BUSHkids enriches the lives of children with disability in CQ

A new early intervention service is helping children with disability in Rockhampton to access the vital support they need to reach their full potential.

During her visit to the Central Queensland region, Minister for Disability Services Coralee O'Rourke visited BUSHkids today (Monday, Feb 26) to see first-hand how the service was making a huge difference to the lives of children with disability.

“It’s wonderful to see this vibrant organisation with over 80 years’ experience, now delivering their much needed early intervention services across Central Queensland under the NDIS Partners in the Community Program,” she said.

“Since BUSHkids first opened the doors of its Rockhampton office in January, it has already supported more than 60 local families.

“The service takes a holistic approach to improving the health and wellbeing of babies and children aged up to six years – along with their families and carers.

“We know that access to a range of specialist services – including Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Social Workers, Psychologists and Early Intervention Facilitators – can make all the difference to improving the lives of children with disability.”

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said the official rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to all clients in Rockhampton commenced in January 2018.

“The NDIS approach to early childhood intervention means children can have better access to support that’s best tailored to their needs,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“BUSHkids is a great example of how the NDIS is making it easier for Rockhampton families and carers to access local support services for their children with disability.

“Services like this are essential to ensuring children with disability grow up to live rich and meaningful lives, especially in rural and remote communities.”

BUSHKids also operates in Gladstone, Emerald and Bundaberg areas.

BUSHkids CEO Carlton Meyn said the service was a significant expansion of the organisation.

“I’m delighted to deliver this important new NDIS service for children and families in Central Queensland,” he said.

For more information about the support BUSHkids provides visit: https://www.bushkids.org.au/

For more information on the NDIS, visit www.ndis.gov.au The NDIS Hotline is 1800 800 110 and for people with hearing or speech loss, phone TTY 1800 555 677.

ENDS

Media Contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389