When I was a student physiotherapist, becoming vice-president of the APA was the last thing on my mind. 

What I did have was a strong work ethic and a curiosity to learn beyond what was being taught. 

I would stay back after placements, help out on sports sidelines or sit in on extra presentations. 

I didn’t see it as ‘volunteering’ at the time – I was just generally interested in what was happening around me. 

Looking back, that mindset shaped everything that followed. 

Taking responsibility for my own development led me to put my hand up for opportunities. 

That accelerated my learning, expanded my network and opened doors to paid roles early in my career. 

My first formal step into volunteering with the APA was completely unplanned. 

I attended a Christmas dinner for the New South Wales Sports and Exercise Committee in 2010 and not long after found myself on the state committee. 

At that point, I had very little understanding of governance or leadership but I learned by being involved. 

Even stepping into roles like the national chair of the Sports and Exercise group in 2013, I definitely didn’t have it all worked out and I still don’t have all the answers. 

What’s mattered is being willing to step forward, listen, contribute where I can and learn. 

I’ve never approached these roles with a defined path or chased an end goal. 

I’ve simply followed the belief that if something needs to be done, why shouldn’t I be the one to step forward? 

In my experience, the most valuable parts of a career aren’t always the things you’re paid to do but the things you choose to contribute to. 

Through my journey with the APA, I’ve developed skills in leadership, governance and strategic thinking – areas I would not have been exposed to through clinical practice alone. 

Just as importantly, I’ve worked alongside exceptional people. 

The relationships and perspectives I’ve gained have shaped not only how I view the profession but how I think, lead and approach life more broadly. 

For those earlier in their careers, my advice is simple: don’t let the fact that you ‘don’t know enough’ hold you back. 

No-one starts fully prepared. 

What matters is being open to learning, willing to contribute and prepared to follow through. 

That said, it’s important to acknowledge that not all ‘volunteering’ is the same. 

There is a real tension between gaining experience and being taken advantage of. 

Early in your career, contributing your own time to learn, build skills, make connections and gain exposure can be incredibly valuable. 

At a community level, volunteering will always play a vital role – whether that’s supporting local communities or giving back in other meaningful ways. 

For me, that’s looked like coaching my daughter’s netball team over the past four years. 

However, when roles carry significant responsibility, accountability or risk, or take away from a paid position, they should be appropriately recognised and remunerated. 

The goodwill that underpins volunteering should never be used as a way to cut costs. 

As a profession, we need to be confident about our value. 

To those who are currently giving their time – whether to support others, contribute to the profession or invest in their own development – thank you. 

Your contribution matters. 

As a member association, the APA relies heavily on volunteers. The profession is shaped by members who engage – informally through conversations and collaboration and formally through committees, groups and boards. 

This is how we evolve, improve and represent our profession effectively. 

Holly Brasher MACP 

APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist 

APA National Vice-President