Point Lonsdale’s Sarah Foley has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to community health.
Ms Foley is the co-founder of Kids Plus Foundation and a life member of Australian Bobath Neurodevelopmental Therapy Association.
“You’re always a bit surprised,” she said when asked of her reaction to the news.
“It’s made me reflect on my career. The main thing it made me reflect on was how lucky I have been in terms of people I have met.
“It’s really a shared acknowledgement for Kids Plus. It wouldn’t exist without the people of Geelong. It’s a reward to the incredible people I’ve worked with. I’ve been incredibly lucky.”
Kids Plus started with two physiotherapists and a group of parents to a team of more than 30 today.
Ms Foley has spent 35 years as a physiotherapist specialising in children with developmental disabilities, particularly cerebral palsy.
“I was always interested in working with children,” she said.
“Particularly interested in working with children with brain injuries. There are so many possibilities with children.
“You work really closely with the parents to make sure that child is well supported in the early years and reaches their potential.
“You build long-term relationships with families and kids as they grow up.”
Ms Foley is co-author of a publication on a clinical trial on the effects of a partial body-weight-supported treadmill training program of children with cerebral palsy.
“There is a harness or a sling over the treadmill,” she said.
“They are walking very slowly. The repetition of the treadmill and support from the therapist builds cardiovascular strength.
“The kids really enjoy the fun of being on a treadmill.”
