30 Years of Care: From a Back Shed to Every Corner of Australia

In 1996, the world looked very different. The Brisbane Lions were just forming, the internet was a novelty, and healthcare was almost exclusively delivered in a clinic or hospital setting. It was in this landscape that our founder, Helen Weston, established Mobile Rehab. Equipped with a single vision—to deliver health services to clients in the safety and comfort of home—she launched Mobile Rehab as a “one-woman band” from her home office in the back shed.

Reflecting on our journey to this 30th anniversary in 2026, we see how a solo mission has evolved into a multidisciplinary movement.

From the “Backyard Shed” to our first office and Beyond

Our growth has been a steady climb fueled by a commitment to the next generation of care. In 1997, just one year after founding, we hired our first new graduate physiotherapist. By 1999, we recognised that good home health required a team approach and we added Occupational Therapy to our suite of services.

Growth required more space and a phone connection more reliable than a cord running from the house through a PVC pipe! After four years in the back yard we moved into a cottage at the Grange – this represented our first dedicated admin hub where we could coordinate our expanding service. The cottage accommodated our growing  admin team who, in turn, supported both clients and our “on the road” clinicians. 2006 saw us expand from greater Brisbane to cover north and south coasts.

Leading the Digital Transformation

Mobile Rehab has always been at the forefront of innovation. In 2012, we led the way in allied health by moving to digital systems and electronic paperwork, ensuring our therapists could focus more on their clients and less on their handwritten paper files. This digital foundation became critical in 2017 when we became a registered NDIS provider for the first time and launched Dietetics. In 2018, we answered our clients’ growing wellness needs by introducing Remedial Massage, completing our holistic circle of care.

The New Frontier: Cutting-Edge Virtual Health

The most significant chapter of our story began in 2022. As part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we launched the beginnings of what is now Mobile Rehab’s Virtual Health Service. We recognised that for many Australians—especially those in rural areas —speed of access is critical.

Our cutting-edge Virtual Health services allow us to see you sooner, providing immediate professional support and home program management with the same high-quality clinical results as an in-person visit. Our heart remains in the home – and now our reach is now truly Australia-wide.

Looking Forward: Our Promise for the Next 30 Years

Reaching 30 years in allied health is more than a milestone; it is a “trust signal” for the families and healthcare professionals we serve. In 2025, we were proud to become an Associate Provider under the Support at Home program and the new Aged Care Act 2024, ensuring we are ready for the next era of Australian healthcare.

Thank you to the staff, partners, and thousands of families who have trusted us with their recovery for three decades. Whether we are visiting you in person across Southeast Queensland or connecting via video link across the nation, we are honored to be part of your health journey.

Here’s to the next 30 years of moving together.