AFLW premiership players swap the field for a rehab session at STARS

AFLW premiership players and RBWH Foundation Ambassadors at STARS.

AFLW premiership players and RBWH Foundation Ambassadors Natalie Grider, Shannon Campbell and Taylor Smith were recent visitors to the Surgical, Treatment, Rehabilitation and Services (STARS). STARS is one of the largest specialist rehabilitation services in the southern hemisphere.

The players visited STARS Level 5 gym where they chatted to staff, patients and their families about the rehabilitation journey but also about the 2025 footy competitions.

The therapy session took on an AFL flavour with the players helping out with plenty of handball passing practice with the patients.

For physiotherapist Raj Singh, visits from sports players provide a wonderful boost to patients.

“Some of our patients are in hospital for extended periods of time so anything that breaks up their usual day is a welcome distraction,” said Raj.

“Even those patients who are not necessarily big followers of AFL really appreciate that the players have taken the time out to visit them. Sportspeople relate to rehabilitation patients well as they have often had their own sporting injuries during their career and so understand the importance of the sessions”.

The players were visiting STARS ahead of the RBWH Foundation Giving Day appeal on Wednesday 11 June.

Giving Day is a day for the Herston campus to unite in raising spirits, raising awareness and raising funds for patient care innovation, and medical and health research across RBWH and STARS.

“The RBWH Foundation is mindful that not all patients can join our Giving Day activities, so we are bringing the fun and excitement to the wards,” said RBWH Foundation CEO Simone Garske.

“This visit is one of our 40 Moments of Joy, coinciding with our 40th anniversary, and we have plenty more surprises to come!”

Thank you to the RBWH Foundation for facilitating the player visit.