Is Townsville Speech Pathology Services a registered NDIS provider?

Townsville Speech Pathology Services is not currently listed as a registered NDIS provider on the NDIS Commission register. They may still support plan-managed or self-managed NDIS participants — contact them to confirm.

What services does Townsville Speech Pathology Services provide?

Townsville Speech Pathology Services provides Speech Therapy.

Which areas does Townsville Speech Pathology Services cover?

Townsville Speech Pathology Services is based in Garbutt, QLD.

How do I connect with Townsville Speech Pathology Services?

You can call +61 7 4728 8744 and visit their website, or send an enquiry through EarlyBloom — it goes straight to the provider and is always free for families.

Do I need a referral to see a speech pathologist?

No referral is needed to see one privately. You only need a GP referral if you want to access Medicare rebates or are going through certain funded pathways.

Is speech therapy covered by the NDIS?

It can be, usually under Capacity Building / Improved Daily Living, if it aligns with your child's plan goals. Check your plan or ask your support coordinator.

At what age should we see a speech pathologist?

There's no "too early." If you have concerns about your child's talking or understanding at any age, an assessment can clarify whether support would help.

How long are sessions and how many will we need?

Sessions are typically 30-60 minutes. The number depends on your child's goals; the pathologist will recommend a plan after the initial assessment.

Townsville Speech Pathology Services · Speech Therapy · Garb…

What Townsville helps with

Speech Sound Assessment and Therapy

Assessment and intervention for speech sound development difficulties.

Language Therapy

Therapy and support to help children build understanding and use of language — including vocabulary, grammar, listening comprehension and conversational skills. Delivered by a speech pathologist, it addresses both what a child understands and how they express themselves.

Social Skills Therapy

Therapy and group programs that teach children and young people the skills needed to interact effectively with others — such as turn-taking, reading social cues, making conversation and managing conflict. Often delivered in small groups to allow real-life practice with peers.

Literacy Skills Support

Intervention for literacy skill development.

Fluency/Stuttering Therapy

Assessment and therapy for fluency disorders and stuttering.

Voice Production Therapy

Intervention for voice production difficulties.

Eating, Drinking and Swallowing Therapy

Intervention for dysphagia and feeding difficulties including picky eaters across all ages.

Complex Communication and AAC

Intervention for complex communication needs and augmentative and alternative communication associated with disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Delay.

Hearing Loss and Cochlear Implant Support

Therapy for clients with hearing loss or cochlear implants.

Auditory Processing Disorder Therapy

Intervention for auditory processing difficulties.

Individual and Group Sessions

Sessions for intervention offered as individual or group therapy.

Home and School Programs

Consultation and program development for home and school settings.

Outreach Services

Services provided to schools or educational centres as arranged on an individual basis.

Home Visits

Therapy or support delivered in the client's home or community setting rather than in a clinic. This approach allows therapists to work within the real environment where skills need to be applied, which can lead to more practical, lasting outcomes.

Swallowing Management Consultations

Consultations provided to clients referred from nursing homes.

NDIS and HCWA/Better Start Support

Registered provider services for NDIS and HCWA/Better Start schemes with assistance in planning and therapy goal formulation.

Our approach

The service uses a family and client centred approach to intervention, supporting needs and concerns about communication and swallowing. All therapists use evidence-based practices and work with families to create individualised plans that suit each child's specific needs. Sessions may be delivered individually or in groups, and can include strategies applied at home and in educational settings. The service offers a range of specialised programs across areas like speech sounds, language, social skills, fluency, swallowing, and alternative communication support for children with autism, developmental delay, and other complex needs.

Working with families

Parents are asked to attend an education, planning and goal setting session after the initial assessment to discuss the therapy plan and formulate goals together. Intervention may include home and school programs as part of the therapy approach. The service encourages consultation between the therapist and other support agencies including medical staff, allied health professionals, educational consultants and community health workers. Outreach services to schools or home visits can be arranged in consultation with the speech pathologist as needed.

Meet the team

The team includes two co-directors: Melinda Bow and Susan Dodd, each with over 20 years of speech pathology experience. Melinda specialises in developmental delay, voice disorders and dysphagia; Susan works primarily with children and adolescents with interests in motor speech disorders, autism, developmental delay and cochlear implants. Kendall McSherry has 10 years experience with a special interest in disability and alternative/augmentative communication. Penny Hain has over 11 years experience with expertise in communication and feeding, particularly paediatric swallowing difficulties and complex communication needs. All staff hold a minimum certified bachelor's degree in speech pathology and have completed specialised training across various evidence-based programs. Tash Austin-Brown provides essential administrative support and NDIS navigation.

Your first visit

New referrals typically complete a full assessment to gather thorough information about the child's communication or swallowing difficulties. After the assessment is completed and results calculated, parents attend an education, planning and goal setting session to discuss the therapy plan and formulate specific goals that meet the child's individual needs. Length and frequency of intervention sessions are decided in consultation with the speech pathologist, with three levels of intervention consultations available (Levels A, B, and C) reflecting the length and complexity of each session.

Townsville Speech Pathology Services

What families say

About Townsville Speech Pathology Services