Here we are, arriving in December after an epic 12 months – wow, what a ride. I find the last month of the year a time to reflect on what the previous 12 months has been like and to celebrate all we have achieved – albeit it is sometimes not clear until this is written down.
ARTA board, our office team, and advising members have worked hard to lift the profile of Recreational Therapy and secure our future on so many fronts. To name a few:
- Liaison with politicians such as the Hons Minister Anika Wells and Hon Senator Anne Ruston about the ever-changing landscape of Aged Care and the impacts on our members and non-members
- Input into various consumer feedback opportunities on government policies etc.
- Ongoing representation at the National Aged Care Alliance.
- Application to Allied Health Professions Australia for membership (which final feedback following constitutional changes in October 2024) will be provided next week following their board meeting.
- Liaison with the Allied Health Assistants National Association to establish a National Body to continue to support, and advocate for any future Cert IV or Diploma Leisure and Health workers who are not current financial members since October 2024.
- Increased social media presence through LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, with the view as a strategic plan to build on this in 2025 to reach other consumer groups.
- Increasing our connections with the University, final year and studying students to strengthen their linkages to their professional association.
I know I harp on this, but we have achieved so much for our members, with our board as Volunteers and our small paid team. I am in awe of their commitment to the betterment of our future. We all have lives, families, and work, which always takes priority, but still, they come together to ensure we keep the momentum moving forward – so thank you to this passionate team.
Members, I would like to leave you with thoughts for 2025 and what you might be able to provide for your professional association and your future. We are only as strong as our members. Is it strong? Can we be stronger?
- Encouraging your degree colleagues who are not members to join us now.
- Engaging with the university to be a student placement provider.
- Bringing your skills in marketing and social media to our team.
- Joining one of our many communities of practice to lead and shape our next 5 years and beyond.
- Creating content on your socials around your role as Recreational Therapists.
- Liking ARTA’s social media pages and posts and sharing them on your platforms.
With so much to celebrate and consider, I wanted to wish you all a very merry and safe Christmas and New Year, and see you all in 2025.
Renée Smith
ARTA President