Rik Dawson

Dr Rik Dawson has been elected National President of the APA Board for a two-year term starting January 1, 2025. A graduate of Sydney University (1993) and a titled APA Gerontological Physiotherapist, Rik has held prominent roles, including past chair of the APA Gerontology Group and APA representative on the National Aged Care Alliance.

Rik previously owned Agewell Physiotherapy, a practice serving residential and community aged care services across Australia, which he sold in 2020. Currently, he is a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Sydney, focusing on telehealth, fall prevention, frailty and improving the quality of life for older adults.

A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), Rik and has been an APA Director since 2017. He has served as a Director member on the Audit and Risk Committee, the Physiotherapy Research Foundation and as Chair of the Nominations, Remuneration, and Governance Committee (2021–2024).

Rik is an active member of the APA’s Gerontology and Business groups, with a passion for communication, advocacy, leadership and governance. He believes in aligning strategy with member value to ensure the success of the APA and the importance of research to highlight the value of physiotherapy in the Australian healthcare system.

Special Responsibilities
APA National President
Member, Australian College of Physiotherapy Steering Committee
Member, Gerontology National Group
Member, Business National Group
Term expires: December 31, 2026