My name is Logan Walsh, and I am a proud Kamilaroi man, who grew up in Roma on the traditional lands of the Mandandanji people in Southwest Queensland. I graduated from St Johns School in 2022 which is where I spent my whole primary and secondary school years – from Prep right through to year 12. In 2023 I moved to Brisbane to begin my university journey at ACU and started studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. Currently I am in my second year of university and am really enjoying my degree.

Personally, I think physiotherapy will be a rewarding career. I love working with people and I have an interest in sports and how the body works. In pursuing a career in physiotherapy, I hope I can a make meaningful difference in people’s lives and help them achieve their goals.

As a current Allied Health Assistant at Children’s Health Queensland this opportunity has not only cemented my pursuit to become a qualified Physiotherapist but spiked an interest specifically in Paediatrics. As such, when I graduate, I aspire to be employed as a full-time Physiotherapist, potentially specialising in Paediatrics, where I will play a vital role in society by enhancing mobility, function, and overall wellbeing of our future generations. If I were to continue my employment with Children’s Health Queensland as a qualified Physiotherapist, I would love to work within outreach teams that travel to remote and regional Australia to provide healthcare to children that have limited access to professional healthcare services.

Ultimately, however, I want to become a culturally safe physiotherapist that engages with community and improves Indigenous health in Australia. I want to progress into higher leadership roles where I can advocate for inclusive practices that share and celebrate the oldest living culture in the world.

In reaching this goal, I will continue to learn and educate myself not only in the field of Physiotherapy but also Indigenous culture and the ongoing impact on colonisation. I will Endeavor to gain a deeper understanding of how to work with Indigenous communities through authentic and meaningful engagement and become a culturally safe physiotherapist that not only provides aid in rehabilitating injuries, managing chronic conditions, and fostering development, but ensures culturally safe healthcare to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As I reflect on my second semester of third year studding a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at ACU, I recognise it as a period of consolidation, growth, and preparation for what lies ahead. This semester felt less about simply surviving the workload and more about refining my clinical thinking, professional identity, and readiness to step into my final year of study. Knowing that I am now entering my fourth and final year—with five, five-week block placements across a range of settings—has made this time particularly meaningful.

This semester, I completed Healthcare Ethics, Paediatric Physiotherapy Practice, Integrated Physiotherapy Practice in Selected Populations, and Neurological Physiotherapy Practice 2. Each subject challenged me in a different way, but together they helped me develop a more holistic understanding of physiotherapy practice. Rather than focusing solely on technical skills, I was encouraged to think critically about ethical decision-making, patient-centred care, and my responsibilities as a future health professional.

Healthcare Ethics was especially impactful, as it pushed me to reflect on the complexities of real-world practice—where clinical decisions are rarely black and white. Exploring ethical dilemmas, professional boundaries, and advocacy reinforced the importance of compassion, integrity, and cultural safety in healthcare. This subject has shaped the way I think about my role as a physiotherapist, particularly when working with vulnerable populations and families.

Paediatric Physiotherapy Practice was a highlight of the semester and further strengthened my passion for working with children. Building on my experience as an Allied Health Assistant at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, this subject allowed me to deepen my understanding of developmental conditions, family-centred care, and play-based therapy. I continue to be inspired by the resilience of children and the meaningful impact physiotherapy can have on their quality of life. These experiences have further affirmed my desire to pursue a career in paediatric physiotherapy.

Neurological Physiotherapy Practice 2 expanded on the foundations laid earlier in the year and helped me gain greater confidence in assessing and managing complex neurological presentations. I found myself approaching cases with more structure and clarity, and I began to appreciate how much my clinical reasoning has matured. Integrated Physiotherapy Practice in Selected Populations also challenged me to adapt my skills across diverse clinical contexts, reinforcing the importance of flexibility and lifelong learning in this profession.

As I prepare to enter my fourth year, I feel a mix of excitement and nerves. Completing five block placements across different clinical settings will be demanding, but I feel more prepared than ever to embrace the challenge. This year has helped me develop resilience, confidence, and a clearer sense of purpose. I am especially hopeful to continue working within paediatric services and, in the future, contribute to improving access to physiotherapy for children and families in rural and remote communities.

I am deeply grateful for the support provided through this scholarship. Beyond easing financial pressures, it has allowed me to fully engage in my studies, placements, and professional development. Your generosity has played an important role in helping me reach this pivotal stage of my degree, and I carry that support with me as I move into my final year and beyond.

Thank you once again for your continued support and belief in my journey.