Allied Health Team

Allied Health Services

Our allied health team delivers integrated, person-centred care to support people living with chronic and complex health conditions. By bringing together a range of health professionals, we provide coordinated care that addresses physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. Our focus is on prevention, early intervention, self-management, and improving quality of life, helping individuals maintain independence and achieve their health goals.

How to access services

Referrals to our services can be made by your GP through a GP Care Plan, Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), or an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Assessment (715). Contact our team or book an appointment with your to learn more.

Service cost

The Integrated Care and Allied Health Program is funded through WA Primary Health Network and provides services at no cost to eligible patients until February 2027. 

To access the program, patients must have a current GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP), Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Assessment (715). Eligibility criteria apply.

Mental Health

Our mental health team supports people living with chronic and complex health conditions by addressing the emotional, psychological, and social factors that influence wellbeing. We provide counselling, therapeutic support, and practical strategies to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and the challenges that can arise alongside long-term health conditions. Working collaboratively with your healthcare team, we support you to build resilience, improve quality of life, and achieve your personal health goals.

Physiotherapy

Our physiotherapists help people maintain mobility, function, and independence while living with chronic health conditions, injury, pain, or disability. Through assessment, education, exercise therapy, and hands-on treatment, we develop personalised care plans that support long-term health and wellbeing. Whether you are managing a chronic condition, recovering from injury, or looking to improve strength and mobility, our team works with you to achieve meaningful and sustainable outcomes.

Podiatry

Our podiatrists provide comprehensive foot and lower limb care to support people living with chronic health conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and mobility challenges. We offer routine foot care, diabetic foot assessments, injury management, and preventative care to help reduce complications, maintain mobility, and support overall health and independence.

Social Work

Our social workers support individuals and families to navigate the social, emotional, and practical challenges that can impact health and wellbeing. We work alongside people living with chronic and complex conditions to strengthen support networks, improve access to services, address barriers to care, and enhance quality of life. Through advocacy, care coordination, and person-centred support, we help individuals achieve their health and wellbeing goals.

Advocacy Officer

Our Advocacy Officers provide practical support to help people access healthcare, community services, and social supports that contribute to better health outcomes. We work alongside individuals to understand their rights, navigate complex systems, and overcome barriers to care. By promoting independence, confidence, and community participation, we help people remain engaged in their health journey and connected to the supports they need.

Rachel Spence – Chronic Conditions Nurse

Rachel is a dedicated Chronic Conditions Nurse with a special interest in renal care and has nearly 19 years of nursing experience. Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, she completed her nursing studies at Manukau Institute of Technology and the University of Auckland before beginning a rewarding career focused on supporting people living with chronic health conditions.

Rachel first joined our community in 2013, spending three and a half wonderful years caring for renal patients across the East Kimberley before returning to New Zealand in 2016 to be closer to family. This community holds a special place in her heart, as it is also where she met her husband. In January 2026, Rachel and her family made the exciting decision to return, bringing with them their energetic young son and a shared enthusiasm for reconnecting with the community they have always considered home.

Throughout her career, Rachel has developed extensive experience in chronic disease management, with a particular focus on helping patients manage kidney disease and improve their overall health and quality of life. She is passionate about delivering personalised, evidence-based care that supports patients in achieving their health goals.

Known for her warm, compassionate, and patient-centred approach, Rachel believes that nursing is more than a profession—it is a passion. She enjoys supporting and educating people to become active participants in their own healthcare, empowering them to make informed decisions and take ownership of their wellbeing. Rachel is committed to building strong, trusting relationships with her patients and working alongside them to navigate the challenges of living with chronic conditions.

Rachel is delighted to be back serving the community she proudly calls home and looks forward to supporting patients on their journey towards better health and wellbeing.

Carolyn Minchin – Mental Health Professional

Carolyn Minchin is a Mental Health Professional and Social Worker with extensive experience supporting individuals experiencing mental health and addiction-related challenges. Her career began in mental health services and has evolved through several years of practice in addiction support, where she has developed a strong commitment to helping people achieve meaningful and lasting wellbeing.

Carolyn studied mental health, counselling and education at the University of Canberra. She later completed a Master of Social Work through Charles Sturt University and a Diploma in Creative Therapies through Charles Darwin University.

Her key clinical interests include mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapies, strengths-based practice, and community engagement. Carolyn is passionate about supporting individuals to build resilience, develop practical coping strategies, and connect with their communities in ways that promote long-term health and wellbeing.

Originally from South Australia, Carolyn has lived in New South Wales, France, and the Australian Capital Territory before relocating to Kununurra in February 2026. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing, reading, and swimming, and values maintaining a balanced and active lifestyle.

Annie Fotheringham – Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist

Annie Fotheringham is a Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist with a passion for helping people improve their health, mobility, and quality of life through evidence-based treatment and exercise programs. With two years of clinical experience, she works with a broad range of patients, supporting recovery from injury, managing pain, and promoting long-term wellbeing.

Annie has a particular interest in musculoskeletal injuries, women’s health, and delivering healthcare in rural and remote communities. She is committed to providing personalised care that empowers patients to achieve their goals and stay active.

Originally from New South Wales, with connections to both Sydney and Tamworth, Annie studied at the University of New South Wales and the University of Technology Sydney. She has been living and working in Kununurra for the past four months and enjoys contributing to the health and wellbeing of the local community.

Karishma Velugula – Podiatrist

Karishma Velugula is a dedicated Podiatrist with experience providing comprehensive foot and lower limb care across both metropolitan and rural communities. She has a special interest in general podiatry, diabetic foot care, paediatric podiatry, and sports-related conditions, helping patients of all ages maintain mobility and achieve their health goals.

With two years of clinical experience, Karishma is passionate about delivering patient-centred care tailored to each individual’s needs. Her clinical interests include managing diabetic foot health, supporting children’s lower limb development, and treating sports injuries to help patients stay active and perform at their best.

Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Karishma completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at the University of Western Australia. Since April 2026, she has been visiting Kununurra as a locum podiatrist for one week each month, enjoying the opportunity to support the health and wellbeing of the local community while providing specialist podiatry services in a regional setting.

Lucy RibbeKelso – Allied Health Program Manager

Lucy RibbeKelso is the Allied Health Program Manager, leading the development and delivery of innovative allied health services across the East Kimberley. With a background in physiotherapy, Lucy has worked across both public and private healthcare settings, most recently based in Broome where she provided outreach physiotherapy services throughout the Kimberley region.

Drawing on her extensive clinical experience and passion for improving access to healthcare in regional and remote communities, Lucy now focuses on health program delivery, service development, and building sustainable allied health services that meet local community needs.

Clinically, Lucy’s key interests include paediatric physiotherapy and respiratory physiotherapy. She is committed to supporting high-quality, patient-centred care and strengthening allied health services across the region.

Originally from Brisbane, Queensland, Lucy completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at the University of Queensland. She relocated to Kununurra in January to commence this exciting new allied health project and is enthusiastic about contributing to the growth and success of healthcare services in the East Kimberley.