Greetings from Good Country Physiotherapy

As we approach the end of the year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the past months and share our heartfelt gratitude. This December newsletter includes important updates, festive cheer, and a special message from our directors.

A Message from Our Directors

Reflecting on 2025

Somehow, we have reached the end of 2025! It has felt like a whirlwind this year. The season started slowly for our farmers but ended with a turbo-charged finish. This year has been one of growth and change for Good Country Physiotherapy (GCP). We welcomed four new physiotherapists to our team: Tarryn Putland, Kate Gilbert, Justin Morris, and Jason Bannister. New graduate Evan Gregoric joined us for nine months before returning to Adelaide for the cricket season. We also farewelled Deb Taylor in October, who provided a friendly and reliable presence at our Kingston clinic. Deb has moved back to Victoria, and we miss her dearly. Talise Philips joined the Bordertown team as a junior administration assistant, and Mel Makin has helped out at the Keith clinic when she returns from university.

Year in Numbers

Here are a few stats from 2025:

• 2913 patients seen across all clinics

• Over 800 new patients

• More than 300 patients aged over 80 years

• Over 200 kids treated

• More than 750 classes delivered across all clinics

• A dozen talks to community groups in our region

• 8 businesses assisted with pre-employment assessments, ergonomic assessments, or manual handling training

  
  

We have provided physiotherapy services across the Limestone Coast and Western Victoria region for over 21 years. Our experienced team continues to deliver high-standard, evidence-based health care to the community.

Thank You

We want to express our gratitude to every patient, family member, and community member who has trusted us with their health this year or in the past. We are fortunate to work in this region and cherish the opportunity to improve the health and well-being of our community. We are on your team, working together for your health.

Festive Wishes

We hope the upcoming festive season brings you joy, peace, happiness, and opportunities to move in ways that make you feel good! We look forward to helping you in 2026!

Best wishes,

Angela Willsmore & Kieran O'Donovan

Directors, Good Country Physiotherapy

GCP Team Member Updates

Angela Willsmore - Director

The end of 2025 is in sight, and what a year it has been! This year has been full of physical challenges, including running two marathons and several fun runs. I've also faced mental challenges, trying to balance part-time study with work, family, and running commitments. A career highlight was speaking about my journey as a rural physiotherapist at the Rural Health International Place-based Education and Research conference.

Good Country Physiotherapy continues to grow with new staff, services, and locations on the horizon. It's an exciting time to lead such a dedicated team. Thank you to everyone who has trusted us with their health care this year. I look forward to helping more people in 2026. Merry Christmas!

Jasper Whitehead - Physiotherapist

In late October, I enjoyed a road trip to the Snowy Mountains in NSW. It was my first multi-day hike, which was both challenging and enjoyable. I hiked 44km over three days with friends, camping alongside mountain huts. There was still snow on top of Mount Jagungal when we summited.

For those following my vegetable garden saga, I was defeated this year by a relentless onslaught of snails. They decimated my tomato, cucumber, and pumpkin seedlings. Luckily, I still have some watermelons, rockmelons, corn, and potatoes that survived and should bear fruit this summer.

I have also been playing tennis again this season, occasionally filling in for the Beachport team when I have a free weekend and the weather allows! Professionally, I traveled to Melbourne for training and accreditation in dry needling, which I have already begun implementing into my practice.

Over the Christmas/New Year break, I will spend time with friends and family locally, on Kangaroo Island, and then up in the Yorke Peninsula. I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year!

Steph Lubcke - Physiotherapist

I have been working between Keith and Bordertown, running three Pilates classes in Keith and multiple other exercise classes. My caseload includes post-surgical, WorkCover, and private patients.

In October, my mum and I went to Peru for a three-week holiday. We visited Lake Titicaca, hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and explored the Amazon. It was an interesting experience to learn about the Inca people and the communities living on Lake Titicaca.

Christmas Opening Hours

All of our clinics will close at lunchtime on Christmas Eve, Wednesday 24th December. Most of our team will enjoy a well-deserved break over the Christmas/New Year period. However, we will be open in Bordertown and Naracoorte as follows:

• Bordertown - Monday 29th December

• Bordertown - Tuesday 30th December

• Naracoorte - Wednesday 31st December

  
  

Normal clinic hours will resume on Monday 5th January. If you would like to book an appointment during this time, or any time, please use the link below.

Book Online

Keeping the Kids Active in the Holidays

Daily physical activity in children is essential for their development. As parents, we know this and are driven to help our kids be healthy and active. However, during six weeks of school holidays, achieving this can be challenging. Working long hours, cooking nutritious meals, and managing family schedules can make daily exercise routines less of a focus.

Regular exercise helps develop cardiovascular health and strengthens children's bones and muscles. It also improves sleep quality and stimulates children's bodies to go into repair mode. Other benefits include better balance, improved confidence, and enhanced social belonging. Kids need movement, and their physiology responds positively to it.

Tips for Parents

Not every child is the same, and not every family is the same. Here are some pointers on how much physical activity children should aim for:

• Toddlers need 11-14 hours of sleep and should engage in active play throughout the day.

• Children aged 5-17 should aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily.

  
  

Caring for Our Aged Care Community

As healthcare professionals, we work towards improving awareness of health needs in our community. We have recently published articles on pain in older adults and the benefits of physical activity for people with dementia. These articles are available on our blog, and we encourage you to read them if they are of interest.

Read More on Pain and Ageing

Read More on Benefits of Physical Activity for Dementia

GCP Christmas Donations

Each year, instead of sending Christmas cards, we donate to a charity meaningful to our team or a local organization doing wonderful things in our community. This year, we acknowledge the financial challenges facing some community members. We have set aside vouchers for initial consultations with our physiotherapists at each clinic. These vouchers are for those who, without them, would be unable to access our services.

We are proud to support our community in this way, ensuring everyone can access the skilled physiotherapy care provided by our experienced team.

Get in Touch with Us

Find us at Good Country Physiotherapy or book a consultation online.

Questions? Email us at gcp@goodcountryphysio.com.au

For privacy-related inquiries, contact practicemanager@goodcountryphysio.com.au

Thank you for being part of our community. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!