The Broken Hill Benevolent Society’s team is expanding with four new members to join the organisation’s existing multidisciplinary team that supports residents of the Silver City with a range of services.
Operating since 1813,The Benevolent Society has been providing integrated support services to children, young people and families, older Australians, carers, and they offer uniquely tailored disability supports and programs to people of all ages living with a disability.
The Benevolent Society on Sulphide St now has more capacity to accept referrals from people requiring disability support services, such as occupational therapy, behaviour support, psychology, and NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) Support Coordination, with four new team members jumping onboard.
The newly appointed team members include two Support Coordinators, a psychologist, and a Disability Connect Partner.
Occupational Therapist (OT), Peter Clottu, relocated to Broken Hill seven years ago bringing more than four decades of experience working within mental health, intellectual disability, and substance abuse and homelessness.
“During my seven years in Broken Hill, there has been a steady increase in demand for occupational therapy services across a spectrum of specialities particularly regarding NDIS. In many cases there are long wait times and an increase in service provision by FIFO (fly-in fly out) that does not satisfy demand. This is not exclusive to OT as there is also a large demand for medical and other allied health services.
“The Covid lockdowns reduced the availability of face-to-face services with a subsequent increase in telehealth consultations which only partially meet demand. The Covid pandemic also seemed to reduce the numbers of workers within the health sector applying for employment within Broken Hill and surrounds.”
“My areas of work within the broad brush of OT are mainly, homelessness, mental health, drug and alcohol and intellectual disability,” said Mr Clottu.
Disability Services Team Leader, Alice Thompson, brings extensive experience working in youth and community care services, and two experienced Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioners, Tanya Dowdy, and Hayley Burzacott, will join the team on a regular FIFO basis.
Ms Thompson says she’s looking forward to supporting the team as they continue to provide the best possible services for the people of Broken Hill.
“We’re thrilled our Broken Hill team is expanding. If anyone in the community requires disability support services, such as occupational therapy, behaviour support, psychology or NDIS Support Coordination, The Benevolent Society can help,” said Ms Thompson.
The Benevolent Society office is located at Unit 2, 23 Sulphide St. To find out more or to book a service, call 1800 236 762 or go to benevolent.org.au
