General News
10 March, 2026
Experience drives service
A CAIRNS counsellor with lived experience of disability has launched a new practice aimed at supporting people adjusting to injury and long-term health conditions.
Allan Bunyan has started Strong Foundation Support after working in the NDI space since 2018 and seeing first-hand the pressures facing participants and their families.
“Working in the NDI space for a number of years, since 2018, I’ve witnessed, you know, a lot of people that are struggling, whether it’s system stress, such as navigating NDIS, you know, transitioning from hospital accommodation,” he said.
“There are a lot of different services that cause a lot of stress and anxiety and worrying concerns throughout the community, not only for participants, but for family members as well.”
Mr Bunyan said his own experience of receiving services shaped the way he works with clients.
“I have an understanding of the pressures because, you know, I have to receive services from sometimes the same organisations that participants do as well that I’ve worked with, and, I can understand and relate to where they’re coming from.”
He said one of the biggest challenges for people dealing with injury or long-term health conditions in far north Queensland was “the loss of identity and the sense of purpose”.
“You might have a young father… who suddenly has a lifelong disability, the sense of purpose and how they’re going to provide for their family. It’s really a devastating process for a lot of younger guys trying to navigate that.”
Mr Bunyan said there was a gap in support once patients left the hospital and returned to the community.
“Once the funding becomes available, then they’re out in the community on their own. So that’s where I fit in, filling in that gap of support.”
He also believes there is room in Cairns for more counselling services, particularly from younger male practitioners with disabilities.
“I feel like a young bloke with a disability. I have not seen any other counsellors around who have similar situations to me… I think, you know, it’s a unique space for me to be in.”
Strong Foundation Support is now operating in Cairns, with Mr Bunyan aiming to provide ongoing support for people navigating major life changes and disability.
For more information, visit Strong Foundation Support’s website: www.bit.ly/4kT1tpY
