Tya Fry: Indigenous Allied Health Professional of the Year

December 15, 2021

Tya Fry, one of our Occupational Therapists at Northern Health, was announced as the Indigenous Allied Health Professional of the Year at the Annual National Indigenous Allied Health Awards held virtually on Friday, 3 December.

This event was hosted by Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) where members came together online to celebrate the work of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Allied Health workforce during what has been another challenging year.

Says Tya, “I am truly honoured to be a recipient of this award. I have been a member of IAHA for a few years now, watching and learning from all those involved. There are some truly amazing people in Allied Health completing fantastic work and I am so grateful to now stand beside so many of them. I hope this encourages many young Aboriginal people to consider careers in Allied Health.”

The Allied Health Professional of the Year is awarded to an IAHA full member graduate who has worked in a relevant field for at least five years.

The Awards recognise current and future leaders who have each had significant impact on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families, and communities.

The award recognises the recipient’s commitment, dedication and contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and/or communities within their profession.

IAHA leads sector workforce development and support, to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

IAHA supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Allied Health students and graduates, value adding to existing professional development, educational and cultural support structures.

Karen Bryant, Senior Aboriginal Liaison Officer, congratulating Tya on her win, says, “Tya strives to influence change and improve culturally responsive action in service delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

“Tya is a quiet achiever and Narrun Wilip-giin is proud of her efforts across the Allied Health sector!” says Karen.

Jim Sayer, Director Allied Health, says, “I am truly delighted to see Tya recognised for the outstanding leader that she is. We are very fortunate to have Tya within our Allied Health team at Northern Health.”