The Council has awarded Aunty Dr Doseena Fergie OAM the Australian Physiotherapy Council Service Award for 2022.
The annual award recognises those who have significantly impacted the Council and the Australian physiotherapy profession. It singles out individuals who have exceptionally contributed to the Council, aligning with its vision and values along with demonstrating transformational leadership.
Serving on the Council’s Accreditation Committee for 3 years, Aunty Doseena has brought her Indigenous perspective that has further enriched the Council’s reconciliation journey.
Aunty Doseena co-facilitated the Committee’s first yarn on how accreditation can improve the development of cultural safety in Australian entry-level physiotherapy programs. She also played an integral role in helping the Council’s staff grow in their awareness of cultural safety through several yarns as part of a video interview series.
Beyond the Council, Aunty Doseena demonstrated transformational leadership in several organisations investing her knowledge, wisdom, and insight to improve health and community outcomes. Some of her accolades include recognition in the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives’ (CATSINaM) Hall of Fame and a member of the Elders Circle, the Yarra Ranges Council’s 2017 Citizen of the Year, the Victorian Roll of Honour for Women, and in 2019 awarded an Order of Australia Medal in recognition for her work in community health.
Over the years, Aunty Doseena has been an ally and an advocate for reconciliation in many ways—the Council recognises and highly esteems her valuable contribution.