I thought I would use this first issue to provide you with some insight into my career journey to date and early impressions of the terrific work being undertaken at the APA.

Entering my physiotherapy studies, I had big plans. 

As a huge sports fan and Melbourne Demons tragic, I envisaged myself as the physio running out onto the MCG and treating elite athletes. 

Instead, I went on another exciting journey.

Physiotherapy provides a multitude of opportunities—one of the many things that’s so great about our profession.

On graduation, I entered the public health system at Austin Health in Melbourne. 

I enjoyed rotating around the system and found my place in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy—particularly intensive care, where I valued the challenge that ICU physios face and the impact that physio can make in a patient’s recovery as well as the teamwork and multidisciplinary environment. 

I also found an ICU nurse who would become my wife and together we have two talented, aspiring AFLW players of the future—Isabella, who is 11, and Gabrielle, who is nine.

I subsequently developed a passion for education, which brought me to the University of Melbourne’s Department of Physiotherapy, where I led the clinical program as the Clinical Education Manager. 

It was an exciting time at the university. 

The new Melbourne Model was introduced, leading to the new Doctor of Physiotherapy graduate entry program. 

I was fortunate enough to receive a staff scholarship and used this to broaden my knowledge with a Master of Management. 

I later took on roles such as the Director of Interprofessional Education within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the university and then, when I returned to Austin Health, Director of Education.

My connection to physiotherapy continued throughout, with roles on the APA’s Victorian Branch Council and National Advisory Council. 

My most recent role prior to becoming the new APA CEO was as the Chief Education Officer at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, which provided me with invaluable experience and insight into membership-based organisations.

I couldn’t be happier to be completely focused on physiotherapy again and am honoured to lead the APA.

At the time of writing, I’ve been in the role for six weeks and have been welcomed into an open and enthusiastic working environment. 

The APA has a well-established culture of respect and inclusivity and is very fortunate to have such dedicated and talented staff, an engaged and passionate membership base and a board that is supportive, collegial and high performing.

I am taking the opportunity to listen to members and staff and to develop a deeper understanding of the team, services and plans for the future. 

I can already see that there are many fantastic opportunities lying ahead for the APA and the profession.

I look forward to supporting our dedicated National President as the APA advocates for physiotherapy’s future in a critical period of health reform and to working closely with our members to understand what you seek from your professional body. 

I would like to add value to each touchpoint our members have with the APA and to provide even more opportunities for engagement and connection.

Significant progress is being made in the Australian College of Physiotherapists on the titling and specialisation career pathways. 

I will continue to build on these initiatives and to ensure that our professional development programs remain contemporary and accessible. 

We need to support each physiotherapist’s individual career journey on a clear and transparent pathway from graduation to titling and specialisation.

I look forward to working with you all towards a very bright future for physiotherapy.