Therapy duo in finals for national award

A Margaret River allied health team has been selected as finalists from a pool of more than 420 nominations in the 2025 HESTA excellence awards.

These national awards recognise exceptional achievements by individuals and teams across the aged care, allied health, disability service and community service sectors.

Sarah, an occupational therapist and Julie, a physiotherapist, are one of three national finalists for category ‘team excellence in aged care’.

They have been recognised for combining their expertise and implementing evidence-based Otago Exercise Programs, offering free 6 to 8 week sessions in 2024 and 2025, which were funded by grants and local support.

Older locals have been attending the sessions, which include strength and balance exercises, and a walking program.

Their success, highlighted as a case study by organisations such as Stay on Your Feet, has inspired ongoing programs and requests to expand into nearby communities, ensuring accessibility, sustainability and continued impact.

The finalists said they were thrilled to be recognised with the nomination.

“We have worked hard to upskill and establish a falls prevention program that is accessible and sustainable in Margaret River,” they said.

“The program has already been incredibly rewarding, this added recognition of allied health collaboration and evidence-based intervention at a national level is a great honour.

“This validates the work we have been doing and will assist us in advocating for further falls prevention programs in the region.”

Both Julie and Sarah said they had loved seeing the physical improvement and the increased connection between participants across all of the groups.

“Not only are participants increasing in their strength and improving their balance, they have also felt safe enough to share their own personal experiences to the group which fosters community and builds friendships.”

The pair will head to Melbourne in early August for the awards ceremony.

Expressions of interest are open for the next falls prevention course – call Julie on 0418 903 456 or email sarah@functionalsolutionsot.com.au