About Us

Move and Play Paediatric Therapy is a children’s allied health service based in Mackay, Queensland, that helps babies and children of all ages and abilities to develop into happy, confident and thriving kids.

We believe that all children, regardless of their abilities or differences, have value and should be given opportunity to achieve that value.

To help children achieve their potential, our experienced occupational therapists, speech pathologists and physiotherapists conduct comprehensive assessments, and develop individualised treatment programs that help children to move and play to the best of their ability. Our programs are tailored to each child and family’s individual needs and can consist of one to one therapy, group therapy, holiday programs, therapy assistant programs, and individualised supports to help your child to participate in their home, school, and community, social or sporting environments.

History

Founded in 2015 by Emily Hayles, Physiotherapist and Owner, Move and Play Paediatric Therapy was established to help meet the growing need for Paediatric Therapy services for children in the Mackay region. Having worked with children and families for 10years in the public health sector, Emily was frustrated with having to deliver what felt like suboptimal care to children due to time and resource constraints. She could see so much potential in these children, if only they could access better quality or more frequent care that had the flexibility to be delivered according to their individual needs including within their community environments.

Since our early days, our service has grown, and Emily has gathered a team of passionate and experienced therapists and support staff who share her passion and attitude for helping children and families to thrive.

What makes us unique?

At Move and Play, all our therapists are specifically trained in the care of babies and children. Our sole focus at our practice is the care of children and families, and our services and clinic environment is set up specifically to meet the needs of children. And we treat kids as kids – we believe in the value of kids being able to do the things that are important to them.

We work in a child and family centred way. We believe that parents know their children better than anyone else. We collaborate with children, parents and families to add value to their already existing strengths. We believe that your child’s therapy needs to fit into your family life, not life fitting around therapy.

We believe that every child has the capacity to learn, given the right opportunities. We look for these opportunities, not the barriers.

We celebrate all the little successes. Your child’s achievement of ‘millistones’ is just as important and exciting as their achievement of ‘milestones’.

We are known for being helpful, positive and passionate about our work, and for being leaders in helping children in our local community.

Our Service Principles

How we do things around here, based on our values.

Adapt your approach.
Each child and family is unique. We listen to your family’s specific needs and we always strive to do what’s best for your child.
Inform and support.
We never get tired of answering questions and we never dismiss a parent’s concerns.
Go beyond therapy.
We’ll do anything in our power to ensure your child and family gets the right type of support. If our service is not what your child needs, we’ll refer you to the most suitable provider.
Be kind.
We treat children like the precious human beings that they are, not like patients. We recognise the worry, stress and frustration that parents experience every day. We don’t criticize parents for missing home therapy. Instead, we find solutions to help them and we encourage them to celebrate the smallest of victories.
Aim for the “impossible” and do whatever is possible.

A diagnosis does not define your child. A prognosis is not written in stone. We always work towards the best possible outcome and we believe that practice makes progress.
Treat parents as partners.

Parents know their children like no one else. We share our recommendations but we also listen to parents and we learn from them everyday.
Challenge the status quo.

Each person has their own set of abilities and talents. A child is a child, regardless of conditions or circumstances. All children should have the same opportunities and advantages.