meet the team
We are a team of friendly and knowledgable professionals who genuinely care about you and your health. We take pride in our service and our primary focus is to help you achieve the results you are looking for in a caring and supportive way.
Our therapists have areas of special interests which may range from musculoskeletal & sporting injuries to vertigo, pre/post natal, work injuries to NDIS/disabilities and neurological conditions. Speak to our friendly front desk staff and they can advise who is the best therapist for you.
Kylie has been a practising physiotherapist for nearly 30 years.
She worked at the world-renowned Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in London as the Superintendent Physiotherapist (Physiotherapists in Charge) in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.
After five years, Kylie returned to Australia to work in Sports Medicine Clinics and inpatients orthopaedics / paediatric care at Cabrini Private Hospital in Malvern. She returned to her home country town of Ararat, founding Ararat Physio & Co with Jess Tucker in 2014.
read more
Kylie has worked as a regular treating physiotherapist for members of the Geelong Football Club and the Geelong Supercats.
She was awarded a Fellowship to the University of Melbourne for service and commitment to the education of undergraduate physiotherapists.
Kylie is also an experienced Clinical Pilates and Yoga Teacher with more than 400 hours of yoga teacher training under her belt.
read more
She is described as professional, knowledgeable and thorough in her approach. Kylie’s unique style has an awareness of the integration of your experiences, emotions and your body with your ability to thrive.
You will know you are in safe and experienced hands and leave your very first consultation feeling clear and confident in your assessment and in your treatment plan.
Outside of work, Kylie can be found on a mountain somewhere, practising yoga or at soccer cheering for her son's team.
Physiotherapist/Founder
Kylie Plunkett
Having graduated as a Physiotherapist nearly 20 years ago, Jess has a wide range of experience in many areas of physiotherapy. She has worked in both the hospital system and private practice as well as workplaces including Jabiluka mine.
Jess has been a course presenter for the Sports Trainer course, GP training, manual handling to local councils, mining and manufacturing sectors.
Jess has completed a key performance indicator on the effectiveness of Clinical Pilates in conjunction with La Trobe University. She has completed numerous professional development courses in clinical pilates, understanding pain, vestibular rehabilitation and aquatic therapy.
read more
Jess’s passion for physiotherapy and supporting you in your wellness journey shines through.Jess spends the time to understand your problem and you will leave a session with Jess knowing that she has your story.
Jess has a special interest in chronic pain and gently guides you to wellness with her encouraging and compassionate approach. Jess has been described as light-hearted, supportive and a guiding light.
Living on a farm with 3 boys and her husband, Jess understands rural life and is passionate about connecting country people to greater health.
Physiotherapist/Founder
JESS TUCKER
Lisa has practiced as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist for over 10 years. After graduating from the University in Ballarat in 2010, Lisa has worked in the Ararat region, specialising in exercise therapy for chronic health conditions, musculoskeletal injuries and health promotion.
Lisa is actively involved in local sporting clubs and has a sound knowledge of our community’s health needs. Her superpower is in conducting her range of classes, Tai Chi, Pilates, pre-post natal exercise, aquatic therapy classes, strength training and general fitness. She is also experienced in working with NDIS participants and functional assessments.
read more
Lisa believes our bodies are made to move: when we are not moving, things start going wrong both physically and mentally. There are so many modes of exercise, it’s just a matter of finding your perfect fit.
Outside of work, Lisa is committed to her family raising two children and a husband. Lisa is a veteran netball player having clocked more than 100 games.
She also runs, cycles, participates in triathlons and raises money annually for the East Grampians Health Service as part of the Murray to Moyne cycling team.
exercise physiologist
LISA HADDOW
Thea has a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, graduating from Evolve College, Ballarat with a Diploma of Remedial Massage Therapy in 2021. She also has a background in independent health coaching.
Thea provides hands-on relief from musculoskeletal tension through remedial, sports and deep tissue massage therapy. She has treated a range of clients from postural imbalances of the general population to sporting athletes.
read more
read more
Thea's health coaching included helping people with their health goals, including losing weight, increase energy, and improving overall health through independent nutritional supplementation. She is very passionate about health eating and exercise to support a health active lifestyle.
Thea is originally from Ararat, and with her family moving back and some adorable nieces & nephews added to the family she is looking forward to spending more time with them over the weekends.
REMEDIAL MASSAGE THERAPIST
THEA Hinchliffe
Abbie graduated from La Trobe University, Bendigo in 2022 with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Masters of Physiotherapy. After completing a couple placement with us and a stint in administration, Abbie moved back to Ararat and joins us as a fully qualified Physiotherapist.
Born and bred in Ararat, Abbie is excited to give back to the community through both rehabilitation and preventative measures. With a special interest in general musculoskeletal conditions, in particular ACL rehabilitation, Abbie is eager to help individuals achieve their hearts desire through creating a killer strength and conditioning program or helping in return to sport or day to day activities.
read more
With a special interest in swimming, you may find Abbie swimming some laps in the pool or running our clinical aquatic classes. Other interests of hers includes general fitness, hanging out with friends and family, interior design and watching local football and netball.
Abbie is thrilled to become part of the team and looks forward to meet you and helping you to thrive in life and all of the things you love to do.
Physiotherapist
ABBIE BATES
Wian originates from Cape Town, South Africa and studied Physiotherapy at the highly regarded University of the Western Cape. He has worked at many sporting clubs during his career with a particular interest in Rugby. Wian has had a wide range of experience in Physiotherapy working with people of all ages and abilities in both hospital and private practice settings. Wian enjoys working with musculoskeletal conditions, including back, shoulder, knee and ankle injuries. Wian’s passion is helping you recover from sporting injuries so you can perform at your best.
read more
read more
PhysioTHERAPIST
WIAN Stears
Vincent completed a degree in Physiotherapy with Honours in 2020 at the University of the Free State, South Africa.
Vincent has experience both in the hospital setting and in private Physiotherapy. With this combination, Vincent has gained valuable experience in cardiac and respiratory physiotherapy, post operative rehabilitation, musculoskeletal injuries, neurological physiotherapy and intensive care.
read more
Vincent has a special interest in neurological physiotherapy as well as neck and back pain and looks forward to supporting you on your journey to wellness and living your best life.
Outside of work Vincent is a sporty person, and has taken part in cricket, rugby, hockey and squash. He also loves spending time in the outdoors in his free time.
Physiotherapist
VINCENT HAMMAN
Jane has worked as a podiatrist in private practice in both Tasmania and Geelong over the past 4 years. Returning to some familiar soil, Jane will be joining the team on Fridays for your podiatry needs.
Jane has developed a special interest in musculoskeletal injuries having had a lot of involvement in community and recreational sports and activities. Jane has completed extra training in sensory and neuromuscular podiatry and aims to treat all cases with a functional approach; including those with chronic disease and illness.
read more
read more
Knowing the impact of painful feet and legs, Jane aims to help her patients regain their independence with varying treatments which can include strength and balance training, foot mobilsation, orthoses therapy, footwear advice, dry needling and soft tissue treatment. Additionally, Jane is able to assist with some skin and nail advice including ingrown toenails and corns.
podiatrist
Jane AStbury
Kristy graduated as a physiotherapist in 1995 and has worked in a variety of public and private settings in Melbourne and Ballarat. She has completed postgraduate studies in Women and Men’s Pelvic Health and is a qualified Lymphoedema Practitioner. She has worked specifically, in these two areas for the past 20 years.
read more
Her special areas of practise include: pelvic floor and continence physiotherapy, breast cancer surgery rehabilitation, pre and post prostatectomy care, pre and post-natal care, female and male pelvic pain and all areas of lymphoedema and lipoedema management.
She also teaches Clinical Pilates for these populations.
Kristy teaches the Gender Health component to undergraduate physiotherapy at ACU Ballarat.
read more
Pelvic floor, Continence and lymphoedema Physiotherapist
Kristy Andrew
admin team
our front desk superstars
Introducing Blake, our welcoming face at the front desk of our physiotherapy clinic. While Blake's professional journey has predominantly been in Early Childhood Education, where he gained five years of valuable experience, including roles in directing a Childcare Service and representing Australia as a youth facilitator overseas, he has now embarked on a new path.
In his role as our receptionist, Blake's goal remains the same: to ensure that our clinic runs smoothly and that everyone who enters our doors experiences a warm welcome, happiness, and attentive care. Blake's dedication to creating a positive and comfortable environment aligns seamlessly with our commitment to providing top-notch allied health services.
Living on a farm with 3 boys and her husband, Jess understands rural life and is passionate about connecting country people to greater health.
Jess has been a course presenter for the Sports Trainer course, GP training, Manual handling to local councils, mining and manufacturing sectors.
Jess has completed a key performance indicator in conjunction with La Trobe University and has completed numerous professional development courses in clinical pilates, understanding pain, vestibular rehabilitation and aquatic therapy.
blake cox
Meet Arlie and Faith, our dynamic after-school receptionist duo, both enthusiastic about the future of allied health.
Faith and Arlie are currently exploring the diverse world of allied health services while assisting us at the front desk. With a shared passion for the industry, they are eager to learn more about the various facets of the Allied Health world and their future careers in the industry.
Arlie and Faith are here to ensure every patient's experience is positive and seamless.
Energetic and compassionate, they are committed to creating a welcoming environment for patients and contributing to the well-being of our community.
In the realm of hospitality, Lyndsey has honed her skills across various roles, including stints at restaurants, Grampians Estate Winery, Ararat City Town Hall, and event management. Her commitment to ensuring exceptional service is evident in her career journey.
Lyndsey's primary goal is to ensure that your experience with us is nothing short of the best. From the moment you first make contact, she is dedicated to providing top-notch service and making your visit to Ararat Physio as smooth and pleasant as possible.
As a newcomer to Ararat, Lyndsey is excited to become acquainted with our regular clients and extend a warm welcome to all. Outside of work, she cherishes moments spent with friends and family, making her a valuable addition to our close-knit community.
Faith and Arlie
Meet Jacqueline, our smiley face behind the desk here at Ararat Physio. After the completion of her first year in nursing, Jacqueline has decided to take a breather from studying and delve into the world of allied health.
Outside of previous study and work, Jacqueline’s passion lies in dance and performing arts, where she's been a guiding force for 15 years, now teaching tiny soon-to-be ballerinas and dancers the ropes to becoming a performer.
Jacqueline is a dedicated advocate for creating safe, welcoming spaces. With an infectious happiness and a perpetual smile, she ensures that everyone she encounters feels the warmth of a positive environment. Whether she's administering care or choreographing a routine, Jacqueline brings a unique blend of professionalism and casual charm to everything she does.
Living on a farm with 3 boys and her husband, Jess understands rural life and is passionate about connecting country people to greater health.
Jess has been a course presenter for the Sports Trainer course, GP training, Manual handling to local councils, mining and manufacturing sectors.
Jess has completed a key performance indicator in conjunction with La Trobe University and has completed numerous professional development courses in clinical pilates, understanding pain, vestibular rehabilitation and aquatic therapy.
JacquEline Grayling
Partnerships
JOIN OUR TEAM
We are always on the look-out for opportunities to best serve our clients and mission – for everyone engaging with us to “live their best life.”
So if you have something to discuss, let’s meet and have a chat about your ideas.
Physiotherapist >
Locum Physiotherapist >
Occupational Therapist >
Podiatrist >
Psychologist
Speech pathologist
We have a modern facility in a great central location with onsite parking. You have access to a staff kitchen and meeting room and the opportunity to collaborate (and socialise) with other health professionals onsite.
Claridge House has a history of more than 50 years providing the best health care to our community. You step into a location that already has presence and reputation.
We have loads of space, so give us a call on the possibilities of sessional or long term room hire.