CEO’s Report

Samantha Hunter | OTA CEO

As this strange year draws to a close and we slowly become accustomed to the ‘new normal’, I have been reflecting on how this year has affected each of us so differently.

Members have experienced the fallout, disruption, and sometimes opportunities that 2020 has brought. The staff of OTA have seen these changes firsthand as they juggled and responded to the needs of members while navigating a new course through practice, embracing technology, and entwining their professional into their personal lives on a scale not previously imagined.

It seems a lifetime ago when many of our members were confronted by a long summer of raging bushfires that devastated communities across New South Wales and Victoria, followed by soaking rain and floods across Queensland, and again in New South Wales—all while breaking a lengthy drought in some regions yet heartbreakingly skipping still drought-ravaged tracts of outback.

Occupational therapists’ need for information and guidance has varied depending on their practices, their state or region, their employment status and their family circumstances, with many juggling work and home schooling for extended periods. Despite the adversity the pandemic thrust upon us, members have displayed resilience in adapting to rapid and constant change, and in supporting their clients through an incredibly challenging year.

Despite the adversity the pandemic thrust upon us, members have displayed resilience in adapting to rapid and constant change, and in supporting their clients through an incredibly challenging year.

Some small silver linings have emerged, too.

The rapid requirement to adapt to video conferencing has led us to connect more often, with more members, across a range of ideas and issues. This has created greater equity and engagement for members right across Australia, particularly those working in rural, remote and regional areas where travelling to face-to-face meetings, CPD or other events can be costly and time consuming. Re-invigorating our SIGs on to an online platform has led to greater participation. The OT Exchange and Mental Health Forum were delivered as virtual conferences, allowing occupational therapists Australia-wide to join online (with the additional benefit of being able to review the entire conference program post-event).

Divisional Councils meeting online enabled a greater uptake of regional representation, adding a new depth and dimension when considering local issues. A digital transformation is upon us with the capacity to enhance the way we work, connect and collaborate. Adaptability to new platforms and technologies will create incredible opportunities for occupational therapists and their clients.

This year we celebrated OT Week with the theme Rebuild, Recover, Reengage, which was so appropriate for the turbulent year Australians have endured together. Whether your community has been impacted by natural disaster or the pandemic has seriously affected your life or livelihood, we have all faced challenging times.

As the year draws to a close, I hope you will have the opportunity to slow down and reflect on the year that has passed. Has your resilience and resolve been tried? How have you re-assessed your priorities, professionally and personally?

I hope you will have the opportunity to rest, recharge, and refill your cup for a brighter 2021.