Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Limited ANNUAL REPORT 2024/2025 42 Funded by: Federal Dept of Social Services – National Indigenous Australians Agency NSW Health – Rural Doctors Network – Western NSW Primary Health Network Celebrating over 39 years of Service since 1986 Occupational Therapy A Milestone Year of Growth and Stability WAMS is currently celebrating a significant expansion of our Occupational Therapy (OT) services, a development that reflects our commitment to the health and independence of the Walgett community. Now entering our sixth year of consistent service delivery, the OT department continues to evolve in direct response to local needs. Under the ongoing leadership of Samara Unwin, the service has transitioned from a foundational offering into a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary pillar of WAMS. Bridging the Rural Gap through Accessibility We recognise that in rural settings, "access" is the greatest hurdle to health equity. In 2025, we successfully addressed this by diversifying how and where we provide care: ● Expanded Reach: To meet rising demand, in addition to OT at Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service, we have increased our OT outreach clinic days in Collarenebri and established scheduled visits to Brewarrina Aboriginal Medical Service (BAMS). ● Multi-Modal Delivery: By utilising in-clinic sessions, home visits, and telehealth, we ensure that specialised occupational therapy services reach community members regardless of their mobility or location. ● Complex Care Coordination: Our OT team works closely with local medical teams to provide specialised interventions for community members with complex diagnoses, ensuring a seamless continuum of care. Investing in our Youngest & Most Vulnerable A major highlight of the past year has been the uplift in Paediatric and NDIS capacity of WAMS Occupational Therapy service. For our youngest residents, Occupational Therapy is vital for meeting developmental milestones and building the skills necessary for school and play. By increasing WAMS capacity for NDIS clients, we are ensuring that individuals and families relying on the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Walgett no longer have to travel long distances to receive the goal-oriented, independence-building Occupational Therapy support they deserve. Outback Therapy (2024-2025 Annual Report) - Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Samara Unwin Occupational Therapist 2019 - present
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