Our History
The Wheels of Wellness (WoW) program was established in 2014 under the compassionate and dynamic leadership of Dr Amanda Roberts. Launched as an initiative of Stratford Medical Centre, and with the invaluable support of her dedicated staff and volunteers, the GP-led mobile outreach program quickly evolved into a beacon of hope for the community.
What began as a mission to support individuals facing homelessness, sleeping rough, or experiencing domestic violence, transformed into an award-winning social initiative delivering a comprehensive healthcare program tailored to marginalised individuals.
Dr Roberts effectively showcased the positive impact of this service on the community and was successful in securing funds through the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) and the local community through successful fundraising endeavours.
On 1 July 2020, the WoW program successfully transitioned into a registered charity. In May 2021, WoW became an independent and operational entity outside of Stratford Medical Centre, and still under the direction of Dr Roberts until resigning later that year.
Through innovative strategies and fundraising initiatives, Dr Roberts and her team transformed a mobile van, enhancing its services to provide privacy and accessibility to those in need, irrespective of the weather. Collaborations with various community health services and non-government organisations enabled the WoW program to broaden its scope, effectively addressing the multifaceted needs of the community.
Under the dedicated leadership of Dr Roberts, and alongside her team, they were instrumental in transforming lives and fostering a healthier, more inclusive society for all. This enduring commitment stands as their lasting legacy.
"It is hoped that this model of care will be embraced as a social initiative to improve access to healthcare throughout Australia for all marginalised groups into the future.”
Dr Amanda Roberts