Allied Health Assistants' National Association Ltd (AHANA)

Latest News

Practising Members: Are you making the most of your membership?

11 March 2026

AHANA members already know the value of their membership, in highlighting their commitment to the highest standards of allied health assistant practise, but most have yet to unlock the full benefits.

AHANA: The National Home for Allied Health Assistants

01 March 2026

In Australia, the allied health assistant (AHA) workforce is essential, yet often invisible. These professionals work across our most critical systems — health, aged care, disability, education, justice — but have historically lacked professional identity, recognition, or regulation. Enter AHANA: the Allied Health Assistant National Association, Australia’s first self-regulating body dedicated exclusively to AHAs.

FREE access to Allied Health Assistant CPD for AHANA Practising and Student Members (Limited Time Offer)

01 January 2026

New Practising and Student Members who join AHANA before 30 June 2025 are, along with current Practising and Student Members, eligible for FREE access to Continuing Professional Development through The Allied Health Academy's AHA CPD Community of Practice to 30 June 2026.

Recognition of Leisure and Health Qualifications for AHANA Membership

17 December 2025

The registered training associated with the Certificate IV and Diploma of Leisure and Health results in the “attainment of competencies equivalent or similar to those attained” by completing the Certificate III or above in Allied Health Assistance., making holders of those qualifications immediately eligible for AHANA Practising Member (General) membership on the basis of equivalency. AHANA welcomes this new cohort of prospective members and the opportunity to continue serving the AHA workforce and the broader community through the promotion of the safe and effective use of AHA services.

AHAs in the spotlight on "Private Practice Made Perfect" podcast

29 November 2025

Ben Turnbull, CEO of AHANA, sat down to talk with Cathy Love (NACRE Consulting) for episode 209 of the Private Practice Made Perfect podcast.

Grow your NDIS Workforce with Allied Health Assistants

24 August 2025

CSIA partnered with Allied Health Assistants Network Australia (AHANA) to bring together a national panel of Allied Health Assistants and Professionals who share their AHA stories and experiences.

The Hidden Gap in Healthcare; The Need for Fee-for-Service Options for Allied Health Assistants

14 May 2025

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, Allied Health Assistants play a crucial role in supporting professionals like physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists. Despite their significant contributions, there's a glaring gap in the system: the lack of fee-for-service options for AHAs.

Access Free e-Learning through InjuryMatters

11 May 2025

Injury Matters (WA) has made a range of professional development and other resources available online for free, and is inivting AHANA members and other members of the health sector to participate in this training.

AHANA's Feedback on the Draft National Allied Health Workforce Strategy

06 March 2025

The Department of Health and Aged Care, on behalf of the Australian Government, is working with state and territory governments to develop a National Allied Health Workforce Strategy. Consultation on the draft Strategy opened 20 January 2025 and closed 3 March 2025. The consultation draft excluded Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) from scope; rectifying this critical oversight, whether by incorporating AHAs into the Strategy or via a subsequent component to be developed and implemented within a three year period, is just one of several recommendations made by AHANA in its submission on the draft Strategy.

Get to know Ed Johnson; One of your new AHANA Board Members

06 March 2025

Dr Ed Johnson, an allied health professional and entrepreneur, joined the AHANA Board in late 2024. Get to know Ed, what makes him tick and what he wants to bring to AHANA, through this interview by Andy Richardson, AHANA Chair.

AHAs in Speech Pathology featured in Speak Up: A Speech Pathology Australia Podcast

01 March 2025

Join Speech Pathology Australia's Anneke Flinn for season 03, episode 19 of Speak Up: A Speech Pathology Australia Podcast to discuss AHAs.

Introducing Kylie Saccotelli: Allied Health Assistant Workforce Advisor and new Standards, Education and Professional Development Committee member

18 February 2025

An interview with Kylie Saccotelli, new member of AHANA's Standards, Education and Professional Development Committee, on her role as Allied Health Assistant Workforce Advisor in the WISER team at Monash Health, her career pathway into that role, and her perspective on the importance and future of the AHA workforce.

Coming Events

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Medicare Mental Health – Connecting patients to free mental health support

18 March 2026

Attend a free webinar by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing on the Medicare Mental Health network, highlighting its centres and resources for health professionals. Learn about service models, accessibility, and integration with the health system.

More Info

AHANA FAQ Series

18 March 2026

This session explores one of the most common questions AHANA receives from employers: Can we employ an Allied Health Assistant who does not hold a formal qualification? We will discuss how the AHA workforce operates in practice, including supervision, delegation, governance considerations and how employers can safely develop AHA roles within their services.

More Info Register Now

AHANA Water Cooler Sessions: Informal Peer Conversations for AHAs

26 March 2026

Informal monthly drop-in sessions for Allied Health Assistants to connect, share experiences, and discuss common challenges in the AHA role. Peer-led, discussion-based, and open to all AHANA members.

More Info Register Now

International Dementia Conference 2026

04 June 2026

Early bird registrations are now open for the International Dementia Conference 2026, offering a valuable opportunity to secure your place at one of the leading events dedicated to advancing dementia care and research.