The world has changed dramatically since Sister Olive Crombie first grabbed her medical kit and jumped on a tram to reach her elderly and disadvantaged patients in Brisbane's West End back in 1953.
Yet the heart of our mission remains the same - care, service and companionship that puts the people in our care, and their loved ones, first.
Today, thanks to the extraordinary generosity and compassion of caring people like you, that tradition of service continues to flourish. For BlueCare’s exercise physiologist Caitlin Hiron, attending the Exercise and Sports Science Australia Innovation and Practice Forum 2025 wasn’t just a proud moment in her career. It was a chance to learn from the best.
Thanks to you, Caitlin is bringing world-class care straight back to the older Queenslanders she supports every day. Your thoughtful support helps make sure BlueCare’s support is not only kind and personal, but guided by the latest in science and best practice.
Learning from the best
The forum brought together leading professionals from across Australia, giving Caitlin an invaluable chance to learn from the best. "I was able to gain further knowledge within the fields of oncology, musculoskeletal and chronic pain," Caitlin explains. "Hearing from leading exercise professionals within these fields was valuable to upskill myself in terms of assessment, prescription and management of these conditions."
For Caitlin, this wasn't just theoretical learning - it was practical knowledge she could immediately apply to help her patients live better lives.
Real impact on patient care
One of Caitlin’s most important takeaways from the forum was learning new ways to support people living with Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN). This common side effect of cancer treatment can cause pain, numbness and difficulty moving—making everyday life harder. Now, with new tools and techniques at her fingertips, Caitlin can create tailored exercise programs that support strength, balance and mobility, helping people manage these symptoms and feel more confident in their bodies again.
The training also enhanced her ability to provide crucial pain science education to clients suffering from chronic pain - knowledge that can be life-changing for people who have been struggling with persistent discomfort.
Perhaps most timely, Caitlin learned about the latest evidence around medications like Ozempic and their effects on the musculoskeletal system. She now understands the critical importance of "promoting resistive, balance, gait and posture training for clients prescribed this medication" - ensuring that weight loss doesn't come at the expense of muscle strength and stability.
Your impact
"As an exercise professional, it is essential for me to continue completing professional development so that I can learn about the latest evidence-based information that is coming out and implement it within my practice," Caitlin shares.
The inspiration and motivation she gained from your gift will drive innovation in her practice for years to come. "I am inspired by what my peers are achieving within their own fields, and it motivates me to implement new strategies and learnings."
For Caitlin, attending the forum was "invaluable." The opportunity to connect with like-minded peers and hear from professionals within the exercise physiology field provided not just knowledge, but renewed passion for her vital work.
Your support helps ensure that the care and service we provide for older Queenslanders is backed by the latest knowledge and techniques for the best possible outcomes.Just as Sister Olive carried her commitment to care, service and companionship for every patient on those Brisbane trams all those years ago, your support ensures that tradition continues to evolve and flourish in our BlueCare teams today.
Stories like Caitlin's remind us that behind every gift is a human impact that extends far beyond what we can measure. It's about giving frontline teams the tools they need to provide the best possible care, and ultimately, it's about improving lives in our community - continuing the legacy that began with one dedicated nurse and her medical kit.
Read more inspiring stories about how your support is making a difference in our latest newsletter.
