Australian Recreational Therapy Association

22/10/2025

🌿 A Heartfelt Thank You and a Warm Welcome 🌿

As ARTA enters a new chapter, following our Annual General Meeting this week, we extend our sincere gratitude to all board members who have supported the association over the past three years (and for some, well beyond 3 years).

💚 Renee Rizzo (Secretary), Michael Murgolo, Daniella Greenwood, Kylie Rice (Treasurer), Carmen, Emma Preston, Kim Bromley (Vice President), Kayla Garside, Rachel Askew and outgoing President Renee Smith — thank you for your unwavering passion, dedication, and commitment to the ongoing growth and recognition of Recreational Therapy across Australia. Your collective contribution and leadership have strengthened our profession in so many ways.

As we look ahead, we are delighted to welcome our new board members — Charlise Bennett (President), Renee Smith (Vice President), Stewart Alford (Treasurer), Kayla Garside (Secretary), Michelle Hill, and Jody Asquith.

We look forward to working together over the next three years to continue advocating for, advancing, and celebrating our profession.

As always, we want to also thank our Office Team, Diana and Jodie, who, without them, our members, sponsors and board would not have amazing support and organisation.

Here’s to another exciting chapter of collaboration, innovation, and progress for ARTA and Recreational Therapy. 🌱

14/10/2025

🌟 Happy National Allied Health Day! 🌟

Today, we celebrate the incredible contributions of allied health professionals who enable people to live their best lives every day.

As Recreational Therapists, we focus on re-enablement, purpose, and participation — supporting people to reconnect with what gives their life meaning.

Whether it’s through creativity, movement, connection, or joy, we’re proud to be part of a multidisciplinary team that makes a real difference.

💚 Here’s to our fellow allied health professionals — thank you for the care, collaboration, and compassion you bring to every day.

23/09/2025

🌏✨ Thank You! ✨🌏

The Australian Recreational Therapy Association extends our heartfelt thanks to all our incredible presenters, both nationally and internationally, who shared their knowledge and passion at our Virtual National Conference. Your presentations were uplifting, inspiring, and enabling the ongoing growth and recognition of our profession into the future.

We also thank all those who attended from across Australia and around the world – your connection, engagement, and sharing made this event truly heartening. 💙

A very special thank you to our valued sponsors and trade partners for your generous support:
🙏 Neurons VR
🙏 Queensland Community Care Network Inc
🙏 Graeme Pope – Aged Care Music Resources
🙏 Resparke
🙏 BrainTrainerPlus AU
🙏 SilVR Adventures
🙏 Wisdom Activities

Together, we are Recreating the Recreation Revolution! 🙌

08/09/2025

“Exciting news – 10 DAYS until the ARTA National Virtual Conference! Join us 18–19 Sept for two full days of inspiring presentations, professional development, and connection. Registration is OPEN now (link below).

Here’s a snapshot of the upcoming Virtual National Conference, “Recreating the Recreation Revolution,” happening 18–19 September 2025, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (AEST)

Brochure here 👇

https://www.recreationaltherapy.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Conference-2025-program-Gold-Sponsor-1.pdf

💡 Day 2 features keynote speaker Jerome Singleton on the Therapeutic Recreation process and the Classification of Function (ICF). International, Charlise Bennett and more.

📚 Event: ARTA Virtual National Conference

Dates: 18–19 September 2025, Virtual (Canberra/Melbourne/Sydney timezone, UTC+10)

Ticket Options:
Non-member – Both Days: $400
Non-member – One Day: $280
Presenters receive discounted rates—e.g., Both Days: $220

Secure your spot through the official booking portal: REGISTER HERE 👇

https://diversionaltherapy.memnet.com.au/MemberSelfService/EventBooking.aspx?selectedEventId=359

31/08/2025

⏰Nominations close today 🌟

🏆 ARTA Annual Awards for Excellence – Nominations Now Open!

Do you know a passionate, innovative, or inspiring Recreational Therapist who deserves to be recognised?

The Australian Recreational Therapy Association (ARTA) is thrilled to launch the 2025 Annual Awards for Excellence, celebrating outstanding achievements in recreational therapy across three prestigious categories:

🌟 Award Categories:

Recreational Therapist of the Year
📌 For ARTA members only – recognising leadership, advocacy & community impact.

Innovative Program of the Year
📌 Open to all – celebrating evidence-based, creative, and impactful programs.

New Graduate of the Year
📌 Open to all – recognising emerging leaders who show professionalism & passion.

🗓️ Nominations close September 1st

Nominate a colleague who inspires you — or nominate yourself if you’ve made an impact! 😀

🎉 Winners will be announced at the ARTA Virtual Conference.
🖊️ Conference programme here:https://www.recreationaltherapy.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference-2025-Program.pdf

🖊️ Register here: https://diversionaltherapy.memnet.com.au/MemberSelfService/EventBooking.aspx?selectedEventId=359

👉 Start your nomination today and help spotlight excellence in Recreational Therapy!
🖊️ Application template here:https://www.recreationaltherapy.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ARTA_Awards_Application_Template_2025.pdf

24/08/2025

“Exciting news – just 3 weeks until the ARTA National Virtual Conference! Join us 18–19 Sept for two full days of inspiring presentations, professional development, and connection. Registration is OPEN now (link in bio!). Plus, don’t miss your chance to nominate amazing talent for the ARTA Awards for Excellence. Applications close soon!”

Here’s a snapshot of the upcoming Virtual National Conference, “Recreating the Recreation Revolution,” happening 18–19 September 2025, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (AEST)

Brochure here 👇

https://www.recreationaltherapy.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference-2025-Program.pdf

💡 Day 1 features keynote speaker Jessica Luh Kim on purpose and engagement, plus a rich line-up from Dr Stewart Alford, Jenna Johnstone, Claudia Stephson, and more.

💡 Day 2 continues with insightful sessions on mental health, rehabilitation, storytelling, dementia care, intergenerational programs, resilience, and even bonus pre-recorded content recreationaltherapy.au

Secure your spot through the official booking portal:

📚 Event: ARTA Virtual National Conference

Dates: 18–19 September 2025, Virtual (Canberra/Melbourne/Sydney timezone, UTC+10)

Ticket Options:

Non-member – Both Days: $400
Non-member – One Day: $280
Presenters receive discounted rates—e.g., Both Days: $220

REGISTER HERE 👇 https://diversionaltherapy.memnet.com.au/MemberSelfService/EventBooking.aspx?selectedEventId=359

Nominate for Awards for Excellence

Celebrate outstanding contributions by nominating deserving individuals or programs using the Awards for Excellence Application Template, which includes categories for:

🖊️ Recreational Therapist of the Year (members only)
🖊️ Innovative Program of the Year
🖊️ New Graduate of the Year recreationaltherapy.au

Application process:

Complete the relevant section in the template.

For Innovative Program submissions: include a report (2,000–2,500 words) and three PowerPoint slides with project overview, outcomes, and recommendations recreationaltherapy.au

Ensure all required attachments are included, and email your submission with the subject:

“ARTA Award for Excellence Entry (Your Surname) 2025”

to: enquiries@recreationaltherapy.au

06/08/2025

🌟 Aged Care Employee Day 🌟

Today, we say a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the incredible Recreational Therapists, leisure and lifestyle teams, allied health teams, and all aged care workers across the country.

Your compassion, dedication, and tireless work enrich the lives of older and vulnerable Australians every single day. 💛

From meaningful engagement and emotional support to creating joyful moments and fostering connection — your work matters.

We see you. We appreciate you. And today, we celebrate you. 🙌

05/08/2025

🏆 ARTA Annual Awards for Excellence – Nominations Now Open!

Do you know a passionate, innovative, or inspiring Recreational Therapist who deserves to be recognised?

The Australian Recreational Therapy Association (ARTA) is thrilled to launch the 2025 Annual Awards for Excellence, celebrating outstanding achievements in recreational therapy across three prestigious categories:

🌟 Award Categories:

Recreational Therapist of the Year
📌 For ARTA members only – recognising leadership, advocacy & community impact.

Innovative Program of the Year
📌 Open to all – celebrating evidence-based, creative, and impactful programs.

New Graduate of the Year
📌 Open to all – recognising emerging leaders who show professionalism & passion.

🗓️ Nominations close September 1st

Nominate a colleague who inspires you — or nominate yourself if you’ve made an impact! 😀

🎉 Winners will be announced at the ARTA Virtual Conference.
🖊️ Conference programme here:https://www.recreationaltherapy.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference-2025-Program.pdf

🖊️ Register here: https://diversionaltherapy.memnet.com.au/MemberSelfService/EventBooking.aspx?selectedEventId=359

👉 Start your nomination today and help spotlight excellence in Recreational Therapy!
🖊️ Application template here:https://www.recreationaltherapy.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ARTA_Awards_Application_Template_2025.pdf

21/07/2025

🌍 The WHO flags social isolation & loneliness as a pressing global health issue—impacting 1 in 6 people, contributing to heart disease, depression, cognitive decline, and even premature death. Solutions exist, and recreational therapists are uniquely positioned to lead the charge. (World Health Organisation)

🎯 Why this matters for Recreational Therapists:

📚 Evidence-based impact

The WHO Commission on Social Connection’s flagship report emphasises: social disconnection dramatically harms health—but can be reversed through community-based interventions. (World Health Organisation)
Scope for impact

During the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), the WHO commits to strategies that reduce isolation through in-person and digital methods—such as group support, skill training, and befriending programs. (Greatsenioryears, World Health Organisation)

🛠 How we can act:

Intervention Area: Role of Recreational Therapists
✅ Group activities (art, music, movement) Foster social engagement, enhance mood & release endorphins. (stjamesrehab.com)
✅ Therapeutic interventions Address loneliness explicitly—help clients explore feelings, build communication skills, strengthen intergenerational bonds. (rectherapytoday.com, https://lnkd.in/gyZE5x4x)
✅ Community linkage: Connect individuals to local clubs, nature groups ("social prescribing") and other inclusive spaces. (World Health Organisation, https://lnkd.in/gyZE5x4x)
✅ Holistic benefits Broad social interaction reduces sedentary behaviour, supports cognitive health, and fosters emotional resilience. (ijhsr.org)

🔑 Takeaways:

📌 Therapeutic Recreation promotes health through leisure
📌Our interventions foster social bonds, promote wellbeing, and prevent isolation across all age groups.
📌We play an essential role in the Decade of Healthy Ageing, translating WHO’s strategic priorities into meaningful, person-centred support.

📢 Call to action:

Let’s champion recreation-centred programs as national and local policy tools. Share your strategies, outcomes, and stories that demonstrate how social connection saves lives. Let’s collaborate, innovate, and build healthier communities through recreational therapy.

Read the World Health Organisation report here 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/978240112360

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This landmark report from the WHO Commission on Social Connection highlights that social isolation and loneliness are widespread, with serious but under-recognized impacts on health, well-being, and society. Drawing on the latest evidence, the report makes a compelling case for urgent action. It out...

20/07/2025

🤖✨ AI is evolving fast—but when it comes to human connection, creativity, and compassionate care, nothing can replace a Recreational Therapist.

A recent article from Recreational Therapy Today outlines 10 compelling reasons why AI won’t replace our profession—and we couldn’t agree more. From emotional intelligence and person-centred planning to adaptability, cultural understanding, and the therapeutic power of human connection, Recreational Therapists bring something AI can’t replicate.

🧠💬 RTs don’t just provide activities—we co-create purpose, foster joy, and build meaningful engagement for individuals across all settings.

🔗 Read the full article here: https://www.rectherapytoday.com/10980-10-reasons-why-ai-wont-replace-recreational-therapists.html

Thank you, Danny Pettry.

By Danny W. Pettry II With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), it’s natural for professionals in many industries to wonder about the future of their careers. As a recreational therapist…