Australian Recreational Therapy Association

17/02/2026

🌍 Bringing the World of Art to Our Residents

Another Recreational Therapist and professional advocate, , introduced a unique program designed to spark joy and cultural connection among residents. Inspired by Lara, a former academic from Russia, the session focused on iconic paintings from famous galleries around the world.

Residents explored art history magazines featuring masterpieces, shared personal travel memories, and engaged in lively discussions. For Lara, this was a moment of pure delight—her response was simply: “Culture!!”

The activity not only encouraged conversation but also celebrated diverse backgrounds and interests. It was so successful that we followed up with sessions on Australian and Aboriginal art, and even incorporated art appreciation into creative classes and online lessons for other aged care facilities.

✅ Why it matters: Art connects us to our past, inspires creativity, and fosters meaningful engagement—especially for those who may feel culturally isolated.

09/02/2026

🎉 Important Recognition for Recreational Therapists in Aged Care 🎉

We’re excited to share that Recreational Therapists are now listed as allied health professionals within the Australian Government’s New Regulatory Model – Guidance for Allied Health Professionals under the new Aged Care Act.

This is a significant step forward in recognising the vital role Recreational Therapy plays in supporting older Australians to maintain wellbeing, participation, and quality of life.

As a professional association, we are proud to see this recognition and will continue to:
✅ Advocate for the role of Recreational Therapists
✅ Work closely with members and the aged care sector
✅ Support clear guidance on the scope and value of Recreational Therapy in aged care

We look forward to continuing to define, strengthen, and promote best practice Recreational Therapy services across aged care under the new regulatory framework.

🔗 Read the guidance here:
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/new-regulatory-model-guidance-for-allied-health-professionals

And would like to welcome thoughts and ideas to enquiries@recreationaltherapy.au or via our social media platforms.

09/02/2026

🌟 RT Month | The Reach of Recreational Therapy 🌟

This RT Month, we recognise and raise the profile of Recreational Therapy as an essential allied health profession supporting wellbeing, participation, recovery and quality of life.

As this infographic shows, Recreational Therapists work across an incredible range of settings — including aged care, mental health, rehabilitation, palliative care, community, youth services, homelessness, justice health, education, TAFE, consultancy and more.

Recreational Therapy is not just about activities. It is about:

✔ Meaningful participation
✔ Identity and purpose
✔ Connection and belonging
✔ Recovery-oriented practice
✔ Person-centred, strengths-based care

Recreational Therapists support people of all ages and abilities to live meaningful, connected and fulfilling lives — even in the most complex circumstances.

This RT Month is an opportunity to celebrate, advocate and educate — helping ensure the full value and scope of Recreational Therapy is recognised across allied health, health, disability and community sectors.

👏 Thank you to all Recreational Therapists for the impact you make every day.

03/02/2026

🎙️ ARTA Town Hall – February 2026

Join us as we discuss the implications of the new government guidelines for allied health professionals at our first Town Hall meetings of the year.

🔗 https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/new-regulatory-model-guidance-for-allied-health-professionals

To make it easy for everyone to attend, we’re hosting two sessions — one in the evening and one at lunchtime.

🗓️ MONDAY, 9 FEBRUARY — 7:00 PM AEDT

Register:
🔗 https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Y38UFzapTjaqO9Y-egsUmw
You’ll receive a confirmation email with joining details after registering.

🗓️ TUESDAY, 10 FEBRUARY — 2:00 PM AEDT
Register:
🔗 https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/USaJl5A7S6m9xHrUJCjs4A

You’ll receive a confirmation email with joining details after registering.

💬 What to expect:
✨ Meet members of the ARTA Board
✨ Hear updates from the industry and the association
✨ Ask questions and share your perspective
✨ Learn what the new guidelines mean for Recreational Therapy practice

We encourage all Recreational Therapists, students, and supporters to join the conversation and stay informed.

03/02/2026

🎵 The Power of Rec. Therapy and Music in Dementia Care 🎵

Today’s moment is a beautiful reminder of why music is such a powerful tool in dementia care — and why Recreational Therapy matters.

A resident was being gently redirected to her room, agitated and unable to engage. Then she quietly said one word: “semibreve.”
That single musical term changed everything.

The Rec Therapist leaned in:
“Do you know musical terms?”
“Did you play an instrument?”

A doorway opened. The resident began recalling learning piano as a young woman.
Using an iPad keyboard app, the therapist played a few notes. With patient prompting, the resident repeated the first line of Hot Cross Buns. Her mood softened. Her focus returned. A meaningful connection formed.

She went on to:
🎹 Play the first line of Hot Cross Buns
🎼 Enjoy favourites like Für Elise and Chopin on YouTube
💬 Reminisce about playing piano, her mum, and memories of tennis

All from one small word — and a therapist trained to notice it.
This moment brought calm, joy, and purpose. Agitation decreased. Escalation was avoided. A person was truly seen and heard.

So when others think Rec Therapists are “just chatting” or “just playing,” they may not realise we are:
✨ Enabling meaningful connections
✨ Facilitating reminiscence
✨ Providing emotional support
✨ Reducing agitation
✨ Potentially minimising falls or chemical restraint

This is the magic of Recreational Therapy.
This is our purpose.
This is why RT is an allied health profession.

🎶 Sometimes one small word can unlock a lifetime of memories.

Thank you, Kim (RT), ARTA Member and past Board Member, for this case study.

02/02/2026

Thank you Royal Rehab for their ongoing recognition and engagement of Recreational Therapists as part of their allied health Multidisciplinary Teams!!!!

February is Recreational Therapy Month, and we’re proud to recognise our recreational therapists.

They support people to rebuild skills, regain independence, and reconnect with meaningful activities, often in moments that feel small but make a big difference.

We’re grateful for the impact they have every day.

02/02/2026

Recreation is a human right, and play is powerful. 🌏

This February 2026, join the International Knowledge Exchange for free, weekly virtual sessions exploring how Therapeutic Recreation and Diversional Therapy transform lives across cultures. Hear from global leaders, discover international perspectives, and strengthen the way we create meaningful connections through what we do.

This February 2026, join the International Knowledge Exchange for free, weekly virtual sessions exploring how Therapeutic Recreation and Diversional Therapy transform lives across cultures. Hear from global leaders, discover international perspectives, and strengthen the way we create meaningful connections through what we do.

New Zealand Society of Diversional and Recreational Therapists Inc. (NZSDRT Inc.)
Done
American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1H-fStCzSqqI0xRLRS_Dug
National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP)
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6O6Jh4ndRM--svRJNZNx-Q
National Activity Providers Association (NAPA)
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Kf-fVqnhR-OFx3WIsCN5EA
Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA)
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/
WN_A-_f-ideQGKHnPQ9z_FzPg
Diversional Therapy Association of Japan (DTAJ)
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MxewaL6HRQKCHtIQpeZ1ww
Australian Recreational Therapy Association (ARTA)
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QWMRzDY3TZ6nfFkqJSamUQ
Global Panel (Global Organisations Representatives)
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oJmhiXEjQzC02ocXeZP4jA #/

01/02/2026

📢 Recreation Therapy Month is not about balloons and banners — it’s about professional recognition.

This is our opportunity to raise awareness of Recreational Therapy as a skilled, evidence-based allied health profession that supports people across the lifespan and across settings — from early intervention to ageing, from hospitals to community, from disability to mental health.

Recreational Therapists bring unique expertise in participation, psychosocial wellbeing, and re-enablement. The profession deserves stronger visibility, understanding, and integration across multidisciplinary teams.

Let’s use this month to advocate — not just celebrate. Tag us, mention us, we can’wait to hear what you do this month!!!!

30/01/2026

✨ Did you know ARTA is on Instagram! ✨

Stay connected with everything happening at ARTA — from industry updates and helpful resources to event highlights and behind‑the‑scenes moments.

👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recreational_therapy_australia/

Let’s grow our community and keep the conversation going!

28/01/2026

In February 2026, the International Knowledge Exchange brings together global leaders from Japan, Australia, the USA, Canada, New Zealand and the UK to explore how therapeutic recreation, diversional therapy and activity provision are shaping culture across care and support services.

Across the month, weekly one-hour online sessions will explore how meaningful activity rebuilds skills, lifts mood, strengthens relationships and supports wellbeing for people of all ages and abilities.

This is a great opportunity for Activity Providers to learn from international practice and bring fresh ideas back to their own settings.

First session-
"Cultural Safety in Diversional and Recreational Therapy in Aotearoa"
Hosted by Orquidea Tamayo Mortera and presented by Nika Manuera, Registered Diversional and Recreational Therapist from Te Arawa Iwi.

The session explores Māori heritage, the impact of colonisation and how culturally grounded approaches support inclusive, respectful practice and wellbeing.

UK time: Sunday 1 February 2026 at 7.00pm
New Zealand time: Monday 2 February 2026 at 8.00am
Sessions are recorded, slides are shared afterwards and a certificate of attendance is available for those who attend live.

Spaces are limited to 500 per session.

Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_42PMSuhXSoK_dJVqWFraQA?_gl=1*1a4vkk6*_gcl_au*NzU5NzYxNTM1LjE3NjA4NTE2MDg.*_ga*NDA4MTgwMzE5LjE3NDQ1NzcxOTc.*_ga_L8TBF28DDX*czE3NjgxNjU0ODEkbzM2JGcxJHQxNzY4MTY1NTYwJGo1NyRsMCRoMA.. #/registration
For more information: dse@diversionaltherapy.net.nz
New Zealand Society of Diversional and Recreational Therapists

28/01/2026

🌍 The Countdown Is On — Recreational Therapy Month Begins February 1st! 🌟

February marks Recreational Therapy Month, a time to honour and showcase the incredible impact of Recreational Therapy (RT) — not only here in Australia, but across the globe.

This month gives us a collective opportunity to stand alongside our international colleagues, highlight our shared values, and amplify awareness of RT as an essential allied health profession.

Throughout February, we celebrate and recognise the vital contribution Recreational Therapists make in:

✨ Reablement and functional recovery
✨ Building and strengthening social connections
✨ Enhancing emotional well-being and meaningful engagement
✨ Supporting community inclusion and participation
✨ Providing therapeutic interventions across diverse health and community settings

RT Month also shines a light on our role within multidisciplinary teams — collaborating with allied health peers, nurses, medical staff, mental health professionals, and community partners to deliver holistic, person‑centred care.

As we join the global RT community in raising awareness, sharing outcomes, and celebrating the profession…

How will YOU be celebrating Recreational Therapy Month this year?

Let’s continue to elevate the profession, champion the work of Rec. Therapists everywhere, and advocate for the value RT brings to people, families, and communities.

🧡

26/01/2026

🥰This is a Free Global Event for anyone interested in Diversional and Recreational Therapy.

😎Registration Links for all International Presenters are below:

NZSDRT Registration Link is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_42PMSuhXSoK_dJVqWFraQA #/registration

ATRA Registration Link is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1H-fStCzSqqI0xRLRS_Dug #/registration

NAAP Registration Link is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6O6Jh4ndRM--svRJNZNx-Q #/registration

NAAP Registration Link is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Kf-fVqnhR-OFx3WIsCN5EA #/registration

CTRA Registration Link is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_A-_f-ideQGKHnPQ9z_FzPg #/registration

DTAJ Registration Link is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MxewaL6HRQKCHtIQpeZ1ww #/

ARTA Registration Link is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QWMRzDY3TZ6nfFkqJSamUQ #/registration

GLOBAL PANEL Registration Link is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oJmhiXEjQzC02ocXeZP4jA