I’ve just returned from APASC25, our biennial scientific conference, where more than 1700 delegates came together to share the latest research, technology and clinical practice. 

APASC25 showed that Australian physiotherapists are not just keeping pace with change; we are driving it. 

From digital rehabilitation and musculoskeletal innovation to rural workforce reform and culturally safe models of care, every session reflected one truth: physiotherapy is essential to the health and wellbeing of our communities. 

Innovation in physiotherapy isn’t just about adopting new technologies; it’s about solving problems that matter. 

Whether it’s preventing falls, reducing avoidable hospital admissions or improving access in rural and remote areas, physiotherapists continue to design solutions that are practical, evidencebased and person-centred. 

Our closing speaker, Steve Sammartino, explored the powerful role artificial intelligence will play in everyday care. 

But it was our opening speaker, Gill Hicks, who reminded us that what makes our profession unique is empathy—technology enhances, but never replaces, the human connection at the heart of physiotherapy. 

This year we also celebrated the careers of our newest Honoured Members, Professor Trudy Rebbeck and Professor Kay Crossley—leaders whose scholarship and advocacy have transformed physiotherapy in Australia and internationally. 

Trudy has advanced musculoskeletal rehabilitation through pioneering work in whiplash and neck pain. 

Her research has redefined complex pain management, informed clinical guidelines and championed interprofessional collaboration. 

Kay, a global authority in sports medicine and osteoarthritis, has reshaped how we prevent and manage knee injuries. 

Through her leadership of La Trobe’s Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, she has shown how physiotherapy-led early intervention can reduce surgery rates and help Australians remain active for longer. 

One of many highlights of APASC25 was the Pitchfest competition. 

Hosted by the Physiotherapy Research Foundation, Pitchfest invites physiotherapists nationwide to pitch bold ideas for transforming care. 

Congratulations to Plasticise founders Sarah Turner and Kumbelin Levin, winners of this year’s Judges’ Award. 

Their neurological rehabilitation app empowers patients and bridges the gap between clinic and home by allowing therapists to design and send personalised exercise programs instantly. 

Congratulations too to Daniel Patterson of Refr Health, who took home the People’s Choice Award. 

What struck me most at APASC25 was the sense of unity and pride. 

Whether it was early-career researchers presenting their first findings, experienced clinicians sharing decades of wisdom or students volunteering to keep the program running, every contribution mattered. 

Physiotherapy has always been built on collaboration. 

We learn from our patients, from each other and from the broader health community. 

That spirit was alive in every hallway conversation and every round of applause throughout the conference. 

We must also look to the future. 

The next decade will bring opportunities through digital health, multidisciplinary practice and advanced roles but it will also demand courage, adaptability and unity. 

Our success depends on nurturing leadership at every level, mentoring the next generation and supporting colleagues to work to their full scope of practice. 

Most of all, it depends on staying true to what defines us: our commitment to evidence, empathy and empowerment. 

I want to thank our APA staff and every member, volunteer and partner who has helped strengthen our profession this year. 

Your dedication underpins the APA’s work towards a health system where every Australian can access physiotherapy when and where they need it. 

As the festive season approaches, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a restful summer break with family and friends. 

Take the time to recharge and reconnect so that we return in 2026 energised, united and ready to keep advancing our profession and the health of our communities.