PHOTO: Amy Ibbott lightheartedly demonstrates taking measurements with supervisor Ella Cleary.
Around three years after she moved to Canberra to study occupational therapy, Amy Ibbott is back in Coonamble on placement at the Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service (CAHS).
She began under Marathon Health on 29 July and is set to finish on 20 September as she heads towards the tail end of a four-year bachelor degree.
“One second I might be doing a handwriting assessment with a child and then the next we might be prescribing a wheelchair,” Amy said.
“This is my third placement now. Both my previous placements were in Canberra and I really wanted the experience of coming out to a rural community and, being a local, it just fit perfectly.
“I feel like I can bring more awareness to occupational therapy and to what OTs do because I am a local and I am known around town.
“A lot of people stop me in the street to have a chat and it’s a good opportunity to talk about my future career and how OT can benefit people.
“The Aboriginal Medical Service staff are also fantastic.”
This is the longest Amy’s been back home since she left for the capital – the seven-hour journey proving a barrier.
She spent the first couple of weeks of the placement observing sessions carried out by supervisor Ella Cleary, who also studied at the University of Canberra.
Amy has since taken on a case load, working with her own clients and creating interventions designed to help them take more control of their life.
“In occupational therapy, it’s very much about being able to maximise people’s independence in everything that they do within their life.
“So, it’s helping with anything they need to, want or are expected to do. It could be anything from taking a shower or spending time with mates at a local coffee shop,” she said.
“OT is such a broad field, so I’m forever developing my knowledge and learning new things, which I really enjoy.”
As for what she wants to do when she graduates, Amy is keen to be near family but there are many options available.
“This is a tricky one for me, though I think if I were given the opportunity it would be fantastic to stay in Coonamble.
“There’s a lot going for our little community and I would love to work in this space,” she said.
“I’m also considering Newcastle just because I have family there and the beach is a very enticing offer.
“There are so many OT jobs out there, so who knows.”
After her placement ends, Amy will head back to Canberra for a post-placement workshop before completing a final five-week unit.