Dr Wicks, who is the director of the Australasian Occupational Science Centre and operates from the University of Wollongong’s Shoalhaven Campus, is currently hosting three eminent international academics.

Professor Elizabeth Townsend from Canada, Dr Hanneke van Bruggen from the Netherlands and Dr Valerie Wright St Clair from New Zealand will be spending time with Dr Wicks to discuss a variety of topics.

The three visitors share common interests with Dr Wicks, are all leaders in the field of occupational therapy, and are keen to promote the development of occupational science.

At every opportunity the group points out that what they mean by occupation is not a person’s employment, but a broader notion that encompasses the way people live around the world and interact with each other, as well as how they involve themselves in communities throughout their lives.

“Dr Wicks has a reputation as a world leader,” said Professor Elizabeth Townsend.

“She was the first director of the International Society of Occupational Scientists and really has made this viable, and is still involved.”

Dr Wicks has opened the only Australasian Occupational Science centre in the world, and engages people from around the world.

Dr Wicks said she was excited about her visitors.

“It is not often that such prestigious and world-renowned colleagues visit the Shoalhaven. To have three of them all here together is a very special occasion indeed,” she said.

“The mini United Nations think tank will strengthen collegial ties and help raise the profile of Shoalhaven Campus internationally,” Dr Wicks said.

During their few days together, the group will work on creating opportunities and developing policies for the socially disadvantaged to engage in their communities. They will also strengthen international educational and research networks.

The visit won’t be all business though, as it turns out these academics have quite a good sense of humour and are sharing loads of laughs along the way.