SCIA reaffirms commitment to ACT at Open Day

We want to thank everyone who joined us at Flynn Community Hub in the ACT over the weekend as we reaffirmed our commitment in Canberra last Saturday 12th October, 2024.

SCIA’s commitment to supporting people with spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions has gone from strength to strength, especially in the areas of Advocacy, Peer & Family support and NeuroMoves evidence-based exercise.

Member for Kurrajong, Rachel Stephen-Smith, sent a letter that was read out on the day:

I am sorry not to be joining you today to celebrate the fantastic work SCIA has been doing for almost 60 years and its ongoing commitment to the ACT.

In 2016, I was pleased to work with the dedicated small group that became Spinal ACT through the election period to ensure ACT Labor committed to establishing a NeuroMoves gym, and then in government to see that commitment delivered. Establishing this facility in the ACT has meant people with spinal cord injuries and other neurological disabilities no longer need to travel to Sydney to access the innovative Neuromoves rehabilitation and exercise program.

Of course, SCIA and Spinal ACT have not stopped there. I have heard from members that advocacy and peer and family support are vital elements of the value SCIA brings to our local community and I was pleased when SCIA received a Healthy Canberra Grant in 2021 to deliver its peer and family support program.

Spinal ACT’s advocacy has also had an impact, with Canberra Health Services now committed to undertaking annual spinal reviews following your representations.

If re-elected ACT Labor has committed to further expansion of rehabilitation and community-based services at the University of Canberra Hospital, including the Brindabella Day Service. We will continue to work with the University of Canberra to deliver advances to rehabilitation robot services, including staff training, teaching and research, alongside delivery of clinical services to consumers that will support better health outcomes after illness or injury.

We will also continue to work closely with specialist organisations like SCIA and Spinal ACT that bring lived experience to the design and delivery of services, including family and peer support.

Congratulations to everyone and I look forward to catching up with you soon.

Kind regards,

Rachel

The day had great energy, and the announcement of Canberra Health Service committing to undertaking annual spinal reviews was met with a cheer as Spinal ACT had been long advocating for and awaiting response. Annual spinal reviews will come at significant benefit to people with spinal conditions and this is a great step toward better health.

We are extremely grateful for those who came and supported on the day, a particular thanks to Spinal ACT and Nathalie Maconachie from John James Foundation (JFF), an integral partner with SCIA in developing our Peer and Family Support in the ACT.