Volunteering has always been at the heart of our profession. 

Whether it’s supporting a community event, contributing to a sporting team or stepping into leadership within the APA, it reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the community. 

On the surface, volunteering is a gift of time and energy. 

Yet any physiotherapist who has volunteered knows the deeper truth: the personal return is often far greater than the effort given. 

Volunteering provides a profound sense of purpose and connection. 

It allows us to step beyond day-to-day practice, build relationships and see the impact of our profession in action. It fuels pride in physiotherapy, strengthens belonging and reminds us why many chose this career in the first place. 

It also plays a critical role in career development. The skills gained in leadership, advocacy, governance, communication and teamwork are invaluable across all practice areas. 

Many respected leaders, researchers and educators began by volunteering for an APA branch or national group. 

These experiences open pathways to shape health policy and influence reform, while also encouraging collaboration across disciplines and building professional confidence. 

APA volunteering—eg, serving on committees—contributes to the leadership and future direction of the profession, not the delivery of clinical care. 

By contrast, providing physiotherapy services for a sporting team is professional healthcare with legal responsibilities and must be appropriately remunerated. 

The APA’s recently released Member guidance: physiotherapists working for sporting teams and at sports events reinforces this distinction, emphasising that while volunteering is valuable, it must be safe, sustainable and within professional boundaries. 

Clinical advice carries medicolegal responsibility and therefore requires recognition and fair compensation, ensuring that members’ wellbeing and professional standards are never compromised. 

Nicola Mepstead, national chair of the APA Sports and Exercise group, and her committee have done outstanding work in developing this new guidance. 

It will support members across the country to contribute safely and effectively, strengthening both our profession and our communities. 

Research is also shedding new light. 

Ima Strkljevic, from the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, is completing a PhD on physiotherapists who volunteer their professional skills. 

She shows that volunteering shapes identity, builds resilience and positions physiotherapists as leaders in prevention and health promotion. 

Ima urges professional organisations to recognise volunteering trends, create opportunities for engagement and development, and encourage older or retired members to share their experience while staying active and connected. 

None of the APA’s advocacy, education, professional development or community engagement would be possible without the passion and commitment of members who step forward. 

Volunteers run our national groups, support policy submissions, mentor students and sit on boards and committees. 

They are the backbone of our organisation. 

One powerful example is APA member Peter Dornan AM, who has volunteered throughout his 59-year career. 

He was the inaugural physiotherapist for the Australian national Rugby Union team and co-founded the Queensland branch of Sports Medicine Australia. 

Peter established Queensland’s first prostate cancer support group, volunteered with the Cancer Council and co-founded the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. 

He reflects that volunteering not only launched his career and created enduring resources but also gave him purpose and recognition, including being named Queensland Senior Australian of the Year. 

His story shows how volunteering can profoundly shape professional identity and personal wellbeing. 

As we look to the future, we must remember that the APA has always been strengthened by the contributions of its members. 

So my call to action is simple. If you’ve ever considered volunteering, now is the time to get involved and help shape the future of our profession. 

Rik Dawson APAM MACP 

APA Titled Gerontological Physiotherapist 

APA National President