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It is a privilege to be holding the Occupational Therapy Australia 28th National Conference and Exhibition 2019 on the lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We respectfully acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land and pay respects to Elders, past and present. We also recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples diverse language groups, kinship structures and cultures. In the spirit of reconciliation, we are committed to growing stronger partnerships and working respectfully with all knowledge systems, to promote health and wellbeing through occupations for all Australians.

The theme for the 2019 National Conference and Exhibition is “Together towards tomorrow”. The theme is designed to reflect the dynamic nature of contemporary occupational therapy practice.

“Together” focuses attention to the many ways in which occupational therapists work together and partner with consumers, communities and colleagues to support optimal occupational performance, health and well-being. Partnerships take on a multitude of different forms, including: working together to grow a resilient and skillful workforce; working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to support self-determination; working with consumers and communities to co-design innovative solutions to emerging challenges in a range of contexts; working in cross-disciplinary teams for practice, entrepreneurship, education, and research; and many more.

“Towards tomorrow” encourages us to be forward looking. The future brings a range of opportunities, but also challenges. How can we best respond to the changing needs of the populations we work with, how do we practise most effectively in changing contexts and how can we grow the collective impact of occupational therapy? In looking towards the future, we must also reflect on and learn from our past.