30th National Conference and Exhibition wrap-up

OTA was excited to welcome 1,150 delegates to Cairns Convention Centre for our 30th National Conference & Exhibition (OTAUS2023) on 21 – 23 June. The conference represents the pinnacle of Australian OT excellence, showcasing opportunities, innovations and strategies informed through research and practice that can shape future practices, policies and educational approaches to facilitate the growth of occupational wellbeing worldwide.

The week started on Tuesday 20 June with Education Day, with academics and educators gathering to discuss the opportunities and challenges of OT education in Australia and hear from an inspiring range of presenters.

On Tuesday evening, we hosted the Student & Early Career Networking Drinks, which was a fantastic opportunity for students and new graduates to network with other young professionals and key members attending the conference as they get started in their OT careers.

OTAUS2023 Day 1 (Wednesday)

OTAUS2023 took place in Gimuy/Cairns, the homelands of the Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji and Yirriganydji peoples. The Minjil team opened OTAUS2023 with a Welcome to Country before presenting MC Caleb Rixon with the gift of welcome.

Caleb shared his journey with OT after surviving a major stroke at age 24 and got delegates excited for the day ahead.

CEO Samantha Hunter and President Professor Carol McKinstry welcomed delegates and shared an update on the profession and the association. Sam and Carol spoke about OTA’s ongoing advocacy efforts, our current Workforce Development Project and the importance of protecting and promoting the OT profession.

They also unveiled our commissioned Reconciliation Action Plan artwork, titled Gaka Yapameyepuka (Come Together), which was created by Yorta Yorta brother and sister

Luke and Siena Tieri. Turn to page 19 to learn more about the story behind the artwork.

Conference Convenor Professor Ted Brown spoke next, with an important reminder that you never stop learning new things on your OT journey, and adaptability and creativity are a key part of the profession.

Opening keynote speaker Turia Pitt addressed an audience to share her inspiring story and shine a light on the resourceful and innovative roles occupational therapists play in healthcare.

Following the opening session, a variety of concurrent sessions took place throughout the day on topics including mental health, stroke rehabilitation, paediatrics, supporting people with neurological conditions, and many more.

Around 200 ePosters on a wide range of topics were displayed at the conference, with many of them also presented as spotlight oral presentations. On Wednesday and Thursday, exhibitors hosted educational presentations to share new product developments and services and techniques for client assessments.

In the afternoon, Caleb Rixon facilitated the panel Breaking Boundaries: Lived Experience Stories Igniting the Debate. This inspiring and thought-provoking panel featured speakers Peter Tully, Melanie Heyworth, Saran Chamberlain and Thomas Banks.

A busy day was capped off with opportunity to network, meet new people and connect with friends and colleagues at the Welcome Reception at Hemingway’s Brewery overlooking the water.

MC Caleb Rixon launched the day with the opening plenary session, sharing more of his rehabilitation journey and the role OT played in it.

Professor Leeanne Carey presented her Sylvia Docker Lectureship keynote speech, ‘Ignite your passion, and connect, to make a difference’. Leeanne encouraged OTs to create their own opportunities, break out of old ways of thinking, and link with those who share your passion.