More 'Space to Grow' Occupational Therapy in 2026
It was time to find some rooms for Occupational Therapy. I discovered Space to Grow Allied Health as an ideal place to work in early 2026.
Space to Grow Allied Health is a Brisbane-based clinic offering paediatric speech and occupational therapy with a family-centered approach.
Working from rooms reduces the therapist's travel costs. This helps to stretch funding further as the NDIS and Medicare government schemes change over time.
Sandra Kirkwood, Occupational Therapist, new at Space to Grow in 2026.
Space to Grow: Allied Health is an ideal place to practice as an Occupational Therapist, along with Speech Pathologists, Allied Health Assistants, and Practice Manager. I'm thankful for the admin/management support and the multi-disciplinary team approach.
We are exploring creative ways of collaborating with children, youth, young adults and families. Clients have a wide range of abilities, interests, and needs. Therapists build skills through children's play and meaningful occupations. Assistive technologies are explored to increase function and independence in daily living activities.
The Space to Grow Clinic is located at Shop 4, 85 Joseph Banks Avenue within the Forest Lake shopping precinct. We are co-located with: a Bakery with Vietnamese coffee and Bahn Mi; a Cheesecake Shop; Barber; Laundromat; Chinese Restaurant; and a SPAR grocery store. It is a short drive to stroll around the Lake to enjoy the natural environment.
The neighbourhood around Forest Lake and Inala is culturally diverse with many restaurants and cultural facilities. I am learning to adapt to new social and cultural contexts--constantly revising my therapy methods to tailor to local needs. Communication boards and assistive technologies have been developed to bridge language barriers. I enjoy the challenge of designing new active learning approaches that incorporate cultural beliefs and interests of families.
The usual Occupational Therapy online assessments are sometimes too long and complex for use with parents and clients when English is not the first language. The Vineland-3 Adaptive Behaviour Scale is available in English and Spanish. I am exploring more assessments that are available in a wider range of languages. We use telephone interpreter services to support parent's involvement with therapy. Family participation is important for understanding insider cultural meanings and children's behaviour.
So far, music-making has supported communication through singing and playing instruments--crossing language barriers and age gaps. We can share in multi-cultural expression through drumming and World Music. Movement to music assists with developing motor skills and builds relationships across generations.
There is a playground across the road from the Space to Grow Centre which provides opportunities for sensory and gross motor development. An Early Childhood Centre is located next door to Space to Grow.
Space to Grow Allied Health offers therapy assessment and developmental therapy programs on site or through home and school visits. Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists assess for assistive technologies and home modifications. Various alternatives are demonstrated and developed according to individual needs. Applications are made to funding bodies. Assessment and therapy reports are provided.
Parent education and training resources are provided on a range of topics relevant to infants, children, teens and young adults.
Community Cultural facilities nearby include:
1. Dandiiri Schools and Community Library, Inala (Education Qld) https://tinyurl.com/dandiiri
Email: dandiiri.library@qed.qld.gov.au
2. Ngutana-Lui A&TSI Cultural Studies Centre, Inala (Bris Catholic Education)
Web: https://www.ngutanalui.qld.edu.au
Email: ngutanalui@bne.catholic.edu.au
3. Inala Wangarra Inc. Our Meeting Place, Creative Arts Program
Web: https://inalawangarra.com.au
Email: creativearts@inalawangarra.com.au
4. YMCA School Breakfast Programs locally and throughout Queensland:
Web: https://ymcaqueensland.org.au/services/schools-breakfast-program
5. Inala Community Centre: Guitar and Ukulele lessons on Tuesdays from 11am to 1pm. The HUB is a lively, friendly Neighbourhood Centre, located in Inala.
Web: http://www.hubcommunity.org.au
Email: hello@hubcommunity.org.au
6. Brisbane South Toy Library: 75 Old Progress Rd, Richlands. Opens Thursday & Saturday (fortnightly) from 9:30am to11am. Contact Adelle m. 0406 821 225.
Web: https://www.brissouthtoylibrary.org.au/ (Toy library is located under the Kyabra building).
Email: brissouth.toylibrary@gmail.com
7. Kyabra Community Association--South West Family Support Service: is located at 75 Old Progress Rd, Richlands. (07) 3846 5654. KICS_SFS@kummara.org.au
Web: https://kyabra.org/
Email: KICS_SFS@kummara.org.au
8. Kummara Family Wellbeing Service: Inala and Forest Lake Family Wellbeing Service is located in Inala at 59-61 Lorikeet Street, next to the Serviceton South State School. T. (07) 3128 0940
A free Playgroup is held on Fridays at 9:30am.
Web: https://www.kummara.org.au/inala-and-forest-lake-family-wellbeing-service
Email: administration@kummara.org.au
I'm interested to learn more about local supports and have been visiting services to build bridges with communities. Community Cultural visits are an opportunity to learn and discuss how to respond to local needs that cross disciplinary borders. Health, education, disability and social services support the health of individuals, families and communities. The therapists are important for helping parents and young people to navigate services and supports. We are adapting to changes in the NDIS, Medicare funding landscape and finding new ways of working.
Term 3, 2026
This term is devoted to active learning and exploration of Creative Arts and Music through play. The environment has creative materials that encourage experimentation. We can work in a wet room with a sensory table that has tubs for materials (rice, water, paints, play doh, and materials found in the natural environment). Children explore the Wallaroo Way Park playground across the road with swings, climbing, and make-believe play. The creek and bushland at Forest Lake and Doolandella have paths for walking or riding bikes and scooters. Children are supported with active learning according to their developmental level and cultural background. Creative arts and music experiences are tailored to children's and family interests. Cultural connection with communities and networking is encouraged. Parents are knowledgeable and involved with sessions--experimenting with designing the optimal learning conditions for their children.
Please contact us if you would like to know more about what is offered at Space to Grow Allied Health.
Sandra Kirkwood
Occupational Therapist
sandra@spacetogrow.au
m. 0488 624 362
Space to Grow Allied Health
Web: https://spacetogrow.au/
Phone: 0493 719 759
Email: admin@spacetogrow.au
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