Across the Group N E W S L E T T E R I S S U E 3 • S EP 2 02 6
Our beautiful FNQ Health & Fitness clients with Fitness Instructor Alex
Welcome to issue three of Across the Group! We hope you’re enjoying Across the Group and getting a good feel for the great things happening right across Royal Rehab Group and, most importantly, the impact we’re making in people’s lives every day. One of the things we love about our Group is just how much is happening across our different locations, teams and business units. We hope this newsletter is helping you discover more about the people, programs, services and stories that make up Royal Rehab Group, and giving you a chance to learn about parts of the organisation you might not normally cross paths with. There’s plenty more to come, and we’d love to hear what you think. What are you enjoying? What would you like to see more of? Is there something happening in your team or location that the rest of the Group should know about? Send your thoughts, ideas or feedback to acrossthegroup@royalrehab.com.au We’d love to hear from you.
The Foundation luncheon
Royal Rehab Group
A great afternoon for a great cause On 15 May, more than 170 supporters, donors, sponsors and community members joined us at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney for the Royal Rehab Foundation’s Annual Giving Luncheon. It was a great afternoon, with guests hearing from Dr Olivia Ong, author of Back on My Feet, and adaptive pro surfer Lee Ferrier. Both shared their personal experiences and spoke about the difference specialised rehabilitation and recovery services can make in people’s lives. There was plenty happening throughout the afternoon, including a live auction, raffle and some fun fundraising activities. The generosity of everyone in the room helped us raise more than $56,000 for the Royal Rehab Foundation. This is a particularly special result, as it is the highest amount raised at a single Foundation event in at least 11 years. A big thank you to our major sponsor, Toyota Fleet Management Australia, Wine Pull sponsor Gladesville Cellars, MC Taylor Aiken and auctioneer Scott Gibbons OAM. The funds raised will go towards supporting Royal Rehab Group’s work to empower people living with disability, injury, and illness to achieve their goals and maximise their independence. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making the luncheon such a success!
Celebrating the first cohort of our Foundations of leadership program Congratulations to the first cohort of emerging leaders who have successfully completed Royal Rehab Group's new Foundations of Leadership program. Developed as part of our Workforce Strategy, the program is designed to support emerging frontline leaders as they build the skills, confidence and capability to lead high-performing teams across the organisation. It directly supports our four strategic workforce priorities: • Strengthen our talent • Grow our people • Build leadership and culture • Simplify and connect our organisation Twenty emerging leaders from across Royal Rehab Group were nominated by their managers in recognition of their leadership potential and commitment to making a positive impact within their teams. Running from February to June 2026, the program required around five hours of learning each month. Participants attended four interactive virtual workshops delivered by our leadership partner, Proteus Leadership.
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Between workshops, participants came together for monthly Community of Practice sessions facilitated by the People & Culture team. These sessions provided an opportunity to reflect on key concepts, discuss how they were applying their learning in their roles, and explore real leadership challenges such as leading through change. The engagement and commitment shown by the cohort was exceptional.
Despite balancing busy clinical and operational responsibilities, 85% of participants attended eight or more of the nine program sessions. Four participants achieved 100% attendance, going above and beyond to fully engage with every learning opportunity. The Proteus Leadership facilitators were impressed by the calibre of the group, highlighting the participants' openness, thoughtful reflections and willingness to share their experiences.
Congratulations to our inaugural Foundations of Leadership cohort • Zoe Samuels Clinical Lead Occupational Therapy, LifeWorks Community Brisbane • Amanda Vuong Clinical Lead Speech Pathology, LifeWorks Community Brisbane • Toby Hooker Area Team Leader, NeuroMoves Menai/Liverpool • Roula Neskes Operations Lead, Wheelchair Book and Ride, Social Enterprise, SCIA • Deborah Williams Service Manager, Breakthru Home and Living • Wahib Al Hawli Service Manager, Breakthru Home and Living • Leesa Poggioli Team Leader, NDIS Community Atherton • Deamma Taganesia Team Leader, NDIS Community Eastern Sydney • Katie Sinnerton Project and Practice Lead Manager, NDIS Community Penrith • Candice Fell Team Leader, NDIS Community Dubbo
• Katarina Zanet Service Manager, IEA Canterbury/ Bankstown • Jules Rosson Team Leader, IEA North Brisbane • Kirsten Cotterill Senior Physiotherapist, Precision Health Care • Shinu Shaji Clinical Care Coordinator, Spinal Injury Unit Ryde • Julia Murphy Clinical Coordinator, CRS Ryde • Joel Chan Allied Health Operations Manager, LifeWorks Ryde • Veronika Jukic Senior Occupational Therapist, Private Inpatients Unit Ryde • Kierre Williams Allied Health Manager, LifeWorks at Sargood • David Hartley Team Leader, NDIS Community Melbourne • Jason Redhead Advanced Tech Clinical Lead and Senior Physiotherapist Ryde
Following the success of this inaugural group, we're excited to welcome our next cohort of emerging leaders, who have now commenced the Foundations of Leadership program delivered from July to November this year. Congratulations once again to all participants on this significant achievement. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they continue to make across Royal Rehab Group.
The first Foundations of Leadership cohort connecting via Teams
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Our refreshed Royal Rehab Group website is now live We're excited to share that the refreshed Royal Rehab Group corporate website https://royalrehabgroup.com.au is now live. The new website has been designed to better reflect who we are as an organisation today. It showcases the breadth of our services, the expertise across our Group, and the collective impact we make in the communities we serve. While this is our corporate website, it's important to remember that it complements, rather than replaces, the individual websites for our brands and services. Those websites remain the primary source of information for patients, clients, participants, families, referrers and partners. Our corporate website brings everything together in one place, highlighting the strength and diversity of Royal Rehab Group and helping tell our shared story. We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to explore the new site. It's a great opportunity to see the full scope of our organisation and the life-changing work happening across the Group every day. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to this project. Your hard work has helped create a website that better represents who we are today and where we're heading as an organisation. As with any new website, we'll continue making small improvements over the coming months as we refine the experience and keep the content up to date. If you have any feedback, we'd love to hear from you. Please email the Marketing team at DL-Marketing@royalrehab.com.au Happy exploring!
The winning cake
Breakthru
Kicking goals at Breakthru Home & Living The World Cup may have been played on the field, but in July, the competition moved into the kitchens of our Breakthru Home & Living houses! Clients and support staff got into the spirit of the FIFA Soccer World Cup with a cake challenge, creating their own football-inspired designs. From football fields and trophies to team colours and creative touches, there were plenty of great entries across the service. Choosing a winner wasn’t easy, but Spurway House took out first place! The winning design was led by Dean, who grew up in the United Kingdom and has always loved football. Inspired by England’s World Cup campaign, Dean designed a football field cake complete with handmade football boots, a World Cup trophy and an England flag. Dean’s artistic skills really stood out in the details, carefully shaping the boots and trophy from dough and bringing his idea to life. The cake was a real team effort. Kevin baked the sponge from scratch, Margaret worked with support staff on the buttercream decorations, and other clients shared ideas and helped bring the final design together. The judges chose Spurway House for the creativity of the design, its World Cup theme and the great involvement of clients throughout the process. Congratulations to Spurway House, and a big thank you to everyone who took part. It was fantastic to see so many people getting involved, sharing ideas and having fun along the way. We’re already looking forward to seeing what Home & Living comes up with next! 4 of 16
Building confidence, capability and connection Since 2024, Ralph, Breakthru’s Nurse Educator, has been working alongside our Home and Living teams to build the skills and confidence needed to support people with high intensity support needs.
The Cambridge Park home
With more than 430 staff across Home and Living, Ralph’s role goes well beyond delivering training. He takes the time to understand the individual needs of the people we support and uses this to make training practical and relevant to what staff experience in their day to day work.
A home designed around choice
Ralph provides training in areas including medication management, diabetes care, enteral feeding, complex bowel care and complex urinary care. Sessions can be delivered face to face, virtually or through one-on-one education in the home.
Finding the right home can make a real difference for people who need specialist support to live independently. That’s the thinking behind a new partnership between Breakthru and Good Housing, bringing purpose-built Specialist Disability Accommodation to Cambridge Park, near Penrith.
What makes Ralph’s approach special is the experience he brings from his nursing background. He uses reallife examples to help staff understand not just how to complete a clinical task, but what that task means for the person they are supporting.
Due for completion in Q3 2026, the development will feature three new accessible homes designed with safety, comfort and independence in mind. The homes will include accessible layouts, quality finishes and assistive technology to help make everyday living safer and easier. They can also be further customised to meet the individual needs of the people who will live there. Located close to the heart of Penrith, the development will give future residents the opportunity to live in a home that suits their needs while staying connected to their local community. The Cambridge Park development builds on Breakthru’s existing accommodation and support options across Sydney, bringing purpose-built housing and the right support together. When the doors open, three new homes will be ready for the people who will make them their own.
For Ralph, the clinical side is only part of the picture. He wants staff to see the person behind the support, rather than simply focusing on the task in front of them. He also goes the extra mile by remaining available after training to answer questions, talk through situations and support staff as they put their new skills into practice. This ongoing support has helped staff grow in confidence and become more comfortable with the clinical aspects of their roles, while strengthening the care and connection they bring to the people they support. Ralph works closely with support workers, service and regional managers, and the Education and Training team at Royal Rehab Group to make sure training reflects what is really happening in our homes. Thank you, Ralph, for the knowledge, experience and genuine care you bring to our teams and the people we support every day.
Ralph with Breakthru team members 5 of 16
Our various IEA launch events
NeuroMoves
Taking aim at new goals
More places, more possibilities It’s been a busy six months for our employment teams, with Breakthru continuing to grow its Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) services across the country. Since April, we’ve held launch events in Tuggerah, Ryde, Cairns, Campbelltown and Atherton, bringing our employment services into new communities. We’re also looking forward to officially opening our Bankstown location in late September. Each opening has been a chance to connect with local employers, community organisations, government representatives and, most importantly, people looking for support to reach their employment goals. A highlight has been hearing directly from Breakthru clients about their employment journeys. Our fireside chats have given guests a genuine insight into the difference employment can make, and how the right support can help people build confidence and find opportunities that are right for them. The events have also helped us build important local connections and keep the conversation going about better employment outcomes for people with disability. By sharing our clients’ experiences and connecting with employers and government representatives, we can help build greater understanding of the barriers people face and the value of an inclusive workforce.
When Mark was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at just 24 years old, he was living in Dubai and building his career as a chemical engineer. At the time, he knew very little about MS and wasn’t sure what the future would look like. Over the years, Mark’s relationship with his diagnosis has changed. What once felt overwhelming has become part of who he is, and today he is passionate about sharing his experience and supporting others living with MS. After moving back to Australia, Mark connected with MS Plus and discovered the value of peer support. A year later, he became a peer supporter himself and now helps others navigate life with MS. He is also involved in MS research with the International Progressive MS Alliance as a consumer advisor. For the past seven years, Mark has been a familiar face at NeuroMoves Liverpool, where he attends both individual sessions and group gym. His sessions help him maintain strength, fitness and independence, while also providing a place where he has built friendships with therapists and other clients.
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NeuroMoves is an escape for me. It’s a good community, and it’s part of my daily routine.
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A big thank you to everyone across Breakthru who has helped bring these events and new locations to life. We’re looking forward to continuing the conversation and creating more opportunities for people with disability across Australia. 6 of 16
“ Mark, hard at work at one of his sessions
Mark’s drive doesn’t stop at the gym. Since 2024, he has been playing Boccia with his support worker Marvin at the Liverpool Lions Club. The Paralympic sport combines strategy, precision and teamwork, with Mark taking charge of the tactics while Marvin assists with positioning the ramp and ball. After watching Australian athletes compete at the Paris Paralympics, Mark set himself a new goal: training towards the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games. Mark credits the people around him, including his support workers, therapists, family and fellow athletes, for helping him stay active, pursue his goals and continue doing the things he enjoys. Whether he is working towards a new goal, supporting someone else living with MS or spending time at NeuroMoves, Mark continues to find ways to stay active, connected and involved in the things that matter to him.
Curious, creative and up for a challenge
I love seeing people achieve something they didn’t think they could do. Watching them defy what they think is possible is so rewarding.
”
For Grace, some of the best wins happen outside the clinic. Helping someone feel confident enough to return to a tennis lesson, or finding a movement strategy that makes getting out of bed easier for someone with Parkinson’s. She also loves that neuro rehab keeps her thinking. No two people are the same, and even the same person can be different from one session to the next. There’s always another puzzle to work out. The team is another big part of what she enjoys. Grace says people are always willing to stop, help, answer a question or jump in when something gets tricky. Something that made her feel part of NeuroMoves very quickly. Looking ahead, Grace is keen to keep building her neuro physio skills, particularly around pain and neuropathic pain. Outside of work, she’s happiest outdoors on a challenging hike, especially if there’s a waterfall involved! She also loves cooking and baking, so there’s plenty of creativity happening in the kitchen too. We’re excited for Grace and looking forward to seeing where Grace’s NeuroMoves journey takes her.
Grace Barrett joined NeuroMoves in December 2025, fresh out of university, and moved into her full-time physio role in January. She now splits her time between our St Peters and Clyde gyms. Her NeuroMoves story started at university, when one of her lecturers spoke so highly of the service that Grace decided to come and see it for herself. After three days of shadowing the team, she was sold. “What I loved was how adaptable and purposeful the sessions were. There always seemed to be a solution to everything.” That problem-solving approach was a big part of what attracted Grace to neuro rehab. She loved seeing the team reflect, try different approaches and work out what would make the biggest difference for each person. She also loved the strong sense of camaraderie between the team and clients. When it came time to choose her first job, Grace had offers in both hospital rehabilitation and at NeuroMoves. She chose NeuroMoves because she wanted to be part of the longerterm journey with clients. Grace with one of her clients
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“Don't tell me I can't.” If there's one thing you should know about Renee, it’s that she doesn't like being told she can't do something. She's always been determined. The kind of person who takes a challenge personally and quietly sets out to prove people wrong. "I've always been like that," she says. At 29, and getting ready to celebrate her 30th birthday later this year, Renee is also looking forward to another exciting milestone – marrying her fiancé. She's one of three siblings, an identical twin, and incredibly close to her family, especially her mum, who she proudly describes as her best friend. Family has always been at the centre of her life. It was also her family who knew something wasn't right in 2018. One morning, Renee’s mum couldn’t wake her. She immediately took Renee to the doctor, and she was then rushed by ambulance to Joondalup Hospital. Doctors searched for answers, testing for countless viruses before a spinal tap confirmed the cause – encephalitis, a rare condition where the brain becomes inflamed. Then everything changed. Renee spent the next four weeks in a coma. When she woke, she couldn't walk, talk or do even the simplest things on her own. Having a tracheostomy made one part of her recovery especially frustrating. "I knew what I wanted to say," she recalls, "but I couldn't get the words out." She spent 11 weeks in the Intensive Care Unit and High Dependency Unit at Joondalup Hospital before moving to Fiona Stanley Hospital for another 10 weeks of rehabilitation. Leaving hospital wasn't the end of her recovery. In many ways, it was just the beginning. That's when Renee found NeuroMoves. When she first walked through the doors, she had two goals. She wanted to run again, and she wanted to drive. She now attends twice a week and says it's become one of the most important parts of her life. Of course, the physical improvements matter. But what surprised her most was finding a community of people who simply understood.
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When you've been through something like this, it's hard to explain it to people. At NeuroMoves, I don't have to.
”
Renee with her beautiful family
Being surrounded by others on similar journeys helped Renee feel less isolated. It gave her confidence, encouragement and somewhere she genuinely wanted to be. Today, she's proud to say she has regained her driver's licence – a milestone that represents much more than getting back behind the wheel. It is another piece of her independence returned. Looking back, Renee says the person she was when she first started at NeuroMoves is nothing like the person she is today. She's stronger. More confident. More independent. Her goals have changed too. These days, she's focused on preparing for the next chapter of life. As she plans her wedding, she's also working towards being physically strong enough to start a family in the future. Her fiancé has been beside her through every stage of her recovery, something she says she will always be grateful for. Renee knows recovery isn't a straight line. There have been setbacks, frustrations and moments when progress felt slow. Yet if you ask her what has carried her through, the answer is the same determination she's always had. The determination that she refuses to accept "can't." With the support of her family, her fiancé and the NeuroMoves community behind her, it's clear Renee is still proving just how much is possible. 8 of 16
Andrew, loving life
EmployAbility
Back in the driver’s seat When Andrew left Prince of Wales Hospital, he had a lot to think about. A tumour on his spinal cord had resulted in a spinal cord injury, changing the shape of his everyday life. Before his injury, Andrew had worked in IT. Now he was trying to work out what came next. A social worker at the hospital told him about EmployAbility, and Andrew decided to give it a go. “I wanted to try and get my life together,” he says. Not long afterwards, the EmployAbility team connected Andrew with a casual position at Acusensus, working on its mobile phone detection camera program. His role involves reviewing images and identifying drivers using their phones behind the wheel. The best part? He could do it from home. “I am glad that the opportunity came along because it makes my life easier. I just have to wake up and get straight to work without taking hours to get ready.” Acusensus worked with Andrew to make sure he had what he needed to do his job from home, giving him the flexibility to work independently in a way that suited his circumstances.
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It just makes my life easier knowing that I can pay my bills. I’m making money. I’m not relying on benefits. That’s what makes me feel good, knowing what I’m able to do.
”
EmployAbility supported Andrew throughout the process, from building his job search and application skills through to finding work. The free online program supports people with physical disability, with Employment Coaches who have lived experience of disability. For Andrew, taking that first step has helped turn an uncertain time into a new opportunity. His advice to others considering work is to give it a go. “It is a bit scary at the start, but people will always find a workaround.” For Andrew, that workaround was a job he could do from home, with the right support and a workplace willing to make it work.
Having a job has also given Andrew something else that matters: financial independence. 9 of 16
SCIA
Conversations that create change From lived experience to human rights, SCIA’s Have the Nerve podcast has reached an incredible milestone: Episode 60! Hosted by Susan Wood, SCIA's Senior Content Manager, Have the Nerve brings together lived experiences, expert perspectives and practical information to inform, educate and empower people with disability, families, carers and the wider community.
To mark Episode 60, Susan is joined by Professor Alastair McEwin AM, former Australian Disability Discrimination Commissioner, for a thoughtprovoking conversation about disability, advocacy and human rights. Alastair shares how growing up with a hearing impairment shaped his understanding of disability and ultimately influenced his career in advocacy and human rights. He reflects on his time as Disability Discrimination Commissioner and the importance of challenging discrimination and creating genuine equality for people with disability. A powerful theme throughout the episode is the principle “nothing about us without us.” Alastair highlights why people with disability must have a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their lives and why they need to be directly involved in creating change. The conversation also explores the Disability Royal Commission, including its investigation into violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability. Alastair emphasises that its recommendations must lead to real and lasting systemic change, rather than simply sitting in a report.
Susan Wood, deep in conversation with Prof. McEwin
Susan and Alastair also discuss inclusive education, disability activism and protest, representation, allies and the importance of creating more inclusive attitudes from an early age. They reflect on the generations of disability activists who fought for greater rights, accessibility and inclusion, as well as the work that still lies ahead. The NDIS is another important part of the conversation. Alastair reminds us that while the NDIS is significant, it is only one part of the broader disability support system. Mainstream services also have a responsibility to be accessible and inclusive. Ultimately, Alastair’s message is that progress is possible, but it cannot be taken for granted. Disability rights and inclusion require ongoing advocacy, participation and systemic change. The episode is a reflection of the work SCIA does every day, helping to educate and inform our community, challenging misconceptions and promoting greater understanding of disability rights and inclusion. A huge congratulations and thank you to Susan Wood, who wrote and edited the episode, and Anh Nguyen, who produced it, and for their work in reaching this fantastic milestone. 60 episodes is a wonderful achievement and a testament to the power of sharing stories, experiences and knowledge to create change.
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Inside SCIA's transition house
Royal Rehab Ryde
Inside SCIA’s transition house Going home after rehabilitation is a big milestone. But for someone adjusting to life after a spinal cord injury, it can also come with plenty of questions. Will my equipment work at home? Can I manage my daily routine? What changes will I need to make? SCIA’s Transition Home in Floreat, Perth, helps people work through some of those questions before they return home. The purpose-built, fully modified four-bedroom home gives guests the opportunity to experience everyday life outside the rehabilitation setting. They can trial equipment, explore home modifications and practise daily routines, while having the time to work out what really works for them. This is particularly valuable when something that works during a short trial doesn’t quite work in everyday life. Guests can make adjustments, try different approaches and build confidence in what will support their independence at home. The Transition Home has also been shaped by people with lived experience of spinal cord injury. Guests can connect with SCIA’s Peer and Family Support team and hear from others who have navigated the journey back home. Ultimately, the Transition Home is about helping people feel prepared, confident and supported as they take the next step beyond rehabilitation and find their own way of making home feel like home again.
Improving access to specialist spinal cord injury care across NSW Royal Rehab Ryde is proud to be playing a key role in a new NSW Health pilot designed to improve access to specialist spinal cord injury (SCI) care. Led by the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation's State Spinal Cord Injury Service, the pilot is testing a new "hub-and-spoke" model that connects specialist SCI services with hospitals across the state. Royal Rehab Ryde and Royal North Shore Hospital are the specialist hub sites, working closely with John Hunter Hospital to ensure people with spinal cord injuries receive the right care, at the right time, and as close to home as possible. Spinal cord injuries are complex and often require highly specialised, multidisciplinary care. The new model helps ensure patients with the most complex needs can access specialist services, while also supporting patients who can safely receive care closer to home with guidance from specialist teams. The pilot also strengthens collaboration between hospitals through clear referral pathways, virtual care, education and mentoring, helping build capability and confidence among local clinicians. Since launching in March, the pilot has already supported 45 patients, and more than 100 clinicians have participated in capability-building sessions. Early feedback has highlighted stronger communication between services, clearer clinical pathways and improved coordination of care. As one of the specialist hub sites, Royal Rehab Ryde is proud to contribute our expertise to this important initiative and help improve access to high-quality spinal cord injury care for people across NSW. The pilot will continue until June 2027, with learnings helping to shape the future of spinal cord injury care across the state. 11 of 16
The SCIRC team
Research meets rehabilitation One of the strengths of Royal Rehab Group is bringing together clinical care, research and innovation to improve outcomes for the people we support. That commitment has been further strengthened with the Spinal Cord Injury Research Collaborative (SCIRC) now based at our Royal Rehab Ryde Hospital campus. Led by Professor Jane Butler from The Kolling Institute and the University of Sydney, SCIRC is a team of neurophysiologists, rehabilitation physicians and physiotherapists dedicated to advancing research into the neural control of movement following spinal cord injury. Their work explores new ways to improve arm, leg, trunk and respiratory function, while leading clinical trials that have the potential to improve outcomes for people living with spinal cord injury. Having SCIRC based within a specialised rehabilitation hospital creates a unique opportunity for researchers and clinicians to work alongside one another. By bringing research closer to clinical practice, new discoveries can be translated into patient care more quickly, helping shape the future of rehabilitation. Professor Jane Butler said the move represents an important milestone for spinal cord injury research in Australia.
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We are thrilled to relocate our research gym and laboratories to Royal Rehab Hospital at Ryde. This is an Australian first for spinal cord injury research, embedding research directly within a specialised clinical rehabilitation environment, and a significant milestone for the field.
”
SCIRC has already established strong partnerships with NeuroMoves, with future collaborations planned with Sargood on Collaroy. Together, these collaborations reflect Royal Rehab Group's commitment to advancing research, innovation and evidencebased care, ensuring the people we support continue to benefit from the latest developments in spinal cord injury rehabilitation.
Royal Rehab LifeWorks
Crossing the finish line together
Royal Rehab LifeWorks Cairns was proud to once again sponsor the 5km Walk at the Cairns Marathon, bringing thousands of people together for a weekend full of energy, community spirit and plenty of cheering! The 2026 event was a sell-out, with more than 3,000 people taking part across the 2km, 5km, 10km, 21.5km and 42km races. Our Royal Rehab LifeWorks marquee was also a hive of activity, with the team offering free massages to walkers and runners after they crossed the finish line. More than 40 Royal Rehab LifeWorks and FNQ Health and Fitness staff and clients took part in the 5km Walk together. It was a great morning of teamwork, encouragement and having fun alongside the wider Cairns community. 12 of 16
When Royal Rehab LifeWorks Ryde opened in 2023, Khue continued working with the team to improve his walking, strength, balance and core stability. He also had the opportunity to use a range of our rehabilitation technologies as he progressed. An orange tsunami at the Cairns Marathon
One of the most special moments was seeing FNQ Health and Fitness clients Warren and Ben cross the finish line. Both primarily use wheelchairs, and with the support of FNQ Health and Fitness staff, they were able to stand and walk across the finish line to a huge cheer from the crowd. CEO Matt Mackay also joined the celebrations, presenting awards for the Biggest School Team and Largest Fundraiser. It was a fantastic weekend and a great reminder of what can happen when everyone has the opportunity to get involved, have a go and be a part of the action. A big thank you to everyone who took part, volunteered or helped make the weekend such a success!
“If you don’t use it, you lose it” In 2021, Khue Nguyen was working in IT, traveling overseas with his wife and enjoying an active life. After returning from a trip to Europe, he noticed his leg felt slightly numb. When the numbness was still there two days later, Khue knew something wasn’t right. Having learned about the FAST signs of stroke, he looked into his symptoms, saw his doctor and was referred to hospital. An MRI confirmed he’d had an ischaemic stroke.
But rehab for Khue isn’t just about what happens in the gym. Working with recreational therapist Taleah, he has been getting back to activities he enjoyed before his stroke, including golf, cycling and swimming. Cycling is particularly important to Khue. He enjoys riding with his wife when they travel and is working towards getting back on the bike with her. Golf and swimming also give him ways to work on his movement, strength and coordination. Getting back to the things he enjoys has become a big part of Khue’s rehabilitation. He sums it up with a phrase he lives by: “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” Khue is proud of how far he’s come and grateful for the support he has received along the way.
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Of course I’m proud, but I am also very lucky to find Royal Rehab. They provide a lot of support and a lot of quality equipment.
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From learning to walk again to working towards getting back on a bike with his wife, Khue’s rehabilitation continues. And he’s not finished yet.
Khue with his lovely wife at Royal Rehab Ryde
Life changed quickly. Khue spent six months at Bankstown Hospital undertaking intensive rehabilitation to regain movement and learning to walk again. He continued his rehab after leaving hospital, including a month at Royal Rehab Private Ryde.
Khue with recreational therapist Taleah
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A weekly routine worth keeping After 42 years in While Rock, QLD. Graham and Christine know a thing or two about making themselves at home in their community. Now in their early 70s, the couple also share their weekly trips to Royal Rehab LifeWorks Cairns, where they take part in hydrotherapy and gym classes. Graham found Royal Rehab LifeWorks after injuring his Achilles tendon. He spotted an ad on Facebook and decided to give hydrotherapy a go. After seeing how much it helped, he and Christine decided to join the gym classes too. For Christine, the classes have been particularly helpful as she continues to recover from two knee replacements. The exercises help with her balance and mobility, while Graham has been working on rebuilding the strength and muscle in his calf and leg following his Achilles injury. A big part of what keeps them coming back is the individual support they receive from the team. They currently work with Exercise Physiologist Josh, who takes them through their exercises, explains how to do them correctly and makes adjustments when something needs to be changed. That tailored approach is important to Graham and Christine. They know they are not expected to do exactly the same exercises or work at the same level as everyone else. Their sessions can be adapted to suit where they are at and what they are working towards. They also enjoy doing it together. Having a regular class to attend each week gives them something to look forward to, and they have enjoyed getting to know other people who attend the centre. For Graham and Christine, the friendships and social side of the classes have become an added benefit alongside the improvements they have seen in their strength, mobility and confidence.
Power couple, Graham and Christine
They are proud of the progress they have made, but also of the simple fact that they keep turning up and putting in the work.
So much fun at Kids Camp
Sargood on Collaroy
A big few days at Kids Camp
There was no shortage of things happening at this year’s Sargood on Collaroy Kids Camp. Fifteen families joined the four-day camp, bringing together 15 children with spinal cord injuries, their siblings and parents. The days were packed with activities, but the highlight was perhaps seeing everyone get stuck in and try something new. Families headed to Manly Dam for kayaking, fishing and adaptive cycling, while back at Sargood there was adaptive mountain biking, tennis, surfing and indoor gaming. There was also plenty of time to slow things down. The kids’ art zone quickly became a popular spot for anyone wanting a break from the action, while parents had the chance to take some time for themselves and connect with other families over a BBQ and parents-only evening. Karaoke and disco turned out to be one of the standout moments of the camp. Some of the kids who had barely said a word at the start of the week were up performing in front of everyone by the final night. It was really special to see their confidence grow over just a few days. Sacha, Emma and Liliana also deserve a special mention for volunteering their time to run the karaoke and disco and keeping the night going.
For them, Royal Rehab LifeWorks is somewhere they can exercise safely, get the support they need and keep working towards their own goals.
The camp wrapped up with Sargood’s annual Colour Run, sending everyone home covered in colour and bringing four very busy days to a suitably messy end.
And, importantly, it is something they get to do together.
The Sargood Kids Camp is proudly supported by The Sargood Foundation, ensuring no child misses out due to insufficient NDIS funding.
It was a big few days, with plenty of laughs, new experiences and some great moments for the families who came along.
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Breakthru College
From Certificate III to a job she loves When Nidhi moved to Australia from India four years ago, she already knew what kind of work she wanted to do. She had always been interested in aged care and wanted to build a career where she could support older people. After spending some time in Brisbane, Nidhi settled in Sydney and decided it was time to take the first step. With no previous experience in aged care, she enrolled in Breakthru College’s Certificate III in Individual Support. “I felt nervous when I first started because I had never studied in Australia before,” Nidhi says. Thankfully, those nerves didn’t last long. The flexibility of the self-paced course meant Nidhi could study part time while also working, and she quickly found her feet. A big part of that was the support she received from her trainer, Anissa. Nidhi says being able to ask questions whenever she needed to was especially helpful, particularly as English isn’t her first language. “Anissa was really good. I really liked the way the course was delivered, and overall, she was so helpful and supportive.” Nidhi started her course in December and finished just seven months later in July. Her work placement also gave her the chance to get some hands-on experience and see what working in the industry was really like. Not long after graduating, Nidhi landed a job with Silverchain as a home care worker. She now supports around 25 clients each week, helping with everything from personal care and transport to domestic tasks.
Nidhi has already started taking her next steps. Since joining Silverchain in January, she has moved into a training buddy role, helping new team members settle in and get through their first few shifts. It’s a nice full-circle moment for someone who was nervous about starting her own journey not that long ago. Now, she’s helping other new starters feel more comfortable in theirs. Her own experience with Anissa has also shaped the way she supports people at work. She knows how much of a difference it can make to have someone patient and supportive there to answer your questions. And there’s more to come. Nidhi has recently been offered the opportunity to complete a Certificate IV in Ageing Support. Reflecting on her journey so far, Nidhi says she’s simply happy she took the chance to study.
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It felt really good to finish the course and get a good job. I was very interested in this type of work, and I’m so happy that I completed my course with Breakthru College.
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Nidhi loving her journey
And it turns out she really loves it. “I’m most proud that I finished the course. I decided to do my Certificate III with Breakthru College, and now I’m working in a role that I really love and continuing to progress in my job.”
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Vacancies
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IEA Partnership Specialist Breakthru - IEA Ryde, NSW Permanent - Full Time
IEA Partnership Specialist
Community Employment Support Worker Breakthru Townsville, QLD Casual
Registered Nurse Royal Rehab Private Petersham Petersham, NSW Permanent - Full Time
Graduate Occupational Therapist
Breakthru - IEA Campbelltown, NSW Permanent - Full Time
Senior Community Exercise Physiologist
IEA Partnership Specialist
Royal Rehab LifeWorks Cairns, QLD Permanent - Full Time
Royal Rehab LifeWorks Townsville, QLD Permanent - Full Time
Physiotherapist
IEA Partnership Specialist
FMHSS & Pathways Service Manager
Breakthru - IEA Parramatta, NSW Permanent - Full Time
Breakthru Gladstone Park, VIC Permanent - Full Time
Physiotherapist - Community Rehabilitation Service
Community Disability Support Worker
Breakthru - IEA Penrith, NSW Permanent - Full Time
Royal Rehab Ryde Ryde, NSW Permanent - Full Time
Breakthru Atherton, QLD Casual
Senior Social Worker & Case Manager - BIU
National Claims Consultant
Royal Rehab Ryde Ryde, NSW Permanent - Full Time
Community Disability Support Worker Breakthru Cairns, QLD Casual
Exercise Physiologist NeuroMoves Footscray, VIC Permanent - Part Time
Physiotherapist - L1/2 Precision Health Care Dubbo, NSW Permanent - Full Time
Expression of Interest Breakthru - IEA Macarthur, NSW Permanent - Full Time
Work Health, Safety & Injury Manager Royal Rehab Group Milsons Point, NSW Permanent - Full Time
Breakthru Rydalmere, NSW Permanent - Full Time
Staff Specialist - Rehabilitation Medicine Royal Rehab Ryde Ryde, NSW Temp - Part Time
Assistant in Nursing - Private Inpatient Unit Royal Rehab Ryde Ryde, NSW Permanent - Part Time
IEA Career Coach Breakthru - IEA Campsie, NSW Permanent - Full Time
IEA Partnership Coach & Specialist Breakthru - IEA Bankstown, NSW Permanent - Full Time
Exercise Physiologist NeuroMoves Angle Park, SA Permanent - Part Time
Visit: https://royalrehabgroup.com.au/careers
We welcome stories from all corners of the organisation. If you have something to share, please don’t hesitate to email it to acrossthegroup@royalrehab.com.au
NeuroMoves Footscray, VIC Permanent - Full Time
Transport Nurse Royal Rehab Ryde Ryde, NSW Permanent - Part Time
Expression of Interest Breakthru - IEA Campsie, NSW Permanent - Full Time
Physiotherapist NeuroMoves Canberra, ACT Permanent - Full Time
Physiotherapist (6month contract) NeuroMoves Angle Park, SA Temp - Full Time
Occupational Therapist Royal Rehab LifeWorks Townsville, QLD Permanent - Full Time
Accredited Exercise Physiologist FNQ Health and Fitness Atherton, QLD Casual
Senior Occupational Therapist Royal Rehab LifeWorks Cairns, QLD Permanent - Full Time
Physiotherapist NeuroMoves Canberra, ACT Permanent - Full Time