Driving 35 hours over four days from the Sunshine Coast to Katherine for my ten-week placement was a big adventure and one I’ll never forget. While the stunning landscapes, waterfalls and hiking spots made Katherine a beautiful place to explore, it was the opportunity to learn and connect with the people and their culture that made this experience even more meaningful.
I was placed in a remote primary school, where I quickly saw how deeply culture shapes learning, relationships and everyday life.
From the beginning, I felt welcomed by both the staff and especially the students. The students were open and eager to connect, and I quickly built strong relationships with many of them. It was especially meaningful to see them wave to us around town, showing how much they valued us and how they value a sense of community and connection.
One of the most valuable parts of the placement was taking part in cultural classes at the school. I made an effort to immerse myself, knowing that understanding culture was essential to providing meaningful support. These classes gave me insight into language, traditions, music, and community perspectives, which influenced how I approached therapy, communication and classroom involvement.
There were definitely some challenges along the way. Navigating therapy in a remote setting with limited access to resources, consistency, and communication was not always easy.
It took time to adjust my expectations and find creative ways to support students within the school’s routines. Learning how to deliver therapy that was not only practical but also culturally appropriate required continuous reflection and flexibility. However, these difficult moments were some of the most important learning experiences, helping me grow my confidence and adaptability.
During the placement, I supported teachers in the classroom and observed gradual improvements in students’ emotional regulation, confidence and handwriting skills. Although therapy is a long journey, these small changes reflected a positive impact of consistent support and engagement over time. Teachers also shared their observations and appreciation, which was very rewarding to hear. Through ongoing reflection and observation, I was able to identify areas where students needed extra support and developed recommendations for future therapy.
Outside of the school, the Katherine community was also welcoming. The locals were friendly and always up for a chat at the pub. This sense of community made an impression on me.
Exploring the area with my peers from different universities across Australia through visiting waterfalls, hiking, and sharing our placement experiences also helped strengthen our friendships and created space for meaningful reflection. Living and working together gave us the chance to share our journeys, with each of us learning something different from the same environments. These shared reflections helped us grow professionally and personally.
Overall, my remote placement in Katherine was an amazing and rewarding experience. It strengthened my passion for occupational therapy, especially in remote contexts, and highlighted the importance of cultural understanding and holistic care. I feel incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute, learn and grow in such a unique and meaningful environment. This experience has given me a stronger sense of purpose as I continue my journey in occupational therapy.
