Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Limited ANNUAL REPORT 2024/2025 46 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 Allied Health Assistant (Bridging Care and Community) A New Dimension of Support The 2024–2025 year saw the successful introduction of the Allied Health Assistant (AHA) role at WAMS, a strategic addition to the Outback Therapy team. The AHA serves as a vital link between our clinical specialists and the community, ensuring that therapeutic goals are integrated into daily life and that care remains consistent between specialist visits. Goonimoo Playgroup: Early Communication & Connection Every Wednesday, our AHA is on-site at the Goonimoo Playgroup, playing a hands-on role in the development of our youngest community members. ● Key Word Sign (KWS) Integration: By supporting the KWS program during group-time sessions, the AHA helps families adopt inclusive, play-based strategies that foster early communication. ● Navigating the Health Pathway: Working collaboratively with the Goonimoo team, the AHA assists families in navigating the WAMS health system—facilitating vital referrals to Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy to ensure early intervention is accessible for all. Strengthening the Community: Warranggal Program The AHA role has also been instrumental in the delivery of our physical health programs. Working alongside our Physiotherapists, the AHA helps facilitate the Warranggal (Strong) program. ● Holistic Facilitation: Beyond just physical movements, the AHA ensures that group-based exercises are delivered in a way that promotes emotional resilience and social connection. ● Tailored Support: By providing extra "hands-on" guidance during the moderate-to-high intensity stations, the AHA ensures that each participant’s specific needs are met, allowing the program to run safely and effectively for everyone involved. The Value of the AHA Role The introduction of the Allied Health Assistant has significantly increased our capacity to provide culturally safe, consistent, and localised care. By being "on the ground" and integrated into existing community hubs like Goonimoo, the AHA ensures that therapy isn't just something that happens in a clinic, but something that lives and breathes within the community. Outback Therapy (2024-2025 Annual Report) - Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Natalie Kirkpatrick Allied Health Assistant 2025 - present
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