More than a membership

 
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More than a membership

 
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A significant part of the APA’s role as the peak body for physiotherapists in Australia is to provide connection, value and support for every member throughout their career. 

In the launch of our new strategic plan, Towards 2023, connection is one of our key pillars of focus. 

In September, we reached a major milestone as we became 35,000 members strong—an outstanding achievement that will benefit all members through new resources and initiatives. 

Although we are united by our profession, we are not one homogeneous group. 

With 20 national groups and physios at all different career stages, we must hear from and understand the needs of all members. 

One key source of information is our member surveys. I want to extend my gratitude to all who take the time out of their day to complete these surveys; your words are what galvanises change within the organisation. 

The 2024 APA member survey was highly influential during the creation of the latest strategic plan. 

Meanwhile, the responses to our 2023 APA member survey led us to begin developing PhysioHub, which was launched to members in August. 

The application now has over 4000 members and is growing every day; head to hub.australian.physio and take a look. 

It’s a new way to connect with peers, share ideas and stay informed. 

As APA National President Rik Dawson points out in his First Word column on page 6, the contribution of APA members has always strengthened our association. 

The work of our volunteers, in particular, is key to the objectives of our organisation. 

They generously share their time and expertise across multiple areas, including formal committees, advocacy, mentoring and event support as well as education development and delivery. 

Towards 2030 highlights the importance of reviewing volunteer opportunities throughout the organisation and assessing areas such as onboarding, education, recognition and reward systems by engaging directly with this group. 

In July we kickstarted the process by sending out our first volunteer experience survey to gain a thorough understanding of the motivations, goals and challenges of our volunteers. 

Our call-out received 212 responses, providing a wealth of information and deepening our understanding of what it means to donate your experience and lend a hand for the betterment of the profession. 

More than a membership In October, we got together as an association for the APASC25 conference in Adelaide. 

Attending conference, and events like it, is a great way to engage in professional development and further education but it also provides a fantastic opportunity to talk with like-minded peers, old friends and strangers who will become new friends. 

In a rapidly changing healthcare landscape, these connections are invaluable. 

It was also at APASC25 that we had the pleasure of launching Physiotherapy. 

Shaping our future together: next generation white paper. 

This document will guide us to support the next generation of physiotherapists as they transition from students into the workforce. 

However, our conferences aren’t the only opportunities for connection. I recently attended an APA Career Connect evening in Victoria and was delighted to talk and mingle with the 220 attendees and 45 employer organisations. 

The atmosphere in the room was full of enthusiasm, demonstrating the importance of providing a platform for connection between employers and future employees. 

Ultimately, the value of belonging to the APA goes beyond the tangible benefits. 

It’s about being part of a vibrant, dynamic and supportive community that is dedicated to advancing Australian physiotherapy. 

I encourage you to be an active participant in our collective journey. 

Together, we can craft a future for the physiotherapy profession that is uplifted by a range of perspectives—made stronger by their diversity—while taking care of the health and wellbeing of all Australians.

 

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