When standard freight options could not reach the community of Doomadgee, the Country Care Group Townsville team made a simple decision: they would drive the equipment there themselves.
The backstory
Doomadgee sits on the Nicholson River in Far North West Queensland, home to Gangalidda, Waanyi, Garrawa and Yunjulla peoples, and over 1,000km from Cairns. For residents here, access to essential services is a real challenge.
Local OT Dion Green had been working with Country Care Group's Townsville store since August to source Assistive Technology for community members, including beds, lift chairs, wheelchairs, rollators, cushions and mattresses.
The plan was to freight everything up. But weather delays pushed the timeline out, more orders came in, and it became clear that standard transport was not going to cut it.
Loading up and heading out
Townsville Store Manager Jeff Murray, alongside team members Tara Dolan and Jacinta Green, made the call to drive it up themselves.
Around 36 hours of driving across three days and two nights took the team from Townsville to Normanton, then four more hours to Doomadgee.
"I just wanted to make sure it was done properly and done right. I wanted to make sure every order was delivered."
Jeff MurrayThe people who made it happen
On arrival, the team quickly discovered that local knowledge was everything. Doomadgee has no street signs and no house numbers.
A young local named Adam stepped in, helping carry equipment door to door and navigating the community with ease. All deliveries were completed in a single day.
"We could not have done it without him. He just mucked in. Real community spirit."
Jeff MurrayOne delivery landed on a resident's birthday: a brand new bed and lift chair, with the recipient particularly excited about being able to sit comfortably and watch the footy.
Assistive Technology is more than equipment.
For people living in remote communities, the right equipment can mean comfort, independence, dignity and connection to everyday life.
What it means for OT's in remote areas
For OT's prescribing AT in remote communities, logistics is rarely a footnote. It can be the hardest part.
Standard freight does not always reach these places reliably, and delays can mean clients going without critical equipment for months.
This trip showed that direct delivery can be a genuine option, one that ensures equipment arrives safely, is handed over in person, and gets to the right client.
If you are working in a remote setting, it is worth talking to us early, not just about the equipment, but about how it is actually going to get there.