Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania

22/10/2025

We’re proud to share that Cripps has provided a $1,500 grant to support Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania and their amazing Smooth Movers® Strength & Balance Program — a local initiative helping Tasmanians stay active, strong, and independent. 💪

Just like the perfect loaf, strong communities need care, time, and the right ingredients. That’s why we’re proud to invest in programs that nurture Tasmanians’ health and wellbeing — because helping our community rise is what we’re all about. 🌾

This support will help more Tasmanians access these life-changing classes designed to improve strength, balance, and confidence for those living with arthritis and osteoporosis.

Learn more about the Smooth Movers program here 👉 arthritistas.org.au/health-services/exercise-classes/strength-balance-exercise-classes/

Here’s to a stronger, healthier Tasmania — one step (and one slice) at a time.

Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania

20/10/2025

October 20th is World Osteoporosis Day. Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because you don't feel it until a bone fracture happens.

1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will suffer a bone fracture due to osteoporosis. Shockingly, up to 90% of Australians who suffer an osteoporotic fracture are NOT investigated or treated, and are likely to suffer another fracture. Often leading to a reduced quality and length of life.

This is why SOSFA will be releasing the first edition of our National Secondary Fracture Prevention Clinical Standards on Wednesday November 5th 2025. These Standards are designed to help all the healthcare facilities that treat fractures across Australia ensure they are delivered top quality care.

Help us fight for better care across Australia by asking your local MP for support:
o A National Fragility Fracture Registry based on our National Standards.
o Increased funding for Fracture Liaison Services and primary care fracture management.
o More public awareness campaigns.

19/10/2025

Could you be at risk of a disease that makes your bones weak and fragile? Find out more at https://arthritistas.org.au/osteoporosis/ or call our InfoLine 1800 011 041 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm.

02/10/2025

Do you live not far from Dunalley and want to improve your functional fitness with a small group of like minded people? Then you are in luck - our award winning Smoother Movers Strength Training program has vacancies available. Classes are $15 and on Mondays from 10.30am - 11.30am at the Dunalley Community Hall. To join you will need to complete a short pre-exercise screening tool and this can be done on our website https://arthritistas.org.au/health-services/exercise-classes/strength-balance-exercise-classes/ or alternatively give our Office a call on 6228 4824 and we will either post or email you the information needed.

02/10/2025

Have you sought or obtained a prescription for medicinal cannabis? We want to hear from you!

CHF is running a survey to understand consumer experiences in accessing medicinal cannabis, including your thoughts on prescribing practices, side effects experienced, quality of information received and safety standards.

Your responses are completely anonymous and will help CHF advocate for better policies and practices. The insights gathered will also inform CHF’s submission to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) consultation on the safety and regulation of medicinal cannabis products.

This survey will close on Sunday, 5 October 2025 at 5 pm (AEST) and can be completed here: https://ow.ly/VJnZ50X1gOE

01/10/2025

Our award winning Smoother Movers Strength Training Program is expanding to Burnie. Starting 15 October (12-1pm on Wednesdays). We also have vacancies in our Wynyard class, Thursdays 1 – 2pm. Bookings are essential and can be done via our website https://arthritistas.org.au/health-services/exercise-classes/strength-balance-exercise-classes/ or by calling 1800 011 041.
Here's what participants have said about our programs: "I enjoy the comradery while helping my health and fitness at the same time"; "Friendly, expert trainer. Not too many people in the class. Targeted, well thought-out exercises;" and "Lots of fun as well as being beneficial for my physical and mental health." Take the first step and improve your functional fitness today.

According to best practice, people with arthritis should engage in land-based strength exercises at least twice a week. Despite common concerns that “exercise will make their arthritis worse” – with the right exercise and under appropriate supervision, Strength training is in fact known to be ...

30/09/2025

Did you know that leaving just 1% of the value of your estate to Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania in your Will, so your family and loved ones inherit the rest, can change the lives of those
living with arthritis?
Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania is proud to partner with Willed, a trusted provider of online Wills, to help make estate planning simple and accessible for everyone. Visit https://www.willed.com.au/online-will?rid=arthritistas or call 03 6228 4824 to speak with our CEO to discuss your wishes further.

30/09/2025

Very pleased to share that our Petition calling for the implementation of permanent northern based public Rheumatology and Persistent Pain Services to continue as originally planned, was presented to the House of Assembly on 25 September by Ella Haddad MP watched on by AOTAS CEO Jackie Slyp, Board Members Frankie Forsyth, Jill Harley and Alison Park, and community sponsor Diana Hardy. The group were pleased to also be able to meet briefly with the Minister for Health, the Hon Bridget Archer, who reaffirmed the Government's commitment to establishing these much needed public health services. Thank you to all those supporters who signed our Petition - we could not have done this without you.

24/09/2025

Would you like to gain or further develop your professional knowledge and skills in the areas of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions? Specifically designed for healthcare and exercise professionals Arthritis Essentials® is delivered and assessed entirely online, and is a self-paced unit consisting of three modules covering anatomy relevant to the musculoskeletal system; the main categories and types of arthritis and related MSK conditions; and best practice treatment strategies. Each module contains information, graphics and embedded resources, and is followed by a quiz to test your knowledge. At the end there are two case studies to further demonstrate your understanding of the content and its application.
Completion of this online unit, including all assessment tasks, should take approximately 7 hours. Upon successful completion of Arthritis Essentials®participants receive a Certificate of Completion. Endorsed by AUSactive for 10CPD points.
▶️ Cost: $250 inc GST
▶️ For more information and to enrol visit:

All our online courses are evidence-based and industry endorsed. Designed specifically for exercise and/or healthcare professionals working with or supporting people with arthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions.

17/09/2025

Living Well with Arthritis - Free Information Session
Tuesday the 23rd of September 2025 | 11am – 12pm

Do you, or someone you care about, have arthritis? Then this session is just for you!

Come along and let us: bust some myths about arthritis, explore what hurts and why, look at a few types of arthritis and see what you can do to live well with arthritis.

Facilitated by Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania. & Healthy George Town
Register today: https://events.humanitix.com/host/healthy-george-town

28/07/2025

Arthritis Australia are holding small focus groups to better understand the experience of callers to the Arthritis Infoline. Each session will last approximately 1.5 hours, and as a thank you for your time, participants will receive a $100 gift card. If your interested in participating please email info@arthritisaustralia.com.au
Your insights will help us to improve the service.

25/07/2025

Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania (AOTAS) is seeking Warm Water Group Exercise Instructors for its Smoother Movers Warm Water Exercise Program. Instructors are required to plan and deliver classes which are designed to promote function, fitness and general well being for people living with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.
Applicants must demonstrate:
📍 Proven attainment of current:
🔹Cert III Fitness (minimum)
🔹Aqua Aerobics Certification or Basic Water Rescue Certificate (or willingness to attain)
🔹CPR / First Aid
🔹Professional Liability Insurance
📍 Demonstrated experience in the delivery of group exercise classes for older adults
📍 Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (RWVP) card
📍 Willingness to complete AOTAS online professional development (Arthritis Essentials™; Arthritis & Exercise; and Warm Water Exercise for Musculoskeletal Conditions) – currently AUSactive 15CPD.
▶️AOTAS currently offers Warm Water Exercise at hydrotherapy facilities located in Howrah and Glenorchy. Other locations will be considered.
🕐AOTAS Smoother Movers Warm Water Program operates according to school terms (that is, weekly 45min-1hour sessions for 10 weeks over 4 terms per year).
📌Terms of engagement and hourly rates will be determined according to qualifications and experience.
📝If you are interested and can demonstrate that you meet the stated criteria, please submit your CV and cover letter to Janene Glover, Smoother Movers Program Manager via jglover@arthritistas.org.au.
ℹ️ More information can be found on the website https://arthritistas.org.au/health-services/exercise-classes/warm-water-exercise-classes/