Visitors, community representatives and local members braved the recent heatwave to attend the official opening of Spinal Life Australia’s new Rockhampton office on 16 February.
Air-conditioning wasn’t the only welcome feature of the new office, as Spinal Life can now offer members and clients in the region better access to face-to-face support for much-needed equipment, home modification and personal care.
The new office includes a dedicated Occupational Therapist and Client Service who can also assist residents with advice and information about the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The Rockhampton NDIS rollout commenced at the start of 2018 for new service users and 1 November 2017 for existing service users.
Spinal Life Chief Executive Officer Michael Powell said the new office would provide support closer to home for around 80 clients and members in the Rockhampton region.
“The Rockhampton opening, along with our new office spaces in Bundaberg and Toowoomba, is part of our push to provide more face-to-face services in regional Queensland,” Mr Powell said.
“The opening of the office is also well timed to provide members and clients in the region who have transitioned or are in the process of transitioning to the NDIS with advice, information and support.”
After the official opening, a community meeting was held to discuss ways to increase accessibility in the region.
Rockhampton Regional Council was asked a series of questions regarding accessibility in current and future local projects and its responses were discussed during the meeting.
The Spinal Life Rockhampton office is located at the new Health Fitness and Wellness Hub at the corner of Kent and Archer streets.