Amber McClure achieves Allied Health Assistance qualification

Amber balanced study with on-the-job learning, working closely with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists and district nurses. 

“It wasn’t until I worked alongside all of these health professionals that I got a sense of just how much they do and how broad it is,” she said. 

“It’s given me a sense of what I do and don’t want to do; I love having a taste of all of it.” 

The ‘assistant’ title betrays little of a list of independent programs Amber coordinates, including exercise groups, medical equipment fittings, a toy library and regular day trips. 

“I am often there to carry on the work of a health professional, because they might only visit once a week,” she said. 

“It’s my role to implement programs, like in-home physio, and then feed information back about clients’ progress.” 

Primary Health Coordinator Jo Grant said Amber was an invaluable member of the wellbeing HUB team. 

“Amber is quiet and unassuming and just gets the job done,” she said. 

“Her standards are really high and her focus is always on providing high quality service for all clients. We’re so lucky to have her.” 

Between visiting clients, running classes and driving buses, Amber was busy absorbing theory and ticking off those 18 assessments. 

“It’s the best way to do it, building up knowledge while working in the role,” she said. “I definitely crammed a lot into the summer holiday period, when it was a bit quieter at work.” 

It might be a “relief” to complete the course, but Amber isn’t done with study; she and fellow AHA, Kendall Pickering, are working through a pilates instructor course. 

Once the duo passes an assessment in Adelaide, they plan to deliver mat and reformer pilates classes in Edenhope.