Speeches
Wednesday, 23 October 2024
Reception for Occupational Therapy Australia
I warmly welcome you all to Government House during National Occupational Therapy Week.
As Governor, it is my great pleasure to support individuals and organisations who help South Australians to meet the challenges they face and to live fulfilling lives.
From children with learning difficulties, to people with physical disabilities, veterans with mental health challenges and older people who want to stay at home – your work captures an incredibly wide range of people.
As occupational therapists, you apply your skills to help children and adults undertake everyday functions involved in self-care, schooling, work and more.
This enables your clients to do much more than simply complete a task.
It allows them to experience feelings of freedom, accomplishment, meaning and joy.
In this respect, it’s hard to imagine a more satisfying career, and I thank you all sincerely for the work you do in our community.
Occupational therapy has played an important role in the life of my family.
One of our daughters has dyspraxia and credits a wonderful OT with helping her learn how to tie her shoe laces, do up her buttons and perform a range of other daily tasks as a young child.
I also have memories of digging yellow theraputty, a vital training tool, out of the carpet,.
This evening we gather to celebrate 80 years of occupational therapy in Australia.
Since the formation of the first club of occupational therapists in 1944, the collective organisation of OTs in our community has evolved significantly.
By 1963, South Australia had its own division of the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists, and today, your national association enjoys a membership of more than 30,000, including 2,500 South Australians.
I thank Occupational Therapy Australia for all its work to advance the occupational therapy profession in SA and across the nation, including its important advocacy role.
Positive changes in our society, such as increasing awareness of the benefits of inclusion and a focus on the importance of mental health, are driving demand for OTs across the country, as are challenges such as our ageing population.
I thank you for supporting a growing workforce of increasing importance in our community, and for showing flexibility and innovation in how you approach your work.
Over the years Occupational Therapy Australia has been supported strongly by volunteers.
I thank the dedicated occupational therapists who have volunteered their time to serve on various boards, committees, and working groups.
Your generosity and commitment are commendable.
In addition, I was pleased to learn that OTA’s 2025 National Conference and Exhibition will be held in Adelaide in June, and we look forward to seeing OTs from around Australia converge on our city for this event.
Friends,
Congratulations to Occupational Therapy Australia on reaching your 80th birthday.
I wish your organisation all the best for the future as your members continue to help Australians live independent and fulfilling lives.