Hi everyone,
Thanks so much for joining us today to help launch PhysioHub, our new space to stay connected, informed, and inspired as a profession. For those who haven't met me, I'm Rik Dawson, national president of the APA.
I've been a physio for thirty two years now, and I still love it, graduating from the University of Sydney in 1993.
And after spending my first few years working as in paediatrics, I've spent most of my career in aged care and disability.
My physio wife and I ran a business together in that space, and I recently completed my PhD on the value of tele-physio in aged care.
I got into physio because I wanted to help people stay active and well. What's kept me in the profession all these years is how broad and meaningful our impact is.
From helping kids hit their milestones to supporting people through pain, injury, rehab, and right through to palliative care.
Physios are there at every stage.
We know how essential our work is, but too often our funding models and systems don't reflect that.
We're not always given the autonomy or support we need to thrive, and that can be frustrating.
Since stepping into the role, my focus has been on listening.
I've spent time with our board, our CEO, Rob and his fantastic team, our national advisory council, and of course, lots of you.
I've also been to Canberra three times already, meeting with Minister Butler's office, the NDIS minister's office, and MPs from across the political spectrum.
The biggest issue for me so far has been the cuts to NDIS and travel, which came fast and without can pivot, but participants need consistency.
Physiotherapists can pivot, but participants need consistency.
That's why PhysioHub matters.
It's a way for us to stay up to speed with what's happening, share wins, highlight what needs fixing, and support each other through it all.
This is the first of many updates you'll hear from me through the Hub.
I'm excited to use it as a way to keep you in the loop on APA's advocacy, our campaigns, and everything we're doing to back our profession.
Thanks again for being part of this launch and for everything you do every day to make a difference in people's lives.