Strong communities are built on the people and organisations who quietly show up every day to support the wellbeing of others. In Inverell, two local service businesses are doing exactly that – providing care, opportunity and long-term support that reaches far beyond their front doors.
For more than 50 years, Northaven Ltd has been creating opportunities for people with disability across Inverell and the surrounding region, while Physio Effect is delivering personalised, high-quality physiotherapy care tailored to the needs of rural Australians.
Supporting inclusion and independence for more than five decades
Established in 1969 by dedicated local community members, Northaven Ltd is the oldest local disability service provider in Inverell. The community-based, not-for-profit organisation was founded with a vision of creating meaningful employment, training and social opportunities for people with disability – a mission it continues to uphold today.
Northaven’s services span a wide range of supports, from early intervention programs for children through to supported employment and social enterprise opportunities for adults living with disability.
Through operations including The Haven Café, The Haven Floristry & Giftware and its manufacturing services, Northaven provides real workplace experiences that help participants build confidence, skills and independence.
The organisation says its strength lies in being locally built, locally governed and community focused.
“At Northaven Ltd, our ‘locally made product’ is the service and support we provide to vulnerable people living with disability in our community,” the organisation said.
“What makes our service special is that it is built locally, by the community, for the community. For more than 50 years, we have been creating opportunities that empower people with disability to live meaningful, independent, and connected lives.”
Northaven is governed by a voluntary board of local community members and reinvests all profits directly back into supporting local people and programs.
“Because we are a not-for-profit organisation, everything we do is reinvested back into supporting local people,” the organisation said.
“The true value of our ‘product’ is seen in the lives changed, the opportunities created, and the stronger, more inclusive community we help build every day.”
Bringing quality physiotherapy care closer to home
At Physio Effect, physiotherapist Naomi Marks is passionate about ensuring rural communities can access quality healthcare without needing to travel long distances.
“Having grown up in a small rural town, I know how far we often have to travel just to access timely, quality healthcare,” Ms Marks said.
“That’s why I opened Physio Effect – to provide a committed, caring physiotherapy service right here in Inverell.”
As the sole practitioner at Physio Effect, Ms Marks provides continuity of care from the first appointment through to recovery, treating a broad range of conditions including sporting injuries, workplace injuries and women’s health concerns from pregnancy through to menopause.
“From your very first appointment to your last, you’ll deal with me and only me – ensuring consistent, personalised care from someone who genuinely knows you and your story,” she said.
Ms Marks also works with the University of Newcastle’s Department of Rural Health, helping strengthen the rural health workforce while continuing to expand her own knowledge through ongoing professional development.
“I’m a lifelong learner, dedicated to evidence-based, contemporary practice – continually growing and evolving so that every person who walks through my door receives the very best care, right here at home,” she said.
Based at Inverell’s aquatic centre, Physio Effect is also able to offer hydrotherapy and aquatic rehabilitation as part of treatment programs.
“I continuously invest in my own learning to make sure our community has access to current, quality physiotherapy care – right here at home, without the drive,” Ms Marks said.
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