The Willow Tree Clinic

16/04/2026

Back‑to‑school countdown starts now! 📚✏️
Holiday mode to school mode doesn’t happen overnight. Predictable mornings, slow evenings, and visual routines help kids feel confident and ready.
These helpful tips will help you get started in having a smooth transition back to school!

09/04/2026

✨ Meet the team - Jessie ✨

I graduated as an OT in 2025 after working as a support worker at TWTC. During this time I learned how meaningful it is to build strong connections with children and their families, working towards their goals. 🤝💛

My passion for paediatrics started during my very first placement in 2022. Watching kids grow in confidence, learn new skills through meaningful play, and celebrating both the big and small wins is something I’ll never get tired of 🎉💫

When I’m not in the clinic, you’ll usually find me playing sport, grabbing a coffee, or walking my puppies ☕🐶💕

One of my favourite things about being an OT is how fun and creative it is 🎨✨ Every child is unique, which means every session is different and that’s what keeps this work so joyful and special.

The special thing about being an OT is having a job that keeps you fun and playful. It allows you to be creative in a therapeutic, individualised way that is unique for each child. It’s always fun as no two kids are the same! 🤸‍♂️

08/04/2026

From 1 March 2026, Medicare has expanded access to rebated speech pathology services for children and young people under 25 with:
• Stuttering
• Speech sound disorders
• Cleft lip and/or palate
With a valid referral from a GP or specialist, eligible families can access Medicare rebates that contribute to the cost of speech pathology assessment and therapy, helping reduce some of the financial pressure of accessing support.
Medicare rebates generally cover part of the cost of sessions, and there may still be some out‑of‑pocket expenses, depending on individual fees and circumstances.
If you’re not sure whether this applies to you or your child, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to help explain your options 💚

07/04/2026

🌿 We’re hiring a Paediatric Occupational Therapist!

The Willow Tree Clinic is growing, and we’re looking for a passionate OT who loves supporting children and families to thrive.
If you’re looking for a supportive multidisciplinary team, rewarding clinical practice, and opportunities to grow your clinical passions, we’d love to hear from you.

You can view the full job ad and apply via Seek.

Come join a team that cares as much as you do! 🌿

Make a meaningful difference as a full‑time paediatric OT in a supportive team with flexibility and opportunities to grow your clinical passions.

07/04/2026

School holidays don’t have to cost a fortune 💛 If you’re looking for easy ways to keep the kids busy around Newcastle, here are some of our favourite FREE and low‑cost ideas—perfect for those “what do we do now?” moments.

06/04/2026

Last week our support workers spent the day in clinic for some training sessions with our Psychology, Speech Pathology, and Occupational Therapy teams.

It was a big day filled with learning, practical strategies, and lots of discussion about how to best support our participants across community, home, and therapy settings.

We believe that high‑quality support starts with an informed, confident team - and we’re so proud of the curiosity, enthusiasm, and commitment everyone brought to the room.

From understanding emotional regulation, to communication strategies, to behaviour support foundations, our team covered the essential knowledge that helps support workers show up with skill, safety, and compassion.

Learning is such an important part of providing great support, and we’re excited to see our team members bring their knowledge into the community to help participants thrive.

01/04/2026

🌈 World Autism Day 🌈

Today we celebrate autistic people – their strengths, differences, creativity, passion, and ways of seeing the world.
Autism isn’t something to “fix.” It’s a natural form of human diversity. Every autistic person is unique, with their own interests, communication style, sensory needs, and incredible potential.

On World Autism Day, we celebrate:
✨ different ways of thinking
✨ different ways of communicating
✨ different ways of experiencing the world
And we continue the work of building environments that are more understanding, inclusive, and supportive – not just today, but every day.

To autistic people and families in our community: you are seen, valued, and respected.

To allies and supporters: thank you for listening, learning, and showing up with openness and kindness.
💙 Acceptance changes lives.
💙 Understanding builds connection.
💙 Inclusion benefits us all.

27/03/2026

Happy Easter from the whole team at TWTC! 🐣
We hope you enjoy a safe, restful, and joy‑filled Easter long weekend.
Please note we’ll be closed Friday 3 April and Monday 6 April for the public holidays.

25/03/2026

🌱 We’re Hiring Support Workers

The Willow Tree Clinic | Newcastle & Hunter Region
Do you want a support worker role where you’re valued, supported, and part of a genuinely caring team?
The Willow Tree Clinic is growing, and we’re looking for reliable, compassionate Support Workers to join our multidisciplinary team supporting NDIS participants across the Newcastle and Hunter region.

💚 Why Work With Us?

✔ Supportive, approachable leadership
✔ Clear boundaries, policies & professional guidance
✔ Ongoing training and development
✔ Flexible shifts to suit your availability
✔ Opportunity to work alongside psychologists, OTs & speech pathologists
✔ Values‑driven, neurodiversity‑affirming clinic culture
We take staff wellbeing, safety, and professional standards seriously — you’ll never be “left to figure it out alone”.

👥 About the Role

You’ll be supporting individuals with disability in the community and at home, helping them to:
• Build independence and daily living skills
• Participate in social and community activities
• Work towards their individual NDIS goals
• Feel safe, respected, and supported

✅ What We’re Looking For

• A genuine interest in supporting people with disability
• Reliable, professional, and respectful approach
• NDIS Worker Check & WWCC (or willingness to obtain)
• Driver’s licence and reliable vehicle
• Experience is great — but values and attitude matter most

🌿 Sound Like You?

We’d love to hear from you.
📩 Apply by sending your CV and a short cover message to:
👉 reception@thewillowtreeclinic.com.au
or
📲 https://thewillowtreeclinic.com.au/join-our-team/

17/03/2026

Managing your NDIS budget doesn’t have to be overwhelming 💙

A little planning can help your funding last the whole plan — while still supporting what matters most.

💡 Our top tips:
✔ Know your plan dates
✔ Understand how your funding is managed
✔ Track spending regularly
✔ Keep service agreements clear
✔ Plan early if funds start running low

General information only. For personalised advice, speak with your NDIS contact or support coordinator.

14/03/2026

Stress doesn’t always look like stress.
In children and teens, stress often shows up as behaviour — not because they’re being difficult, but because something feels hard or overwhelming.

You might notice:
• big emotions or meltdowns
• pulling away from people or activities
• sleep changes
• tummy aches or headaches
• increased need for reassurance or connection

These are signals, not failures.

What helps most?
Connection first.
Calm support.
Lowering demands when needed.
And knowing when to reach out for extra help.

If these signs are lasting more than a few weeks or starting to affect daily life, you don’t have to work it out alone.

👉 www.thewillowtreeclinic.com.au/contact-us/

27/02/2026

This month we’re celebrating 7 wonderful years of Willow Tree Clinic, and we couldn’t let this moment pass without saying a heartfelt thank you.

To our incredible clients and their families—thank you for trusting us and allowing us to be part of your journey. It’s a privilege to support you and to share in your progress, strengths, and successes.

To our amazing staff, past and present—thank you for your dedication, compassion, and commitment over the years. Each of you has played a part in shaping Willow Tree Clinic into what it is today, and we are so grateful to have you as part of our story.

Here’s to 7 years of growth, connection, and care—and to many more to come 💚✨