2025 Australian Allied Health Awards - Issue One

WELCOME

You asked for it and here it is!

Quarter 1 2025

Allied Health Awards Magazine

This is our quarterly mag to keep us connected, informed and inspired.

Grab a cuppa and have a read - get to know some of the incredible winners that were crowned at the amazing gala held in October at the Gold Coast...

What are they up to? What are their secrets? What are they bingeing?

Go ahead and stalk them on social media, reach out, chat – this is your tribe!

There is even a little look at how the Allied Health Awards started - suss out my humble objectives for this program and this community.... Also – what colour shall I wear for 2026?! Thoughts??

Health professionals are always just so busy aren’t we. We so often are the ‘doers’ and the ‘empaths’ and that can be a dangerous combo. Anyone else?

Whatever you and your colleagues are up to this year – let us know about it! Let us help you, let others know about it!

Have you got leave planned? A holiday? A break? Something fun to look forward to? Health professionals make terrible clients and we’re not always good at looking after ourselves are we?

Nominations for the next program will OPEN SHORTLY.... I’m just going on a holiday first!

Look after each other AND yourself.

Sarena Founder – Allied Health Awards

OUR OBJECTIVES

• For every Australian Allied Health professional to feel recognition and pride. To feel an integral part of the larger Australian healthcare community.

• For Australian Allied Health professionals to develop a deeper understanding and celebration of each of the professional roles within the Allied Health community.

• To recognise, inspire and promote innovation, excellence and healthcare impact within the Allied Health community.

• To close the gap between public, private and non-for profit healthcare professionals, clinicians and non-clinicians, to celebrate our similarities and also our differences, to collaborate, network and support each other.

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AUSTRALIAN ALLIED HEALTH AWARD CATEGORIES 2026

INDIVIDUAL - PROFESSION CATEGORIES

• Arts Therapist of the Year

• Audiologist of the Year

• Chiropractor of the Year

• Music Therapist of the Year

• Speech Pathologist of the Year

• Dietitian of the Year

• Exercise Physiologist of the Year

• Orthotist / Prosthetist of the Year

• Osteopath of the Year

• Physiotherapist of the Year

• Podiatrist of the Year

• Perfusionist of the Year

• Medical Radiation Practitioner of the Year

• Occupational Therapist of the Year

• Orthoptist of the Year

• Genetic Counsellor of the Year

• Social Worker of the Year

• Rehabilitation Counsellor of the Year

• Psychologist of the Year

• Hospital Pharmacist of the Year

• Credentialed Diabetes Educator of the Year

• Pedorthist of the Year

• Paramedic Practitioner of the Year

INDIVIDUAL - GENERAL CATEGORIES

• Allied Health Assistant of the Year

• Allied Health Early Career Excellence

• Allied Health Educator Excellence

• Allied Health Impact & Innovation Excellence

• Allied Health Excellence in Management & Leadership

TEAM CATEGORIES

• Allied Health Innovative Product Excellence

• Allied Health Team Culture Excellence

• Allied Health Paediatric Team Excellence

• Allied Health Adult Team Excellence

ALLIED HEALTH PARTNERS

• Allied Health – Partnership & Collaboration Excellence

*categories subject to change

HOW TO WRITE A GREAT NOMINATION APPLICATION

Remember this is an Allied Health Awards program – by Allied Health and for Allied Health! It’s more about the core values of being a health practitioner.

There is so much value in submitting a nomination for the Allied Health Awards. Health professionals are generally not great at ‘blowing their own trumpet’ but often we find ourselves in the position of having to promote ourselves, our skill sets and our services.

We’re all ‘helpers’ but the people we are wanting to help, do not know who we are, what services we offer and how we can help them – unless we tell them!

The amazing online nomination platform is easy to use –create a free login on the website alliedhealthawards.awardsplatform.com

Then select which country you live and work in, whether you are completing a self-nomination or a peer-nomination, and then peruse the categories. If you choose to nominate a colleague or peer, you can only INITIATE the nomination – the nominee will then receive an email and they will be required to accept or reject the nomination. If they choose to accept it, they will then need to complete the full nomination application online.

We recommend everyone selfnominates. This is the easiest and most efficient way of submitting a quality application.

Simply undertaking the application process can assist our own mindsets and help us to reflect on the successes, challenges, lessons and future plans we may have!

How do you innovate in your team?

Do you use booking platforms, e.g. HotDoc to attract clients? Do you use recruiters? Do you use digital health software programs? Tell us and include the details in your application!

Shortcut to the Nominations Platform

TIPS

• Read the blog on the website, written by one of our selection panel members

• Read the FAQs on the website and also the information blocks in the nomination platform

• Self-nominate… go on, you can do it! It’s anonymous!!

• Check the selection criteria weighting, this differs for many of the categories…

• Address every selection criteria in the application

• Use the word count as a guide

• Use examples! As many as you can…

• Don’t just say “we do this…” give us the evidence and measures… how do you know you’re doing awesome work?

• These are allied health awards, not business awards

Always use as many examples as you can in each selection criteria.

You do not need to be an awe-inspiring, globally recognised academic with 100 research papers under your belt or leading a team of 200 people… these awards are designed to recognise and reward the every day practitioner in whatever capacity they serve their community.

You can save / copy / edit / go back / go forward within the nomination application, as many times as you want! Just make sure you click save and submit and pay your $50 AUD admin fee to ensure you’re in the race. PSSST! You can now also send this invoice directly to your boss!

Then proudly toss your “I’m a NOMINEE” graphic around like confetti and encourage your colleagues and peers to get involved. Support your fellow Allied Health legends and help spread the word and amazing work that is happening in our community.

SHARON HENNESSEY

2024 PHYSIOTHERAPIST OF THE YEAR

Which award have you recently won and what does it mean to you?

Physiotherapist of the Year and Adult Allied Health Team of the Year (Not Just Bendy Hypermobility Services).

Where do you currently work and what is your role?

Principal Physiotherapist and CEO Not Just Bendy Hypermobility Services.

If you were asked to, what specific topic do you think you could give a 1 hour presentation on without any preparation??

That’s easy - hypermobility!! I could probably give the talk in my sleep (and often do according to my husband).

What is your favourite thing about your chosen allied health profession?

I love the broad knowledge base that physiotherapists have which increases our ability to problem solve complex problems.

What’s a moment in your career that completely changed how you see your profession?

When I read my first article putting together the multi-system symptoms that can result from connective tissue issues such as symptomatic hypermobility. The world just stopped - suddenly so many things made sense.

If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?

I would probably have a day being a professional trumpet player for a musical such as “Chicago”.

What’s the funniest or most heartwarming thing that’s happened to you while working in allied health?

I live for the tingling and hairs standing on end feeling I get when I explain to someone how I understand what is contributing to all their symptoms.

What is your professional philosophy or motto? Just keep kicking the cans down the road and sooner or later you get them somewhere.

What advice would you give your younger self? Anxiety is essential two things - firstly the fear of something bad happening and secondly the fear

of how bad things will be when that happens.

If you could invent one tool or piece of technology to improve allied health care, what would it be?

A genetic or blood test to diagnose Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

What’s a skill you’ve learned in your profession that surprises people?

Validating my clients no matter their presentation. How do you relax? What are your self-care strategies?

Planning my next holiday.

Tell us something interesting or quirky about you! Hidden talents?

I have recently joined a brass band playing the cornet - rekindled a skill from 30 years ago (hadn’t played it since high school).)

What are you currently bingeing? Movies, TV shows, books, podcasts?

Grey’s Anatomy and sci-fi movies (the cheesier, the better).

If your profession was a movie, who would play you? Nicole Kidman.

What’s one thing you do every day that keeps you energised and inspired?

Take my medication.

What is your very favourite place?

Spending time with whales.

What are you not so good at, or what are you working on, in yourself?

Getting to bed on time.

What do you love about yourself? What are you really proud of?

I am so proud of my team at Not Just Bendy. Which three words best describe your approach to patient care?

Validating. Innovative. Down to earth.

If you could have dinner with any allied health professional (alive or from history), who would it be and what would you ask them?

One of the advantages of being recognised in my field is that I don’t have to dream of this - I have had many opportunities to meet my idols in the hypermobiliy world and talk in depth over a glass of wine.

What’s the best piece of advice a patient or client has ever given you?

Don’t let the muggles get you down. What’s a hobby or interest you have that no one would expect?

I really love doing my tax accounting.

What’s one thing about your job that people would find surprising or unexpected?

That is treating complicated presentations is actually pretty simple once you get out of the way of your own expectations.

If you could go back to the start of your career, what’s one thing you’d do differently?

I would speak up when put in uncomfortable personal situations by my peers.

What’s a little-known fact about allied health that you think more people should know?

You don’t need a medical referral to see a physio.

How do you celebrate big wins in your career?

I share that info with my clients and staff.

What’s the best lesson you’ve learned from a colleague or mentor?

From Sian Burton – That you can run a successful business from a femine mindset and exceed the masculine imposed glass ceiling of success.

If you had to describe your year in three emojis, which would you choose?

Champagne, Rainbow, goggly eyes tilted with tongue out.

Are you the 2026 Physiotherapist of the Year?

Nominate now!

What’s one misconception about allied health that you wish you could change?

That our opinions are secondary to that of doctors.

If you could create an award category that doesn’t exist yet, what would it be for?

Allied health support staff/practice manager excellence.

What’s your ultimate comfort food after a long day in your profession?

Sticky rooibos chai tea with cinnamon.

What’s in store for you in 2025? What’s next for you? Any projects?

The EDS conference in coming to Brisbane in February 2025. After that I hope to work on a book and an online course on hypermobility for allied health professionals.

What is your vision for Allied Health in Australia?

Medicare rebates for presentation directly to allied health (without medical referral).

How can we connect with you?

info@notjustbendy.com

Finalists

L-R:

2024 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST OF THE YEAR

Which award have you recently won and what does it mean to you?

Winning the Australian Exercise Physiologist of the Year award is a meaningful milestone in my career. This recognition feels less about me and more about the incredible teams I’ve worked with, the patients who inspire me every day, and the profession I’m so passionate about.

To me, this award reflects the value of collaboration, innovation, and advocacy in shaping better health outcomes for individuals and communities. It reinforces the importance of the programs we’ve developed—whether supporting diabetes remission, integrating exercise physiology and physiotherapy practices, or providing comprehensive, person-centred care.

Being acknowledged at a national level is both humbling and motivating. It’s a reminder of why I’m committed to driving positive change in our field and continuing to advocate for approaches that empower individuals and strengthen our healthcare system.

Where do you currently work and what is your role?

I am the Founder and Chief Vision Officer at Exercise for Rehabilitation and Health and Essendon Physio Group.

If you were asked to, what specific topic do you think you could give a 1 hour presentation on without any preparation??

I would have a raw Q&A on all things business; building, failing, succeeding and what I’ve learnt

along the way. It’s empowering for business owners and colleagues to hear stories from people that they think they already know, they have so many assumptions and it’s a wonderful experience taking them back to the beginning and moving them through a journey where at the end they see the likeness to their own journey, have better levels of acceptance of themselves and feel inspired to take the next steps of their own journey.

What is your favourite thing about your chosen allied health profession?

What I love most about being an Accredited Exercise Physiologist is the opportunity to make a real and lasting difference in people’s lives. Our profession sits at the intersection of science, movement, and health, which allows us to empower individuals to take charge of their well-being through sustainable, evidence-based strategies.

One of the most exciting aspects of this profession is the flexibility it offers. Whether you’re passionate about clinical work, research, education, advocacy, or a combination of these, you can direct your career to align with your interests and values. I’ve personally found joy in exploring innovative approaches to care, developing collaborative programs, and mentoring others to grow within the field.

I find immense satisfaction in helping patients overcome challenges, whether it’s regaining confidence after an injury, managing chronic conditions, or working toward ambitious health goals. The ability to tailor interventions to each person’s unique circumstances, values, and aspirations is both a privilege and a responsibility that I cherish.

I’m particularly drawn to the collaborative nature of the field, working alongside other health professionals to provide holistic, person-centred care. Seeing the transformative impact of this teamwork—on both an individual and community level—is incredibly rewarding and continues to fuel my passion for the profession.

If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?

If I could swap jobs with anyone for a day, it would be the federal treasurer. I’d use the opportunity to

rally all state treasurers to support the overturn of the GST on exercise physiology services, paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system.

What’s the funniest or most heartwarming thing that’s happened to you while working in allied health?

The most heart-warming moment in my career was being referred to in a patient’s eulogy as one of his ‘daughters’. The love I felt in that moment has never left me and it was a true insight into the impact that we have on the lives of our patients and how this carries over into the lives of their families. We are the comfort, the hope and the safety of our patients and that will be all our legacies as health professionals.

What is your professional philosophy or motto?

Just do the opposite to everyone else.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Take more action and worry less about perfection. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow and remember that mistakes are simply stepping stones to reaching your potential. Set clear expectations and boundaries for yourself, hold yourself accountable, and in moments when you seek external validation, pause and remind yourself that your own opinion is the most important.

Tell us something interesting or quirky about you! Hidden talents?

I’ve been on reality TV show!

What are you currently bingeing? Movies, TV shows, books, podcasts?

Parks and Recreation - Lesley Knope is my all-time favourite TV character.

What is your very favourite place?

My home because my family are there.

What are you not so good at, or what are you working on, in yourself?

To finish what I start.

What do you love about yourself? What are you really proud of?

I’m relentless in my pursuits and never give up. Which three words best describe your approach to patient care?

Empathetic, Innovative, Collaborative.

What’s one misconception about allied health that you wish you could change?

Allied health and medical work best when in a team and just like exercise and diet, when both are combined the best outcomes are achieved.

What’s your ultimate comfort food after a long day in your profession?

A glass of prosecco with some gnocchi. How can we connect with you?

nicole@exerciserehab.com.au

Are you the 2026 Exercise Physiologist of the Year? NOMINATE NOW!

THE ALLIED HEALTH AWARDS ORIGIN STORY.

Mrs Jones? Have you met

WHO IS SARENA JONES?

What initially drew you to the healthcare industry, and how did that shape your career?

I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare… I did some work experience in physio and first year speech pathology and then I definitely knew I was meant to be an OT! No two days are the same and OT really is the intersection of creativity, science and caring for others…

If you weren’t in the allied health space, what do you think you’d be doing today?

Something creative – photography or stylist probably.

How would your closest friends describe you in three words?

Well funny you should ask that – my clinical admin team just asked them! I am humbled to hear they described me as courageous, supportive, innovative, honest and caring…. Nawww.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I still work clinically as an OT and find this really hard to give up! I actually have a crazy large caseload at the moment to be honest…

Do you have any daily habits or routines that keep you motivated and inspired?

I am not a superwoman. I am not an inspirational influencer of any kind…

I am an everyday mum, wife, friend, housekeeper, an Occupational Therapist and a business owner. I am someone who tries to do their best every day but often fails…! My daily habits include coffee and chatting with my people who keep me laughing and realistic…and definitely arguing with two miniature versions of myself… sigh

What’s a book, podcast, or person that has influenced your journey the most?

Without a word of a lie – the allied health community has influenced me the most! The work and the dedication happening around our country needs to be showcased and celebrated, so that absolutely fires me up.

How do you balance the demands of running such a big event with your personal life?

The thing about balance is we all have to experience imbalances to learn how it feels and what we need to change for it to feel right for us… I believe this is part of the human experience! Some days I’m a better event planner than I am a mum and vice versa.

My kids and my team would say I’m good at simplifying the situation and putting it into perspective… ‘ok, what are the options?’ ‘what’s the worst that could happen? Is anyone at risk of death?’ In case it’s not obvious, I don’t take myself very seriously most of the time lol!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time to recharge?

Sleep! When I’m really serious about switching off I read fiction, swim in the ocean, dance, go for an adventure or drink margaritas with mates…

Allied Health

AW ARDS

If you could go back in time and give young Sarena one piece of advice, what would it be?

Say no more often and don’t apologise for being true to who you are…

My mum always says ‘this too will pass’ – and I think this is true of the good, the bad and the ugly…!!

Is there a particular moment in your life that shaped who you are today?

It’s pretty corny but having kids really puts the day to day bigger picture kind of stuff into perspective!

There are lots of big time and resource consuming awesome ideas I would love to try in the intersection of business and health.. BUT I prioritise my family and everything needs to be viewed through that lens at this time in my life

Having said that, I didn’t start a business until I became a mum which is hilarious but parents are stupidly good at multitasking.

THE STORY BEHIND THE ALLIED HEALTH AWARDS

What inspired you to create the Allied Health Awards?

Our Allied Health community needed them!!! We were crying out for them in my opinion… there is not enough recognition, celebration, inspiration in healthcare full stop. So in 2018, I thought what would I like to see happen? Then the whole concept, program and criteria just flowed out of me and I just gave it a crack to be honest… with no expectations of what might happen.

There are more ‘awards’ popping up, how are the Allied Health Awards different?

BY allied health professionals FOR allied health professionals!

I have seen several different award programs cropping up over the years… several contact me for information and often use my program as a basis. To be honest, if award programs are genuine and transparent in their intentions and values, great! Go for it! The more promotion and recognition for allied health the better I say!

Every year I get feedback from professionals that they were pleasantly surprised that the Australian Allied Health Awards are real – not a scam – a genuine robust program full of integrity. Definitely not one of those random emails you get saying ‘congratulations you’ve been nominated for something amazing, once you send all your money, we’ll continue the process’!!! My colleagues are always surprised when I just answer the phone, answer their questions and we have a chat about it…

What was one unexpected challenge in building the awards, and how did you tackle it?

One?! There’s been hundreds! I guess I just handle it like any other challenge – trial and error, giving things a go and getting feedback and thoughts from other people who want this to continue to be a success… people who are like-minded and share the same values as I do… oh and try not to sweat the small stuff! One decision at a time.

When did you realise the awards were becoming something much bigger than you originally envisioned?

I always knew The Allied Health Awards would be hugely important, I just needed to show everyone what it could grow into…what it could look like… what it could feel like.. When like-minded health professionals offer their time and support you know you’re on the right track.

What’s been your proudest moment since launching the Allied Health Awards?

The last GALA is the one I’m proudest of, so far, it was the biggest and therefore I believe it had the most impact on the most people… and with all the glitz and glamour it was the most fun for me so far! I was also so lucky to have my clinical crew, my uni mates and my parents there at the Gold Coast to see what I’ve been talking about all these years.

THE INDUSTRY & IMPACT

What do you admire most about allied health professionals?

We are all advocates for others at the core. All of us.

We are all strong and resilient, even if we don’t look or feel like it! What we all do is hard.

How do you think the industry has evolved since you started this journey?

We are so much more connected! Not only within our professions but across the allied health community and it makes my heart sing. Also that whole healthcare technology thing is pretty big too.

What’s one thing you wish more people understood about allied health?

More about all the different professions that all sit within the allied health community! Improving that awareness of when to refer, why, to whom… that remains one of my objectives behind the awards program.

What’s next for the Allied Health Awards? Any exciting plans for the future?

This mag is now published quarterly, so make the most of it!! Let us know if you want us to include a good news story, a case study, a call out, your research, your services – this is for our community.

We are also looking at awesome informal networking events around the country – just like the very fun and very popular ‘Evening Before’ networking catch ups! I LOVE meeting like-minded health professionals are hearing what people are working on, so I know you do tooooooo!

NOMINATIONS will open shortly – hold your horses everyone!

2024 ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR

Which award have you recently won and what does it mean to you?

2024 Allied Health Assistant of the Year.

There are several layers of what this award means to me, but I will highlight the main two. The first being a symbol of recognition that Allied Health Assistants are valued within the Allied Health Community - this is something that I feel very strongly about! The second being the opportunity to increase awareness of the Allied Health Assistant role to the general public as well as professionals, and show that we can make meaningful contributions to positive therapy outcomes

Where do you currently work and what is your role?

I currently hold 2 roles.

I work as an Allied Health Assistant at WizeTherapy, which is a small paediatric therapy service provider in Western Australia. Here I have the opportunity to work alongside a fabulous team of Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists to support children, adolescents and young adults living with disability.

Additionally, I work as a Clinical Facilitator within the Health and Fitness portfolio at North Metropolitan TAFE. Here I assist with the delivery and assessment of the Certificate III and Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistant courses.

If you were asked to, what specific topic do you think you could give a 1 hour presentation on without any preparation??

The benefits of incorporating Allied Health Assistants into your Allied Health workplace.

What is your favourite thing about your chosen allied health profession?

WizeTherapy - building strong connections with my clients and their caregivers, and learning so much from the amazing young people that I get to work with each day.

NMT - supporting students to build their knowledge, skills and confidence throughout their training, and being part of the development of the future workforce.

What is your professional philosophy or motto?

Don’t overthink it, and celebrate the simple things!

If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?

Is X-Ray vision too much of a cliche for a radiographer? In all honesty however, I would love the ability to time travel so I could discover the winning Lotto numbers!

What’s a skill you’ve learned in your profession that surprises people?

Negative feeling states clients present with are useful - it’s okay to sit in the sad. Oftentimes clients experiencing chronic pain or a work-related problem are not in therapy for a solution they are there for a perspective and you can empower positive recovery expectancies. What is far more powerful in therapy is getting clients to hear themselves talking about themselves.

How do you relax? What are your self-care strategies?

Most days, I visit my horse. Spending time with her and soaking up the serenity of the rural location and fresh air allows me time to rest and reset.

Tell us something interesting or quirky about you! Hidden talents?

I worked in the aviation industry for 11 years before a career change to Allied Health. I could be sitting inside and identify the type of aircraft that was coming in to land, just by listening to the sound of its engines - for some aircraft types, I could even pick the aircraft registration (like their number plate) because they had a slightly different pitch.

If your profession was a movie, who would play you?

Sandra Bullock - Miss Congeniality-style!

What is your very favourite place?

Anywhere there is good chocolate or gelato!

What are you not so good at, or what are you working on, in yourself?

Saying no! I tend to say yes too often, and take on a massive load personally and professionally. I have been actively working on setting myself boundaries and identifying when I am nearing my limits to avoid burnout.

What do you love about yourself? What are you really proud of?

I am proud of being able to step away from a very familiar but toxic workplace, embrace a whole heap of uncertainty, returning to studies after a long break, and trying to find my groove in a new industry and career path. It was one of the hardest but also one of the best life choices I have made!

Which three words best describe your approach to patient care?

Connection, engagement, motivation.

What’s a little-known fact about allied health that you think more people should know?

Allied Health is not just for injuries, recovery or rehabilitation - it is for preventative health care too!

If you had to describe your year in three emojis, which would you choose?

Funnily, they are my 3 most frequently used emojis! (not sure if they have come up properly - but they are the laughing + crying face, the smiling face with love hearts, and the face palm).

What’s your ultimate comfort food after a long day in your profession?

Chocolate!

What is your vision for Allied Health in Australia?

To keep it brief - Increased utilisation of Allied Health Assistants across all disciplines to allow better access to services for all Australians!

How can we connect with you?

c.ramsay0709@gmail.com

LinkedIn

DONNA NAPIER

2024 ALLIED HEALTH RURAL & REMOTE EXCELLENCE

Which award have you recently won and what does it mean to you?

I have recently had the honour of winning the Allied Health Rural & Remote Excellence Award. I couldn’t be happier or more grateful to receive this award! I see this as recognition as a testament to my work in maintaining high quality standards within the ultrasound profession through impactful education. Above all this award has inspired me to continue my work in improving access of rural patients to specialised ultrasound examinations and deliver life saving education to

people in emerging nations and in remote First Nations communities.

Where do you currently work and what is your role?

I currently work at the new Tweed Valley Hospital on the Far North Coast of NSW, where I am a Senior Sonographer and Radiographer in the Department of Medical Imaging. I provide advanced ultrasound examinations across a plethora of specialisations including but not limited to Abdominal, Obstetric and Gynaecology, Vascular, Musculoskeletal, Small Parts (Breast, Scrotal, Penile, Ocular, Thyroid), Paediatric, Emergency and Interventional ultrasound applications.

If you were asked to, what specific topic do you think you could give a 1 hour presentation on without any preparation??

Although very nerdy, I could give a presentation on Ultrasound Physics - but I’m not sure however that anybody would be still awake after 60 minutes.

What is your favourite thing about your chosen allied health profession?

My favorite thing about being a sonographer is the pivotal role we play in influencing the complete healthcare journey of our patients - from the initial detection of pathology, to the formal diagnosis,

the surveillance pathways and the implementation of management strategies. Most patients presenting to a hospital for care require the skills and expertise of medical imaging professionals to aid in their diagnosis and treatment.

What is your professional philosophy or motto?

Lead by example, inspire and nurture.

If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?

Is X-Ray vision too much of a cliche for a radiographer? In all honesty however, I would love the ability to time travel so I could discover the winning Lotto numbers!

What’s a skill you’ve learned in your profession that surprises people?

The ability to laugh every time a male patient asks me “Is it a boy or a girl?’

Tell us something interesting or quirky about you! Hidden talents?

I love cake decorating as its a creative outlet for me. I have won first prize in the Children’s Birthday

WINNER

Cake decorating section of the Grafton Show in recent years. On the 27th of October every year I make and decorate a cake in the shape of an ultrasound transducer (probe) to celebrate Australasian Sonographers Day.

What are you currently bingeing? Movies, TV shows, books, podcasts?

I am an avid fan of the Alone series and quite often binge a season in a couple of days. In fact any show relating to outdoor survival skills is a favorite of mine.

What is your very favourite place?

Antarctica. I had the opportunity to travel there on a research ship in 2017. It’s the type of place that leaves an imprint on your soul forever.

What do you love about yourself? What are you really proud of?

I have excellent time management skills and I love my ability to maximize the time I allocate to achieve many life goals - from juggling family life to career, through to my volunteering initiatives and education commitments. This allows me to live a very fulfilling life.

Which three words best describe your approach to patient care?

Respect, understanding and compassion.

What’s one thing about your job that people would find surprising or unexpected?

That sonographers don’t just scan pregnant women. Although this is a large and very important component of our work, sonographers have an extensive knowledge of physics, anatomy, physiology and pathology relative to every organ system and part of the human body allowing us to evaluate all aspects of human anatomy using ultrasound. People are also surprised to learn that 89% of sonographers have a form of work related musculoskeletal injury that is relative to not only the physicality of our job but also the high incidence of larger patient body habitus. As such safe scanning ergonomics are crucial in extending the longevity of a sonographers scanning career.

How do you celebrate big wins in your career?

I celebrate big wins in my career not just as an individual accomplishment, but use them as a platform to shine a light on the medical imaging profession as a whole. Such awards are essential in raising awareness of the extensive knowledge and high skill level possessed by medical imaging

professionals, who are often misunderstood and underrepresented within the wider health community. By recognizing the essential work we perform in the patients healthcare journey , a greater respect for our skillset is also achieved.

What’s one misconception about allied health that you wish you could change?

I believe the term ‘Allied Health’ in itself gives the misconception that allied health professionals are not necessarily central to a patients healthcare journey, and are seen as outliers in the process. I would like to raise public awareness that without the work of allied health professionals the diagnosis and treatment pathways implemented by medical/nursing professionals would not be as successful in achieving positive patient outcomes.

If you could create an award category that doesn’t exist yet, what would it be for?

I would create a “Lifetime Achievement Award” category, to honour the continual contribution of an allied health professional over the span of their career. Whilst it is both wonderful and essential to celebrate excellence of a professional over a past year, acknowledgement of career excellence over a long period of time that has contributed to the betterment of patient outcomes I believe is a greater honour to bestow.

What’s your ultimate comfort food after a long day in your profession?

Krispy Kreme Vanilla Slice Donuts.

What’s in store for you in 2025? What’s next for you? Any projects?

I would like to undertake more voluntary outreach work and publish more papers relative to the ultrasound specialization. Above all I aim to continue my educational initiatives not only within the sonography profession but the wider medial faculty also. I am a invited national speaker at ASA2025 (the international conference of the Australasian Sonographers Association) in June 2025, where I will be presenting on ultrasound evaluation of acute penile injuries.

What is your vision for Allied Health in Australia?

I would like to see a greater acknowledgement of Allied Health as being central to all patients in their healthcare journey.

How can we connect with you?

donnanapier@hotmail.com

Do you have what it takes to win the 2026 Allied Health Rural & Remote Excellence Award? NOMINATE NOW!

People, Power and Purpose:

This year, the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) celebrates its 50th anniversary. This is an incredible milestone for a small but mighty organisation that started way back in 1975, spearheaded by a small group of music therapy professionals and supporters who saw the need and the potential for music therapy to help many people in Australia. Today the AMTA supports over 900 Registered Music Therapists (RMTs) across the country, ensuring ethical and high quality clinical practice and advocating for music therapy clients and the profession as a whole. More information on AMTA’s history can be found here.

And although there is much cause for celebration in our professional community this year, there is a dark cloud looming overhead. The cloud looks strangely like a sequence of four letters - N, D, I and S. You see, since November last year, AMTA and their supporters have been engaged in a David and Goliath style battle with the NDIS - the National Disability Insurance Scheme, its statutory regulator the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) and the politicians who are effectively the face of both. You may have seen some media coverage since December last year around this issue, but here’s a bit of a timeline of what went down –

Prior to

November 22, 2024

AMTA got a few whiffs of something not quite right within the NDIS for music therapy, as did our friends at ANZACATA (the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Association), who have been in their own battle parallel to ours.

November 22, 2024

AMTA received unofficial confirmation late on the Friday that yes, the NDIA was planning on releasing new guidelines that excluded music therapy from the NDIS’ ‘therapeutic supports’ category on the following Monday (three days’ time, over a weekend!), without consultation, notice, or apparent concern for the participants and providers of music therapy.

The Music Therapy Profession’s David and Goliath Battle With the NDIS

November 23, 2024

A working group was formed over the weekend by AMTA, consisting of strategic consultants, music therapists, researchers and both paid and volunteer members of AMTA’s executive. This group was gathered and is very ably led by AMTA’s current President (an unpaid role), Monica Zidar, an RMT for over 25 years and allied health business owner. To read about this crisis in Monica’s own words, head to this blog.

November 25, 2024

A change.org petition was created by RMT and Speech Language Pathologist Robyn Fernandez-Baca, that, at the time of writing has over 62 thousand signatures. You can view and sign the petition here.

Music therapy not the first profession to be called in to question by the NDIA, nor will we be the last, however there are so many aspects of this action that we don’t understand. The NDIA said they conducted a review and decided music therapy didn’t meet ‘evidentiary standards’. We don’t know what these standards are, what information they reviewed, or what their review determined. In spite of multiple requests directly to the NDIA by AMTA and several freedom of information requests being sent by members of our community, none of this information has been forthcoming. This made our advocacy even more difficult, as we did not know what aspects of our professional work to address.

In addition to this lack of transparency, misinformation has been rife in the NDIS since it started, at least when it comes to funding music therapy. RMTs, participants and their families have been told a range of strange and wonderful untruths about music therapy since the beginning - here are some things that have done the rounds - ‘music therapy is not funded in the NDIS’ (it is, and we even have our own line item), ‘music therapy isn’t evidence based’ (it was included in the scheme from the start because evidence existed to support its inclusion as an allied health profession and therapeutic support - it’s always been on the list of available supports), ‘you can only have music therapy funded if an occupational therapist writes a referral letter’ (incorrect, no therapeutic supports require referrals from other practitioners), and more recently - ‘no new music therapy can be included in plans until the independent review is complete’ (completely the opposite of the truth, music therapy is continuing with business as usual until the review is complete and final decisions are made), and my personal (un)favourite ‘NDIS has advised that you can now only have music therapy if you

are in palliative care’ (honestly who knows where these ideas come from?).

It seems that the entire premise of the NDIS - choice and control for participants - is being undermined further and further under the guise of making the scheme ‘more efficient’. Participants are being told, more than ever, that their funding may not be used for the services they choose. This type of gatekeeping is the antithesis of what the NDIS stands for, and should not be tolerated. But who holds the power, in conversations between participants and NDIS representatives? They make the rules, write the plan, and the participant has no choice but to use the services they didn’t really want, not use the inappropriate services and therefore get no support, or take the matter to the tribunal - a stressful and exhausting experience with no guarantee of success.

November 26, 2024

Due to an intense three days of public pressure from AMTA and their supporters, NDIS released a statement stating that they would delay the release of their new guidelines until December 2, but that from February 1, 2025, music therapy (and art therapy) would only be claimable from the ‘community participation’ category, rather than the current ‘therapeutic supports’ category. That would come with a drop in the maximum hourly fee chargeable by RMTs from $193.99 to just $67.56 for individual sessions. For group sessions of four or more participants, RMTs could still charge up to $193.99.

December 13, 2024

After more pressure, public advocacy and outcry from music industry figures, musicians, politicians, participants, families, RMTs and other health professionals, led by AMTA, the NDIS released another statement, announcing that they had appointed Dr Stephen Duckett AM, an experienced health economist, to conduct an independent review of music therapy and art therapy in the context of the NDIS, and had asked him to provide a report by March 14, 2025. In the meantime, there would be no changes to the way music therapy was funded in the NDIS, pending the submission of the report and NDIA’s review of it.

February 7, 2025

Submissions to Dr Duckett for his review were due. AMTA and ANZACATA submitted comprehensive documents to the review, alongside over 500 other submissions from participants, families, caregivers, organisations, RMTs, health professionals and advocates.

So, as it stands today (February 28, 2025) the music therapy and art therapy professions are awaiting Dr Stephen Duckett’s review report.

I can’t help feel that it was never meant to be like this. I have heard two stories recently of young participants’ families specifically asking for supports like music therapy, play therapy and art therapy, as their child has tried but been unable to engage with more traditional supports like occupational therapy or speech language pathology, and being told that no, they will be funded for occupational therapy and speech language pathology regardless, and not the supports they actually know will be effective and have requested. I just don’t get it.

Having said that, there has been some information that has filtered through about what triggered the targeting of music therapy and trying to remove it from the therapeutic supports list, and that’s the issue of fraud. NDIA figures show that there are about 1200 ‘music therapists’ providing services and earning income in the scheme. The problem here is that there are not even that many trained, qualified and registered music therapists in the whole country. AMTA’s figures show that of the around 900 RMTs registered with them, around 600 work in the NDIS space, providing services to NDIS funded participants. So what that tells us is that there are around 600 other providers, claiming to provide music therapy without being qualified or registered in the profession. This is fraud. And it seems that the NDIA’s response to this realisation was to come after the 600 or so Master’s qualified, professionally registered music therapy professionals without any consultation or notice? Not cool, NDIS, not cool.

I haven’t even touched on the effects this change would have on the lives and livelihoods of the hundreds of RMTs who support NDIS participants, how the reduction in the hourly rate by two thirds would crush their businesses, leaving them no choice but to leave the scheme. Then guess what happens? There will be very few to no RMTs at all willing to work with the disabled people who are funded by the NDIS. For those of you for whom the maths isn’t ‘mathsing’ - the maximum hourly rate (currently $193.99; proposed by NDIA to be reduced to $67.56) is not a full time employed rate. At the most, providers can charge four to five hours at this rate per day, then all their expenses need to come out of it before the true hourly take home rate is revealed. These expenses include tax, superannuation, professional registration, holiday and sick pay, admin costs, internet and website fees, consumables, equipment (musical instruments are not cheap!), sanitising supplies etc. etc. So the false economy of lowering the hourly rate of music therapy to make it ‘more affordable’ for participants, will render it completely unaffordable for RMTs, who will leave the scheme for other work, thereby removing any chance of NDIS participants choosing music therapy as one of their supports at all.

To say this development has been devastating for a section of our professional community would be one thing, but to see the incredible amount of support and advocacy that has poured from all parts of the wider community has been incredible and heartening. On November 30 last year,

psychiatrist and music therapy advocate Dr Matthew Roberts published an opinion piece, sharing a touching story of music therapy in an acute mental health setting, and stating that music therapy is “live saving, evidence based, essential, and reached [the patient] in ways two psychiatrists and a team of nurses and other allied health staff couldn’t”, that the RMT “saved the patient’s life” and “got her out of hospital sooner and kept her out longer” thereby saving the thousands of dollars per day required to keep her in an inpatient setting. This type of support, from a fellow health professional, is just one example of the outpouring of support and advocacy that our profession has received from music therapy participants, RMTs, organisations and individuals, and we are extremely grateful for it.

Sometimes, when I feel down about this whole debacle, I head to the change.org petition and read through some of the thousands of supportive comments and real life stories that remind me that in fact, music therapy is an incredibly valuable and valued health service, and that somehow, we will come through this and find ways of doing the work we love, being paid an appropriate amount for it, and supporting the people who need and want it.

By Natalie Jack

Natalie is a Registered Music Therapist, Registered Counsellor and Mental Health Clinician. She sits on the selection panel for the Australian Allied Health Awards and attends its celebration gala each year to support the amazing work done by all allied health professionals across Australia. Natalie operates a private practice providing clinical supervision, professional development and supervision training to allied health, education and other professionals around Australia. She is a Licenced Mental Health First Aid Instructor, offering training in person and online. Get in touch at natalie@nataliejack.com

CHANTELLE WOOD

2024 REHABILITATION COUNSELLOR OF THE YEAR

Which award have you recently won and what does it mean to you?

Being awarded Rehabilitation Counsellor of the Year 2024 has shown me over the years when I have been in the light or in the darkness; right in this very moment I am exactly where I am meant to be.

Where do you currently work and what is your role?

Founder and Director at Restorative.

What is your favourite thing about your chosen allied health profession?

Rehabilitation Counsellors have a superpower to make extremely complicated things understandable: recovery, insurance schemes and navigating return to life and work following health events.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t be scared of not ‘looking the part’ of a psychologist. My biggest regret is giving up acting when I started studying psychology at 25. I was so worried that it wouldn’t seem ‘professional’. So, in hindsight I would have kept my creative life (acting and writing) going while I built my psychology career.

What’s a skill you’ve learned in your profession that surprises people?

Negative feeling states clients present with are useful - it’s okay to sit in the sad. Oftentimes clients

experiencing chronic pain or a work-related problem are not in therapy for a solution they are there for a perspective and you can empower positive recovery expectancies. What is far more powerful in therapy is getting clients to hear themselves talking about themselves.

How do you relax? What are your self-care strategies?

Pilates or yoga for my hour for me. Saying ‘no’ is the most magnetic word to create space for taking in more rather than taking on more.

What are you currently bingeing? Movies, TV shows, books, podcasts?

Zoe Foster Blake anything and everything always. Most recently I finished her newest novel ‘Things Will Calm Down Soon’ articulating being a woman in business and encouraging me to think much, much bigger.

What’s one thing you do every day that keeps you energised and inspired?

‘Light the good candle’ philosophy applies to so many areas of my life. I open the good wine, use the good plates and wear my good clothes instead of saving them for a special event. Life is happening right now.

What is your very favourite place?

Tasmania.

What do you love about yourself? What are you really proud of?

My strength. My warmth.

Which three words best describe your approach to patient care?

Solution-focused. Warm. Impactful.

What’s the best piece of advice a patient or client has ever given you?

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.

If you could go back to the start of your career, what’s one thing you’d do differently?

Ten years ago give your imposter syndrome a name and sit them in the corner when you are choosing the grown up blazer from the corporate section of Valley Girl to wear to your first ‘real’ job.

What is your professional philosophy or motto?

The universe only ever has three answers for us: yes, not right now, or I have something better in store for you.

What’s a little-known fact about allied health that you think more people should know?

We need reminders to treat ourselves like someone we are responsible for helping.

What’s the best lesson you’ve learned from a colleague or mentor?

The importance of my mentors in my career as they saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself all those years ago. Seasons of life are temporary and I am forever grateful for those that told me that when I really needed to hear it.

What’s your ultimate comfort food after a long day in your profession?

Chocolate!

What’s in store for you in 2025? What’s next for you? Any projects?

Building on our impact at Restorative to help more people through harder life chapters and work out who is me after injury.

What is your vision for Allied Health in Australia?

Rehabilitation Counsellor specialising in injuries to be the answer to the question ‘what do you want to be when you grow up?’

How can we connect with you?

restorativereferrals.com.au

CHRIS PEARCE

2024 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST OF THE YEAR

Which award have you recently won and what does it mean to you?

Being awarded Australian OT of the Year at the 2024 National Allied Health Awards was incredibly meaningful, not just for me but for our entire team and my family. It feels like a celebration of all the hard work we’ve put in over many years, and more importantly, it honours the legacy my mum, Marilyn, began. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and what we can still achieve together. This recognition is not just mine - it belongs to both of us. My mum laid the foundations, and I’m proud to carry that forward and have built on what she started. Together, we’ve impacted the lives of so many people, and it’s an honour to be acknowledged at a national level for that work.

Where do you currently work and what is your role?

I am the Managing Director at OT Services Group, an OT specific private practice in Western Australia. My role involves overseeing our diverse range of services, driving innovation and service development within the practice, and supporting our team of passionate therapists and support staff. I also work hands-on as an occupational therapist, specialising in Driver Assessment & Rehabilitation, while also mentoring upcoming therapists and leading collaborative projects, such as our Solutions Centre or Fundraiser Quiz Night, aimed at supporting collaboration between providers in WA.

Where do you currently work and what is your role?

I am the Managing Director at OT Services Group, an OT specific private practice in Western Australia. My role involves overseeing our diverse range of services, driving innovation and service development within the practice, and supporting our team of passionate therapists and support staff. I also work hands-on as an occupational therapist, specialising in Driver Assessment & Rehabilitation, while also mentoring upcoming therapists and leading collaborative projects, such as our

Solutions Centre or Fundraiser Quiz Night, aimed at supporting collaboration between providers in WA.

If you were asked to, what specific topic do you think you could give a 1 hour presentation on without any preparation?

It would have to anything occupational therapy related - whether it was around my clinical area of Driver Assessment & Rehabilitation, or about professional issues like workforce or shaping the profession - I am a very passionate occupational therapist at heart!

What is your favourite thing about your chosen allied health profession?

It would have to be witnessing the impact that occupational therapy has on peoples lives by helping people to achieve independence and reach personal goals. The best outcomes are not always complex or expensive, impact is achieved in many ways - but for me, I really just enjoy supporting people as they achieve these meaningful goals!

What’s a moment in your career that completely changed how you see your profession?

A pivotal moment that reshaped my perspective on occupational therapy happened while I was a student working on an assignment about leadership in our community. I had the privilege of interviewing Freda Jacob, one of the pioneering figures in OT here in WA. Although I’d spent time with Freda before, this particular conversation made a lasting impact. She didn’t just share her insights on leadership, she turned the tables, challenging me to think critically about my role in the future of our profession. She made it clear that the continued development of occupational therapy depends on each of us contributing to its growth and evolution, not just doing our day jobs.

It was a profound realisation that OT is shaped by those willing to support and drive it forward, and that I had a responsibility to be a part of that. I ended up scoring 100% on that assignment (the only one I’ve ever achieved a perfect score on!) which felt like a validation of the passion and commitment Freda had inspired in me. To this day, in moments when I’m uncertain about the path forward, I find myself reflecting on Freda’s assertive, passionate approach and all she achieved for OT. It’s a reminder of the impact we can make when we truly commit to shaping our profession’s future.

If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?

If I could swap jobs with anyone for a day, it would probably be a policymaker in healthcare or disability services. I’d love the opportunity to

see first hand the decision-making processes that impact funding, accessibility, and service delivery. This could provide valuable insights into how we can further advocate for the needs of our service users and profession to push for policies that enhance services. Failing that, I wouldn’t mind spending that day outside in a hands-on activity around animals - so maybe a farmer for a day!

What’s the funniest or most heartwarming thing that’s happened to you while working in allied health?

One of the most heart-warming moments for me, and it’s happened a few times, is where a client comes back and visits the office with their modified vehicle (which often takes sometime to deliver) and takes me for a drive or coffee to celebrate! We once completed a very customised one-off modification for a gentleman around my age who had an acquired disability, and the vehicle delivery experienced delay after delay. Anyway, the vehicle modifier managed to have the vehicle ready for his birthday, and so I surprised him at a family birthday lunch with the keys to his new car! It was such a great moment - he then drove me home and I will always remember driving down the freeway in peak hour traffic in his dream car with the windows down and music at max volume! That day - every set back he had experienced was worth it for the independence that had finally taken back years after his injury! It’s moments like those that remind me why I love this work.

What is your professional philosophy or motto?

What you can’t go through, you find ways to go around or over, to get to a solution that suits a person’s individual needs. There is always a way forward.

What advice would you give your younger self?

If I could give advice to my younger self, I’d encourage myself to trust myself more “you’re more capable than you realise. Embrace every learning opportunity, and remember that asking questions is a strength, not a sign of weakness. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back from fully engaging in new experiences. The best OTs are those who stay curious, ask questions, and remain open to growth. Also, remember that meaningful progress takes time, both for you and for your clients, so be patient, and celebrate progress.”

If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?

It would definitely be the ability to pause time! I find myself so restricted with not having enough time to do everything I want to do - so removing the pressures of time would give me the opportunity to do more!

What’s a skill you’ve learned in your profession that surprises people?

One skill I’ve developed that often surprises people is that I’m a certified barista. Beyond just enjoying coffee, I’ve used this skill in my work to support clients in building barista skills (alongside their training) and as a pathway to employment. It’s a practical, enjoyable way to build job skills with clients - whether that be working in a cafe or working in another role.

How do you relax? What are your self-care strategies?

To relax and recharge, I spend time on my small hobby farm with my animals. Being surrounded by nature and caring for my cows, alpacas, peacocks, and chickens allows me to escape the usual interruptions and demands of daily life. It’s a quiet, grounding experience that provides a sense of balance I can’t find anywhere else. This time away from people and technology also gives me space to think critically and analyse challenges from a new perspective. I often find that when I return to work, I’ve come up with new solutions or approaches that help me better support my clients and team. It’s a form of self-care that restores me both personally and professionally.

Tell us something interesting or quirky about you! Hidden talents?

Something interesting about me is my love for gardening, in particular with bonsai. There’s something incredibly rewarding about the patience that bonsai requires. It’s also something that is constantly changing and adapting, so there’s always that opportunity to improve on what has been achieved. Working with my bonsai trees allows me to slow down, focus, and appreciate the smaller details, which I find both relaxing and grounding. It’s also just a nice contrast to the busy pace of my work day, giving me a space to recharge.

What are you currently bingeing? Movies, TV shows, books, podcasts?

I find it hard to sit still, so don’t often commit to movies or series but really enjoy listening to podcasts - I always have a podcast on, even at the gym! These can range from topics around occupational therapy or leadership, to true crime!

If your profession was a movie, who would play you?

Haha… I feel super awkward about this, so I asked the team, and they unanimously said Chris Pratt! Apparently, they think he’d capture the mix of energy, humour and dedication that goes into my work - and maybe a bit of the everyday chaos too. I guess if Chris Pratt can bring a light-hearted yet focused approach to saving the galaxy, he might just be able to handle occupational therapy!

What’s one thing you do every day that keeps you energised and inspired?

Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee! This is also something I share with my mum, who inspires me everyday. Mum and I always start a work day early, with a coffee together!

What is your very favourite place?

My very favourite place is my home and hobby farm. There’s something incredibly grounding about being surrounded by the animals and nature, away from the hustle and bustle. It’s where I can truly unwind, spend time with the animals, and enjoy the peace and quiet. It’s a place that brings me balance and perspective, for me there’s nowhere else quite like it!.

What are you not so good at, or what are you working on, in yourself?

Something I’m working on is learning to step back and delegate more. I have a habit of wanting to be involved in everything, whether it’s big-picture planning or the smaller day-to-day tasks. I’m learning that trusting my team with responsibility not only empowers them, but also frees me up to focus on strategy and new opportunities. It’s a bit of a balancing act, but I’m gradually realising that letting go a little can actually make us all more effective.

What do you love about yourself? What are you really proud of?

I’m particularly proud of my dedication to seeing things through, no matter how challenging they might be. I feel I have a strong sense of commitment, whether it’s to my clients, my team, or the goals I’ve set for myself. I’m proud of how I’ve taken on challenges, and been able to turn these into opportunities.

I’m especially proud of building on my mum’s legacy. It’s been such a privilege to partner with her, and then continue her work with the development of OT Services Group. Seeing the positive impact on our clients and knowing that I’m helping shape the future of OT keeps me going, even on the toughest days.

Which three words best describe your approach to patient care?

Dedicated, Creative, Passionate, Genuine. Well that’s what our website says!

If you could have dinner with any allied health professional (alive or from history), who would it be and what would you ask them?

If I could have dinner with any allied health professional, it would have to be Freda Jacob. She was an incredible pioneer in our field, and though she’s no longer with us, her influence remains strong. I’d love the chance to ask her about her perspectives on the significant changes in healthcare and in occupational therapy over the past five or more years. Freda remained actively involved in the community well into her retirement, and local therapists frequently turned to her for advice. Her insights would be invaluable, especially in understanding how we can adapt while staying true to the core values of

2024 OCCUPATIONAL

OT. I imagine it would be a insightful conversation focussing on the opportunities that exist.

What’s the best piece of advice a patient or client has ever given you?

One of the best pieces of advice a client ever gave me was not to be afraid to laugh at yourself or enjoy the moment, even when things are tough. Working with people, in the face of some really challenging circumstances, has given me perspective in the importance of finding lightness in difficult times, and that laughter can be a powerful tool for resilience. It’s a perspective I try to bring into my work every day - staying positive, keeping a sense of humour, and remembering not to take myself too seriously!

What’s a hobby or interest you have that no one would expect?

I have lot’s of hobbies - I don’t like to sit still! But one that surprises most people is that I keep bees (or am a hobby apiarist). It’s a fascinating and rewarding hobby and there’s something incredibly satisfying about harvesting your own honey!

If you could go back to the start of your career, what’s one thing you’d do differently?

One thing people often find surprising about my job is that, as well as being an occupational therapist, I’m also a certified driving instructor. In my role in driver assessment and rehabilitation, I work hands-on in the vehicle with clients, helping them regain the skills and confidence they need to drive safely. It’s not as scary as people imagine, and it’s incredibly rewarding to support someone in returning to driving.

If you could go back to the start of your career, what’s one thing you’d do differently?

If I could go back to the start of my career, there are probably any number of changes I might consider, but honestly, I’m very happy with the path I’ve taken. Each challenge or setback, every success, and even the failures have all contributed to my growth. Those experiences have shaped who I am as a therapist and have led me to a fulfilling & rewarding career. The journey hasn’t always been smooth, but it’s taught me resilience, flexibility, I wouldn’t trade the lessons learnt or the people I’ve met along the way!

What’s a little-known fact about allied health that you think more people should know?

There are so many misconceptions about allied health, especially when it comes to how diverse and far-reaching our roles are! Most people tend to think of healthcare as just doctors and nurses, but allied health encompasses a wide array of professions, each bringing a unique approach. Allied health professionals need to come together to better portray our important, distinct place in healthcare and the meaningful impact we have on people’s lives. There’s never been a better time for this, with the shift away from diagnostic eligibility to functional independence.

How do you celebrate big wins in your career?

Honestly, I don’t celebrate the wins enough, and that’s something I’m actively working on. I tend to get caught up in the day-to-day, moving from one goal to the next without pausing to acknowledge the achievements along the way. I’m realizing more and more how important it is to take a moment to reflect, appreciate the progress, and celebrate with the team. It’s a work in progress, but I’m learning that celebrating these wins isn’t just rewarding, it’s motivating for everyone involved.

What’s the best lesson you’ve learned from a colleague or mentor?

I have a good friend and colleague, Felicity who is constantly keeping me grounded and true to my values, empowering and supporting my unique approach, no matter how challenging things get. She has taught me that in a profession like ours, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands and pressures, but the real impact comes from being authentic, compassionate, and consistent. This helps me to focus on what truly matters: the people we work with, the community we are a part of, and the positive difference we can make.

If you had to describe your year in three emojis, which would you choose?

These are the 3 top emoji’s on my phone at the moment!

What’s one misconception about allied health that you wish you could change?

One major misconception about allied health that I wish I could change is the idea that we’re just “support” people to doctors and nurses. In reality, allied health professionals have specialised expertise and make independent and critical

contributions to healthcare. Allied health is integral to holistic healthcare, and our professions play an essential role in achieving long-term, meaningful outcomes for people. I’d love to see more recognition of the unique and impactful contributions we bring to the healthcare system.

If you could create an award category that doesn’t exist yet, what would it be for?

If I could create an award category, it would be a ‘Pioneers Award’ an award for someone who has achieved a ground-breaking first within their profession, paving the way for future opportunities and advancements. Someone who has taken bold steps, whether through innovative clinical practice, research, or policy, that will positively impact the profession moving forward. This kind of recognition would highlight the importance of creativity in shaping the future of allied health.

What’s your ultimate comfort food after a long day in your profession?

Definitely ice cream!

What’s in store for you in 2025? What’s next for you? Any projects?

We have a lot going on at the moment! Right now, we’re in the midst of re-designing our clinic spaces, with fit-outs happening at 3 of our 4 spaces, so things are a bit hectic! Looking ahead to 2025, I’m hoping to continue developing these spaces and resources to better serve our clients and team. One of the biggest projects is expanding our Solutions Centre, relocating it next to our largest university programs. This new setup will incorporate several new community-focused initiatives, in the teaching and learning space, with functional training areas, to create a hub for practical skill development and engagement. It’s an exciting time, and I’m looking forward to seeing these projects take shape!

What is your vision for Allied Health in Australia? Simple: to be recognised and leading healthcare in Australia!

How can we connect with you?

linkedin.com/in/chris-pearce-ot/ chris@otservicesgroup.com

0401 410 979

L-R: HELEN WHAIT, CLARE BATKIN, LEANNE HOPKINS, AMANDA TABONE, MIKAELA ERVIN

YOUR BROKER

YOUR BROKER

AARON ISHAC

AARON ISHAC

AARON ISHAC

YOUR BROKER

Director/Founder

Director/Founder

Director/Founder

AARON ISHAC

Allied health professionals are specialists Just as clients seek your expertise because you understand their unique health journey, lending requires the same level of specialisation As an allied health professional, you face distinct challenges irregular income, contract work, and career paths that don’t always fit traditional financial models These factors necessitate a lending service that truly understands your circumstances, just as your clients come to you for tailored care

Director/Founder

Allied health professionals are specialists. Just as clients seek your expertise because you understand their unique health journey, lending requires the same level of specialisation. As an allied health professional, you face distinct challenges—irregular income, contract work, and career paths that don’t always fit traditional financial models. These factors necessitate a lending service that truly understands your circumstances, just as your clients come to you for tailored care.

Allied health professionals are specialists. Just as clients seek yo expertise because you understand their unique health journey, lendin requires the same level of specialisation. As an allied heal professional, you face distinct challenges irregular income, contra work, and career paths that don’t always fit traditional financ models These factors necessitate a lending service that tru understands your circumstances, just as your clients come to you f tailored care.

A general broker could assist you, much like a personal trainer could assist your clients. However, you are a specialist who understands the biopsychosocial needs of your clients And just like your clients, you deserve a specialised service

Allied health professionals are specialists. Just as clients seek your expertise because you understand their unique health journey, lending requires the same level of specialisation As an allied health professional, you face distinct challenges irregular income, contract work, and career paths that don’t always fit traditional financial models. These factors necessitate a lending service that truly understands your circumstances, just as your clients come to you for tailored care

A general broker could assist you, much like a personal trainer could assist your clients. However, you are a specialist who understands the biopsychosocial needs of your clients. And just like your clients, you deserve a specialised service.

A general broker could assist you, much like a personal trainer cou assist your clients However, you are a specialist who understands th biopsychosocial needs of your clients. And just like your clients, yo deserve a specialised service.

So why Allied Health Loans, and why me?

So why Allied Health Loans, and why me?

So why Allied Health Loans, and why me?

Hi, I’m Aaron I used to be an Exercise Physiologist and now work as a Mortgage Broker

A general broker could assist you, much like a personal trainer could assist your clients. However, you are a specialist who understands the biopsychosocial needs of your clients. And just like your clients, you deserve a specialised service

Hi, I’m Aaron. I used to be an Exercise Physiologist and now work as a Mortgage Broker.

Hi, I’m Aaron I used to be an Exercise Physiologist and now work as Mortgage Broker.

So why Allied Health Loans, and why me?

As a former allied health professional, I understand the demands and complexities of the profession long hours, patient-centred care, and balancing a demanding career with a personal life. Through my own experience with securing finance, I realised that allied health professionals have unique needs and concessions when it comes to lending which aren’t necessarily understood by your everyday mortgage or finance broker.

Hi, I’m Aaron. I used to be an Exercise Physiologist and now work as a Mortgage Broker.

As a former allied health professional, I understand the demands and complexities of the profession—long hours, patient-centred care, and balancing a demanding career with a personal life. Through my own experience with securing finance, I realised that allied health professionals have unique needs and concessions when it comes to lending… which aren’t necessarily understood by your everyday mortgage or finance broker.

As a former allied health professional, I understand the demands and complexities of the profession long hours, patient-centred care, and balancing a demanding career with a personal life. Through my own experience with securing finance, I realised that allied health professionals have unique needs and concessions when it comes to lending which aren’t necessarily understood by your everyday mortgage or finance broker

As a former allied health professional, I understand the demands and complexities of the profession long hours, patient-centred care, and balancing a demanding career with a personal life Through my own experience with securing finance, I realised that allied health professionals have unique needs and concessions when it comes to lending… which aren’t necessarily understood by your everyday mortgage or finance broker

That’s why I’ve made it my mission to provide bespoke lending solutions, tailored to the unique needs of allied health professionals. Whether you’re looking to purchase a home, finance a car, or secure business funding, I’m here to offer a personal, stress-free service that works for you.

That’s why I’ve made it my mission to provide bespoke lending solutions, tailored to the unique needs of allied health professionals Whether you're looking to purchase a home, finance a car, or secure business funding, I’m here to offer a personal, stress-free service that works for you.

That’s why I’ve made it my mission to provide bespoke lending solutions, tailored to the unique needs of allied health professionals. Whether you're looking to purchase a home, finance a car, or secure business funding, I’m here to offer a personal, stress-free service that works for you

That’s why I’ve made it my mission to provide bespoke lending solutions, tailored to the unique needs of allied health professionals. Whether you're looking to purchase a home, finance a car, or secure business funding, I’m here to offer a personal, stress-free service that works for you

Having been in your shoes, I’m committed to delivering lending services and support that aligns with your career and goals, ensuring peace of mind throughout the lending process. I’m passionate about supporting the career growth of allied health professionals, and I believe your lending solutions should be just as specialised as the care you provide to your clients.

Having been in your shoes, I’m committed to delivering lending services and support that aligns with your career and goals, ensuring peace of mind throughout the lending process I’m passionate about supporting the career growth of allied health professionals, and I believe your lending solutions should be just as specialised as the care you provide to your clients

Having been in your shoes, I’m committed to delivering lending services and support that aligns with your career and goals, ensuring peace of mind throughout the lending process. I’m passionate about supporting the career growth of allied health professionals, and I believe your lending solutions should be just as specialised as the care you provide to your clients.

By understanding your unique needs and challenges, I strive to offer not just a service, but a partnership that helps you achieve financial success with confidence.

By understanding your unique needs and challenges, I strive to offer not just a service, but a partnership that helps you achieve financial success with confidence.

Having been in your shoes, I’m committed to delivering lending services and support that aligns with your career and goals, ensuring peace of mind throughout the lending process I’m passionate about supporting the career growth of allied health professionals, and I believe your lending solutions should be just as specialised as the care you provide to your clients.

By understanding your unique needs and challenges, I strive to offer not just a service, but a partnership that helps you achieve financial success with confidence

STEPHANIE NOTARAS 2024 DIETITIAN OF THE YEAR

Which award have you recently won and what does it mean to you?

Dietitian of the Year 2024. It has been a special experience to be the recipient of this award. It has been wonderful to be recognised by my peers for the work I have engaged in over the last 14 years to improve both client outcomes and professional education for dietitians.

Where do you currently work and what is your role?

I am currently the Director of the Dietitian Counselling Skills Practice. I develop and facilitate training and coaching programs for dietitians to improve their counselling and coaching skills to increase client engagement, retention and results in their practice. I guest lecture student dietitians on this topic and guest speak for international dietetic associations. I am also completing my PhD.

If you were asked to, what specific topic do you think you could give a 1 hour presentation on without any preparation??

Counselling skills for eating behaviour change and how to help clients find their sense of empowerment to better their lives.

What is your favourite thing about your chosen allied health profession?

The clients.

What’s a moment in your career that completely changed how you see your profession?

When I started appreciated the influence of my own counselling skills on my clients’ journey with eating behaviour change and realised how common it is to deflect all the responsibility to their clients’ readiness for change when they’re not changing or coming back to appointments.

If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?

Nephrologists - so I can start the conversations early with clients about the importance of eating behaviour change to manage kidney disease and reduce the progression of the disease.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Your values and preferences may change over time, you will outgrow some things and this is part of your evolution. So don’t resist it.

What’s a skill you’ve learned in your profession that surprises people?

How to properly engage people in the change process (rather than just educating them on nutrition).

What is your professional philosophy or motto?

When there is an issue, reflect on what you’re responsible for first to work out what you can influence and what you cannot.

If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?

To not need sleep (this answer would have been different pre-kids).

How do you relax? What are your self-care strategies?

Exercise, having tidy surroundings and spending time with my family.

Tell us something interesting or quirky about you! Hidden talents?

I have no sense of taste or smell. So I eat only with my eyes.

What are you currently bingeing? Movies, TV shows, books, podcasts?

The Lincoln Lawyer, The Diplomat and Maestro in Blue.

What’s one thing you do every day that keeps you energised and inspired?

Focus on my clients.

What is your very favourite place?

Wherever my family is - preferably on a Greek Island.

What are you not so good at, or what are you working on, in yourself?

Delegating and self-care.

What do you love about yourself? What are you really proud of?

My ability to engage in self-reflection to improve any circumstance that is draining me, my perseverance to keep going when I’m not yet seeing results with a goal I am pursuing, my love and empathy for people while balancing this with leading people towards change.

Which three words best describe your approach to patient care?

Empathic, leading and collaborative.

What’s the best piece of advice a patient or client has ever given you?

Keep listening to us and do more research on CKD.

What’s a hobby or interest you have that no one would expect?

Reading about the influence you have as a parent on your children.

What’s one thing about your job that people would find surprising or unexpected?

The counselling side of dietetics.

If you could go back to the start of your career, what’s one thing you’d do differently?

Start a business and PhD sooner.

What’s a little-known fact about allied health that you think more people should know?

The impact allied health services have on disease prevention and management.

How do you celebrate big wins in your career?

With my family and sharing it with my online community.

What’s the best lesson you’ve learned from a colleague or mentor?

Question the dominant narrative you are being told.

What’s one misconception about allied health that you wish you could change?

It’s a desirable service rather than a necessary service.

What’s your ultimate comfort food after a long day in your profession?

Something crunchy. I lost my sense of taste and smell during my pregnancy 5 years ago and they never returned - so food texture is now the most important aspect of eating for me.

What’s in store for you in 2025? What’s next for you? Any projects?

Expand Dietitian Counselling Skills and finish my PhD.

How can we connect with you?

dietitiancounsellingskills

Stephanie Notaras Dietitian

Finalists

L-R: LUKE HASSAN, ALICIA EDGE, JESSICA SPENDLOVE

2024 ALLIED HEALTH

EARLY CAREER EXCELLENCE

Which award have you recently won and what does it mean to you?

Early Career Excellence - I am honoured by the recognition of my initiative to partner with Priceless House, a local charity that supports and empowers women, new mums and bubs. To me, career excellence is measured by the positive impact that I have upon my patients, community and workplace.

Where do you currently work and what is your role?

I am a physiotherapist at My Therapy Crew in Upper Mount Gravatt.

If you were asked to, what specific topic do you think you could give a 1 hour presentation on without any preparation??

Supporting developmental milestones.

What is your favourite thing about your chosen allied health profession?

Working with kids, especially those with complex physical disabilities.

What’s a moment in your career that completely changed how you see your profession?

Prescribing a race runner (adaptive bike frame) to a little girl, enabling her to run for the first time in her life without falling over. The joy on her face was indescribable.

If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?

A pastry chef in Paris, because why not?!

What’s the funniest or most heartwarming thing that’s happened to you while working in allied health?

Receiving lovely notes or Christmas cards from patients is always very touching.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Good ideas don’t always require lots of experience.

If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?

Flying of course!

If you could invent one tool or piece of technology to improve allied health care, what would it be?

I’m not sure I’m creative enough to think of one haha.

What’s a skill you’ve learned in your profession that surprises people?

Assistive technology prescription.

How do you relax? What are your self-care strategies?

Going outside, exercising, throwing the ball for my dog, reading.

Tell us something interesting or quirky about you! Hidden talents?

I made wedding cakes as a side business during uni!

What are you currently bingeing? Movies, TV shows, books, podcasts?

Parks and Rec and Brandon Sanderson books.

If your profession was a movie, who would play you?

A young Julie Andrews (no like me at all, but a girl can dream).

What’s one thing you do every day that keeps you energised and inspired?

Read my Bible and exercise.

What is your very favourite place? Tasmania.

What are you not so good at, or what are you working on, in yourself?

Dealing with details.

What do you love about yourself? What are you really proud of?

I love planning events and being organised.

Which three words best describe your approach to patient care?

Personable, fun and holistic.

If you could have dinner with any allied health professional (alive or from history), who would it be and what would you ask them?

Gosh that’s hard haha, honestly probably with my colleagues as they are all fantastic people and I learn so much from them.

What’s the best piece of advice a patient or client has ever given you?

It’s okay to be late if you were getting coffee!

What’s a hobby or interest you have that no one would expect?

I wish I had a cool hidden interest, but I’m an open book and everyone who knows me also knows my very predictable hobbies of cooking, exercising and reading.

What’s one thing about your job that people would find surprising or unexpected?

That I get to play with a lot of bubbles in a day :)

If you could go back to the start of your career, what’s one thing you’d do differently?

Ask for help quicker, when I needed it.

What is your professional philosophy or motto?

How do you celebrate big wins in your career? Usually with chocolate or a date with my husband.

What’s the best lesson you’ve learned from a colleague or mentor?

See their potential.

What’s your ultimate comfort food after a long day in your profession?

Lindt dark choc and a cup of tea.

What’s in store for you in 2025? What’s next for you? Any projects?

Just keep trying to make a positive impact in the lives of my crew and clients.

How can we connect with you?

bree.elizabeth05@gmail.com