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Moving house is one thing. Moving to the other side of the world to build a career is another entirely. But that’s exactly what Rocky Bay Physiotherapist Chanel Roberts did.
Chanel moved to Australia on a working holiday visa, in a decision she says she’ll never regret. But it’s not just the stunning beaches and sunny days that keeps her here. We asked her about why she chose Australia, and why Rocky Bay.
Hatching a plan for overseas travel
Originally from South Wales, UK, Chanel completed most of her university and postgraduate training in Birmingham, England. Her early career spanned adult disability services before evolving into acute paediatric care, where she began to see the impact of physiotherapy beyond short‑term hospital stays.
The idea of relocating to Australia began forming during Chanel’s third year working in the UK. She had travelled through Australia previously and had family and friends who had already made the move. Chanel felt drawn to both the lifestyle and the professional opportunities in Australia, but the real motivator was the difference in how disability services are delivered here.
“I wanted to change my career,” explained Chanel. ”Within my line of work, especially as a student, I had done placements that gave me experience with children who had cancer diagnoses and had experienced major brain injuries. I think that kind of sped me on. Compared to the UK, Australia offers a lot more community work. I really wanted to build rapport with these clients and explore all the other skills that physiotherapy offers in long-term management.”
Rocky Bay came into sight
When Chanel began exploring job opportunities, Rocky Bay stood out.
“When I was looking at jobs, I noticed there were lots within the NDIS pathway,” said Chanel. “Then when I looked at Rocky Bay, I could see the diversity and inclusivity offered. I thought it’d be a good way for me to explore and expand on my physiotherapy skills. I applied for the graduate scheme and the job that I currently have.”
While relocating internationally can feel daunting, Rocky Bay’s recruitment team supported her from the UK before she even arrived. She said it helped make it a smoother process.
“I was in communication with Rocky Bay while I was still in the UK,” said Chanel, “it put my mind at ease. I think talking to them directly made the move much easier, they gave me reassurance and guidance on how to apply for the job.”
After completing AHPRA registration and the Australian Physiotherapy Council cultural exam, Chanel received her registration and within around two months could start working.
First impressions count
Chanel packed her bags and set off for Oz. But was she worried about the drop bears and scary wildlife? There were no mentions of snakes or sharks, but she had plenty to say about her first impressions of Rocky Bay!
“My first impressions were just how inclusive it was and how good the team dynamics were,” Chanel reflected. “Everybody has a relaxed outlook on physiotherapy, and a collaborative environment to work in. It’s not so different to the UK in terms of the kind of caseload we see and the management. But it’s great to see how we’ve got a multidisciplinary approach here with all our therapists. And settling into Perth has been amazing, it’s very relaxed and everybody’s been so friendly – I’ve made some really nice friends.”
Making a difference through continuity of care
One of the most meaningful aspects of Chanel’s role has been the opportunity to build long‑term relationships with customers and families – something that was difficult in acute hospital settings.
“I think the disability sector has taught me about how a team effort is needed to coordinate care and maximise the potential for our customers,” said Chanel. “Coming from a hospital environment, I met families that were having the worst day of their lives, whereas now it’s actually quite positive to see them past that and in a much better place.
Work–life balance that supports better care
Beyond purpose and collaboration, Rocky Bay’s work‑life balance has been a defining factor in Chanel’s positive experience.
“Work life balance at Rocky Bay has been great with the flexible work they offer,” explained Chanel. “They also have no expectation for weekend or public holiday work which is quite different to the UK. That allows me to do more extracurricular activities that I wouldn’t be able to access before. I feel that work life balance is key to underpinning your own professional development as a physiotherapist.”
Let’s not forget the weather
“Yes, it’s better weather here!” laughed Chanel. “Moving over to Australia has its perks with life outside of work. We’ve managed to see lots of different beaches and go to Rottnest and things like that. The work-life balance kind of translates into a better work ethic when you’re having a great time outside of work.”
It’s a sunny future for Chanel
Chanel is looking forward to what her future holds in Australia and Rocky Bay. “I’m definitely planning to stay,” she said with a smile. “I’ve got three years on my working holiday visa, and I’ll look to get a skilled worker visa through an independent pathway.”
As a not-for-profit, Rocky Bay is unable to offer sponsorship, but as Chanel explains, there are other ways.
“There are other ways that people can get permanent residency if they want to stay in Australia long term,” explained Chanel. “One of those options is a skilled worker visa, which you can do through an independent pathway – it’s a point scoring system. The longer you work in Australia the more points are allocated, and it goes on your prior experience too.”
Advice for interested talent over the pond
For other clinicians overseas considering a similar move, Chanel says “Yes, do it!”
“I would definitely recommend moving over to Australia and working within the disability sector, especially Rocky Bay,” said Chanel. “Have a chat with the employer you want to work for, I think that was the key thing for me. It put my mind at ease and gave me less anxiety about moving to the other side of the world. It helped me to know I had a job sorted in terms of getting accommodation too. They were also flexible with start dates, which was great to know when making such a big move.”
Rocky Bay is always on the lookout for new talent to join the team, whether they live in Australia or internationally.
For information on our current vacancies, head to the Rocky Bay Careers page.
“I feel that work life balance is key to underpinning your own professional development as a physiotherapist”