Welcome to the September edition of the ACDHS Update!
This month we bring you highlights from across the allied health sector as well as reflections on our past and upcoming Symposium. With planning now underway for future events and initiatives, we continue to strengthen connections across universities, government, and industry to advance allied health education, research, and practice.
IN THIS ISSUE
- Feature Story: ACDHS Symposium: From Foundations to the Future
- Strategic Issues & Policy Focus
- Research Round-Up
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Spotlight – A Student Testimonial
- Member & Sector Highlights
- Events, Conferences & Grants
- Jobs Board
Feature Story
ACDHS Symposium: From Foundations to the Future
Since its inception, the ACDHS Symposium has become a vital platform for allied health education leaders to share knowledge, connect across disciplines, and shape the future of the sector. With each event, its influence has grown – setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting gathering in 2026.
2022 - Setting the Foundations
The inaugural Symposium, held on 21 October 2022 in Sydney, explored how allied health graduates could be prepared for an age of rapid change and uncertainty. Discussions highlighted industry partnerships, the importance of quality placements, and interprofessional education as crucial drivers of graduate readiness.
The event also showcased the creativity of early career academics through the Rapid Fire Showcase, where presenters shared innovations such as Monash University’s Student Telehealth Program and new case-based assessment models in speech pathology. These sessions embodied the spirit of forward-thinking collaboration that continues to define the Symposium series.
2024 - A Stronger Voice in Melbourne
By October 2024, the Symposium had built on those foundations to deliver an event that participants overwhelmingly described as more engaging and impactful than its predecessor. Hosted at the Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne, the program featured a keynote from Anita Hobson-Powell, Commonwealth Chief Allied Health Officer, and a lively panel with state and territory CAHOs. The introduction of the inaugural ACDHS Allied Health Awards added a celebratory note, recognising excellence across the sector.
Survey feedback painted a clear picture of success. One participant wrote, “The Symposium was extremely well organised with excellent speakers and very relevant content”, while another noted, “The opportunity to network and connect with colleagues across the country was invaluable”.
An impressive 94.7% of respondents reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the event overall, with the event overall, with many emphasising its value for professional development and sector-wide collaboration.
Looking Ahead – Perth 2026
The momentum continues as the Symposium moves west. On 21-22 October 2026, Perth will host the next ACDHS Symposium. This event will again feature an evening dinner, this time including the Allied Health Awards presentations, offering another opportunity to celebrate leadership and innovation across the sector. With program details still to come, it will build on past successes while offering fresh perspectives from across Australia.
Save the Date
ACDHS Symposium 2026
University of Western Australia, Perth
21-22 October 2026
Stay tuned for program announcements and registration details in upcoming ACDHS Updates.
Strategic Issues & Policy Focus
Strategic Issues Groups Update
ACDHS’s seven Strategic Issues Groups continue to play an important role in advancing priority areas for the sector. Each group is focused on key themes such as regulation and accreditation, workforce challenges, early career support, teaching and placements, and allied health research.
The groups also provide valuable opportunities for collaboration, with members actively identifying areas of overlap and alignment across initiatives to maximise sector impact.
We welcome new members to join these conversations. If you are interested in contributing, please contact Anne Keohane at strategicsupport@acdhs.edu.au to learn more or participate in any group.
Current Strategic Issues Groups:
- Regulation and accreditation issues
- AH teaching (including WIL, placements, and student clinics)
- Rural, remote, and First Nations AH workforce
- AH workforce, Universities Accord, and NAHWS
- Early career AH academic workforce support
- NZ membership development
- Allied health research
Research Roundup
Flinders to Build $300 Million HealthCARE Centre in South Australia
Flinders University has announced plans for a major new development that will expand health services, research, and training opportunities in South Australia with the creation of a new 10-storey HealthCARE Centre at Bedford Park. Backed by a $300 million investment, equally funded by the Federal Government and Flinders, the centre will be a cornerstone of the Flinders Health Precinct, bringing together clinical services, research, and teaching under one roof to strengthen links between the university, health professionals, and the community.
The new facility will dedicate three levels to clinical services, with capacity to treat up to 100 patients at a time, and is expected to deliver 10,000 additional patient appointments each year and improving access to healthcare for communities in southern Adelaide. With state-of-the-art research and training facilities, the Centre will enable Flinders University to produce an additional 1,300 work-ready health graduates annually. This landmark initiative builds on Flinders’ proud legacy as Australia’s first university embedded in a public hospital, delivering world-class care and training for generations to come.
The advanced research and training facilities will enable the University to graduate more than 490 nurses, 250 social workers, 120 occupational therapists and speech pathologists, 100 paramedics, 60 physiotherapists, over 50 midwives, 20 clinical psychologists, and 180 other allied health professionals each year. For allied health in particular, this represents a significant boost in clinical placement opportunities and workforce sustainability at a time of critical skills shortages.
Design and planning are due to begin later this year, with construction anticipated to start in 2027. Once complete, the HealthCARE Centre will expand placement opportunities, strengthen clinical education capacity, and create a vibrant space where students learn alongside professionals delivering real-world care.
Flinders Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling has described the centre as a “game changer”- not only for patients but also for the training of South Australia’s future health professionals. For allied health in particular, the centre represents a practical step towards meeting community needs, strengthening placement pathways, and supporting the sustainability of the health workforce.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Spotlight
Why MHFA Matters for Every Student:
“As a public health student and future health professional, I think these skills are invaluable not only for supporting future patients but also for fostering peer wellbeing and building stronger, more empathetic workplaces.
This course has equipped me with essential skills to better support future patients, colleagues, and peers and maintain my own wellbeing.
These skills aren’t just professional , they are personal. Mental health challenges affect everyone, and having the confidence to offer support, listen without judgment, and connect someone to help could truly change or even save a life.”
– Isabella Burton – CDU
Resources are available at: https://acdhs.edu.au/mental-health-first-aid/, or contact me directly (leonie@acdhs.edu.au) if you need tailored support – such as suggested student emails or a copy of your unique course registration links.
Member & Sector Highlights
Spotlight: The IAHA Ultimate Student Leadership Challenge
ACDHS is proud to support the Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) Ultimate Student Leadership Challenge (USLC) — a three-day cultural and professional leadership program designed to help students build leadership skills in a health context.
Working collaboratively, students participating in the USLC explore both cultural and professional perspectives, while developing skills that will support their future careers in health.
This year, ACDHS is sponsoring a student to complete the Challenge, reinforcing our commitment to supporting the next generation of allied health leaders.
https://iaha.com.au/iaha-ultimate-student-leadership-challenge-uslc/
Events, Conferences and Grants
Opportunities
- Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme
Applications Open For: Mid-2025 and 2026 intakes
Program Length: 12 months
Features: This program provides structured support and clear career pathways for new allied health graduates, helping to strengthen the future workforce. - Ability Action Australia Graduate Program
Applications Open For: Mid-2025 and 2026 intakes
Program Length: 12 months
Features: Offers structured support and career pathways for new allied health graduates.
Grants
- NSW HETI – Aboriginal Rural Allied Health University Student Scholarship
Applications Open For: 2025 round (opens 4 August, closes 3 October 2025)
Program Length: One-off scholarship (AU$10,000 payment)
Features: Provides financial assistance to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students from rural NSW studying allied health professions. Supports costs such as fees, technology, and placement expenses.
Events and Conferences
- Hume Region Allied Health Conference
Date: 17 October 2025
Location: Online OR The Cube, Wodonga - SINMAC 11th Edition – SEHA International Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Conference
Dates: 7-9 November 2025
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE - Rural Allied Health Conference
Date: 14 November 2025
Location: Tamworth, NSW/Online - 2025 Innovations in Allied Health Hospital Workforce National Conference
Date: 17 November 2025
Location: The Alfred Innovation & Education Hub, Melbourne - Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) National Conference
Dates: 24–26 November 2025
Location: Novotel Resort Twin Waters & Sunshine Coast Convention Centre, QLD
Jobs Board
QLD
- Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Psychology – UQ
- Clinical Psychologist – UQ
- Lecturer – Podiatry – Central Queensland University
- Lecturer/Senior Lecturer – Paramedic Science – Central Queensland University
SA
- Associate Lecturer in Social Work – Flinders
- Casual Academic Register – Health Sciences & Allied Health – Flinders
- Rural Health Academic (Aged Care) – Speech Pathology – University of South Australia
WA
- Senior Lecturer Psychology (Health and Wellbeing) – UWA
- Exercise Physiologist – Edith Cowan
- Senior Lecturer and Lecturer Roles – Social Work – Edith Cowan
ACT
- Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor in Speech Pathology – University of Canberra
NSW
- Senior Lecturer of Associate Professor in Speech Pathology – Macquarie University
- Indigenous Community Health Research Officer (Identified) – UNSW
- Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy (Clinical Education) – UNSW
- Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Behaviour Change-Exercise & Sport Psychology – UNSW
- Professor in Exercise and Sport Science or Exercise Physiology – University of Newcastle
- Lecturer in Social Work/Human Services – University of Newcastle
- Lecturer in Pharmacy (Identified) – University of Sydney
- Executive Officer – Paramedicine – University of Tasmania (Rozelle Campus, Sydney)
TAS
- Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice – University of Tasmania
OVERSEAS
- Senior Lecturer, Psychology (expertise in Clinical Psychology) – RMIT Vietnam
- Tenure-Track Professor/ Associate Professor/ Assistant Professor in Behavioural Health Sciences – University of Hong Kong
- Professor (Research Track), School of Medical & Health Sciences – Tung Wah College, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Feedback & Engagement
Have a story or research achievement to share? We’d love to hear about it!
Contact: leonie@acdhs.edu.au.
Thank you for reading the ACDHS Update. We look forward to bringing you more inspiring stories and valuable updates next month.
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We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Australia’s lands and waters and their enduring connection to Country. As an education and health sciences association, we recognise the vital role of Indigenous knowledge in shaping holistic approaches to learning, wellness, and healthcare. We honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, past and present, and their custodianship of knowledge embedded in the land. In paying our respects to Elders, we commit to fostering cultural understanding and partnerships for equitable and inclusive education and healthcare.