Together OT

17/11/2025

Safety Update for Our Together OT Families

We’re pleased to confirm that our clinic has been given the all-clear from the asbestos assessor from both the current sand (from Kmart but not part of the recall) and use of the recalled Kmart brand in previous years.

Out of caution we have removed all sand from the clinic and will not be using kinetic sand in therapy sessions for the foreseeable future.

If anyone has any questions, please get in touch.

We are looking forward to restarting therapy sessions tomorrow.

16/11/2025

⚠️ Important Update: Kmart Sand Recall & Temporary Closure

Yesterday a national recall was issued for Kmart “Magic Sand” due to potential asbestos contamination. We wanted to let our families and community know that Together OT has used this sand. We are following WorkSafe ACT procedures and have already contacted licensed asbestos assessors to determine next steps.

To reassure families
💜 The risk to health is considered low, as the recall relates to non-respirable fibres.
💜 There is currently no need for children who have used this sand to seek medical attention as per national guidance.

Information for families that may have the Kmart or the Officeworks sand can be found on the ACCC product safety website.
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/about-us/product-safety-news/news/safe-disposal-and-health-information-for-consumers-with-recalled-sand-products

Out of an abundance of caution for the wellbeing of our children, families, and staff, Together OT will be temporarily closed 17/11/25 while we wait further advice.

Thank you for your understanding and patience. We will keep everyone updated as soon as we have more information.
Christy & the Together OT Team

A range of decorative and coloured sand products for children have been recalled as they may include asbestos. We are working with relevant agencies as this issue evolves.

05/11/2025

🌞 Together OT Holiday Therapy Groups January 2026
The school holidays are a great opportunity for children to recharge and build new skills in a supportive environment. This January, Together OT is running a series of small-group therapy programs designed to build regulation, confidence, and connection all through play, movement, creativity, and mindfulness.

🎨 Feel It. Paint It. Understand It.
Explore how body clues and emotions connect via art, sensory play, and mindfulness.
🧠 Focus: interoception, emotional awareness, creative expression
👧 Ages 8–12

💃 Move, Groove & Soothe
Build self-awareness and regulation through movement, rhythm, and relaxation.
🎵 Focus: sensory processing, body regulation, mindfulness
👦 Ages 5–8

And that’s just the beginning. We have more groups to be announced soon, supporting a range of ages and interests, including sensory play, social connection, and self-regulation.

Spaces are limited. Contact us to register or learn which group best fits your child.
📍 Together OT | Canberra
💌 info@together-ot.com.au | 📞 6189 4850

28/10/2025

🌤️ Little things make a big difference 🌤️

Yesterday, everything felt too loud and my focus was only lasting a few seconds at a time. I’d had my ADHD medication, was hydrated, and even wore noise-reducing headphones — but by the afternoon, I was agitated and unproductive.

A short walk and a few stretches in a quieter space completely changed things — calm returned, my problem-solving brain switched back on, and focus followed.

Then I realised what I had missed: my usual morning movement activities — hanging out washing and loading/unloading the dishwasher. Those few minutes of heavy work give my body the proprioceptive input it needs to regulate and help the rest of my strategies work.

💡 Just 5 minutes of morning movement can make a huge difference — for kids and adults alike.

10/09/2025

🎓 “Uni gave me the theory. Now I want to learn how to be the OT families need.”

At Together OT, you’ll get hands-on learning, neuroaffirming practice, and a team that has your back. Now hiring: Occupational Therapists (new grads welcome!)

📩 Apply today: info@together-ot.com.au

16/08/2025

🌟 Heading out for something work related that I’m excited about… but still finding the transition hard.

That’s the reality of being neurodivergent as even good changes can take extra energy.

It’s also why neuroaffirming therapists connect so well with kids and families. We truly get it, because we live it too. 💜

Christy – Director, Together OT (and proudly neurodivergent)

31/07/2025

Together OT has had a great 3 years at 6b Thesiger Court, Deakin, but now it is time to say goodbye to our first home in Deakin. We are happy to reassure all that our location at 1/35 Geils Court in Deakin is here to support our clients therapy needs!

18/07/2025

Thank you OTA Australia for your early childhood position paper—especially the acknowledgement that natural environments aren’t always effective for therapy.

At Together OT, we made the evidence-informed decision to shift regular sessions from schools and homes to our purpose-built clinic. Why? Because outcomes were consistently better.
✅ In schools, we were stuck in boardrooms with no access to classrooms or teachers.
✅ At home, parents were engaged—but space and resources limited therapy quality.
✅ Adapting on the fly in unsuitable environments drained staff and diluted outcomes.

Since centralising therapy:
- Parents are involved in every clinic session.
- Teachers engage more through targeted school observations.
- Our team of Allied Health Assistants, Key Woker and OTs collaborates more, plans better, and delivers stronger outcomes.

This model is working—qualitatively, quantitatively, and holistically. Yet NDIS frameworks continue to promote home/school-based therapy as best practice, with little acknowledgment of the very real barriers.

We’ll keep advocating for what actually works: high-quality, collaborative, evidence-based therapy that puts outcomes first.

The Foundational Supports for Children – Advice and actions for governments document has been developed by Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) in close collaboration with the occupational therapy community.