A Future of Possibility: Exploring a New Partnership
Royal Rehab Group is excited to share that we are in the early stages of exploring a potential merger with Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) – a respected not-for-profit organisation with over 50 years of leadership in peer-led support, advocacy, and lived experience. This potential partnership represents a bold and forward-thinking step toward a more connected and impactful future for the people we serve. By combining Royal Rehab’s clinical and rehabilitation expertise with SCIA’s deep roots in community leadership and lived experience, we aim to create a stronger, more accessible and person-centred network.Why this merger matters
In today’s complex disability and healthcare landscape, standing still is not an option. Rising demand, shifting funding models, and increasing resource pressures are making it more difficult for organisations to deliver the long-term support our communities need. This potential merger is about securing a stronger future – one that enables both Royal Rehab Group and SCIA to grow, adapt, and deepen our impact. Together, we are guided by a shared goal:- Greater access to services across more locations
- A unified voice to drive meaningful sector-wide change
- A care model that genuinely puts people first – not just in principle, but in practice
Looking ahead
While no final decision has been made, both organisations are engaging in open and respectful discussions, driven by a shared belief that we can achieve more together. We are committed to keeping our communities informed throughout this process. Together, we see the potential to build something truly special – a future where more people, in more places, can access the services, support and advocacy they deserve.What this could mean for SCIA members, Royal Rehab clients and the community
- Access to a broader network of programs, including neurological rehab, assistive technology, aged care, and supported community living.
- More opportunities to connect, mentor, and share lived experience within a larger community.
- With Royal Rehab’s reach, SCIA’s advocacy work will grow louder and more influential — advancing change across policy, access, and inclusion.
What this could mean for SCIA and Royal Rehab Group staff
- A merger enhances long-term stability while opening opportunities including professional growth and new pathways within a larger, multidisciplinary organisation.
- SCIA’s commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and respect remains central — and is deeply aligned with Royal Rehab Group’s own culture of care, innovation and impact.
About Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA)
SCIA is a national member-based organisation and registered NDIS provider, founded by people with spinal cord injury (SCI). For more than five decades, SCIA has worked to ensure people with spinal cord injury and other neurological conditions are heard, supported, and empowered.
- National reach: SCIA delivers services across Sydney, regional NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and the ACT.
- Peer-led approach: Over 51% of SCIA’s board and membership are people with disability, with lived experience embedded in all levels of leadership.
- Diverse services: SCIA provides peer support, advocacy, employment services, exercise therapy, and more.
- A recognised DPO: As a Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO), SCIA is part of an internationally recognised movement driven by and for people with disability.
