From the lush tropics of Cairns, Trisha leads with heart, purpose, and a wealth of experience. As Principal Consultant and FNQ Team Leader at Strive Occupational Rehabilitation, Trisha has become a cornerstone of the organisation’s northern operations—bringing stability, insight, and innovation to every project she touches.
With a background in occupational therapy and a passion for psychosocial wellbeing, Trisha’s work spans complex case reviews, policy development, and frontline service delivery. Living and working in Cairns, Trisha finds joy in the region’s natural beauty and community spirit. Let’s learn a little more about Trisha.
You’ve been with Strive for quite some time—can you share how your journey began and what’s kept you inspired over the years? What do you enjoy the most about working at Strive?
My journey with Strive began in late 2014 when I moved back to Cairns, stepping into the role as the sole Consultant in the region. For nearly five years, I flew solo in Far North Queensland, until the business began to grow and we welcomed some fabulous Consultants to the area. Between 2014 and 2022, I had the privilege of travelling extensively across NQ, working in incredible locations like Magnetic Island, Bamaga, Thursday Island, and many other regional communities. As someone who loves exploring new places, this aspect of the role has been a true highlight. What continues to inspire me most is Strive’s commitment to evolving and refining evidence-based practice. We’re not afraid to challenge the status quo, we learn, adapt, and grow together, both as professionals and as people. That mindset is what keeps the work fresh and meaningful.
What do you love most about living and working in Cairns?
One of the greatest joys of living and working in Cairns is the laid-back lifestyle and the genuinely friendly people who make this region feel like home. I often find myself working in places that others only get to visit on holiday—whether it’s the golden sands of Mission Beach and Port Douglas, the lush Daintree Rainforest, or the World Heritage-listed rainforests of the Atherton Tablelands. I’ve even had the opportunity to conduct assessments on remote cattle stations out west, which has given me a deeper appreciation for the diversity of our region. Our office is nestled in the heritage-listed Bolands Centre, a beautiful piece of Cairns history that adds character to our everyday work. Being surrounded by natural beauty and iconic destinations while doing meaningful work is something I never take for granted.
As Principal Consultant and FNQ Team Leader, what does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day in the office might look like emails, phone calls, and a mix of face-to-face and MS Teams meetings, assessments, running trainings and workshops; pretty standard stuff really. But what makes the work truly meaningful is the human connection woven through it all. Some days I’m supporting someone through a tough time, other days I’m sharing a laugh with a past client I bump into on the street. I often cross paths with people I grew up with, now navigating life as adults, and it’s a reminder of how interconnected our community really is. At its core, my day-to-day is about working alongside likeminded people who genuinely care about making workplaces better for everyone.
What do you enjoy most about working with the Strive team? Are there particular values or moments that stand out to you?
When you genuinely connect with the core values of a business, the work becomes something you want to show up for, not just something you have to do. Strive walks the talk, and that makes it easy to stay engaged and inspired. Over the years, I’ve collected so many memorable moments, from watching the sun set over the ocean as I flew out of Weipa for the first time, to helping workplaces roll out meaningful mental health initiatives, to forming lasting relationships with people from all walks of life. These experiences have shaped not just my career, but my perspective on what it means to do work that truly matters to people.
One of the things I value most about the Strive team is how authentically everyone shows up. Each person brings their own sense of self to work, sharing insights into their lives, values, and perspectives on the world. It’s not just about professional roles or polished personas; it’s about seeing the real person behind the job title. That openness creates a culture that’s not only refreshing, but deeply human. It fosters genuine connection, trust, and a shared commitment to making a difference, not just in workplaces, but in each other’s lives.
What advice would you give to someone considering a role in occupational rehabilitation, especially in regional settings like FNQ?
For anyone considering a role in occupational rehabilitation, especially in regional Far North Queensland, my advice is to embrace the full spectrum of what it means to be a Consultant. Unlike in large metropolitan areas where roles can be more corporate, regional work invites you to experience the role in its entirety. You’ll find yourself advising, coaching, training, educating, marketing, and promoting, all often within the same week. What makes it special is the freedom to take conversations with customers and shape them into something that truly fits the rhythm and culture of NQ. It’s less about rigid frameworks and more about rolling up your sleeves and getting hands-on. It can be messy, unpredictable, and deeply rewarding. If you value authenticity, adaptability, and connection, this is the kind of work that will light you up.
How has your background in occupational therapy shaped the way you approach rehabilitation consulting at Strive? Are there particular techniques or philosophies you bring into your work?
OT equipped me with the soft skills that are essential in consulting—listening deeply, empathising, seeing things from multiple perspectives, and understanding what’s being communicated through emotion as much as through words. These skills have proven invaluable in connecting with people from all walks of life and engaging meaningfully in the work we do at Strive.
The overarching philosophy I live and work by is probably something that shouldn’t be repeated in a blog on the Strive website, but it’s basically along the lines of: It costs nothing to be kind. Everyone carries a story shaped by their experiences, values, and identity. As a Consultant, my role isn’t to tell someone they’re wrong, it’s to help them explore how their interpretation of the world influences the way they engage with situations, relationships, and challenges. I aim to create space for reflection, not correction. When people feel seen and heard, they’re more open to growth. That’s where real change begins, not with judgment, but with curiosity and compassion.
What do you find most rewarding about helping clients through occupational rehabilitation—especially in regional communities like Cairns and FNQ?
What I find most rewarding is the flow-on impact it has beyond the workplace. We’ve got some truly good people in NQ: compassionate, kind, generous, and deeply community-minded. When their work life starts to unravel, it doesn’t just affect their job, it touches every part of their world. If I can support someone in navigating that challenge, it gives them the space to reconnect with what matters most. And when they’re thriving again, they bring that energy back into their families, their friendships, and their communities. That’s the kind of impact that makes this work feel bigger than just a job.
Behind the numbers, meet Hannah Hartmann!