Gone are the days when young people seeking out professional careers needed to leave the Region. Businesses like Coral Coast Physio & Allied Health Clinic not only continue to provide job opportunities for young professionals locally, but they are actively participating in their development.
Owner and partner Ben Heidenreich grew up in Bundaberg, leaving to study physiotherapy – a degree that wasn’t available locally when Ben finished high school. He never intended on returning to work in his hometown, but seeing a need for a higher level of service opened as a sole clinician at Bargara in 2012.
Ten years on, Coral Coast Physio has 30 staff. Most of whom either grew up in the Region, completed school here or have come here to study physiotherapy and occupational therapy locally at CQUniversity (CQU). “We have employed six staff members now who graduated through CQU,” Ben said.
“Traditionally it’s been harder to find job applicants who want to work in the regions, so we are happy to help foster local talent. I work as a tutor and lecturer in the CQU physiotherapy degree and at Coral Coast Physio we take first, second and final-year students for their practical placements.
“We also hire students in other roles, such as allied health assistants, sports trainers and in administration roles, so they can work with and learn from us while they are studying. We currently have two occupational therapy and three physiotherapy students working with us.”
Helping to attract and retain local talent is Coral Coast Physiotherapy’s commitment to staff development and encouraging their team to pursue opportunities as they arise.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with rugby league, both nationally and internationally. Ben Schrader also works with rugby league nationally and Shaun Lynch works with action motocross stunt show, Nitro Circus,” Ben said.
“It is amazing to have these professional opportunities from our regional base. It’s great for our staff in terms of allowing them to persue their interests, but it’s also great for our patients who get to see well-rounded and experienced clinicians.”
Coral Coast Physio & Allied Health Clinic has a team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, exercise physiologists, speech pathologist, and a consulting podiatrist. The two state-of-the-art clinics in Bundaberg and Bargara also feature rehabilitation gyms and pilates studios.