WFOT Update

Adam Lo, WFOT Delegate

Changing of the Guard for WFOT Representation

At the most recent OTA annual general meeting, my elected term as the 1st Alternate Delegate to the World Federation of Occupational Therapists concluded after four years. In accordance with previous practices, I immediately took over the delegate role (which I will be in for the next four years) from Associate Professor Lynette Mackenzie. In turn, she assumed the 2nd Alternate Delegate role from Dr Lee Zakrzewski, who was the previous OTA Delegate to WFOT before Lynette. Dr Emma George from Adelaide was newly elected to take my place as the 1st Alternate Delegate.

This 12-year succession cycle ensures WFOT delegates for OTA have the opportunity to develop their networks, understanding, and experiences in working together, to navigate successfully within the structures of the WFOT, and liaise effectively with fellow members from across the world. It also ensures consistency, accountability, and succession planning. The main WFOT Delegate is also a member of the OTA Board with dedicated roles and duties. For me, it is a privilege and an honour to be in this position. I will endeavour to give my utmost, working together with the OTA Board, staff, and members to further the interests of occupational therapists across Australia, and enhance our profession’s place in the world.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Lynette and Lee for their valuable contributions, and I am sure they will continue to be of service to OTA and WFOT in various capacities. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Dr Emma George and to introduce her to our members. Emma completed her occupational therapy degree in 2001 and has since built her career in community development, primary health care, public health, and policy. She has clinical experience in child and adolescent mental health, paediatrics, and in case management within the homeless sector. Her work has taken her to the most northern parts of Central Asia, the fast-paced cities of India, and quiet villages in South East Asia.

Lynette MacKenzie, Lee Zakrzewski and Adam Lo

Dr Emma George, WFOT 1st Alternate Delegate She said: “When I began working in higher education my eyes were opened to the health inequities in Australia, and I embarked on a journey of learning and unlearning about colonisation and the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. It has been a privilege to work alongside Aboriginal health professionals and researchers and they have taught me to listen, value Indigenous knowledge and how to partner with community.”

Emma also completed a Master of Health and International Development, a Master of Public Health, and then her PhD in Public Health on health equity and policy implementation in 2020. She is now a senior lecturer at the University of Adelaide.

Apparently, Emma is also an obsessive coffee drinker, juggler of family commitments, walker of a giant dog, and a netball fanatic.

She will be taking over this column in future issues of Connections.

WFOT Council Meeting

Due to the effects of COVID-19, WFOT was not able to hold a regular faceto-face meeting in 2020, which was originally scheduled to take place in Hong Kong. A virtual WFOT council meeting was held instead on 19 January, 2021 to consider essential governance issues. Announcement of the results of the meeting can be located on the WFOT website: wfot.org