3min read
Anna Gibson
3.5 years Occupational Therapist experience
Together with her fiancé, Finn, Anna seized the opportunity to embark on her first Affinity Allied Health contract. They packed their bags and set off on a new adventure in Alice Springs — and it didn’t disappoint!
Anna sees travel contracts as the perfect fit, offering her the freedom to explore Australia while making a meaningful impact in the community as an Occupational Therapist.
We caught up with Anna to learn about her experience with Affinity Allied Health in Alice Springs, some of her favourite spots and how running has helped her become a part of the community.
1. How long have you been working as an occupational therapist for, and do you specialise in a particular area of practice?
I’ve been working as an Occupational Therapist for 3.5 years, predominately in remote settings across Queensland, England, and now in Alice Springs.
I love all things rehab, but neuro rehab is definitely my favorite area to work in. There’s something really rewarding about helping people regain their independence after a neurological event. Every day brings new challenges, and that’s what keeps me so engaged in this field.
2. What made you pursue travel contracts? What are you enjoying the most about it?
My partner and I were previously taking travel contracts in the UK, and when we returned to Australia, we wanted to keep exploring—so taking on travel contracts here just made sense. It’s been a great way to see new places while continuing to grow in our careers. We’re really enjoying meeting new people along the way and experiencing different work environments. Plus, having contracts and accommodation sorted before we arrive makes the whole process so much easier!
3. How is your time going at Alice Springs Hospital?
I’m absolutely loving my time at Alice Springs Hospital. The caseload is unlike anything I’ve worked with before, with around 80% of patients being First Nation’s people and spanning a huge service area across NT, WA, and even into SA.
It’s a really varied caseload, which keeps things interesting and constantly challenges me to grow as a clinician. I’ve felt incredibly supported by the team, and there’s a strong focus on professional development and learning, which has been fantastic. Working alongside First Nations People Liaison Officers and translators while learning more about culture has been such an incredible experience, and the transition here was so smooth—I felt settled in no time!
4. What does your typical workday look like?
A typical workday as an Occupational Therapist at Alice Springs Hospital runs from 8:00 am to 4:15 pm, Monday to Friday. I start by scheduling and prioritising my day before heading to the morning meeting, then jump straight into seeing rehab patients.
No two days are ever the same, with a varied caseload that includes neurological conditions, orthopedic injuries, geriatric rehab, and degenerative conditions. I usually see around 6–8 patients a day, depending on the intensity of sessions and other commitments. Due to the unique population we work with—predominantly First Nation’s patients—this role offers an experience unlike any other, with a strong focus on culturally responsive care.
We also run a range of therapy groups, including upper limb rehab, cooking, craft, and functional-ADL groups. Collaboration is a huge part of the role, and we work closely with physios, speech pathologists, First Nations People Liaison workers, doctors, and nurses to provide holistic care.
5. What have you gotten up to in the NT while on contract
Alice Springs has a bad reputation, and while there are social issues at play, my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The community here is incredibly welcoming, and my weeknights and weekends have been full—whether it’s playing sports, heading out on camping trips, or swimming in beautiful waterholes.
6. Any hobbies you bring with you while on contract to relax between shifts? What makes you feel at home while travelling for work?
Running is a big passion of mine, and Alice Springs has been an incredible place for trail running, with so many beautiful tracks to explore. There’s also a really strong running community here, which has helped me make lots of new friends. Staying active and connecting with like-minded people has made settling into new places so much easier. Having that sense of community and routine is what makes me feel at home while travelling for work.
7. What has been the highlight of working with Affinity so far?
The biggest highlight of working with Affinity has been the incredible support from my recruitment officer, Frances. She has been so professional, efficient, and responsive to all our requests—whether it’s finding the right job location, securing accommodation, or ensuring the OT role is a great fit.
It’s made the whole process so smooth and stress-free. If I ever have any questions, she’s always quick to respond, which has made a huge difference in our locum experience.
8. Do you have a favourite photo from your travels? What’s the story behind it?
I’ve taken so many photos of our outdoor camping and hiking adventures, it’s hard to pick just one! One of my favorites is a photo of my partner walking into Ormiston Gorge, about 45 minutes outside Alice Springs.
The gorge is home to one of the most beautiful natural permanent waterholes, and even on a 45-degree day, the water is freezing cold! It’s surrounded by the most stunning red rock formations. The gorge is also a sacred site with a Dreaming story about emus and a man who hunted them at the waterhole. Located in the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, it’s a landscape created by ancestral beings and holds deep spiritual significance. It’s such a special place, and we feel incredibly lucky to be able to swim there.
9. What advice would you give other allied health professionals who are thinking of using their skills out in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia?
Go for it! Working in regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia is such an amazing opportunity—it’s a chance to travel, see places you might never have considered living, and make a real impact in communities.
The ease of working with Affinity has been a major drawcard for me, as it takes the stress out of applying, interviewing, and sorting accommodation. If you’re thinking about it, reach out and see what opportunities are available. As a clinician, stepping out of your comfort zone challenges you to rethink your practice, learn new things, and experience different clinical areas—it’s an invaluable growth opportunity!
Interested in a career that takes you off the beaten track to the more secluded parts of our beautiful country? Register with Affinity today and find your next adventure.
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