Physiotherapy is one of the most clinically diverse professions in healthcare. 

The APA’s national groups span the breadth of practice—working across public, private and community settings to deliver care throughout the life span. 

Developing education that reflects this breadth of practice is no small task. 

That’s why we’re proud to see education established as a dedicated pillar within the APA’s strategic plan, Towards 2030. 

Performance management is an essential part of every workplace. 

When done well, it supports alignment between individual and organisational goals, encourages professional development and fosters open communication. 

In April 2025, a national women’s rugby league program advertised an unpaid role for a physiotherapist.

The advertisement was soon amended but it had already sparked an important discussion about volunteerism and other unpaid work in Australian sporting environments. 

Running a successful private practice means more than attracting patients and balancing the books. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Marcus Mancer MACP’s path to physiotherapy began on Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Growing up the son of a farmer and teacher, Marcus found that his teenage years were shaped by his father’s struggles with rheumatoid arthritis.

Physiotherapists are familiar with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia (the Board)—after all, you have to renew your registration through the Board and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) every year. 

In May this year, I travelled to Tokyo alongside APA National President Dr Rik Dawson and Chair of the Board Mark Round to attend the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025. 

The scale of the congress made the event a brilliant opportunity for us to represent Australia on a global stage and to network and connect with physiotherapists from around the world. 

During our time in Tokyo, we were able to meet with board members and senior executives from numerous countries including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Nepal, the United States and the United Kingdom.