We have a proud history of supporting our members and clients from offices based in Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns, along with a network of personal support workers who deliver high-quality services across the state.
Through your feedback, we know how important it is for you to be able to access services close to home, and meet our team face-to-face.
That’s why we are growing our presence in regional localities, as part of our ‘hub and spoke’ expansion strategy.
We are committed to improving supports and community connections for all Queenslanders with spinal cord damage and related physical disabilities, particularly with the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
To achieve this goal, we are opening our doors in more places and creating Spinal Life Healthy Living Centres in major regional locations, beginning with Cairns (pictured).
We are also improving our services in key areas across the state, through new offices (or ‘spokes’) in Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Toowoomba.
Our Member Networks in these regions are also growing, creating more opportunities for you to engage with your peers and advocate on issues that matter most to you.
Read more about our Cairns development and new offices:
Cairns
The $12 million Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre will be the first of its kind in Far North Queensland and regional Australia, offering short-term accessible accommodation, specialist allied health services and training facilities.
Plans for the centre include transitional, respite and holiday accommodation units for clients and families, specialist therapy rooms, a rehabilitation gym and hydrotherapy pool, office spaces for partner organisations, training rooms and a community café.
The project received $4.4 million from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (Infrastructure Projects Stream) which provides grants for projects that will create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities.
The remainder of the costs will be generated through proceeds from the sale of a previous business, as well as several fundraising initiatives in the coming months.
Construction is expected to begin soon, following the completion of the tender process to secure a builder for this exciting project.
Western Australia
In mid-2018, Spinal Life Australia expanded their member services to Perth, providing people in the region with spinal cord damage or related physical disability a chance to connect with others and share their experiences.
After a series of NDIS information sessions in Western Australia, we noticed a valuable opportunity to further connect with Perth’s spinal cord damage community and provide useful advocacy and community connection efforts.
We currently have an office space at Rebound WA in Ashbury Crescent and have employed a dedicated member liaison officer in the region.
To help us stay connected, we have also established a Community Reference Group to inform the development of our services in the areas and identify potential opportunities for growth.
Bundaberg
Our Bundaberg office is now open, with an Occupational Therapist providing a range of allied health services.
The new office also has space for training and Member Network meetings and will allow clients and members to better engage and network with other people with spinal cord damage, as well as the Spinal Life team.
The office is located at 290 Bourbong Street, and is currently open by appointment.
Rockhampton
Our Rockhampton office is now open, connecting residents with our Personal Support and Home Care Services through an onsite Client Service Officer.
The team includes an Occupational Therapist to provide valuable allied health assistance, while there will also be a small space that can be used for member meetings, as well as for staff training and development.
The office is located in a new fitness and wellness centre at the corner of Kent and Archer streets, and will be open by appointment.
Toowoomba
We recently opened an office space in Toowoomba, reducing the need to travel to Brisbane for specialist services.
The organisation’s Personal Support and Home Care Service will operate from the office, with a Client Service Officer available for appointments.
Specialist allied health services will also be on offer at the site with scheduled visits from an Occupational Therapist to provide assessments and advice.
The office is located at 10 Russell Street within the MS Queensland office, and is currently open by appointment only.