Published: Thursday 30 October 2025
This accolade aims to honour and showcase an occupational therapist who has made outstanding, innovative, and impactful contribution to the clinical practice of occupational therapy. This year’s recipient will present a keynote address at OT Exchange 2026, presenting their interpretation and experience of innovation in occupational therapy practice. The OTA Oration is awarded by the OTA Board, in recognition of innovation in the Australian occupational therapy profession.
The OTA Oration will be run biennially, aligned with the OT Exchange Conference.
The inaugural Oration was delivered at the 2024 OT Exchange. We are delighted to announce that in 2025-2026 the OTA Oration will be conferred once again, and applications are now open for the 2026 OT Exchange Oration.
The successful applicant will present a 45-minute oration at the OT Exchange in 2026, and will have their conference travel, registration and accommodation expenses covered.
For more information, download the guidelines below, or contact awards@otaus.com.au.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be:
- An Australian resident
- Current OTA member
- Hold a current registration with Ahpra.
All eligible OTA members are encouraged to apply; this oration is not exclusive to academics or researchers.
Applications for the Oration are now open and close at 5:00pm (AEDT) on Friday, 13 February 2026. Application forms with additional documents as listed in the Guidelines are to be submitted to awards@otaus.com.au.
Previous Recipients
2024
Jenny Gribbin
Your OT Roadmap for Innovation Success
More information can be found in the guidelines below.
Related topics
5 June 2025
Submission: Select Committee on Foundational and Disability Supports Available For Children and Young People In New South Wales
OTA welcomes the opportunity to provide input to the NSW Government’s approach to development of foundation supports for children and young people with disability, developmental delay or concerns.
15 January 2025
VicRoads: Road Safety Victoria -Occupational Therapy Driving Test Webinar Series (2020)
This 3 part series in completing on road driving assessments in Victoria were developed as part of a VicRoads and Road Safety Victoria Department of Transport project.
26 February 2025
Mental Health Endorsement Audit Guidelines
As an endorsed mental health occupational therapist, you are required to undertake activities to develop and maintain your mental health expertise in order to maintain your endorsement. OTA is required to ensure that all endorsed practitioners adhere to these requirements through regular audits.
