Brenna – Institute for Urban Indigenous Health

Increased Speech & OT Capacity

We’re excited to share that in 2026, the Disability Services team will be expanding our capacity for Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy services across South East Queensland. This growth will allow us to support even more participants and families within our communities.

Stay tuned for more information in the new year – including locations and referral details!

Communication Device Support Now Available

Our Speech Pathologists can now support Mob with NDIS plans who are needing communication devices. Whether it’s an assessment, trial, or learning how to use your device, our team is here to make sure you’ve got the tools that work for you.

Growing Exercise Physiology services

Our Exercise Physiology (EP) services have recently expanded, allowing us to support more participants across the region.

Through the NDIS, our EP team can assist with:

Building strength, balance and mobility
Managing chronic health conditions
Developing exercise and movement routines
Improving daily living skills and independence
Supporting overall wellbeing and quality of life
Hydrotherapy sessions to support movement, recovery, and confidence in the water
Deadly Sporting pathway – Inclusive Exercise Physiology Group Program for Children with Disabilities building their self confidence and love for sport

We’re excited to continue helping participants reach their goals through culturally safe and holistic exercise programs keeping Mob strong, active and healthy.

Prep Readiness

We’re introducing a new program designed to support our jarjum in getting ready for school. The program is NDIS-funded and delivered by a team of Allied Health Professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists and Therapy Assistants. We will walk alongside families to ensure your jarjum has the support they need for the next big chapter in their life.

Deadly Explorers

We’re kicking off 2026 with a new, hands-on program run by our Speech and OT team! In January, we’ll be introducing Deadly Explorers – a three week program that will run for three hours on Tuesdays. Our deadly explorers will learn, create and discover with science experiments, nature adventures and cooking creations.

Queensland Murri Carnival

The Disability Services team had an incredible time at this year’s Queensland Murri Carnival (QMC). Throughout the week, we enjoyed the opportunity to yarn with participants, families, and community members, sharing information about our services and celebrating the strength and pride of our Mob. It was a deadly week filled with connection, culture and community spirit. We’re already looking forward to yarning with you again at QMC 2026!

Looking Ahead to 2026

The Disability Services team recently enjoyed a productive and inspiring offsite planning day at Tallebudgera. The morning was dedicated to strategic planning for 2026 and beyond, with the team reflecting on achievements, setting goals, and brainstorming innovative ways to strengthen our services and support for our deadly participants.

In the afternoon, we visited the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre for a guided cultural walk. This enriching experience provided an opportunity to connect with Country, learn about the rich Aboriginal history of the Gold Coast, and deepen our understanding of the land’s cultural significance. The day was a perfect balance of reflection, connection and forward planning by setting a strong foundation for the next chapter of Disability Services at IUIH.

Disability Access Team Cultural Team Building Day – A Powerful Visit to Cherbourg and the Ration Shed Museum

Recently, the Disability Access team came together for a cultural team-building day, spending time on Country at Cherbourg. We had the privilege of visiting the Cherbourg Historical, Cultural and Community Precinct including the Ration Shed Museum.

It was a powerful day, filled with a wide range of emotions from sadness and grief, to pride and deep respect. We listened to courageous Aunties and Uncles who generously shared their personal stories of life on the missions. Their words offered raw and honest insights into the deep injustices they experienced – stories of families being torn apart, children removed from their parents and siblings, and cultural identity stripped away through forced assimilation.

These stories left many of us feeling a mix of anger, heartbreak, inspiration and a strong need for reflection. It was a powerful reminder of the intergenerational trauma still present in our communities today and of the strength, resilience and survival of our people.

For our team, this experience deepened our understanding of the barriers our families continue to face. It reaffirmed the importance of delivering our work through a culturally safe and respectful lens.

We walked away with greater awareness, empathy, and commitment to continue walking alongside our families in a way that honours their stories and culture.

We are truly grateful for the opportunity to connect with community and history in such a meaningful way.

Despite popular belief, Speech Pathology isn’t just for those needing support with a stutter or lisp. Our speechies can support you with a range of communication techniques – from speaking, listening, understanding language, to reading and writing, as well as eating, drinking and swallowing.

For our Mob, communication is deeply connected to culture, Country, kinship and identity. We offer culturally safe speech pathology services for both jarjum and adults.

We yarned with one of our deadly speechies, Emily Brennan, to find out a little more about her role.

What is a typical day like in your role?

There’s no ‘typical day’ at IUIH! Every day is dynamic.

In clinic, a day can include new assessments or sessions with existing clients. I’ve worked with some of my clients since I first started with IUIH. It’s definitely rewarding seeing them develop and meet their goals. I’m lucky to work in a Multidisciplinary Team which creates a really collaborative environment. Working alongside an Occupational Therapist is a rarity in Speech Pathology but that holistic approach truly makes a world of difference both for myself and my clients.

What’s been your biggest takeaway from working at IUIH?

Working at IUIH has taught me to think outside of what’s ‘tangible’. It’s not about deciding where your client is at, it’s about letting them tell you and working towards their goals together. I’ve been challenged to think outside the box, especially when working with my long-term clients. Everybody is different – why try and confine someone to one way of working?

Can you tell us a moment that’s stood out?

I have so many stand-out moments – it’s hard to choose!

One I remember really clearly is a client I was working with when I first started at IUIH. A mum had a child with autism and wanted to develop their communication skills. We had both thought her child may be non-verbal for the rest of their life.

This mum was amazing! She went above and beyond to provide support and absorbed everything she could about speech pathology. The three of us worked together on non-verbal communication tools, like signing and felt boards, for about three years.

A little after the child’s fifth birthday, they said their first words – not just a word but a whole sentence! We were blown away. That was one of those moments that made me remember what I do this for. Every day, I get the chance to make a real difference in someone’s life.

What is your favourite part of working at IUIH?

I’m privileged to say I genuinely love going to work. IUIH allows me flexibility, learning on my feet, and the opportunity to develop lifetime skills for both me and my clients.

There’s a real emphasis on connection here. Before I studied Speech Pathology, I completed a Bachelor of Psychology so I definitely understand the importance of having a yarn. I’m always yarning with clients, colleagues, and community – it’s those connections which develop your skills and make you a better speechie.

What activities are you recommending to clients right now?

Check out the NYT games – Wordle and Connections are great ways to practice your language skill!

I’ve also been getting jarjum playing with the ‘helicopter’ leaves. We drop them off the stairs and there’s so many great words we get to use; drop, spin, fall, pick up!

Interested in a career with IUIH as a Speech Pathologist?

To find out more about opportunities with us, see Current Vacancies.

Think you or a loved one might benefit from seeing a Speechie?

If you have had your 715 health check, or have a GP management plan, you can request a referral from your doctor.

Or you can yarn with your doctor or nurse at one of our clinics.

To see more about Speech Pathology for children and adults, visit our Speech and Language page.

Improving and Integrating Urban Indigenous Health Services