Professor Trudy Rebbeck’s contribution spans nearly 40 years of musculoskeletal clinician practice, tertiary education and evidence-informed research. 

The Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist’s (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2007) acceptance speech underscored a deep sense of gratitude and pride in the profession that shaped her career.

‘I’m certainly deeply humbled by the nomination,’ Trudy said, acknowledging her South Australian roots and early decision to choose physiotherapy over medicine. 

She paid tribute to the pioneers who influenced her formative years, adding, ‘Their clinical expertise was magical to watch and I wanted to be like them, hence a career-long desire to achieve clinical excellence.’

Trudy’s achievements are extensive: a longstanding leadership role within the APA, curriculum development roles at the University of Sydney and an internationally recognised research portfolio focused on whiplash, neck pain, headache and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. 

Her involvement in writing Australia’s first musculoskeletal pain guidelines marked a pivotal milestone.

Reflecting on this period, she said, ‘Physiotherapists then were absent from writing guidelines… we fought really hard to be represented, were successful and this action was one of the catalysts for the profession to produce the strong evidence base that exists for musculoskeletal physiotherapy today.’

In her speech, Trudy highlighted the importance of mentorship and collaboration, referring to colleagues, students and clinicians as essential partners in her work. 

Trudy also spoke directly to emerging physiotherapists, sharing guidance passed on by her daughter. 

‘This profession of physiotherapy is one of the greatest you could possibly be in… never underestimate what you’re capable of.’

Her closing words recognised the collective achievement behind her Honoured Membership. 

‘To you, my beloved profession, my current amazing team and my supportive family, this award is yours.’

Specialist Research Physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2025) Professor Kay Crossley is equally celebrated for her four-decade career, which has shaped sports and exercise physiotherapy both nationally and globally.

Her dual pathway—15 years in elite clinical practice followed by a distinguished academic and research career—has produced a legacy characterised by innovation, mentorship and world-leading research in patellofemoral pain, hip and knee injuries, and exercise medicine.

Kay opened her acceptance remarks with characteristic humility. 

‘I’m also very honoured to receive this award today and to be able to join with the amazing other honoured physiotherapy members… it really is a privilege to be awarded this.’ 

Kay reflected on the breadth of professional relationships that defined her journey, noting, ‘Over those 40 years I’ve worked with a lot of people, I’ve mentored a lot of people and I’ve been mentored by a lot of people.’

Her speech emphasised the joy she found in teamwork—whether in multidisciplinary sports medicine environments or in research centres she helped establish and lead. 

Describing the moment she was recruited back to Melbourne from the University of Queensland, Kay said, ‘The offer was that I got to be part of a team… and that really was the driving force for me.’ 

That decision ultimately shaped the now internationally recognised La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre.

Kay’s call to action for the profession spoke to her dedication to advancing physiotherapy’s future direction. 

‘I would like to see more researchers sitting or standing side by side with clinicians at every level of the APA,’ she said, citing the complementary strengths of research, mentorship, implementation science and strategic planning. 

She also highlighted the profession’s responsibility to foster inclusive workplaces, adding, ‘It’s a call to all of us to make sure that our workplaces have fair and safe spaces.’

The recognition of Trudy and Kay as APA Honoured Members celebrates their individual achievements and also reflects on the profession’s ongoing commitment to leadership, evidence-informed care and collaborative advancement. 

Their contributions continue to shape the next generation of physiotherapists, reinforcing the values that underpin physiotherapy in Australia.

Scan the QR code for a video of Kay Crossley talking about her career.