ACARES x The Next Step

“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip – toe if you must, but make sure you take The Next Step!” ~ The Next Step 

Recently we had the pleasure of meeting the inspiring Rhiannon Tracey – founder of The Next Step. Rhiannon was a young aspiring singer and veterinary nurse, enjoying a holiday overseas before a freak diving incident dramatically changed her life forever. Just a few months shy of her 21st birthday she was diagnosed a C-5 quadriplegic – but this wasn’t going to stop this tenacious individual with a zest for life.

Fast-forward 3 years and with the support of her mother Sharyn, Rhiannon founded The Next Step – a non-for-profit organisation. Not long after in 2014 she opened The Next Step Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Centre in Thomastown, Victoria. The Next Step Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Centre is a recovery facility catering for individuals with neurological disorders wanting to obtain a greater quality of life and regain their independence.

After visiting the centre firsthand we were blown away by the dedication that Rhiannon and her team of Allied Health Professionals displayed, in addition to their commitment to helping those around them achieve positive outcomes. The centre was nothing short of impressive with specialised equipment throughout, complete with its own “chill out” area and kitchen, open to visitors wanting to gather more information about the programs on offer, or simply wanting to stop and chat to their friendly team. For all of these reasons we are proud to partner with The Next Step and develop a scholarship program to help fund the recovery goals of their members.

Stay tuned for more information regarding the lucky recipient of this years’ 2017 ACARES x The Next Step Scholarship Program.

In the meantime if you wish to donate to or learn more about Australia’s only not-for-profit spinal cord centre, click here to visit their site.