Leaders from the Australian Physiotherapy Council joined friends and partners at the Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) 2025 National Conference, on Kabi Kabi / Gubbi Gubbi Country, Sunshine Coast.
It was a great pleasure to support and sponsor the Gala Dinner award for Cultural Responsiveness – recognising culturally responsive action in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce development, innovation in service delivery and leadership in influence change.
Congratulations to occupational therapist Jena Stephen, a proud Torres Strait Islander woman with heritage roots originating from Ugar (Stephen Island) and Moa Island (St. Pauls / Kubin Island) in the Torres Strait Islands. Our Board Chair Michael Reynolds presented the award to Jena on behalf of the Council.
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Cultural tour with IAHA Conference
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Council awards Jena Stephen for excellence in cultural responsiveness
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Council Chair Michael Reynolds with APA National President Rik Dawson
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GM Engagement Rachel Reichman with Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Board Director Kathy Martin
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Council leaders with Reconciliation Advisory Group and Physiotherapy Board of Australia
Highlights of the conference included hearing about research from our First Nations colleagues Dr Brooke Conley and Blayne Arnold, both physiotherapists, academics and the Council’s accreditation assessors.
Several of our team headed out on the bus for the offsite cultural tour to deeply connect with culture and country. Others attended the allyship workshop to deepen our understanding of how to be genuine allies.
As one of the keynote speakers, Francis Nona shared his research and advocacy about climate impact on Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are grateful for his contribution to the Council’s assessment committee, bringing his knowledge, wisdom and voice.
We enjoyed being with our friends, Fiona Murray and Sherry Savage again. These colleagues have played an important role as Advisors informing our reconciliation journey and framework.
During the conference, we engaged with key stakeholders from the physiotherapy profession, including the Physiotherapy Board of Australia Board member Carolyn O'Mahoney and Executive Officer Genevieve Mati and APA President Rik Dawson.
Connections across other allied professions were strengthened and deepened in our shared commitment to IAHA and to improving health and wellbeing for First Nations communities.