The Warners Bay Place

06/08/2026

This morning Lauren sat down with our local federal member, the Honourable Pat Conroy MP, alongside three other local allied health leaders, to talk about what the NDIS changes actually mean for children and families here.

In the room: speech pathology, physiotherapy (Kids Physio Newcastle), occupational therapy (The OT Coach Australia) and dietetics (Aim High Therapy Services).

Hundreds of local children between us, and a lot of years of experience.

Here is what we asked for:

Clarity. Families deserve to know what is changing, when, and what it means for their child. Right now nobody can answer that properly, and the uncertainty is landing on you.

No gaps. Support should not be taken away before something else is ready to take its place.

A local workforce that can stay. The people who see your children live and work here, and we want them still here in five years.

We were heard, and we are grateful for that. There is more to do and we will keep doing it.

If you are worried about your child's funding or what happens next, please talk to us. You do not have to work it out on your own.

04/08/2026

Today, on National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, we are taking a moment to consider an important question:

Are the places where children learn, play and receive support creating genuine space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to see their culture reflected, share their stories and know their voices are valued?

Listening to children means more than giving them an opportunity to speak. It means being willing to learn from what they tell us, recognising the knowledge held within families and communities, and ensuring culture, identity and connection are treated as strengths.

At A Growing Understanding, we know culturally responsive practice is not something that can be simply acknowledged on one day and considered complete. It requires continued listening, reflection, learning and meaningful action.

Today, we celebrate the strength, stories, knowledge and potential of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and continue to consider what each of us can do (today and every day) to ensure they grow up feeling seen, heard, connected and proud.

03/08/2026

It’s on again! Tomorrow Dr Jacey will be on IG stories answering your questions from just after lunch 🥗 in our new segment ‘Ask Dr Jacey’.

Dr Jacey Pryjma is our Director and founded the Australian Children’s Chiropractic Centre in 2016. She has been a Chiropractor for almost 20years!

While she is off with her new baby and absent from adjusting, she loves to support our community with her pearls of wisdom.

Not only is she a passionate educator for the community, Dr Jacey also has taught Chiropractic Paediatric seminars to Chiropractors for 15years. When in practice, she dedicates a third of her week to mentoring and collaborating with our Chiropractors at ACCC.

🙋‍♀️ Have your questions ready for tomorrow and keep an eye out for the questions box in the stories.

02/08/2026

02/08/2026

To our wonderful CA, Claire - wishing you a very happy birthday!!

You bring so much joy to our team and all of the families that you support. Thank you for everything you do. 🥰

Enjoy your special day! 💐🥳

01/08/2026

29/05/2026

Last night, at the Speech Pathology Australia AGM, Lauren was officially appointed to the SPA Board as a General Director, alongside Tim Kittel and Megan Ingram, owner of Peninsula Plus

This is a significant professional milestone, and one we are incredibly proud to celebrate.

Lauren’s day-to-day work with our team, and with the children and families we support, remains the same. What changes is that she will now also contribute to the leadership of the profession at a national level, bringing with her the experience she has built through private practice, governance, advocacy and service development.

The perspective Lauren carries into this work is shaped by the realities clinicians and families are navigating every day: waitlists, NDIS reform, equitable access, sustainable service delivery, and the steady work of helping children communicate (in their way).

We think it matters to have people at that table who know what this work looks like up close.

Lauren would also like to acknowledge the outgoing directors and the current Board, including President Kathryn McKinley, for the work they have done, and continue to do, on behalf of the profession.

To every family who has trusted us with your child, and every clinician on our team who shows up for them with care, skill and commitment, thank you. 💜

This milestone is part of a bigger story, one shaped by families, clinicians, advocacy, and the shared work of helping children communicate, connect and grow.

04/05/2026

Newcastle Music & Art Therapy will be at the Hunter Disability Expo this Friday and Saturday!

You will be able to find us at stall SB24 - come and have a chat, learn more about art therapy and music therapy, and maybe even stretch your creative muscles a little!

Here are all of the important details:
📅 Friday 8th & Saturday 9th May 2026
⏰ 9am - 3pm
📍 Newcastle Entertainment Centre
🎟 Free Entry - Registration is essential
🔗 Register here - https://hunterdisabilityexpo.com.au/attend-expo/

IMAGE DESCRIPTION 🖼️
A map of the Newcastle Entertainment Centre as it will be set up for the Hunter Disability Expo. The entry to the building is marked at the top left, with the exit just underneath in the bottom left. There are rows of numbered boxes representing the stalls at the expo. Newcastle Music & Art Therapy's stall is at the bottom centre of the map marked with a red rectangle, and a red arrow pointing from the NMAT logo to the rectangle. The main stage is to the bottom right of the map.

02/05/2026

We recently celebrated a very special milestone for Dr Karina. As she completed her 3 Year Advanced Paediatric Mentor and Training Program, she will also now step into a leadership role within our team. 💛

Dr Karina’s transition into leadership is such a natural next step. Her deep knowledge of neurodevelopment and her passion for nervous system care make her an incredible mentor and advocate for both our team and our families.

Thank you Dr Karina. Thank you for three years of dedication, growth, and connection here at ACCC. Thank you for your commitment to our families, our team and our community. We are so grateful to have you as part of our team, and can't wait to see you continue to thrive and inspire! 💐☀️

Dr Karina will still be adjusting on the following days:
-Mondays from 8am
-Wednesdays from 8am
-Thursdays from 7.30am
-Every second Saturday from 8am

27/03/2026

Beautiful, big smiles to finish the week! 💙

They say it takes a village, and we are so honored to be a part of yours. 🕊️

Whether it’s a first chiropractic check-in or a regular visit, our goal is to create a space where both you and your baby feel heard, supported, and nurtured. We’re here to walk alongside you through every milestone, one smile at a time. 🤍