Meet Rhea: A Local Physiotherapist Making a Difference in Tom Price

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What inspired you to become a physiotherapist?

 

'I got interested in physio after spending a lot of time at the physio as a teenager! I did a lot of dancing and netball and had a serious back injury at 15. I found the work my physio did so interesting (and helpful).

I also knew I wanted a job with variety, where I could talk to different people and help them feel better—a desk job wouldn’t have been a good fit for me!"

 

 

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Can you tell us a bit about your background and training?

 

"I grew up in Geraldton, so going to uni meant moving away from home, which felt overwhelming at 17. I took a year off after school to save money and grow up a bit before moving to Perth to study at Curtin University.

Uni was hard work—but also the most incredible fun!"

 

 

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How did you end up working in the Pilbara?

 

"My husband and I moved to Tom Price in 2020. We wanted the small-town community life while our kids were little—and for Dad to be home every night.

I lived and worked in Tom Price for four years. I now live in Perth and fly into the Pilbara regularly to continue supporting patients there."

 

 

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What’s a typical work trip to the Pilbara like for you?

 

"It’s a big few days! I usually wake up at 4:30am, get to the airport by 5:30, and catch a 7am flight (if Qantas behaves!).

I work from 12–8pm seeing postpartum women, pregnancy concerns, sports injuries, prolapse and bladder issues—basically everything. I stay with a friend, have a late dinner and chat, then do it all again from 7am to 3pm the next day, often including a community education session.

Then it’s straight to Paraburdoo to fly home and finish notes on the plane before getting back to my little boys!"

 

 

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What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

 

"Helping people break negative cycles—whether that’s reducing their pain, improving independence, or helping them return to work, hobbies, or just doing what they love.

Seeing people move forward and empowering themselves is incredibly rewarding."

 

 

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What are the challenges of working in a remote area like the Pilbara?

 

"You really have to be a jack of all trades—and a bit of a McGyver!

We don’t always have sub-specialists like neuro or hand physios around, so I need a broad base of knowledge and a strong network of people who understand the realities of rural practice.

Navigating services like Telehealth, PATs, and investigations to reduce travel for patients is crucial."

 

 

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What advice would you give to someone in the Pilbara considering healthcare?

 

"Reach out to professionals and ask for advice. See if you can do work experience or shadow someone to get a feel for the job.

If you’re moving away to study, look into scholarships to ease financial pressure, and try to live on campus—it helps you build a support network and it’s also heaps of fun.

Uni is a big change, so be open to learning and don’t be afraid to ask for help."

 

 

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Why do you choose to keep working in the Pilbara?

 

"Access to healthcare is a huge obstacle in remote areas. I love that I can help reduce those barriers.

Everyone deserves good healthcare, no matter where they live."

 

 

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Tell us a bit about yourself outside of work!

 

" I have three boys, and physio is a great job to juggle with motherhood. All my boys are mad about footy—especially Richmond and the Tom Price Tigers!

One of my favourite memories is the Tigers’ premiership in 2021 while we were living in TP. I miss working with those boys!"

 

 

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What’s something you wish more people knew about working in healthcare in the Pilbara?

 

"It’s incredibly rewarding and offers huge career and lifestyle opportunities.

I’d highly recommend it!"

 

 

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