It is with great sadness that we announce the closure of the Therapy Connect Alliance service on 30th June 2027, following more than 20 years of supporting children, families, educators, and early learning services across the Murwillumbah region. This decision follows changes to Australian Government funding arrangements, with the introduction of the new Children and Family Support (CaFS) Program from 1 July 2027. While the new program focuses on strengthening social and emotional wellbeing and supporting families, allied health services are no longer included within its funding scope.

Over the past two decades, Therapy Connect has supported more than 1,600 children and their families, as well as over 10 early childhood settings across the 2484 postcode region. Through the dedication of our multidisciplinary team of speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and social workers, children have been able to access timely support, early intervention, and pathways to additional services including the NDIS. We are incredibly proud of the impact this service has had on our community and the lasting difference it has made in the lives of local children and families.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to every member of the Therapy Connect team, past and present. In particular, Tania Teitzel and Karen Plant, who have served throughout the program’s entire 21-year journey, alongside the many speech pathologists from Therapy Matters (Rachel, Jacqui and Georgia), our social worker (Jacinta) and occupational therapists (Charmaine, Amy, Tori and Sarah) from K & C Village OT Services (formerly Kids & Community) who have all contributed their expertise, compassion, and commitment.

We also acknowledge and sincerely thank the YWCA, our facilitating partner, whose support, leadership, and shared commitment to community wellbeing have been instrumental in the success and longevity of the program.

While Therapy Connect is coming to an end, we want to reassure our community that Therapy Matters Speech Pathology and K & C Village OT Services will continue to provide both private and NDIS-funded speech pathology and occupational therapy services in our Murwillumbah clinic and beyond across the Tweed.

We are committed to working closely with families, early childhood services, schools, and community organisations to ensure children currently receiving support experience a smooth transition and remain connected to appropriate services.

To all the children, families, educators, partners, and staff who have been part of the Therapy Connect journey over the past 20 years, thank you. It has been a privilege to serve this community, and we are deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in us.