APA closing the gap with AFL SportsReady partnership

The APA has announced a new partnership with AFL SportsReady, a not for profit organisation helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students develop their careers through traineeships, cadetships, direct employment and educational opportunities.

The partnership will allow full time physiotherapy students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds to gain paid professional work experience for 12 weeks a year, supporting and reinforcing their studies.

APA National President Phil Calvert says it is a win for both students and physiotherapy practices. “This program makes a lot of sense. Not only will students get the much needed clinical experience and understanding of how physiotherapy practices work, but our members will gain invaluable insights into the rich culture, history and values of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples via their direct engagement with the students and as part of the cultural training they receive from AFL SportsReady.”

“We’ve had a Reconciliation Action Plan for several years now, and it is not something we merely pay lip service to. We believe inherently in health equality for all Australians. The partnership with AFL SportsReady will see our members engage directly with Indigenous students and facilitate the development of an invaluable physiotherapy mentor network for years to come.”

Executive Manager for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy & Programs at AFL SportsReady, Sheena Watt, says education and employment is the most powerful way to change the lives of young people. “This is our first partnership with the allied health sector and we see enormous potential for more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to start their careers in an allied health discipline, leading with physiotherapy.”

“AFL SportsReady is proud to join with the Australian Physiotherapy Association to support innovative opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.”
 

 -ENDS-

Phil Calvert and Sheena Watt are available for further comment.

For further information please contact:  

Julie Dwyer, Communications Manager

M: 0438 121 684        E: Julie.Dwyer@australian.physio