As I settle into my role as CEO at the APA, I am appreciative of how my clinical background and experience in member organisations have aided this transition. 

As a physiotherapist, I keenly understand the level of training and study required in our profession. 

My own experience delivering clinical physiotherapy, navigating the scope of practice, taking part in professional development and working extensively in the education sector has given me valuable insight that I have brought to this position.

My previous role at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has guided me immensely, offering a number of similarities and a lot of learning that can be applied to my work at the APA as we advance into our next strategic phase.

When it comes to our educational offerings, I recognise that we need to ensure our focus remains on the needs and expectations of the learners of today. 

This means not only making sure that our courses are delivered by leading professionals and filled with the latest evidence-based practices, but also that the delivery methods are learner-centred and flexible.

In addition to structured courses and lectures, content that is readily available to our members such as podcasts and sharp, short videos needs to be part of what we are offering. 

We know that artificial intelligence will continue to be a transformative force in both healthcare delivery and education. 

By finding ways to integrate this technology, we can personalise the learning experience while making sure we stay at the forefront of professional development.

In November, I had the profound privilege of participating in a cultural immersion experience around Broome and up through the Dampier Peninsula, including Cygnet Bay, One Arm Point, Sunday Island and Beagle Bay.

During this visit, we learned about the significant impacts of colonisation on these communities through conversations with people of the Stolen Generations, who told us about the importance of truth-telling and connection to the land for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We were taught about the Dreamtime and Aboriginal traditions and culture as well as respect for nature and living off the land. 

We were confronted with real stories about the challenges and impacts of the lack of healthcare accessibility in the region. 

Seeing this in person and hearing it directly from people in these remote communities was truly enlightening.

The final day of our trip was an experience I will never forget. We spent the day with people from the Clontarf Foundation, a program dedicated to supporting Indigenous young boys to complete their schooling. 

We witnessed firsthand just how engaged the boys were in the program as well as the passion and commitment of the employees who work with them. 

The program’s impressive attendance and graduation results speak to just how effective it is.

These experiences form an important part of building on our continued understanding of the role we can play as an organisation and as a profession to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people—and continue closing the gap. 

I am very grateful that the Board and I had this eye-opening opportunity.

Our journey also involved meeting physiotherapists from across the Broome area. 

They shared insights about the challenges they face as rural and remote practitioners, particularly regarding workforce sustainability, access to professional development and the ability to connect with peers.

The upcoming period will be a very exciting time as we embark on the journey for our next strategic plan. 

We remain committed to being the voice of our profession, ensuring that physiotherapy is front and centre in the minds of government and funding bodies, consumers and referrers. 

I look forward to engaging with our members to shape this vision for the future.