Welcome to the June 2026 edition of the ACDHS Update. This month we highlight new opportunities for collaboration through our Strategic Issues Groups, celebrate the opening of the 2026 ACDHS Awards and provide a final call for Early Career Researchers to submit abstracts for the Symposium Showcase. We also invite members to have their say on the future direction of ACDHS through our stakeholder consultation survey. Alongside these updates, we share recent research, resources and opportunities relevant to allied health education, workforce development and practice. We hope you enjoy this month’s edition.
As always, we encourage members to share these updates across their networks and to continue engaging with the important work shaping the future of allied health education and workforce development.
IN THIS ISSUE
- Strategic Issues Groups
- 2026 ACDHS Allied Health Awards
- Symposium ECR Showcase – Last Chance to Submit Abstracts
- Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of ACDHS
- Feature Story: “What Do We Mean When We Talk About Trauma?”
- Research Roundup: “Home-Based Program Reduces Falls After Stroke”
- Further Reading: Maximising the Potential of Allied Health Professionals in Neighbourhoods
- Mental Health First Aid Update – UNSW
- OCEAN Physiotherapist (PT) Pilot Study
- Fellowships Fund – 2027 Applications Now Open
- Events, Conferences, Opportunities & Resources
- Jobs Board
Strategic Issues Groups
EOI – National Allied Health Clinical Education Community of Practice
We are currently seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) to join a National Allied Health Clinical Education Community of Practice (CoP), an initiative of the Allied Health Teaching Special Interest Group.
The Australian Council of Deans of Health Sciences (ACDHS) is establishing a national Allied Health Clinical Education Community of Practice to strengthen clinical education across Australian universities.
This new network will bring together academic and professional staff to share practice, build evidence, develop shared resources and advance national priorities in areas such as placement models, simulation, supervision, student readiness, evaluation and workforce outcomes.
Get Involved
ACDHS invites staff from member universities to join as either:
- Leadership Group members — help set priorities, guide activities, and support national collaboration.
- Community of Practice members — connect with colleagues, share knowledge, and contribute to projects without taking on a leadership role.
Who Can Apply
Open to academic and professional staff from member universities involved in — or interested in — clinical education, including placements, WIL, simulation, supervision, evaluation, research, and partnerships. Expertise isn’t required; enthusiasm and collaboration are what matter.
Ready to Participate
Submit your Expression of Interest by 3 July 2026 to help shape the future of allied health clinical education.
2026 ACDHS Allied Health Awards
We are pleased to announce that submissions for the 2026 ACDHS Awards are open NOW.
The Awards recognise outstanding contributions across allied health education, research, leadership and engagement, celebrating individuals who are making a meaningful impact within the sector and the communities they serve.
Award categories include:
- Allied Health Education – Innovation Award
- Allied Health First Nations – Leadership/Engagement Award
- Allied Health Research – Impact Award
Symposium ECR Showcase – Last Chance to Submit Abstracts
Deadline extended
Calling all Early Career Researchers!
Have you recently completed research with relevance to allied health education, workforce development, policy, practice or innovation?
The ACDHS Early Career Researcher Showcase offers an opportunity to share your work with Deans, senior academic leaders, and key stakeholders from across Australia at the 2026 ACDHS Symposium in Boorloo/Perth.
Successful applicants will present their research in a 3-minute thesis-style format and will be eligible for a $1,500 scholarship to assist with travel and attendance.
This is a valuable opportunity to raise the profile of your research, connect with sector leaders, and contribute to national conversations shaping the future of allied health education.
New DEADLINE: Friday 3 July 2026
Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of ACDHS
ACDHS is inviting members and stakeholders to contribute to the future direction of the Council through a short consultation survey. As ACDHS continues to grow, including the recent addition of members from New Zealand, this consultation will help ensure our governance, strategic priorities and organisational identity reflect the needs and aspirations of the broader membership.
Feedback is sought on:
- proposed constitutional amendments
- organisational naming options
- renewal of the 2027-2029 Strategic Plan
Members are encouraged to share the survey with Allied Health staff within their institutions to support broad sector input and diverse perspectives.
The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and closes COB Monday 6 July 2026.
Your feedback will help guide the next phase of ACDHS priorities and strengthen our collective impact across Allied Health education and leadership.
Feature Story
What Do We Mean When We Talk About Trauma?
A recent article in The Conversation, What is trauma? The more we talk about it, the more it means, explores how the concept of trauma has expanded in recent decades. While once largely associated with extreme events such as war, violence and disasters, trauma is now increasingly used to describe a broader range of adverse experiences and their lasting effects on wellbeing.
The article draws on the work of psychologist Professor Nick Haslam, who has written extensively about the phenomenon of “concept creep” – the tendency for concepts related to harm and suffering to broaden over time. Increased awareness of trauma has undoubtedly brought benefits, helping to reduce stigma, validate lived experiences, and improve understanding of the ways adversity can affect mental and physical health. However, it also raises questions about whether increasingly broad definitions risk blurring the distinction between trauma, stress and other forms of distress.
These questions are particularly relevant for allied health education and practice, where trauma-informed approaches are becoming increasingly embedded across curricula, clinical placements and service delivery models.
Trauma-informed care recognises that past experiences may influence how people engage with healthcare, education and support services. It emphasises creating environments that promote safety, trust, collaboration and empowerment, while seeking to avoid re-traumatisation.
For allied health educators, this growing focus highlights the importance of preparing graduates to understand the impacts of trauma while also developing the critical thinking skills needed to distinguish between trauma, adversity and normal emotional responses to life’s challenges. It also reinforces the need for culturally responsive approaches that acknowledge the effects of historical, systemic and intergenerational trauma.
As trauma-informed practice continues to gain momentum across health and education settings, maintaining an evidence-informed and balanced understanding of trauma will be important. The Conversation article provides a timely reminder that while awareness of trauma has grown significantly, ongoing discussion is needed to ensure the concept remains both meaningful and useful in education, research and clinical practice.
Source: Nick Haslam, “What is trauma? The more we talk about it, the more it means”, The Conversation, May 2026.
Research Roundup
Home-Based Program Reduces Falls After Stroke
Researchers from the University of Sydney and Macquarie University, working with collaborators from Monash University and University of Canberra, have reported promising results from a home-based exercise and self-management program for stroke survivors.
The study found the program reduced falls by 33% compared with usual care, while also supporting participants to remain active and manage their recovery. The findings highlight the potential for allied health-led, community-based interventions to improve independence, quality of life and long-term outcomes for people recovering from stroke.
The collaborative research demonstrates the contribution of ACDHS member universities to evidence-based approaches in rehabilitation, falls prevention and healthy ageing.
Further reading
From Sickness to Prevention: Expanding the Role of Allied Health
This interesting article from BMJ Leader explores how allied health professionals can contribute more broadly to prevention, early intervention and population health, helping shift healthcare systems from treating illness to promoting wellbeing.
Although written from a UK perspective, the themes are highly relevant to current Australian discussions around workforce sustainability, prevention, community-based care and health system reform.
Read the article: Leading from sickness to prevention: maximising the potential of allied health professionals in neighbourhoods by Julie Lowe.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Update
UNSW continues to show strong engagement with the MHFA Health Professional Students Program, particularly within the School of Health Sciences and the School of Optometry and Vision Science. As at May 2026, 409 students have completed the MHFA eLearning component, representing 67.9% of the University’s total allocation of 602 places. This highlights the University’s ongoing commitment to building mental health literacy and confidence among future health professionals.
OCEAN Physiotherapist (PT) Pilot Study
You are invited to pilot test a new data collection method for use by physiotherapists (PTs). To devise the most appropriate policies for care delivery by primary care physiotherapists, base-line evidence is needed, as well as a method through which the outcomes of the care provided and the policies directing it can be measured.
Fellowships Fund – 2027 Applications Now Open
Applications are now open for the 2027 round of Fellowships offered by Fellowships Fund Incorporated, supporting Australian women undertaking full-time postgraduate study.
The Fellowships are available to women who are Australian citizens and either:
- graduates of a Queensland university pursuing further postgraduate study in Australia or overseas; or
- graduates of interstate or overseas institutions undertaking postgraduate study at a Queensland university.
The stipend is set at 10% above the Australian Government RTP rate.
Applications close at the end of June 2026, with Fellowships awarded in September 2026.
Further information, eligibility criteria and application details are available via the Fellowships Fund website.
Upcoming Events, Conference and Opportunities
Events
- Australia, New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators – 2026 Conference
Dates: 29 June – 2 July 2026
Location: Ōtautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand - 2026 Think Tank: Identify Evidence and Research Gaps
Date: 22 July 2026
Location: UOW Innovation Campus, North Wollongong - 2026 National Indigenous Healthcare Forum
Dates: 5 – 6 August 2026
Location: Sydney - National MHFA Summit 2026
Dates: 1 – 2 September 2026
Location: Melbourne - 2026 NAATSIHWP National Conference
Dates: 21-23 September 2026
Location: Naarm (Melbourne) - Council of Deans of Health (UK) Autumn Conference 2026
Dates: 13 – 14 October 2026
Location: Leeds, UK - IAHA National Conference
Date: 30 November – 2 December 2026
Location: Boorloo/Perth - 14th Health Services Research Conference
Dates: 2-4 December 2026
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Opportunities
- Aboriginal Health Council Pathways to Practice
- 2026 IAHA National Excellence in Allied Health Awards
Deadline: 29 June 2026 - Ability Action Australia Graduate Program
Applications Open For 2027 intakes
Program Length: 12 months
Features: Offers structured support and career pathways for new allied health graduates.
Resources
Allied Health Digital Hub:
Designed to help allied health professionals understand, access and adopt digital health products, the Hub brings together the resources you need to navigate Australia’s evolving digital health landscape.
Jobs Board
VIC
- Lecturer, Occupational Therapy – Deakin University
- Associate Professor or Professor of Physiotherapy – Deakin University
- Lecturer or Senior Lecturer – Physiotherapy Clinical Placement Coordinator – Deakin University
- Associate Lecturer/Lecturer (Occupational Therapy) – ACU
- Lecturer in Speech Pathology – Uni of Melbourne
- Professor of Social Work – ACU
- Lecturer (Education Focused), Psychology – Monash
- Associate Professor, Clinical Lead – Pharmacy (TF) – La Trobe
QLD
- Senior Clinical Practice Educator (Nutrition and Dietetics) – UniSC
- Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor in Occupational Therapy – UQ
- Associate Lecturer/Lecturer in Speech Pathology – UQ
- Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor, Psychology – James Cook University
- Academic Casual – Medical Imaging – CQU
- Senior Lecturer in Nutrition & Dietetics – USC
- Technician (Allied Health – Paramedicine) – USC
- Lecturer in Physiotherapy (Indigenous and Rural Health)- USC
- Professor and Head of School, Psychology & Social Sciences – Bond University
WA
- Exercise Physiologist – Expressions of interest – Edith Cowan University
- Placement and Education Advisor – Occupational Therapy – Edith Cowan University
SA
- Senior Lecturer or Associate Professor in Pharmacy – Flinders University
NSW
- Lecturer (Physiotherapy) – ACU
- Professor of Social Work – ACU
- Lecturer Exercise & Sport Sciences – University of Sydney
- Senior Lecturer Exercise & Sport Sciences – University of Sydney
- Head of School – School of Psychology – University of Sydney
- Postdoctoral Fellow in Medical Imaging – University of Sydney
- First Peoples Optometry & Vision Science Lead – Senior Lecturer (Identified) – UNSW
- First Peoples Health Sciences Lead – Senior Lecturer (Identified) – UNSW
- Senior Lecturer (Teaching & Research) – Pharmacy Practice – UNSW
- Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/ Associate Professor – Psychology – UNSW
- Lecturer/ Senior Lecturer – Psychology – UNSW
- Lecturer or Senior Lecturer – Psychology (x2) – UNSW
- Lecturer – Education Focused – Psychology – UNSW
- Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor – Physiotherapy – UNSW
- Lecturer in Physiotherapy – Multiple Practice Areas – Charles Sturt University
- Lecturer/ Senior Lecturer in Social Work – Identified First Nations – Charles Sturt University
New Zealand
- Professional Teaching Fellow – Te Kura Mātai Hinengaro | School of Psychology – part-time (16 hrs) – University of Auckland
Overseas
- Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Occupational and Organisational/Business Psychology – University of East London
Know someone (or something) we should celebrate?
Member Acknowledgements recognise significant achievements, honours, and contributions across our ACDHS community. If you, or a colleague, have recently received an award, fellowship, major appointment, or other noteworthy recognition, we would love to hear from you.
Please email brief details (and a photo if available) so we can feature them in an upcoming Update. (leonie@acdhs.edu.au)
Feedback & Engagement
Have a story or research achievement to share? We’d love to hear about it!
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.