The Gunnedah massage therapist of Simpatico Massage Therapies received a highly commended for practitioner of the year at the Australian Traditional Medicine Society Nature and Health 2016 Industry Awards.

It has been three months since Sally found out she had been nominated and was chosen as a finalist in the awards. At the awards event at the Pullman Melbourne Albert Park hotel, she was named among the top three in her category.

Sally said she went to the event not expecting to receive an award and felt “honoured” when her name was announced.

“To be honest, I didn't think I'd be amongst the finalists,” she said.

“I was told there were 240 people nominated and  it never occurred to me that I might have a chance. 

“I guess it shows how supportive our community is here in Gunnedah that a practitioner like me from a small country town could be nominated and recognised as much as any from a metropolitan area.”

The massage therapist said she was “grateful” to have her work recognised.

“I try to ensure that I give each client the best massage treatment for them as an individual and it is so encouraging to be recognised by so many people for the work I do,” she said.

Sally was among 90 guests from around Australia, 10 of who were finalists in the awards.

“It was so invigorating being at the awards dinner with such interesting people from all over Australia and it was great to meet other people who are also passionate about helping others,” she said.

“Some of the people I met were just starting out on their careers and others had been doing it for many years but in my opinion, every one I met valued doing the best they can.

“I think it's so important that whatever our job is, that we put our heart into it and do the best that we can.”

Sally began her business in 2007 after completing a diploma of remedial massage, a diploma of integrated body therapies, and a certificate four in aromatherapy at the Australasian College of Natural Therapies in Sydney. She decided to pursue massage when she was in Year 7.

Sally said she would like to thank everyone who nominated her for the award, and the support of her family, friends, and clients.

“Without them, I would never have had this opportunity and I'm thankful to God for blessing me with this calling,” she said.

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