31/10/2025
I've been an Occupational Therapist for 18 years now. Did you know however that I first wanted to be one around 36 years ago, when exposed to Paediatric OT with my darling big brother. I saw the difference they made at age 3, and that wonderment persisted. The strong calling I felt never waned.
It's OT week this week - which is usually a fun week of celebration of our amazing profession.
You see, I too consider Occupational Therapists as /quietly essential/ because they sit at the heart of everyday life — helping people do the things that make life meaningful. They don’t always make headlines or work in the spotlight, but their impact is profound and enduring. OTs bridge the gap between health and participation, between capacity and confidence. They see potential where others see limitation, crafting practical, person-centred solutions that restore independence, dignity, and connection. Whether it’s supporting a child to self-regulate, an adult to return to work, or an elder to remain at home safely, OTs weave science, creativity, and compassion into everyday routines. Their work doesn’t shout — it transforms quietly, one meaningful occupation at a time.
But the consistent devaluing and bashing of our and other Allied Health Professions by the government has worn thin. A Strong robust Allied Health workforce, who can appropriately, accurately and professionally assess needs, treat and accomodate underlying dysfunction, and move the population towards a state of balance and health IS ESSENTIAL. This cannot occur for our most vulnerable populations when their idea of assessment and subsequent funding is based on algorithms that consume inadequate data by non-professional governmental staffers.
This OT week, I promise that I am celebrating my fabulous Team (Lucy, Kim and Kiarna are shining examples of what being a truly client-focused OT in paeds is all about - I'm immensely proud of the work they do day in day out with our fabulous families) - but I'm also calling the government out - echoing the words of the amazing Helen Whait in the following article.
"This OT Week, we’re calling on policymakers to:
1. Restore fair funding for occupational therapy.
2. Protect outreach and travel so we can support people in their homes and rural and regional Australians aren’t left behind.
3. Co-design pricing with those who actually deliver the care.
4. Ensure true accountability and co-design (not the performative theatrics we're currently witnessing!) from the top down."
Occupational therapists are exhausted because funding cuts make it harder to give people the support they need.
