It’s been an exciting journey for our Penrith team over the past decade. What started as a small mobile service visiting Nepean Hospital every two weeks has grown into a vibrant and dedicated clinic right in the heart of Western Sydney. Those early days were long and busy, but they laid the foundation for what we’ve become today, a thriving, client-focused facility proudly serving the community.
Now located directly across the road from Nepean Hospital in a modern, purposebuilt medical facility, making it easier than ever for clients to access our services. Our team has grown to include three prosthetists/orthotists, one physiotherapist, and one administration staff member who keeps everything running smoothly.
At Spao, we’re proud to be part of the Ottobock.care family, a global leader in prosthetic & orthotic technology This partnership provides us with access to advanced resources, innovative products, and ongoing professional development, ensuring our clients benefit from the very latest technological advancements.
As a passionate team, we’re always looking for ways to refine our processes & deliver the highest standard of care. Our growth over the past ten years has been driven by one constant: our commitment to helping people achieve their mobility goals & live life without limits
We hope this edition keeps you up to date with Spao Ottobock Care’s journey as we wrap up the year & head into the holiday season!
Lewis Toffolo Lead Prosthetist & Orthotist Clinic Manager - Penrith
Sash’s Journey
Turning Limits Into Launchpads
This month, we’re excited to share the journey of Sash an adaptive athlete, creator, and lifelong learner whose story is a powerful reminder that resilience is something we build, not something we’re born with
A Christmas Eve That Changed Everything
Christmas Eve 2019 reshaped Sash’s life in an instant. What began as a medical emergency became a moment that would redefine his future. He woke up one leg lighter but with a perspective infinitely sharper and clearer.
In the early days, survival was the only goal. Today, it’s mastery Every socket, every scar, every setback has shaped Sash’s mindset around one unwavering belief: Limits aren’t roadblocks they’re the starting line
Rebuilding From the Ground Up
Losing a limb isn’t just about learning to walk again it’s about rediscovering who you are. Sash’s early steps were painful & humbling, teaching him patience, mechanics, & mindset. The toughest battle was mental: some days Sash could only wear his prosthesis for an hour, dealing with cysts, pressure sores, and constant adjustments Frustration didn’t fix anything, so he built systems instead tracking fit, analysing training loads, & treating his recovery as a lifelong experiment in adaptability
Movement as Identity
Training isn’t just part of Sash’s routine it’s part of who he is Running, skipping, sprint drills, and strength work have become his language of resilience. He’s not chasing medals, but precision in movement, mindset, and how he shows up each day
A Team That Understands
A significant part of Sash’s progress stems from the partnership he has built with his prosthetist, Jess Jess doesn’t simply fit his prosthesis she collaborates. She listens, experiments, and works alongside him every step of the way.
Together, they’ve refined everything from fit to suspension to ensure he can move exactly how he needs to It’s team-based care at its best
What’s Next for Sash
Right now, Sash is pushing for new personal bests in adaptive fitness faster runs, stronger conditioning, and smarter recovery strategies
But his bigger mission goes beyond the gym.
He’s documenting the real process behind rebuilding: the challenges, the resets, the systems, and the quiet discipline that keeps momentum alive long after motivation fades.
Because people don’t just need inspiration they need proof that rebuilding is possible
A Message to the Community
Don’t wait for rock bottom to decide who you’ll become Start Now!
Treat your limits as feedback and use every challenge as an opportunity to engineer your next version
Join Sash’s journey on Instagram - @sashshetty
Meet the Fresh Faces of Our Team!
Rebekah Mariam
Rebekah graduated in prosthetics and orthotics from USC in 2020 and has since gained experience working in both Sydney and Perth. Rebekah has a passion for positive client outcomes in both prosthetics and orthotics and is interested in further exploring how 3D scanning and digital modifications can positively impact clients and clinicians
Outside of work, Rebekah enjoys spending time with her dog Doug, and exploring the Gold Coast beaches.
Events Spotlight
Mariam brings a background in accounting & financial administration, with experience supporting invoicing & credit control across a range of industries Outside of work, Mariam enjoys exploring different cultures and spending time with people from all backgrounds. Originally from Dubai, she appreciates good conversations, new experiences, & winding down with a great TV series. She loves staying active, & keeping life balanced with a bit of fun and humour along the way
Adrian’s Story Freedom in Motion
My name is Adrian, and I became an amputee following an electrical accident on 26th March 1999 That day completely changed the course of my life, but over time, it also led me down a path of growth, resilience, and purpose
Personal Story & Background
Navigating life after the accident wasn’t easy, especially in the early days when everything felt uncertain. One of the biggest challenges was regaining independence and confidence. My limb loss journey came in stages: grieving the loss, trying to feel ‘normal’ again, adapting, and eventually accepting.
When you reach the acceptance stage, something shifts. You stop focusing on how your prosthesis looks to others and start seeing it as an extension of who you are even a way to express your individuality That mindset has been a big part of how I’ve built my life moving forward. With persistence, the right support, and a bit of stubborn determination, I found my rhythm and began rebuilding a life I’m proud of.
Daily Life
I’ve always been a hands-on person, so staying active was a priority I have a real passion for riding motorbikes there’s nothing quite like the sense of freedom it brings. After my accident, I had to modify my motorbike to suit my prosthetic arm, which was a challenge but also incredibly rewarding. It gave me back a sense of independence & control. I love to travel and explore new places & cultures My prosthesis has played a big role in allowing me to maintain a sense of adventure & freedom. My prosthetic allows me to live life the way I want to, by not having my amputation be a limiting factor
As a Taska Champion, I’ve had the privilege of supporting & mentoring other users in the community, sharing insights and tips from over 25 years of using myoelectric hands. I’ve also been exploring ways to improve the prosthetic experience through creative tech solutions finding ways to make daily use more intuitive & functional
Clinical Care Experience
My experience with Spao has been nothing short of excellent. After dealing with a malfunctioning prosthetic recently, I arrived feeling frustrated & limited. The team responded with genuine care, patience, & a clear commitment to getting me back on track Being fitted with a new-generation prosthesis was a major turning point not just because of the improved technology, but because it gave me back confidence & control.
Looking Ahead
Looking forward, I’m excited to continue travelling, getting out on the bike, and working on ways to improve my coapt transition I’m also passionate about giving back through mentoring and sharing my story to inspire others. If I could share one message with the community, it would be this: Your journey is yours alone own it, grow from it, and use it to lift others.
Global Collaboration in Motion: Sharing Innovation in China
This month, Eduan had the opportunit city known for its landscapes, to a conference focu rehabilitative care a Eduan was honored in the heart of the researchers, and in beyond. The ev developments in r technology offerin ideas and advance p As one of the keyno orthotic innovatio landscape of mod focused on clinical and how technolo approach custom o The response was i humbled by th collaborative spirit s
Amputees NSW Charity Golf Day
Andrew, Tom, and Kristie from our Wollongong clinic teamed up with client David for the Amputees NSW Charity Golf Day at Beverly Park Golf Club in Sydney with Spao Ottobock Care proudly swinging in as a major sponsor!
The sun was shining, the vibes were great, and it was fantastic to meet so many new faces from the amputee community There were plenty of laughs, a few questionable shots, and some impressive ones too (depending on who you ask!).
While our team didn’t take home the trophy, they definitely took home the prize for best banter and biggest smiles. Days like this are what it’s all about connecting, having fun, and celebrating an incredible community
A big thank you to Amputees NSW for organising such a great event and we look forward to next year. If you are a client and would like to join one of our teams next year, please reach out!
AOPA Congress 2025 Annual Orthotics and Prosthetics Congress - Melbourne
If you are using any of the following products, we encourage you to participate:
Microprocessors
Therapy suits
Functional electrical stimulation
At Spao Ottobock Care, ongoing professional development is central to how we continue delivering the highest standard of care. In October, our team attended the AOPA Congress in Melbourne a valuable opportunity for clinicians across Australia’s prosthetic and orthotic community to connect, exchange knowledge, and learn from one another. We were proud to see two of our clinicians take the stage during the student welcome event. Heath shared insights from his transition from university into full-time clinical practice, offering practical advice and reflections from his early career Harry spoke about his experience working with Ottobock Ireland, highlighting how international exposure has shaped his clinical perspective and approach since returning to Australia.
The NDIA is currently reviewing the benefits and cost-effectiveness of prosthetic and orthotic products.
For students, it offered a meaningful glimpse into the diverse pathways within the profession For us, it was a proud moment to see our clinicians encouraging, educating, and helping to shape the next generation of P&O professionals.
Support Amputees Family and Friends
Illawarra / Southern Region of NSW Inc
SAFF Xmas Lunch - Sat 13 December th 11:30am at Woonona Bulli RSL
Email: saff illawarra@outlook com
Phone: 0481 894 229 NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME!
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Reach out at enquiries@spao.com.au - we’d love to hear from you.
