CEO Update: Winter 2025

July marks the start of the financial year – a busy period for the Therapy Focus team as we initiate new activities and prepare for the months ahead.

It’s the season of Makuru, the coldest and wettest season in the Noongar calendar. During this time, you may notice animals pairing up as they prepare for breeding, and the refreshing scent of eucalyptus in the crisp air.

It’s also a time of change for our sector. Following the release of the NDIA Annual Pricing Review, we recognise this may be a challenging time for participants, providers, and the broader disability community. At Therapy Focus, we are actively participating in coordinated advocacy efforts to oppose the recommended changes, which primarily involves decreases to therapy pricing and travel. This change in pricing has the ability to affect how services are delivered and we are working hard with our staff to find solutions that minimise the impact on our customers, as well as NDIS participants more broadly.

Therapy Focus stand alongside many dedicated organisations across the sector to support our participants, staff, and community. While the announcement has been difficult, it has also sparked a strong sense of unity and purpose. The collaboration and solidarity across the sector have been energising, and we remain committed to driving positive change together.

I would like to take a moment to look back and proudly congratulate Deborah Waghorn and Stephanie Andrew on being named finalists in the newly introduced Allied Health Professionals category at the 2025 NDS Disability Support Awards, held in late May. A special congratulations to Deborah as well, who was also named a finalist in the Emerging Leader category. These well-deserved recognitions are a testament to their leadership, dedication, and passion for supporting others. Thank you both for the outstanding work you do every day to make a meaningful difference to the customers we serve.

I’m pleased to share that we recently passed our NDIS audit, conducted by HDAA, with flying colours. Assessors met with 58 staff across three major offices and were highly impressed with our processes, noting that we operate at a ‘high level’ of performance in Early Intervention, Mealtime Management, and Positive Behaviour Support. This outstanding result reflects our team’s commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous improvement.

“I am pleased to announce that we have successfully been re-accredited following our recent NDIS re-certification audit, achieving full compliance in all areas. A truly commendable outcome for Therapy Focus.”

We proudly celebrated National Reconciliation Week 2025 from 27 May to 3 June, embracing this year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next. This year’s theme highlighted the strong connection between our past, present, and future, and encourages all Australians to work together towards a more united, respectful, and inclusive nation. Therapy Focus was once again proud to support the Street Banner Project, sponsoring two banners displayed in the Perth CBD and Bunbury, in partnership with Reconciliation WA.

Our specialised early intervention program, First Focus, continues to grow – now supporting more families than ever through its expansion across multiple Perth locations. A heartfelt thank you to Telethon for their generous support in helping us deliver this program closer to home.

Continuing with the good news, our ReFocus Therapy Centre has also expanded with the opening of our second location in Bunbury. Customers in the South West now have access to state-of-the-art equipment and leading assistive technology, bringing a truly unique and valuable service to the region.

Wishing you cozy days, warm drinks, and happy moments with your family and friends this winter. From all of us at Therapy Focus, stay safe and take care!

Alison Kelly
Chief Executive Officer