2025 Australian Allied Health Awards - Issue Three
Welcome to Q3, gentle readers
Spring has sprung, my favourite time of the year!
There’s joy and hope it the air and the sun is shining…
It’s been so fun moving around the country for our networking series of events – how many have you been to?? I love meeting new people, introducing good eggs to other good eggs and connecting with more and more like-minded humans in our amazing allied health community!
SYDNEY IS NEXT ON 17TH OCTOBER
THEN MELBOURNE ON 13TH NOVEMBER
Don’t forget the nominations are open for the Allied Health Awards program – do not leave it to the last minute to get those in!
See you soon in a city near you for some ‘professional partying’…
Take care of yourselves,
Sarena Founder – Allied Health Awards
FACEBOOK.COM/ALLIEDHEALTHAWARDS
INSTAGRAM.COM/ALLIEDHEALTHAWARDS
LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/ALLIED-HEALTH-AWARDS
GALA ‘26
TIPS FOR HOW TO WRITE
A GREAT NOMINATION APPLICATION
Shortcut to the Nominations Platform
• Read the FAQs on the website and also the information blocks in the nomination platform
• Self-nominate… go on, you can do it! It’s anonymous!!
• Check the selection criteria weighting, this differs for many of the categories…
• Address every selection criteria in the application
• Use the word count as a guide
• Use examples! As many as you can…
• Don’t just say “we do this…” give us the evidence and measures… how do you know you’re doing awesome work?
• These are allied health awards, not business awards
Remember this is an Allied Health Awards program – by Allied Health and for Allied Health! It’s more about the core values of being a health practitioner.
FAQ
What do the winners get?
Winners of the Allied Health Awards enjoy a variety of prestigious benefits. Along with the glory and bragging rights, winners receive:
Exclusive Access: Access and huge discounts to specialised leadership training programs tailored specifically for Allied Health professionals.
Trophies and Certificates: A stunning trophy and a digital certificate commemorating their achievement.
Promotion and Visibility: Increased visibility across our extensive network of allied health professionals, which enhances their credibility and reach. Winners become wellknown figures within the community.
Media Features: Interviews with winners will be featured across various social media platforms and in health publications.
Can I apply for more than one award?
You absolutely can! Apply for as many as you are eligible for!
Who is eligible for nomination?
• Allied Health professionals who are currently registered to practice through their National Association or Body
• Has practiced either clinically or non-clinically 6 months in the last 12 months.
• Australian residents
I’m too embarrassed to nominate myself, what do you recommend?
Actually it is recommended that you absolutely self-nominate! It is anonymous, only the organisers will know. It makes it SO much easier to complete the nomination as you have all the information required and your CV and headshot etc.
Too often we receive inadequate nomination applications and we can only assess what we receive! You will submit a far better quality application if you complete it yourself.
AUSTRALIAN ALLIED HEALTH AWARD CATEGORIES 2026
INDIVIDUAL - PROFESSION CATEGORIES
• Arts Therapist of the Year
• Audiologist of the Year
• Chiropractor of the Year
• Music Therapist of the Year
• Speech Pathologist of the Year
• Dietitian of the Year
• Exercise Physiologist of the Year
• Orthotist / Prosthetist of the Year
• Osteopath of the Year
• Physiotherapist of the Year
• Podiatrist of the Year
• Perfusionist of the Year
• Medical Radiation Practitioner of the Year
• Occupational Therapist of the Year
• Orthoptist of the Year
• Genetic Counsellor of the Year
• Social Worker of the Year
• Rehabilitation Counsellor of the Year
• Psychologist of the Year
• Hospital Pharmacist of the Year
• Credentialed Diabetes Educator of the Year
• Pedorthist of the Year
• Paramedic Practitioner of the Year
INDIVIDUAL - GENERAL CATEGORIES
• Allied Health Assistant of the Year
• Allied Health Early Career Excellence
• Allied Health Educator Excellence
• Allied Health Impact & Innovation Excellence
• Allied Health Excellence in Management & Leadership
TEAM CATEGORIES
• Allied Health Innovative Product Excellence
• Allied Health Team Culture Excellence
• Allied Health Paediatric Team Excellence
• Allied Health Adult Team Excellence
ALLIED HEALTH PARTNERS
• Allied Health – Partnership & Collaboration Excellence
*categories subject to change
Episode 1 - Lauren
Occupational Therapist & Founder
Chris: Thank you for coming on.
Lauren: You’re welcome.
Chris: What do you do?
Lauren: So I’m Lauren as you’ve named me. I’m an occupational therapist and I run an OT company. I also have an OT education online startup.
Chris: Love that. What is something you love about the allied health space?
Lauren: The diversity for me. I’ve had a privileged, diverse career – from different roles to now being a business owner and leader, while still clinical. For me it’s the diversity. And I think there’s also a lot of great people in the sector – caring, empathetic, kind people. That can be a downfall for all of us, but it’s definitely one of the best parts of working in the sector.
Chris: Perfect. If you could change one thing about the allied health space, what would it be?
Lauren: The self-perception and assertion of value. Because we are generally caring and empathetic people, we often undersell and undervalue ourselves and our services. We can be self-sacrificial to the point that it harms our well-being and the growth of our careers. I think we need to be more confident about our value and more vocal about it.
Chris: Great answer. Final question as a statement: real or rebel – bonuses and incentives work better than pay rises.
“Can I be real and rebel?
I’m always about a rebel. In our sector, bonuses and incentives are generally misdirected. Pay rises are expected rather than earned. I think the whole system is a bit cooked, for lack of a professional word. For example, we have a bonus scheme, but our team prefers to take time back. That’s the challenge – there isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Some people need money more than time, some need time more than money. That’s the complexity.”
LAUREN
Episode 2 - Katie Occupational Therapist
Chris: So I’m with Katie. Hi Katie, what do you do?
Katie: I am an occupational therapist. Now please don’t ask me to explain that cause we might be here for a while.
Chris: What is something you love about working in allied health?
Katie: I love my clients. I love giving everyone a chance at just engaging more in life and being more happy, yeah – that kind of stuff.
Chris: Oh, that’s a beautiful answer. I love that. If you could change one thing about the allied health space right now, what would it be?
“Oh, can I change the whole NDIS system? That’s what I would change. Yup yup. Especially with all the new changes with travel. Yup, some clients that are a bit further away... I just don’t think it’s fair.”
KATIE
Chris: Yup, okay, cool. Perfect, love that. Now last question: a statement, real or rebel. New grads are given case loads that are too big too soon – real or rebel?
Katie: I would say that’s real. Yeah, yup definitely.
Chris: Did you experience that?
Katie: Kind of. I think it depends on the company and the amount of support you’re given. But I think as a new grad you shouldn’t be expected to know what a big case load is. You shouldn’t be expected to know how many clients is too many and how many is not enough, you know? So you don’t know that.
Chris: That’s perfect, that’s the answer. Thank you so much, appreciate it.
Episode 3 - Jake Physiotherapist, Revive Physio
Chris: Alright guys, I’m here with Jake Pemberton. So Jake, I’m gonna ask you a few questions and then I’m gonna ask you a statement real or rebel. Firstly, what’s your name and what do you do?
Jake: So my name is Jake. I’m a physiotherapist at Revive Physio, work out of Riverton.
Chris: Perfect. And what is something that you love about working in allied health?
“Just to get to work with people, help people. Generally it’s a good work-life balance and yeah, just sort of get a lot of enjoyment out of it.”
JAKE
Chris: Awesome. If you could change one thing about the allied health space right now, what would it be?
Jake: If I could change one thing it would probably be a way that we don’t have to be at the mercy of government funding to earn our money.
Chris: I like that. Final question – it’s a statement, real or rebel, and explain why. Senior roles should be for clinicians with four years minimum – real or rebel?
Jake: I think it should be. Like there’s too many physios with only a couple years… I guess that was me in a way. But like, you do definitely need to learn more from people who have been in the industry more. Otherwise, perhaps you’ve got the title a little bit prematurely.
Chris: Alright, yeah. Love it. Thanks man, appreciate it.
PAST WINNER
ADNAN ASGER ALI
Where do you currently work and what is your role?
Principal Physiotherapist and Director of Accelerate Physiotherapy.
How did winning an Allied Health Awards impact your career, practice, or team?
Winning has welcomed more professional opportunities for me.
Has winning opened any memorable opportunities such as leadership roles, media features, collaborations, or speaking engagements? Please share examples.
Yes, it has opened up numerous opportunities for development, networking and collaboration with colleagues in the physiotherapy industry but also in allied health more widely.
Has the recognition influenced patient or client trust in you or your team?
Yes.
Have you used your award recognition in marketing, promotions, or to grow your organisation or practice?
Yes.
Have you taken on new leadership roles, research projects, or professional development opportunities?
Yes – PhD candidate at Sydney Uni, Chair of Business and Finance Committee of IFOMPT, Allied Health Representative on Clinical Council of local PHN.
Has it led to new projects, partnerships, or funding opportunities?
We have won some PHN grants.
Have you (or your team) been involved in advocacy, policy-making, or initiatives shaping the future of allied health? (e.g., committees, awareness campaigns, policy contributions)
Yes I have been involved in advocacy and initiatives.
What are the biggest challenges you see in your field today, and how are you (or your team) addressing them?
Federal Government not valuing the skills that physios bring to the table.
What advice would you give to future nominees and winners of the Allied Health Awards?
Keep pushing and advocating for value of your profession and know that you are making a difference.
Are there any allied health professionals or organisations that have inspired you since your win?
Yes – meeting some of the other winners and seeing how well they’re doing has really inspired me to keep striving and advocating for the profession.
What’s next for you (or your team)? Any exciting projects, goals, or dreams on the horizon?
Completing this PhD.
Do you have any final thoughts or reflections on your experience as a past winner?
It has been a worthwhile experience and opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals.
Where do you currently work and what is your role?
Rebound – Director.
How did winning an Allied Health Awards impact your career, practice, or team?
Winning the Allied Health Award for EP of the Year was a catalyst for growth both personally and professionally. It raised my profile within the industry, opening doors to collaborations, speaking engagements, and opportunities to advocate for the role of exercise physiology in the NDIS space.
For my practice, the recognition validated the quality of our approach and strengthened trust with referrers, clients, and community partners. It inspired my team – showing them that excellence in clinical care, innovation, and advocacy is recognised at the highest level. The award became a rallying point for our culture, encouraging everyone to pursue professional development, share ideas, and lead within their own roles.
In short, it’s not just an individual accolade – it’s been a springboard for broader impact across my career, our clients, and the profession.
Has winning opened any memorable opportunities such as leadership roles, media features, collaborations, or speaking engagements? Please share examples.
Winning the award created opportunities to share my expertise and advocate for exercise physiology on a broader stage. Since then, I have:
• Been invited to present at national and state level industry events on NDIS service delivery and client outcomes.
• Taken on leadership roles within professional committees, contributing to policy discussions and clinical standards.
• Collaborated with other allied health leaders to develop community health initiatives, particularly in disability and ageing.
• Featured in industry publications and podcasts, sharing insights on business growth, multidisciplinary teamwork, and clinical innovation.
Has the recognition influenced patient or client trust in you or your team?
Yes. The recognition has noticeably strengthened trust from both clients and referrers. For clients, knowing that their practitioner has been recognised at a national level reassures them that they are receiving care of the highest quality. It has also sparked curiosity and pride, with many clients sharing the news within their own networks, leading to more word-of-mouth referrals. For referrers and community partners, the award has validated our credibility and reinforced that our clinical approach delivers measurable results. This has translated into stronger professional relationships, increased referrals, and a greater willingness to collaborate on complex cases.
Have you used your award recognition in marketing, promotions, or to grow your organisation or practice?
Yes. The award has been a valuable part of our marketing and growth strategy. We’ve featured it across our website, social media, and clinic materials to highlight our commitment to excellence. It’s been incorporated into presentations to community groups, funding bodies, and referral networks, helping position us as a trusted leader in exercise physiology.
The recognition has also supported recruitment efforts, attracting high-quality practitioners who are motivated to work in a team known for innovation and best-practice care. Combined, these efforts have helped us expand our client base, strengthen referral relationships, and accelerate our growth into new locations.
What’s been your biggest professional highlight or milestone since your win?
Since winning, my biggest professional highlight has been leading the expansion of our services into new locations while strengthening our reputation as a centre of excellence for NDIS participants. This included building multidisciplinary teams, introducing innovative programs like ONERO for osteoporosis, and creating leadership pathways within our organisation.
Seeing our impact scale – from improving individual client outcomes to influencing industry standards – has been both professionally
rewarding and personally fulfilling. It’s been a reminder that recognition is just the starting point for creating even greater change.
Have you taken on new leadership roles, research projects, or professional development opportunities?
Yes – since the award, I’ve stepped into several new leadership roles and growth opportunities. I’ve joined professional committees contributing to policy and best-practice guidelines, and expanded my role in mentoring emerging practitioners through structured leadership programs.
I’ve also been involved in collaborative research projects exploring the impact of exercise physiology in disability and ageing populations, and have presented this work at industry events. On a personal level, I’ve undertaken advanced training in leadership, business strategy, and client engagement to ensure our practice continues to lead both clinically and operationally.
How has winning the award influenced your team’s growth, visibility, or internal dynamics?
Winning the award has been a unifying and motivating force for the team. It reinforced that the standard of care we deliver is not only meaningful to our clients but recognised at a national level. This has boosted morale, strengthened our shared commitment to excellence, and inspired team members to pursue their own professional development and leadership opportunities.
It has also elevated our visibility within the allied health community, attracting high-quality practitioners who want to be part of an awardwinning team. Internally, it’s created a sense of pride and collective ownership – the award may have my name on it, but everyone feels part of the achievement.
Has it led to new projects, partnerships, or funding opportunities?
Yes. The recognition has opened doors to several new initiatives and collaborations. We’ve developed partnerships with community organisations, aged care providers, and disability services, allowing us to expand program offerings and reach more people in need.
It has also strengthened our position when applying for grants and funding, with the award serving as external validation of our expertise and impact. This credibility has helped secure opportunities to pilot innovative programs, codeliver education with other allied health leaders, and explore joint ventures that wouldn’t have been possible before.
Have you (or your team) been involved in advocacy, policy-making, or initiatives shaping the future of allied health? (e.g., committees, awareness campaigns, policy contributions)
Yes – advocacy has been a major focus for us since the award. I’ve contributed to national and state-level discussions on NDIS policy reform through professional committees and industry groups, ensuring the voice of exercise physiology is represented in funding and service delivery decisions.
Our team has run community awareness campaigns highlighting the role of allied health in disability, ageing, and chronic disease management, and we regularly deliver education sessions for clients, families, and referrers.
What are the biggest challenges you see in your field today, and how are you (or your team) addressing them?
One of the biggest challenges in exercise physiology – particularly within the NDIS – is ensuring clients receive the right care, from the right practitioner, at the right time, despite funding and policy limitations. There’s also a need to improve public awareness of the breadth and impact of EP services, so we’re not seen as “optional” but as essential to health outcomes.
Our team addresses these challenges by:
• Advocating at a policy level for fair, sustainable funding models
• Educating clients, families, and referrers about the clinical value of EP through workshops, webinars, and community events
• Investing in professional development so our practitioners can deliver best-practice, evidence-based care in complex cases
• Strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure clients receive holistic, coordinated support
• By combining advocacy, education, and high quality service delivery, we aim to not just adapt to the challenges in our field – but actively shape the solutions.
What advice would you give to future nominees and winners of the Allied Health Awards?
My advice is to see the nomination and award as more than recognition – it’s a platform. Use it to amplify your voice, share your expertise, and champion the causes you care about within allied health.
Be proactive in telling your story – with clients, referrers, and the wider community – because it inspires trust and opens doors you may not have anticipated. And most importantly, involve your team in the journey. When they share in the pride and purpose behind the award, the ripple effect on your culture, impact, and growth is immense. Are there any allied health professionals or organisations that have inspired you since your win? Beyond, Blossom Florish Grow, Learn & Grow.
What’s next for you (or your team)? Any exciting projects, goals, or dreams on the horizon?
Our next chapter is about scale and influence. We’re expanding our services into new regions, building multidisciplinary hubs that bring together exercise physiology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and dietetics under one roof.
We’re also developing leadership pathways within the team, ensuring our future leaders are equipped to drive innovation and uphold our culture of excellence. On a broader scale, we plan to continue influencing NDIS policy, contribute to research in disability and ageing, and share our expertise through speaking, mentoring, and education.
How can we connect with you?
linkedin.com/in/andrewdaubney1
“I
LOVE COMPLEX SEATING! BUT I’M...”
Overwhelmed by too many options
Leaning on reps more than I’d like
Time-pressed to learn more even though I need to
Understanding the theory but need practical steps to apply it
Second-guessing evey choice
• Confidence you’re right every time
• To be known as the go-to
• To save time for you + your clients
• To feel proud of your work + impact
• A career that excites you WHAT YOU REALLY WANT
I’m developing a new step by step system for OTs and Physios - one I wish I had! GOOD NEWS!
PAST WINNER SARAH COLLISON
2023 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST OF THE YEAR
Where do you currently work and what is your role?
Verve OT - Director + Verve OT Learning - Director.
How did winning an Allied Health Awards impact your career, practice, or team?
Winning the Allied Health Award in October 2023 was a defining moment for both me and my team. It provided national recognition of the work we’ve been doing in the NDIS and occupational therapy space, which has strengthened our credibility with clients, referrers, and industry partners. It has opened doors to new collaborations, speaking opportunities, and invitations to contribute to sector-wide discussions.
For my team, it was a morale boost and a reminder that the challenges we navigate daily are worth it. Whilst sometimes it feels like we are struggling in the weeds, our efforts are making a big difference to the lives of many. The award also inspired me personally to aim higher, continue innovating in service delivery, and advocate for the allied health profession.
Has winning opened any memorable opportunities such as leadership roles, media features, collaborations, or speaking engagements? Please share examples.
Winning the award helped raise my professional profile and created opportunities I might not have otherwise pursued. Since receiving the award, I’ve launched the OT Unplugged podcast with two colleagues, providing a platform to share insights, amplify OT voices, and connect with a wider audience. I’ve also been invited to present at the annual ATSA Expos, sharing expertise with peers, providers, and industry stakeholders. These opportunities have allowed me to expand my influence beyond my immediate practice, collaborate with other leaders in the sector, and contribute to shaping conversations about the future of allied health.
Has the recognition influenced patient or client trust in you or your team?
Absolutely. The recognition has reinforced to clients, their families, and referrers that they are
working with a team who are led by expertise and commitment which has been acknowledged at a national level. It has strengthened trust in our recommendations, increased confidence in our ability to navigate complex NDIS processes, and reassured clients that we are dedicated to delivering high-quality, person-centred care. Personally it has further thrown a spotlight on the support and training we offer to OTs navigating the NDIS space through our offerings at Verve OT Learning.
Have you used your award recognition in marketing, promotions, or to grow your organisation or practice?
Yes. We’ve proudly showcased the award across our website, email newsletters, and social media channels, which has helped build brand credibility and attract new clients, referrers, and collaborators. The recognition has also featured in proposals and training promotions through Verve OT Learning, reinforcing our reputation for quality and innovation in the NDIS and allied health space. It’s been a valuable talking point in networking and industry events, helping us stand out and grow our professional connections.
What’s been your biggest professional highlight or milestone since your win?
Since the win, my biggest professional highlight has been launching the OT Unplugged podcast and seeing it quickly grow into a platform for honest, practical conversations about working in the NDIS. It’s also boosted my confidence to get more involved in advocacy in the disability space and using my profile to promote better outcomes for NDIS participants.
Further to this, I’ve sought out additional speaking opportunities at conferences and events to share my knowledge and expertise with others to guide them in navigating the NDIS space. Finally I also launched a membership for OTs seeking more guidance and support to navigate the NDIS.
Have you taken on new leadership roles, research projects, or professional development opportunities?
Yes, I am about to launch a collaboration with Pearson Australia to deliver relevant and practical training offerings to Occupational Therapists and to the broader allied health sector. This year also sees collaboration with OT Australia to deliver face
to face training workshops for OTs seeking more hands and practical guidance around navigating the NDIS. Finally in late 2025, myself and a colleague are presenting at our first international conference, the Oceania Seating Symposium on the impacts of AT delays in service delivery for NDIS participants.
Have you (or your team) been involved in advocacy, policy-making, or initiatives shaping the future of allied health? (e.g., committees, awareness campaigns, policy contributions)
Yes. Since the award, I’ve been heavily involved in NDIS advocacy, particularly in response to recent legislative changes and price guide updates. I’ve led conversations with MPs to raise concerns about the impact of these changes on service sustainability and participant outcomes. I’ve also run free webinars for allied health professionals to break down policy updates, explain their practical implications, and equip providers with the tools to adapt. Beyond this, I’ve actively contributed to sector discussions through articles, social media advocacy, and professional networks, ensuring the allied health voice is heard in shaping the future of the NDIS.
What are the biggest challenges you see in your field today, and how are you (or your team) addressing them?
One of the biggest challenges in the NDIS space is navigating constant policy changes and pricing adjustments that impact both service delivery and sustainability. These changes often create uncertainty for providers and confusion for participants, making it harder to plan supports and maintain continuity of care. My team and I address this by staying on the front foot, closely monitoring updates, interpreting their practical implications, and translating them into clear, actionable guidance for OTs. Through Verve OT Learning, we run training, webinars, and resource
hubs to equip allied health professionals with the knowledge and strategies they need to adapt quickly, advocate for their clients, and continue delivering high-quality, person-centred services despite the shifting landscape.
What advice would you give to future nominees and winners of the Allied Health Awards?
Celebrate the recognition, but also use it as a springboard. Winning an Allied Health Award is not just about the moment. It’s an opportunity to amplify your voice, grow your network, and create meaningful change in your field. Share your story widely, connect with other leaders, and look for ways to leverage the award to open doors for collaboration, advocacy, or innovation. Most importantly, remember that the work that got you here is worth continuing. Stay true to your values, keep learning, and keep pushing for better outcomes for the people you serve.
Are there any allied health professionals or organisations that have inspired you since your win?
Yes – I’ve been especially inspired by past winners such as Muriel Cummins and Libby Callaway. Both are incredible OTs and fierce advocates for the clients we serve, demonstrating how clinical expertise can be paired with strong, values-driven advocacy to create meaningful change. Their work continues to set the bar for what’s possible in our profession and reminds me of the impact we can have when we use our voice and skills to push for better outcomes.
What’s next for you (or your team)? Any exciting projects, goals, or dreams on the horizon?
We’re continuing to grow our impact in the NDIS space through both clinical services and professional development for OTs. On the Verve OT Learning side, we’re expanding our training library, developing new masterclasses, and building resources to support OTs in navigating upcoming NDIS reforms. Clinically, our team is focused on reaching more participants by growing our footprint and capacity, ensuring
services are accessible closer to home. We’re also planning to strengthen our advocacy efforts by running more free webinars, engaging with policymakers, and continuing to be a voice for sustainable, participant-focused NDIS services. The goal is simple but ambitious: to make it easier for OTs to do their best work and for participants to achieve the outcomes that matter most to them.
Do you have any final thoughts or reflections on your experience as a past winner?
Winning the Allied Health Award was more than just a proud moment. It was a reminder of why I do what I do. It validated the long hours, the tough conversations, and the relentless advocacy for better outcomes in the NDIS. It also connected me with an inspiring community of peers who are just as passionate about making a difference. The experience has fueled my determination to keep raising the bar, supporting my colleagues, and ensuring the voices of allied health professionals and the people we serve are heard.
How can we connect with you?
sarah@verveot.com.au
AARON ISHAC
Director/Founder
BUILDING WEALTH BEYOND THE CLINIC:
Allied health professionals are specialists Just as clients seek your expertise because you understand their unique health journey, lending requires the same level of specialisation. As an allied health professional, you face distinct challenges irregular income, contract work, and career paths that don’t always fit traditional financial models These factors necessitate a lending service that truly understands your circumstances, just as your clients come to you for tailored care.
HOW ONE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST SECURED A SECOND INVESTMENT PROPERTY
A general broker could assist you, much like a personal trainer could assist your clients However, you are a specialist who understands the biopsychosocial needs of your clients And just like your clients, you deserve a specialised service
The Challenge
So why Allied Health Loans, and why me?
We recently worked with a self-employed exercise physiologist (EP) who, while raising a young family, was eager to secure their second investment property. As is often the case for self-employed professionals, the path to finance wasn’t straightforward.
Hi, I’m Aaron I used to be an Exercise Physiologist and now work as a Mortgage Broker
Key Challenges included:
• Navigating complex financials due to self-employment
• Releasing equity from an existing investment property
• Ensuring servicing capacity for both a refinance and new loan
Ready to grow your wealth?
If you’re an allied health professional thinking about your next investment move, get in touch. I’d love to help you navigate the finance side and plan your next step with confidence.
Our Approach
As a former allied health professional, I understand the demands and complexities of the profession long hours, patient-centred care, and balancing a demanding career with a personal life Through my own experience with securing finance, I realised that allied health professionals have unique needs and concessions when it comes to lending… which aren’t necessarily understood by your everyday mortgage or finance broker.
To overcome these hurdles, we took a strategic and tailored approach:
• Thoroughly reviewed the client’s financials, identifying on-off expenses to strengthen their affordability profile
• Negotiated with the lender to slightly increase the loan amount, reducing the client’s required cash contribution
That’s why I’ve made it my mission to provide bespoke lending solutions, tailored to the unique needs of allied health professionals Whether you're looking to purchase a home, finance a car, or secure business funding, I’m here to offer a personal, stress-free service that works for you.
• Prepared two separate applications – one for the refinance to access equity, and another for pre-approval on the upcoming purchase
The Outcome
Having been in your shoes, I’m committed to delivering lending services and support that aligns with your career and goals, ensuring peace of mind throughout the lending process. I’m passionate about supporting the career growth of allied health professionals, and I believe your lending solutions should be just as specialised as the care you provide to your clients
YOU CHANGE LIVES EVERY DAY. NOW, LET’S CHANGE YOURS
We proceeded with the refinance first, ensuring funds were readily available when the right property came along. When the client secured their new investment, they only needed to contribute a small portion of their savings – the majority of funds came from equity we had unlocked. This result allowed our client to continue growing their property portfolio without comprimising their family’s financial security – a great example of how tailored finance strategies can support long-term wealth for allied health professionals.
By understanding your unique needs and challenges, I strive to offer not just a service, but a partnership that helps you achieve financial success with confidence
PAST WINNER NATALIE CLOHESY
2022 CHIROPRACTOR OF THE YEAR
Where do you currently work and what is your role?
Northside Chiropractic Clinic Owner/Director and Completing a second PhD at CQUniversity. How did winning an Allied Health Awards impact your career, practice, or team?
The award elevates my professional credibility and visibility positioning me as a recognised leader in the profession, enhancing trust with patients, referrers, and colleagues.
Has winning opened any memorable opportunities such as leadership roles, media features, collaborations, or speaking engagements? Please share examples.
Since the award, I have taken places on a number of different boards within the profession and at a University level.
Has the recognition influenced patient or client trust in you or your team?
Absolutely. The award has given patients extra confidence in the care we provide. For new patients, it acted as a reassuring signal that they were in skilled and trustworthy hands. For long-term clients, it reinforced the value of the relationship they already had with our team. It’s not just about the title – it’s about what it represents: a commitment to evidence-based practice, genuine compassion, and consistently high standards of care. The recognition also reassured referring health providers that their patients would be looked after with the utmost professionalism, which strengthened our referral networks.
Have you used your award recognition in marketing, promotions, or to grow your organisation or practice?
Yes. We have a digital billboard associated with the shopping centre, where my clinics is located and we have the announcement on that digital billboard. I have used it on our social media marketing and on our clinic website.
What’s been your biggest professional highlight or milestone since your win?
Completing my PhD.
Have you taken on new leadership roles, research projects, or professional development opportunities?
Yes. A second PhD is currently underway. University research committee, professional body board of Directors.
Have you (or your team) been involved in advocacy, policy-making, or initiatives shaping the future of allied health? (e.g., committees, awareness campaigns, policy contributions)
Yes. Chiropractic Australia board of Directors and CQUniversity research committee member.
What advice would you give to future nominees and winners of the Allied Health Awards?
Apply! It is important to have peer and professional recognition.
What’s next for you (or your team)? Any exciting projects, goals, or dreams on the horizon?
Completing my second PhD.
Do you have any final thoughts or reflections on your experience as a past winner?
I had a very positive experience from this award process.
How can we connect with you?
natalieclohesy@gmail.com
PAST WINNER KATIE LYNDON
2022 ALLIED HEALTH LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE
2022 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST OF THE YEAR
Where do you currently work and what is your role?
Director Health Service Strategy and Planning, Queensland Department of Health.
How did winning an Allied Health Awards impact your career, practice, or team?
Being recognised nationally for my contributions to allied health workforce leadership and management was a rewarding experience. I am proud to be part of a workforce that plays a critical role in improving community health outcomes and enabling our health system to respond to increasing demand, complexity, access and equity challenges. I have since moved on to a new role within the Department of Health, leading a team in service planning, strategy development and delivery of complex programs across the health system to improve the health outcomes of Queenslanders.
Has winning opened any memorable opportunities such as leadership roles, media features, collaborations, or speaking engagements? Please share examples.
Since winning the award, I have been re-elected for a second term as Non-Executive Director on the Board of Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), the peak professional association for exercise physiologists. I have also recently been appointed as Vice President on the ESSA Board
and look forward to contributing to the strategic leadership and governance of ESSA in this capacity.
Has the recognition influenced patient or client trust in you or your team?
At the time of winning these two awards, I was working as a consultant Director at Deloitte. This recognition demonstrated the breadth of my practical frontline and strategic leadership experience to clients, providing confidence that my team’s advice on projects considered operational realities. I was fortunate to be the lead Director on a variety of innovative model of care and transformation initiatives. This included the North Queensland Pharmacy Scope of Practice pilot which aimed to harness the full scope of practice of community pharmacy to enable better access to healthcare in regional and rural communities.
What’s been your biggest professional highlight or milestone since your win?
A highlight has been my recent election to the role of Vice President at Exercise & Sports Science Australia. ESSA represents over 11,000 members including the allied health profession of exercise physiology. I am passionate about ensuring that we fully harness the expertise and skills of our professionals within multidisciplinary care
models. There is a great opportunity to embed our professionals within every level of care – working at full scope, leading new and innovative care models, driving prevention to reduce hospital burden, and positioning healthcare to better meet evolving community needs.
Have you taken on new leadership roles, research projects, or professional development opportunities?
Since receiving these awards I have moved into a role within the health system as Director of Health Service Strategy and Planning at the Department of Health. I lead a team driving a future-oriented approach to health service planning and strategy development aligned with Queensland government priorities. I enjoy working in collaboration with Hospital and Health Services, Department divisions, consumers, clinicians and key stakeholders to develop and implement innovative models of care and strategies that improve patient access and health outcomes. I have recently been certified as a Health Informatician (CHIA) through the Australasian Institute of Digital Health. This was a great course to help bridge the technical and clinical domains of health informatics.
Last year I became a Fellow and Certified Health Executive through the Australasian College of Health Service Management. I valued the professional connections I made throughout this course, and applying theory and research from leadership in health care to real world case studies and workplace experiences.
Have you (or your team) been involved in advocacy, policy-making, or initiatives shaping the future of allied health? (e.g., committees, awareness campaigns, policy contributions)
As a Non-Executive Board Director at ESSA I contributed to the development of our strategic plan and 10 year vision.
What are the biggest challenges you see in your field today, and how are you (or your team) addressing them?
Health workforce retention and capacity is a big challenge for the health system now and into the future. With significant increases in hospital activity, expansion of facilities to meet community needs, increasing prevalence and complexity of chronic conditions, and an ageing population with increased healthcare utilisation, there is more pressure on the health system than ever before. Yet, our ability to rise to this challenge is impacted by a significant portion of our workforce reaching retirement age, and other workforce segments experiencing the impacts of job dissatisfaction or burnout resulting in retention challenges.
Over the last few years I have been fortunate to drive a variety of innovative service models that rethink how we utilise our workforce effectively. Through harnessing the full scope of practice of our health professions we can ensure better accessibility to high quality care for our communities.
What advice would you give to future nominees and winners of the Allied Health Awards?
The experience of connecting with other finalists across different categories of the Australian Allied Health Awards was a highlight. It was a great source of inspiration hearing not only the success stories, but how others have overcome challenges to achieve real impact for their patients, workplaces and communities.
Do you have any final thoughts or reflections on your experience as a past winner?
Thank you – I was grateful for the opportunity and it is so pleasing to see this recognition and spotlight on the incredible impact of allied health
NOMINATE FOR 2026 ALLIED HEALTH LEADERSHIP + MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE
Alice, a senior physiotherapist and entrepreneur, is the driving force behind Empower Health & Physiotherapy and A Rehab Diary, both dedicated to patient-centered care and rehabilitation innovation. Her clinic has become a successful health hub, helping individuals regain mobility and improve their quality of life.
Complementing her clinic's success, Alice developed A Rehab Diary app, a cutting-edge digital platform that transforms how patients track and engage with their recovery. Inspired by her own experiences overcoming adversity, she recognized the need to integrate mental resilience into rehabilitation, addressing a critical gap in traditional approaches.
To expand her mission, Alice launched A Rehab Diary: The Series, a podcast that shares expert insights, inspiring stories, and education on resilience, health, and recovery. Passionate about holistic healthcare and technology, she is committed to redefining rehabilitation by ensuring it supports both body and mind. Her work is not only innovative—it’s creating real, lasting change in how recovery is approached.
PAST WINNER SAM SUKE
2022 PHYSIOTHERAPIST OF THE YEAR
Where do you currently work and what is your role?
Principal Physiotherapist, Exercise Thought.
How did winning an Allied Health Awards impact your career, practice, or team?
Winning Australian Physiotherapist of The Year 2022 created a buzz amongst our team and practice. Clients would often ask as to how they could vote and the local newspaper featured an article about the award. We have also used the award criteria to encourage practitioners towards contributing to their profession beyond the dayto-day work.
Has winning opened any memorable opportunities such as leadership roles, media features, collaborations, or speaking engagements? Please share examples.
I remember presenting at the Australian Physiotherapy Association Conference and receiving a round of applause before speaking on account of having won Aussie Physio of The Year. To be applauded by a room of peers that included some of my teachers and other respected clinicians was a moment I fondly remember.
Has the recognition influenced patient or client trust in you or your team?
Yes, clients have chosen to consult me because of the awards I have received through Allied Health Awards. When beginning physiotherapy work in Denmark, I have found that “Australian Physiotherapist of The Year” has been the most noted part of my CV. This certainly helped in finding work and gaining the trust of physiotherapists in a new country.
Have you used your award recognition in marketing, promotions, or to grow your organisation or practice?
Yes, for both online and banner marketing. What’s been your biggest professional highlight or milestone since your win?
Since winning Australian Physiotherapist of The Year, I have been granted the right to practice physiotherapy in Denmark. This required me to study the Danish language for years, to have my Australian qualifications ratified and to be supervised by Danish physiotherapists. Learning to become a physiotherapist in a new language and country has helped me to better empathise with overseas trained practitioners who are seeking to begin work in Australia. Conducting consultations in English has now also become comparatively simple!
Have you taken on new leadership roles, research projects, or professional development opportunities?
Yes. I am pursuing the Specialisation Career
Pathway (Musculoskeletal) offered by the Australian Physiotherapy Association and have started a hobby project where I seek to find the World’s Best Physiotherapist. Both endeavours aim to elevate the standards of physiotherapy beyond the reach of my own hands. This aim is certainly amplified by my experience of being critiqued and recognised by the Allied Health Awards.
How has winning the award influenced your team’s growth, visibility, or internal dynamics?
Exercise Thought’s visibility and growth has certainly benefited from winning these awards. Articles in the APA’s InMotion magazine has started conversations and extended my network. We have also attracted job applications from a wider set of practitioners by virtue of this increased visibility.
Has it led to new projects, partnerships, or funding opportunities?
A cheeky, off-the-cuff remark by a client “After winning the national award, the only way to go is down” prompted me to consider who might be the World’s Best Physiotherapist. This launched my curiosity, which has been channeled into a hobby project wherein I hypothesise on who could be the World’s Best Physio. I have written articles and conducted interviews with physiotherapists from Nigeria, Denmark and Australia. The first article is
available here: https://www.exercisethought. com/worldsbestphysio/1. Everyone is welcome to nominate by email to sam@exercisethought. com or to comment on the published articles.
Have you (or your team) been involved in advocacy, policy-making, or initiatives shaping the future of allied health? (e.g., committees, awareness campaigns, policy contributions)
Yes. I served as President, Vice President or Councillor on the APA’s Student Councils, Business Councils, State Councils in Victoria for the best part of a decade. I continue to provide data and input on topics such as NDIS price reviews, extending scope for Medicare funding of physiotherapist, improving education standards, and the preventative power of early intervention physiotherapist on a variety of pains and injuries. What are the biggest challenges you see in your field today, and how are you (or your team) addressing them?
I see more opportunities than challenges. Some are concerned that insurance schemes are undervaluing physiotherapy. This is actually an opportunity for us to demonstrate how private physiotherapy clients indeed do value our work or how economic research demonstrates the return on investment from physiotherapy. Some are concerned about workforce shortages or dropout. This is actually an opportunity to increase
the productivity of each practitioner, create sustainable work habits and identify new ways of increasing our reach. Valuing our people, our time and our work means charging a good price. Physiotherapists have always had a high-level of job satisfaction which means we have discounted
means setting a good price, which can only improve workforce retention and make dealing with insurance schemes easier.
What advice would you give to future nominees and winners of the Allied Health Awards?
Are there any allied health professionals or organisations that have inspired you since your win?
Every practitioner who enthusiastically dedicates themselves to the betterment of others (clients, colleagues or peers) is an inspiration to me.
What’s next for you (or your team)? Any exciting projects, goals, or dreams on the horizon?
I am returning to Australia later this year and look forward to practicing physiotherapy at my work home (Exercise Thought in Lilydale). Lately, I have found great satisfaction in tending to the practice and the practitioners therein. I will continue playing around with new mentoring and education techniques, different metrics for measuring growth and allowing my curiosity to guidance ongoing clinical education.
Do you have any final thoughts or reflections on your experience as a past winner?
Love it. Whatever we do, love it. Accolades and rewards come and go. The underlying passion makes the journey.
How can we connect with you?
samuel.suke@gmail.com
ALYCE SVENSK
PAST WINNER BELINDA HARRIS
2023 ALLIED HEALTH RURAL
& REMOTE
EXCELLENCE
Where do you currently work and what is your role? Director, Health in Mind Orange.
How did winning an Allied Health Awards impact your career, practice, or team?
I see my individual win as a reflection of the amazing team I have working with me at Health in Mind Orange. The team know that this was a collaborative effort, and this award, along with others we have won, have contributed to a sense of pride in the team. Our staff value the recognition of their hard work, dedication and compassion for the people we serve in Central NSW. The award contributed to the team feeling appreciated, and increased a sense of unity in working towards our aims to provide quality psychological services to our clients, and to continue to uphold our values of integrity, care and compassion for all people. This award was a huge morale boost for us all – as we are striving to meet a tsunami of mental health needs in rural and remote areas of NSW.
Has the recognition influenced patient or client trust in you or your team?
As a team, we have received positive feedback from clients, referrers and the general public, acknowledging the enormity of winning a national award. The Australian Allied Health Awards trophy is in our reception, and the logo on our
webpage, contributing to the high level of trust in our brand and our services. We have a good reputation in our community, and amongst allied health professionals – as a workplace that values clinical excellence and working with integrity, and this award has complimented and enhanced our reputation in our community.
Have you used your award recognition in marketing, promotions, or to grow your organisation or practice?
We have used the Australian Allied Health award winner logo in our webpage and on our email footers, as well as in social media marketing and brand development. The award has helped to grow the reputation and promote our brand in our community. We have had verbal and written feedback from people about the award that confirms the positive benefits we have reaped.
What’s been your biggest professional highlight or milestone since your win?
Since winning this award, Health in Mind Orange has continued to grow. We have increased our focus on training and supervision of mental health workers in our region – bringing quality training opportunities to our regional area to promote our area as a hub for mental health and attract new clinicians to the area. One of our proudest
achievements has been the Core Connect Consortium, in conjunction with Marathon Headspace and Wholechild Specialists – we have been awarded a national grant to train 36 Provisional Psychologists for central NSW. We are part way through this project, and our team continue to commit to training Provisional Psychologists through their AHPRA pathway to registration. This has been an utter joy – to support the growth and quality training of provisional staff, to watch their personal and professional journey to registration, and to feel the pride in seeing these clinicians become competent as a Psychologist. We have already trained over 20 psychologists in the past 4 years, and the journey continues!
Have you taken on new leadership roles, research projects, or professional development opportunities?
I continue to love being involved in supporting the profession of Psychology to grow in rural NSW. Our team have been involved in several research projects, including a joint collaboration with Charles Sturt University to investigate the efficacy of an intervention for family members of those effected by addiction, and the research into the effectiveness of our very own Core Connect program for training provisional psychologists (created into a journal article now submitted for publication). I also play a role in a number of committees, including the NSW Clinical College Committee of the Australian Psychological Society, and am in for my third year in the EMDRA Australia National Conference Committee. I love promoting the profession!
How has winning the award influenced your team’s growth, visibility, or internal dynamics?
Our team is currently full! A number of years ago, we struggled to find staff, but now we are bursting at the seams and can’t fit any more in. We have grown to a team of 17 Psychologists and 4
administrative staff, and recently commenced a Psychiatrist ADHD bulk billed clinic for Adults of low income. The Australian Allied Health Award winning contributed to our positive reputation as a workplace, alongside the professionalism and strong workplace relationships, making us an employer of choice in our region.
Have you (or your team) been involved in advocacy, policy-making, or initiatives shaping the future of allied health? (e.g., committees, awareness campaigns, policy contributions)
I am involved in a number of committees, including the APS EMDR special interest group committee, the APS NSW Clinical College committee, the Western Region NSW Group of the APS, and the EMDR Australia National Conference Committee. In each of these groups, I work to bring about quality training and networking opportunities for my fellow clinicians, to promote the profession of Psychology and mental health work, and to advocate for our fellow clinicians where needed. In our workplace, we are committed to supporting the Black Dog Institute – to draw awareness and raise money for research, into mental health issues in Australia. We have raised over $12,000 for the Black Dog Institute over the past few years, and plan to engage as a team in the One Foot Forward challenge in October 2025. Watch this space!
THURSDAY 14 AUGUST 2025
Do you have any final thoughts or reflections on your experience as a past winner?
Winning the Australian Allied Health Awards was a huge surprise and a real encouragement to keep going in my work. Running a business, supporting a large team and working in rural and remote areas can be hard work, and at times, even lonely. It was
a very positive experience, and an encouragement to keep on persevering in the hardness and joys of clinical work – to be awarded a national award. Wow – still hard to believe we won this!
How can we connect with you?
belinda@himorange.com.au
PAST WINNER
CARLIN MCLELLAN
2023 MUSIC THERAPIST OF THE YEAR
Where do you currently work and what is your role?
Play Anything Music Therapy - Director.
How did winning an Allied Health Awards impact your career, practice, or team?
Winning the Allied Health Award for Music Therapist of the Year in 2023 reinforced the value of my music therapy practice, which focuses on using technology to increase access to meaningful music-making for all, and strengthened my confidence to pursue larger projects and partnerships.
It also strengthened my credibility when approaching schools, aged care facilities, and community organisations to build new partnerships. These new connections and partnerships have served to increase understanding of and access to music therapy in a range of settings.
For my team, the award has been a real morale boost – it showed them that the innovative, inclusive approach we take at Play Anything Music Therapy is being recognised at a national level. It helped attract new interest in our programs, and reinforced for staff, clients, and families that the work we’re doing is both valued and impactful. The award also created momentum for larger projects like Polyphonic, our inclusive music program, by helping us stand out in a competitive funding environment. It has positioned me, and by extension my team, as leaders in inclusive music therapy practice in Australia.
Has winning opened any memorable opportunities such as leadership roles, media features, collaborations, or speaking engagements? Please share examples.
Winning the award also motivated me to give back to the music therapy profession. I served as an active member of the Australian Music Therapy Association’s Registration Committee (2023–24) and am currently part of the AMTA 50th
Anniversary Working Group. These roles have given me the opportunity to contribute to the profession’s development and future direction.
Has the recognition influenced patient or client trust in you or your team?
The recognition has strengthened trust in our practice by highlighting the quality and professionalism of our work, giving families and partner organisations greater confidence in our team.
Have you used your award recognition in marketing, promotions, or to grow your organisation or practice?
Yes. We’ve highlighted the award on our socials, website, and in our email footer. The award is noted as a significant achievement for the organisation during new employees’ onboarding. What’s been your biggest professional highlight or milestone since your win?
Collaborating with Queensland University of Technology to develop the app for their RAMSR-T early childhood program.
Have you taken on new leadership roles, research projects, or professional development opportunities?
I’m proud to have supervised several Masters of Music Therapy students since winning the award, supporting the next generation of therapists as they enter the profession. I’ve also expanded my leadership through projects that integrate technology and music therapy, including the development of inclusive music apps and community programs.
How has winning the award influenced your team’s growth, visibility, or internal dynamics?
Winning the award lifted team morale, increased the visibility of our practice, and made it easier to build partnerships with schools, aged care, and community organisations. It also reinforced our shared purpose and the value of the work we do together.
Has it led to new projects, partnerships, or funding opportunities?
Yes. Since winning the award I’ve led new projects such as Sustainable Sounds and Polyphonic. It has also supported my efforts to build a stronger profile both within and beyond music therapy, opening doors for collaborations in app development that improve access and outcomes for people with disability.
Have you (or your team) been involved in advocacy, policy-making, or initiatives shaping the future of allied health? (e.g., committees, awareness campaigns, policy contributions)
Yes. I submitted evidence into the recent review
of music and art therapy in NDIS, and have contributed through roles on the Australian Music Therapy Association’s Registration Committee and the AMTA 50th Anniversary Working Group.
What are the biggest challenges you see in your field today, and how are you (or your team) addressing them?
One of the biggest challenges is music therapy being cut from some participants’ NDIS plans, despite it remaining an officially approved therapy support. With the outcome of the review of music and art therapy still pending, it’s been very challenging (to say the least) to see our work devalued in this way. As a team, we continue to advocate strongly for our clients to access quality supports that help them reach their functional goals. I’ve also supported fellow Registered Music Therapists by creating an online hub with resources. www.playanything.com.au/allied
What advice would you give to future nominees and winners of the Allied Health Awards?
Be proud of your achievement, keep learning and listening, and build relationships with colleagues and organisations within and outside your field. Use the momentum from the award to amplify the positive change you’re already making.
Are there any allied health professionals or organisations that have inspired you since your win?
The Australian Music Therapy Association has been a major source of inspiration, advocating tirelessly for the profession during a time of uncertainty. I was also deeply encouraged by the community support shown through the Change. org petition to keep music therapy in the NDIS, which gathered more than 62,000 signatures. It was a powerful reminder of how strongly people value and believe in the role of music therapy.
What’s next for you (or your team)? Any exciting projects, goals, or dreams on the horizon?
We are really excited to release the Polyphonic App in early 2026!
Would you (or your team) be interested in staying connected with the Allied Health Awards community (e.g., speaking, judging, mentoring)?
Always happy to help however I can.
Do you have any final thoughts or reflections on your experience as a past winner?
I’m so grateful for the opportunity. Thanks for all that you do.
How can we connect with you? instagram.com/playanythingmusic/ linkedin.com/in/carlin-mclellan/
PAST WINNER
CAROLYN DUN
2023 ALLIED HEALTH ADULT TEAM EXCELLENCE
Where do you currently work and what is your role?
Mental Health Division of Northern Health, Victoria. Professional Leader Occupational Therapy – Mental Health.
How did winning an Allied Health Awards impact your career, practice, or team?
The Drive Safe team felt elated and appreciated the recognition of the innovation, reach and breadth of strategies that we implemented in under 2 years.
What’s been your biggest professional highlight or milestone since your win?
Communication of research conducted during the Drive Safe Project; the lived experience consumer research on driving a motor vehicle and living with a mental health condition has been published in a peer reviewed journal; and the lived experience of carers in supporting their family member with a mental health condition to drive a motor vehicle will be presented at the World Federation of Occupational Therapy Conference in Bangkok in February 2026.
Have you taken on new leadership roles, research projects, or professional development opportunities?
I have taken on the leadership role in convening a community of practice for occupational therapists focusing on implementing safe consumer driving working within public mental health in Victoria. As well I have taken on the lead to conduct research exploring the impact of pet therapy on consumers and staff within adult inpatient environments.
Has it led to new projects, partnerships, or funding opportunities?
I am currently in the early phase of partnering with some state wide organisations to influence a top down roll out to support providing health advice about driving becoming core practice in public mental health.
Have you (or your team) been involved in advocacy, policy-making, or initiatives shaping the future of allied health? (e.g., committees, awareness campaigns, policy contributions)
I have continued to be involved in a range of committees and targeted advocacy to shape and support the future of allied health through trying to influence the next EBA, and policy-making.
What advice would you give to future nominees and winners of the Allied Health Awards?
It is a truly useful process if you are providing innovative allied health services that aims for exceptional services to reflect and evaluate and share your experiences and journey with others.
Are there any allied health professionals or organisations that have inspired you since your win?
2024 Occupational Therapist of the year Chris Pearce is very inspiring, from his work and support of the Occupational Therapy Association, development of living skills centre and micro industries with people with lived experience as well as leading a business that offers services to regional WA.
What’s next for you (or your team)? Any exciting projects, goals, or dreams on the horizon?
Continuing to mentor other occupational therapists who are implementing organisational changes. Hoping to get buy in and enable influence from the top down to sustain a focus on safe driving in the longer term.
Do you have any final thoughts or reflections on your experience as a past winner?
It was a wonderful accolade to be a past winner.
How can we connect with you?
cazdun31@gmail.com
PAST WINNER RAEYA BOGNAR
2023 ALLIED HEALTH TEAM CULTURE EXCELLENCE
Where do you currently work and what is your role?
Active Health Clinic - COO.
How did winning an Allied Health Awards impact your career, practice, or team?
As a team it was extremely validating to be recognised for what we put our effort into. As a business, it was beneficial for recruitment and hiring.
Has winning opened any memorable opportunities such as leadership roles, media features, collaborations, or speaking engagements? Please share examples.
Nothing outside of the Allied Health Awards. Has the recognition influenced patient or client trust in you or your team?
Possibly, can’t be sure, but it could be assumed.
Have you used your award recognition in marketing, promotions, or to grow your organisation or practice?
It’s on our website and a part of our recruitment strategy.
What’s been your biggest professional highlight or milestone since your win?
• Filming for Beyond Blue
• Wrote 3 chapters for an international Long-COVID textbook
• Successful in an Export Marketing Development Grant
• Published books
• Part of a Long-COVID MRFF grant
• Launched a questionnaire to help with diagnosis awareness
• Presented to ESSA & DA
Have you taken on new leadership roles, research projects, or professional development opportunities?
Yes – research projects and some professional development.
How has winning the award influenced your team’s growth, visibility, or internal dynamics?
Definitely impacted our visibility and helped when hiring, and more people being interested in the job. In terms of internal dynamics, they were always good ;)
Has it led to new projects, partnerships, or funding opportunities?
Not sure if connected but we do have new research opportunities etc.
Have you (or your team) been involved in advocacy, policy-making, or initiatives shaping the future of allied health? (e.g., committees, awareness campaigns, policy contributions)
Yes, a couple in regards to Long-COVID.
What are the biggest challenges you see in your field today, and how are you (or your team) addressing them?
For us it’s the awareness and medical support of the conditions we manage. As well as trying to be financially accessible to patients, but also trying to compete with government positions in the salary side of things.
What advice would you give to future nominees and winners of the Allied Health Awards?
Focus on looking after yourself and your team, and then start focusing on making amazing things happens, and bit by bit, they do!
Are there any allied health professionals or organisations that have inspired you since your win?
Julie Carlile is always an inspiration! But yes we are inspired by many, always!
What’s next for you (or your team)? Any exciting projects, goals, or dreams on the horizon?
• We’re continuing on impacting 26 million lives by 2026.
• We’ll continue our engagement with ESSA & DA and education in invisible illness.
• Continuing with getting our content out there on all the different media platforms.
• Continuing with research and lecturing future allied health professionals.
• We’re taking our tools further online and have webinars for purchase, online programs and a membership model coming soon.
• We’re also collaborating with all of the like minded individuals in the invisible illness space.
Do you have any final thoughts or reflections on your experience as a past winner?
The journey of applications (multiple times) and then the success was so validating as an experience. It’s kept us accountable to our values and who we want to be as a clinic.
How can we connect with you?
raeya@activehealthclinic.com.au
A Sponsor’s Perspective: Why the Allied Health Awards Platform Matters
As a proud sponsor and supporter of the Allied Health Awards platform, it was an honour to sit alongside so many distinguished finalists at last year’s Gala event. One finalist stood out across the table – Eliza Pike, the double winner of 2024 Social Worker of the Year and 2024 Innovative Product Excellence. Listening to Eliza’s story was truly inspiring. She spoke of how, two decades ago, her mother encouraged her to pursue social work and has supported her every step of the way. What made the evening even more moving was seeing her mother by her side –immensely proud, sharing in the joy of her achievements on the award night.
Stories like Eliza’s remind us why the Allied Health Awards platform is so important. Allied health professionals dedicate themselves to improving the lives of others, often under challenging circumstances. Recognition through this platform not only celebrates their excellence but also highlights the vital role of the families, colleagues, and communities who support them.
As a sponsor, this confirmed why Gobbill was supporting the Allied Health Awards. The Awards and their community recognise and encourage people who dedicate their lives to helping others. We want to work alongside those who constantly strive to deliver the best outcomes for their clients.
Gobbill is a Melbourne-founded software company that automates bill payments and accounts payable, saving practices both time and money. When that burden is lifted, practitioners gain back something even more valuable – more time for their clients, and more time for themselves and their families. After all, those who give so much to others rarely find enough time for themselves.
On average, Gobbill can reduce up to 70% of administration time for business owners – often equating to around $30,000 in savings per year. Our platform automatically extracts invoice data, helps to check for fraud, pays bills on time, and syncs with Xero – no manual data entry, no
banking logins, and no impact on daily payment limits. By avoiding risky links and attachments, Gobbill also lowers the chance of invoice fraud.
We simplify the movement of money and communication between customers and suppliers, reducing reconciliation and back-office stress. Since 2015, Gobbill has been a compliant and regulated processor of payments under ASIC and the NDIS Commission.
Paul is an Osteopath and the Practice Owner of Premier Health Partners, a Medical and Allied Health practice using Gobbill. He has estimated it saves ~$30K per annum of his time and money. He says that “Gobbill draws out all our invoice info, checks for any fake bills and pay them directly from your bank account. It also works in with our Xero software. Using Gobbill has given me back heaps of time, so I can focus on my business!”
Another example is ANSA Health that offers a range of multidisciplinary healthcare services. Their practitioners provide personalised care at their clinics, in schools, at the workplace, or online, supporting people and communities wherever they are across Victoria. Veronica is a psychologist and the clinical director for ANSA which has now streamlined their back office admin for payables using Gobbill.
For more information, visit our website Gobbill.com or email us at gobbill@gobbill.com.au.
Shendon Ewans, Katie Ried and Rochelle Park (Gobbill - Aspect Plan Management)
Eliza Pike and her mother. Original consent granted.
Paul O’Keefe (Premier Health Partners) Consent provided
RECRUITING ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ACROSS AUSTRALIA
What motivated Rebel Recruitment to sponsor the Perth Networking Event?
We love the work that AHA does within the space and think that its such a great initiative to create more in-person events of this kind. Connecting with Sarena and the team was such a seamless experience that we knew instantly we wanted to be involved and make the event as great as possible.
How did you find the overall experience of the evening? It was amazing! It was a great balance of thoughtful conversations and light-hearted laughs. Everyone was open to meeting new people and sharing their own experiences and insights.
What was the highlight of the event for your team?
For us, it would be having the chance to mingle and connect in a relaxed environment with professionals who spend most of their time in “work mode”. It adds depth to our relationships when we get the chance to know people on a more personal level.
How does sponsoring events like this align with Rebel’s broader vision and goals?
At Rebel, we are all about relationship-based recruitment. We know that top talent are not scrolling job boards or applying to job ads blindly. We aim to meet and build relationships within our network so that when people are at the point of making a change in their career or building their teams, they are already comfortable with us and familiar with what we do.
What impact do you see Rebel making in the allied health space through partnerships like this?
I think that for the most part recruiters have a negative perception in general. We would like to change this and show that when done right, working with a recruiter can be an enjoyable, reassuring process for all involved. We are an extension of our client’s companies and advocate and champion the candidates we represent. Were there any valuable connections or outcomes from the event you’d like to share?
As soon as our partnership was announced we had many companies reach out from seeing our name through AHA. We continue to gain traction and clients who have been introduced to us through this platform. The event was invaluable for the great connections we made, and being able to put a face to names we have heard many times throughout our industry.
What would you say to other organisations considering sponsoring an Allied Health Awards event? Don’t – so we can haha.
No I’m kidding, we LOVED our experience working with AHA. Sarena is a dream to work with and the team are so helpful and help guide you if this is a path you haven’t walked before. We can’t wait to be involved in future events with AHA.
PAST WINNER
AJ WILLIAMS-TCHEN 2022 COVID CHAMPION
Where do you currently work and what is your role? Girraway Ganyi Consultancy.
How did winning an Allied Health Awards impact your career, practice, or team?
The COVID Champion Award was about transferring business practices over to online delivery and the creation of the Black Yarns YouTube channel to amplify First Nations stories, facts and podcast series including the ‘Yarninblak’ which recently launched its 100th podcast episode.
Has winning opened any memorable opportunities such as leadership roles, media features, collaborations, or speaking engagements? Please share examples.
Since winning this 2022 award the following recognition has occured:
• 2022 AASW Aboriginal Social Worker of the Year
• 2022 George & Ethel Swinburne Alumni ‘Social Impact Award’2022 Victoria University ‘Professional Achievement Alumni Award’
• 2022 Victoria University Spirit of VU Alumni Award
• 2023 Allied Health Awards Social Worker of the Year
• 2024 Victorian Australian of the Year (finalist)
Has the recognition influenced patient or client trust in you or your team?
The YouTube channel is used by workplaces as a pre-work for cultural awareness workshops and houses over 21 playlists.
Have you used your award recognition in marketing, promotions, or to grow your organisation or practice?
Yes, it has.
Have you taken on new leadership roles, research projects, or professional development opportunities?
Guest lecturing, speaking at conferences and forums.
How has winning the award influenced your team’s growth, visibility, or internal dynamics?
Visibilty: being able to amplify First Nations voices. Has it led to new projects, partnerships, or funding opportunities?
Over 100 First Nations people have been guests on the podcast series or have contributed to playlists on the Black Yarns Youtube channel.
What advice would you give to future nominees and winners of the Allied Health Awards?
Highlight your story and journey.
What’s next for you (or your team)? Any exciting projects, goals, or dreams on the horizon?
Two new podcast series coming out in September 2025: ‘Health Bites’ with Ricki Spencer and AJ Williams / No Shame Just truth wth Darcy McGauley-Bartlett and AJ Williams.
