Hello and Happy New Year to all ARTA members! We’re excited to kick off February with a new newsletter format, aiming to keep you well informed about the happenings within each of the portfolios supported by the board. Additionally, we’re eager to foster the development of communities of practice and will be reaching out to you to be part of these groups.
In late December, ARTA received feedback from the Minister for Aged Care and the Minister for Sport regarding the concerns voiced by the Hon. Anika Wells’s team. This feedback addresses recent changes to funding and their implications for Recreational Therapists and Leisure and Lifestyle teams. Please find a copy of this feedback in this newsletter.
As we approach Recreational Therapy Week 2024, we’re thrilled to announce this year’s theme: Choice, Connection, and Community. These elements represent the foundation and core values of the Recreational Therapy profession in Australia. Recreational Therapists play a crucial role in empowering individuals to make choices, fostering connections, and building meaningful communities tailored to each individual.
Choice – a powerful and important component of every interaction, approach and intervention. Recreational Therapists ensure each individual is empowered to have their voice heard, understood, and supported.
Connection – supporting individuals to explore, reconnect or maintain opportunities for recreation based on desired needs and abilities.
Community – facilitating and curating a sense of meaningful community, unique to each individual.
To celebrate Recreational Therapy Week, we have three town hall events scheduled.
21st Feb 10am
21st Feb 7pm
22nd Feb 2pm
ARTA was recently interviewed to discuss the implications of the AN-ACC funding in an article with HelloCare. You can find the article here. Feel free to read the article and share your comments.
If you’ve been affected by the recent funding changes, we encourage you, as per the Hon. Anika Wells’s suggestion, to provide feedback through ACQSC.
Looking ahead, we have exciting plans for the next 12 months and aim to grow and gain greater visibility and recognition across the sectors we serve. ARTA is always open to feedback and discussions regarding the professional association. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or the board through the office.
Wishing you all a fantastic Recreational Therapy Week and a successful year ahead!
Renée Smith
ARTA President