A chance meeting at a client’s home helped launch Nicole Dalziel into her dream job as an occupational therapist at Grampians Health Horsham.

Ms Dalziel began studying to be an occupational therapist, OT, in Geelong in 2022, returning to her hometown of Horsham two years later to undertake part-time social-
support work while she continued her studies.

During a home visit with a client, Ms Dalziel met a Grampians Health allied health assistant, AHA, who suggested she would have a better pathway to an OT career by taking an AHA position at the Horsham campus.

In August 2024, Ms Dalziel started working with Grampian’s Health’s AHA team, and 16 months later joined the team at Horsham as a fully qualified OT.

She said she began her AHA role working mainly in the acute and sub-acute wards at Wimmera Base Hospital.

“As I began my fourth year of study, I started transitioning into assisting the OT team and that has made things so much easier for me now,” she said.

“Working as an OT now, I am already in a comfortable position where I know my workplace, my colleagues and the programs and systems we use for reporting thanks to my previous AHA role.

“I’m very lucky. It couldn’t have worked out better because I wanted to work in Horsham and I’ve got my dream role.”

Grampians Health allied health assistants deputy manager, west Megan Byrne said Ms Dalziel had demonstrated flexibility during her AHA role.

“She worked across all areas of the Horsham campus and helped at the Edenhope campus when required,” Mrs Byrne said.

“The AHA team is incredibly proud to see her hard work recognised as she embarks on her OT career. We are thrilled that we will continue to work alongside Nicole in her new role while we watch her grow as a clinician.”

Ms Byrne said Ms Dalziel’s story was an example of a career pathway available to allied-health students.

“Working as an AHA while studying provides hands-on industry experience, builds confidence and skills and offers students a meaningful way to contribute to consumer care throughout their studies,” she said.

Grampians Health chief operating officer Ben Kelly welcomed Ms Dalziel to the Horsham allied-health team.

“What Nicole has been able to do is another example of how we are enabling opportunities across our organisation through innovative workforce models,” he said.

“It’s exciting to see someone with Nicole’s enthusiasm have the opportunity to pathway to her dream role and we wish her a long and successful career with Grampians Health.”

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