Travis Touma—Education is key
Cameron Edwards interviews Deadly physio Travis Touma about his career on and off the rugby league field, the richness and beauty of culture, and the huge impact physiotherapy can have on the health and wellbeing of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Warning
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are warned that the following episode may contain the names and voices of people who are deceased.
A bit about Travis
My blood is made up of two very proud and rich cultures. My mum is from the Yuwaaliyaay people and my dad is Lebanese. I grew up in Goodooga, North Western New South Wales before moving to Bidjigal, South Sydney.
My early career was as a professional rugby league player. I represented Lebanon in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup, played seven test matches for Lebanon between 2000 and 2003 and also competed in the 2004 World Sevens.
After studying physiotherapy at Sydney Uni, I worked in private practice for several years. Combining my two passions of rugby and physio, I worked as a physiotherapist at the Newtown Jets before moving into the role of Head of Performance at the Sydney Roosters. In 2021 I was appointed Head of Performance for the 2022 season at the South Sydney Rabbitohs. There’s a long history and some family connections and ties to South Sydney Rabbitohs and I'll be forever thankful for the opportunity to work at this club.
Country (from): Goodooga (North Western New South Wales)
Country (currently living): Bidjigal (South Sydney)
Favourite Indigenous word: Bunji (mate)
One word that sums up what Reconciliation or Closing the Gap looks like: Acknowledgement
Song of choice: Baker Boy Gela album
Listen to The Deadly Physios playlist on Spotify.
Credits
Creators: Marko Stechiwskyj and Clare Pickering
Producer: Clare Pickering
Editors: Clare Pickering and Ali Aitken
Post-production: Ali Aitken
Artwork: Emma Bamblett
Theme music: Rudi Louis Taylor-Bragge
APA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy Officer: Lowana Williams and Alyce Merritt
APA marketing team: Nichola Stamatakos and Barbara Karametos
APA graphic designer: Mick Hibbert
APA communications: Claire Macuz
Website design: Eddy Kim
Thank you to The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies for helping us locate our Country.
We would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the many lands across Australia and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging. We recognise their enduring connection to the lands and waterways of this country and thank them for protecting and maintaining this country for us and future generations.