{"id":3127,"date":"2021-03-16T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-15T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/?p=3127"},"modified":"2021-03-15T16:15:07","modified_gmt":"2021-03-15T05:15:07","slug":"the-anniversary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/2021\/03\/16\/the-anniversary\/","title":{"rendered":"The Anniversary"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Sharon Livingstone<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do you remember where you were on this day last year? Do you remember what your thoughts were on that momentous day?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Monday, 16 March 2020, AMT sent out an email asking its members to stop treating clients, effective immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Days Before<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It had been pretty quiet in my clinic for a few weeks. It was unusual \u2013 March is traditionally busy in my clinic. There were rumblings about COVID-19 from late January through Feb and there was chatter in the AMT private Facebook group<\/a> about closing clinic doors. My mind was buzzing. Was it overkill? Meanwhile, at the back of my mind was that I didn\u2019t want to shut down because it meant no income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On 14 March \u2013 Saturday \u2013 I treated 3 people instead of my usual 6. All 3 coughed at some point during their treatment. Only 1 covered their mouth. I was concerned. Whenever I get sick, it always goes to my lungs and I\u2019m not exactly a spring chicken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I spent the Sunday umming and ahhing over whether to shut down. I knew I had to but I was worried about no income. I barely slept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next morning, I received a text message to say that an announcement was imminent, telling AMT members to shut down. I was *%#@*& relieved. Taking that tough decision out of my hands was a blessing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related Article: <\/strong>AMT CEO speaks ab<\/strong><\/a>o<\/a><\/strong>ut the decision to ask members to shut down<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

For others, there was a mixed reaction. The chatter exploded with wild theories, ridicule and a determination to stay open. I keep thinking of one particular AMT member who was very vocal in saying she would not close her clinic. A day or 2 later, in a move that still makes me proud of her, that member publicly announced she had been wrong and was shutting down. The guts that took \u2026 well, I don\u2019t have them. But I believe that by telling everyone why she had changed her mind and closed her clinic, she helped others to make a pragmatic decision to close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Informed<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Prior to 16 March 2020, AMT provided general information on this blog specific to COVID-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On 31 January 2020 here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On 6 March 2020 here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the advice to members on 16 March to cease treating clients, another email was sent that evening with templates to advise clients and clinic owners of the decision to close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Between 16 March and 31 March, AMT sent a further 18 emails to members \u2013 not including state specific information \u2013 covering financial support opportunities, updates, shutdown notifications, templates asking for massage therapists to be included in federal support, providing amnesty on first aid renewals, offering extensions to renew membership and how massage therapists could take action to look after their business and themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There was an influx of massage therapists joining the AMT private Facebook group<\/a> from massage therapists seeking information, guidance and support. Thankfully, AMT Board members stepped in to assist in the moderation of the group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comings and Goings<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

At this time, AMT were copping a lot of derision from some members displeased with the stance taken, from other massage associations and from individuals with their own agenda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, AMT\u2019s CEO Rebecca Barnett was never far from a pot of tea and had forgotten what her bed looked like. I am certain she was power napping whenever she blinked. It didn\u2019t stop her from ensuring that every member was informed, that AMT Head Office staff were cared for and that governments were contacted\/consulted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AMT undoubtedly lost a few members over the firm stance on closing massage clinics. I believe that we have to be members of professional associations that resonate with us and our beliefs\/culture. While there were losses, a number of massage therapists transferred into AMT because they wanted the support and culture that AMT provides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stress, Anxiety, Grief<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Do you remember how you felt while you couldn\u2019t work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the words of Doctor Who, this period has been distorted by some wibbly wobbly timey wimey \u2026 stuff. I don\u2019t really remember it that well. I know by a series of facts what happened but in minute detail, it\u2019s gone. I\u2019m no expert but I reckon it\u2019s a coping strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related Article: <\/strong>The Unenjoyable Ride by Liz Sharkey<\/strong><\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

I do remember the wisdom of Tim Clark. At a time when the future was an obscure concept, Tim shared soothing words and a truckload of useful resources. Read my interview with Tim here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AMT contacted some members by phone to check in on them, to make sure they were getting the support they needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One thing is certain \u2013 it was an incredibly difficult time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Loop<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

AMT sent another 15 emails in April with details about JobKeeper, video consultations, webinars, insurance updates, templates for client updates, and potential for re-opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Members were able to ask questions via the private Facebook group that were then answered in webinars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related Article: <\/strong>AMT Timeline of COVID-19 Events<\/strong><\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Moving On<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As the months passed, AMT set up the Biosecurity Committee, which provided structure for massage therapists to return to work. Return to work self-assessment, risk assessments, cleaning protocols, screening intake forms \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We owe such a debt of gratitude to the volunteers on the Biosecurity Committee but apart from Liz Sharkey, I don\u2019t know who any of them are. I was going to do an interview with each of them to see what they got up to on the Committee but the directions for the secret handshake \u2013 hands-off shake?? \u2013 were too complicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whoever you mystery people are \u2026 THANK YOU!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Really Moving On<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Sadly, a number of massage therapists called time on their massage career during 2020 as a direct result of COVID-19. This included Dave Moore, Tara Goulding and Sam McCracken, who provided such wonderful treatments to my niece in the months before she died \u2013 read the story here<\/a>. I wish each of them good luck in their new careers and best wishes with their retirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related Article: <\/strong>Well, That\u2019s Not What I Planned by Tara Goulding<\/strong><\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The Anniversary<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

On this first anniversary, I reflect on the support AMT provided to members across Australia, the structure they gave members to safely return to work and how incredibly strong AMT\u2019s Board were to make the tough decision for us all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coming soon: How one massage therapist changed her massage business as a result of COVID-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Author<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Sharon Livingstone is a massage therapist based in Sydney, NSW. She is exhausted. And probably needs a coffee.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A lot can happen in a year. Do you remember how you felt on this day last year?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3130,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[616,614,34,275,62,349,217],"class_list":["post-3127","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-amt","tag-amt-biosecurity-planning-committee","tag-covid-19","tag-rebecca-barnett","tag-sam-mccracken","tag-sharon-livingstone","tag-tara-goulding","tag-tim-clark"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Screenshot-2021-03-15-160249.jpg?fit=954%2C615&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3504,"url":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/2021\/12\/22\/amt-not-the-chairperson-summer-2021-message\/","url_meta":{"origin":3127,"position":0},"title":"AMT (not the) Chairperson Summer 2021 Message","author":"admin","date":"22\/12\/2021","format":false,"excerpt":"A reflection on the year that was.","rel":"","context":"In "AMT"","block_context":{"text":"AMT","link":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/category\/amt\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/2021-xmas-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/2021-xmas-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/2021-xmas-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/2021-xmas-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/2021-xmas-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":282,"url":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/2017\/11\/13\/what-happens-when-you-change-massage-association\/","url_meta":{"origin":3127,"position":1},"title":"What Happens When You Change Massage Association","author":"admin","date":"13\/11\/2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Changing your massage professional association might sound scary but hear from AMT members who made the switch to see how easy it was, why they did it, and how they feel since joining AMT.","rel":"","context":"In "AMT"","block_context":{"text":"AMT","link":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/category\/amt\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Ladybug-dice.jpg?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Ladybug-dice.jpg?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Ladybug-dice.jpg?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Ladybug-dice.jpg?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Ladybug-dice.jpg?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":374,"url":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/2017\/11\/30\/negotiating-a-work-agreement\/","url_meta":{"origin":3127,"position":2},"title":"Negotiating A Work Agreement","author":"admin","date":"30\/11\/2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Massage therapists continue to be engaged under piece rate agreements. Are these agreements legal? Are they fair? What are the consequences of failing to comply? What do massage therapists and clinic owners need to know before entering into any employment arrangement?","rel":"","context":"In "AMT"","block_context":{"text":"AMT","link":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/category\/amt\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/face-386626_1280.jpg?fit=1200%2C848&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/face-386626_1280.jpg?fit=1200%2C848&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/face-386626_1280.jpg?fit=1200%2C848&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/face-386626_1280.jpg?fit=1200%2C848&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/face-386626_1280.jpg?fit=1200%2C848&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1293,"url":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/2018\/12\/19\/the-best-of-2018\/","url_meta":{"origin":3127,"position":3},"title":"The Best of 2018","author":"admin","date":"19\/12\/2018","format":false,"excerpt":"As the sun sets on 2018, we take a look back at some of the most read articles from AMT's blog over the last 12 months. What was your favourite?","rel":"","context":"In "AMT"","block_context":{"text":"AMT","link":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/category\/amt\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Best-of-2018.png?fit=560%2C315&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Best-of-2018.png?fit=560%2C315&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Best-of-2018.png?fit=560%2C315&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2602,"url":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/2020\/05\/13\/assessing-your-risks-in-a-covid-world\/","url_meta":{"origin":3127,"position":4},"title":"Assessing Your Risks in a COVID World","author":"admin","date":"13\/05\/2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Ready to re-open your clinic but don't know where to begin? AMT has released a self-assessment tool to examine your risks.","rel":"","context":"In "AMT"","block_context":{"text":"AMT","link":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/category\/amt\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Stop-Slow-Go-traffic-light.png?fit=500%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":865,"url":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/2018\/06\/14\/do-you-want-to-write-for-us\/","url_meta":{"origin":3127,"position":5},"title":"Do You Want To Write For Us?","author":"admin","date":"14\/06\/2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Massage Therapists! We want to hear from you! We're inviting massage therapists to write for the AMT blog. Be it a personal story about your massage journey, a review, a discussion on modalities, a critical analysis of a hot topic in massage or something we haven't even thought of yet,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "AMT"","block_context":{"text":"AMT","link":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/category\/amt\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/chalkboard-620316_1920.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/chalkboard-620316_1920.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/chalkboard-620316_1920.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/chalkboard-620316_1920.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/chalkboard-620316_1920.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3127","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3127"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3127\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3134,"href":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3127\/revisions\/3134"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3130"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3127"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3127"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3127"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}