Building Connections and Expanding Support for Local Schools
In early June, a small group of the Allied Health Partnerships (AHP) team made the trip out to Dubbo. The purpose of the visit was simple: to spend time on the ground with the schools and families we support, deepen our relationships and better understand how we can be most helpful. It was a meaningful few days, full of warm welcomes, insightful conversations and moments that reminded us of why we do this line of work.
Meeting Dubbo West Students Face to Face
One of the highlights of the trip was visiting Dubbo West Public School. Isabella, one of AHP’s dedicated Speech Pathologists, has been working with some of these students for a while now. Their therapy sessions have always been via teletherapy. However, this trip to Dubbo allowed them to meet each other in person for the first time! it was incredibly special. The students, affectionately referring to her as “Miss Bella,” were thrilled to engage with her in person. They played games, laughed a lot and it was just so lovely to connect in a way that screens can’t always capture. These in-person moments reinforce just how important strong, trusting relationships are, and how even when we form our relationships over screens, our connection is still strong! The students and Isbella connected as if they had face to face therapy every week – although a few comments of “I didn’t realise you were this short” did come through!
Practical Support for Teachers
Alongside the student work, Katrina, one of our fantastic occupational therapists at AHP, spent time with teachers and SLSO’s at Dubbo West Public School. She was able to observe in their classroom and offer practical options that could help their students access the curriculum and classroom opportunities in a new way. Katrina was able to share ideas and strategies to help support students who find certain aspects of the classroom challenging. What stood out most, was how open and receptive the teachers and SLSOs were. These conversations weren’t about “quick fixes” – they were collaborative chats about what’s already working and where a bit of extra support could make a difference.
Wider School Engagement and Community Interest
The AHP team also met with several other schools across the Dubbo region. Each school had its own story, strengths and areas where they’d love extra support. It was clear that there’s a real desire and need for allied health services that are flexible, strengths-based and shaped around the needs of each school. By the end of the visit, six additional schools had expressed interest in exploring how we might work together – whether through demonstration sessions, strategy meetings or future partnerships. Since our trip to Dubbo, we have also had the opportunity to present to all of the DET Dubbo Primary Schools at their Principal’s meeting, here we continued to share information about our services and how we might be able to support their communities.
Connecting with Ronald McDonald House Charities
Another special part of the trip was partnering with Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney, who joined us during our time in Dubbo. Their ties with local families added another layer to the visit, giving us a chance to connect with families who have accessed their services in Westmead. Listening to their stories was a powerful reminder of how interconnected health, education and community support truly are and how important it is that we all work together.
Looking Ahead
The visit to Dubbo was just the beginning of what promises to be a flourishing partnership with the community. There’s more to do, more to learn and many more connections to be made. We left feeling energised, hopeful and grateful for the genuine interest shown by local educators and communities. With more meetings planned, AHP is excited about the growing interest and engagement from Dubbo schools. The team is committed to collaborating closely with local educators and families to understand their specific needs and provide tailored interventions.
AHP’s relationship with Dubbo West Public School serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration, compassion, and dedication. By fostering these connections, AHP not only strengthens educational and therapeutic outcomes but also contributes to the well-being of the broader Dubbo community.
AHP’s work is always about partnership – walking alongside schools and families to support children’s learning and development in ways that feel meaningful and achievable. The relationships we are building in Dubbo are already showing how much is possible when we listen, collaborate and stay focussed on what matters the most.
