Celebrating AMT peeps

In the not-for-profit association world, the pace is relentless so it is very easy to forget to stop, take a breath and recognise achievements. Fortunately, we were able to set aside some overdue time at AMT’s 60th anniversary celebrations on October 10 to show appreciation for the contributions members have made to AMT, their colleagues and the massage therapy profession more broadly.

With AMT members coming together for the conference both in person and online, it was the perfect moment to give a round of applause to the exceptional people within our ranks who generously share their time, knowledge and commitment in service of AMT and the industry.

Our formal award ceremony recognised members under the following categories:

• Members who mentored across two or more AMT mentoring programs
• Outstanding contribution to the massage therapy profession (member nominated)
• Community impact and service (member nominated)
• Life membership (board nominated)
• AMT Heritage Award (board nominated).

Recognising our mentors

Sometimes, the most valuable thing a fellow therapist can offer is time. Time to listen, answer a tricky question, share an experience or help someone work out their next step.

The AMT mentoring program is in its 9^th year. Clearly, it was high time to recognise the contributions of AMT’s mentors, particularly those who have volunteered more than once. However, our thanks also go out to all mentors who have been involved in the program, including those who were willing but not matched with a mentee.

To every mentor, thank you. Your willingness to share what you know helps build confidence, connection and a stronger profession.

The following AMT members have been involved in at least two mentoring programs:

Camille Adams; Rebecca Barnett; Aran Bright; Fang Chen; Lauren Critchley; Yvette Croft; Thea Dillon; Alex Van Der End; Mike Engelsman; Serena Florio; Anthony Gould; Donna-Lee Greaves; Charles Hebert; Danielle Joy; Zee Jung; Abby Lewtas; Rebecca Mack; Lorraine Magee; Claire McCoubrey; Suesan Mitchell; Maria Neilan; Dan O’Sullivan; Emma Pymble; John Power; Colin Rossie; Robert Sic; Inga Wiechert; Jacqualine Williams; Karolina Wojciechowska; and Peter Wybenga.

Recognising outstanding contribution to the massage therapy profession – Jenny Richardson

A dedicated practitioner, educator, mentor and lifelong learner, Jenny Richardson embodies the generosity this award celebrates.

Jenny’s nomination recognised two decades of work in massage and myotherapy in the ACT, many years of service as an AMT board director, her contributions in the professional development space, including webinar and conference presentations, and her work as a massage therapy researcher.

It also highlighted something that Jenny’s colleagues clearly value: the generosity with which she shares her knowledge. Her commitment to her own professional development is matched only by her willingness to offer advice, encouragement and a voice of reason in professional forums and discussions.

Her influence travels well beyond the ACT. Through her online contributions, Jenny’s work is known and valued interstate, as her Melbourne-based nominator noted.

Congratulations Jenny, and thank you for the knowledge, care and energy you bring to the profession.

Recognising community impact and service – Janette Ambs

From sporting sidelines to clients’ living rooms, Janette Ambs is committed to her local community.

With nearly ten years as a massage therapist, Janette has built a practice grounded in community connection. After working alongside experienced Illawarra therapists, she helped launch a business in 2022 that has continued to grow.

Her nomination highlighted an impressive breadth of service: supporting triathlons and running festivals along the NSW coast, working with NRL and NRLW teams up to World Cup level, and treating visiting NBL teams in the Illawarra.

Janette also provides weekly in-home treatments for a growing number of aged-care clients. Additionally, she supports local amateur football clubs, netball associations and surf life-saving clubs through discounted or complimentary treatments.

Her community work reaches people across different ages, settings and stages of life. Congratulations Janette!

Recognising lasting dedication: our new AMT life members

Life membership of AMT honours sustained excellence and dedication to the massage therapy profession over a distinguished career. This year, we were pleased to recognise the exceptional contributions of Kristy Baird, Ian Lim and Youjung Suh with AMT life membership.

Kristy, Ian and Youjung served together on the board during one of AMT’s most testing periods. Their commitment went well beyond the usual expectations of a volunteer director. At times it meant up to 20 hours a week on top of their day jobs. Through steady judgement and a refusal to walk away, they kept AMT on course, and the Association we celebrate today exists in large part because of their persistence and dedication.

Kristy made extensive contributions to AMT over the entire period of her membership, first as a coordinator of the Port Macquarie branch and later as a director on the board. She joined us at the conference in person and received her award in her usual understated way!

Ian couldn’t attend but shared a heartfelt message reflecting on AMT’s contribution through advocacy, education, professional standards, research and member support. He spoke of his pride in being part of AMT’s journey and his gratitude for working alongside so many passionate people:

“This award is a wonderful honour that I will treasure, and I sincerely thank AMT for this recognition.”

Youjung was also unable to join the event in person but she sent a message that captured the community spirit behind the occasion:

“My mum always said you can’t live in this world alone.”

She expressed her appreciation for everyone who has helped build AMT, past and present, and the privilege of being part of that shared effort. It is a sentiment that sits at the heart of an association built on volunteer contributions.

Congratulations Kristy, Ian and Youjung. We’re honoured to have you as newly minted life members of AMT.

Recognising a lasting legacy

Our 60th anniversary also marked the introduction of something special: the Rebecca Barnett Heritage Award.

This award recognises a person whose contribution has been foundational to AMT, leaving a lasting influence on the profession’s values, standards and identity. It will only be presented when an appropriate recipient is identified, making each presentation a significant occasion.

And who better to receive the inaugural award than its namesake? (Her first official act was to rename it the Clem Fandango Heritage Award but we don’t intend to let her get away with that jiggery pokery.)

This recognition honours her extraordinary contribution over the past 30 years and the enduring place she holds in AMT’s story.

The award also looks to the future. In years to come, it will recognise others whose dedication leaves a similarly lasting mark.

Thank you so much Rebecca for everything you have contributed to AMT and to the massage therapy profession. 

Watch the award ceremony

Missed out on the celebration on the day? You can watch the Award Ceremony here. Thank you to everyone who joined us, in the room and online, and to every member who makes AMT what it is.