Rockhampton residents with physical disabilities will be able to access more face-to-face support with the opening of Spinal Life Australia’s new regional office.
The new office will be officially opened on Friday, 16 February and is located in a new fitness and wellness centre at the corner of Kent and Archer streets.
Spinal Life Australia Chief Executive Officer Michael Powell said the opening of the Rockhampton was part of a push to offer more regional services.
“We’re looking to bring more of our services to regional areas and ensure people with spinal cord damage or related physical disability have local access to support services,” Mr Powell said.
“As part of this regional expansion, we also opened an office in Bundaberg in November last year and also have a new office space in Toowoomba.
“The Rockhampton office will connect residents with our personal support and home care services and provide access to allied health assistance through a dedicated occupational therapist.
“There will also be a small meeting space that can be used as a meeting place for our members as well as for staff training and development.”
Mr Powell said the Rockhampton office team will also be able to assist residents with questions about their transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The NDIS was launched in Rockhampton, Gladstone and west to the borders from 1 January 2018 for new participants.
Users of existing Queensland Government disability services could access the NDIS in Rockhampton from 1 November, 2017.
Rockhampton resident and Spinal Life Australia member Des Ryan said he was looking forward to the boost in regional services for people with spinal cord damage.
“The opening of an office up here is well timed with the NDIS rollout at the start of the year,” Mr Ryan said.
“The NDIS has been a big issue for Rockhampton residents with a disability so it will be critical to have a place locally to access expert information.
“It’s also good for Rockhampton residents with a spinal cord injury to be able to access more face-to-face support and services in their own town.”
Following the official opening, Spinal Life Australia will host a “Making Rockhampton More Inclusive” community meeting.
Representatives from Rockhampton Regional Council have been invited to attend and discuss ways to improve accessibility in the community.