Business owner Lucy Horne proudly represented the Murray Riverina region at the finals in Sydney last Wednesday, as did representatives of The Depot which was a finalist in the Outstanding Visitor Experience category.
The award recognises the commitment shown by DeniSPOT - which stands for - Deniliquin Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy - to bringing dynamic high-quality allied health services to families across the region, including Deniliquin, Hay, Finley, Mayrung, Blighty, Mathoura, Bunnaloo, Moulamein and Moama.
In just over 18 months, DeniSPOT has opened clinics in Deniliquin and Finley and travels to Hay weekly to ensure rural families can access therapy close to home.
Founder, speech pathologist and special education teacher Lucy Horne said the award reflects the heart and determination behind the service.
“As a mum who has navigated therapy for my own child, I know how hard it can be in the bush,” she said.
“Bush kids should not be disadvantaged due to their postcode.
“I didn’t want local families to be separated due to travel or wait for help, I wanted support to be here, in our community.”
Mrs Horne said the achievement is one shared with the whole region.
“We are incredibly proud to have represented the Murray Riverina,” she said.
“Empathy matters, but strategy and action change lives. We turn insight into solutions, so rural families thrive, not just cope.”
DeniSPOT’s growing team includes local and returning clinicians committed to rural children and families.
Alice McMahon, key worker and early childhood specialist, said the supportive culture and child-centred vision set DeniSPOT apart.
"At DeniSPOT, we shape therapy around the child, not the other way around.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to provide neuro-affirming, child and family-centred therapy to rural and remote children who previously had limited access to support.
“It’s an amazing feeling to see the difference the DeniSPOT team is making.
“The flexibility to build genuine relationships, individualise our sessions, and deliver therapy that is both meaningful and celebrates each child’s strengths creates lasting change for children, families, and communities.
“This is what makes DeniSPOT so special."
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