My name is Maddi Gear (nee Adams), and I am a proud Wulli Wulli woman. My mob have connections to Theodore and Auburn Station in Queensland. I respectfully acknowledge that I live, work, and am raising my family on beautiful Turrbal Country.

I hold a Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry) and a Graduate Diploma of Rural Generalist Practice. I have been a proud member of IAHA since 2014, when I joined as a student, and have served as a Director for six years. I am excited to be nominating for the IAHA Board once again.

Over the past eleven years, I have remained an active and engaged member of IAHA. In this time, I have served as Deputy Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, completed the 2022 IAHA Leadership Program, and undertaken annual governance and finance training. I have also held the role of Deputy Chair of IAHA for several years. I’ve proudly represented IAHA on a number of advisory committees, mentored students at the Ultimate Student Leadership Challenge, facilitated clinical skills workshops at the NT Remote Health Experience and attended every IAHA conference and Members’ Forum. In 2023, I was honoured to be named Indigenous Allied Health Professional of the Year.

Since graduating as a podiatrist in 2015, I have worked at the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service and proud partner of IAHA. I’ve always been passionate about growing our workforce and ensuring mob have access to opportunities and pathways like I’ve had. Since returning to work following the birth of my daughter, my focus has shifted more toward workforce development. I have led and managed a variety of clinical and non-clinical teams and use cultural responsiveness as the foundation of my relational leadership approach.

I’m excited for the continued growth of IAHA and to play a role in supporting our members into the future. I’m so proud of the meaningful work IAHA and our members are doing for our Communities. My nomination is driven by a deep commitment to give back to IAHA, an organisation that has been central to both my personal and professional journey.

Thank you for taking the time to read my nomination. I look forward to connecting with you at the upcoming AGM, conference and forum.