Strengthening the future of pelvic health physiotherapy

What is the purpose of the symposium? 

‘Excellence Down Under Symposium 2026’ was created to bring together some of the leading minds in pelvic health physiotherapy to bridge the gap between research and real-world clinical practice. 

The symposium is designed to showcase excellence in Australian pelvic healthcare while giving clinicians practical, evidencebased tools they can immediately apply in the clinic. 

The 2026 event marks the return of a much-loved educational forum, gathering physiotherapists from across Australia to learn, connect and collaborate. 

Hosted by the APA Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health national group, the symposium aims to inspire clinicians at every stage of their career, from new graduates to highly experienced practitioners. 

Our focus is not simply on presenting research but on translating evidence into meaningful patient outcomes. 

Through expert presentations, clinical case discussions and shared experiences, this symposium hopes to strengthen the future of pelvic health physiotherapy and to continue elevating the standard of care provided to our communities. 

Why should physiotherapists attend? 

This symposium offers physiotherapists a unique opportunity to learn from some of Australia’s most experienced pelvic health clinicians and researchers in a highly practical and clinically relevant environment. 

The program has been designed to move beyond theory alone, with a strong emphasis on translating evidence into everyday practice. 

Attendees can expect to leave with practical assessment and treatment strategies, updated knowledge on current research and greater confidence managing pelvic health conditions. 

The symposium also provides valuable exposure to a wide range of topics across women’s, men’s and pelvic health, making it relevant for clinicians working in both advanced and general physiotherapy settings. 

Equally important is the opportunity for connection. Regional clinicians, private practitioners, hospital clinicians, researchers and educators will all come together in one space to share ideas, experiences and innovations. 

Who are the keynote speakers or presenters? 

We are currently bringing together a line-up of presenters from across Australia, including leading researchers, specialist physiotherapists and highly respected clinicians within pelvic health. 

Speakers include: 

• Associate Professor Wendy Bower FACP 
• Carol Chan 
• Dr Angela Khera 
• Professor Helena Frawley FACP 
• Dr Jane Chalmers APAM 
• Dr Judith Thompson FACP 
• Dr Shan Morrison FACP 
• Dr Jodie Dakic APAM 
• Katie Jeffrey APAM 
• Dr Janet Chase 
• Dr Angela James FACP 
• Dr Irmina Nahon APAM 

We will be taking a look at pelvic health across the life span, starting with childhood continence with Janet and finishing with considerations for the elderly population with Wendy. 

The primary topics covered will include bladder, bowel, pelvic health in the athletic population, trauma-informed care, pelvic pain and male pelvic health. 

A key feature of ‘Excellence Down Under’ is the combination of evidence-based presentations, clinical case studies and practical application sessions. 

This format allows attendees to hear not only the latest research but also how experienced clinicians integrate that evidence into patient care. 

Are there any panel discussions or Q&A sessions built into the program and will there be dedicated networking time? 

Absolutely. One of the goals of this symposium is to create meaningful opportunities for discussion, collaboration and professional connection. 

Throughout the day, attendees will have opportunities to engage directly with presenters through Q&A sessions, clinical discussions and panelstyle conversations focused on practical problem-solving and shared learning. 

We know some of the most valuable learning at conferences happens in the conversations between sessions, so dedicated networking time has been intentionally built into the program. 

Morning tea and lunch will allow attendees to connect with colleagues, speakers, researchers and industry partners from across Australia. 

What is this year’s theme? 

The 2026 theme is ‘translating research into clinical practice’. Our aim is that attendees leave with new skills they can use in the clinic the following week. 

This theme reflects the growing importance of ensuring that high-quality research is not only understood but meaningfully integrated into day-to-day clinical care. 

In pelvic health physiotherapy, research is rapidly evolving and clinicians are continually seeking practical ways to apply new evidence to better support their patients. 

The symposium will focus on bridging the gap between theory and practice by combining current evidence with real-world clinical application. 

Presentations and discussions throughout the day will explore how clinicians can confidently translate emerging research into effective, patientcentred treatment approaches. 

Ultimately, the theme reflects our commitment to improving outcomes for the patients we see, while continuing to elevate standards within pelvic health physiotherapy across Australia. 

Why is this event so important? 

This symposium provides a dedicated space for pelvic health physiotherapists to share knowledge and continue advancing the profession. 

Pelvic health conditions affect people across every stage of life, yet many presentations remain underrecognised, under-discussed and undertreated. 

High-quality education and collaboration are essential to improving care and outcomes for these patients. 

The symposium also plays an important role in supporting the growth and education of the pelvic health physiotherapy community across Australia. 

By bringing together clinicians from metropolitan, regional and rural settings, the event helps strengthen professional networks and encourages the sharing of ideas and innovations across diverse practice environments. 

This symposium aims to inspire the next generation of pelvic health physiotherapists. 

Many experienced clinicians can trace their own professional growth back to opportunities like this where learning, mentorship and connection intersected in one room. 

As the event returns in 2026, we hope it continues that legacy for many years to come. 

Excellence Down Under Symposium 2026 will run on 5 September in Carlton, Victoria. To register, click here. 

>>Dr Angela James FACP is a Specialist Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2022), founder of Sydney Pelvic Clinic and chair of the APA Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health national group. 

>>Lauren Neill MACP is an APA Titled Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist and chair of the Queensland branch of the Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health group.