After years of study and training, Gayndah local Eve Spry has come full circle, returning to her hometown as a physiotherapist to give back to the community that first inspired her healthcare journey.
Eve’s interest in healthcare began early, during a Year 10 work experience placement in nursing at Gayndah Hospital. “I knew after that I definitely wanted to pursue some form of healthcare,” she says. With guidance from her school, Burnett State College, Eve explored her options and secured the grades to study physiotherapy.
Now part of the allied health team serving the Wide Bay region, Eve is thrilled to be back in her community. “It’s incredibly rewarding and a full circle moment. I’m so grateful to be able to serve my hometown and be close to friends and family… and I have been welcomed home with open arms.”
Based in Gayndah, Eve’s work spans to nearby towns Mundubbera and Biggenden, providing inpatient and outpatient services. While still early in her career, she enjoys paediatrics and women’s health, and values the opportunity to work across different settings. “Every day is different," she says, "whether it’s working in the home, on the hospital ward, or in outpatients.” In the future, Eve plans to pursue the physiotherapy rural generalist pathway in the future, and also hopes to volunteer her time to local sporting teams or retirement facilities.
Rural practice, she notes, comes with challenges, particularly around access to resources and long travel distances for patients. But Eve remains positive and adaptable. “It’s important to think on your feet in rural healthcare.”
Eve encourages young people to consider returning to their hometowns after study. “Returning to Gayndah has been the most rewarding part of my career so far. Locals love seeing a familiar face, and you will always be welcomed back with open arms.”