.
Lou has made significant contributions to the organisation and generously gives her time to support Chris Harrison, Manager Education Services and Bernadette Nugent, CEO, when we need her expertise.
We welcome Lou as an honorary life member of Amber Community, and we thank her for her contributions, guidance and unwavering support over the years.
Pictured below is Bernadette Nugent, CEO and Lou Harms receiving her Honorary Life Membership.
