breakthru merger

There was cause for celebration when for-purpose disability support provider breakthru Ltd became a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Rehab on 29th November 2021, paving the way for the creation of more opportunities for more Australians to access industry-leading disability and rehabilitation services.

It was 25 years ago that a gentleman by the name of Ross Lewis founded breakthru. Ross saw a vast gap in the employment opportunities presented for people with disability compared to everyone else. This injustice sparked Ross’ ambition to change the world. He was determined that people living with disability should experience seamless inclusion within their communities, moving out of sheltered workshops into real working jobs. A quarter of a century later and spanning 23 locations across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, breakthru provides a range of disability support services. With a specific focus on helping those most in need, they offer specialist programs for people experiencing mental illness, a disability or health issue, long-term unemployment, unmet education goals or homelessness.

In 2021, Royal Rehab and breakthru saw the benefits of a merger – with each being able to offer complementary services. Nowhere else in Australia will clients be able to access the breadth and depth of services made possible by this union. breakthru clients can now access cuttingedge technology and expert clinical services, including neurological, cardiac, and orthopaedic rehabilitation services - as well as supported independent living and specialist disability accommodation. breakthru’s geographical footprint and employment and training services mean that Royal Rehab clients can now access bespoke disability support services, mental health supports and employment services across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. As a nationally recognised training provider breakthru will also be able to provide training for Royal Rehab’s aspiring disability support workers, allied health assistants and mental health professionals. With a combined 146 years of experience, specialist skills and expertise in the rehabilitation and disability support sectors, the merger will enable the sharing of training, upskilling, and research opportunities for the combined total of 1,300+ employees across the 25 locations, positively contributing to the health care and community services sectors. Royal Rehab CEO Matt Mackay says, “By bringing two great organisations together to work as one, our talent pool, geographical reach and client offerings grow, enabling us to continue to deliver on our purpose to enable the people we serve to reach their potential.”

The year ahead

Integration plans are already well underway with the shared services functions of both organisations now colocated and working together at Royal Rehab’s Milsons Point offices. The transition to common software solutions and processes continues; and key leaders within Royal Rehab are working with breakthru staff and leaders to learn and understand more about breakthru operations and services. As we move into FY23, systems integration work will continue, including the procurement of new fit-forpurpose software solutions to streamline IT, Finance and HR functions, with work to develop and implement a common CRM also planned. The breadth and depth of expertise across the two organisations opens up a range of exciting possibilities, providing the opportunity to trial new and innovative approaches to rehabilitation and disability service provision. Developing new service offerings particularly in regional areas, will also be a key focus in the coming year. Perhaps breakthru founder Ross Lewis described the future opportunities best when he said, “I am particularly pleased about the merger with Royal Rehab, an organisation I greatly admire. “I am both humbled and proud to have been a part of the history of breakthru. Our success is due to the ongoing passion of breakthru’s staff and leaders to be social revolutionaries. What is that you may ask? “The empowerment of people with disability is a societal revolution that is relatively new. Before this revolution, exclusion was the norm. It is turning, due in no small part to the efforts of organisations like breakthru and Royal Rehab over the years. Viva la Revolution!“

breakthru client Michelle going home after an engaging day of activities.