Occupational Therapy celebrates 25 years
Occupational Therapy celebrated their 25th anniversary today, with special guests Dr Michael Iwama and Andrew Wakely
Following Dr Michael Iwama's lecture on Introducing the use of The Kawa Model in occupational therapy practice, staff, students and community members gathered over afternoon tea and drinks to reflect on the achievements of Occupational Therapy at the University of Newcastle over the past 25 years.
Andrew Wakely, UON alumni and one of the earliest Occupational Therapist graduates, addressed the group, reminiscing on his time as a student with the University and the changes he has witnessed to the discipline.
"Occupational Therapy at UON is unique: we were the first regional occupational therapy school in Australia, and the first to roll out a problem-based system of learning. We were also very focused on the rural community.
"We were told that, as the next generation of therapists, we would see unprecedented growth – and we did. It's a tribute to academic staff and students that, only 25 years ago, there were only around two or three occupational therapists in Newcastle. Today, there are more than 230 in Newcastle's public health system.
"One of the enduring features of Occupational Therapy over 25 years is our values: respect, learning and service. They have always been integral to my training and I'm very proud to be part of the occupational therapy tradition here at UON."
The anniversary celebration was held at the Newcastle (Callaghan) campus, and coincides with the University of Newcastle's 50th anniversary.
Dr Michael Iwama is Professor and Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Georgia Regents University, USA. He is known internationally for his critical work on culture and its implications for knowledge, theory and practice in occupational therapy.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.