A former personal trainer, Amanda never expected to become an advocate for people living with chronic pain. Her journey began with a serious injury sustained while teaching a gym class - one that left her unable to work, manage basic daily tasks, or fully participate in family life.

What followed was years of navigating a fragmented and often overwhelming pain care system. One source of support was her GP, whose advocacy proved pivotal.

“The relationship with my GP was so important - she advocated for me in so many different ways, especially when dealing with the insurance agency.”

With her GP’s support, Amanda was ultimately approved for a spinal cord stimulator implant, a treatment that changed her life.

“The biggest thing for me was reclaiming my independence, from self-care (i.e showering, dressing) through to resuming work and driving.”

These experiences led Amanda to Painaustralia, where she now advocates for greater visibility and recognition of people living with chronic pain. As a member of the Consumer Advisory Group (CAG), she helps ensure consumer voices are not only heard but prioritised.

“Chronic pain is invisible in every respect. The CAG gave me an opportunity to bring awareness and visibility to the condition and the people living with it. For patients, the most important message is that we are seen and that we are a priority.”

Recently elected to the Painaustralia Board as the consumer representative, Amanda brings lived experience directly into board-level decision making.

“Too often executive decisions lack a patient perspective, despite intentions. Having a consumer perspective factored into decisions ensure that actions and projects are interpreted in the way they’re intended and that initiatives are useful and purposeful."

Amanda’s story reflects the power of lived experience in driving change. Through the CAG, people living with chronic pain are actively shaping advocacy and reform through their feedback and insights. If you’re interested in joining Painaustralia's Consumer Advisory Group in 2026, please fill out the form here.