Hinterland Physio Group

Meet The Team

Bill Hinds – Director B.Phty

Bill graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2014 and has since worked in private musculoskeletal based practices in Northern Queensland in Cairns and Townsville before making the move to the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland in 2019.

Bill has a keen interest in musculoskeletal and sporting injuries, as well as rural health. Since graduating, Bill has completed both level 1 and 2 Sports Physiotherapy courses, Occupational health for Physiotherapy, dry needling and western acupuncture courses, as well as additional training in the assessment and treatment of the shoulder, cervical and lumbar spine.

Bill previously worked as a sporting team physiotherapist for several years with a local rugby union club and had experience as a treating first aid officer for rugby union, touch football and netball matches.

Outside of work Bill is always eager to enjoy everything the Sunshine Coast has to offer with camping, hiking, swimming, participating at the local cross fit gym and trying his hand at surfing.

Give us a call today to book in with Bill so he can help you achieve your goals.

Royce Vandeleur – B.Phty

Royce graduated from James Cook University with a strong interest in Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy. Over the years, Royce has enjoyed completing a number of courses to further develop his evidence based treatment methods including pilates, dry needling, Lyn Watson shoulder course and bike fitting.

Royce has always had a keen interest in all disciplines of cycling. This combined with his interest in evidence based physiotherapy has led to him undergoing further training to become a professional bike fitter. By having your bike set up correctly, it facilitates optimal performance out of yourself and your equipment whilst assisting in injury prevention and recovery.

Royce’s goals are:

  • Take a thorough history to get an accurate diagnosis of your condition
  • Devise a treatment plan that meets your goals and needs
  • Provide a hands on treatment approach based on the latest research and evidence
  • Work together with your medical team to achieve the best outcome in your recovery
  • Educate and teach you long term strategies and prevention programs to keep you fit into the future

Vanessa Atkinson – B.Phty

Vanessa graduated from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Master of Physiotherapy in 2001. Since then she has worked with Queensland Health and in private practice. She has gained experience in a wide range of acute and chronic clinical conditions and attends regular professional development.

Vanessa has a particular interest in women’s health physiotherapy. She believes in a hands on, client centred treatment approach to achieve the best outcomes for her clients.

Vanessa’s goals are:

  • To improve her clients quality of life using a wide range of active treatment and pain management strategies.
  • To listen and thoroughly assess each client using her skills and knowledge as a registered health practitioner.
  • Advise and educate you about your condition and devise a tailored rehabilitation program to maximise your ongoing health and wellbeing.

Kate Ashby – B.Phty

Kate Ashby is a part time member of the Palmwoods physiotherapy team, also working as a physiotherapist in the emergency department of the Sunshine Coast Hospital and health service. Kate has a degree in physiotherapy from the University of Birmingham UK (2003) and has completed post graduate studies in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at the University of Northumbria Newcastle (2005).

Kate enjoys treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions with a balanced approach of manual therapy and exercise prescription. Kate’s passion for musculoskeletal physiotherapy is coupled with an enjoyment of pilates. Kate has completed extensive pilates training in London, Hungary and Melbourne. Kate believes a good physiotherapist will assist a patient back to enjoying life and moving well.

Outside of work, Kate enjoys yoga, camping and having a coffee by the beach.

Rene Scott – B.Phty

Rene has a wealth of knowledge! She is a professional and experienced senior physiotherapist, with a holistic approach to help you achieve the best you.

Nominated by the professional body as “making a significant contribution to your patient’s health and wellbeing, reflecting professional excellence and remarkable way you touched the patient’s life”.

We are so grateful to have Rene as part of our team and look forward to her helping our community. Rene will be working from our Woombye clinic on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays.

Neesha Shimmen – B.Phty

Neesha is Physiotherapist from Melbourne, passionate about the practice of Physiotherapy from a young age: after experiencing the profound positive impact that Physiotherapy had on her own health and well-being.

Neesha studied at La Trobe University graduating with a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Masters of Physiotherapy Practice. Whilst gaining experience completing clinical placement in a sports injury private practice, Neesha discovered her passion for helping the community through practicing in clinic. She further developed her experience in private practice; working for 17 months in a rural Victorian Physiotherapy clinic. Neesha enjoys helping people to find relief from their symptoms and offers dry needling where appropriate. Neesha works with all members of the community; implementing practical strategies helping people to achieve their goals.

Neesha has been practicing yoga for over 10 years and teaching yoga for 7 years in the Yarra Valley Victoria. Neesha enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to markets, traveling, creating art and hiking.

Jeffrey Southwell – B.Phty

Jeffrey is an experienced physiotherapist returning home to Australia after an 18 month stint in the United Kingdom, where he spent traveling and working both in the public and private health systems in Scotland and England.

Jeffrey is from Mackay, studied at James Cook University in Townsville graduating with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2015. Over the years he has worked across various clinical settings including private practice, private and public hospital outpatients, indigenous health and rural/remote outreach. Jeff has a special interest in musculoskeletal, pre and post operation, vestibular, gym/crossfit/weightlifting, sports and work related injuries and rehabilitation. He treats all members across the lifespan, providing and implementing tailored interventions to help individuals in the community meet their personal goals and reach their optimal physical health.

In his spare time Jeff enjoys hanging out with friends and family, the outdoors i.e hiking, camping, fishing, 4WDing, traveling and photography/videography. When he’s not outdoors you can find Jeff in the gym, enjoying a range of foods, learning Tagalog and watching shows/films.

Amber Smith – Sports Therapist

Amber has been involved in the sports therapy industry over the past seven years after completing a Diploma in Remedial Massage Therapy. As well as being valued member of the Palmwoods physiotherapy team, Amber also currently works as a sports trainer for our local AFL club, The Hinterland Blues.

Amber’s passion for sport, strongly biased around AFL, gave her the drive to pursue a career in the industry, ultimately leading to work at the highest level with AFL clubs The Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn, Melbourne and Carlton, as well as having involvement with the Australian Paralympic swim team, Sunshine Coast Lightning and both men’s and women’s New Zealand Rugby 7s teams prior to the Commonwealth Games.

Adding short courses over the years and combining strength and conditioning coaching to her accreditation has given Amber the ability to work holistically with her clients to create a treatment plan catered to meet each individuals needs.

Sandy Langtry – Practice Manager

Sandy loves working for a local business with purpose and community feel. Customer care is her specialty.

On the weekends, Sandy enjoys camping, beach adventures, dinner parties and spending time with family and friends.

Alanna Birks – Reception

Brea Ayres – Reception

Hinterland Physio Group