Royal Rehab

08/09/2025

This week, for Stroke Awareness Week, we reflect on the journeys of people recovering from stroke and the families who walk alongside them. Recovery is rarely straightforward, but it is full of determination, courage, and small victories that deserve to be celebrated.

At Royal Rehab Ryde today, those journeys came to life at the Stroke Recovery Association’s literary showcase, “A Stroke of the Pen”. Short stories and poems from members offered a glimpse into the resilience of people living with the effects of stroke. Each piece shared a story of challenge, hope, and the strength it takes to rebuild.

The audience was deeply moved by a performance from Mr Vincenzo Pandolfi, a finalist on ABC’s The Piano (2025). He dedicated his piece to his life partner, Elaine, who has experienced a stroke, creating a personal moment that resonated with everyone present.

Every year, over 45,000 Australians experience a stroke. Thanks to the dedication of healthcare professionals, clinicians, doctors, rehabilitation teams, and the love and support of families, many people are able to rebuild their lives. At Royal Rehab, we are proud to be part of these stories of recovery and resilience.

07/09/2025

Happy World Physiotherapy Day 2025

From all of us at Royal Rehab Group, thank you.

Today we recognise the skill, dedication and care our physiotherapists bring to every interaction, with patients, clients and colleagues alike.

Your work plays a crucial role in helping people regain movement, build confidence and improve their quality of life. Whether it’s supporting recovery or promoting long-term wellbeing, your impact is clear and deeply valued.

We’re proud to have such a passionate and expert physio team as part of the Royal Rehab Group community.

25/08/2025

It’s Speech Pathology Week!

This year’s theme, “Impact through Communication”, celebrates the vital role communication plays in connection, confidence, inclusion and independence.

At Royal Rehab, our dedicated Speech Pathologists support people with a wide range of communication changes – helping them express themselves, overcome challenges, and thrive.

Join us in saying a big thank you to our Speech Pathologists for the impact they make every day.

19/08/2025

This week is Brain Injury Awareness Week, an important time to raise awareness, share stories, encourage reflection, and celebrate the strengths of people living with a brain injury.

The theme for this year is “Invisible disabilities deserve visible change”, a reminder that not all impacts of brain injury are seen, yet the need for understanding and inclusion is vital.

At Royal Rehab, we are proud to honour the achievements of people who have overcome challenges following a brain injury through our Wall of Fame. Each name and story on the wall represents resilience, determination, and inspiration for our community.

We invite you to join us in recognising the remarkable individuals who continue to show us what is possible after brain injury.

14/08/2025

Royal Rehab Showcases Unique Health and Disability Integration to Shadow Minister

Today we had the pleasure of welcoming The Hon Anne Ruston, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Disability, and the NDIS, to Royal Rehab.

Led by Group CEO Matt Mackay and Chairman Tony Staveley AM, the visit was an opportunity to highlight Royal Rehab’s unique role at the intersection of health and disability, where state and federal funding streams converge. Through our hospital and rehabilitation services and our disability arm, Breakthru, we deliver a truly integrated continuum of care that bridges acute healthcare and long term disability support, a model that is rare in Australia.

During her visit, the Shadow Minister saw first hand how we have created a comprehensive ecosystem of care and support on a single campus. From the specialist clinical expertise of our Spinal Injury Unit, to the cutting edge interventions in our Advanced Technology Centre, through to the supported community living at Weemala and the disability supports delivered by Breakthru, each part of our service is purpose built to meet the evolving needs of people with complex injuries and disabilities.

Our discussions addressed the pressing challenges facing the sector, from escalating operational costs to the need for sustainable funding models that protect access to care. We explored the lifelong journey of people with spinal cord injury, the changing nature of their support requirements as they age, and the importance of ensuring the NDIS remains centred on people.

Visits such as this are critical for shaping policy, fostering collaboration between government and providers, and ensuring that the voices of clients and frontline staff are heard in the rooms where decisions are made. Royal Rehab, together with Breakthru, remains committed to working with all stakeholders to secure a sustainable, integrated model of care that delivers the best possible outcomes for those we serve.

01/08/2025

We’re excited to announce that Breakthru, part of Royal Rehab Group, has been selected to deliver Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) services from 1 November 2025.

IEA is a significant step forward in disability employment support, focusing on individuals and creating lasting, meaningful career opportunities.

We look forward to helping more people build rewarding futures through this important new program.

Read more: https://breakthru.org.au/media/breakthru-selected-to-deliver-inclusive-employment-australia-services/

Breakthru, part of Royal Rehab Group, is proud to announce it has been selected by the Department of Social Services to deliver services under the new Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program.

31/07/2025

Looks like your typical fit 40-year-old IT manager enjoying a casual hit of golf? Not quite.

Meet Tim—Northern Beaches local, surfer, skateboarder and weekend gym-goer. But earlier this year, everything changed.

On a Saturday evening, while heading to a concert with friends, Tim hired an e-bike at Circular Quay. Minutes later, the Sydney Light Rail was brought to a standstill—Tim was lying across the tracks, unconscious and bleeding. He was rushed to St Vincent’s Hospital for emergency brain surgery. His prognosis? Uncertain. Doctors told his family he may never walk again.

Fast forward five months… Tim is walking 8 km a day, back at work part-time and finding joy in the simple act of walking—something he once took for granted. He says the rehab journey has changed him. He’s more positive, grateful and determined to share his story if it helps just one person.

We’re honoured to have Tim join us at the Brydens Lawyers Royal Rehab Chairman’s Golf Day, where he’ll be hitting the green and sharing his incredible recovery journey—a journey made possible thanks to the care of our Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service and donors to our Foundation.

⛳ Support Tim and others like him by joining us for a game of Ambrose style golf or wine tasting and lunch.
📅 Thu 28 Aug 2025
📍 Concord Golf Club

Together, we can give more people the chance to rebuild their lives.

🎟 Book your team today!
Places are limited and sell out quickly—secure a ticket or a team of four from https://events.humanitix.com/brydens-lawyers-royal-rehab-chairmans-golf-day-2025.

👉 Sponsor now
Explore your sponsorship opportunities, just like our major sponsor Brydens Lawyers and supporters Wild Golf , Genesis Castle Hill , Fuse Technology, Totally Workwear, Mr Sold, North Ryde Golf Club , Gladesville Cellarbrations, Sophos and Tyrrell's Wines have.

25/07/2025

A heartfelt thank you to the Ducati Owners Club of NSW for their incredible $20,000 donation presented at their fundraising event this week.

For 47 years, the unwavering support of DOCNSW has helped us continue our mission — to create a world without limits for people living with disability, injury or illness. We are so grateful for this generous donation and look forward to using this contribution to support those who need it most.

23/07/2025

A Future of Possibility: Exploring a New Partnership

We’re excited to share that Royal Rehab Group is exploring a potential merger with Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA): a respected not-for-profit with more than 50 years of leadership in peer-led programs, advocacy and lived experience.

In an increasingly complex healthcare and disability landscape, we believe now is the time to think boldly. This potential partnership is about bringing together our strengths - Royal Rehab’s clinical and rehabilitation expertise with SCIA’s lived experience and community leadership - to create something stronger, more connected, and more impactful.

We are still in the early stages, but we’re guided by a shared vision:
* Better access to services in more locations
* A unified voice to drive real change
* A care model that genuinely puts people first

Together, we have an opportunity to build something truly special - a future shaped by purpose and powered by people.

Learn more: https://royalrehabgroup.com.au/news/a-future-of-possibility-exploring-a-new-partnership/

21/07/2025

Stunt pilot and Royal Rehab Ryde patient Glenn Collins shares his story of survival and recovery following a harrowing crash at the Avalon Airshow earlier this year.

Watch the full story now on 7plus.

https://7plus.com.au/7news-spotlight

16/07/2025

Kids of Royal Rehab (KORR) Day

We were thrilled to recently host our Kids of Royal Rehab (KORR) School Holiday program, a fun and meaningful day for children who have a loved one living with a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury.

The day offered a safe and supportive space to connect with others, share experiences, and gain a better understanding of their family member’s journey. Activities included wheelchair sports, exploring assistive technology and mobility aids, creating personalised “Feel Better Bags”, and having open conversations about big feelings.

One participant described it as “the best day ever!”

The KORR program runs every school holiday period, and we look forward to welcoming more kids to future sessions.

13/07/2025

The Cairns Marathon Festival was a sea of orange on Sunday! A huge thank you to everyone who showed up and proudly represented Royal Rehab LifeWorks.

A special shoutout to our amazing client Matthew Caruana from Royal Rehab LifeWorks Ryde, who flew up from Sydney to demo the EksoNR exoskeleton, one of over 35 cutting-edge rehab technologies we use across our centers to support people with neurological conditions.

At Royal Rehab LifeWorks, we’re all about combining care, expertise and innovation to help people get the most out of their rehab journey.

What a day! 🧡