Wheelchair Prescription and Seating 2025
2025-07-11 08:30 - 16:30 (Australia/Perth) | Pagoda Ballroom, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como, Western Australia, 6152, Australia
FRIDAY JULY 11th, 2025
About the Course
This full day workshop will be broken down as follows
Introduction to seating assessment.
An overview of the process and tools of a seating and mobility assessment. What other assessments can be used to support the functional justifications of the recommended solution…..what kind of information do we need to be collecting and why? (Theory and discussion- A Seating Ax form and powerpoint notes will be provided)
Review of pelvis and posture
In order to work through and understand the postural requirements of our end users, we need to be able to identify the position and capacity of pelvis positioning. This section of the day will review the bony landmarks of the pelvis and identification of and articulation of seated posture. An introduction to seating principles will be included.(Whilst this is a theoretical component we will be doing lots of moving and locating of bony landmarks)
MAT
Mechanical Assessment Tool or as is commonly referred to as MAT provides objective information to guide the capacity of positioning. Anyone who is reliant on a wheelchair for all essential mobility or who is sitting for prolonged periods should potentially undergo a MAT evaluation. This assessment can be overwhelming for therapists new to seating prescription or only doing the occasional seating assessment. This practical component will break down the essentials of the MAT portion of the seating assessment. Attendees will be guided through the pelvis positions and supine portion of the MAT. The aim is to provide clinicians with the tools and confidence to start to complete these assessments. Attendees are encouraged to wear loose comfortable clothing as they will be performing Supine Range of Motion (ROM) assessments and measurements. The focus will be on pelvis, hip and knee ranges in relation to a seated position.
Bringing it all together
Seating principles, clinical reasoning and identification of points of control to guide the potential trial parameters.
We will discuss how the information from the MAT guides the positioning requirements before practising with case examples to simulate potential support requirements
Open to all allied health professionals
About the Presenter
Tracee-lee joined Permobil as a Clinical Education Specialist in July 2019. After gaining a BHSc (Occupational Therapy) in New Zealand, Tracee-lee initially worked in Vocational Rehabilitation where she was able to develop her task analysis and biomechanical and report writing skills. Tracee-lee had developed a keen interest in mobility while working in a USA camp and respite program and seeing how AT could assist in breaking down barriers and contribute to increased functional capacity. When a position came up at Seating to Go as a wheelchair and seating assessor she joined the team. Tracee-lee spent the next 6 years working there and contributes her assessment and prescription skills too New Zealands top mentorship. Tracee-lee’s first experience in facilitating training was running level one powerchair training under the competency mobility pathway for assessors.
Tracee-lee left NZ 12 years ago to take on the Seating Senior clinical role for custom moulded seating at Northcott (Sydney NSW). In her time in Australia she has worked within the seating and mobility areas at multiple levels, assessment, educator, supplier and manufacturer. She also worked part time at AT Australia as a senior OT.
Tracee-lee is a regular presenter at ATSA and annually facilitates workshops at various universities in NSW. She is well known for her MAT training which breaks down the process and uses practical opportunities to support learning.

Wheelchair prescription and seating

Date
Friday 11th July, 2025
08:30 – 16:30

Venue
Pagoda Conference Room, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como

Cost

Early bird before 11/5/25
Member $250.00
Student $150.00
Rural/remote member $200.00
Non-members $545.00
Standard rate after 11/5/25
Member$300.00
Student $150.00
Rural/remote member $237.50
Non-members $545.00

Refreshments
Welcome coffee/tea, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

Book online

Hand Interest Group PD 4.08.25
2025-08-04 17:30 - 19:30 | Virtually Online
The WAOTA Hand Therapy Interest Group is pleased to invite you to our third meeting of the year on Monday 4th August via Zoom from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.
We’re excited to announce the following three presentations from HULC:

Central slip injuries with a focus on Boutonniere’s deformity – Claire Miotti and Lucy Barrett
New findings on cubital tunnel syndrome – Daniela Lasser
Tennis and golfers elbow – Yvette Ladner

Cost:
WAOTA Members free (Please log into your account via our website to receive the member rate https://waota.com.au/login/ )
Non-members $20.00
Please be aware that, due to changes in the WAOTA policies, only WAOTA members will receive a Certificate of Attendance after attending the meeting. Non-members are encouraged to retain their receipt and complete a written reflection on the PD session in accordance with Ahpra requirements for continuing professional development.
Book Online

OT Services in the Home Interest Group PD 7.08.2025
2025-08-07 07:30 - 08:30 | Virtually Online
OT Services in the Home Interest Group
Topic: The Role of Occupational Therapy in Palliative Care
Presented by Anthony Hartland
For the August OT Services in the Home Interest Group we are pleased to be joined by Occupational Therapist Anthony Hartland who will discuss the role of Occupational Therapy in palliative care.
Anthony is an Australian trained Occupational Therapist, with 30 years international and local experience in a diverse range of clinical areas and management, including hospital, community, hospice, not for profit and private practice. Anthony currently works as the Senior Occupational Therapist with the WACHS Bunbury Community Palliative Care Team. Anthony will provide an overview of the Occupational Therapy role in palliative care and the focus on living well until death. He will also provide an update on Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) in WA.
We hope you can join us on Thursday 7th August for his presentation and the opportunity for questions and discussions.
Cost:
WAOTA Members free (Please log into your account via our website to receive the member rate https://waota.com.au/login/ )
Non-members $20.00
Due to recent changes in the WAOTA policies, members only will receive a Certificate of Attendance after attending this meeting. Non-members are encouraged to retain their receipt and complete a written reflection on the PD session in accordance with Ahpra requirements for continuing professional development.
Book Online

Introduction to Sleep (2025)
2025-08-29 09:00 - 17:00 | Pagoda Ballroom, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como, Western Australia, 6152, Australia
FRIDAY 29th August, 2025 – 09:00 – 17:00
PRESENTED BY SUE MCCABE
Course outline:-

This introductory course is targeted to OTs working across all sectors (all conditions, all age groups). The aim of the course is to provide evidence-based information about sleep and circadian science, translated through the OT lens for practical and individualised application to all client settings.

This course will cover

· the importance of sleep and circadian health

· how sleep works, sleep disorders, general resources for sleep support

· practical approaches to sleep assessment in the home setting

· practical strategies to promote sleep in everyday living

· practical resources (information, equipment, people) that are fundamental to individualised sleep support, and safety

Using the ‘SleepLinks’ Sleep Comfort Map’ as a guide, we will cover assessment, information, and equipment resources for

· health and medical comfort

· activities and routines comfort

· sleep setting comfort

· thermal comfort

· sensory comfort

· social-emotional-communication comfort

· position and movement comfort

The course provides opportunity to learn why sleep and circadian health is a fundamental concern for all OTs, and how it is ‘all about everything’, our physical and mental health, activities, environments, personal factors. Client stories will be presented that illustrate the individualised and collaborative approach that underpins the OT approach to sleep support. Information will be provided about practical strategies and resources for contextual assessment and sleep support. There will be hands-on demonstration of equipment options to support sensory comfort, thermal comfort, body position support, mobility and safety for sleep. With the OT lens, there is opportunity to learn that ‘Comfort’ means, what is just right, for each person and their family or caregivers; and that ‘Safety’ is about their medical safety, physical safety and social-emotional safety.

About the presenter:

Sue McCabe (BSc, MSc, PhD) is the provider of SleepLinks occupational therapy service in Perth. She has worked as an occupational therapist for over 40 years in Perth, NT and the UK and has clinical background in rehabilitation, community and customised-equipment settings. She has worked with people of all ages with developmental, neurological, neuro-motor and musculo-skeletal conditions.

For 20+ years, her focus has been on sleep and circadian health. Sue has recognised the impact of poor sleep on the health, wellbeing and participation of people with disabilities, including physical and mental health conditions (and their families). Spending time learning about the complex and diverse factors of concern. Sue received a Churchill Fellowship in 2006, visiting UK and Canada to learn from expert clinicians and researchers. She completed PhD studies in 2019, with research focus on the multiple factors affecting sleep of children with cerebral palsy, and on understanding thermoregulation during sleep. Sue’s expertise and learning is most importantly through her contact with the 100s of clients and families, describing their unique sleep difficulties and the effects on their everyday lives. Her work is enhanced by ongoing collaboration with colleagues across Perth, Australia and internationally. Her particular passion is the importance

of strong sleep knowledge for OTs, within the context of circadian health, the 24-hour rhythms which are so fundamental to all aspects of mental and physical health, function and participation.

Introduction to Sleep

Date
Friday August 29th, 2025
09:00 – 17:00

Venue
Pagoda Conference Room, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como

Cost

Early bird before 29/6/25
Member $250.00
Student $250.00
Rural/remote member $200.00
Non-members $545.00
Standard rate after 29/6/25
Member $300.00
Student $150.00
Rural/remote member $237.50
Non-members $545.00

Refreshments
Welcome Tea/Coffee, Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.

Book online

WAOTA Awards Night 6th September 2025
2025-09-06 18:30 - 23:00 | University Club of Western Australia, UWA Hackett Entrance #1, Hackett Drive, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
WAOTA Awards Night Tickets on Sale
The WAOTA Awards Night celebrates the incredible work Occupational Therapists do throughout WA!
This inspiring event will honour those OTs who have demonstrated excellence and dedication in advancing the OT profession.
Date: Saturday 6th September 2025
Location: The University Club of Western Australia, Hackett Entrance #1, Hackett Drive, Crawley
Time: Pre-function drinks start 6.30pm. Awards Night commences 7pm
Parking: Please note: UWA’s paid parking applies Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. Parking after these hours is free unless signposted otherwise – always check the parking signs.
Table bookings: Each table accommodates a maximum of 8 guests. If you have any seating requests, please contact info@waota.com.au
Cost: WAOTA Members $120 per ticket, WAOTA Student Members $75 per ticket, Non-Members $150 per ticket
Proudly Sponsored by Unicare Health

Non Member Tickets

WAOTA Awards Night 6th September 2025 – Non-Member Ticket
$150.00 (Price incl. 10% GST)

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(08) 9388 1490
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In the spirit of reconciliation the Western Australia Occupational Therapy Association acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Self Regulation 2025
2025-09-10 08:30 - 16:30 | Pagoda Ballroom, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como, Western Australia, 6152, Australia
SELF REGULATION
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 10TH – 08:30 – 16:30
Presented by Kate Keisler and Emily Burns
Self regulation is a skill everyone needs to thrive across all ages. It is a common occupational therapy goal for occupational therapists working with children and families, with widely varied research. It is an essential skill for development, and something that can impact every area of our life, at every point. Yet there are such different views of what it actually is, and how to develop self regulation.
This workshop comes from a lens supporting children, families and adults around children to learn self regulation, however the concepts and models are applicable across ages. Here are some of the topics that we will cover in this workshop:

What is self-regulation? Looking into the differing definitions and perceptions of self regulation in practice, and society. Self-regulation can be an ambiguous topic so we will go through some of the fields of thought, and the evidence behind these, to delve into what self-regulation actually is.
An overview of self regulation frameworks and tools, and the evidence behind these.
Developing self regulation: assessment and intervention approaches for practice.

About the Presenters :-
Kate Keisler is an Occupational Therapist who started Calm and Connected in July 2014 to focus on kids with social, emotional and sensory difficulties. She found that these children were often labelled as ‘naughty’, rather than their actions meaning that they needed more help. Kate is passionate about giving parents and teachers the knowledge and strategies to support their child. It is often that kids just need to be understood, parents feel empowered and small practical ideas given to allow kids to feel safe and supported in their own bodies.
Kate has travelled to Melbourne and Sydney for training and mentorship. She has attended courses from leading Occupational Therapists from all over the world. There is always so much more to learn! Kate is passionate about bringing this knowledge to Perth through hosting clinical leaders in Perth and running regular training for therapists.Kate believes in developing the understanding of Occupational Therapists working in Paediatrics in Perth to provide a high-quality clinical service to families.
Emily Burns has worked at Calm and Connected since graduating in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy). Calm and Connected is a private, community-based practice, working with children, families and schools, including delivering positive behaviour support services. In addition to individualised services, Calm and Connected run therapy camps throughout the year, which Emily has been a team leader on since the first camp in Perth, in 2015. Emily has jointly presented with Kate Keisler at guest lectures at both Curtin University and Edith Cowen University and has presented many other workshops online, and face-to-face on topics such as self-regulation and sensory processing.

Date
Wednesday September 10th, 2025
08:30 – 16:30

Venue
Pagoda Conference Room, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como

Cost

Standard rate after 10/7/25
Member $300.00
Student $150.00
Rural/remote member $237.50
Non-members $545.00

Refreshments
Welcome Tea/Coffee, Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.

Book online

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
2025-11-07 08:30 - 16:30 | Pagoda Ballroom, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como, Western Australia, 6152, Australia
UNDERSTANDING AND APPLYING DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOUR THERAPY (DBT)
IN MENTAL HEALTH OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PRACTICE
FRIDAY 7TH NOVEMBER, 2025 – 08:30 – 16:30
PRESENTED BY IMOGEN MORGAN AND TRACEY ENGELBRECHT
Workshop Synopsis and Learning Objectives:
This workshop is tailored for occupational therapists seeking to deepen their understanding of DBT and its application in supporting clients with complex mental health challenges. The session provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to DBT skills and assessment tools, enabling immediate and practical implementation in diverse mental health settings.
DBT is a transdiagnostic therapy that integrates mindfulness, behavioural principles, and skills training to support clients in increasing effective behaviours while reducing unhelpful behaviours.
Topics to be covered include:

Skills Training: Mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness within the context of occupational engagement.
Assessment: Utilizing the biosocial model to inform occupational performance assessments, identifying patterns of problem behaviours and risks, and integrating DBT tools such as diary cards and chain analysis into OT evaluations.
Intervention: Understanding the DBT framework, its therapeutic assumptions, and practical skills training techniques that enhance functional outcomes in daily life.

Participants will engage in mindfulness exercises, self-reflection activities, hands-on practice with DBT tools and case-based discussions.
Comprehensive resources, including a detailed slide pack, worksheets, and references for further exploration, will equip participants to incorporate these evidence-based approaches into their practice effectively.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Imogen Morgan
Imogen is a Medicare-endorsed Mental Health Occupational Therapist with a wealth of experience across community, inpatient, and private practice settings. Currently, she works in private practice, specialising in supporting clients with a range of complex mental health challenges including emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and ADHD.
Imogen has facilitated both CBT- and DBT-based group and individual therapy using DBT, ACT, CBT and Schema Therapy informed approaches. Her work has consistently focused on helping individuals develop practical strategies to enhance their engagement in meaningful activities.
Committed to evidence-based practice, Imogen aims to bring a compassionate and practical approach to her facilitation, equipping occupational therapists with tools to integrate DBT principles effectively into their work.
Tracey Engelbrecht
Tracey is a Mental Health Occupational Therapist with extensive experience across inpatient, outpatient, and youth mental health settings. Currently, she is a private practitioner specialising in trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming care and serves as a DBTeen assessor and facilitator at Lifeline WA.
Her previous experience includes coordinating the Adolescent Intensive Treatment Program at Esus Centre, where she led DBT skills groups and managed program operations for adolescents recovering from eating disorders. At Perth Clinic, Tracey facilitated DBT and CBT group programs for adolescents and adults, working with individuals facing complex mental health concerns such as borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, ADHD, autism, and trauma.

Date
Friday November 7th, 2025
08:30 – 1630

Venue
Pagoda Conference Room, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como

Cost
Early Bird before 7/9/25
Member/Student $250.00
Rural/remote member $200.00
Non-members $545.00
Standard after 7/9/25
Member/Student $300.00
Rural/remote member $237.50
Non-members $545.00

Refreshments
Welcome Tea/Coffee, Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.

Book Online

Hand and Upper Limb Course 2026
2026-01-31 08:00 - 15:30 | Curtin University 108: 119-120
SATURDAY 31st JANUARY 8:00 – 15:30
PRESENTED BY – YVETTE PICKERING
Due to the practical nature of this course, attendees are limited to 20, so register quickly to secure your place.
This interactive and practical full day workshop will provide a theoretical basis for your clinical reasoning when working with patients with hand and upper limb conditions. The workshop is aimed at new graduates, therapists interested in hand therapy, and therapists new to the field. The program for the day includes an anatomy refresher, review of healing timeframes and assessments that determine our intervention, discussion of common upper limb conditions, and a practical splinting workshop, including the opportunity to fabricate a splint.
Coordinated by Yvette Pickering :-
This workshop will be presented by experienced Occupational Therapists working in hand and upper limb.

Date
Saturday 31st January, 2026
08:00 – 15:30

Venue
OT Laboratory, OT building – 108, Curtin University

Cost
Early bird before 15/9/25
Member/Student $250.00
Rural/remote member $200.00
Non-members $545.00
Standard after 15/9/25
Member/Student $300.00
Rural/remote member $237.50
Non-members $545.00

Refreshments
Welcome Tea/Coffee, Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.

Book online

Pain from an OT perspective - 2026
2026-02-13 08:00 - 16:00 | Pagoda Ballroom, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como, Western Australia, 6152, Australia
PAIN FROM AN OT PERSPECTIVE

FRIDAY 13th FEBRUARY, 2026 – 08:00 – 16:00

PRESENTED BY MITCHELL FURNESS.
Chronic pain management is a major and growing challenge for patients, healthcare professionals and the global healthcare system. Pain science can be quite disheartening as a topic – as there are no magic bullets or quick fixes in treating chronic pain. This can make engaging with this condition difficult, with the result that occupational therapists might choose to avoid exploring this area. Of all the approaches used in the treatment of chronic pain, occupational therapy shows some of the most promising results but remains relatively unknown to the public and other healthcare practitioners.
This workshop aims to introduce pain science and unveil the role of occupational thera-py in chronic pain rehabilitation. The goal is to take the science and help occupational therapists translate it into tangible, clinical concepts and tools. It is suitable for new or experienced therapists wishing to gain a broader understanding in this area. We will be reviewing the most recent and relevant approaches and technologies for the care and management of chronic pain. Topics to be covered include:
Pain Science Made Simple Learn about the basic neuroscience of pain, and the interrela-tionship between physiological, psychological, environmental and occupational process-es in pain perception.
Pain Assessment in Occupational Therapy Practice Gain an overview of how to assess patients with pain (acute and chronic), and using assessment findings guide diagnostic, rehabilitation and occupation-related care plans
Interventions for Common Clinical Pain Syndromes Explore the different approaches to treat chronic pain, current available evidence on their efficacy and relevance in various occupational therapy settings. Discover how occupational therapists can implement effective interventions through therapeutic neuroscience education, psychological approaches, functional rehabilitation, soft tissue therapy and assistive technology.
This workshop will be delivered in a casual manner with inspiring recovery stories and short gentle yoga breaks (to make your experience as pain free as possible). You will leave with a better foundational knowledge and understanding in this emerging area of practice for occupational therapists.

About the Presenter.
Mitchell Furness is a Senior Occupational Therapist at LifeWorksOT, a practice specialising in complex health conditions and chronic pain management. Mitchell has led the provision of Scrambler Therapy, an advanced electrical neuromodulation intervention, for the past two years and has over two years’ experience delivering occupational therapy interventions for chronic pain clients. He is passionate about integrating emerging and advanced technologies into OT practice, including biofeedback, neuromodulation, and immersive digital therapeutics such as virtual reality. In 2024, Mitchell was an invited panellist at the OT Exchange, contributing to discussions on the role of emerging technologies in occupational therapy. Mitchell brings a wealth of practical experience and innovation to the ‘Pain from an OT perspective’ course.

Date
Friday February 13th, 2026
08:00 – 16:00

Venue
Pagoda Conference Room, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como

Cost
Early bird before 13/12/25
Member/Student $250.00
Rural/remote member $200.00
Non-members $545.00
Standard rate after 13/12/25
Member/Student – $300
Rural/remote member – $237.50
Non-members – $545

Refreshments
Welcome Tea/Coffee, Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.

Book Online

Basic Home Modifications 2026
2026-03-23 08:30 - 2026-03-24 16:30 | Pagoda Ballroom, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como, Western Australia, 6152, Australia
PRESENTED BY SANDI LIGHTFOOT
After the recent success of both the basic and complex course Sandi Lightfoot from the University of Sydney has confirmed to return to Perth and repeat these courses in March 2026.
Sandi Lightfoot is an OT and service manager for a home visiting modification service covering the local government areas of South West Sydney. She has worked for the Universities of Sydney and Western Sydney since 1987. Her area of expertise includes environmental modifications, occupational performance and outcome measures for ensuing that clients’ reach their maximum potential. She is currently involved with the honors panel for OT Australia, has developed publications with NSW Health for safe design and aged care facilities, and has participated in numerous working parties and panels related to service development for HACC Home Modifications Services, Universal and Adaptable Design. She is also a foundation member and the NSW Health representative on the Home Modification Clearing House based at the University of NSW
The two day basic workshop is specifically targeted to therapists new to the area and will include: Theories behind practice, anthropometrical measurement for design, basic grab rail and handrail installation, step design and minor ramping, basic bathroom modifications, the role of the building code for design purposes and terminology and documentation.
NDIA responsibilities will also be addressed as well as the National Associations working party issues as we are privileged to have Sandi with us who consults on these National committees.
SCHOLARSHIP FOR HOME MODIFICATION COURSES
We are also pleased to announce that Sandra Lightfoot has kindly agreed to provide a scholarship to a rural and remote WAOTA member who attends a home modification course, this will cover expenses including course registration, travel and accommodation and will be reimbursed after the course has concluded.
(all Rural and Remote MEMBERS registered for this course will be considered for this scholarship)

2 Day Basic Course

Date
Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th March, 2026
8:30-16:30 daily

Venue
Pagoda Ballroom, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como

Cost

Early bird before 23/1/26
Member $600.00
Rural/remote member and student $720.00
Non-member $1308.00
Standard rate after 23/1/26
Member – $720.00
Rural/remote member and student – $600.00
Non-members – $1308.00

Refreshments
Welcome coffee/tea, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided

Book Online

Home Modifications Complex 2026
2026-03-28 08:30 - 16:30 | Pagoda Ballroom, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como, Western Australia, 6152, Australia
Presented by Sandi Lightfoot
The complex course will include complex bathrooms for conceptual designs, major ramps and lift considerations and kitchen design. Participants can attend the complex course only if the basic course has already been completed or they have 4 or more years experience within this clinical area or similar.
NDIA responsibilities will also be addressed as well as the National Associations working party issues as we are privileged to have Sandi with us who consults on these National committees.
SCHOLARSHIP FOR HOME MODIFICATION COURSES
We are also pleased to announce that Sandra Lightfoot has kindly agreed to provide a scholarship to a rural and remote WAOTA member who attends a home modification course, this will cover expenses including course registration, travel and accommodation and will be reimbursed after the course has concluded.
(all Rural and Remote MEMBERS registered for this course will be considered for this scholarship)

Complex Course

Date
Saturday 28th March 2026
8:45-16:30

Venue
Pagoda Ballroom, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como

Cost

Early bird before 28/1/26

Member – $300.00

Rural/remote member or student – $300.00

Non-members – $654.00

Standard rate after 28/1/26

Member – $360.00

Rural/remote member or student – $300.00

Non-members – $654.00

Refreshments
Welcome coffee /tea, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided

Book Online

Impact of Trauma 2026
2026-04-10 08:30 - 17:00 | Pagoda Ballroom, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como, Western Australia, 6152, Australia
PRESENTED BY KELLIE GOES
This course will introduce OTs to key understandings about trauma and adversity, their impact on children, development, and relationships. It explores the neurobiology of trauma, the ways that a child might respond to trauma, and how children and families can recover from trauma. It will also introduce a trauma sensitive approach to supporting children, families, staff, and organisations who have experienced trauma or adversity and invite OTs to reflect on how they can integrate this into their practice.
Outcomes:
Participants will be able to:

Describe what is meant by trauma and adversity
Explain the potential impact of trauma and adversity on a child’s development
Recognise trauma responses and common pain-based behaviours
Explore practical strategies that support the recovery of children and young people from trauma
Explain components and importance of a trauma informed approach

About the Presenter:
Kellie leads the Western Australian services for MacKillop Family Services including foster care services in the Perth Metropolitan area, specialist foster care and an emergency support service in the Southwest, and general foster care. In addition, also the Indigenous Healing service and Intensive and Family Support services in the Pilbara region.
With qualifications in psychology and a history working in disability, mental health and with the Department of Communities. Kellie has worked for over 20 years with children and families in Western Australia with strong experience working in regional and remote areas, alongside Aboriginal Communities and in the out of home care sector.
Kellie has been instrumental in ensuing high quality, trauma informed care for children in residential and secure care for more than 10 years. Having expert knowledge of the Sanctuary Model, Kellie has developed and facilitated Sanctuary training, created resources, and continues to be involved in consultation around the Sanctuary framework at MacKillop.

Date
Friday April 10th 2026
08:30 – 17:00

Venue
Pagoda Conference Room, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como

Cost
Early Bird before 10/2/26
Member/Student – TBA
Rural/remote member – TBA
Non-members – TBA
Standard after 10/2/26
Member/Student – TBA
Rural/remote member – TBA
Non-members – TBA

Refreshments
Welcome Tea/Coffee, Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.

Book Online

An Introduction to DIR® : Floortime™
2026-05-15 08:30 - 2026-05-16 17:00 | Pagoda Ballroom, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como, Western Australia, 6152, Australia
FRIDAY 15TH AND SATURDAY 16TH MAY, 2026 – 8:30 – 17:00
PRESENTED BY – KERRY WALLACE
Day 1 – Foundations of DIR®: Floortime™
Introduction to the DIR® Model
Overview of the DIR® framework: origins, core concepts, and evolution
Introduction to the six Functional Emotional Developmental Levels (FEDLs)
Core principles of Floortime™ as the practical application of DIR®
Summary of current evidence-based research supporting the model
Understanding the “I” – Individual Differences
Exploring Greenspan’s Learning Tree: the foundational “root” system
How sensory, motor, affective and cognitive profiles shape development
Emphasising strengths-based practice: identifying and building on individual capacities
Applying clinical reasoning to identify unique regulatory and processing profiles
Understanding the “R” – Relationships
The role of affective relationships in supporting developmental progression
“Serve and return” interactions: co-regulation, shared attention and emotional signalling
Social referencing and emotional attunement, as tools for connection
•Reflections from Harvard’s Centre on the Developing Child: how relationships shape brain architecture
Functional Emotional Developmental Levels 1–3
Level 1: Self-regulation and shared attention
Level 2: Engagement and emotional connection
Level 3: Intentional communication through reciprocal interaction
Practical implications for clinical observation and early intervention
Day 2 – Applying the DIR® Model in Practice
Functional Emotional Developmental Level 4
Complex social behaviours and emotional flexibility
The development of a sense of self and agency
Introduction to shared social problem-solving within therapeutic play
Functional Emotional Developmental Levels 5–6
Level 5: Emotional thinking and symbolic play
Level 6: Logical thinking and abstract reasoning
Facilitating symbolic expression and meaning-making in play and social contexts
Language, Communication & the Transdisciplinary Approach
Integration of Speech and Language goals within the DIR® framework
Understanding how FEDL’s and sensory profiles inform communication support
Co-designing therapy environments to meet sensorimotor needs
Aligning OT and SLP strategies within a shared intervention plan
Generalising DIR®: Floortime™ Across Environments
Strategies for implementing DIR® principles at home, in classrooms, and on playgrounds
Coaching parents, educators and peers as active partners in therapeutic success
Tools for creating continuity across settings and embedding Floortime™ principles in daily routines
About the presenter :-
Kerry Wallace is an experienced paediatric Occupational Therapist and Clinical Director of TherapySPOT in Perth, specialising in early intervention for neurodevelopmental disorders. With over three decades of clinical, supervisory, and educational experience across South Africa and Australia, Kerry brings expertise at a Trainer’s level in DIR®: Floortime™ through Profectum Foundation, USA, sensory integration (SAISI), South Africa, and has training in neurodevelopmental therapy (NDTA), USA.
She formerly led the multidisciplinary Polkaspot Early Intervention Centre in Cape Town and was a senior trainer for the South African Institute for Sensory Integration. Kerry is qualified in NDT for infants and children with cerebral palsy and has advanced training in attachment theory through the Psychoanalytic Society of South Africa and the Tavistock Clinic (UK).
Kerry has contributed to research and practice development internationally, including her Master’s dissertation on OT-SI efficacy with autistic preschoolers and worked as a Research Assistant at the Telethon Kids Institute on the Assessment of Functioning project for young people with autism. She is a contributing author to the 5th and 6th editions of Occupational Therapy in Psychiatry and Mental Health (Crouch & Alers), the chapter on “Early intervention in children at risk of mental health disorders”, and has authored several journal articles. Kerry founded SPOTlight Trust SA, a not-for-profit providing training in relationship-based intervention models to professionals and caregivers in South Africa.

Date
Friday 15th and Saturday 16th May, 2026
08:30 – 17:00

Venue
Pagoda Ballroom. Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como.

Cost
Early bird before 15/3/26

Member – $600.00

Rural/remote member or student – $600.00

Non-members – $1308.00

Standard rate after 15/3/26

Member – $720.00

Rural/remote member or student – $600.00

Non-members – $1308.00

Refreshments
Welcome Tea/Coffee, Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.

Book Online

AI in Business - 2026
2026-05-22 08:30 - 16:30 | Pagoda Ballroom, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como, Western Australia, 6152, Australia
FRIDAY , 22nd May 2026 – 08:30 – 16:30

PRESENTED BY Alex Jenkins.
Introduction:
Join Alex Jenkins for an engaging session that delves into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Explore its evolution and understand different AI types, from chatbots to content creation tools. Learn to identify tasks AI can enhance, discover real-world business applications, and grasp the crucial balance of opportunities versus risks. Gain insights into safeguarding sensitive data, managing AI’s limitations, and mitigating deployment risks effectively. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to deepen your understanding, this program offers a comprehensive introduction to harnessing AI responsibly and innovatively.
Content and Learning outcomes:
The program will address the following topics:

AI’s Evolution: A Brief History Leading to Today’s Innovations
Understanding the different types of AI: Chatbots like ChatGPT, Image generation and other content creation tools
Spotting tasks and problems that can be solved with AI
Real-World Applications of Generative AI in Business
Understanding risks and limitations of AI inside the workplace
Data Privacy and controls: keeping sensitive and personal data safe
Risk Management in AI Deployment: Identifying and Mitigating Threats

About the Presenter :-
Alex Jenkins is the Director of the WA Data Science Innovation Hub (WADSIH), also, Chair and founder of the Curtin AI in Research Group. With an extensive background in AI, Alex is dedicated to advancing the use of AI across Australian business, academia, and the public sector. His work emphasizes leveraging AI to enhance education and improve lives, driving innovation and practical applications in diverse sectors. Alex is committed to ensuring that Australia remains at the forefront of AI adoption, elevating WADSIH to a national thought leader in AI and fostering collaboration to promote AI’s transformative potential for societal benefit. He is also known for his impactful TEDx talk, “An AI Tutor for Every Child,” highlighting the potential of AI in revolutionizing education.

Date
Friday May 22nd 2026
08:30 – 16:30

Venue
Pagoda Conference Room, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como

Cost
Early bird before 22/3/26

Member – $300.00

Rural/remote member or student – $300.00

Non-members – $654.00

Standard rate after 22/3/26

Member – $360.00

Rural/remote member or student – $300.00

Non-members – $654.00

Refreshments
Welcome Tea/Coffee, Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.

Book online

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 2026
2026-06-05 08:30 - 16:30 | Pagoda Ballroom, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como, Western Australia, 6152, Australia
THINKING AND PERFORMANCE:
CBT FOR THERAPISTS AND THEIR CLIENTS
FRIDAY 5th JUNE, 2026 – 8:30 – 16:30
PRESENTED BY KALEAH EPIS
COURSE CONTENT
On completion, therapists will be able to:

Understand the role of thinking and motivation to client engagement
Understand the progression of behaviour; cognitive-behaviour and Mindfulness Based Cognitive therapies.
Understand the interaction of thinking, emotions and behaviours and their impact on therapeutic engagement and function
Understand and apply schema based approaches across diagnoses (paediatric, mental health, pain management, aged-care, vocational rehabilitation and family systems approaches)
Problem solve client engagement and resistance
Apply CBT techniques to own practice area
Apply CBT techniques to trauma informed care
Utilise CBT for own self management and reflective practitioner outcomes

The course will be delivered in a practical, small group interactive manner with demonstrations and handouts provided to utilise with clients.
Target audience is OT’s in all practice areas, including those needing CBT training to be registered for BAMH; mental health, pain management, vocational rehabilitation, paediatrics and family systems approaches, aged care, trauma informed care and complex clients. Content will also be approachable for disciplines of social work, speech pathology, dietetics, exercise physiology and physiotherapy.
This course is open to all allied health professionals.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Kaleah has over 15 years of clinical experience as an OT in mental health ranging from previous experience in hospital settings (open and secure units) to now owning and operating a private mental health practice for 9 years, registered under the BAMH program. She is a Credentialed Eating Disorders Clinician (CEDC) and currently provides services to clients ranging from 10 years to 65 years old, in relation to mental health diagnoses, eating disorders, trauma informed care, pain management and occupational re-engagement.
Kaleah has also been a sessional lecturer, tutor and unit coordinator for Edith Cowan University teaching in Neuroscience, Neuropsychiatry, and Clinical Science. She also wrote, unit coordinated and delivered the “Mental Health for Physiotherapy Students” in the ECU Masters of Physiotherapy course.
Kaleah was also the “mood management” package creator at the Inter-professional Ambulatory Care Program (IpAC) Unit, and OT Clinical Supervisor, delivering inter-professional best practice services with a team of Nurses, Dieticians, Exercise Physiologists, Speech Pathologists, Psychologists and Paramedic staff.
Her private practice role has included being a Clinical Supervisor for a community AOD program, liaison role with WA Primary Health Network, GP education and advocacy of OT role and working in-house at local GP clinics, school based education sessions, parenting courses, and OT supervisor and Mentor Role.

Date
Friday June 5th, 2026
08:30 – 16:30

Venue
Pagoda Conference Room, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como

Cost

Early bird before 5/4/26

Member – $300.00

Rural/remote member or student – $300.00

Non-members – $654.00

Standard rate after 5/4/26

Member – $360.00

Rural/remote member or student – $300.00

Non-members – $654.00

Refreshments
Welcome Tea/Coffee, Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.

Book online

Taking the Coaching Approach 2026
2026-06-12 08:30 - 16:30 | Pagoda Ballroom, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como, Western Australia, 6152, Australia
FRIDAY JUNE 12th
Presented by – Graham Taylor.

Workshop Outline:

The ‘Taking a coaching approach’ workshop offers an additional developmental tool for those who work directly with people. It is built on a style of communication and motivation aimed at unlocking a person’s potential to maximise their performance. Rather than ‘telling, directing and instructing’ the coaching approach aims at developing internal or self motivation, aiming at the ‘inner person’ rather than at external motivators. The workshop’s goal is to help a person learn rather than teaching them.

The workshop will provide coaching principles and processes and practice sessions to consolidate within people helpers a methodology that taps into the potential that exists within the client or patient. The methodology focuses on questions that raise awareness (what is happening around the client or patient); raise self-awareness (what they are experiencing personally) and raise responsibility (take responsibility for their actions and increasing ownership and accountability).

Practical coaching principles and processes are demonstrated, elaborated and practiced during the workshop.

A full set of support notes are provided for each participant that covers the principles, processes and the listening and speaking of the coaching approach.

Target Audience

Open to all allied health professionals

The coaching approach can be applied to any, and all, human interaction. It is particularly relevant to those OTs engaged in people helping, people management, people leadership, people development and people care.

Session One: Defining Coaching and the coaching approach

· What is coaching?

· Coaching demonstration and debrief

· Distinctions between professional roles (mentoring, consultant, manager, therapy, counselling )

· Listening as a coach – listening ‘to’, ‘though’, ‘just’ and the 3 ‘A’s of listening

Session Two: Coaching with the GROW Model

· Introduction to the GROW model

· Working with the GROW coaching questions

· Coaching practice and debrief

Session Three: Facilitating a Coaching Conversation

· Speaking with clear intention

· What makes a good coaching question?

· Genuine inquiry and unattached advocacy

Session Four: Further Practice Facilitating a Coaching Conversation

· Coaching practice

· Debrief and highlight learning applicable to the OT role

About the Presenter:

Graham has spent the past 51 years of his life encouraging, supporting, and developing people in leadership and management roles.

Graham has had extensive experience in the Training and Development field, including initially being instrumental in developing strategic training and development for Youth Workers and young people, then, moving into the management and development consultancy field having three interrelated arms or services: Leadership development, Coaching and Facilitation services and a Training arm.

Graham has designed and facilitated the program “Taking the coaching approach” and it has been used extensively in Saint John of God Health Care hospitals and facilities across Australia in the WA Health Department, including WA Country Health (WACHS).

Taking the coaching approach

Date
Friday June 12th, 2026
08:30 – 16:30

Venue
Pagoda Conference Room, Pagoda Resort, 112 Melville Parade, Como

Cost

Early bird before 12/4/26

Member – $300.00

Rural/remote member or student – $300.00

Non-members – $654.00

Standard rate after 12/4/26

Member – $360.00

Rural/remote member or student – $300.00

Non-members – $654.00

Refreshments
Welcome Tea/Coffee, Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.

Book online
